Community News
Dr. Alexis Martinez, Region Superintendent
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PALMETTO ELEMENTARY School
Palmetto Elementary School students received a surprise in the carpool lane as Miami Marlins players welcomed them
to school. This unexpected greeting kicked off a morning of visits and activities with the team. The players,
accompanied by mascot Billy the Marlin, co-hosted the school's close-captioned morning broadcast, celebrated student
birthdays, visited the media center, and toured the school gardens.
Players also spent time in classrooms, to celebrate student achievements and encourage continued academic success.
They stressed the importance of education as the foundation for success in life, no matter what you choose to pursue.
"We are grateful to the Marlins players and staff for spending time in our community, and sharing with our students the
importance of education," said Mr. Eric Torres, Palmetto Elementary School Principal. "The children look up to these
individuals as role models, and really listen to what they have to say."
The visit was part of an on-going relationship Palmetto Elementary has with the Marlins. The school's award-winning
chorus sang the national anthem at the team's game on April 13.
Paul Bell Middle School
On February 19th, Paul W. Bell Middle School art students
were captivated by two visiting ceramic artists. After spending
the week-end showcasing their ceramic vessels at the Coconut
Grove Arts Festival, they arrived at Paul Bell to introduce the
art students to the art of ceramics and their techniques of
straw firings and wood chip firings.
Louis and Christine Colombarini create pit-fired clay
works. They live in rural Dowelltown, Tennessee. They
enjoy working with clay by building shapes and forms into
stimulating and sound constructions. They create a lot of
visual textures on the clay vessels and fire the clay pieces in a
pit burning with wood chips or straw to create abstract
designs on the clay works.
The Colombarini’s have an art gallery called “Stella Luna
Art Gallery”, in Smithville, Tennessee. Many artists from the
area display their art creations at the gallery.
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SRO Community News
Office
zillion other logistics to hammer
out, while staying within his $1,700
budget funded mainly by the Stiltsville
Trust. Drew learned how to deal with
legal issues, expenses, recruitment,
naval logistics, and media coverage.
To keep the effort going, Drew had
seven metal signs made that read:
"Keep it Clean or Pay Some
$Green$. Fines up to $5,000. No
L i t t e r i n g. F L S t a t e S t a t u t e
403.413." "We put up one sign at
School For Advanced Studies
each of the seven remaining
Homestead
With blue skies, calm seas, and a nice stiltsville homes," Drew said. "It's
SAS Homestead senior Drew Collins breeze to cool the workforce, Drew put part of mak ing the project
compiled well over 1000 hours of the volunteers to work in September of permanent."
community service during his high 2012, collecting litter on the shorelines
school years. Most of these hours were of Matheson Hammock Park in Coral T h e i d e a w a s a m a s s i v e
performed in one special project where Gables and in the shallow waters undertaking. It was truly amazing
Drew organized 100 volunteers to clean under the rustic stilt homes owned by that it was carried out by a high
up "Stiltsville" in Biscayne Bay. Drew the federal government and used by school student who dared to dream
was inspired from a very young age by charitable organizations. "Remember, in a big way. Many people told
his desire to protect the natural beauty you are the treasure hunters," Drew Drew it could not be done. Mr.
of Biscayne Bay. He closely coordinated told the volunteers. "Look for that Tuttle called Drew an unusually
the effort with Bill Tuttle who is a local treasure."
mature, responsible, assertive, well
historian and civic leader.
educated and disciplined young
Divers and snorkelers armed with fish man who is not intimidated by
In the process of carrying out this nets began collecting debris from the challenge or adversity. He pulled
p r o j e c t D r e w g a i n e d v a l u a b l e ocean floor. There were countless beer something off as an individual that
experiences in many different areas. Mr. bottles, both empty and full, and most organizations could not
Tuttle helped Drew to secure the evidence that the houses still attract successfully complete.
necessary National Park Service permits partiers. Drew and his group of diver
to conduct the project. There were volunteers were able to collect a
School for Advanced Studies is
heavy duty garbage bags to buy, and a
dumpster full of trash.
extremely proud of this young man
who carried out one of the most
impressive community service
projects ever conducted by a high
school student in Miami-Dade
County. It was so extraordinary that
it got front page coverage in the
September 15 edition of the Miami
Herald. Drew Collins is the SAS
Silver Knight 2013 Nominee in the
category of Social Science.
