Project Monarch History
PROJECT
MONARCH HISTORY
Volume 1
Monarch High School
5050 Wiles Road
Coconut Creek, Florida 33073
754-322-1400
Kathryn V. Collins
Principal
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PROJECT MONARCH HISTORY
Table of Contents
Foreword ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................... 4
Founding Patrons .............................................................................................................................. 7
The School Board of Broward County, Florida
North Area Superintendent
North Area Director
City of Coconut Creek
James B. Pirtle Construction Company, Inc.
Zyscovich, Inc.
Introduction to Monarch High School .......................................................................................... 17
Personal Reflections ........................................................................................................................ 25
Monarch Design ............................................................................................................................... 47
Teachers
The Knights’ Code
The Knights’ Beliefs
Interdisciplinary Instruction
Life Skills Courts
The First Day
Departments ..................................................................................................................................... 67
Army Junior ROTC
Career Technical Education
Exceptional Student Education
Fine Arts
Fitness and Wellness
Foreign Language
Guidance
Language Arts
Mathematics
Media Center
Reading
Science
Social Studies
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Support Staff ..................................................................................................................................... 97
Cafeteria
Clerical
Facilities Service
Security
Additional Support
Programs ......................................................................................................................................... 105
Athletics
Clubs and Organizations
Partners in Education
Community Involvement
Celebration of Monarch Pride ...................................................................................................... 123
Monarch History Continues ......................................................................................................... 141
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FOREWORD
Project Monarch History was born mainly because of the charge given to the entire
faculty and staff by our visionary leader, Ms. Kathy Collins. Her charge to me was that I
should excel and go beyond the ordinary. I have no doubt, whatsoever, that those charges
were issued to all who interviewed with her. Referred to as The Queen, she has inspired the
faculty through her dedication to fairness, equity, technology, excellence, and above all, a
love of students.
Working with the most talented group of educators ever assembled in Broward County,
(and this belief is shared by ALL who work at Monarch) I accepted the job at Monarch. It was
in that light that I tried to be creative and simultaneously visionary for our Knights. Creating
a positive learning environment was a given. The bigger challenge became to motivate the
first-ever American History Honors class at Monarch and to seize the opportunities that are
present. My constant reminder to these Knights was that these opportunities seldom present
themselves twice. Concentrating on the philosophies that have made Monarch unique:
exploring school to career options, integrating technology into the curriculum, personalizing
education, and adhering to the Knights’ Code Of Chivalry, I chose to develop a project that
would encompass all these ideals. More importantly, however, I had to develop something
special and meaningful for the class and the school to be proud of. In later years as these
students recall their first semester at Monarch and specifically their American History class,
they will be reminded, as I will be, that history is recorded with or without our permissions.
We, therefore, have chosen to be real historians, not spectators of the history created at Monarch.
Thus, Project Monarch History was born with the intent to incorporate the philosophies of
Ms. Collins, philosophies we believed and still believe are cornerstones of success.
As you read or browse through our collective effort, please be cognizant that we are
only amateurs who, like Ms. Collins believe, that to excel, we must lead, not follow. We have
chosen to lead and record history at Monarch. Do enjoy and applaud the efforts of the students
who have done an admirable job.
Peter W. Nicholson
Project Coordinator
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Many individuals have been tremendously helpful in making
this project a reality. They have given encouragement, support, and
time in making this possible. First and foremost is my wife,
Jacqueline, and my two children, Khanisha and Peter Jamaal, who
have given their unequivocal support as I have labored with this
project while trying to do the many other things I must do, including
giving them quality time. I am forever indebted and thankful for
their love and support. Next, special thanks to my parents, and
especially my mother who taught me from an early age that I am the master of my own fate.
I am reminded of her advice that I can make a difference if I want to. Although they are not
here to share in this living history, I am proud to say they are the real heroes here, and I am
thankful for lifelong lessons taught and learned though not always acknowledged.
It would be a total travesty if I did not mention Ms. Kathy Collins, my principal who
has been unflinchingly supportive in this entire endeavor. I truly appreciate her willingness
to “give me wings,” and words can never express my gratitude. To my entire American
History Honors class, and especially the committee members, who have gone above and
beyond their call of duty. Thanks a million! Know that you have done your parents, yourselves,
and the Monarch family proud. I must make special mention of Stephanie Gonzalez, David
Holtz, Marcus Roganti, and Sallymarie Garces who have been the leaders of the committee.
Without their help, this project would not have succeeded.
To Mr. Kelvin Lee, my mentor and friend, thanks for your inspiration and help. To
Mrs. Ivey, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Mattis, and especially Mrs. Newbold, Monarch’s department chair
for language arts, who spent several hours editing and giving advice, I am truly indebted to
all of you for your time and efforts. To the entire Monarch family who has responded with
such enthusiasm and support - I am so proud to be a Monarch KNIGHT and I salute you for
all the wonderful things you do to make Monarch such a great place to work.
Finally, let me thank all who have remained nameless but who have done their share
of work. Project Monarch History is real because of your help, encouragement, and assistance.
We honor the courage you so courteously displayed to make this noble cause a reality.
KNIGHTSly done, ALL!
Peter W. Nicholson
Project Coordinator
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THE SCHOOL BOARD
OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
MONARCH’S BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Robert “Bob” Parks represents Monarch High School’s
District 7 on The School Board of Broward County. Dr.
Parks spoke at the Groundbreaking Ceremony on August
25, 2004.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Dr. Frank Till is the Broward County’s Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Till also spoke at the
Groundbreaking Ceremony on August 25, 2004.
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NORTH AREA SUPERINTENDENT
Students rarely have the opportunity to meet an Area Superintendent for Schools.
Marcus Roganti, Stephanie Gonzalez, and Sallymarie Garces were fortunate to
interview Dr. Joanne Harrison, North Area Superintendent, during a school visit.
Dr. Harrison was very candid with the students and shared her thoughts on her
responsibility to schools, school effectiveness, and advice to students.
Dr. Joanne Harrison is the North Area Superintendent. She has been in Broward
County since she began as a kindergarten teacher many years ago. Dr. Harrison
worked up through the ranks as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, and
she now holds the title of North Area Superintendent. One of her duties as North
Area Superintendent is to oversee sixty-two (62) schools from the Palm Beach/
Broward county line to Commercial Boulevard, from the beach to the Everglades.
Dr. Harrison makes sure that students are learning at each of her schools. In
addition, Dr. Harrison’s responsibilities include assisting the Superintendent with
the school district budget and speaking with people holding political offices,
such as mayors.
Dr. Harrison was asked many questions about her career as a teacher and
administrator. She pointed out that one of the best experiences was sitting around
the Thanksgiving table with students talking about what they liked and didn’t
like about school. It brought her to tears just knowing that there were students
with such strong feelings about education. She wants to make a difference in the
lives of students, and she never wants to feel that a student is missing out on an
education.
Of the positions she has held in education she was asked which gave her the
most satisfaction. It was very hard for her to pick one, because she has experienced
great satisfaction in all positions. She did talk about the time she was an
elementary principal and the school worked closely with the Florida Marlins.
The school was organized so that it resembled a baseball organization. Rooms
were called bullpens, after school tutoring was known as extra innings, and so
on.
“What tells you a school has a quality educational program and is functioning
on that level?” If children are learning at a school, then test scores will indicate
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that learning is taking place. Monitoring the data is a responsibility of all school
administrators, from assistant principals up to superintendents.
Dr. Harrison was asked, “How does Monarch rate in the area of student
achievement?” She reviews Monarch’s data almost daily. She looks over the
student diversity, courses offered, and quality of the instruction. Dr. Harrison is
very happy with what she has seen so far from the staff and students at Monarch
High School.
Dr. Harrison’s goals in education are always stay “on top of what is going on in
education,” so that if something new comes along, the students in Broward
County will benefit from innovations. She also wants to assist teachers become
better teachers.
School administrators were discussed. Dr. Harrison was asked to share some of
the things that she does to ensure that she is a good administrator. A good
administrator needs values to drive aspirations, must be a great listener and
removed from biases, and must be passionate about education and students.
The North Area Superintendent left us with some advice. “Always have a dream.
Never let anyone tell you, you can’t do it, and find people that will support your
dream, what ever it may be.”
The North Area Office staff continues to support
Monarch High School students and staff.
Dr. Harrison with Area Directors Sharon Airaghi
and Craig Anderson joined Ms. Collins at the
Groundbreaking Ceremony for GGG High School
on August 25, 2002.
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NORTH AREA DIRECTOR
It’s not often that students get to meet a school district
administrator. Marcus Roganti, Stephanie Gonzalez, and
Sallymarie Garces had that opportunity when they
interviewed Ms. Sharon Airaghi, Monarch’s North Area
Director at Monarch High School. This is a summary of
the interview.
The students learned about the responsibilities of an Area Director and were
very impressed with how much she is responsible for and what an exhausting
day she puts in at work. Ms. Airaghi emphasized that her most important
responsibility was to make sure that every student in her schools was learning
and is taught by quality teachers, teaching so that each student has the opportunity
to learn. She stated that her career in education started as a classroom teacher.
From there she became an assistant principal at the elementary and middle school
levels. Aspiring to reach higher, she became a principal, again at both the
elementary and middle school levels, until she applied and was hired as an Area
Director.
“How did you become our Area Director?” asked Marcus. Ms. Airaghi explained
that she was in charge of the Coconut Creek Zone and Monarch came from that
zone. The first time Mrs. Airaghi learned about Monarch was when the school
district began looking for sites to build the new high school. She discussed how
the district determines a site for a school, who names the school, picks out the
school colors and mascot. The students learned that the community in which
the school is located is ultimately responsible for all of those aspects of a new
school.
“Who decides where the boundaries for a school are located?” The demographers
downtown in the K.C. Wright Building take three possible scenarios and consider
population growth.
Sallymarie asked Mrs. Airaghi how a principal is chosen for a school. Mrs.
Airaghi’s answer was that there is a board policy pertaining to all hiring of schoolbased administrative personnel. The policy states that anyone interested in the
position would apply. The top candidates, rated by their leadership profiles,
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make the first round of interviews with a panel of community members. After
the community ranks the candidates, the superintendent identifies the top three
to five candidates and conducts final interviews. Sally then asked what qualities
Ms. Collins had that made her stand out from all the other candidates. Ms. Collins
demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and correct answers during the
interviews.
“Why didn’t the school district build a football stadium on our school campus?”
Ms. Airaghi explained that acreage limitations and School Board funding were
the reasons. Funding for new schools does not include the cost of an athletic
stadium.
The last question was a culmination of all three interviewers, Marcus, Stephanie,
and SallyMarie. “What do you think of our school?” Ms. Airaghi did not even
hesitate when she stated that high academics, a dedicated faculty and staff, and
staff concern for students contribute to the positive culture of Monarch High
School. Ms. Airaghi also stated that she sees much potential in the students at
Monarch High School and that she is very impressed with the students’ school
pride and spirit.
The students interviewed
Ms. Airaghi at Monarch
High School. She visits
Monarch High School often
and enjoys interacting with
students.
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Becky Tooley
Coconut Creek City Commissioner and Former Mayor
Several students were honored to interview City Commissioner Becky Tooley during one of
her visits to Monarch High School. Her continuing
support to public education and the students of
Broward County has been invaluable.
When Monarch High School was just a figment of
everyone’s imagination, former Mayor Becky Tooley
knew that it was going to be special. Mrs. Tooley and a
group of concerned Coconut Creek citizens worked
extremely hard in convincing the School Board that a
high school was needed in the community. The group
worked many hours preparing documents to present
to the school board to prove their case. After twelve years of lobbying, the School Board
approved the construction of a high school in Coconut Creek. GGG High School was born.
The next hurdle was to secure a piece of land large enough to support a high school. High
schools require at least ten acres of land. Again after many hours of negotiating with the
School Board, the city of Coconut Creek and the Board reached an agreement to designate
property on Wiles Road for GGG High School.
Now that the school had a home and a construction company was named, GGG needed an
identity. Ms. Collins had been appointed Principal and had met the community at the
Groundbreaking Ceremony. Mayor Tooley and Ms. Collins worked together with community
members to recommend a school name for GGG. The community agreed on Monarch High
School since Coconut Creek was the butterfly capital of the world.
Many hours and meetings later with community members, the Knights were born. The City
Commissioners are extremely happy with the location, name, and positive benefits Monarch
is bringing to the city.
Mrs. Tooley has lived in Coconut Creek for many years. She is now a Commissioner for the
city, and she loves the involvement with the people. Mrs. Tooley believes that if you live in a
community, you need to play a part in the government of that community. She has gone
door-to-door during her campaigns for public office. People need to get to know who they
are going to put into office so the door-to-door approach put her in their minds.
Mrs. Tooley loves young people, which influenced her lobbying efforts for Monarch High
Schoo. She felt her role as the City Mayor was to convey to the School Board just how strongly
the citizens of Coconut Creek wanted a high school. Mrs. Tooley is working to connect
businesses and sponsors to Monarch. She believes that everyone in the community should
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support local schools. She loves being involved with Monarch High School and will do
everything possible to continue a relationship.
Mrs. Tooley ended the interview by saying, “The Knights have a great school and a wonderful
group of educators helping students along the road to adulthood.” She is very honored to
have been a pioneer in helping Coconut Creek get Monarch High School, and she cannot wait
to see everyone at the School Dedication on April 16.
Coconut Creek Commissioners Tooley, Fantl, Sarbone, Gerber, and Waldman participated in the
Groundbreaking Ceremony on August 25, 2002. The City Commissioners expressed their full support
for the programs, students, and staff of Monarch High School.
On August 25, 2003, Mayor Becky Tooley presented Monarch with a Proclamation from the City of
Coconut Creek. August 25, 2003, was proclaimed “Monarch High School Day.”
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James B. Pirtle Construction Company, Inc.
Bill Oakman, Superintendent
Bill Oakman, Pirtle Construction Project Manager, supervised the
building of Monarch High School. Several Monarch High School
students conducted an interview with Mr. Oakman during one of
his visits to Monarch. The interview was very candid, and the
students enjoyed the experience. They all said, “It gave us an insight
into how, what, and why schools are built in with certain
parameters.”
Mr. Oakman has been in the construction business for over thirty
years, the last seven and one-half with Pirtle. He enjoys his job
very much because he meets different people along the way. Mr.
Oakman has an art degree but said that there are too many starving
artists out there, so he went into the construction business.
The first question was “How and why was Pirtle chosen as the
contractor for Monarch High School?” Mr. Oakman explained that
specifications go out for a bid. The contractors work with the architects, formulate a price,
and present it as a bid to the school district. “How do contractors know that they are qualified
to bid on a project?” He proceeded to explain that most contractors know by the size and
scope if they qualify to do the job.
“Now, the contractor cannot do the job by himself. How does he get the job done?” Subcontractors are hired to do certain jobs, such as plumbing, electrical, mechanical (airconditioning), etc. Those sub-contractors are chosen by their reputation, quality of work,
screening process, and financial backing. Financial backing means, if hired as a sub-contractor,
does the sub have the money to complete the job.
When asked about working with the architect, Mr. Oakman said it was a continuous process
between the contractor and architect. They met almost daily to go over the plans, the criteria
for completing the job, and any changes that might occur along the way involving construction.
In his job as project manager, Mr. Oakman was responsible for making sure all areas were
done correctly and in a timely manner, meaning meeting all deadlines. He did say that Pirtle
Construction had a deadline to finish the school, and if they did not finish on time, they
would be fined $4,800 a day. That is a great deal of profit that would have come out of Pirtle’s
pocket. Fortunately, Pirtle finished Monarch High School on time.
The hardest part about building Monarch was making sure that each phase of the project was
sychronized with the next. He did mention that at one point, a larger crane than expected
was brought in to deal with a wall problem. Two parts of a wall were put up first, and they
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did not anticipate a problem installing the third section of wall. A change was made, and the
crane solved the problem.
Mr. Oakman was asked what he liked about Monarch High School’s design. He liked the
total design, specifically the view from the second floor into the courtyard area.
Bill Oakman enjoys his job very much. His message to students, “If you pursue a construction
career, do it the very best you can.” He loves working with people, viewing the finished
building, and seeing students enjoying the fruits of his labor.
A large crane was brought in to put up the walls.
The construction style is called “pour and tilt.”
This was Monarch High School’s courtyard
in October 2002.
One of Mr. Oakman’s favorite views at Monarch is
the courtyard. This is the courtyard in February 2004.
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ZYSCOVICH, INC.
The Architect
Zyscovich, Inc., designed Monarch High School. James B. Pirtle
Construction and Zyscovich staff worked closely together throughout the project. Ms. Collins also worked closely with Zyscovich
designers in selecting the office and media center furniture.
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INTRODUCTION
TO
MONARCH
HIGH SCHOOL
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Introduction to Monarch High School
Monarch High School opened its doors to
students on August 25, 2003, and
traditions began. Monarch pride is alive
and well in Coconut Creek. The Knights
have arrived!
The standard in Monarch High School’s
classrooms is excellence, and no less is
acceptable. A rigorous curriculum is
taught everyday, and all students will
achieve. Teachers are committed to connecting with students and meeting their needs.
Monarch High School is equipped with the latest technology - networking, desktop and laptop
computers, projection devices, smart boards, telecommunications, servers, and digital cameras.
The school is a model for technology integration into productivity, decision-making, and
instruction. Technology is a tool for communication and increasing student achievement at
Monarch High School.
Monarch students are provided leadership opportunities through co-curricular and
extracurricular activities. Student government, clubs, chorus, band, sports teams, debate,
academic games, and other activities allow students to develop connections to the school and
the community. School activities develop character, critical thinking, and sociability,
characteristics leading to lifelong success.
Community support is critical to the success of Monarch High School. Parents and community
members are encouraged to participate in school activities — School Advisory Forum and
Council, mentoring and tutoring, Innovation Zone, and attendance at school events.
Students, parents, teachers, staff, and community members are actively involved in the
educational process at Monarch High School. Monarch pride is spreading throughout the
city of Coconut Creek.
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A PERSONAL NOTE
from Kathy Collins, Principal
I am honored to be the inaugural principal of Monarch High School. There can be no better job in
Broward County than mine. The Coconut Creek community rallied around me when I was appointed
principal on July 17, 2002.
Ceremonial Groundbreaking
On August 25, 2002, High School GGG was celebrated with a ceremonial
groundbreaking at the site. School board officials, community and
business leaders, and I joined Zyscovich Architects and Pirtle Contractors
in sharing the vision for our high school on Wiles Road.
GGG High School Needed a Name
It was hard to develop pride and spirit for a school named
GGG. In September 2002, I visited the surrounding schools
and talked with students. I also visited the parent advisory
organizations and shared the vision for our high school.
The Coconut Creek Commissioners and I spent time
together talking about community activities for teenagers
and community needs.
The “GGG Needs a Name” campaign began in October 2002. Students, parents, and
community members sent in suggestions, and there were more than 500 names, mascots, and
colors submitted. A screening committee composed of students, parents, community leaders,
and city commissioners reviewed the submissions.
In November 2002, a community forum was held at Liberty Elementary School. The
community voted for the school name, school mascot, and school colors. A clear majority
selected Monarch High School, Knights, and red, silver, and black. The community choice
was forwarded to the School Board for approval.
On December 13, 2002, GGG High School was officially named Monarch High School. Red,
silver, and black are the colors of the Mighty Knights! A temporary office was set up in a
portable at Tradewinds Elementary School, and the Knights began work.
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Identifying the Knights
Monarch High School had a name, mascot, and colors, but no students! The School Board
had yet to define the boundaries. Boundary forums and hearings began in September 2002
and lasted until March 2003.
When the boundaries were announced, the Knights began preparing to open with students!
North – Broward / Palm Beach County Line
East – Powerline Road
West – State Road 7 / US 441
South – Copans Road
The majority of Monarch Knights came from Blanche Ely High School, Deerfield Beach High
School, and Lyons Creek Middle School.
There were so many things to do – design the mascot,
cheerleading tryouts, football spring practice,
articulation meetings, student registrations, school
newspaper designs, and more. Students came to the
portable office and became Knights! They designed
the mascot, attended Student Government
workshops, wrote newspaper articles, practiced
football plays, and developed cheers. Traditions
were beginning.
Student Registration
Mr. Weber, Monarch’s guidance director, and assistant principal Mr. Hendricks, coordinated
the articulation of students from the identified feeders. Parent / student evening meetings
were held at each school, where questions regarding courses, activities, and programs were
answered. Department Chairs and coaches participated with me in the meetings. It was
exciting to meet future Monarch Knights.
Mr. Weber and Mr. Hendricks visited feeder schools during the school day to meet with future
Knights. They discussed course offerings, clubs, athletics, and student government activities.
It was during the meetings that many of our student leaders were identified.
Mrs. Ayers, Monarch’s chairperson for the Fine Arts Department, developed the school website,
and many Monarch Knights from charter, private, and home school programs found us.
Student registration from non-feeder schools was conducted at the portable office.
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Kathy
Collins,
Will
Hendricks, Tom Weber, and
Sondra Sellitti visited the
school site frequently.
Rosemary Bond-Jackson, department chair for science,
became the “unofficial tour
guide,” often meeting prospective teachers at the site.
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Student Leaders
A core of students formed “Castle Keepers” and assisted in the design of the school courtyard,
including the placement of benches and tables. They also worked on naming sections of the
building, staying with the Knights’ theme. Mrs. Ayers and Mrs. McMillan facilitated the
Castle Keepers’ meetings.
Mr. Grimes worked with the newspaper students throughout the summer months. They
interviewed Monarch staff, chronicled events leading to opening day, and studied journalism
practices.
Ms Pickman conducted cheerleader practices and tryouts during May. Many students,
including boys and girls, spent numerous hours at Tradewinds Elementary School cheering
for the Knights.
Coach Mathisen, Coach Pottmeyer, and Coach Griffin designed and ordered uniforms for the
Knights. They also met with parents of athletes and generated Monarch Pride throughout
the community.
Football players spent spring practice at Sabal Pines Park. The young men were the first
Knights to wear red, silver, and black uniforms. Not only did they practice football plays,
they also were the first to practice The Knights’ Code. It was awesome to see our student
athletes in uniform. Football parents formed an active, supportive Boosters’ Club in the spring.
There was no doubt in my mind that the Monarch Knights were student leaders and committed
to The Knights’ Code. I knew that Monarch High School was on the right track to achieving
excellence in the first year.
