Author: Erica Cukierman

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Spring Into Sunshine: Local Activities to Make the Most of Springtime Fun

Families from all over the country flock to South Florida for the beautiful weather this time of year. As the locals are aware, there’s no shortage of exciting activities to enjoy around here. If you’re staying in town, here is a reminder of some fun and enjoyable ways to make the most of our beautiful springtime weather.

Life is better at the beach

Spend your days building sandcastles, soaking up the sun, and taking refreshing dips in the warm refreshing water. South Florida boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, all within minutes!

Splash, Slide and Soar

Located in Riviera Beach, Rapids Water Park is South Florida’s premiere family water park from the Keys to Orlando. The park features a full-day of fun for the entire family – whether you make a splash in the cool blue waves of the wave pool, take a thrilling plunge down the waterslides, or just relax and float around the lazy river… there is something fun for everyone.

 Top-of-the Water Activities

With our year-round warm temperatures and abundance of outdoor activities such as boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, surfing, scuba diving and more, South Florida is one of the country’s top water sports destinations. For a more new experience, try flyboarding at one of the many local rental shops along the coast.

Get Lost in Art

Immerse yourself in South Florida’s vibrant culture and arts scene. Among the many museums, galleries and cultural landmarks a bit south of us, you can explore the unique and famous Wynwood Walls for the colorful street art; and don’t forget to take a selfie in front of one of the many amazing hand painted backgrounds!

Outdoor Adventures

Venture beyond the sand to discover South Florida’s natural wonders and outdoor recreation. Explore the Everglades National Park on an airboat tour or hike through scenic nature trails in the Big Cypress National Preserve.

Entertainment and Nightlife

Madonna: The Celebration Tour – April 6, 7 and 9 at the Kaseya Center, Miami

The Celebration Tour is the ongoing twelfth concert tour by American singer Madonna Visit ticketmaster.com to purchase tickets.

Entertainment for the little Ones

DISNEY PRINCESS: THE CONCERT – April 7

Take the little ones to Broward Center’s Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. For generations, the music of Disney’s princesses has been the soundtrack to our lives. Now, these beloved songs come alive on stage with a host of Broadway and television stars in Disney Princess – The Concert! Visit ticketmaster.com to purchase tickets.

Plan the family’s spring adventures locally this year and create lasting memories while staying close to home. With the perfect blend of sun, sand, culture, and adventure, we are fortunate to have endless possibilities within minutes. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on the beach, outdoor adventures, or a vibrant cultural experience, South Florida has something for everyone to enjoy during the Spring season

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Finding Peace: Practical Ways to Relieve Stress in Your Daily Life

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, stress has become a constant for many. However, incorporating simple yet effective stress-relief strategies into your daily routine can make a significant difference in your overall physical and mental well-being. 

Here are some practical tips from the CDC, along with simple (and local) ways to relieve stress and make healthy choices in the new year:

Take breaks from news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed, but constant information about negative events can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple times a day and disconnecting from phone, TV, and  computer screens for a while.

Take care of your body: Staying physically healthy can improve  your emotional well-being. Whether you’re already a gym rat or working towards developing a  sustainable exercise routine, Parkland/Coral Springs and the surrounding areas have plenty of options to help you stay active.

Eat healthy. Have fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat or no-fat dairy. Limit foods with unhealthy fats, salt, and added sugars.  Luckily, living in South Florida makes it just a bit easier to eat well all year. From the many smoothie and juice shops to our nearby locally owned healthy eateries, our town is perfect for people who want food that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition.

Get enough sleep. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to help you sleep better. Adults need 7 or more hours per night. 

Move more and sit less. Every little bit of physical activity helps. Start small and build up to 2 ½ hours a week. You can break it into smaller amounts such as 20 to 30 minutes a day. Many locals enjoy taking a brisk cool walk first thing in the morning or  an afternoon stroll to break up the day. Either way, spending time outdoors and connecting with nature is proven to have a calming effect on the mind. 

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A holiday gift guide

With the holidays right around the corner, there’s no better time to find something that’s special and unique. We’ve curated this year’s gift guide with creative items from our communities. Friends, family, and even pets will love these handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts, including some exclusive promotions for our readers.

LittleLovelyDay

etsy.com/Shop/LittleLovelyDay

Custom-beaded jewelry designed and made in Parkland! All handmade by Bridget Pearsall, every item can be customized to suit your individual wants and needs. Shop the many selections of predesigned items, or contact Pearsall with your special requests. It always feels great to be able to give someone a more personalized gift. You may not know where to start, but she will work with you to create the best jewelry possible for the person you have in mind. Grab something beautiful for your family, friends, teachers, coworkers, or the most important person, yourself! Wholesale orders are also available, and you can contact Pearsall via Instagram or Etsy with any inquiries.

Use promo code PARKLAND10 for 10% off Instagram: @littlelovelyday

That Mom With a Laser, Inc.

etsy.com/shop/ThatMomWithALaser

Discover the charm of locally crafted gifts by That Mom With a Laser. Known for her fun personality on social media, this local handmade influencer offers personalized treasures perfect for the holiday season. From wooden ornaments to custom-engraved cutting boards, find unique gifts with a local touch. Explore online for unforgettable presents this year. Visit @thatmomwithalaser on Instagram  or TikTok to see how she makes her creations come to life!

Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/ThatMomWithALaser

Naturloom

Naturloom.com

Naturloom is a Parkland-based, small family business. Products are made of 100% organic Turkish cotton, all of which have GOTS-certified textile. Therefore, everything is organic and natural at all stages of cotton, from seed to product. This business has a wide selection of products, such as muslin blanket throws in all sizes, baby blankets, pillow shams, and oversized beach towels. Their inspiration comes from nature, as can be seen in the company name and the color scheme.