Robert Morgan Educational Center
Robert Morgan Educational Students named 2013 SkillsUSA
State Champions! The gold medalists will be moving on to the
national competition in Kansas City, MO during the last week
of June. We are very proud of these young leaders!
(Left to Right) Robert Compton, Gabriela Gomez, Alejandra Gomez, Ethan
Martin, Bianca Guzman, Mason Phipps, Kadra Peters and Stephanie
Quezada
SRO Community News
RR Moton - Green School
Initiatives
In efforts to help the Green School
Initiative at Robert Russa Moton
Elementary School, teachers,
students and staff committed to two
green challenges this year, the
Dream in Green Schools Challenge
and the Fairchild Tropical Garden’s
Challenge. The Dream in Green
Challenge, headed by Dance
teacher Avice Warren and assisted
by Drama teacher Yamile Vazquez,
initiated contact with the University
of Florida Botanical Outreach
Program which provided the school
with a rain barrel to use in their
vegetable and herb garden.
The Dream in Green challenge also
helped students become more aware
of energy, water consumption and
recycling. The Fairchild Tropical
Challenge was spearheaded by
Sandra Valenzuela, Science Coach
and assisted by the students at R. R.
Moton. They became aware that
they can make better food choices
by planting and tending to their
own food garden. The teachers will
be receiving awards for the school
on May 16th for the Dream in
Green Challenge and May 29th for
The Fairchild Tropical Challenge.
novels to kids who write letters to them.
First grade teacher, Ms. Sari Guevara,
spear-headed this event. The students
Pinecrest Elementary Musical
at Oliver Hoover wrote more than 800
Extravaganza
Each year Pinecrest Elementary letters to Comic Ed. In addition to the
features our talented music students in books donated to the library, students
o u r A n n u a l S p r i n g M u s i c a l from five classes also received their very
Extravaganza. Once again, this event own comic book to take home with
was a huge success with standing room them. They even got a high-5 from
only at the Palmetto Senior High Spiderman himself ! Channel 10 was
School Auditorium on May 9th. t h e r e t o c ove r t h e e ve n t a n d
Beginning and advanced Orchestra interviewed students and teachers to
students opened the show, which was find out how comic books and graphic
followed by the fun beats from our novels excite students to read. The
new Percussion Ensemble. Finally, students were thrilled to see the new
the Pinecrest Chorus performed a editions to their library collection.
dazzling musical adaptation of
Disney’s AristoCats- Kids. The set
design, dancing, costumes and
music were elaborate and all
those who attended enjoyed this
phenomenal tradition. Comic Book Ed.
On Friday, February 15, 2013, Comic
Ed. visited Oliver Hoover Elementary
School to donate more than 30 comic
books and graphic novels. Comic Ed.
is a non-profit organization that
donated comic books and graphic
SRO Community News
Goulds Elementary
On February 28, 2013, the Aqua
Ventures, Florida’s Learning Lab
visited Goulds Elementary. The mobile
lab provided students with insight into
Florida’s biodiversity, hydrogeology,
and watershed stewardship.
This interactive, mobile learning lab
featured enriching and engaging
activities that offered a hands-on look
at Florida’s diverse watersheds, water
conservation and recycling. Student
enthusiasm was evident in their
cooperative group discussion. Through authentic learning, they
employed their creative thinking skills
to draw conclusions. Maura F.
reflected on the experience stating, “I
had so much fun. I can’t wait to grow
up; so I can be a scientist.”
Cutler Bay Academy Of Advanced
Studies, Centennial Campus
Cutler Bay Academy of Advanced
Studies, Centennial Campus’ high
school students participated in the 31st
Annual Baynanza Biscayne Bay
Cleanup Day. Students worked as
volunteers on Saturday, April 20, 2013,
picking up trash from the shoreline
and islands of Biscayne Bay.
Coral Reef Elementary School
Our Odyssey of the Mind First Grade
Teams (Ms. Basulto’s Team: Benjamin
Bileca, Conner Carpenter, Samuel
Casey, Conlon Jacobs, Dylan Lesman,
Matthew Rosenn, Hunter Sosa, Ms.