Monarch Department Chairs, Administrators, and Teachers
I began hiring Department Chairs and Teachers during January and February 2003. I was
looking for “special teachers,” ones who were committed to the cornerstones of Monarch:
personalized education, connections, interdisciplinary project learning, technology integration,
and leadership. Some experienced, visionary teacher leaders accepted the challenge to be the
inaugural department chairs.
Language Arts – Sandra Newbold
Mathematics – Tracy Bell
Science – Rosemary Bond-Jackson
Social Studies – Peter Nicholson
Fitness / Wellness – Pam Griffin
Career and Technology Education – Betty Burrow
Foreign Language – Steve Mattis
Fine Arts – Ann Ayers
Exceptional Student Education – Sondra Sellitti
Media Specialist - Simone Primus
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The department chairs went to work immediately developing curriculum, ordering equipment
and textbooks, and identifying potential teachers. They spent many hours throughout the
spring and summer of 2003 preparing for the opening of Monarch High School.
I selected four administrators who were visionary
leaders: Will Hendricks, Marco A. Caceres, Teresa
Hall, and Ollie Pottmeyer. They were charged
with developing the best curriculum, facilities,
activities, and athletic programs in the county!
The Monarch Knights would shine under their
leadership.
The administrators and department chairs worked
collaboratively to hire quality teachers. Selected
teachers worked throughout the summer months
on interdisciplinary instruction, project-based
learning, technology integration, and collaborative planning. On August 15, 2003, teachers
were “knighted” and declared ready to meet our student knights.
On August 25, 2003, we officially opened the school doors to our knights. This historic day
was one of pride, joy, and a milestone to the many who worked to make our opening day a
“smooth” reality. Our Knights had arrived!
Monarch High School’s Inaugural Administrators
Mr. Hendricks
Mr. Caceres
Mrs. Hall
Mr. Pottmeyer
Together Everyone Achieves More
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Monarch High School’s
Inaugural Department Chairs
Mrs. Newbold, Language Arts
Mr. Mattis, Foreign Language
Mrs. Ayers, Fine Arts
Mrs. Bell, Math
Mr. Nicholson, Social Studies
Ms. Griffin, Fitness & Wellness
Mrs. Primus, Media Center
Mrs. Burrow, Career Tech
Mrs. Bond-Jackson, Science
Monarch High School’s Department Chairs are the curriculum leaders. The Department Chairs
interviewed teachers, ordered materials, ordered books, developed lesson plans, and dreamed
of red and silver knights. They are truly the “Visionary First Knights.”
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PERSONAL
REFLECTIONS
from
Monarch Staff
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MY PERSONAL REFLECTION
ON MONARCH HIGH SCHOOL
Life in the Portables at Tradewinds
Submitted by Sondra Sellitti, ESE Specialist
Summer 1992
I reluctantly took a summer teaching position in Coral Springs. I say “reluctantly” because it
was a long drive from my home in Hollywood. Since my sights were set on moving to a
more northern school closer to my family, I thought it would be in my best interests to
familiarize myself with the area.
The main landmark during my long car trips was the intersection at Wiles and SR 441. The
east side of that area was completed blocked off and overgrown with weeds. “What’s behind
this vegetation? Why doesn’t someone develop this area?” I would ponder daily as I passed
it.
Fast Forward to Fall 2002
“Did you know that Kathy Collins is opening a new school on Wiles Road?” asked my friend
Linda, a former colleague from Stoneman Douglas High School. “No,” I responded, “but I’m
very interested.”
Although I enjoyed my position at my new high school, I was confronted with a 40-minute
commute to and from Weston. I had done it for many years and had tired of it.
“Kathy is wonderful! She is the consummate professional,” exuded my friend. “She can do
everything: she’s been a guidance director, she does the budget, she is student-oriented but
supports her teachers.”
On and on continued the accolades my friend gave to this Wonder Woman!
December 2002
Well, I finally met the Wonder Woman. Wonder Woman dwelled in a petite body. Her most
outstanding feature was a “round-the-clock” smile. Because of her positive and cheerful
demeanor, the lady unceasingly bared her dazzling teeth. Beneath the smile, an excitement
radiated. During my first conversation with Ms. Collins, her energy in outlining plans for
Monarch High School became contagious. She said everything I dreamed a principal would
say, “We’re going to be student-friendly. I picture Monarch as a family, because we’ll have a
small student population.” (Both Ms. Collins and I had worked at campuses with enrollments
of more than 3,000 students.)
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“Just think, you’ll get to know not only your ESE students but all of the students. We’re going
to be Knights! Students will follow the Knights’ Code! We’re going to be a shining leader in
technology!”
An ardent sports fan, Ms. Collins conceded, “We may start off slowly, but we’re going to have
championship teams in most sports.” She was not exaggerating; she merely was making a
statement of fact.
“We’ll have School-to-Work transitional programs! We’ll develop programs of interest (later
to be called Courts) so even our ESE students can be recognized during graduation ceremonies
and walk across the stage wearing honor medallions! Just think how proud students, their
parents, Aunt Edith, and Grandma will feel!”
By the end of our first conversation, I knew I that I wanted to become a Monarch Knight to
help Ms. Collins realize her dream for students.
March 2003
Y- e – e – e – s – s – s! ! St. Patrick’s Day was my first
day at Monarch High School. Monarch was housed
in three portables located behind Tradewinds
Elementary School. All secretarial and administrative
offices were contained in Portable 9; Portables 10 and
11 provided space for conferencing. In Portable 10 a
used refrigerated donated by Penny Dorfman, Ms.
Collins’ office manager, held our refreshments and
lunches. The restroom located in the last portable
reminded me of summer camp: we needed a key to
enter, after jumping over huge errant vines and
avoiding racing lizards and cobwebs in corners.
Fittingly and appropriate for her station, Ms. Collins occupied the most luxurious and private
office in Portable 9. Nearly hidden behind a bank of five filing cabinets, Ms. Collins sporadically
would gear up her wheeled office chair and fly out from behind the cabinets to converse with
others in the room. (Later I was to learn that Ms. Collins took a motorcycling class.) Across
from Ms. Collins sat Will Hendricks, Assistant Principal; directly in front of him and again
across from Ms. Collins, Mrs. Dorfman’s desk held all of her files, the fax machine, and her
often visited candy dish, among other office necessities.
Directly in front of the row of filing cabinets, our Guidance Director, Mr. Tom Weber, developed
schedule cards, planned presentations, and did all the things a new school needs for enrolling
students at his desk. Whenever Mrs. Dorfman needed a folder from the filing cabinets, she
would give Mr. Weber a “heads up” so that he would be able to duck his head down. Several
times a day this precaution would preserve Mr. Weber’s skull. At first we laughed at this
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Project Monarch History
arrangement, but as the weeks wore on in the portable, this activity became so common
placethat no one remarked upon it.
Back to our seating/desk arrangement: Mrs. Dale Miller, our data processor, worked diligently
on schedules in a desk directly in front of Mr. Weber. Also in front of Mr. Weber’s desk but
facing the door, Mrs. Williams sat in our “reception area” to greet visitors. On the other side
of the portable, Mrs. Lois Mercier, our budget keeper, and I, the ESE Specialist, worked at our
respective desks.
Late in the spring, Mrs. Rita Bacalloa, our registrar came aboard to Monarch High School.
Since she didn’t have a desk, she agreeably shared one with Mrs. Mercier.
During the entire spring, I often heard Ms. Collins mention
the name “Ollie Pottmeyer.” I thought this name was unusual
and looked forward to meeting our Athletic Director,
particularly because he was coming from my home state of
West Virginia.
Sure enough when Mr. Pottmeyer arrived I was not
disappointed. Despite the difference in our personal styles,
(Ollie is a quiet gentleman; I am a bit more effusive in
conversation.), we became great neighbors. Mr. Pottmeyer’s
desk was placed between Mrs. Mercier’s and mine. We just
faced his desk in the opposite direction to delineate his workspace.
Bonding! Schmonding! Or so I thought, until I shared “offices” of ten individuals in a 20-foot
by 40-foot classroom portable! The close quarters really helped us get to know each other,
laugh a great deal together, break bread/Whoppers together (runs on “Grease Day” by Mr.
Hendricks with our McDonald’s orders), enroll students, interview potential staff members,
differentiate between “north of Sample Road” and “south of Sample Road,” and answer phone
calls. Oh, yes, the phone calls! Because of the sparseness of electrical outlets in a portable, we
were allotted only three phones with nine desks. I am one of the guilty ones who accidentally
pulled the phone too far, dropped, and broke it. We put pieces of phones back together at
least twice daily.
The visitors! We had students signing up, vendors visiting, teachers taking time to explain,
and parents posing questions, to name a few. Do you recall contests of how many people can
fit in a Volkswagen or telephone booth? Every day we would conduct a silent estimation of
how many people could fit in our beloved Portable 9. One day Mrs. Dorfman and I counted
23! Numerous conversations on phone and in person were able to take place in that space
simultaneously but rather loudly, I must admit.
Despite all of the lively activity taking place in the portable, I do not recall one person ever
saying a cross word to another.
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The meetings. Holding meetings, again to promote bonding, was another brainstorm of Ms.
Collins. Our meetings took place three days a week through the spring and all summer long.
We held meetings to discuss the precise wording of The Knights’ Code. We reviewed artistic
concepts for our mascot, athletic shirts, and band uniforms. We met with students and parents.
We conducted cheerleader try-outs one night.
Amid all of the meetings in the crowded portable, the first Knights emerged. Being a fair yet
fearless leader, Ms. Collins gave us opportunities to plan the ideal school. We had input from
all stakeholders. We were proud, committed, and excited to play a part in the development of
Monarch High School, Home of the Knights!
Another byproduct of these endless meetings was the camaraderie and trust we began to find
in each other. Many of us became friendly with people that never would have crossed our
paths in a large school. We would not be strangers meeting for the first time when the new
school opened. We would be Knights!
The Knights met weekly in Portable 11,
Monarch’s temporary office, throughout the
spring and summer. It was during these meetings that The Knights’ Code and The Monarch Beliefs were refined.
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Reflections from a Department Chair
Dale Allender
Associate Executive Director
National Council of Teachers
of English
Anne L. Bryant, Ed.D.
Executive Director
National School Boards Association
Alice Cahn
Children’s Media Consultant
Coliseum Live Entertainment
New York, NY
Milton Chen, Ph.D.
Executive Director
The George Lucas
Education Foundation
Bernie Dodge, Ph.D.
Professor of Educational
Technology
San Diego State University
Nancy Finkelstein
Program Manager
Science Media Group
Harvard-Smithsonian Center
for Astrophysics
Allen D. Glenn, Ph.D.
Dean Emeritus
Professor of Curriculum
& Instruction
College of Education
University of Washington
Jon Goodman, Ph.D.
Partner
Market Bridge Venture Partners
Marina Del Ray, CA
Linda Hodge
President
National PTA
L. Lee Knefelkamp, Ph.D.
Professor of Higher Education
Teachers College at
Columbia University
Art Langer, Ph.D.
Chair, Instructional &
Curricular Development
Columbia University
Kerry Mazzoni
Secretary for Education
Office of the Governor
State of California
Linda Polin, Ph.D.
Professor of Education
and Technology
Pepperdine University
Christine Rath, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Concord (NH) School District
Assemblyman Steven Sanders
Chairman, Committee on Education
New York State Assembly
Susan Swaim
Executive Director
National Middle School Association
Julie A. Walker
Executive Director
American Association of
School Librarians
Robert Weisbuch, Ph.D.
President
Woodrow Wilson National
Fellowship Foundation
Cheryl Williams
Past President
International Society for
Technology in Education
Peggy O'Brien, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Cable in the Classroom
Open Access
Collaborate CLIC by CLIC
BY ANN AYERS
Art teacher, Monarch High School
Coconut Creek, Fla.
JANUARY 2003—There we were, newly hired department chairs and the
principal, Kathy Collins, sitting in a temporary office, discussing Monarch
High School, the new high school in Coconut Creek, Fla., that would be
opening in August of 2003. How could we build a school and the commensurate strong team in just eight months? How could we facilitate collaboration on issues such as school philosophy, school mission, rules,
scheduling, and hiring? How could we get to know each other and the others who would be hired later to teach at Monarch High School? How could
we do all of this and more when we were all working full-time at our “old”
STEVEN BURR WILLIAMS
NATIONAL EDUCATION
ADVISORY BOARD
jobs and when we were scattered at locations all over the county?
I was aware of a new online tool from Cable in the Classroom that was
soon going to be introduced to educators—CLIC (Communicate Learn
Interact Create)—a free, secure, online collaboration workspace that is available for all types of projects. Each CLIC has its own Web site, accessible by invitation only and password-protected,
providing space for messages, documents, files, and tasks. We decided to use CLIC as our place to meet and work
for “creating” Monarch High School.
How Would YOU Use a CLIC?
Soon, the CLIC was buzzing with activity—the principal posted tasks for
• Design curriculum with teachers the department chairs and asked probing questions of her new faculty. As teachfrom across the district, state,
or nation.
• Work on an educational advocacy project with teachers, parents, and community members.
• Plan a conference, seminar, or
workshop with other educators
in other locations.
• Plan and write a collaborative
grant proposal (see page 10).
• Have students work with students in another city or state on
a collaborative research project
or online book club.
• School improvement teams can
work on a statewide initiative.
• Work with teachers in another
country to share a multicultural
project between classes.
For more information, go to
www.ciconline.org/CLIC/.
ers were hired, they were invited to join the CLIC—because of CLIC’s intuitive, easy-to-learn interface, there was no learning curve and everyone was
soon part of the discussion. In the Tasks area, the principal and administrators posted concerns that needed to be addressed (with due dates!). Favorite
Web sites were added to the Bookmarks section. Files, all kinds of files, from
the school mascot and class ring designs to educational research to the curriculum guide and educational plans, were posted in the Files area for everyone to review and revise. Milestones were added, giving us a direction and
focus. Communication, learning, interaction, and creativity proliferated! Everyone contributed! Everyone became a part of the plan!
From January to August, our CLIC grew to 63 members. It became our
daily communication vehicle. We shared everything—our philosophy of education and our thoughts on scheduling and school organization. CLIC was
a daily “must read” for many of us. In May, the principal sent out a challenge
to everyone—“What are your special interests? Upload a photo.” Soon, autobiographies were written and posted with pictures to the message area. We
truly began to connect and know one another. When the faculty finally did
meet face to face, the meetings were quite comfortable. We knew how each of us felt on important issues; we had
already worked through problems and tasks together. We were like old friends. We were a team.
AUGUST 2003—Monarch High School opened to 1,084 students in grades 9–11. We all watched with pride as
the students, our Monarch Knights, entered our new building to begin their education in the school that was built
with the help of a CLIC! Even now, even though we see each other daily, we continue discussions on CLIC—it is
our private place to meet and share. We’re reluctant to let it go—it’s become kind of a virtual “home” to us.
www.ciconline.org
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JANUARY 2004
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‘Twas the summer before Monarch High School opened...
By Rosemary Bond-Jackson
. . . . . and we were working with a skeleton crew
Everyone was happy and excited; no one felt blue
We worked from morning till night
We worked until we almost lost our sight.
Department chairs eagerly interviewed at the job fair
And chose the best candidates with precision and due care.
Lois (Mercier) feverishly gave orders a second look
As she entertained visions of new furniture, supplies, and textbooks.
Penny (Dorfman), busy answering phones and faxing,
Displayed grace under pressure and appeared to be relaxing.
Candidates were pouring in by the dozens
Dropping names of friends, co-workers, and cousins.
Our charge from Queen Kathy (Collins) was crystal clear,
Be diligent and dutiful our time is drawing near.
“Dear Chairs, while you’re in the hiring mode,
Please don’t forget to mention they must follow The Knights’ Code”
The candidates were charming, witty, and smart
And this was evident right from the start.
They had uniqueness and their very own style
And each one was willing to go the extra mile.
From hundreds of faxes, phone calls, and letters,
We managed to get the pick of the litter.
For science it was simple and quite analytical
No need to play favorites or to be political.
Plinnie (Dix) was well-versed in middle school norms
Family love and spirituality defines her true form.
She brought compassion, bright ideas, and quiet calm
All the traits she would need to weather the storm.
2
Lynn (Sweetay) came next with ideas galore,
With a deep love and passion for the great outdoors.
From planets to oceans and even the earth’s core
Her knowledge is so vast; who could ask for more?
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Mr. “Z” (Steve Zeletzki) was next for a building tour.
The windows in his classroom were his favorite lure.
His knowledge and experience we could not overlook.
He is quite, simply, a walking textbook.
Debra (McDade), wanting a training position to fill,
brought indepth knowledge and awesome athletic skill.
In an effort to prepare each science drill,
She vowed to work long hours her duties to fulfill.
Martin (Malamud), versatile, flexible, and kind
Ended our physics search with such a great find.
His home is a museum and filled with surprise,
But his lunch time humor and cruising stories are the real prize.
With six knightly warriors, our science wing is complete.
We’ve assembled a team that cannot be beat.
“Get plenty of rest and try to beat the heat.
I’ll see you in August when we’ll perform great feats.”
The charges were deployed.
Their vacation time I hoped they’d enjoy.
The summer would be fleeting
It would soon be time for our fi.rst school meeting.
With science hiring all done back to the portables I go.
Time is moving fast now and I can’t work slow.
In the trailers we worked both day and night.
Our building will be ready soon and everything must be right.
Portable drama unfolded each and every day
With a cast of characters that did more work than play.
3
Maggie (Williams) greeted guests first with a cheery smile,
Always ready to assist even when her work began to pile.
She welcomed each parent and continued to file,
Always treating each student as if he were her own child.
Somewhere around the end of May
Friday became known as “greasy food day.”
Hamburgers, cheese pizza, fried chicken, and Micky D French fries
Widened our bottoms and feasted our eyes.
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But we could not wash the grease down with water
Unless we had our own portable potty.
The bathrooms were far and a hike of a trip.
If you got in a tight you had to bite your lip!
“Yikes! I know you did not mean any harm,
but who took the bathroom key from the nail it hangs on?”
“Yes, I do have to go badly but there is no cause for alarm.
I will sit here quietly and weather the storm.”
In tightly cramped quarters we were all adjusting
As each day the portables were hustling and bustling.
Location, Location, Location! We each shared prime real estate
In our very own cubby with just enough space.
The pressure was on and time of the essence.
No one could afford a single transgression.
When Ms. Collins called, we perked up and listened.
Heaven forbid from a meeting you were found missing.
Sometimes department chairs were missing in action,
Taking tours of the building, but never relaxing.
Two hard hats were all we were given,
Not nearly enough for tours the guide scheduled.
The tour guide is nameless but everyone knew
She could sneak in the building without wearing flat shoes.
Like the conductor of the Underground Railroad she moved past the guards,
headed through the breezeway and down to the courtyard.
4
The Dream Team worked and formulated plans
For mascots, logos, and uniforms for the band.
Kids dropped by with ideas and plenty of “ands.”
After all, they were our biggest fans.
“Please, Ms Collins, We can’t work late.
One of our new teachers has planned a date.”
“Can someone please hide her coffee pot?
“Don’ t give her more Java or we will never stop.”
Will (Hendricks) had to have the schedule ready on the double,
Or surely he feared there would be deep trouble.
“Revise, revise, revise, cross my T’s and dot my I’s!
Hey, Maggie, send me over some of those greasy French fries.”
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Marco (Caceres) daily went to the new building to check
For there were many flaws he was told to inspect.
It must be near perfect without a nick or speck.
If it’s not right the builder will be a nervous wreck.
Poor Ollie (Pottmeyer) had dozens of coaches to find.
Truth be told, he’d much rather had taken his wife out to dine.
When he was asked to do the Discipline Plan,
He loudly exclaimed, “Please, Ms. Collins, I am only one man!”
Teresa (Hall) was handling her new job in stride,
But when will she ever have time to unwind?
With handbook, activities, field trips, and such,
She exclaimed, “I never knew AP’s had to do so much!”
Quietly working and getting the job done,
Dale (Miller) worked patiently and appeared to be having fun.
Efficient and serene, she works quite well
The only way you would hear her is if she fell.
Sondra’s (Sellitti) eyes did not leave her computer screen
As she meticulously completed her long list of IEP’s.
She never dressed casually in summer attire
Each day she arrived, she looked ready to hire.
5
Tom (Weber) shared his space with dancing file cabinet doors
Which almost required him to pose on all fours.
Efficient and professional, he had no time for a tour;
He spent his time scheduling and scheduling some more.
His forte was simply locating addresses
And giving parents quick boundary lessons.
“North of Sample or south of Copans” made many confused,
Especially when he had to be the bearer of very bad news.
Meanwhile in the portable next door
Ann (Ayers) and Lori (Fuller) burned the midnight oil.
With technology savvy computer skills galore,
They brought knowledge of Pinnacle, CAB, and so much more.
Pam ( Griffin) ordered balls, rackets, and nets.
She was one of the best teachers that anyone could get
With a reputation as a winning volleyball coach.
She has a quiet confidence and is easy to approach.
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Charles (Grimes) wanted the newspaper to succeed,
He committed to help children not only write but also to read.
If we knew he would recruit us for the Teacher Talent Show,
We would have told him then, “Charles, the answer is no!”
Claudia (Dilgen), with notebooks and binders close at hand,
worked Dil-gen-tly formulating the reading plan.
She rarely took a break or went out to lunch
Said she would pass; guess she was in a time crunch.
Simone (Primus) worked through breakfast, lunch, and dinner
As single-handedly she prepared the Media Center.
Laminators, digital cameras, and technology galore,
We have it all at Monarch’s newest bookstore.
Meryl (Canell) dressed for success and always in style.
It was obvious she was willing to go the extra mile.
Well put together and cleanly pristine;
She always looked ready for the cover of Vogue magazine.
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Sgt. Samedy and Colonel O. (Osowkski) worked side by side.
They seemed to take their ordering chores in stride.
With boxes of guns and garb arriving each and every day,
They simply had no time left in their summer to play.
Peter (Nicholson), for his own kids’ sake
Took a very well deserved mid-summer vacation break.
Back in the saddle from vacation he came,
Unpacked his bags, and got started again.
Sandra (Newbold) had a beautiful grandbaby girl.
She traveled to greet her and welcome her into the world.