Use promo code NATURLOOM10 for 10% off

Lei Custom Collars

leicustomcollars.com

Designed with the utmost care and made specifically for your own furry friend, Lei Custom Collars offers personalized, handmade pet collars with matching tags made from the highest-quality leather and crystals for your unique and custom order. Their love for dogs is their inspiration. They have always been surrounded by dogs and showcase their passion by creating unique designs that reflect the inspiring connection between humans and their pets. For new products and promotions, follow them on Instagram and Facebook at leicustomcollars.

Use promo code PARKLANDER for a 10% discount on your order

3GGlamGifts

3GGlamGifts, based in Parkland, creates personalized gifts for all occasions. Customized party favors, apparel, jewelry boxes, canvas pouches, gift baskets, college items, and more are offered in any theme and in any budget! Order through direct message on Instagram and Facebook at 3GGlamGifts.

Mention PARKLANDER for 10% off your holiday gifts

Don’t Forget the Gift

etsy.com/shop/DontForgetTheGift  

When looking for a unique personalized gift, look no further than Don’t Forget the Gift. They specialize in personalized Hanukkah menorahs, candlesticks, and mahjongg-themed snack bowls. These gift items are locally made, and they make the perfect gift for the special person in your life. Check out their full selection in their Etsy store.

Parklander readers can use the code PKLD10 to receive 10% off orders

 My Kid’s Dream

mykidsdream.com

My Kid’s Dream is a magical online store where childhood dreams take a tangible shape. It is a family-run business with a simple mission: to bring joy to kids’ lives by creating personalized blankets, canvases, and customized books. This store offers the perfect gifts for the little ones in your life!

Use promo code PARKLANDER for 15% off any item

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Delicious Dining: Get your craft beers here!

Our local guide to some of the best specialty foods in our area

The South Florida brewery scene has been growing. With dozens of breweries throughout the area, the craft beer scene has never been better. “Hop” on over to one of these local breweries for a fresh and flavorful glass of beer and delicious food.

World of Beer
4437 Lyons Road, Suite 101, Coconut Creek

World of Beer is the premier spot for beer enthusiasts and novices alike. Whether you have a beer cellar at home or hate how beer tastes, their staff will walk you through what’s available and allow you to try them before buying. With 40 craft beers on tap, 250 in the cooler, and a menu of mouthwatering tavern fare crafted to go perfectly with beer, you won’t be disappointed at World of Beer.

Big Bear Brewing Company
1800 N. University Drive, Coral Springs

Beer tastes best when it’s made fresh. Big Bear Brewing Co. beer is made fresh and in-house on a daily basis. They use only the finest ingredients, guaranteeing a fresh and natural glass of beer every time. Paired with their high-quality and creative food menu, you’ll enjoy every bite (and sip) in the warm and friendly atmosphere.

 

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
1580 N. University Drive, Coral Springs

Celebrate the joy of craft beer and good food at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, where they pride themselves in their craft and attention to detail. The innovative and broad menu features delicious entrees and, of course, their very own award-winning handcrafted beers on tap every day. In addition to their 11 signature beers and cider, they offer seasonal and local brews as well.

26º Brewing Co.
2600 E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach

26º Brewing Co. is a local craft beer brewer and tap room with friendly, helpful staff and fantastic beers. Within the over 21,000-square-foot facility, you’ll find their 4,600-square-foot taproom, which brews some of the best craft beers around. Check out their website and social media to learn about their upcoming events and fun themed nights.

Black Flamingo Brewery
3260 NW 23rd Ave., #400 E, Pompano Beach

Brewing up a wide variety of constantly rotating experimental ales, Black Flamingo Brewery crafts unique and delicious artisan beers that showcase the vibrant and diverse culture of South Florida. The brewery promotes local talent and offers entertaining theme nights and various entertainment throughout the week. Check out their website and social media to learn more.

Fun Facts

  • You can chill a beer in two minutes; just put ice and salt in a bowl and stir.
  • Frosty glasses will cause your beer to foam.
  • The sugar in beer is said to supercharge your plants.
  • You can use beer as a conditioner. Apparently, good-quality brews will leave your locks silky and soft.

If you would like your eatery to be featured in Delicious Dining, please email Local.Features@theparklander.com.

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School News – March 2022

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

Is it March already? We are gearing up for next year as students are in the process of selecting courses for the next school year. We also hosted our incoming ninth graders for our annual Curriculum Night and were so excited to greet our future Eagles. We are still working hard on our After School Academy tutoring sessions along with our Saturday SAT, ACT, and EOC preparation. We have been very encouraged by the weekly turnout.

Our athletics have been keeping us on the map, as our cheerleaders won the Regional Championship and placed third at States in the Small Coed Division. Go, MSD Cheer! Our Wrestling team finished the regular season with an outstanding 15-2 record and was the No. 2 public school team in the county. In addition, one of our very own competed in the first-ever sanctioned girls FHSAA district championships. Way to make history! As always, our World Guard didn’t disappoint, as they took first place at the SFWGA competition.

A big thank you to our MSD JROTC for hosting a blood drive in September that resulted in the collection of 125 units of blood. In February, we hosted another blood drive, which was a huge success.

As for Douglas Drama, our students competed at Districts, and several are moving on to States in Tampa in late March. Along with States, they are also working on the spring musical, “Something Rotten,” which takes you back to the Renaissance period where Nick Bottom tries to create the first musical but things don’t go exactly as planned. You do not want to miss this hilarious musical unfold on the stage.