Trout’s Team: Charles Adams,
Angelina Diaz, Isaac Rosenn, Ashley
B re n a n , K a i t l y n B e at o n , L i l l y
Almaguer, Jacob Yglesias) competed at
the Odyssey of the Mind State
Competition held in Orlando, Florida.
Although these teams did not place at
the State Level, judges and spectators
who viewed their presentations were
amazed at the caliber of their
performance and commented on their
tenacity considering they were the
youngest participants competing
against fifth graders. It was definitely a
wonderful experience for our students
and one they will not soon forget.
Hammocks Middle School
On April 30th, HALS was visited by
Congressman Joe Garcia. The students
were very excited to meet him and
learn about what a day on Capitol Hill
is like. Congressman Joe Garcia led a
discussion with the students regarding
the various bills and legislation that are
currently being debated.
Additionally, in celebration of Law
Day which takes place on May 1st, the
faculty and students of HALS have
planned a month of enriching events
and activities, focusing on the tenets of
the pre -law curriculum and program. Several speakers, including an FBI
Agent and an 11th District Court
Judge, will visit with the students this
month. What a memorable way to end
the school year!
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SRO Community News
of Positive Behavior Support at Ruth Owens Kruse
Educational Center.
Air Base Elementary
On April 30, 2013, the second grade students at Air
Base Elementary, as part of the Magnet Curriculum
Program, studied the country of China covering it’s
history, landmarks, culture and endangered animal life.
The students brought rich cultural meaning, ancient
history, and a traditional Chinese festival composed of
important and brilliant parts of the Chinese culture.
The students showcased a beautiful parade where each
class displayed ancient and modern day Chinese
Costumes. This year’s theme “China at a Glance” was
part of the Chinese New Year’s celebration where
students brought significance and entertainment to the
school. Special guest Master Cocco from the Hero
Martial Arts School along with one of our second
grade students, Jose Grullon, demonstrated to all
students the different brilliant techniques of Tae Kwon
Do which included breaking wooden boards and
mental discipline. One of the highlights of the festival
was that all the students sampled a taste of China
which included vegetable fried rice, Chinese tea and a
fortune cookie. This year’s Chinese Festival was a
cultural and meaningful experience for all Air Base
Elementary students.
Ruth Owens Kruse Educational Center
Support the strong, give courage to the timid, remind
the indifferent, and warn the opposed. These words by
Whitney M. Young encapsulate the vision and direction
At Ruth Owens Kruse the staff supports the strong
through the use of a school wide point and token
economy system. As students succeed in the point and
level system, they are able to participate in one of four
inclusion programs. The programs allow students to
transition into mainstream education and living.
The school services students with a wide array of
disabilities. The Students need increased guidance in
socially appropriate behavior. One way the staff
encourage the timid is through the use of a structured
curriculum, LEAPS. This program offers 150 lessons
that center on the instruction of rules, respect and ways
to manage anger and stress.
One of the biggest hurdles the teachers face as
educators of this vulnerable population is indifference. They combat this indifference by creating innovative
lessons that inspire students through the latest
technology available. They offer rewards that are
motivating to students. Communication through daily
progress notes ensures collaboration between home and
school.
Change takes time. There is always some opposition
from students. Data is used to guide our intervention.
Through careful analysis the school is able to
determine which students need specialized attention.
By addressing those needs specifically, they have been
successful in reducing the number of indoor
suspensions by forty eight percent. They have also seen
over a sixty percent decrease in outdoor suspensions
and an eighty percent decrease in seclusion and
restraint over the past three years.
A l t h o u g h t h e s t a f f ’s c o m m i t m e n t t o t h e
implementation of positive behavior strategies has
resulted in remarkable improvement in the behavior of
students, their job is not complete until every, timid,
indifferent and opposed student finds the strength in
themselves to change their behavior for good.
SRO Community News
Cutler Ridge Middle School
Cutler Ridge Middle School in
partnership with Home Depot is undergoing an “Extreme Home
Makeover”. Home Depot is donating
over $5,000 in Paint, shelves, oven,
washer and dryer for the students in
the Special Education program. On
May 23, over 20 employees from
Home Depot delivered the donated
items and paint the classrooms used by
the school’s most needy students.