Next thing you know it’s time for the twins’ arrival;
She rushed to their aid to ensure their survival.
Betty (Burrow) made great plans for her computer lab.
She came with talent, expertise, and is national board fab.
Her daily conversations were never boring or drab.
Luring her was not a steal but a snatch and grab.
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Steve (Mattis), more traveled than most,
Has traveled to 68 countries but sees no need to boast.
He has done this each and every summer.
Life without travel for him would be a bummer.
Tracey (Bryant-Bell) math savvy, fashionable, and neat,
Was the last department chair that I had the pleasure to meet.
Her summer days were spent interviewing
And through stacks of resumes constantly reviewing.
There are secrets that the portables hold.
If no one tells them, they will never be told.
What happened to the glass in the picture frame?
Well the glass it all shattered and there was no one to blame.
Why would the portables come alive with joy
When a certain someone walked out the door?
Though the mice all worked when the cat was away,
It did not stop them from plotting to play.
7
If Tradewinds custodial staff would just speak,
They would reveal secrets they were told to keep.
Who left his laptop on Ms Collins desk overnight
But arrived early one morning before first light?
Who used the “Queen’s” computer when she was away
And almost got caught on that very day?
Who almost missed a job interview
sitting in the next portable discussing the latest news?
Who ended a meeting early for an appointment he had to meet
Then made us all promise the secret to keep?
Dear friend, we hope you made it
‘Cause the next day that very question from the boss we evaded.
Why did one AP spend half a day on line?
Was it a lease agreement Ms. Collins wanted her to find?
Who badly mispronounced a candidate’s name at a job interview?
Oh, Ms. Collins! If you only knew!
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There were many more things that happened back there.
Some were even done on a double-dare!
All in all they helped us to gel.
We covered for each other and showed how we cared.
Most of our summer days were sunny and bright
Except days when lightening and thunderstorms were a fright.
When torrential downpours left our cars under water,
We all wished we had worn rubber galoshes or taken a charter.
Ah, the dribble of water from the top of Portable 11
On many days, going and coming meant using an umbrella.
Tradewinds School traffic was no morning joke.
The roads were too narrow for all those rushing folk.
The summer of 2003 was the most fun of all
We met great friends and all had a ball.
We are in the school building now, and it is nice, shiny, and new.
Friends we encounter each day? Well, their numbers are few.
8
Everyone is spread out, working in individual rooms.
We barely see each other and that makes for gloom.
Just students and teacher since we are now sequestered.
No sense of consolation when we begin to feel flustered.
It is all worth while if we remember why we are here
Let’s hear it for Monarch High and the memories we all hold dear!
Monarch High School opened to the
faculty and staff on August 14,
2003.
Staff members were
“Knighted” on August 15, 2003.
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The Gathering of the Knights..............
By Steve Mattis, Foreign Language Department Chair
Monday, August 12, 2004, was an historic day in the development of
Monarch High School. The faculty gathered for the first time to meet
and begin the work of preparing for the opening of school.
Neighboring Forest Glen Middle School was the site of the meeting
as the Monarch building was not yet ready to receive the faculty.
Over the first two days departments met for the first time. Discussions
were held to begin setting high goals for our Knights. Experts gave seminars on the use of the
latest technologies built into the new school and, we were introduced to the Digitial Education
Teacher Academy (DETA) program in which we were enrolled for the next week.
A majority of the faculty drove into downtown Fort Lauderdale to the campus of FAU to take
part in a graduate three credit course run by DETA personnel. The course lasted from
Wednesday, August 13, through the next Wednesday, August 20, 2003.
Our instructors led us to websites which would complement the academic program. Resources
and exercises and computer work formed the basis for the course, but a most wonderful
component of this program was the cross-departmental teambuilding that resulted from this
week together. By the end of our DETA week, most faculty felt more confident that the skills
and resources needed to use the technology of Monarch High School were in hand and
understood. There would be more DETA workshops during the school year at the newly
opened building.
Now it was noontime on Wednesday, August 20, and a frisson of pleasure ran through the
faculty with the news that Monarch was now open to one and all. The drive up I-95 from
downtown Fort Lauderdale to Coconut Creek was the final step on the journey to the new
Monarch High School. At last we were home.
What a gamut of emotions ran through newly arrived teachers: the beauty of the campus,
the scale of the facilities, the newness of every inch of the campus, and the overwhelming
mountains of boxes everywhere. Department Chairs and other faculty were charged by Kathy
Collins, our principal, with the need to inventory everything as quickly as possible. What a
monumental task.
It is a tribute to Kathy and her motivational skills that staff began a week of working ten and
twelve hour days. Monarch was filled on Saturday and Sunday with staff moving mountains
of textbooks and other instructional materials into classrooms. Paperclips and flags and
wastebaskets and televisions and keys to rooms and closets along with printers and workbooks
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and tubas and paints and student records and desks and a hundred thousand other things
began to find their way into classrooms, offices, and closets.
Everyone worked so hard during the first week. Staff left exhausted at the end of each day
and bravely reported back the next day to continue the work. Everyone needs to be
complimented for their work, but special accolades need to go to Lois Mercier, Heles Miranda,
and his entire staff for their incredible efforts during the opening weeks. On the faculty side
nobody worked harder and had more materials and items to deal with than Walter Lotocky,
Sandra Newbold, Peter Nicholson, and Rosemary Bond-Jackson.
And at last we were ready to open our doors to students and their parents on our first
orientation day in Monarch’s history. The faculty that had given so much, gave that much
more by showing up at school on Saturday, August 23, 2003, to greet our incoming Knights
and deliver last minute information which would be critical to make the opening day for
Monarch run as smoothly as possible.
The real work of Monarch High School was about to begin!
We all wondered throughout the
summer, “Would the school be
ready?”
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Project Monarch History
MidKnight Train toMonarch
by Neil Scher
as sung by the Orange Knights & The Pits
Manor Presentations, August 15, 2003
Her last school was too impersonal
(She couldn’t take it)
So she’s leavin’ the school she’s come to know
She’s leavin’
On that midKnight train to Monarch
Said she’s going ahead to find
A better place to teach
(She said she’s going)
She said she’s goin’ ahead to find
Ooh, what lies ahead in her world
To be part of the Dream Team
For a very long time
And I’m gonna be with her
On that midKnight train to Monarch
I’d rather teach in her school
Than teach without her in mine
She’s leavin’
On the midKnight train to Monarch
I’d rather teach in her school
Than teach without her in mine
She’s leavin’
On that midKnight train to Monarch
Said she’s going ahead to find
A better place to teach
She kept dreamin’
That someday she’d be a Knight
But she sure found out the way
That dreams sometimes come true
So she took the DETA course
And even gave up her old ways
Bought a one-way ticket ahead
To the school she once envisioned
Oh, yes, she did
And I’m gonna be with her
On that midKnight train to Monarch
I’d rather teach in her school
Than teach without her in mine
Go, gonna board, gonna board
The midKnight train to Monarch
Gonna board the midKnight train
Gonna teach
Gonna board the midKnight train...
She said she would
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MONARCH KNIGHT
BEFORE WINTER BREAK
by Loya L. Subjekt
published on campus, December 18, 2003
‘Twas the day before break, when all through the Castle
no students were stirring, not even a hassle.
The hallways were quiet and no peep you could hear,
in hopes that Winter Break soon would be there.
The students were nestled all snug in their chairs,
whiles visions of sleeping all day danced in their heads.
The AP’s in their offices, and I at my desk,
had just settled our brains for a long day’s class.
When out on the common there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my desk to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
rolled open the shutter, and threw up the sash.
The sun on the breast of the new-fallen rain
gave the luster of midday to objects in frame,
when, what to my wondering eyes I should see,
but a Knight in shiny armor on a large white steed.
With a gallant rider, so lively and proper,
I knew in a moment it must be King Arthur.
More rapid than eagles, his Knights they came,
and he whistled and shouted and called them by name.
“Now Lancelot! Now Gawaine!
Now, Garaint and Tristan!
On, Galahad! On, Percivale!
On, Bors and Bedivere!
To the top of the stairs!
To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away!
Dash away all!”
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As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky
so up the roof-top the courses they flew,
all in full armor, and King Arthur too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
the prancing and pawing of each horse’s hoof.
As I drew in my head and was turning around,
down the stairs King Arthur and his Knights came with a bound.
He was dressed all in armor, from his feet to his head,
and his metal was shiny with black, silver, and red.
The Knights’ Code of Chivalry was rolled up in his hand,
And it was to be known throughout the land.
Monarch, it said, was the place to be,
If challenging yourself was part of your creed.
To be loyal, and kind, and true and noble,
when courage and dignity were held above all.
The character and chivalry of the Knights of old,
With intelligent minds and hearts of gold.
Could be carried on through the students’ lives,
And instill the young Knights with boundless pride.
He was tall and steady, this regal old Knight,
I smiled when I saw him; he was an awesome sight.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
He gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
and filled our hearts with delight, then turned with a jerk.
Gave a royal salute as he moved his fist to his heart,
and giving a nod, up the stairs he rose to depart.
He sprang to his horse, to his steed gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard his exclaim, ‘ere he rode out of sight,
“Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good Knight!”
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Something Very Special
Will Hendricks, Assistant Principal
In every profession, there are certain tasks that make you feel as
though you have accomplished something very special. In
medicine, it might be discovering a cure for a disease or just
diagnosing correctly a disorder that saves someone’s life. In sports,
it could be pitching a “no-hitter,” winning a championship, or
breaking a record that was thought to be untouchable. In education,
one of those certain tasks for me was opening a new school. I have
always been a pioneer, so to speak. “Wanting to try new things,
being that person, not afraid to try. Doing things for students that
others say you are crazy to try.” I had done all of those except open
a new school. I wanted to be on the ground floor and help develop a school culture. I wanted
to help students see that someone cares.
In order for you to understand where I am coming from, I must tell you something about
myself. I have been in education for almost thirty years. I taught at the elementary level,
taught in a self-contained class of 9-12 grade students at an alternative school, and was an
assistant principal at a high school and alternative school, and was a principal at a middle
and high school in Pennsylvania. I knew that the school district was building a new high
school, and they had chosen a principal. I researched and found out who the principal was.
That was in early December 2002. I called the principal, introduced myself, and said I was
very interested in working at the school. She told me to watch for the ad to come out and
apply.
When I saw the ad in January 2003 that the new high school in Coconut Creek was looking to
hire an assistant principal, the opportunity for me to fulfill something that I had always wanted
to do was staring me in the face. I applied and received an interview with the principal. My
interview was scheduled at 8:00 AM. in a portable class at an elementary school. Well, being
the prompt person that I am, I was there at 7:30 AM. At 8:10 AM, I started to wonder when no
one showed up. So, I walked into the next portable, told them who I was, and apologized for
the mistake. I explained that I guess I really made a great first impression by being late, but I
was actually sitting next-door waiting. I had my interview and was told that I would be
notified very soon.
A couple of weeks later, the principal who I was working for at that time told me that the new
principal wanted to do a second round of interviews. I had that interview a few days later. I
walked into the portable for the interview, sat down, and Ms. Collins said, “You are a Knight
now!”
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It was then that I realized that a dream I had about starting a school from the ground up was
about to begin. My start date was March 17, 2003, but there was too much work to do to wait
until that date. I was honored that Ms. Collins put so much faith in me that I was capable of
helping her open a new school. I didn’t want to let her down. Now the journey began. We
had to hire staff and put in place a program of study that would be like no other. The days
were long and ran into knight (pun intended). We met with students who were going to
come to Monarch. We wanted to include students so they felt a part when the school opened.
We met and gave them the name “Castle Keepers.” They did a fantastic job of coming up
with ideas that students would like.
Staffing Monarch was a challenge in itself. Teachers, custodians, paraprofessionals, secretaries,
all had to be hired. There were some days that we interviewed candidates in certain categories
from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This happened almost everyday. Characteristics we looked for
when interviewing: Was the person willing to go the extra mile for students? Would they be
dedicated to making sure of the success of each student? We believe we did a great job in
finding and hiring quality personnel for Monarch High.
Ms. Collins worked diligently with me on the program of study. I made a comment that “we
have to hook students,” so to speak. What I meant was that each student has something to
offer and something they enjoy doing at school, whether it is core academics, fine arts, physical
education or another curricular area. We had to tie in what students excel in with our core
curriculum. Life Skills Courts was born. In most school districts, only certain students can
graduate with honors. Any student at Monarch who completes a course of study and meets
all the criteria will graduate from a Life Skills Court with recognition. It allows all students at
Monarch opportunities to excel in areas of interest.
All the programs at Monarch have been tied into technology. We are one of the first schools in
the county to have wireless Internet access for our staff and students. This innovation has put
Monarch High School on the map. We have visitors from all over the country coming to
Monarch to view our programs and technology. What they all leave with is an understanding
of just what it means to be a Knight. The staff and students at Monarch High School are not
satisfied with where we are. We continually push forward to explore areas of curriculum and
technology to keep us at the forefront of education in the twenty-first century.
Will Hendricks and Penny
Dorfman work with the Knights
in Portable 10 at Tradewinds Elementary School.
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PROJECT MONARCH HISTORY:
A PERSONAL REFLECTION
Peter Nicholson, Social Studies Department Chair
When I learned that a new high school was being opened in Coconut
Creek, I decided I would be at that high school somehow! As the
saying goes, “Put all your eggs in one basket, and watch that basket.”
I did just that. After doing my homework I heard that Ms. Collins
was a dynamic person to work for. I submitted my application in the
appropriate time and waited for a response. The interview was a
good one and true to my sources, Ms. Collins was quite professional
and very amicable. I felt good about the interview and promised myself that I would not
disappoint her if I hired. I left the portable site believing that I made a good first impression
and had an excellent chance of being hired. Thankfully, I got the job and the rest is now
history.
As a full-fledged Monarch Knight and a department chair, I was entrusted with new
responsibilities. When Ms. Collins called twice-weekly meetings, which she expected us to
attend. I had to juggle my time wisely. I still had obligations and responsibilities to Flanagan.
Simultaneously, I was expected to fill this new role quickly and surely not miss the meetings.
And, yes, my family was still expecting me to fulfill my roles.
Not to know is bad;
Not to want to know is worse.
My new role as a department chair was somewhat overwhelming. I also had the misconception
that I should ask Ms. Collins questions only if I had done my research, asked others, and was
not satisfied with the response. I knew she was overwhelmed and did not want to add to her
“list of things to do.” Quickly I learned, however, that she had a truly “open door” policy
and wanted me to ask her questions and make her know what I was thinking and wanted or
needed help. “Just remember,” she said, “it’s about Monarch opening smoothly, and the only
way we’re going to do this is by being team players.” I don’t know if she remembers these
words. However, for someone who was in need of reassurances, her soothing words of wisdom
were most welcome. I quickly learned to ask if I did not know. Yes! The answers did come,
ALL correct because of her commitment to excellence and my will to do it right.
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One who learns teaches.
The meetings, although they were often, became a time for me to bond with my new colleagues
and also to learn; and believe me, there was much to learn. The meetings were helpful even
though at times I could have used some down time for my family. So in between ordering
books and equipment, Ms. Collins made sure we learned about curriculum mapping and
Knights seminar. She organized that we meet the district’s Curriculum Specialists and
Monarch’s budget keeper. She introduced us to the NESS coordinator, and DETA, the Area
Office and District personnel.... and I could go on and on. The bottom line is I now have a
great appreciation for all the tremendous energies and pieces of the puzzle involved in opening
a new school. Obviously, Ms. Collins learned well and as such was able to teach us well. We
were instructed to do likewise to our fellow department members and future Monarch Knights.
The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.
When Monarch opened (smoothly as we all now know), the
hard work, planning, and commitment to doing it right paid
off. The school was simply buzzing with excitement and
expectations. Staff and students alike knew that this school
was different than most other schools. The students were
treated to a heavy dosage of knighthood and their role in
adhering to The Knights’ Code. Everyone (all staff) did their
part in ensuring the school facilities and its occupants
remained knightly in outlook. The big challenge, however,
came with delivering the curriculum. And it was a challenge
because the expectations of the summer were so high that I was not quite prepared for what
was to come. Wired Wednesdays and staff development made our jobs easier. We were able
to develop and design strategies that made teaching and facilitating at Monarch a lot more
enjoyable and meaningful than any other place I have taught. The challenges remain; however,
the commitment by all to do that “little extra” has made our tasks easier and more endurable.
The staff collaborated across
content areas to ensure that
students received “real
world” experiences.
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THE
MONARCH
DESIGN
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THE MONARCH DESIGN
Teachers
Teachers hold the keys to student achievement at Monarch High School. The relationship
between teachers and their students determines the degree of learning that occurs in the
classrooms. Teachers make personal connections with students at Monarch High School.
Monarch High School teachers deliver a rigorous curriculum and expect all students to achieve.
There is an enthusiasm about the subject matter in every classroom. Teachers are actively
engaged in teaching, and students are actively engaged in learning everyday at Monarch
High School.
Reading is emphasized in all classrooms at Monarch High School. Teachers are trained in
instructional reading strategies and higher level questioning. Students are encouraged to
think, express opinions, and make evaluations in classrooms.
Monarch High School teachers are leaders. They participate in mentoring, learning
communities, and school improvement activities. Reviewing student work together, observing
instruction integrating technology in a colleague’s classroom, and collaborating with peers
are common practices. Professional growth is valued at Monarch High School.
Teachers utilize technology for productivity - electronic grade-book and lesson plans,
handbooks, bulletins, and communication with staff. Paper memos and bulletins are
minimized. Technology is integrated into all curriculum areas and visible in every classroom.
Teachers at Monarch High School commit themselves to excellence. They expect all students
to achieve and give of themselves to make that happen.
In preparing to open Monarch High School, all teachers
attended “Digital Education Teacher Academy,” or DETA,
during August 2003. At the academy teachers practiced
using wireless laptop computers, digital cameras, and
instructional software. They were divided into groups and
developed interdisciplinary projects. Not only did the
teachers learn new technologies, they spent two weeks
getting to know each other and becoming Knights!
Thoughts of a Teacher . . .
I’ve come to a frightening conclusion. I am the decisive element in the classroom. It is my
personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. As a
teacher, I possess tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of
torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child
humanized or dehumanized.
-- Dr. Haim Ginott
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Monarch High School Teachers
A-Z
A
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The National Board for
Professional Teaching Standards
Created in 1993, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is an independent organization rooted in the belief that the single most important action this country
can take to improve schools and student learning is to strengthen teaching. The mission of
the NBPTS reform movement is listed below.
+ Maintain high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and
be able to do
+ Provide a national voluntary system certifying teachers who meet these standards
+ Advocate relationed education reforms to integrate National Board Certification in American education and capitalize on the expertise of National Board Certified teachers.
In order to achieve National Board Certification, teachers are required to complete the following.
+ An extensive series of performance-based assessments that include teaching portfolios,
student work samples, videotapes, and thorough analyses of the candidates’ classroom
teaching and student learning
+ A series of written exercises that probe the depth of subject matter knowledge as well as
understanding of how to teach the subjects to students.
When the certification is achieved, teachers are expected to mentor other teachers in a variety
of educational settings.
Teachers who have participated in the NBPTS program have overwhelmingly stated that it is
the most powerful professional development experience of their careers. The experience
changes them as professionals and deepens their content knowledge. It also forces them to
develop, master, and reflect on new approaches to working with students.
Monarch High School is proud to have six National Board Certified teachers on the faculty:
Mrs. Ayers, Mrs. Beahan, Mrs. Burrow, Mr. Grimes, Mrs. McMillan, and Ms. Pickman.
Learning is a social as well as an intellectual process. It depends on interactions between students and
teachers. These interactions are strongly influenced by the perceptions that each group holds of the
other. When teachers believe that students are willing and able to learn and students believe that
teachers care about them and want them to succed, the results are astounding in terms of both the
students’ academic achievement and the teachers’ professional growth.
-- Texas Education Agency, 1992
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MONARCH PRIDE
The Knights demonstrate Monarch Pride on campus and in the community through good sportsmanship
on the playing fields and courts, community service projects, celebrations of diversity and multicultural
projects, peer counseling and tutoring, and honor roll achievements. The Knights’ Code is the standard
for Monarch Pride.
The Knights’ Code
Chivalry: gallantry, courtesy, honor; noble qualities of a knight, such as courage;
demonstration of the qualities of a knight
The Knight’s Code of Chivalry was a handbook for good conduct during the Middle Ages.
The code was a set of standards that strong and mighty knights placed upon themselves with
the realization that setting a good example sends a message more powerful than words on
paper.
Symbols of chivalry are powerful because of their deep attachment to the important virtues
of humanity. Linked to the symbols of knighthood, these timeless virtues are transmitted
down through generations. The symbols of chivalry bring memories of an idealized past and
the promise for a better future.
Chivalry is a choice. It is the choice to do the right things, for the right reasons, at the right
times. Monarch Knights choose the Code of Chivalry.
Chivalry is alive and well at Monarch High School!
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+
RESPONSIBILITY: Monarch Knights meet
obligations by being reliable, accountable, and dependable
to self and others.
+
CITIZENSHIP:
Monarch Knights know,
understand, and display high regard for rules, laws,
government, heritage, and for those who have served and
sacrificed for community and country. Knights know that
compromising on the little rules weakens the fabric of the
Monarch community.
+
KINDNESS: Monarch Knights are helpful,
thoughtful, caring, compassionate, and considerate.
Knights exercise kindness in dealings with others, creating
a sense of peace and community, rather than engendering
hostility and antagonism.
+ RESPECT: Monarch Knights show consideration, understanding and regard for people,
places, and things.
+ HONESTY: Monarch Knights are truthful, trustworthy, and sincere. Knights are faithful
to promises, no matter how big or small the promises may be. Knights also understand
the importance of upholding convictions at all times, especially when no one is watching.
+ SELF-CONTROL: Monarch Knights exercise self-control. Knights exercise discipline over
their behavior and actions and hold themselves to the highest standards.
+ TOLERANCE: Monarch Knights recognize and respect differences, values, and beliefs of
others. Knights celebrate the diverse community at Monarch High School.
+ COOPERATION: Monarch Knights work with others to accomplish the common purpose.
Knights maintain positive attitudes and cheerful demeanors. Monarch Knights inspire
others.
Proud to be a Monarch Knight!
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Monarch Beliefs
Monarch High School’s beliefs are consistent with The Knights’ Code and reflect Monarch
Pride among students, staff, parents, and community partners.