Congratulations to our NHS Brain Brawl team as they won the North Area Championship. The next stop is to face the South Area champion for the County Championship. Bring home the gold!

If you had the pleasure of attending our Black History Showcase, you know why there was such an overwhelming response. “Rise Up: A Looking Glass into Black Culture” featured dances, performances, and more that showcased various cultures in the Black diaspora. “At Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, we pride ourselves in fostering an inclusive environment for all our staff and students,” Coach De Carter stated. “In the month of November, we celebrate all cultures and heritages with our Multicultural show, and in the month of February, we take time to highlight the contributions and sacrifices made by African-Americans.”

Carter added, “Each February is a celebration and powerful reminder that Black history is American history. Our nation was founded on all men being created equal, and here at MSD that is what we believe! Our students worked extremely hard to provide a looking glass into Black culture during our February 4th showcase.”

Noldine Belizaire, president of the Black Student Union and co-director of the show, added, “I had many people come up to me, asking if they could participate in the show, so we opened up many opportunities for them to perform, whether it was declamations, dances, helping backstage, or hosting. The show made me realize how meaningful every performance and everyone’s participation was. We all learned how to work together despite the conflicts, to set aside our differences, and create unity between all cultures.”

A special thank you to all who participated in our Day of Service and Love on Feb. 14 to honor the memory of the 17 lives lost and those who were injured on Feb. 14, 2018. The four on-campus service projects to give back to the community were Feeding Our First Responders, Working in Marjory’s Garden, Spending a Mindful Morning with the MSD Mind-Body Club, and Campus Beautification. We were also humbled to reveal the memorial honoring the victims of the Feb. 14 tragedy as a loving tribute to our fallen Eagles.

As a reminder, school will be closed March 21-25 for Spring Break. March 17 is an early release day, and March 18 and March 28 are both teacher planning days.

 

Westglades Middle School

By Principal Matthew Bianchi

As part of our school-wide Literacy Week activities, Westglades Middle School recently had an acclaimed author visit campus. Our students cannot stop talking about their visit from New York Times best-selling author and Sunshine State Young Readers Award winner James Ponti. He visited Westglades on Feb. 2 to speak with students about his writing process and to promote his newly released book, “City Spies: Forbidden City.”

Students who purchased Ponti’s books or who earned brag tags for reading his books had the opportunity to meet the author for a book signing and question-and-answer event. Additional students attended the event in their classrooms via video conferencing. Ponti also included “confidential” information about upcoming plot elements in the “City Spies” series. His books have been flying off the media center’s shelves.

Our girls’ volleyball team again had an undefeated season and was the Division 1 champion. The team has won the division every year since volleyball returned in 2014-15 and has only lost one regular-season game in that time. They have made the semifinals every year but one. The Westglades girls are led by excellent coaches, Sharon and Kevin Golzbein. The season ended in the MSAA County Semi-finals at Pompano Beach High School against Tequesta Trace. Westglades congratulates Tequesta on its fourth straight County Volleyball Championship. Westglades girls’ athletics is in the running to win the overall sports trophy for 2021-22 because they are the MSAA District Champions in golf and soccer and made it to the Semi-finals in basketball.

We want to wish all our students a nice and restful Spring Break!  Once we return, our school will officially begin the standardized testing season.

Park Trails Elementary

By Principal Arlene Manville

Park Trails is excited to announce our STEAM Track for incoming kindergarten students. Once students register for Park Trails, they can complete the paperwork to enter the lottery for the STEAM Track. Regardless of whether they get into this program, all students at Park Trails will participate in STEAM specials, including Engineering & Robotics, Art & Design, and Multimedia & Technology.

In each of these classes, students will engage in hands-on learning and participate in engineering challenges. They will learn to design, build, and program robots. They will design objects, build them using various objects, and then design them on the computer to create a 3D image using our 3D printers.

We will host our next Open House for prospective students in early April; check our website for details.

Riverglades Elementary

By Christina Chiodo and Kimberly Mann

Spring is almost here and many things are currently blooming at Riverglades Elementary. The students have been working hard and had a blast participating in our green party as they celebrated student growth on their I-Ready assessments. We are so proud of all our Riverglades Gators!

Last month the students got the opportunity to connect and give back to the community. Kindergarten and first-grade students collected donations for the humane society, second- and third-grade students held a collection for the food banks, and fourth- and fifth-grade students collected donations for SOS Children’s Village.

We have a multitude of events going on this month beginning with spring pictures. Students can wear their favorite spring attire as pictures will take place on March 3 and 4. Spring pictures can be a great keepsake as families can look back on them and remember wonderful memories.

Want to see your teacher or principal outside of the school day? Why not pay them a visit at McTeacher’s Night at McDonald’s. On March 9, 20% percent of purchases will be donated back to our school. What a great night to grab a quick bite to eat and support your school.

In the mood for something sweet? The fifth-grade committee has organized the Cherry Smash Food Truck to make an appearance this month.

Just a reminder that March 17 is an early release day. Teacher planning will take place on both March 18 and March 28, so there will not be school for students on those dates. And Spring Break will be March 21 to March 25.

Coral Springs Charter

Spring is all competition at Coral Springs Charter School, so we’re headed into a season of hard work and outstanding performances. On top of the amazing matchups among our spring sports teams, such as baseball, softball, boys’ volleyball, and track, the academic and performance art organizations are gearing up for their competitive seasons. On March 3, the chorus will have its District competition, followed by the DECA State competition in Orlando. Later in the month, the Senior Thespians will have their State Competition in Tampa.