Palmetto Middle School
On April 26, 2013, Palmetto Middle
School organized an extravagant
celebration to commemorate the 50th
year of the school’s service to the
community. Palmetto Middle School is
celebrating its fiftieth year of
producing top of the line students with
the help of the best teachers. The
occasion highlighted Palmetto Middle’s
award winning fine arts programs and
its alumni. An array of local food
trucks came to support the event.
Many people attended to celebrate this
special milestone in the school’s history.
Palmetto Middle School exhibited
many forms of their arts programs as
entertainment; showcasing its
acclaimed music program, STOMP
Team, as well as, their Spirit Squad.
The band and orchestra performed a
variety of music including
compositions from Disney, Journey and
the James Bond Theme; all conducted
population with local food trucks and
reintroduced the alumni. Over those
50 years in service Palmetto has
produced the best-of-the-best students.
Fabulous teachers plus magnificent
administrators and everyone in
between equals the finest students in
America. From the inspiring music to
the delicious food and all of the past
I n a d d i t i o n t o t h e f a b u l o u s and present students and faculty all in
entertainment, Palmetto Middle the same place at the same time make
featured approximately 10 local food one very happy Palmetto family.
trucks serving a variety of different
cuisine; drawing masses of people to
help celebrate the occasion. All of the
delicious food was served on their
brand new cafeteria tables, a seat for
all. Plenty of food trucks crowded into
Palmetto Middle’s parking lot to cater
to their diverse student body past and
present.
Mayor Cindy Lerner (Alumni Member), and Dr.
by the talented Mrs. Angelica De Jesus. The STOMP team demonstrated their
talents with a stunning display of step
dance. The Spirit Squad showed their
enthusiasm and passion for Palmetto
Middle with a multitude of cheers.
These extracurricular arts have found
their way into countless events around
the community and state.
Palmetto Middle School’s 50 th
Anniversary celebration was not only
to show how far the school has come
but also to recognize the people who
got the school where it is today, the
alumni. The bash encompassed many
of the alumni who either went to or
worked at Palmetto Middle School.
The alumni came to share their
experiences and reflect on the time
they spent at Palmetto Middle.
Moreover, they came to see the
development of the school since they
attended. There was an extremely
impressive alumni turnout at Palmetto
Middle School to mark this significant
event.
Overall, Palmetto Middle School’s 50th
Anniversary celebration was a hit; it
demonstrated the school’s celebrated
fine arts programs, fed the school’s
Larry Feldman (Miami-Dade County Public
Schools - School Board Member)
Howard Drive Elementary
On April 6th students from Howard
Drive Elementary School won the
Odyssey of the Mind Florida State
competition in Orlando after winning
t h e l o c a l Tr o p i c a l R e g i o n a l
competitions in February. Odyssey of
the Mind is a creative problem-solving
competition which includes students
from kindergarten through college.
They will compete at the World Finals
at Michigan State University from
May 22nd - 25th. Although there will
be over 800 teams from around the
globe competing, there will only be
four teams from Miami-Dade County
Public Schools, of which Howard
Drive will be the only elementary
school representing the district. SRO Community News
Kids Treated To Heat Game
An anonymous donor provided 250 tickets for kids from
the Dr. Henry E. Perrine Academy of the Arts in
Palmetto Bay to attend a Heat playoff game against the
Milwaukee Bucks last week. Kids from the school got to
ride on a Heat bus to American Airlines Arena, and the
school's cheerleaders and dance team got to perform in
the pregame show. Shown here is the dance team, front
row from left, Beatriz Catanzaro, Hanna Wyant, Elisabeth
Keime and Sofia Marckioli; middle row, Ariana Lopez, Mia
Cruz, Lauryn Bello and Isis Lindner; back row, Principal
Maileen Ferrer, Liyah Bullard, teacher Deanna Sekel, Dyamond
Davis, Lauren Anderson.
Palmetto Dolphins Training Camp
What kid doesn't want the chance to try a pro-football
workout, or see what it's like to be an NFL cheerleader?
Judging from the enthusiasm shown at Palmetto
Elementary School, this is not an opportunity to pass up.