Monarch High School promotes a rigorous curriculum. All curricular, co-curricular
and extra-curricular programs consider and reflect the needs of the community. The
goal of Monarch High School is to inspire students to become life-long learners and
responsible citizens.
Monarch Students
+ Represent the reason for Monarch High School’s existence
+ Understand the expectations of The Knights’ Code and make appropriate choices based
on that code
+ Collaborate with others to work and learn successfully
+ Contribute to an educational environment in which students can learn and teachers can
teach
+ Acquire technological skills to maximize their own learning
+ Apply their knowledge in everyday life by working with others, including business and
community partners
+ Develop personal connections with their peers while respecting and appreciating the
diversity of the school population
+ Strive always for excellence as they pursue
academic endeavors and fulfill graduation
requirements
Monarch Staff
+ Engage in professional conduct which supports the
reason for Monarch High School’s existence
+ Understand the expectations of The Knights’ Code and
make appropriate choices based upon that code, leading to
successful learning for every student
+ Collaborate with others to model successful teaching practices
+ Contribute to an educational environment in which students
can learn and teachers can teach
+ Acquire technological skills and participate in professional
development on a continual basis while working with students
to maximize learning
+ Apply their knowledge in every day life by working with others,
including business and community partners
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+ Develop individual connections with diverse students to support their learning while
maintaining open communication with parents of the students
+ Guide students toward successful completion of graduation requirements
Monarch Parents
+ Engage in conduct which supports the reason for Monarch High School’s existence
+ Understand the expectations of The Knights’ Code and guide their children in making
appropriate choices based upon that code
+ Collaborate with teachers and students to model successful parenting practices
+ Contribute to an educational environment in which students can learn and teachers can
teach
+ Encourage students to acquire technological skills in order to maximize their learning
+ Share their personal knowledge and experiences in working with students and teachers
+ Develop personal connections with students, faculty, and staff while respecting and
appreciating the diversity at Monarch High School
+ Assist students as they strive to meet graduation requirements
Monarch Community and Business Partners
+ Engage in conduct which supports the reason for Monarch High School’s existence
+ Understand the expectations of The Knights’ Code and encourage students in making
appropriate choices based upon that code
+ Collaborate with teachers and students to share their unique experiences
+ Contribute to an educational environment in which students can learn and teachers can
teach
+ Support students in acquiring technological skills to maximize their learning
+ Share their personal knowledge and experiences in working with students and teachers
+ Develop personal connections with students, faculty, and staff while respecting and
appreciating the diversity at Monarch High School
+ Assist students as they strive to meet graduation requirements
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MONARCH HIGH SCHOOL
NORMS
Knights’ Code
Model the
Nor the Time
Ho
Ind
Keep an Open M
Get Involved
Hers
Respect Ot
Stay on
Task
Share Ideas
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INTERDISCIPLINARY INSTRUCTION
Art and math were combined to bring “Mona Lisa” and other
paintings to the Monarch courtyard in March 2004. Art skills
were utilized to select paintings appropriate for the lawn. Math
skills were utilized to develop grids and determine the amount of
paint required. Technology provided tools to carry out the work.
Students in Mrs. Ayers, Mrs. McMillan, and Mr. Huff’s classes worked on the lawn
painting project. The paintings were featured during the Eighth Grade Curriculum Night
at Monarch High School.
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Life Skills Courts
Life Skills Courts promote the personalized education and school to career connection at Monarch High School.
Life Skills Courts provide programs of study organized by career paths. The three life skills courts are Public
Service, Applied Business Technology, and Arts and Letters.
All ninth grade students are enrolled in the Knights’ Seminar, a course designed to support students in their
transition to high school, education planning, and career exploration. Students will explore the Life Skill
Courts and select their life skill focus for high school. Each Monarch student joins a Life Skills Court during
the spring of the freshmen year. Students also develop educational plans that include Life Skills courses, required
courses, and supporting elective courses during high school. Life Skills Courts also provide opportunities for
project-based learning, interdisciplinary instruction, mentoring, and personalized guidance services. Students
acquire “real world” skills needed to succeed after high school. Partnerships with local businesses, technical
schools, colleges, and universities support the Life Skills Courts by providing mentors, tutors, and advisors for
Monarch High School students. Externship opportunities are also available through the partners.
The students’ membership in Life Skills Courts is celebrated through their Senior Projects. Each student’s
project is unique and reflects individual accomplishments. Life Skills teachers serve as advisors to the students
in the development and presentation of their projects. Seniors may select the Senior Seminar as an elective
course for support in completing their projects.
Graduation Recognition
Recognition at graduation is available for students who meet the requirements within the selected Life Skills
Court. This recognition includes a special medallion symbolizing the specific Life Skills Court and a court seal
on the high school diploma.
In order to receive “Life Skills Courts” recognition at graduation, a student must
+ Meet graduation requirements (credits, grade point average, FCAT, service hours)
+ Earn credit in the four designated Life Skills courses within the Court strand
+ Maintain 2.5 GPA within Life Skills courses within the Court strand
+ Earn credit in the Knights’ Seminar (Grade 9)
+ Complete satisfactorily the Life Skills Court Senior Project (Grade 12)
+ Complete the application for graduation recognition
Suggested Four Year Plans
Monarch High School's suggested four-year plans are just that, suggestions. The suggested plans include collegepreparatory programs with all courses required for high school graduation with a standard diploma, as well as
courses required for graduation with honors within each Life Skills Court. However, four-year high school
plans must be personalized and unique to each student. Students should discuss their high school plans, including
their life skills focus and course selections, with their parents and guidance counselor. When developing the
four-year plan, considerations should include personal interests, career goals, academic achievement, and test
scores. Personal plans should be reviewed by students and parents each year and revised as needed.
Ninth-grade students will develop their initial four-year high school plans during the Knights' Seminar. The
plan will be reviewed each year during the spring as part of the registration process. Parents are encouraged to
participate in the process of registration by discussing the plans and course selections with their students and
guidance counselors. The BRACE advisor is also available to assist parents and students in the review of fouryear plans.
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Graduation with Recognition from the Life Skills Courts
In order to achieve graduation recognition* from the “Court,” the student must
• Meet graduation requirements (credits, grade point average, FCAT, service hours)
• Earn credit in the four designated Life Skills courses within the Court strand
• Maintain 2.5 GPA within Life Skills courses within the Court strand
• Earn credit in the Knights’ Seminar (Grade 9)
• Complete satisfactorily the Life Skills Court Senior Project (Grade 12)
• Complete the application for graduation recognition
LIFE SKILLS COURT CORE CLASSES
Court of Public Service
Civil Service
Ed Studies Gr K-2
JROTC Leadership 1
Early Childhood 1
JROTC Leadership 2
JROTC Leadership 3
JROTC Leadership 4
Early Childhood 2
Early Childhood 3
Early Childhood DS
Ed Studies
Law Studies
Psychology
International
Relations
or Afr Amer Studies
Explore Teaching 1
Legal Systems
Explore Teaching 2
Comprehensive Law
Explore Teaching DS Legal Aspects
Community Lead
Psychology
Lead Dev / Peer C
Lead Tech / Peer C
Executive Intern
Fitness & Wellness
Ind Dual Sports 1/2
Tm Sports 1/2
First Aid/Ath Injuries
Rec Act / Officiating
Court of Applied Business Technology
Tech Studies
Tech Studies 1
Tech Studies 2
Tech Studies 3
Tech Studies 4
PC Support
PC Support 1
PC Support 2
PC Support 3
PC Support 4
Accounting
Accounting 1
Accounting 2
Accounting 3
Accounting 4
Web / Digital
Design
Digital 1 / Web 1
Digital 2 / Web 2
Digital 3 / Web 3
Digital 4 / Web 4
Marketing
Market Essentials
Market Applications
Market Management
Market OJT
Court of Arts and Letters
Liberal Arts
Drama/Debate
Visual Arts
Music Band, Chorus
Journalism NP, YB,
TV
Art
Band or Chorus
Drama or Debate
Journalism or Cr Writ
SpchDeb / Drama
Debate 2 / Drama
Debate 3 / Drama
Debate 4 / Drama
Art
Art
Art
Art
Band / Chorus
Band / Chorus
Band / Chorus
Band / Chorus
Journal 1
Journal 2
Journal 3
Journal 4
4 courses/combination
Progressive Levels
Progressive Levels
Progressive Levels
Progressive Levels
Foreign Lang
French, Spanish, ASL
French, Spanish, ASL
French, Spanish, ASL
French, Spanish, ASL
Progressive Levels
* Graduation recognition may be adjusted for students who did not attend Monarch High School all four years.
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Regular, Honors, or AP
*Math
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*Biology 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*World History
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Algebra
Algebra 1A/1B, Algebra 1,
Geometry, or Algebra 2
(Regular or Honors)
*Earth Science
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Reading or
World Geography
Knights
Knights
* required
Special Interest Elective
Knights
Regular, Honors, or AP
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*World History
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Reading or
World Geography
*Cmptr, Fine or Prac Arts
Elective
* required
Lead Techniques
or Peer Counseling
Special Interest Elective
Spanish, French, or ASL
Lead Development
or Peer Counseling
Special Interest Elective
Spanish, French, or ASL
Foreign Language
*Personal Fitness /
Physical Education
Elective
Foreign Language
*Health
Elective
Chemistry, Marine Science,
or Environmental
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
*Science
*Knights’ Seminar
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*American History
*Biology 1
*Earth Science
*Math
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*Math
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*Algebra
Algebra 1A/1B, Algebra 1,
Geometry, or Algebra 2
(Regular or Honors)
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 2
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*English 3
11th Grade
*English 1
10 Grade
th
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
9 Grade
th
JROTC
Leadership 3
Community Leadership Studies
Special Interest Elective
Elective
*Cmptr, Fine or Prac Arts
JROTC
Leadership 2
JROTC
Spanish, French, or ASL
Spanish, French, or ASL
Leadership 1
Foreign Language
*Health
Foreign Language
*Knights’ Seminar
Elective
Chemistry, Marine Science,
or Environmental
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
*Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*Personal Fitness /
Physical Education
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*American History
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*English 3
*English 2
*English 1
11 Grade
th
10 Grade
th
Civil Service Leadership Studies
9 Grade
th
Court of Public Service
SUGGESTED FOUR-YEAR PLANS
Within the Life Skill Courts
or Elective
Senior Seminar
or Elective
Executive Internship
Spanish, French, or ASL
Foreign Language
Psychology
Regular, Honors, or AP
*Government / Economics
Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy,
or Environmental, Biology 2
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 4
12th Grade
Or Internship or Elective
Senior Seminar
Leadership 4
or Elective
JROTC
Spanish, French, ASL
Foreign Language
Elective
Regular, Honors, or AP
*Government / Economics
Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy,
Environmental, or Biology 2
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 4
12 Grade
th
(Gold Seal)
*Science
*Biology 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Earth Science
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Elective
*Cmptr, Fine or Prac Arts
*Personal Fitness /
Physical Education
Elective
*Knights’ Seminar
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Reading or
World Geography
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Algebra 1A/1B, Algebra 1,
Geometry, or Algebra 2
(Regular or Honors)
Elective
Special Interest Elective
* required
Speech, Debate, or Creative Writing
Elective
*Health
Exploring Teaching 2
Spanish, French, or ASL
Exploring Teaching 1
Foreign Language
Spanish, French, or ASL
Regular, Honors, or AP
Foreign Language
*American History
*World History
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Chemistry, Marine Science,
Environmental, or Anatomy
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
*Math
*Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*English 3
11th Grade
Education Studies
* required
Special Interest Elective
Early Childhood 3
*Algebra
*English 2
10th Grade
Parenting Skills / Family Dynamics
Elective
*Health
Early Childhood 2
Spanish, French, or ASL
Early Childhood 1
Foreign Language
Spanish, French, or ASL
Regular, Honors, or AP
Foreign Language
*American History
*World History
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Chemistry, Marine Science,
Environmental or Anatomy
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
*Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 3
11 Grade
th
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*English 1
9th Grade
Elective
*Cmptr, Fine or Prac Arts
*Personal Fitness /
Physical Education
Elective
*Knights’ Seminar
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Reading or
World Geography
*Biology 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Earth Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Algebra 1A/1B, Algebra 1,
Geometry, or Algebra 2
(Regular or Honors)
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Math
*English 2
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Algebra
*English 1
10 Grade
th
Education Studies: Early Childhood
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
9 Grade
th
or Internship or Elective
Senior Seminar
Psychology
Directed Studies
or Elective
Exploring Teaching
Spanish, French, or ASL
Foreign Language
Regular, Honors, or AP
*Government / Economics
Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy,
Environmental, or Biology 2
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 4
12th Grade
or Internship or Elective
Senior Seminar
Special Interest Elective
or Elective
Early Childhood 4
Spanish, French, or ASL
Foreign Language
Regular, Honors, or AP
*Government / Economics
Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy,
Environmental, or Biology 2
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 4
12th Grade
Project Monarch History
Regular, Honors, or AP
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Knights
Knights
*Health
Knights
Regular, Honors, or AP
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Math
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*Biology 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*World History
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Algebra
Algebra 1A/1B, Algebra 1,
Geometry, or Algebra 2
(Regular or Honors)
*Earth Science
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Reading or
World Geography
*Cmptr, Fine or Prac Arts
Special Interest Elective
Elective
* required
Special Interest Elective
Speech, Debate, Creative Writing
Elective
Legal Systems and Concepts
Law Studies
Spanish, French, ASL
Spanish, French, ASL
International Relations
or Afr Amer Studies
*Health
Foreign Language
Science
or Internship or Elective
Senior Seminar
Legal Aspects of Business
Comprehensive Law Studies
Law Studies
Spanish, French, ASL
Foreign Language
Regular, Honors, or AP
*Government / Economics
Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy,
Environmental, or Biology 2
(Regular, Honors, AP)
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Chemistry, Marine Science,
Environmental, or Anatomy
(Regular, Honors, AP)
Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 4
12 Grade
th
or Internship or Elective
Senior Seminar
or Elective
Recreational Activities
Sports Officiating
Special Interest Electives
Spanish, French, or ASL
Foreign Language
Regular, Honors, or AP
*Government / Economics
Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy,
Environmental, or Biology 2
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 4
12th Grade
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
Foreign Language
*Personal Fitness /
Physical Education
Business Systems
*Knights’ Seminar
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*American History
*English 2
*English 3
10 Grade
11 Grade
Law Studies
th
Special Interest Elective
* required
9 Grade
th
Volleyball or Basketball
Elective
First Aid /
Athletic Injuries
Team Sports 1/2
Spanish, French, or ASL
Spanish, French, or ASL
Individual Dual Sports 1/2
Foreign Language
Foreign Language
*English 1
th
Elective
*Cmptr, Fine or Prac Arts
*Personal Fitness /
Physical Education
Elective
*Knights’ Seminar
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*American History
*World History
Reading or
World Geography
*Science
Chemistry, Marine Science,
Environmental, or Anatomy
(Regular, Honors, or AP))
*Biology 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Math
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*Math
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*Algebra
Algebra 1A/1B, Algebra 1,
Geometry, or Algebra 2
(Regular or Honors)
*Earth Science
*English 3
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 2
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*English 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
11th Grade
10th Grade
9th Grade
Fitness and Wellness
Marketing
Business and Entrepreneurial
Principles
* required
*Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*Biology 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Algebra 1A/1B, Algebra 1,
Geometry, or Algebra 2
(Regular or Honors)
*Earth Science
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Special Interest Elective
Web or Digital Design 1
Elective
*Practical Arts
Business Systems 1
* required
Web or Digital Design 3
Web or Digital Design 2
or Internship or Elective
Senior Seminar
Web Design 4
or Elective
Elective
Emergent Computer Tech,
Computer Art, or Multimedia Tech
Elective
Spanish, French, or ASL
Foreign Language
Regular, Honors, or AP
*Government / Economics
Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy,
Environmental, or Biology 2
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 4
12th Grade
Senior Seminar or
Legal Aspects of Business
Marketing
On-the-Job Training
or Elective
Marketing Management
Spanish, French, or ASL
Foreign Language
Regular, Honors, or AP
*Government / Economics
Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy,
Environmental, or Biology 2
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 4
12th Grade
Business and Entrepreneurial
Principles
Spanish, French, or ASL
*Health
Foreign Language
Spanish, French, or ASL
Regular, Honors, or AP
Foreign Language
*American History
*World History
Chemistry, Marine Science,
Environmental, or Anatomy
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
*Math
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Personal Fitness /
Physical Education
*Knights’ Seminar
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Reading or
World Geography
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 2
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Algebra
*English 3
11 Grade
th
*English 1
10 Grade
th
(Gold Seal)
Marketing
On-the-Job Training
Marketing Applications
Web Design or Digital Design
Special Interest Elective
Marketing Essentials
Elective
Spanish, French, or ASL
*Health
Foreign Language
Spanish, French, or ASL
Regular, Honors, or AP
Foreign Language
*American History
*World History
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Chemistry, Marine Science,
Environmental, or Anatomy
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
*Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 3
11th Grade
(Gold Seal)
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
9 Grade
th
Elective
* Computer
Business Systems 1
*Personal Fitness /
Physical Education
*Knights’ Seminar
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Reading or
World Geography
*Biology 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Algebra 1A/1B, Algebra 1,
Geometry, or Algebra 2
(Regular or Honors)
*Earth Science
*Math
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Algebra
*English 2
10th Grade
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*English 1
9th Grade
Court of Applied Business Technology
Project Monarch History
61
62
*Science
*Biology 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Earth Science
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Knights
Knights
Knights
Special Interest Elective
* required
or Internship or Elective
Senior Seminar
Special Interest Elective
Elective
Special Interest Elective
PC Support 3
Emergent Computer Tech,
Computer Art, or Multimedia Tech
PC Support 1
PC Support 4
Spanish, French, or ASL
Foreign Language
*Cmptr, Practical Arts
Business Systems 1
PC Support 2
Spanish, French, or ASL
Spanish, French, or ASL
*Health
Foreign Language
Foreign Language
*Personal Fitness /
Physical Education
*Knights’ Seminar
Regular, Honors, or AP
*Government / Economics
Regular, Honors, or AP
Science
*American History
*Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 4
12th Grade
*World History
Honors, or Gifted
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Senior Seminar
or Internship or Elective
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Biology 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Earth Science
Reading or
World Geography
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Algebra 1A/1B, Algebra 1,
Geometry, or Algebra 2
(Regular or Honors)
*Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 3
11th Grade
Accounting 3
Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy,
Environmental, or Biology 2
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
*Math
*Algebra
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
* required
or Elective
Business and
Entrepreneurial Principles
or Elective
Accounting 4
Spanish, French, or ASL
Foreign Language
Regular, Honors, or AP
*Government / Economics
Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy,
Environmental, or Biology 2
(Regular, Honors, AP)
Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 4
12 Grade
th
Chemistry, Marine Science,
Environmental, or Anatomy
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
*English 2
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*English 1
10th Grade
9th Grade
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Accounting 1
Special Interest Elective
Accounting 2
P C Support
Special Interest Elective
*Computer
Business Systems 1
Legal Aspects of Business
or Elective
Spanish, French, or ASL
Spanish, French, or ASL
*Health
Foreign Language
Regular, Honors, or AP
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Foreign Language
*American History
*World History
*Personal Fitness /
Physical Education
*Knights’ Seminar
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Reading or
World Geography
*Math
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*Math
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*Algebra
Algebra 1A/1B, Algebra 1,
Geometry, or Algebra 2
(Regular or Honors)
Chemistry, Marine Science,
Environmental, or Anatomy
(Regular, Honors, AP)
*English 3
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 2
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*English 1
th
(Gold Seal)
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Accounting
11 Grade
th
10 Grade
9 Grade
th
*Science
*Biology 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Earth Science
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Elective
*Practical Arts/Computer
Business Systems
*Personal Fitness /
Physical Education
*Knights’ Seminar
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Reading or
World Geography
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*English 3
*Math
*Algebra
Tech Studies 1
Special Interest Elective
* required
Special Interest Elective
Tech Studies 2
Web or Digital Design, or Legal
Aspects of Business
Elective
Spanish, French, or ASL
*Health
Foreign Language
Spanish, French, or ASL
Regular, Honors, or AP
Foreign Language
*American History
*World History
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Chemistry, Marine Science,
Environmental, or Anatomy
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
*Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 2
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*English 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Algebra 1A/1B, Algebra 1,
Geometry, or Algebra 2
(Regular or Honors)
11th Grade
Technology Studies (Gold Seal)
10th Grade
9th Grade
or Internship or Elective
Senior Seminar
Tech Studies 4
or Elective
Tech Studies 3
Spanish, French, or ASL
Foreign Language
Regular, Honors, or AP
*Government / Economics
Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy,
Environmental, or Biology 2
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 4
12th Grade
Project Monarch History
*Science
*Biology 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Earth Science
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Knights
Knights
or Internship or Elective
*Science
*Biology 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Earth Science
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Knights
*Computer
Elective
*Personal Fitness /
Physical Education
Drama 1, Speech, or TV
*Knights’ Seminar
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Reading or
World Geography
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Algebra 1A/1B, Algebra 1,
Geometry, or Algebra 2
(Regular or Honors)
*English 3
*Math
*Algebra
Special Interest Elective
* required
Special Interest Elective
or Internship or Elective
Senior Seminar
Elective
Theatrical Direction, Stagecraft,
Debate, Creative Writing, or TV
Elective
Theatrical Direction, Stagecraft,
Debate, Creative Writing, or TV
Drama 2, Debate, or TV
or Elective
Drama 4, Debate, or TV
Spanish, French, or ASL
Foreign Language
Drama 3, Debate, or TV
Spanish, French, or ASL
*Health
Foreign Language
Spanish, French, or ASL
Regular, Honors, or AP
Foreign Language
*Government / Economics
*American History
*World History
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Regular, Honors, or AP
Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy,
Environmental, or Biology 2
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 4
12 Grade
th
Chemistry, Marine Science,
Environmental, or Anatomy
(Regular, Honors, or AP))
*Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 2
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*English 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
11 Grade
th
10 Grade
th
Performance Studies: Drama, Speech / Debate, Television Broadcasting
9 Grade
th
Special Interest Elective
* required
Senior Seminar
*Computer
Special Interest Elective
Art
Portfolio
or Elective
Art
Spanish, French, or ASL
Foreign Language
Regular, Honors, or AP
*Government / Economics
Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy,
Environmental, or Biology 2
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Math
Elective
Art
Art
*English 4
Regular, Honors, or AP
Art AP
Art
Spanish, French, or ASL
*Health
Foreign Language
Spanish, French, or ASL
Regular, Honors, or AP
Foreign Language
*American History
*World History
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Chemistry, Marine Science,
Environmental, or Anatomy
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
*Math
12th Grade
Art 1 & 2, Photo, Computer Art,
Sculpture, or Animation
*Personal Fitness /
Physical Education
Art
*Knights’ Seminar
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Reading or
World Geography
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Algebra 1A/1B, Algebra 1,
Geometry, or Algebra 2
(Regular or Honors)
*English 3
*Math
*Algebra
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 2
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*English 1
11th Grade
10th Grade
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
9th Grade
Visual Arts: Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, Photography, Computer Art & Animation
Court of Arts and Letters
* required
Band / Chorus
Elective
Band / Chorus
*American History
Regular, Honors, or AP
*World History
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Reading or
World Geography
Spanish, French, or ASL
Spanish, French, or ASL
*Computer
Elective
Special Interest Elective
Journalism 3
Newspaper, Yearbook, or TV
Journalism 2
Newspaper, Yearbook, or TV
Journalism 1
* required
Special Interest Elective
Speech, Debate, Creative Writing,
or Mass Media
*Health
Elective
Foreign Language
Foreign Language
*Personal Fitness /
Physical Education
*Knights’ Seminar
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Science
Chemistry, Marine Science,
Environmental, or Anatomy
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
*Biology 1
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*Math
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Algebra 1A/1B, Algebra 1,
Geometry, or Algebra 2
(Regular or Honors)
*English 3
Regular, Honors, or AP
*Earth Science
*Math
*Algebra
11th Grade
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*English 2
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*English 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
10th Grade
*English 4
12th Grade
or Internship or Elective
Senior Seminar
Speech, Debate, Creative Writing,
or Mass Media
Elective
Newspaper, Yearbook, or TV
or Elective
Journalism 4
Spanish, French, or ASL
Foreign Language
Regular, Honors, or AP
*Government / Economics
Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy,
Environmental, or Biology 2
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 4
12th Grade
or Internship or Elective
Senior Seminar
Band / Chorus
Elective
Band / Chorus
or Elective
Spanish, French, or ASL
Foreign Language
Regular, Honors, or AP
*Government / Economics
Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy,
Environmental, or Biology 2
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
Journalism: Newspaper, Yearbook, Television Broadcasting
9 Grade
th
Elective
Band / Chorus
Elective
Band / Chorus
Special Interest Elective
Spanish, French, or ASL
Spanish, French, or ASL
*Health
Foreign Language
Foreign Language
Regular, Honors, or AP
Band / Chorus
or *Computer
*Personal Fitness /
Physical Education
Band / Chorus
*Knights’ Seminar
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Science
Chemistry, Marine Science,
Environmental, or Anatomy
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
*American History
*Biology 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Earth Science
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*World History
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 3
11th Grade
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Math
*Algebra
Reading or
World Geography
*English 2
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*English 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Algebra 1A/1B, Algebra 1,
Geometry, or Algebra 2
(Regular or Honors)
10th Grade
9th Grade
Instrumental & Vocal Music
Project Monarch History
63
64
Reading or
World Geography
Knights
Knights
Art, Chorus, Band,
or Drama
Special Interest Elective
Elective
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
* Chemistry, Marine Science,
Environmental, or Anatomy
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
*American History
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*Biology 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
Algebra 1A/1B, Algebra 1,
Geometry, or Algebra 2
(Regular or Honors)
*Earth Science
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*English 3
*Math
*Algebra
Knights
*Cmptr, Fine or Prac Arts
Special Interest Elective
Elective
Elective
Spanish, French, ASL
Foreign Language
Spanish, French, or ASL
*Health
Spanish, French, or ASL
*Personal Fitness /
Physical Education
Foreign Language
Foreign Language
*Knights’ Seminar
* required
Special Interest Elective
Elective
or Internship or Elective
Senior Seminar
Elective
Elective
International Relations, Psychology,
or Af Amer Studies
Spanish, French, or ASL
Upper Level /AP
Spanish, French, or ASL
Foreign Language
Regular, Honors, or AP
*Government / Economics
Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy,
Environmental, or Biology 2
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 4
12th Grade
or Internship or Elective
Senior Seminar
Creative Writing, Speech,
Debate, or Journalism
Liberal Arts Course
Elective
Spanish, French, or ASL
Foreign Language
Foreign Language 4
Regular, Honors, or AP
*World History
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
World Geography
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
*English 2
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*English 1
11th Grade
10th Grade
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
9th Grade
* required
Special Interest Elective
Creative Writing, Speech,
Debate, or Journalism
Liberal Arts Course
Art, Chorus, Band,
or Drama
Foreign Languages
Liberal Arts Course
Elective
Foreign Language
Spanish, French, or ASL
Spanish, French, or ASL
Liberal Arts Course
Foreign Language
Foreign Language
Regular, Honors, or AP
Regular, Honors, or AP
*Government / Economics
*American History
Science
*World History
*Health
or *Computer
Math
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Personal Fitness /
Physical Education
*Knights’ Seminar
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*English 4
Regular, Honors, or AP
Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy,
Environmental, or Biology 2
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
* Chemistry, Marine Science,
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
*Math
Regular, Honors, or AP
12th Grade
Environmental, or Anatomy
(Regular, Honors, or AP)
*Biology 1
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Earth Science
as recommended by Guidance
and Teacher
Algebra 1A/1B, Algebra 1,
Geometry, or Algebra 2
(Regular or Honors)
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*Math
*Algebra
*English 3
*English 2
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
*English 1
11th Grade
Liberal Arts
10th Grade
Regular, Honors, or Gifted
9th Grade
Project Monarch History
Project Monarch History
What is at the Heart
of Monarch High School?