There is also a host of exciting fundraisers happening throughout the month of March! The sophomore class will be hosting an escape room on March 11; students can purchase tickets on MySchoolBucks for an evening of puzzling adventure. On the same night, the Drama Club will be hosting its annual Cup of Joe fundraiser, with open mic performances throughout the evening.

One of the highlights of the spring is the Cambridge trip: During Spring Break, seniors will travel to Berlin, Prague, and the Swiss Alps, experiencing the rich beauty, culture, and history of central Europe. With visits to Dachau, Neuschwanstein Castle, Potsdam, Munich, and beautiful Lucerne, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience. While we’re excited for those embarking on these wild adventures, we hope the rest of our student population has a restful Spring Break and comes back ready to take on the close of our academic year!

Eagle Ridge Elementary

By Principal Lindsey Sierra

Fourth-grade teacher Seema Naik was named Broward County Public Schools Teacher of the Year at the 2022 Caliber Awards Ceremony.

Naik started her career in education 16 years ago — first as a volunteer so she could be involved in her daughters’ education. She then applied to become a cafeteria aide and a teacher assistant before becoming a primary grade teacher.

“Anyone can take money from your hands, but not your education.” These powerful words spoken by Naik’s parents many years ago shaped her philosophy on education. Naik believes all children have the right to quality education to empower them with critical thinking skills, collaboration strategies, and self-confidence to reach their goals.

“The next generation requires teachers to foster a desire for lifelong learning because of the current technology-dominated era,” said Naik. As part of a family of musicians from India, Naik uses her passion for music to enhance her instruction to create songs and chants with lyrics that incorporate lesson content for her students.

“In my experience as a school leader, there are only a few teachers I would consider to be a pioneer. It is clear-cut in my mind that Mrs. Naik is a STEM pioneer in the education world,” said Principal Lindsey Sierra. “She has led Eagle Ridge in creating new STEM opportunities for our students.”

Heron Heights Elementary

By Lauren Generoso, PTO President

The Scholastic Book Fair is back at Heron Heights Elementary (HHE) for spring with lots of great titles to choose from! Hawks can shop in person and online from March 4 until March 11.

HHE families are invited to our Family STEM Night on Thursday, March 10. This event will be held indoors with lots of fun hands-on activities to enjoy. That evening, parents will get the opportunity to shop at the book fair with their children too. Pizza Carousel in Coral Springs will also be giving back 15% of all sales the day of the event; just mention “HHE.”

Our 2022 Virtual Adult Spring Auction kicks off on March 30 and runs online through April 6. We have lots of cool items to bid on! All funds raised will support educational programs, school events, plus classroom and playground enhancements at Heron Heights.

Want to wish your child “Happy Birthday” on the marquee at HHE? Visit the store on our website, www.hhepto.com, to purchase. The message stays on the marquee for one day, from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. A minimum of one week’s advance notice is required.

 

Coral Springs Middle

We were excited to welcome our incoming sixth-graders to the school on February 23-25. The students had a fun day with activities, presentations, and a tour of the school. We would like to remind our incoming parents about our open house on March 15 at 6 p.m.

The Debate team had a successful tournament at Marjory Stoneman Douglas last month. The students all placed and did a wonderful job. The Drama Club traveled to Orlando to compete in the State Drama Competition. Students will perform in the school’s play, “Madagascar Jr. the Musical,” on April 28 and 29. The public is welcome to attend.

The Coding/Robotics and Girls Who Code clubs are working on fun projects after school. The student government has been planning and coordinating many events at the school over the course of the year.

On Feb. 3, the SGA held its first Kids of Character Recognition Assembly by rewarding students with pizza and treats. More than 100 students were able to attend the event, an amazing job for all our student nominees.

 

Somerset Parkland Academy

By Jennifer Knight, VIPP President

Somerset Parkland Academy (SPA) opened up its second enrollment period for 2022-23 to potential students who live outside the 2.5-mile radius of the school. The lottery for this period will take place on March 7 for any available spots. SPA will have classes in all grades K–8th next year.

In February, SPA celebrated Black History Month in numerous ways and in several subjects, including history, social studies, and art. But the most exciting activity was the Living “Wax” Museum of famous African-Americans in history. Each grade was assigned a different decade, and the students chose an influential person in science, business, politics, or sports to research. They wrote several paragraphs detailing that individual’s impact on the country and then stood before their fellow classmates with props and note cards making a presentation in first person as that individual. The students took it very seriously and learned a lot about these very important people in American history.

February also saw SPA host a Love and Service Week. Our students created and dropped off numerous shoeboxes of toiletries, socks, masks, and sanitizer in the Boxes of Love project organized with the Kids Care Club. Along with other activities each day, the school honored Marjory Stoneman Douglas on Feb. 14 with maroon and gray ribbons and ended the week with a day showering love on our school resource officer. Next up in March: a book fair and Boosterthon.

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School News – Jan 2022

Coral Springs Charter

As we headed into the close of an exciting semester, a school-wide day of service was hosted by the Interact Club, a sign language and service club, where high school students participated in service activities and workshops in 30-minute intervals throughout the school day. There were opportunities to learn about mental health, CPR, meditation, and yoga, and to participate in putting together donations to help various organizations, like lunches for those with food insecurities and toys for shelter dogs. The day culminated in a visit with a keynote speaker who spoke to students about how they can put “service above self.”

On Dec. 1, the SGA held a Wii Sports Tournament, and the competition was fierce. Students from every grade competed in small groups for combat in Wii baseball, tennis, and boxing. The winning team included senior Conner Cox, senior Avril Rosano, freshman Cameron Khouri, and freshman David Rodriguez. The SGA also hosted its “Giving Tree” program to collect toys for children in need for the holiday season.