Students in second through fifth grade took a break from
the books to see what it's like to run drills and practice
cheers during the school's biannual visit from the Junior
Dolphins Training Camp. "Our students work hard in the classroom all
throughout the year, and have the great results to show
for it," noted Palmetto Elementary School Principal Eric
Torres. "But our school community knows how
important physical fitness is to student success. Bringing
in an activity like this allows our students to try out a new
kind of exercise, while enjoying a well-earned break from
the books."
Palmetto Elementary School emphasizes the
importance of healthy living for its students through the
school's pioneering Wellness Initiative, which includes
student-tended gardens, weekly visits from a farmer's
market, and an early-morning walking program. The
school appreciates support from the Miami Dolphins in
furthering these goals.
Winston Park K-8 Center
Winston Park K-8 Center celebrated National Bike to
School Day on May 8, 2013. In conjunction with the
University of Miami, over 50 students, parents, and
teachers biked to school while escorted by TD from the
Miami Dolphins and Miami-Dade School Police. The
event highlighted bike safety and promoted biking to
school. On June 5th WPK8 will be hosting our first
Fashion Show. Eighty students in grades Pre-k - 5 will be
participating.
SRO Community News
Miami Palmetto Senior is “No Place for Hate”
“No Place for Hate” is an initiative enacted by the AntiDefamation League (ADL) to promote a respectful and
unbiased community. This initiative is found nationwide
as it continues to spread throughout the country. This
mission to end prejudice and bullying is of course, not an
easy one; however, “No Place for Hate” is a giant leap in
the right direction. “No Place for Hate, No Place for Hate!” this
is the chant that was roaring from Miami Palmetto
Senior High School’s (MPSH) auditorium on March 18th
2013. On this day, MPSH received a banner that
officially declared this school a “No Place for Hate
School. A ceremony was held in honor of this
recognition thanks to the sponsorship of Lisa Mallard,
MPSH School Guidance Counselor and the No Place
for Hate Student Task Force. The ceremony consisted of
a wide variety of groups promoting peace and equality
through various performances. For example, the
Thespian Club had presented a part of the Martin
Luther King “I Have a Dream” Speech, along with an
individual monologue. In addition, the Omega singers
performed the song “Imagine”, by John Lennon,
Palmetto’s Jazz Band performed a few numbers, the
Variations Dance Team performed an emotional piece,
and of course the “No Place for Hate” Student Task
Force educated the audience with facts about the “No
Place for Hate” club.
However, the acquisition of a recognition
banner was a process. Palmetto ultimately made the “No
Place for Hate” initiative their mission. They
participated in many activities in order to achieve this
status. The students in “No Place for Hate” held a Mix it
Up event which is a national campaign that encourages
students to identify, question and cross social boundaries.
This is what untimely spread the word of “No Place for
Hate”, and it helped to integrate a group of students that
wouldn’t have otherwise met. Consequently, the club
began as a group of 10 students on a mission and has
grown to a club of 40 active members
In addition to the mix it up event, Palmetto’s
“No Place for Hate” group also attended a 3K walk/run
for kids with disabilities, a 3 hour anti-bullying training,
essay contests, bi-weekly club meetings, evening PTSA
presentations, such as Stand Up Speak Out and Healthy
Dating, and many more programs and projects that
reached as many individuals that the task force could. Furthermore, the “No Place for Hate” Student Task
Force read positive message books to the 2nd grade
students at Palmetto Elementary School. The group,
however, is not simply subjective to the student body,
they involve the faculty and staff as well hoping to
outstretch their goals to the community as a whole. They
created an Acts of Kindness Board where the faculty
writes down kind memos and posts them on the board
for other faculty members to view. In addition, the
faculty recognizes students that are caught being kind
and “reports” them to receive a Paw of the Back sticker.
Wendell Dunn, a senior that is part of the “No Place for
Hate” Student Task Force, was a speaker on the expert
panel answering questions after the Pinecrest
Community organized a weekend viewing of the movie
“Bully” at Pinecrest Gardens. Miami Palmetto Senior
High School has worked hard on the initiative to make
our schools and the community a bully free environment.
Earning our “No Place for Hate” designation has been a
great honor and a special moment for our task force.
With our continuous efforts, Miami Palmetto Senior
High School and the “No Place for Hate” Student Task
Force were recognized for their hard work and desire to
promote this on-going initiative on Channel 4’s Focus on
Miami, as well as, this month’s School Board Meeting.