Personalized Education
“Connections”
Teacher to Student
Curriculum to Real World
Life Skills Courts
Technology
Integrated into Business Operations
Integrated into Decision-Making
Integrated into Communications
Integrated into Instruction
Integrated into Assessment
Leadership Opportunities
Student Leadership
Teacher Leadership
Partnerships
Parents, Community, Business
Professional Development
All Staff
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The First Day of The First Year
Monarch High School opened to students on Monday, August 25, 2003, with 1033 students.
Students came from Lyons Creek Middle School, Blanche Ely and Deerfield Beach High
Schools, and private or charter schools in the area.
White
55%
11th Grade
169 students
Black
17%
10th Grade
219 students
Hispanic
23%
9th Grade
645 students
Asian
3%
Multi-Ethnic
2%
All students were welcomed to Monarch High School on that Monday with a limited edition,
opening day t-shirt. Throughout the first week, students discussed The Knights’ Code and
what it meant to be a Monarch Knight. Students were “knighted” on Friday, August 29, 2003,
and received Monarch Pride pins.
The “First Knights” were presented with a daunting challenge – develop Monarch traditions!
They have risen to the occasion with Class of 2005 crowns, Red Alert Days, Double 07 shirts,
Marching Knights Jackets, and Homecoming Signs. There is no doubt that Monarch Pride is
alive and well!
Monarch High School Knights
The First Day at Monarch High School
August 25, 2003
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MONARCH
DEPARTMENTS
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Army Junior ROTC is designed to teach high school students the value of citizenship,
leadership, service to the community, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment,
while instilling in them self-esteem, teamwork, and self-discipline. Its focus is eflected
r
in its
mission statement, “To motivate young people to be better citizens.” JROTC pr
epares high
school students for responsible leadership roles while making them aware of their rights,
responsibilities, and privileges as American citizens. The pr
ogram is a stimulus for promoting
graduation from high school, and it provides instruction and rewarding opportunities that
will benefit the student, community, and nation.
Monarch High School’s JROTC program is under the leadership of Lt.
Col. Randall Osowski (Col. O) and Sgt. Maxine Samedy (Sgt. Sam).
Col. O is the Senior Army Instructor (SAI) and Rifle Team Coach at
Monarch High School. He has seven years of teaching experience, all
in Missouri before coming to Monarch. He chose to come to Monarch
High School because it is a new high school and it gave him an
opportunity to build the program from the ground up. Col. Osowski
lists his hobbies as hunting, fishing, golf, and all sports.
Sgt. Sam is the assistant instructor for JROTC. She served 23 years in
the military prior to coming to Monarch High School. She chose
Monarch because she wanted to start a new program. “After meeting
some of the staff for the first time, I realized that Monarch High School
was the right place for me!”
Sgt. Sam is the coach of the Drill Team and the Color Guard. She also
makes sure that all students have the appropriate uniform and wear it with pride. Sgt. Sam’s
hobbies are gardening, boating, sunning, going to concerts, and being with her family.
JROTC Comptetitions
“Attention!” “At ease.” The JROTC blew away their competition at Stranahan High School.
The Drill Team, Rifle Team and Female-Armed Squad competed against other schools on
March 6, 2004. The Rifle Team placed second and the Female-Armed Squad placed first in
their competition.
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The Female-Armed Squad also competed in the Florida State Drill Meet. At the state
competition the Female-Armed Squad did not place in the top five, though they did their best
performance to date.
Holly Davis, rifle team member, said, “I think we did outstanding for a first year team, because
it shows we put in a great amount of effort for something we really enjoy doing. We were
nervous before the competition, but I was happy and excited because all of our hard work
paid off.”
Commander Kim Simpson, a female-armed squad member, said, “I wasn’t nervous until I
got onto the field, but I think my team did well because we practiced a lot.”
Kimonia Simpson, another female-armed squad member, said, “I think my team did excellent
because we performed with a substitute that took the place of another cadet. That’s when I
was starting to get nervous. I was 100% confident that my team would do well, and I’m
happy that my team did their best and performed well.”
The JROTC Officers applauded the efforts of the teams. Col. Osowski remarked, “The Rifle
Team and the Female-Armed Squad did excellent at the competition!”
The JROTC Annual Inspection and Activation Ceremony is May 5, 2004. Cadets will participate
in judging a middle school drill meet on May 8. The JROTC Awards will be presented on
May 20. The awards will include team trophies, individual trophies, medals, and certificates.
Twenty cadets will attend JROTC summer camp in June.
The Army JROTC teams were outstanding for a first-year program. The Knights are proud
of our soldiers.
-- Credit to Doyle English, Staff Writer, Knights Circular, March 2004
Favorite Quotes
from the Army JROTC Instructors
Col. Osowski:
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
-- John F. Kennedy
Sgt. Samedy:
“If you don’t stand for somthing, you’ll fall for anything.”
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CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
The goals of Monarch High School—personalized education, curriculum integration,
technology, and community partnerships all can be identified in our Career and Technology
Education Department (CTE). The CTE curriculum has been specifically designed to
coordinate closely with all academic departments in order to offer integration of academic
skills in all CTE courses and to help to increase academic achievement in the basic skills areas
of reading, writing and math. CTE teachers coordinate closely with academic teachers in
curriculum planning, selecting instructional resources, and planning personalized, projectbased learning activities that support academic integration. CTE students currently are
introduced to technology concepts and applications in first-level courses in every CTE
program. Students will have opportunities to learn and apply the latest technology
competencies and applications they will need as citizens of the 21st century. The CTE
department is committed to an active working relationship with area businesses to emphasize
real-world experiences through guest speakers, field trips, and career planning.
CTE Department Projects:
+ Shopping On-Line — an integrated project with business spreadsheets and math
+ Travel Project — an integrated project with business technology, math, and social studies
+ Autobiography Project — an integrated project with business technology and language
arts
+ Knights Seminar Central City Project —an integrated project with technology, life skills,
and math
+ Knights Seminar Career Project — an integrated project where students explore careers in
the Life Skills Court of Monarch High for both after graduation and post-secondary
education
+ Child Development — preparing and certifying students to become pre-school teachers
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CTE Teacher David Rooney’s favorite quote is, “Every job is a self-portrait of the
person who does it; autograph your work with excellence.”
Meet the CTE Department Members
Ms. Burrow, a National Board Certified Teacher, has been
teaching for 22 years in both middle and high school business
education programs. Her family includes her husband, Jim;
daughter, Korie and her husband, Antoine; son, Tony and his
girlfriend, Diane. Ms. Burrow loves to travel, try new
restaurants, read mystery novels, and work on her golf game.
Ms. Burrow, originally from Iowa, moved to Florida in 2004
from Raleigh, North Carolina, and is truly enjoying the winter
weather and the numerous golf courses here in Florida.
“Helping to open Monarch High has been an exciting and challenging series of events. We
have come from staff meetings in trailers to rooms filled with boxes of books, supplies, and
desks to student-filled rooms engaged in active learning with familiar teachers greeting all in
our hallways! We’ve come a long way, Knights!”
Ms. Huffstetler is from Illinois and received her degree from
Eastern Illinois University. Her first teaching job was as BradleyBourbonnais Community High School in her hometown. In 1978
she moved to South Florida with her sister and started teaching
at Boca Raton High School. From there she moved to Coral
Springs in 1983 and taught at Coral Springs High and at Forest
Glen Middle before coming to Monarch High in 2004. “The
inaugural year at Monarch has been a lot of work, but it has also
been exciting and rewarding. It is great to be a KNIGHT!”
The two other members of the CTE department
are Lori Fuller who joined Monarch from Piper
High School and David Rooney who joined
Monarch from Taravella High School.
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EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION (E.S.E.) DEPARTMENT
Monarch High School’s inaugural ESE Department is comprised of many people:
- an ESE Specialist
- three ESE-certified teachers
- one speech/language therapist who also teaches American Sign
Language (ASL),
- an ESE secretary
- one teacher assistant
- four unique aides.
Miss Beth Pickman and Mrs. Robbie Bailey-Dix both teach Varying Exceptionalities (VE) classes
and serve as support facilitators for standard diploma students who are included in regular
education classes. Mrs. Gwen Stewart teaches our Specialized Varying Exceptionalities (SpVE)
class. Mrs. Hatch served as her teacher assistant. Additionally, four unique aides—Olga
Pavon, Consuela Patterson, Elvith Wagner, and Tia Moye—help some of our ESE students.
Michelle Masi serves as an interpreter for Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) students. Housed in
the main guidance office are Sondra Sellitti, ESE Specialist and ESE Department Chairperson.
Many parents and students also are familiar with Evelyn Lowe, the ESE Secretary.
Our ESE teachers are exceptional, too!
BETH PICKMAN
Miss Pickman is a National Board Certified teacher. Garnering both a
Bachelor ’s and Master ’s degree in Special Education from the
University of Miami, she additionally is endorsed in Early Childhood
Special Education and recently added middle grades Math to her
certificate. Before coming to Broward District Schools, Miss Pickman
spent eight years in various areas of Dade County, where she taught students of all grade
levels, disabilities, and socioeconomic environments. Miss Pickman first taught at Rickards
Middle School in Broward County. While there, she spearheaded an increase in the level of
the ESE curriculum and was involved in a variety of school activities.
Miss Pickman’s classes have accomplished the following:
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-
During first semester, many reading students who had never read a complete novel
read three!
All students became proficient in using the computer to
+ word process assignments
+ create presentations and simple spreadsheets
+ access the Internet to do research
+ use the copy and paste function to combine and print different pieces of
research
+ use school search engines
+ use Inspiration Program to create webs and outlines
+ use a jump drive.
Mainstream students have created electronic portfolios, and Miss Pickman’s math students
have used drawing tools to graph inequalities. Finally, in some of Miss Pickman’s classes, the
students have begun the planning stages for building a screened-in plant house, including
drafting blueprints, creating a supply list, and writing a request letter for donations.
ROBBIE BAILEY-DIX
Our second varying exceptionalities teacher and support facilitator is Ms.
Robbie Bailey-Dix. While at college in Alabama, Ms. Bailey-Dix was voted
Ms. Speech Pathology and served as president of the Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity Sweethearts. After college graduation, Ms. Bailey-Dix lived in
various cities throughout the South, garnered experience, and developed
her career. She feels at home with the Mighty Monarch Knights and is
appreciative of the warm welcome she received from staff and students. Ms. Dix loves her
job and her students and has received an extra bonus of making new friends at Monarch!
Ms. Bailey-Dix’s consumer math students have focused on the following school-to-career
concepts: restaurant costs and tipping; nutritional information; supermarket sales and
coupons; cost of travel in all modes of transportation; housing costs; savings; loans;
understanding pay stubs; vacation and sick leaves; disability and health benefits; and sales,
federal, state, and local taxes. Students in this class also created budgets using laptops.
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Although Ms. Bailey-Dix is proud of all of her classes, her reading class especially has
progressed by leaps and bounds. These students have read ten mini-novels, created
PowerPoint presentations and rubrics for literary passages on laptops, and completed their
autobiographies using laptops and display boards.
In Learning Strategies class, the students’ most complex project involved career researches.
Each student prepared a written product and produced an outstanding PowerPoint
demonstration that was proudly displayed in the Media Center. In addition, students used
laptops and the Mac Lab at least three days a week to enhance their projects and read Seven
Habits of Highly Effective Teens as a basic text.
GWENDOLYN STEWART
Our third ESE teacher is Mrs. Gwendolyn Stewart. A native Floridian, Mrs. Stewart teaches
our specialized varying exceptionalities (SpVE) class. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mental
Retardation, Mrs. Stewart has taught for 25 years. One of the highlights of her career was
being voted “Teacher of the Year” at her school in 1999.
Mrs. Stewart’s class is involved in the following projects:
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Community-based Instruction (CBI) on campus in cafeteria jobs, Media Center
helpers, and Guidance Office helpers
School-wide Recycling Program
Holiday Projects to provide presents of appreciation for all Monarch staff members
Sweetheart Recycling Project – Students hand made over 100 Valentine treat boxes
and filled staff mailboxes with recycled tokens (mouse pads, letter openers, and
refrigerator magnets)
GAIL NEWMAN
A two-time Disney Marathoner, our speech and language therapist, Mrs. Gail Newman, also
teaches American Sign Language (ASL). In addition to providing speech therapy in Broward
County public schools for the past five years, Mrs. Newman has helped people develop their
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speech and language skills in other surrounding including: area hospitals, private schools,
and Easter Seals. She has also taught graduate students at Nova Southeastern University!
Projects Mrs. Newman and her American Sign Language students have worked on this year
include the following:
-
Field trip to the Plantation Fashion Mall to see Santa signing to hearing-impaired cluster
students and to view performances by the cluster students
Reports from students on historic figures and their contributions to the deaf community
Peer tutoring and various community service activities
Sign Language Florida Competition – Two students from first semester ASL class will
participate in county sign language competition.
Mrs. Newman’s speech and language students have worked with the Lindamood-Bell
Phonemic Sequencing Program and produce News-2-You, a monthly current events newsletter
to encourage reading skills, word recognition, and reading comprehension. Reading
Remediation for FCAT preparation provided all language-impaired students the opportunity
to develop reading comprehension along with the ability to answer questions and to highlight
important passages.
Our ESE Specialist and ESE Department Chairperson, Miss Sondra Sellitti, holds a variety of
meetings for ESE students and their parents, including annual reviews, reevaluation plans
and reviews, and matriculation meetings. For more than a year, she has served as a member
of the district’s “Easy IEP” (an electronic management system) Review Committee and has
trained teachers to use the system. As department chair, Miss Sellitti also completes orders,
develops ESE scheduling for students, meets with various area and district-level personnel,
and confers with both students and parents on a daily basis.
Miss Sellitti is very proud of the progress all ESE students have made this year! She especially
is pleased that Monarch High School can boast the most professional and student-friendly
ESE Department in Broward County!
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FINE ARTS
As Albert Einstein stated, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Monarch
High excels in providing a wide base of knowledge for our Knights. We,in the Art department
hope to complement that portion of student learning with our own blend of knowledge AND
imagination. We strive to nurture and stimulate imagination in a structured and creative
environment.
Students are given the opportunity to explore many facets of the creative process. Our
courses include Art 1(beginning art), beginning AND advanced courses in Creative
Photography, Sculpture, Animation/Cinematography, Computer Art, and Ceramics/Pottery.
Our advanced classes (which require Art teacher recommendation) include Drawing and
Painting, Portfolio, Advanced Placement, and Multimedia Technologies. Through these
courses we explore different techniques and methods of art production, learn to evaluate and
interpret art through the ages and in different cultures, practice higher order and critical
thinking skills, and connect art with other disciplines and the real world. Those students
involved in the art program begin to understand how knowledge, skills, and attitudes gained
from the visual arts can enhance and deepen understanding of life and themselves.
Joseph Joubert was quite profound when he said, “Imagination is the eye of the soul.”
We constantly inspire our students to be imaginative and to aspire for greatness. Some of our
students’ artwork will be seen in Project Monarch History, an effort that is truly an
interdisciplinary project.
Music courses are also included in the Fine Arts department. Students may select
chorus, band, keyboarding, guitar, and digital music.
Karac Levine, Chorus
Walter Lotocky, Band & Orchestra
Ann Ayers, Art
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FITNESS AND WELLNESS DEPARTMENT
Department Chair: Pam Griffin
Born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Graduate of Florida State University
Lettered in Volleyball (4 years)
Lettered in Softball (2 years)
Masters of Science from Louisiana State University
Certified in Health, Physical Education and General Science
Number of years teaching/coaching -- 26 years
Started Teaching Career in Opelousas, Louisiana -- 1977
Taught/coached at University of South Alabama -- 2 years
Began teaching in Broward County in 1988
The mission of Monarch High School Physical Education & Health Department is to create an
environment conducive to encouraging students to advocate and promote for their own level
of wellness. Our belief is that teaching students the benefits of living wellness is not enough.
Students must assess their own level of wellness and learn how to improve and enhance this
level for a more productive lifestyle.
Our goal is to provide a variety of activity classes where lifetime sports and fitness activities
are learned and skills are acquired to attain a level of participation that promotes fitness for
life. We believe “if they can play, they will play,” thus promoting skill development essential
to encouraging fitness activities for life.
A secondary purpose of our program involves exposing our Knights to the many career
opportunities available in the sports and recreation world. We offer sports officiating classes,
recreation classes, care and prevention of athletic training, and first aid, to mention a few.
Field trips to wellness centers to observe cardiac rehabilitation and visits to pro facilities with
athletic trainers and recreation departments, showcasing many job opportunities, are planned
for next year’s upper classmen.