The Senior Thespians showcased their skills at their district competition on Dec. 11. Students competed in various theater talents such as acting, musical performance, pantomime, and set design. “I love spending time with my troupe and getting the results of all of our hard work at the end of the day,” said senior Shira Smolar.

Photos by Madalen Erez

 

Heron Heights Elementary

By Lauren Generoso, HHE PTO President

Our green yearbooks are going on sale this month! For the second year in a row, we are using the environmentally friendly company TreeRing. Its yearbooks are high-end, well-crafted books printed on recycled paper. For every yearbook purchased, a tree is planted through Trees for the Future. For more than 30 years, Trees for the Future has been planting trees across the world that not only help to end deforestation but help with poverty and hunger, providing families with food and income through the Forest Garden Approach.

Last year, we were able to plant 347 trees, and this year we look forward to surpassing that number greatly! To eliminate unnecessary waste and resources, only the exact number of books purchased are produced. Not only do we feel good about providing students and parents with a yearbook that captures their memories in a beautifully produced book from our yearbook committee, but they can also have confidence in the sustainable, environmentally conscious approach we take in producing them.

 

To learn more about Trees for the Future, please visit https://trees.org. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. ♻️ #hhecares

 

Park Trails Elementary

By Principal Arlene Manville

Park Trails Elementary is planning our rededication ceremony to commemorate 20 years of serving the Parkland community. The ceremony will include a ribbon-cutting and the unveiling of a 20th-anniversary mural, and students will be writing letters and collecting items to put in a time capsule. Representatives from the city, district officials, and the original staff will all be at the event.

Park Trails looks forward to proving another 20 years of excellence for the children in our community.

 

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

We can’t believe the first semester is coming to an end. Where has the time gone? Students were busy preparing for midterm exams and testing season, and they never lost sight of staying motivated along the way. To assist with this, our Guidance Department recognized all of our students with straight A’s by awarding them with cookies made by our very own culinary department. There were 550 students who were reminded, “You’re such a smart cookie!”

Our After-School Academic Academy, daily tutoring, has been going strong. In addition to U.S. history, algebra, geometry, writing, reading, and biology, we have added Spanish. Students are benefiting from the academic tune-up.

If you were able to join us for our annual multicultural show, you know why there wasn’t an open seat in the house. What an amazing opportunity for students to showcase their talents while embracing their cultures. It was incredible to celebrate our diversity while taking a journey around the world. Senior Hailey Jacobsen served as the emcee and also wrote the script for the event. She summed it up best: “We live in a world where something as trivial as the color of your skin or the language you speak determines whether or not you’re hated, and this needs to change. If only everyone could experience the beauty of world culture, this problem could be solved.”

The multicultural show is very special to many of our students. Sra. Garcia, the teacher who sponsored the event, was thrilled to have Andrea and Rebeca Benarroch in attendance, students from 2014 who helped make the show for the community come to fruition.

As always, our Eagle Regiment doesn’t dare disappoint, as they brought home the Class 4A 2021 State Championship with a score of 92.20. To earn this victory, especially after a pandemic where most of our freshmen and sophomores had never even marched before, is nothing short of amazing. “It was an incredible weekend capped off by an incredible season,” said band director Steve Rivero.

Congratulations to the MSD wrestling Eagles for winning the Coral Springs Wrestling Tournament! The Eagles beat out Saint Thomas Aquinas by 34 points in the 13-team field for first place. Thirteen out of 15 Eagles placed in the top 6.

If you needed some holiday spirit, hopefully you stopped by to see us during our winter festivities. Our theme was “Who has more holiday spirit than we do? No one!” You may have noticed our holiday hats and socks, ugly holiday sweaters, Grinch PJ’s, snow in our courtyard, and holiday movie gear. Keep up the great work, Eagles!

Correction: Last month, we inadvertently left out that “Puffs,” a fast-moving comedy about a certain school of magic, was student-directed by Lexi Schwartzberg.

 

Riverglades Elementary

By Christina Chioda and Kimberly Mann

Riverglades would like to welcome everyone to 2022! We hope that everyone had a wonderful winter break, and we are excited to begin the second half of the school year.

A huge thank you to everyone who donated to our Holiday Toy Drive. We really appreciate your generosity. We are happy to say it was a very successful event!

Riverglades students can get ready to run, hop, and compete as our annual Field Day kicks off this month. This is a great opportunity for the kids to enjoy exercising outdoors as they work with their classmates through a variety of fun obstacles. Students can demonstrate teamwork as they build memories during this fun event!

 

Eagle Ridge Elementary

By Principal Lyndsey Sierra

Congratulations to Seema Naik on being selected as one of the top five District finalists for Teacher of the Year 2022. Mrs. Naik will be honored at the upcoming Caliber Awards in February.

Mrs. Naik is an amazing educator and is passionate about science, technology, and engineering, as she is our VEX Robotics sponsor and fourth-grade teacher. We are so proud of her and all her accomplishments!

 

Westglades Middle School

By Principal Matthew Bianchi

 

Westglades finished the end of the calendar year with a lot of success. Our girls basketball team completed their undefeated regular season at 10-0. This makes back-to-back undefeated regular season records!

Our Fine Arts department continues to shine, and at the Florida Thespian Festival, several students received Superior ratings! Also, our Band program had 14 students make All-County and three make All-State, and we had a fantastic Winter Concert and amazing marching band performance in the Coral Springs Winter Parade.

We have several matriculation events coming soon to welcome our incoming fifth graders and to transition our students to high school. Our feeder elementary school students will take field trips to our campus this month, and we are looking forward to our Showcase Night on Feb. 10.