Our current endeavor is promoting this initiative state
wide through our Kindness Drive Tour.
SRO Community News
Lamar Louise Curry Middle School
Lamar Louise Curry Middle School recently celebrated
its 10th Anniversary in a quaint celebration in the school’s
media center. With ten amazing years under its belt,
Curry has lots to be proud of. To celebrate its
achievements, the memorable event included current
staff, as well as, former stars that helped the school
become such a pillar in Miami Dade County Public
Schools.
The celebration commenced with a “social hour” where
current staff and former staff members reconnected and
reminisced about fond memories of the school’s past. “One person can make a difference” was the theme of
the event. Several of the invitees included opening
principal, Ms. Montano, former registrar Lisette DeasBernardo, former IB Coordinator Mr. Eric Wright,
former reading teacher Ms. Shauana Hughes, and
former Assistant Principals, Mr. Penton and Ms.
Robinson. After an inspiring video about how each
person makes a difference, Ms. Ruan gave a warm
welcome. During her opening speech, she shared the
school’s advancements over the years and how proud she
is of its achievements. Our assistant principal, Mrs. Boue,
shared a few emotional words as to how she arrived at
Curry mentioning those teachers that helped guide her
along the way. Then three former students spoke briefly
about their experience at Curry and how it impacted
their lives and future educational endeavors.
“This is an excellent school. I learned so much during
my time at Curry,” shared Annabelle Miguelez who
represented the first graduating class. This school
changed my life, shared graduate Ana Medina. During
her emotional speech she shared her fond memories at
Curry and how she felt the teachers really cared about
her future. At Curry is where she decided what her
profession would be. She went on to explain how the
knowledge she gained in Mr. Rios’ computer class helped
her discover her talent for computers. After several heartfelt speeches by graduates, Mrs. Ruan
presented teachers and staff who have dedicated 10 years
to Curry Middle School with a ten-year honorary pin.
Several of these teachers were on board even before the
school had a completed building. During the construction
of Curry, several early staff members worked out of
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Elementary and then moved
to Howard A. Doolin Middle with a small group of
students. Science teacher Mrs. Cardenas remembers
how they prepared for the opening of the school. “I was
in charge of the science department which included
setting up all of the equipment needed for the school year
and planning the curriculum for the Science
Department,” she stated. With only 230 students and 11
teachers, the skies were the limit. “We were all very
excited about the new school, and we’re happy to see
what it has grown to be. A school of leaders continuing
to receive an “A” grade year after year,” she shared.
Once the presentation concluded, a slideshow of Curry’s
fondest memories was presented. During this time, Mrs.
Cordoba’s advanced culinary arts students served their
scrumptious desserts and pastries to the invitees. Mrs.
Montano closed the event by giving a few words of
appreciation toward the staff and school. She shared
how she expects Curry to continue to sustain its model of
“Simply the Best” and continue its legacy of excellence! When asked about successes at Curry, she shared that
TERRA Environmental Research Institute Magnet High
School has become successful thanks to Curry’s
accomplishments. She added “TERRA’s success only
rides on the shoulders of Curry.” The crowd applauded
in enthusiasm.
SRO Community News
W.R. Thomas Middle School
The end of the year brings many opportunities to
celebrate students' talents and achievements. In
association with the PTSA and Barnes & Noble, W. R.
Thomas Middle school collaborated to host an evening
fundraising and talent showcasing by the Art, Band/
Orchestra, and Youth Writers Club. The Barnes & Noble
Book Fair Night was a joint effort between a community
partner and the school's PTSA. Parents and students
were invited to purchase summer reading books, and any
other items they needed, and a portion of the proceeds
were donated to the school. Families came together to
support this endeavor as well as to enjoy the music, art,
and creative oral readings conducted by W. R. Thomas
Middle School talented youth. This was an event enjoyed
by all who attended!