In the opening session of Monarch High School, the entire Physical Education department
participated in a “Knights of the Past” project. Students created a PowerPoint to share sports
figures, sports announcers, coaches, and officials who exemplified The Knights’ Code of
Chivalry throughout their lives. It was a great experience for our teachers and our students.
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Some personal fitness classes used technology to advocate the importance of flexibility as a
health component of fitness. Posters were created from their research and were shared with
middle and elementary schools in the area.
Health classes at Monarch were active throughout the year engaging in real-world projects
that promoted the various areas of health. Classes created brochures for middle schools dealing
with the topic of “How To Deal With The Stresses Of High School”, posters promoting a drug
free life, and pamphlets exposing the real facts about teenage decisions, STD’S and teenage
pregnancy. Bookmarks explained the warning signs of suicide and what students should do
in the event they noticed these signs.
Next year, classes will be offered in Advanced Health Explorations, First Aid, and Safety, and
Community and Environmental Health. These classes will use field trips to enter the real
world of health, study it, and then see it in action. It is our hope that field trip exposure to
hospitals, wellness centers, fire departments, group shelters for kids, and other areas in the
community will broaden student interests in employment they may not have been aware of
until now. We look forward to working with Science and Physical Education teachers to
develop cross-curricular units for students to make real connections necessary to live a healthy
life in today’s fast-paced world.
In 2003-2004 the Monarch Knights were very busy indeed. Computers offered us the
opportunity to advocate the goal of becoming self-motivated, lifelong learners, and new ideas
just keep on flowing from energetic students. The future must have great things in store for
our Monarch Knights. We agree, “It’s a great day to be a KNIGHT.”
Meet the Fitness & Wellness Teachers
James
Mathisen
Jack
Chapman
Steve
Lorenc
Kristina
Baillie
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
Look into a foreign language classroom. What students are learning in Period 2 can be used
outside of the classroom in lunch, after school, on the bus or almost anywhere else in daily life
in S. Florida. In Broward we are fortunate to live the American dream of a multicultural
society near home, at school, or at work. A second language prepares students to work with
peoples who come to this part of the States from so many different lands.
At Monarch High School, students are learning French and Spanish, and our Spanish and
Portuguese speaking students can take accelerated courses in Spanish for Hispanohablantes.
We are also among the few high schools in the district that offer American Sign Language. In
the future we will be offering advanced placement (AP) courses in second languages.
Students in language classes are connected to the world outside through technology. Reading
the news via the Internet brings what is happening in our hemisphere and in the world directly
into the classroom.
Department chair Steve Mattis felt fortunate from the day he met his fellow department chairs.
Ms. Collins brought together a group of talented professionals who began planning for
Monarch High School in April 2003. For some of these chairs the process was entirely new.
Ordering texts and supplies was an easy task compared to reading through the 100 plus
resumes submitted.
Mrs. DeMan, French & Spanish
Mr. Raffo, Spanish
Mrs. Staebell, Spanish
Mr. Mattis’ classroom display
brings the Spanish language
alive for the Monarch
Knights!
Mr. Mattis, Spanish
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GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
The Monarch High School Guidance Department is committed to fulfilling the mission
of the Broward County Public Schools. We have a proactive guidance program that fosters
academic achievement, career awareness, personal growth, and a positive self-image for all
students within a safe and secure learning environment.
School counselors promote and enhance achievement by involving all students in
meaningful and continuous academic, career, and personal development activities. These
activities include classroom guidance, small groups for skill mastery, individual counseling
for students with individual needs, and a variety of other innovative ways to support student
performance.
Our BRACE advisor works closely with guidance to provide students with all of the
post-secondary options available to them. Students are provided with information on technical
schools, community colleges, universities, military options, and direct entry into the work
force. Students are also guided through the college application process and given assistance
in filling out scholarship and financial aid forms.
The Monarch High School Guidance Department may be small in size in its first year—
a guidance director, two counselors, and a BRACE advisor—but what we lack in size, we
make up for in spirit and determination. We try to reach out to students on a daily basis, so
that when a problem arises, they know they have someone to turn to for help.
We are committed to “personalized education” and all it entails. We want students
and parents to feel welcome when they enter our offices and we do our best to make ourselves
accessible to them.
Our offices are set up in a “satellite” configuration, in which each counselor is housed
in a different building. This helps to alleviate over-crowding in one central office, and it
promotes interaction with the students because our counselors are located out among the
students in their classrooms.
Our guidance director and Grade 11 counselor is Tom Weber. He comes to us from
Flanagan High School, where he worked for three years as an upper-level counselor and one
year as director of the Flanagan Ninth Grade Center. Prior to that he worked for two years as
a counselor at Western High School and twelve years as a
teacher at Pioneer Middle School.
A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Mr. Weber received a
Bachelor’s degree in History from Ohio University in
Athens, Ohio and his teaching certification from
Youngstown State University. He then went on to live with
a family and study advanced Spanish coursework in Seville,
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Spain. He later earned his Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Barry University
in Miami Shores, Florida.
Mr. Weber is married and has a 15-year-old daughter. In his free time, he enjoys running
and walking on the beach, going to the gym, and working around the house.
In reflecting on the inaugural year at Monarch, Mr. Weber feels that his time here has
been a “once in a lifetime experience.” He started at Monarch on March 18, 2003, one day
later than originally planned due to “FCAT mop-up” at Flanagan. According to him: “The
entire process of opening a brand new high school was made so much easier by the incredible
team effort displayed by everyone in the portable. We worked together, laughed together, ate
together, and handled all crises together as a team. It is something special I will take with me
for the rest of my life.”
Reina Lucas is a guidance counselor for Grades 9 and 10 whose last
names begin with M-Z. She came to Monarch from the South Broward
Zone where she worked for the past seven years as the Family Counselor
for the Emotionally Handicapped and Autistic students. Previous school
experience includes working for the Rochester City School District in New
York. She has also worked in various mental health agencies with substance abuse, domestic
violence, and youth and family services.
Raised in Caracas, Venezuela, she is fluent in Spanish. She moved to Rochester NY at
age 17 where she went to college and received an associate degree from Monroe Community
College, and then transferred to the University of Rochester where she earned her bachelor’s
degree in Psychology and master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development.
Ms. Lucas enjoys spending time with her 9-year-old son, and going to movies and the
beach. She is also very creative and works on painting and crafts in her spare time.
Marjorie Gilles is a guidance counselor for Grades 9 and 10 whose last
names begin with A-L. She came to Monarch from North Miami Middle
School where she worked as a guidance counselor for tfive years. She received
her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Miami—Go
Canes! She then went on to pursue both her master’s degree in social work
and specialist’s degree in guidance and counseling from Barry University.
Ms. Gilles is a Haitian-American who is very skilled in working with the diverse
community of South Florida. In her free time, Ms. Gilles enjoys taking cruises, going to concerts
and plays, and is an avid movie buff.
Ms. Gilles and Ms. Lucas have truly enjoyed working with the phenomenal staff at
Monarch. It has been a tremendous learning experience in developing the foundation of a
new guidance program led by Mr. Weber that will set the standards for years to come. They
feel it is an honor to be a part of Monarch’s history.
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LANGUAGE ARTS
We in the Language Arts department proudly stand beside our colleagues as we help launch
Monarch High School into the annals of history. Our goal is to motivate and stimulate as we
help educate the minds of today’s youth.
Charles Grimes, who accomplished an unprecedented achievement by
publishing Monarch’s first newspaper during the first week of school,
fondly reminisced about the educators who met weekly, catching the visions and writing down the ideas spewing from Ms. Collins. As an English and journalism teacher, he eagerly placed the words on paper and
spurred the debates about words and sentence structure as Portable 11
filled itself with the writing process at best. As they charted the quality of
education the staff would deliver to the students of Monarch High School,
Ms. Collins would smile contentedly, knowing that the foundation of teachers and
adminstrators she had assembled was exactly what she had envisioned. Each week, new
professionals joined the Monarch team, bringing with them their own special energy, new
possibilities for the future, and the collective excitement that sparks more dialogue and debate.
When Sandra Newbold accepted the academic challenge to lead as the
first Language Arts department chair, things began to move rather
quickly. After many quality interviews, Harriet Ivey was chosen as
Yearbook Advisor, and Jason Dixon, Barbara Beahan, and Chad Schilling
joined the team. As the summer and later the school year progressed,
Edna Jones and Greg Banks joined the ranks.
Through English 1, 2, 3, 4, Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), Language and Literature, Television Production, Mass Media, Creative Writing, Newspaper, Yearbook, and other courses
that will be created to meet student needs, we offer a balanced curriculum stressing excellence in reading, standard written and spoken English, literature, and academic and computer-assisted research. Along with the regular academic focus, our FCAT and future SAT
preparation classes are designed to assist students at all levels reach their maximum potential. The English Department endeavors to provide the critical thinking skills that will ensure
that students meet the demands of our global and technological society.
The staff of the English department is phenomenal. Each expert in his or her own way brings
a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Members of the department always work with and
contribute to the team to enhance the skills of the department.
Greg Banks teaches English 1 to ninth-grade Knights. He is happy to
teach at Monarch High School because it is a new school with many
resources. Mr. Banks loves working with technology and integrating it
into the curriculum.
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Barbara Beahan came to Monarch from Coral Springs High School. She
is an extraordinary and treasured addition to an already excellent staff.
Mrs. Beahan views each student as unique, realizing that one child may
have learning disabilities, but is keenly intelligent; another may be introverted yet highly motivated; a third, extroverted with leadership abilities. She recognizes that each of these students is distinct and each requires appropriate responses from their teachers.
Mrs. Beahan knows the full impact we make on the young people in our classrooms. She
hopes students know that she tries to acknowledge each of them as developing individuals.
It is her fervent wish that they remember, above all, the positive manner in which she attempts to deal with each one.
Harriet Ivey recognizes the importance of establishing a positive rapport
with the student body, faculty, staff, and administration. She has demonstrated this through her dedication as an English teacher and Yearbook
advisor. She took on the yearbook as a welcomed challenge. Mrs. Ivey
and her staff went to great lengths to preserve memories that may otherwise have been forgotten. In addition to her yearbook duties, she teaches
English 1. Mrs. Ivey firmly believes that education is a privilege, not a
right, and encourages her students to get everything they need to be successful. Developing the minds of students comes first on her long list of
professional tasks. Students in Mrs. Ivey’s classes are challenged each day to exert skill and
build character.
Sandra Newbold, the department chair, firmly believes that, given a
chance, all students will rise to the occasion. She views teaching as an
art and learning as a personal responsibility. Having taught grades 9 12 courses in grammar, writing, literature, and SAT preparation, Mrs.
Newbold emphasizes modeling and integrating computer and technical knowledge with critical thinking skills so that students will be academically and socially prepared to operate in a global society.
With a Bachelor’s from Florida Atlantic University and a Master’s from Nova Southeastern
University, Mrs. Newbold has thirty-five years of teaching experience. Her special interest
has always been curriculum develoment and design. She has been a trainer for the New
Jersey Writing Project and the Writer’s Network Computer Writing Lab.
Mrs. Newbold loves being a part of the educational opportunities at Monarch High School.
Before coming to the “Castle,” Chad Schilling taught alternative education at North Miami
Senior High School where he experienced success, evidenced by several of his students graduating on time and attending college. Leaving the familiar surroundings was difficult, but Mr.
Schilling has found a new family here at Monarch High School.
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Mr. Schilling believes students learn best what they enjoy most and has
made that approach his teaching style. He feels that if students enjoy
his class, they will go the extra mile to achieve. The use of technology at
Monarch has made his life easier because the students are on an equal
basis for the majority of things. He is elated that his students have computer access due to the numerous mobile computer labs. Students are
also welcomed to the Media Center before, during, and after school hours,
enabling them to get an advanced start on the expectations for college
and the job market. Research and word processing is the norm for all
classes at Monarch High School.
Mr. Schilling also coaches wrestling and had a successful first season, producing the school’s
first state wrestling participant. Coach Schilling trained a great core of talented athletes and
expects to continue to have Monarch High School on the wrestling map in years to come.
Everything from Mr. Schilling in the classroom and in the athletic arena reflects the fact that
he is “proud to be a Knight.”
Jason Dixon joined the Knights from Charles Flanagan High School.
His original assignment at Monarch High School was English 1
and Cross Country Coach; however, that changed quickly. Due to
staff changes, Mr. Dixon quickly found himself the Television Production teacher, Girls Soccer Coach, and Broward Teachers’ Union
(BTU) Representative.
Mr. Dixon chose to come to Monarch High School because he wanted the experience of opening a new school. He also believes that a smaller school such as Monarch provides more
opportunities to personalize education.
Edna Jones has been teaching fulltime in Broward County for nine
years. She teaches English and Reading at Monarch. Mrs. Jones
came to Monarch High School to be closer to her home and to experience opening a new school. During her spare time she enjoys shopping and singing. Mrs. Jones’ favorite quote is, “Do unto others as
you would have them do unto you.”
During the inaugural year, the Language Arts department completed the following projects,
among others:
+ Bookmarks for Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
+ Powerpoint presentations for American Short Stories
+ Newspapers as alternative evaluations for major novels
+ Good Deeds of the Round Table
+ Funeral for Bad Writing Habits
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MATHEMATICS
The Thrill of Change
Teresa Hall, Department Chair
or is it Tracy Bell, Deparment Chair?
From Teresa Hall -The thrill of change brought me to Kathy Collins’ office one day with my resume in hand. I
felt a wonderful, welcoming acceptance when meeting Penny, Tom, Sondra, Will, Lois, Dale
and Maggie.
Almost immediately, I was handed a new position: Monarch High School’s Mathematics
Department Chair! First, came the enormous folder of resumes to review, followed by the
basic equipment list and textbook orders. In the mist of everything, there was hiring teachers
and placing orders! Little did I know, another enormous change would take place. I was
offered an administrative position. Accepting this position meant we needed a new Department
Chair.
While only the best and most qualified person would be worthy of this position, I contacted
a teacher who I knew was proficient in the area of math and was looking for a professional
change as well. Tracy Bell, having taught at the middle school level for 13 years, welcomed
the challenge of teaching at the high school level. Unbeknownst to Tracy, accepting a math
position at Monarch meant agreeing to fill the position of Mathematics Department Chair.
From Tracy Bell -When I arrived at Monarch’s alternate location I was greeted by a very amiable staff. After
briefly meeting with Teresa Hall, I was then hired by Kathy Collins. Kathy Collins declared
me a full-fledged Monarch Knight.
About one month into my new position as high school math teacher, I was offered the
Department Chair position. I hesitantly accepted this role because I wasn’t absolutely sure
what the role would entail. Monarch’s being a new school would require a great many
sacrifices, Because I am a full-time mother of two and a loving wife, I felt a small element of
fear taking on a position into which I had no insight.
Unfortunately, after taking on the challenge, my fear was validated! Being Department Chair
was as overwhelming as I had suspected. Fortunately, I was working with such a fine group
of qualified math professionals: Pierre, Josh, Annette, Frank, Nikki, and Neil.
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MEDIA CENTER
submitted by Simone Primus, Media Specialist
Opening a brand new library has to be every librarian’s
dream. Despite being hired after architectural & decorating
plans were formed, I was able to have some input in the
color scheme for the furniture. My initial reaction when I
saw the empty shell of the library was horror. Egad!! The
walls were “olive green” and the woodwork was “reddish
brown.” Those I could not change but there was still time to
change the furniture from walnut to light oak. Needless to say the color scheme
worked very well and Monarch now has a beautiful facility that is the heart of
our school.
The next phase of setting up the center involved choosing and ordering the
collection. The county provides a basic core collection of print and audiovisual
materials but each school has to individualize and add to that core based on
curricular needs of the population and programs offered. In addition, every
journal, paperclip, television and CD had to be ordered. Vendors had to be
communicated with, prices and terms negotiated, and vendor requisitions written
up. In addition to ordering supplies, policies had to be created, forms drawn up,
inventory databases designed, and staff hired. All this work was done between
my two new temporary homes, the portables at Tradewinds Elementary and the
Learning Resources offices.
Once the mountains of boxes began to
arrive, opening, inventory, labeling, and
distribution began. Unfortunately our
building had not yet been released, and I
was unable to have the student assistance I
had hoped on. I got to know our custodians
and the county’s set-up team quite well.
Mr. Miranda and his men were a blessing
as we moved, unpacked, and assembled
equipment. Seven months later, however,
we are still at it.
Monarch’s Media Center includes the main reading room which houses three
classroom seating areas, a computer area, comfortable seating area, and the
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circulation desk. There are 47 computers available for student
use and our opening collection houses about 10,000 books and
2,000 audiovisual items. In addition to the reading room, there
is the staff resource room, equipment storage, four offices, and
the learning lab that has become our multipurpose meeting
room (a.k.a., the party room).
Of course planning and set-up take time, but as in every school
the bottom line is student achievement. My goal is to help students become
effective users of ideas and information. Towards this end, our Media Center
strives to be open and welcoming and to provide guidance in the selection and
use of resources. In addition to helping students with the research process, our
media center has held a few programs to promote the enjoyment of reading. In
October we kicked off Teen Read Week with our first annual Poetry Jam. Students
who wrote original poetry were invited to the Media Center to share their work
with their peers. In October we also initiated the Broward Teen Readers Choice
Award reading motivation program. In February the Media Center held a Read
In celebrating of Black History Month. Students were invited to listen to selections
of poetry and prose written by African-American authors and shared by several
teachers and administrators.
Of course, at Monarch we never forget
technology integration. The Media Center
is usually a hum of activity but early
mornings and during lunch computer
activity is at its peak as students use the
many computers and other forms of
technology available to complete their
homework andclass assignments and
satisfy their need for personal information.
When the bell rings, we have to practically run them off to class. Never to be
forgotten, staff also receive technology training during our Wired Wednesdays
sessions which rotate between administration, our reading coach, guidance and
me, the media specialist.
As we race along towards the completion of our first year at Monarch High and
await a new batch of freshmen in the fall, the media staff look forward to
implementing many more programs in the new year as well as helping our
students become information literate citizens.
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READING PROGRAM
In days of old when Knights were bold reading was an art of
woven tales and fables. At Monarch High School the reading
department has woven reading skills throughout the curriculum. The tapestry started with Meryl Canell, who was the second faculty member to be hired. In December of 2003 the
roundtable discussion began and the tapestry took shape and
form. Another stitch was added to the tapestry, when Ms.
Collins brought Claudia Dilgen to Monarch High School as
the Reading Coach. As the school year progressed rich and
royal hues of reading knowledge and instructional strategies
have been disseminated to the Knights’ faculty. We continue
to work on our reading tapestry as new faculty members, programs, and educational initiatives are woven into our design.
Monarch’s reading classes are taught by Meryl Canell and Edna Jones.
Mrs. Canell and Mrs. Jones’ reading classes wrote pen pal letters to
students in Israel. Coconut Creek Commissioner Marilyn Gerber
visited Israel in October 2003 and delivered the letters to students in
the Neve Michael Children’s Home in Pardes Chana. High school
students from Neve Michael wrote back to the Knights about their
education, interests, and questions. They even enclosed photos.
For too long, reading and writing have been taught as
“subjects.” They are not subjects like history, geography, or physical science, they are processes, strategies,
or tools . . . We read and write about something. It is
impossible to learn or use these language strategies
separately from content.
-- J. L Irvin, 1998
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SCIENCE
Goldfish, Catfish, but no Alligator Gar Fish!
A microscopic view of the world of science at Monarch High
By: Rosemary Bond-Jackson, Science Department Chair
Through the summer we waited for our supplies to arrive,
Only to find out they would not come on time.
Being optimistic, we took it in stride,
Located our plans, and began our work with pride.
We worked for two weeks without one lab treat ,
But September came and they arrived the third week.
Large boxes were shipped in daily by the dozens.
We unpacked each one without any nudging.
We checked to see which chemicals we had in stock,
Then attempted to get keys for all of our cabinet locks.
We unpacked flasks, slides, and fleakers;
Then came test tubes, wide-mouthed jars, and tons of
beakers.
Microscopes, stroboscopes, gyroscopes, and stethoscopes.
It will be very difficult with all of this to cope.
Now there are lab manuals with safety rules to be followed,
All to insure that chemicals won’t be swallowed.
We have hammers, screwdrivers, and miscellaneous tools,
Even metal-backed utility lab stools.
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Count the ring stands and bunsen burners
Hmmm . . . no pancake turners?
Cornstarch, onions, syrup, and red cabbage juice
Can we prepare something delicious for you?
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There are brooms, dustpans, and wet mops, too.
Fine mesh nets for trapping wild things on the loose
We have metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous rock,
And a very weird sounding animal clock.
Strong acids sit beside weak bases,
Litmus paper, pH meters, and vases.
I see showers and towers of stackable stuff;
Still I don’t think we have quite enough.
Slides of mitosis and multiple sclerosis,
Even dictionaries that define the term –osis.
Numerous plastic DNA models
and lots of plastic dropping bottles
We have incubators and refrigerators,
But we still wait for our shipment of live baby gators.
(Just kidding . . . but I needed something to rhyme.)
Now when you consider what we have to do,
Our cleaning alone would simply shock you.
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Yes, we have brooms, dustpans, and scrubbing supplies
and even an eyewash for protecting kids’ eyes.
A shower in each room for emergency use-and we pray each day it does not suffer abuse.
A microwave, dishwasher, and an electric stove
with hundreds of thousands of thick safety gloves.
There are sieves for students to do all their sifting,
And heavy duty tongs for all their lifting.
Kids learn to handle the triple beam balances,
And our sinks all have chemical resistant counters..
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We have a neat little GPS tool for tracking
and wooden shelving for lots of stacking.
Funnels and tunnels for ants to crawl through.
Scalpels, scissors, and dissecting tools too.
Frogs once jumped; pigs oinked; We even have a dead rat!
We have everything to dissect except a cat.
We have goldfish and catfish
but no alligator gar fish.
We have seeds for flowers,
Wooden toothpicks for making towers.
Snake skins, and fake skins, posters and more-Our kids are fascinated when they walk through the door.
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We have magazines for reading
And bags of beans for seedlings.
See those human bones and other skeletons?
There’s only one thing wrong; we can’t find the elephants!
We have periodic tables, computer cables, and world maps
Over there I see confiscated baseball caps.
There are daily newspapers for reading lifestyle and sports.