Social media and the news often focus on the negatives that go on, and with so many positive things happening at Westglades, we want to give parents and students the ability to share positive messages with each other and with our staff. Westglades now has a Pawsitivity Padlet for the community to post information about our staff and students.

Please share some of the great things that you have experienced at Westglades and spread the pawsitivity! Go to https://padlet.com/WestgladesMiddle/Pawsitivity.

 

Somerset Parkland Academy

By Jennifer Knight, VIPP President

Congratulations to the Somerset Parkland Academy middle school soccer team for winning the league championship in their inaugural season. The championship game was played on a wet and rainy day, but the team persevered. Way to go, Cowboys!

In the week leading up to Thanksgiving, the Somerset kindergarten classes wrote letters of gratitude and drew pictures for the wonderful BSO officers who protect our school and ensure that the kids are safe entering and leaving the school. The school then invited several officers who have worked at the school for coffee and doughnuts while the kids gave them their letters.

Various extracurricular groups at SPA held numerous practices as they prepared to perform at the SPA Winter Caravan. The Color Guard, Dance Team, Drama Academy, singers, and music classes really honed their craft in the final weeks leading up to the big event.

SPA partnered with the Parkland International Music Academy, and the kids performed at various spots around the school grounds in December, as vehicles with SPA families slowly moved through the event.

Coral Springs Middle School

Coral Springs Middle School (CSMS) will hold its annual Stallion Round-Up sixth-grade orientation event on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 6 p.m. The event is an awesome way for students and parents to tour the school and hear about the amazing opportunities students will have for their middle school experience. This event is open to all parents and students from our community.

The School Choice window is open. If you are not currently zoned to attend CSMS, you will need to complete a reassignment application. Visit www.browardschools.com/schoolchoice.

Congratulations to our teacher of the year, Vanessa Lopez-Delalla. As the school’s ESE specialist, Ms. Lopez-Delalla works exceptionally hard to ensure the success of all her students at CSMS. Congratulations also to our school-related employee of the year, Joanne Alonzo. Mrs. Alonzo is the school’s ESE secretary, and she goes above and beyond her job and is always there to help others.

 

 

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Dec 2021 School News

SCHOOL NEWS

Coral Springs Charter 

November opened with the high school theater production of “Almost, Maine,” a story about love and loss in a remote, mythical almost-town. Also from our Fine Arts department, under the direction of Mr. Cardona and Mrs. Cole, the band earned a superior rating at MPA for the second time in school history.

On Nov. 15, the Interact Club, a sign language and service club, hosted a “Day of Service” event where high school students participated in service activities and workshops in 30-minute intervals throughout the school day.

Now that field trips have returned, the emerging business leaders of DECA will be attending their annual Power Trip, this year to Chicago. “We tour the headquarters of a business and retain some insight on it,” said senior class vice president Maliha Mahmud. They will also visit a university, watch an athletic event, and visit local attractions.

The band will be headed to the Tri-State Festival at Florida State University from December 2 to 5. The Art Club and classes will have the opportunity to visit Art Basel, an international art festival in Miami, and the middle school drama program will be hosting its Winter Wonderland fundraiser on Dec. 16 and 17, which boasts a drive-through performance that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

 

Coral Springs Middle School

We have so many wonderful things happening at Coral Springs Middle. The clubs and sports are back in full swing and the kids could not be happier to be involved. Our cross-country team performed in the finals, and Gage Heller placed second for the district. Our Coding and Robotics teachers have started a Girls That Code club and are selling Takis and snow cones after school on Tuesdays to fund their competitions. New this year is an UNO club, an amazing way for any kid to stay after school and be involved.

On Oct. 27, the school participated in a charitable “Five Minutes of Dough” to quickly collect money to benefit the Harvest Drive and supply families with grocery gift cards. Stallion Star Camp will be offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. after school, and every other Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. This camp will be for any student seeking academic assistance. We encourage our families to join the PTA and attend our monthly SAC and PTA meetings; for more information, please contact us at (754) 322-3000.

Lastly, if you have not dropped off your child on a Friday morning, you are missing our “FAN” Fridays. Ask your kids about our amazing drumline!

Park Trails Elementary

Principal Arlene Manville

Park Trails celebrated National STEAM Day during the week of Nov. 8. Striving to expand our STEAM program, we are enhancing our study of the arts with our Meet the Master program, as children learn about and create art in the style of famous artists. We will be showcasing our STEAM projects for parents later in the year at a family event.

Our chorus students are eagerly preparing for our Winter Concert, and students will be performing on various band instruments as well.

We are looking forward to our Re-Dedication Ceremony in January as we celebrate 20 years serving the Parkland community. We are trying to locate students who were in our first fifth-grade class for the 2001-2002 school year. If you know of someone who was part of that class, please have them call Park Trails at (754) 322-7800.

Riverglades Elementary

Christina Chioda and Kimberly Mann

As we get ready to head into the new year, we can’t believe how fast 2021 has gone by! Riverglades students have enjoyed raising money during our No Brainer FUNraiser; they loved getting spooky at our first-ever Boo Bash; and they participated in various class projects and celebrations. It has been a fantastic fall!

We were glad to see so many shoppers at our recent book fair. Riverglades students enjoyed looking through the wide variety of books that our book fair had to offer this year! It was an incredible event filled with books, shopping, and endless smiles.

In December, Riverglades students have the opportunity to bring in toys as we kick off our annual Toy Drive. Students can give back to others by bringing in toys and other items this holiday season. More information is coming soon.

Riverglades would like to wish everyone a happy and safe winter break. We hope that you enjoy this time off with your family and friends. We wish you the happiest of holidays and look forward to seeing you in 2022!