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Irving & Beatrice Peskoe K-8 Center Career Day
Professionals ranging from police officers to an animal
wildlife caretaker discussed their careers with students at
Irving & Beatrice Peskoe K-8 Center on Tuesday, April
30, 2013. The school held the event to help provide its
students with information on various careers. Students
from kindergarten to seventh grade had the opportunity
to learn about various career fields. “I thought our career
day was wonderful, we had a variety of speakers,” said
Sonia Ambrose, who serves as the school counselor and
Career Day coordinator for the school. The event
benefited both guest speakers and students alike; as many
professionals left feeling as though they made a significant
impact on the students. Our Community Career Day
extended to the South Dade News Leader as one of our
speakers, Ms. Meneses wrote an article about her
experience speaking to our students. Peskoe’s Career Day
was a perfect opportunity for the students to explore their
dreams and to understand that all lines of work bring
value to the community!
Redondo Elementary School
Students from Redondo Elementary School were
recognized by the Kiwanis of Homestead for bringing up
their grades during the third grading period, as part of
the Kiwanis “BUG” (Bringing Up Grades) student
incentive program.
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SRO Community News
Robert Morgan Educational Center
Welding Students Bring Steel Sculptures Roaring to life
Welding students at Robert Morgan Educational Center have been
tapping into their best “wildlife” and “swashbuckling” creativity,
proving just how amazing steel sculptures can turn out when
industrial training is combined with artistic expression.
A 7-ft-tall elephant and 12-ft-tall giraffe — fabricated by high school
and adult welding students in the newly formed morning class —
required drawing, measuring, and critical thinking skills — Fig. 1.
They used hot-rolled, 11-gauge steel sheets; cut them into 2-in.-wide
strips of various lengths; moved in various positions to gas metal arc
weld (GMAW) the strips in place; viewed pictures of the real- life
animals; then painted the elephant gray and the giraffe yellow with
brown spots.
Additionally, welding students in the morning class paid tribute to the
school’s mascot by creating a “Captain Robert Morgan” sculpture —
Fig. 2. The 7-ft-tall pirate was crafted from 11-gauge steel sheets cut
into 2-in.-wide strips by various lengths then assembled using gas
metal arc welding. Features include a painted red hat crafted from 18gauge stainless steel; facial characteristics accented with an eye patch
and beard; a silver sword; metal belt buckles across his chest and
waist; and large jewelry around his neck and hands. Two small
cannons to go with him have been made as well, and a treasure chest
to go by his side is in the works.
The time to create each figure varied from two weeks to a month.
Currently, they are on display throughout the school in different
courtyard areas. Faculty members along with students enjoy their
presence. Planned projects for the future include making flamingos
and alligators.
“We are constantly creating new artwork,” Delgado added. Adult
welding students in the evening class have transformed discarded
bicycles into custom-made, American Chopper-style rides.
Delgado further feels it is rewarding to help his students succeed and
have worthwhile careers. When companies call asking for welders, he
helps them prepare for interviews and get ready to become qualified.
Ricardo Delgado, the school’s welding instructor and an American
Welding Society member, thought it was a good idea for his applied
welding technology classes to make various figures after being inspired by visiting different universities and public buildings.
“The lessons the students have learned, and are still learning, is the
concept of teamwork, the artistic work of welding, and using
measurement tools,” Delgado said.
Challenges faced while working on the sculptures varied from height
proportioning the large animals to dimensional factors with bringing
out the 3D image vs. a flat pattern. On the flip side, students gained
experience and skills working on a project.
School For Advanced Studies
High school juniors from School for Advanced Studies (“SAS”) spent Saturday, May 4th,
volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami. They were accompanied by two
adults, including SAS’s staff member Samay Alvarez.
The girls transformed the landscape of a future Habitat homeowner’s house (Takoia). They
worked very hard clearing large rocks, making the ground level, laying down Bermuda grass,
digging holes to plant trees and shrubs, and spreading mulch.
The students got a surprise visit from Mario Artecona, CEO of Habitat for Humanity. Mario
asked the girls to take a break to thank them for their commitment and praise them for their hard
work. Isabella Riera said, “This was a very rewarding experience and an amazing way to give
back to our community!” Victoria Riera added, “Our experience empowered the SAS girls,
because we were able to accomplish so much as a team. We will carry this experience very close
to our hearts.”
(Photo from left to right, Jorge Riera, Victoria Riera, Mario Artecona (Habitat CEO), Samay Alvarez, Isabella
Riera, Deanna Vasquez, Jahanny Izaguirre, Rosa Elera, Takoia (future Habitat homeowner), Felia, Pedro,
Jasmine Santiago, and Raquel Quezada.)