Kids need to know what goes on in the world and even on
the court.
There are gutsy aprons and acid resistant lab coats.
Dear Knights, we have everything except a castle moat.
With all of this who needs to play?
Gosh, we even have our very own hallway!
A small team of four ladies and two fine gentlemen-When something needs to be done, someone simply asks,
“When?”
We have great fun with lunch time humor;
Rarely will you hear about us spreading a rumor.
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We are an eclectic bunch;
Like to see what we do but don’t have a hunch?
Please feel free to join us for lunch!
Come sit a spell while we crunch and munch.
Your tour of our department is now complete,
Remember to come visit and bring something to eat!
Meet the Science Teachers
Technology, such as the mobile labs
combined with hands-on experiences
with traditional science equipment,
have bridged the school to career connection for the Monarch Knights.
Mrs. Bond-Jackson
Mrs. Dix
Mr. Malamud
Ms. McDade
Mrs. Sweetay
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SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
The Social Studies Department at Monarch High School consists of five of the nicest,
most professional teachers one could ever assemble in a department. Like ALL our other
colleagues at Monarch, we expect the best from our Knights everyday. As such, we are very
engaging and inspire our students by modeling the behavior and expectations we have of
them. The Social Studies Department believes that it is the ”pulse of the school” and must
keep the balance by teaching math, language arts, science, and, of course, social science. We
teach them ALL everyday to our KNIGHTS!
THERESA GIL
Mrs. Theresa Gil came to Monarch from Rickards Middle School.
She was the Middle School Social Studies teacher of the year last year
(2003). Being in her presence, one feels the exuberance of energy and
enthusiasm that her students are dosed with daily. She has an effective
way of getting her students to do more than they thought possible. A
strong believer in integrating technology into the curriculum, Mrs. Gil
gives her students an opportunity to use the computer lab or the media
center at least one day a week. She manages her time wisely and has never missed a deadline
we have imposed on her at Monarch. Mrs. Gil teaches American History and World Geography
Honors and Gifted. She also has responsibilities for the Social Studies Fair and Junior
Achievement. As extracurricular activities, she is the school’s Human Relations Advisor,
Multiculturalism Club, and Florida Future Educators of America (FFEA) sponsor.
A graduate of Florida State University, Mrs. Gil is married to an educator. They are the
proud parents of a twenty-three month-old daughter. Mrs. Gil is presently working on her
master’s degree in media science.
ALLEN JACKSON
Mr. Allen Jackson came to Monarch from Deerfield Beech High School.
A sport enthusiast, his students fondly refer to him as “Coach Jackson” or
“Coach J.” Mr. Jackson has an affinity for his students to whom he gives
constant encouragement. Coach Jackson believes that the best way for
students to be successful is for them to reach for physical and academic
success simultaneously. As such, he always encourages students to try
out for more than one sport. He reminds them that, to be on any team,
they need to keep that 2.0 GPA and treat the classroom with as much respect as they do
sports.
Coach Jackson teaches American History, World Geography and World History. A
strong believer in technology, Mr. Jackson uses his classroom to encourage students to actively
engage laptops to conduct research and complete projects. Another social studies responsibility
of Mr. Jackson is voter registration. An aspiring administrator, Mr. Jackson is often called on
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to fill in for absent administrators. He is also the SACS coordinator, head track and field
coach, and assistant football coach.
Mr. Jackson is married to a fellow educator. Having earned his bachelor’s degree from
Claflin University, he is presently working on his administration degree at Florida Atlantic
University. A favorite quote of Mr. Jackson is, “Without a past, you have no future.”
BRAD POLLACK
Mr. Pollack came to us from Westglades Middle School where he was part
of their inaugural staff. Wanting to teach high school, however, he could
not resist the opportunity to come to Monarch High School. He has been an
extraordinary fit to school. Mr. Pollack has a great working knowledge of
implementing technology into the classroom. He shares his responsibilities
with the Career Technology Education Department, and he is often called
on to assist some of his fellow colleagues who are less comfortable with
technology. Mr. Pollack teaches World Geography and World History
Honors. Teaching from a computer lab, Mr. Pollack incorporates technology on a daily basis.
His ease with technology allows his students to explore social studies in ways that are both
interactive and engaging.
In the Social Studies Department, Mr. Pollack has responsibilities for Holocaust
Awareness Day and Freedom Week. As extracurricular activities, Mr. Pollack is the Head
Swim Team Coach, the Head Track and Field Coach, and Key Club Advisor. Born and raised
in Chicago, Mr. Pollack earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce and a master’s degree in
education from DePaul University.
DARRIN SCHWARTZ
Mr. Schwartz came to Monarch from Tequesta Trace Middle School. He chose Monarch
because he wanted to teach older students, especially those who were looking for academic
challenges. A strong disciplinarian, Mr. Schwartz does not allow
students to be disruptive in his class because he believes it distracts
from learning. As an integral part of the social studies team, Mr.
Schwartz integrates technology into the curriculum and leads by
setting examples. His students have had a strong proponent for the
drawing of free form maps as a means of getting a feel for the themes
of geography. Mr. Schwartz teaches World Geography, Psychology,
and World History. Another social studies responsibility of Mr.
Schwartz is the Brain Bowl.
Mr. Schwartz is an aspiring administrator and has extracurricular activities as the head
coach for the boys’ basketball team and is a member of the School Advisory Council (SAC).
Mr. Schwartz earned his bachelor,s degree from St. Thomas University in Miami. Mr.
Schwartz is currently working on his master,s in social science at Nova Southeastern University.
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We were put on this Earth for one purpose, and that is to
make it a better place. We should, therefore, be contributing members of society. And if the Earth, as a result of our
having been on it, is a better place than it was before we
came, then we have achieved our destiny.
-- General James Doolittle (1896 - 1993), US Air Force
PETER NICHOLSON
Mr. Nicholson is the department chair for Social Studies and
came to Monarch from Flanagan High School. Mr. Nicholson is a
strong believer in excellence and has a habit of encouraging his
students to “reach for the sky.” He strongly believes that students
best learn when they see teachers “DO” instead of simply “instruct.”
As such, he adequately challenges his students with a variety of
projects but also provides them with specific examples, modeling
how to do them correctly.
Mr. Nicholson loves technology and uses it on a daily basis. Whether teaching World
Geography, American History, Law Studies, or World History, he gives his students
opportunities to integrate technology into the curriculum. He further requires all of his students
to do at least one PowerPoint presentation every quarter. As department chair, Mr. Nicholson
also has responsibilities for Mock Trials, The Model United Nations, placing orders, and
ensuring that the social studies department remains the “conscience” of the school. He has
taken the lead in ensuring that all groups in the school feel invited, welcomed, and adequately
represented on campus. He has worked closely with the administrative team to give presence
to the different celebrations that the school board supports. Whether it is Hispanic Heritage
Month, Black History Month, or Women’s History Month, Mr. Nicholson remains committed
to equity on all fronts.
Mr. Nicholson was selected to participate in the 2004 Justice Teaching Institute sponsored by the Supreme Court of Florida. Only 25 secondary teachers were chosen from the
large field of excellent applicants throughout Florida. The Justice Teaching Institute provided innovative hands-on training to teachers in the following areas: overview of the State
Courts System, Technology and the Courts, law-related lessons, history of the Supreme Court
of Florida, case studies, issues confronting state courts, and more.
An aspiring administrator, Mr. Nicholson chairs Monarch’s School Advisory Council
(SAC) and is involved in activities that promote multiculturalism, equity, fairness, and academic excellence. He fully supports his department members and encourages them to go
above and beyond for our Knights. He has a bachelor’s degree with a major in economics and
minor in history, a masters degree in curriculum, and a specialist degree in educational leadership.
Mr. Nicholson feels truly privileged to be a Monarch KNIGHT!
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MONARCH
SUPPORT STAFF
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THE KNIGHTS’ CAFE STAFF
Monarch High School is one of
three schools with a Food Court.
Francine Norman is
the Cafeteria Manager.
The Cafeteria Staff are
part of the Monarch
Knights’ Team. They
dress proudly in the
Knights’ colors each
day, demonstrating
their commitment to
Monarch Pride and
The Knights’ Code.
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CLERICAL AND OFFICE STAFF
Deborah Antonoff works in Monarch High School’s Media Center as the media clerk. She
is also on the School Advisory Council. Prior to coming to Monarch, Mrs. Antonoff worked
in Tradewinds Elementary School’s Media Center. She is a retired flight attendant with
Eastern Airlines. In her free time Mrs. Antonoff enjoys working out in kick boxing classes,
jogging, and power walking.
Rita Bacallao is Monarch High School’s registrar. Some of her responsibilities include
ensuring that transcript changes are in compliance with district guidelines, sending students’ transcripts to colleges, and requesting records for new registrations. Mrs. Bacallao
has eight years’ experience in Broward County Public School. She came to Monarch
because of the promise of excitement and challenge.
Ann Marie Bodine is Mrs. Hall’s secretary. She has worked in the school system for eight
years and previously worked at a college in New York. Mrs. Bodine came to Monarch
because it presented a new opportunity to work in a high school. Her hobbies include
dancing, reading, swimming, and biking.
Rhonda Davenport is Mr. Caceres’ secretary. As part of her job at Monarch, Mrs. Davenport assists with free and reduced lunch qualifications, transportation concerns,
and parent questions. Her hobbies include watching “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy.”
Penny Dorfman is the principal’s secretary and office manager. She has worked for
Broward County Public Schools for six years. Mrs. Dorfman came to Monarch because
she wanted to work with Ms. Collins again and be a part of opening a new school. Mrs.
Dorfman’s hobbies include reading, boating, and listening to music.
Wendy Felberbaum is the guidance secretary. This is her first year working for the
school Board, and she is “thoroughly enjoying” her job at Monarch. She is happy to be
at Monarch because it is full of challenges. Her hobbies include cooking, going to the
beach, and walking for exercise. Mrs. Felberbaum advises students to appreciate their
high school experience, especially the one they are receiving at Monarach.
Yenny Hak has twenty years experience as a secretary, which she puts to use in Mr.
Pottmeyer’s office. She came to Monarch because it is close to her home. “It is a great place
to work,” she adds, “because everyone is so nice and friendly.” Married with two children,
Mrs. Yak was born in Uruguay and attended university there. During her spare time Mrs.
Yak enjoys reading and walking.
Doreen Loughney is the guidance data specialist at Monarch High School. She works very closely
with Mr. Weber in developing the school testing program, tracking volunteer service hours, and planning student awards programs.
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Education is what survives
when what has been learned has been forgotten.
-- B. F. Skinner (1904 - 1990)
Pschologist
Evelyn Lowe is the ESE secretary at Monarch High School. She works very closely with Ms. Sellitti in
scheduling parent appointments, checking students’ IEPs for compliance with federal guidelines, and
assisting parents in the guidance office. Her hobbies include snorkeling, working out, and traveling.
Linda McDonald is the attendance secretary at Monarch High School. Before coming to Monarch
High School, Mrs. McDonald worked at Lloyd Estates Elementary School and Child Development
Services. She joined the Monarch staff because the school was closer to her home. Mrs. McDonald is
married with two children, a boy and a girl. She enjoys reading and crafts during her spare time.
Lois Mercier is the school budget keeper. She has been working for the school district for twenty-two
years and came to Monarch from J. P. Taravella High School. Mrs. Mercier came to Monarch because
she wanted the challenge of opening a new school and to work for Ms. Collins. Married with two
children and four grandchildren, Mrs. Mercier enjoys going to Walt Disney World. She calls herself a
“Disney Nut” and cannot get enough of the theme park.
Dale Miller is the data processing secretary at Monarch High School. She has been working for the
school system for nineteen years. Mrs. Miller’s responsibilities include maintaining the student information system, inputting the required student data for state reporting, checking the student funding
full time equivalency (FTE) data, and assisting with the school scheduling.
Patricia Rode, Monarch’s bookkeeper, has been working for the school board for eight
years. She chose to come to Monarch to work with Ms. Collins and Mrs. Dorfman. During her spare time, Mrs. Rode enjoys playing golf, cooking, yard work, and crossword
puzzles. She also loves people, animals, and a good joke.
Agnes Selah, the administrative office receptionist, has more than twenty years experience
as a secretary. She was elated when Monarch High School offered her the opportunity to
be in a new school. Married, Mrs. Selah has two children, a granddaughter, and a dog
named “Princess.” Her hobbies are reading and gardening.
Abby Ward is the BRACE advisor at Monarch High School. She advises students on
post-secondary opportunities, including scholarships and grants. Ms. Ward has
worked for Broward County Public Schools for thirteen years, previously at South
Broward High School. She came to Monarch seeking new challenges and personal
growth. Ms. Ward enjoys all sports, but she especially enjoys fishing.
Maggie Williams is the Student Services receptionist. She assists with attendance
and the clinic. Ms. Williams has worked for schools for the last five years. Ms. Williams came to Monarch to be part of opening a new school. Her hobbies are reading
and working out.
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FACILITIES SERVICE STAFF
Mr. Jannotta
Mr. Miranda
Mr. Johnson
Heles Miranda is Monarch’s Head Facilities Serviceperson. He and his staff
take pride in keeping Monarch in “tip top” shape for the Knights.
Heles Miranda has eleven years experience in facilities service. He came to
Monarch for the challenge of working in a high school. When not at work, Mr.
Miranda enjoys watching sports, especially football.
Benedict Johnson is the Assistant Head Faciltiies Serviceperson. He has worked
for the school district for three years. He came to Monarch because it was a new
high school and a promotion for him. Mr. Johnson has two children, and during
his spare time he enjoys working out and watching basketball.
Al Jannotta is Monarch’s On-Site Repair Serviceperson. He came to Monarch in
order to be part of opening a new high school. When not working, he enjoys
watching sports.
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Jimmy Merino is Monarch’s yard person. This is his first year with Broward
County Public Schools. Mr. Merino’s hobbies include watching football and
fixing cars.
Facilities Service Persons:
Edith Avila takes great pride in her work and says that she wants Monarch to
continue looking as new as it was when she began working here. Ms. Avila
previously worked as a substitute caretaker, and she is happy to now be with
the school system. “Monarch is a super place to work. It is a great place with
good people.” Ms. Avila’s hobbies are listening to music, watching sports, and
dancing.
Nick Dawaliby is from Lebanon. He worked previously as a subcontractor for
the school system. Mr. Dawaliby has a Siamese cat named Cleopatra and fifteen
fish at home. His hobbies include drawing cartoons and portraits. He also enjoys biking, swimming, fishing, and reading.
Damas Marcelon has worked for the school system for three years. He chose to
come to Monarch High School because a new school presents unique challenges.
In his free time, Mr. Marcelon enjoys reading a good book.
Dario Moreno has over fifteen years experience in facilities service. During his
spare time he enjoys working on cars.
Jose Pena has over four years experience in facilities service. He says of Monarch, “It is an excellent facility and a great place to work.”
Favorite Quotes from the Facilities Service Staff
What you see is what you get!
If you believe in yourself, everything is possible!
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SECURITY STAFF
Monarch High School’s security staff is made up of School Resource Office Zombek, Security
Specialist Nolan, and Campus Monitors Knight and Wallace. The security staff sponsors the
Student Crime Watch organization on campus.
Officer Michael Zombek has been a police officer for eight years, all in the
City of Coconut Creek. He has been a School Resource Officer for three
years, previously at Coconut Creek High School. Officer Zombek chose
to come to Monarch because it is a smaller school and a new school. He
lives in Coconut Creek, is married, and enjoys traveling and working on
antique cars.
Joseph Nolan, Monarch’s Security Specialist, has been working for the school
system for six years. Prior to Monarch, he worked at Charles Flanagan High
School. Mr. Nolan chose to come to Monarch because of the challenges of
opening a new school and beginning a new security program. He is married,
and he and his wife have a 17-year-old son. During his spare time, he enjoys
working with computers, fishing, and playing golf.
Eddie Knight is the campus monitor for cameras. He does such an excellent
job keeping his eyes on the camera, he now has a by-line: “Big Brother is
Watching You!” Mr. Knight previously worked in the school district’s maintenance department for sixteen years. He says, “A Knight for the Knights. There
can be no better school or facility to work.” Mr. Knight’s hobbies include
cooking, coaching football, fast cars, fast bikes, and water sports.
Patricia Wallace is the campus monitor for the front of the school. She has
been working for the school district for nine years, previously as a school
bus operator. Ms. Wallace has two children, a son and a daughter, and her
favorite sports are football and basketball.
Office Zombek and Mr. Nolan move about
the campus, monitoring the safety of our
students. Mr. Knight often gives them
directions on where they may be needed
through his observations on the campus.
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ADDITIONAL SUPPORT STAFF
Monica Athlerly is the pool substitute teacher at Monarch High Schol.
She previously worked for several years in the business sector and
for seven years as a substitute teacher at various schools. Mrs. Athlerly
loves the friendly atmosphere at Monarch and is pleased by the way
the staff and students treat her. Her hobbies include reading, listening to music, and bike riding.
Robin Baer-Brown is a unique ESE aide and has worked for the
Broward County Public Schools for seven years. She was at Lyons
Creek Middle School last year and followed her assigned student to
Monarch High School. A mother of five children, Mrs. Brown enjoys
cooking and sewing during her spare time.
Siobhan Hatch, a teacher’s assistant for twelve years, is assigned to Mrs.
Stewart’s classroom. She was born in Honduras and attended college there.
Her favorite hobby is eating out.
Michelle Masi is an interpreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) program at Monarch High School. She followed her assigned student to Monarch.
Tia Moye is a unique ESE aide at Monarch High School. She previously
worked at an elementary school in Broward County.
Consuela Patterson has been a unique ESE aide for six years. She enjoys going to movies, shopping, bowling, playing basketball, and playing flag football.
Elvith Wagner, a unique ESE aide, says of Monarch, “It is a wonderful school with lots of
technology.” She enjoys cooking, going to church, and spending time with her family.
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MONARCH
PROGRAMS
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ATHLETICS
The Knights’ athletic history, although very short, has achieved
great things under the direction of Athletic Director Ollie Pottmeyer.
Beginning with our football program, we were able to compete on the
Varsity level with great pride and enthusiasm. Always displaying the
“never say never” attitude of an Honorable Knight, our great team spirit,
school support, and parent involvement will carry us well in the future.
From the field to the gym, where our girls’ volleyball team was able to register our first
Varsity and JV wins, Monarch pride was evident. Although we were at times short on the
scoreboard, we were never short on desire and competitiveness; hard work and dedication
will pay off in the future. Go, Coaches Griffin and Baillie! The girls volleyball team will be a
powerhouse in the future.
Cross Country Boys and Girls, although not large in number, had the dedication needed
to compete in these endurance-laden sports. Team members were able to excel and improve
on their individual time throughout the season. Coach Dixon, look for great things in the
future!
Golf saw our boys enjoy a season of opportunity to play that competitive golf in a
demanding sport. We did not falter but continued to improve and look forward to the year to
come. Good job, Coach Huff!
The last of the fall sports was swimming. It presented unique opportunities for us to
compete on various levels including varsity swimming. As the season progressed student
athletes stepped up to record successes in their individual events. The team maintained a
positive attitude, and future success is anticipated. Terrific job, Coach Pollack!
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The transition from fall to winter sports season saw the true evolution of the Knights’
future. Monarch’s Boys Soccer team displayed the abilities needed to succeed. Together, with
a total team effort, they achieved. Monarch’s First Championship District 13-3A Champs.
The team also won their first regional game. It was a great season for Coach Lorenc and the
Monarch’s Boys Soccer team!
The Girls Soccer team showed great improvement through the season and will be in a
position to display the similar winning streaks as the boys’ team did this year. The team will
make the Knights’ Family and Coach Dixon proud in the future.
The basketball season saw the boys and girls team competing in a very tough district.
The extremely young teams were able to display the courage that is needed to take Coach
Ward and Coach Schwartz to the top of the county next season.
Wrestling saw a Monarch athlete competing for the first time at the state level. Kendel
Ward was runner-up in District13 3A and qualified for states during the regional meet. Coach
Schilling and the other members of the team look to improving the team’s record. Go Knights!
We are now in the spring season with baseball, softball, track and field, boys volleyball,
and flag football. We know all these teams will display the Monarch Knights’ pride and
enthusiasm needed to be competitive. Good luck to the spring teams and to ALL Monarch
athletes who have worked hard to develop their skills. Most important, however, is your
commitment to help make Monarch sport teams among the best in the county.
GO MIGHTY KNIGHTS!
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Broward All-County Boys' Soccer 4A-3A-2A
Player of the Year: Lucas Roque
By Dave Brousseau, Sun-Sentinel
Staff Writer
Posted March 30, 2004
When Lucas Roque moved to the United States with his
family from Brazil three years ago, the only word he could
say in English was "Hi." But his skill as a soccer player spoke
volumes.
As any typical kid in Brazil, Roque played a lot of soccer
anywhere he could. He transferred to Monarch from
Deerfield Beach High when the school opened. It was a
natural fit for Roque, as many of his new teammates were
Brazilian.
Roque led Monarch to a district title and a berth in the Class
3A regional semifinals with 24 goals and 15 assists. He is
the South Florida Sun-Sentinel Class 4A-3A-2A Player of
the Year.
"He is the consummate forward," Monarch coach Steve Lorenc said. "He hates to lose and is
bursting with confidence."
Some can assume Roque is selfish and hogs the ball. He tries emulating Brazilian star
Ronaldinho, watching every move he makes.
"Lucas is always calling for the ball," Lorenc said. "He answers, so what's wrong with that?
He has no fear with taking on defenders. We don't have enough of that in the United States.
You don't want to take that from players. If he takes on three defenders and scores, I'll say
great job."
As a 5-foot-9 sophomore, Roque's impressive statistics came in his first season of high school
soccer.
"I was surprised [by] how well things went," Roque said. "I didn't start well during the first
few games of the season. I was kind of lost because I didn't know many of the players."
Roque did settle in as the season progressed. He sealed the victory in the Knights' 2-0 win
over Archbishop McCarthy in a regional quarterfinal last month. He stole the ball and scored
from 18 yards out with a left-footed shot to the far post with three minutes remaining.
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Lorenc said Roque still has some growing to do.
"He needs to mature," he said. "He needs to grow on the emotional level. Right now that hurts
him. With the referees he's looking for calls.
"Good players make you look like a smart coach. He is an important part of the team and can
score at any time."