Westglades Middle School

Matthew Bianchi, Principal

Westglades has had an amazing first half of the school year! The school always emphasizes student achievement and academics, but it also fosters many extracurricular activities to ensure our students grow socially and emotionally.

Our band and orchestra are ready to perform their second concerts of the year and will be marching in the Coral Springs Holiday Parade on Dec. 15. Our cross county, golf, and soccer teams finished their seasons, and the girls golf team and girls soccer team both won the District Championships! This is an amazing accomplishment for our athletes, the school, and our athletic program.

Our Harvest Drive program has done an outstanding job this year supporting families with an amazing Thanksgiving dinner; thanks, everyone. The Westglades Wolves are looking forward to having their first school dance of the year, themed “Wolves in Toyland,” which will be held on Dec. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be music, dancing, food, and games. We will also be collecting toys for Toys for Tots to help those less fortunate in the community for the holidays.

 

We wish everyone an amazing holiday season and a happy New Year.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

On the academic front, we are continuing our college visits, our monthly debate tournaments, and our Saturday SAT/ACT preparation. We also recently began our AAA: After-School Academic Academy, which is daily, after-school tutoring for assistance with topics covered on the EOC and FSA. Mondays include U.S. history; Tuesdays, algebra and geometry; Wednesdays, writing and reading, and Thursdays, biology. Students are eager for the opportunity to receive the academic tune-up.

As usual, our clubs and activities have also been busy. Our SGA and drama students hosted “Fall-O-Ween,” our annual Trunk-or-Treat, and had more than 400 people in attendance. Students of all ages were able to play games, visit the petting zoo, and, of course, trick-or-treat from trunks decorated in everything from sports to movie themes, to ghosts and goblins. Our drama students also performed “Puffs,” a fast-moving comedy about a certain school of magic, student directed by Lexi Schwartzberg, and Theater Director Mrs. Herzfeld.

Our JROTC Raiders came in second place at their District Meet. Our athletic teams are proving that we shine both in and out of the classroom.

There are so many perks to returning face-to-face, and Mrs. Kefford was excited to resume a few traditions of her own. She hosts monthly events with the staff and students that everyone looks forward to. Mid-week Muffins with Michelle is an opportunity for the staff to reconnect with one another. She also hosts Kefford’s Kitchen, an opportunity for students to enjoy a catered lunch and discuss concerns and feedback. We love food and feedback!

The Eagles are staying busy with academics at the forefront while keeping everyone entertained with amazing extracurricular activities. Keep soaring, Eagles!

Somerset Parkland Academy

Jennifer Knight, VIPP President 

The first annual Somerset Halloween Spooktacular was held on Oct. 29 with 1,000 students and parents attending the inside/outside event. In the backfield area, the elementary school kids took pictures in the Charlie Brown–themed Great Pumpkin Patch, rode ponies, and interacted with goats, chickens, pigs, and ducks in the petting zoo. The kids also sauntered through the trick-or-treat and games area with themed tents.

Inside the school, middle-schoolers (and any brave elementary kids) had a chance to experience an elaborate and scary Haunted School with nine rooms where giant spiders had taken over school administration; there was graveyard recess and skeleton detention, a spooky FSA testing area, a cafeteria of disgusting treats, the Teacher’s Lounge Asylum, a mad scientist STEM lab, the Drama Academy’s Killer Klowns production, and the SPA locker room with a crazed coach. Scary stuff!

Coming up on Dec. 14, the SPA Winter Caravan is going to expand for year two by adding live performances of SPA kids throughout the caravan. The theme will be “Lights, Camera, Snow … It’s Time for the Show!” The VIPP plans on creating a show with the kids, not just for the kids.

 

Heron Heights Elementary

Lauren Generoso, PTO President 

With the giving season upon us, many people are looking to give back to their local community. Our PTO is teaming up with each class at Heron Heights Elementary to sponsor holiday gifts for every child and their home at SOS Children’s Villages Florida in Coconut Creek.

SOS Children’s Villages Florida opened in 1993 to care for abused children or those suffering from forms of neglect in South Florida. SOS is home to up to 72 foster children from birth to age 18. At SOS, special emphasis is placed on keeping biological siblings together to lessen their trauma while separated from their families.

We are very excited to help spread some cheer as the holidays come near!  #hhecares

Posted on

Oct 2021 School News

 

Eagle Ridge Elementary

Principal Lindsey Sierra

The Eagle Engineers came out at the top and won first place in all Broward County Elementary Schools!

Some of our students took part in summer STEM+CS challenges, which had the following focus: “Conserve and sustainably use in the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.”

Fiona Jose participated in an individual county-wide challenge, where she created a brochure or infographic explaining what we know about conserving the oceans and marine life and how people can help in the efforts. She received an achievement certificate from the STEM+CS department.

Eagle engineers Erica Faucher, Arianna Huriash, and Carolyn Zheng took part in the summer Minecraft challenge about “Life Under the Ocean.” They did research on Florida sea turtles, on what challenges they have, and on what can be done to protect them. Along with their research, the students brainstormed different ideas, planned, and built a Minecraft world for this challenge.

In another online Roboduel national competition by Robotify, grade 5-12 students competed against each other in coding. Again, our Eagles have outshone in this competition. Rahee Patel, Samanyu Mahajan, Arianna Huriash, and Isla El Chantiry all placed in top 20 teams in the Regional competition and qualified for the Nationals.

These students met with their teams during the summer on a regular basis and discussed their goals and progress. We are beyond proud and thrilled with their accomplishments with Mrs. Naik. We are privileged to watch our Eagles soar! 

 

Heron Heights Elementary

Lauren Generoso , HHE PTO President 

Hawks go pink! 

Join the Heron Heights Elementary parent-teacher organization as we go pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and kick off our first service project of the year! Our Hawks will be making cards with words of comfort and encouragement for those battling breast cancer.

To raise awareness, we will be selling pink spirit shirts and scrunchies for both children and adults. For every shirt and scrunchie sold through October, we will be donating $1 to “Not My Daughter… find a cure now!” To purchase, please visit our website, www.hhepto.com.

Together, we can help the fight against breast cancer. Thank you for your support!

Riverglades Elementary

Christina Chioda and Kimberly Mann

Riverglades Elementary is excited to welcome everyone “back on track” this 2021-2022 school year! Get ready for a slightly spooky October, as we are excited to announce that we will be having our first annual “Trunk or Treat” event. Not only will there be an opportunity for treats, but there will be an opportunity for books too! Students can get treats and books as our Trunk or Treat event will coincide with our Fall Bookfair. It’s an occasion not to be missed! Start brainstorming costume ideas, as more details will be coming soon.

Want to celebrate a birthday in style and see your child’s name in lights? Why not purchase a “Happy Birthday” banner to be displayed on the marquee at the front of the school? To find out more, go to the store section of the school’s PTA website (riverglades.memberhub.com). While you’re there, don’t forget to join the PTA or purchase other amazing items such as our discount card and/or family banner.

We hope you are excited for all the fun events that Riverglades has in store for this year!

 

Park Trails Elementary

Principal Arlene Manville

We were very excited to kick off the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year at Park Trails. This is a thrilling year for us — not only are we transitioning to become a STEAM school featuring a Robotics and Engineering Lab, a Makers Space Design Lab, and a multimedia program that will engage all of our students in coding and programming, but this year also marks our 20th year serving the Parkland community.

We will be hosting a rededication ceremony in January and will be sharing more details later in the year. There are some exciting things happening at Park Trails this year! Check out all the events we have planned by visiting the school’s website and the PTA’s website.

 

Somerset Parkland Academy

Jennifer Knight, VIPP President

Giddy up — the Somerset Parkland Cowboys ride into their second year. 

In year 2, Somerset Parkland Academy continues where it left off last year by trying to give the kids a sense of normalcy and by providing the best in-person learning experience possible. The school has added more than 300 additional students as the middle school now includes seventh grade, and it will expand to eighth grade next year.

The VIPP Parent Group has continued to create projects and volunteer opportunities while growing its active membership base to 140 members. VIPP hosted a kid meetup at Urban Air Adventure Park for new students to meet existing students before school started.

For the new kindergarten students, the VIPP and Principal Castro started “Operation Kinder Loving Care,” allowing parent volunteers to come into the school to assist with arrival, dismissal, and lunchtime, so the little ones have less anxiety during this big transition. The kids and parents have loved it!

The school will have a “Hispanic Heritage – Taste of Countries” event on Oct. 19 to let students experience the food, music, and décor of countries in Central and South America. On Oct. 29, VIPP is planning the Somerset Spooktacular with costumes, candy, and Halloween scares. Finally, the school will honor its volunteers by hosting a “Parent Night Out” event followed by a kid meetup ice-skating event at the Panther Den.

If you would like to sponsor or get involved, we’d love to get you plugged in. Stay tuned for information on our signature winter event!

Westglades Middle

Principal Matthew Bianchi

Stay connected to Westglades!

 

Westglades Middle School has so many ways for parents to stay connected and in the know. Please follow us on our social media accounts and visit our website to find up-to-date information on everything going on at Westglades.

Here is our program spotlight:

Westglades Middle School has several amazing programs and opportunities for our students. This month we wanted to highlight our band program. The school boasts a comprehensive band program, offering Beginning Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Honors credit, Marching Wolves, and soon a Jazz Band.

The band has been invited to perform at Disney World and Universal Studios. Both the Concert and Symphonic bands have earned All Superior ratings at Music Performance Assessments. In 2019, Westglades Bands had 26 students placed in the Broward All-County Band, more than any other school. During 2020 e-learning, Westglades Bands placed four students into the Florida All-State Band. In Spring 2021, the band produced a Virtual Concert with the Westglades Orchestra program, which is on YouTube.

 

What’s happening at MSD high school

How exciting it was to welcome our Marjory Stoneman Douglas (MSD) Eagles back to campus! We were strategic in ensuring that our students felt confident about the transition from online learning to face-to-face instruction. As a result, we hosted “Fly Like an Eagle,” a two-day school orientation program designed to give incoming students a jump-start on a successful high school career.

Our “Back to the Fundamentals” theme for the 2021-2022 school year has proved very successful, as we made sure to get back to the basics but also remind everyone that education is fun.

As soon as we started to get settled in, we realized that Homecoming was right around the corner. Our superhero theme didn’t dare disappoint. We kept with the tradition of hosting our Friday afternoon parade and Homecoming game, followed by the Homecoming dance on Saturday.

In addition to all of the festivities, we were honored to collaborate with the city of Parkland in recognition of the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with a special presentation by our Drama Department at City Hall. Sydney Lotz and Reese Garrity conducted readings from “With Their Eyes,” a play written by high school students who witnessed the towers come down. Caroline Eaton sang the National Anthem.

With testing season approaching, we have partnered with the city of Parkland to offer SAT and ACT preparation on select Saturdays for all MSD students and Parkland residents, free of charge. We’ve already seen an amazing turnout. We are thrilled to be back and look forward to an amazing 2021-2022 school year. Stay tuned for more information on the outstanding things going on at MSD!

 

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