Roque agreed with his coach.
"I had some responsibility during my first year and we did pretty good," he said. "I need to do
better next year for us to reach the final four."
Second Team:
Honorable Mention:
Rodrigo Rodrigues
Brian Barnett
Anthony Casas
Rafael Araujo
Lucas Sangiok
Lucas Cardenas
Mick Freitas
Jeff Hand
Martin Tuesta
Boys Soccer
District 13 AAA
Champions
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Inaugural Head Coaches
Football, Jim Mathisen
Cheerleading, Beth Pickman
Girls Volleyball, Pam Griffin
Boys Volleyball, Walt Drexel
Cross Country, Jason Dixon
Golf, Josh Huff
Swimming, Brad Pollack
Boys Basketball, Darrin Schwartz
Girls Basketball, Abby Ward
Boys Soccer, Steve Lorenc
Girls Soccer, Jason Dixon
Wrestling, Chad Schilling
Tennis, Josh Huff
Baseball, Frank Pisani
Softball, Kristina Baillie
Girls Track, Allen Jackson
Boys Track, Brad Pollack
Flag Football, Abby Ward
Trainer, Deborah McDade
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CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Reflections from Teresa Hall
Initially, I was hired as the Mathematics Department Chair at
Monarch High School. Mrs. Collins had other plans and later
hired me as an Assistant Principal. I was quickly assigned the
duty of administrator in charge of clubs and activities. At the
time, I had not truly envisioned what a substantial and essential
task this would be. With the help of Marsha Smyth, the master
of “The Master Calendars” and my principal saying, “... look at
the big picture,” my eyes where swiftly opened to reality of my assigned task.
Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillan along with a group of future Monarch
students organized a committee called the “Castle Keepers”. This committee
worked diligently on establishing and molding what would become Monarch
High School tradition. Ann posted a survey on the web which allowed Monarch
students to vote and make suggestions on names for buildings on campus. Class
rings were designed and discussed. Emblems and crests were created and
produced. The first Knights’ club had been formed.
As the faculty and student enrollment begin to grow, other clubs and class
sponsorships took form. With each new faculty hire came the commitment to
devote time and energy in the building of Monarch Pride, clubs, and class spirit.
Each club is unique and diverse in its own special way and founded on the
Knights’ Code. The code is a set of standards that Monarch Knights have placed
upon themselves with the realization that setting a good example sends a message
more powerful than words on paper.
Monarch Pride is alive and is deeply rooted within the Monarch family.
The Knights’ Code is the foundation of the educational fortress which has
supported the Monarch faculty, staff, and students and will continue to support
us as we grow.
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CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Monarch Knights are offered leadership opportunities through co-curricular and
extra-curricular activities. School activities develop character, critical thinking,
and sociability, characteristics leading to lifelong success. Below is a list of activities for Monarch Knights.
Student Government Association
Freshmen, Sophomore, and Junior Classes
National Honor Society
Newspaper
Yearbook
Literary Magazine
Concert Band
Marching Band
Color Guard
Jazz Band
Chorus
Army JROTC
Spanish Club
French Club
American Sign Language Club
Drama
Florida Future Educators of American
Human Relations Council
Peer Counseling
Art Club
Technology Leadership Club
DECA
Academic Games
Science Competition
Social Studies Competition
Step Team
SADD
Business Professionals of America
Various Committees
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Cafeteria Committee
By Peter Nicholson (SAC Chair)
The Cafeteria Committee was designed to give students more input into Monarch’s cafeteria.
This Committee, which is very diverse in its composition, first met in mid-September. The
main goal was customer satisfaction: to see how best they could foster a cafeteria that was
providing food and service that was conducive to the student body of Monarch; to ensure
that the student body was being responsible for helping to keep the cafeteria clean and
presentable; and to see how the cafeteria might be used to disseminate information.
The initial meetings took place with Ms. Collins facilitating.
Out of the early meetings evolved the menu board, which
was used to display the meals being served. Because of the
menu board, students are now able to know what meals are
being served and in which line. They no longer need to waste
time running around from line to line to find out what meal
is being served.
In October, Ms. Collins asked Mr. Nicholson to facilitate this
group. A part of his duty was to develop and administer a
customer satisfaction survey. This survey found that, of those who responded, 88% rated the
service provided by the cafeteria staff as being fair to excellent. On being asked how Monarch
could use the television to disseminate information, 94% of respondents wanted to use the
televisions to highlight club meetings, review
scores of games played by Monarch teams,
play music, and dispense information about
FCAT or other information that would be
beneficial to students. The televisions in the
cafeteria are now used to do all of the above,
including plying music on Fridays. This is
appropriately called “Friday Knight Music.”
This committee meets periodically. Their next
project is to develop some type of privileges
for next year’s seniors. This will become part
of the Monarch’s tradition and as such MUST
adhere to The Knights’ Code.
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Youth Crime Watch of America
Joe Nolan, Advisor
The purpose of Youth Crime Watch is to create a crime-free, drug-free environment through a
youth-led movement. The program aims to instill positive values and build self-confidence
in the Monarch Knights. Students are encouraged to take an active role in addressing concerns around them. More likely to be aware of potential problems prior to a staff member,
students may be able to correct or prevent the problem.
“Silence Hurts” is a School Board initiative supported by the Youth Crime Watch Club. Students report incidents that hurt others to Monarch’s School Resource Office (SRO), Monarch’s
Security Specialist, or the tip line, 754-712-2282.
Monarch’s Youth Crime Watch meets every other Wednesday at 7:15 AM in room 146. Crime
Watch members are positive, energetic students who want to make a difference in our school.
This organization is a youth-led club that is committed to The Knights’ Code.
Envirothon Team
Lynn Sweetay, Advisor
Monarch’s Envirothon Team placed fifth in a very close competition at the Broward County
Envirothon in January. The Envirothon is an academic competition where students answer
questions on forestry, aquatics, wildlife, and soil and urban management, as well as use field
techniques to determine environmental factors. Questions are written by professionals in
each field. Congratulations to the Knights’ team, all freshmen! The team captain is Mary
Bucaro; the team members are Heather Moorehead, Aryanne Schommer, Scott Lam, and David
Lee.
Art Club
Ellen McMillan & Ann Ayers, Advisors
Art work from several Monarch Knights was selected from over 2,000 entries and exhibited
in the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale for the Scholastic Art Award Competitions. Only 250
pieces were chosen for the exhibit. Loretta Masters, Alyss Ostbay, and Audra Mangeney won
the Gold Awards. The gold winners’ art work was shipped to New York for national competition. Daniel Kaether won a Silver Award.
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Band
The Knights Band, under the direction of Walter Lotocky, had a marvelous first semester. The students performed at all varsity football
games, home and away. The Marching Band had a chance to stretch
their legs when they marched in the “Yuletide on Atlantic Parade” in
Pompano Beach on December 4. Another major accomplishment was
performing selections at the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International
Airport for the Broward County Winterfest Program on December 8,
2003.
Shortly after the two performances, the band received it most prized
possessions. The marching uniforms arrived in early December. Members wore the uniforms for the First Annual Winter Concert on December 18, 2003.
Other performances included the Lighthouse Point Parade on February 7, 2004, the annual Florida Band Masters Association Solo and
Ensemble competitions on February 13 - 14, 2004, and the Coconut Creek Butterfly Festival
on February 28, 2004.
The Knights Jazz Band was formed second semester and performed for parents at the Second
Semester Open House. Marcus Roganti is the student director for the Jazz Band and also
serves as drum major for the Marching Knights.
Chorus
The Knights Chorus, under the direction of Karac Levine, is alive and thriving at Monarch
High School! The students began the year with “mini” performances on Fridays during class.
Various students volunteered to display their fine arts talents to the class. Students sang,
danced, and played musical instruments.
Shayna Frasca, Angelica Parker, and Stephanie Tejada auditioned and participated in the
Broward All-County Chorus Performance on November 4, 2003, at the Coral Springs City
Center. They were recognized for being Monarch High School pioneers.
The Winter Holiday Season was very busy for the Knights Chorus. The students participated
in an exchange program with Lyons Creek Middle School. On December 4, 2003, the Knights
performed holiday music at the middle school. Later in December the Knights Chorus performed four complete concerts at the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport. Lyons Creek Middle
School Chorus also joined the Knights for a Winter Holiday Evening of Music at Monarch
High School.
Angelica Parker and Stephanie Tejada auditioned and participated in Disney’s Candlelight
Processional. The processional is an auditioned chorus comprised of 500 students, 100 professionals from Walt Disney’s Voices of Liberty, and a professional orchestra. The processional performed three complete concerts in Walt Disney World.
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Human Relations Council
and Multicultural Club
The Human Relations Council and Multicultural Club participated in the Heritage Panel
Workshop on February 3-4, 2004, at Monarch High School. The workshop was sponsored by
The Broward County Public Schools’ Multicultural Department. The popular youth diversity leadership training instructed students about oppressive behaviors that limit and divide
individuals. Throught the workshop, Monarch student leaders maintained a lively dialogue
about stereotypes, discriminatory attitudes, and behaviors in school, and the importance of
initiating and building relationships with diverse people. The Human Relations Council and
Multicultural Club also sponsored a Multicultural Fair and a Peace Garden on campus. Mrs.
Gil is the sponsor for both organizations.
National Honor Society
Monarch High School’s National Honor Society (NHS) has been granted a charter from the
national organization. Membership in NHS requires the following
+ Completion of three semesters of high school
+ Ccumulative 3.5 grade point average
+ Documentation of two leadership positions, one in school
+ 30 hours in Student Volunteer Service program
+ No disciplinary issues in school, community, or state
Students who meet the requirements are invited to join the prestigous NHS organization.
Induction ceremonies are held in May each year.
Student Government Association
Monarch High School’s Student Government Association (SGA) has been granted a charter
from the national organization. The SGA is actively working to increase school spirit and
Monarch pride on the campus. The SGA coordinated Homecoming Spirit Week, including a
pep rally and Celebration Dance during the first semester. Second semester elections were
held.
+ President Davia Hyatt
+ Vice Presidents Tami Dimitralkis, John Perrotta, Rebecca Lehr
+ Secretary Elise Dortelus
+ Treasurer Michelle Kertzman
The officers are responsible for upcoming activities and leading Monarch to a brighter future.
SGA not only plans school wide fun activities, but SGA provides opportunities to volunteer
and give back to the community. Events such as the Cancer Society Walkathon provide funding for those in need. Mrs. Staebell is the SGA advisor.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE COMPETITIONS
The Knights have formed Foreign Language Teams and actively participated in the County
Foreign Language Competitions. Monarch High School is proud to announce the following
results of the February 21, 2004, competition at Plantation High School.
Ana Maria Narvaez ........................................ First Place, French Inpromptu
Ana Maria Narvaez ........................................ First place in French Declamation
Marina Tuntes .................................................. Second Place, Project Competition
Edouard Kissoon ............................................. Second Place, Poster competition
Jason Kuno ....................................................... Third Place, Poster Competition
Jamie Riehn & Lavaughn Harvey ................. Fourth Place, Poster Competition
SADD
Teenagers play a consequential role in our society. The destructive decisions that students
make in everyday life can affect not only their lives but the lives of others. Monarch High
School is addressing this problem through SADD, Students Against Destructive Decisions.
The SADD Club provides students with significant tools that prevent them from underage
drinking, using drugs, driving under any of these influences, as well as other destructive
decisions. SADD involves peer counseling and influences teens with positive role models
who assist teenagers in saying “No.” The president of SADD, Jennifer Dennis, said, “SADD
promotes students to make the right decisions and tries to limit the amount of destructive
decisions teenagers make.”
SADD recognizes the pressures that teenagers deal with, so the organization’s members have
made it their mission to inform, educate, and support young adults to make empowering
decisions in their lives. This leadership organization addresses real issues and how to effectively deal with them. SADD club members are sought after by colleges and universities
because members demonstrate a positive influence for others to look upon and have leadership qualities.
SADD meets every Tuesday at 2:30 PM in Room 315. The club advisor is Reina Lucas, guidance counselor.
Article by Stephanie Ramirez, newspaper student
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Key Club
The Knights’ Key Club began meeting at Monarch High School in November. 2003. Brad
Pollack is the club advisor. The Key Club is an organization formed to help the community.
Being a member is a way to not only become involved in the community and receive volunteer service hours, but participation also looks great on college applications. With meetings
held every three weeks, students are able to sign up for events and help out others who are
less fortunate.
Article by Jennifer Inacio, newspaper student
Technology Leadership
The Knights Technology Leadership Club provides valuable services to the Monarch staff
and students . The members, under the direction of Lori Fuller, are trained in basic technology trouble-shooting, preventative maintenance, and program installations. Technology Leaders then assist in computer repairs, maintenance, and installations. They also provide basic
training to students and teachers.
The Technology Leaders provide other services to teachers, coaches, and students, such as
filming or running the sound and lights system for an event. They are trained in all technologies: computers and peripherals, sound and light systems, telephones, televisions, and more.
Apple Computer is a partner with Monarch High School in supporting the Technology Leadership Club. The Apple Help Desk curriculum provides the foundation for the the training
provided to the students.
JOURNALISM ORGANIZATIONS
Monarch Knights interested in journalism are participating in one of four journalism organizations: newspaper, yearbook, literary magazine, and television production. All organizations provide training in basic journalism principles and The Knights’ Code. The advisors for
each journalism organization is listed below.
Newspaper ...................................... Charles Grimes
Yearbook .......................................... Harriet Ivey
Literary Magazine.......................... Charles Grimes
Television Production .................... Jason Dixon
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PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
Partners In Education (PIE) is Broward County Public Schools’ premier business - school partnership
program. Through PIE, more than 2,000 business and community partnerships are helping students
to reach their highest level of academic achievement. Monarch High School’s Partners in Education
program is coordinated by Marco Caceres, Assistant Principal.
Partners can positively influence the success of teaching and learning in our community. Business
and community partners participate in the following activities on campus:
- Mentor or tutor a child one-on-one for one hour per week
- Assist in School to Career transition activities
- Provide instructional support and enrichment
- Provide incentives to motivate student achievement
- Participate in school reform through the School Advisory Council.
Partnerships take into account the goals and objectives of the partner; the nature, size, and expertise
of the organization; and the availability of employee release time. Business and community partners
receive recognition for their volunteer efforts through exposure to parents, district employees, School
Board, and the community at large.
Monarch High School has numerous partners in the business world that share the goal of becoming
active participants in the education of our diverse student population. Partners share employees’
time and expertise with students, teachers, and administration, and they positively influence our
students’ lives.
Platinum Plus
Webster’s Team Sports
Platinum
Mr. & Mrs. David Sutherland
James B. Pirtle Construction Co., Inc.
Dan Lester, Walsworth Publishing Company
Gold
Chuck Puleri & Assoc. / Herff Jones
Silver
Pepsi-Cola Co.
Profits Plus
J.P. Portraits
Monarch Knights Football Booster Club
Bronze
Blumberg Office Supply
Big Cheese
Other Monarch partnerships include McDonalds, SunTrust, and Sun-Sentinel.
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MONARCH KNIGHTS
GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
The Knights’ Code is the standard for Monarch Pride. Monarch Knights serve school and
community, value truth, and celebrate diversity. The Knights model the code by serving others
in the community through volunteering at hospitals and children’s centers, participating in
beach cleanups, or assisting at community events.
Forty (40) volunteer service hours are required for graduation from high school with a
standard diploma. Despite being a new school, many Monarch Knights are already completing service hours beyond the requirement. As of February 1, 2004, Monarch freshmen have
already recorded 1,798 hours valued at $9,260. Sophomores have recorded 2,828 hours valued
at $14,564, and juniors have recorded 3,252 hours valued at $16,748.
During the winter holiday season, the Monarch staff decided to
celebrate the holiday season by giving to those in need rather than
exchanging gifts. On December 20, two very large boxes of new
clothing items were delivered to Kids in Distress, a community
organization caring for abused children. The “Kids” staff was
thrilled with the beautiful outfits, shoes, pajamas, etc.
On December 22 Monarch staff delivered toys and thirteen
bicycles to the Jack and Jill Children’s Center. Jack and Jill
provides services for economically disadvantaged chilren
ages 3 - 5 and their families in the Fort Lauderdale community. Monarch students in Peer Counseling and the Human
Relations Council collected toys for the children. Mr. Grimes’
and Mrs. Beahan’s students donated cash, as did many staff
members, towards purchasing the bicycles. The Jack and Jill
staff were overwhelmed by the donation and could not
thank the Knights enough. Our staff toured the facility and
met the children.
The Student Government Association has participated in numerous community service
projects during the school year. Listed below are a few of the projects.
+ Beach Cleanup
+ Collection of Prescription Eye Glasses for the Lion’s Club
+ Coin Collection for UNICEF
+ Walk for Cancer
+ Children’s Book Collection for Hospitals
The Monarch Knights are committed to doing the right things for the right reasons at the right
times!
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PARENT AND COMMUNITY
INVOLVEMENT IN MONARCH HIGH SCHOOL
Learning takes place at home, in school, and in the community. Research shows that parent involvement is the single most important indicator of school success. The School Board of Broward County
has identified “Empowering Parents and Community Through Participation” as a major system priority as outlined in School Board Policy 1165. Monarch High School encourages parent and community involvement through School Advisory Council (SAC), School Advisory Forum (SAF), Athletic
Booster Clubs, and the Volunteer/Tutor/Mentor group.
School Advisory Council (SAC) facilitated the development and monitored the progress of Monarch’s
School Improvement Plan. The SAC also actively participated in the preparation of the school budget
and discipline plan. Peter Nicholson is the SAC Chair, and Linda Zara serves as the SAC Co-Chair.
School Advisory Forum (SAF) is an advisory organization that actively participated in the preparation of the School Public Accountability Report (SPAR), assisted the SAC in identifying educational
needs and priorities of the school, and participated in the preparation of the budget. The SAF worked
with the school administration in identifying community concerns, resolving issues, and initiating
desirable change. James Gelfand is the SAF Chair, and Hannah Miles is the SAF Co-Chair.
School volunteers make a difference in students’ lives at Monarch High School. The goals of the
school volunteer program are to
+ provide individualized educational assistance to students
+ enrich the curriculum
+ improve students’ self-worth by increasing the opportunity for educational achievement
+ relieve the teacher of some non-instructional tasks and duties
+ stimulate community interest, concern, and support for the educational system
+ establish a school-community partnership for quality education
+ enhance all aspects of the educational process.
Monarch volunteers have logged more than 500 hours during the first semester of school year 20032004 .
Mentors are school volunteers. Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young
people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support, and encouragement aimed at
developing the competence and character of the mentee. The word “mentor” comes from the Greek
for “steadfast” and “enduring.” The many benefits mentoring offers includes
+ improving self-esteem
+ keeping young people in school
+ helping improve academic skills
+ leading young people to resources they might not find on their own
+ providing support for new behaviors, attitudes, and ambitions
+ increasing young people’s ability to seek and keep jobs
+ enhancing parenting skills.
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Booster Clubs support clubs, organizations, and teams at Monarch High School. They assist
in fundraising, prepare pregame meals, transport equipment and supplies, and cheer at the
events.
Booster Clubs are independent organizations designed to support, encourage, and advance
educational extracurricular programming. The School Board of Broward County recognizes
booster clubs as school-allied groups through School Board Policy 1341. Booster Clubs exist
as independent organizations comprised of parents and interested community persons.
Booster Clubs serve two general purposes: (1) to promote the education, general welfare,
and moral of students, and (2) to assist in financing the legitimate extracurricular activities of
the student body in order to augment, but not conflict with, the general educational programs provided by the School Board. Monarch High School’s Booster Clubs are expected to
promote school spirit, sportsmanship, and advancement of The Knights’ Code of Chivalry.
Active Booster Clubs at Monarch High School include the following
+ Marching Knights Booster Club (Band)
+ Cheerleading Booster Club
+ Knights Football Booster Club
+ Lady Knights Basketball Booster Club
+ Lady Knights Volleyball Booster Club
+ Wrestling Booster Club
+ Soccer Booster Club
+ Baseball Booster Club
+ Basketball Booster Club
+ Tennis Booster Club
Other Booster Clubs are in the development stages and are expected to be active by school
year 2004-2005.
Monarch Knights Football Booster Club Mission Statement
It’s all about team, with a single mission and common goal, which is to
support our students. We shall cheer for them whether they win or lose.
They shall see we are a unified force, strong and dedicated, not divided by
our differences of opinion. Let them learn from us, that the value of
teamwork, dedication and perseverance puts them on the road to success.
We shall continually display our pride in their accomplishments,
and if they stumble, let us, as a team, be there to lift them up.
We are one club, with a single goal, which is a commitment to help create
a brighter future for our children and to help them learn values of hard
work, dedication and teamwork through their participation in high school athletics.
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CELEBRATION OF
MONARCH PRIDE
Monarch High School
Dedication Ceremony
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A CELEBRATION
OF MONARCH PRIDE
On Friday, April 16, 2004, 9:00 AM, a gathering of
Monarch High School students, parents, teachers,
and local dignitaries witnessed the dedication and
ribbon cutting of one of the newest assets of the
Broward County School District. The formal
ceremony was held in the school auditorium, the
ribbon cutting in the school courtyard, and the
reception in the school media center.
Celebration participants included School Board Vice Chair Stephanie Kraft, School
Board members Darla Carter and Dr. Robert Parks, Superintendent Dr. Frank
Till, Principal Kathy Collins, City of Coconut Creek Mayor Lou Sarbone, Vice
Mayor Marilyn Gerber, Commissioners Becky Tooley and Sam Goldsmith, and
Monarch student leaders. Invited guests celebrated Monarch pride in the
auditorium while the staff and students participated through closed circuit
television.
The dignitaries offered greetings from their representative groups -- The School
Board of Broward County, District Office, North Area Office, and City of Coconut
Creek. Each dignitary was presented with a copy of Project Monarch History, a
book written by eleventh grade students recording Monarch’s history.
The student speakers talked about their personal experiences and the
development of Monarch pride on campus. The Knights’ Code is the standard
for Monarch pride, and each student elaborated on one of the character traits in
the code.
The Knights band and chorus celebrated pride through performing the National
Anthem and the Alma Mater. The Knights JROTC celebrated pride by presenting
the national colors.
The traditional ribbon cutting highlighted Monarch High School’s dedication
ceremony marking a successful school year for Monarch, which opened its doors
to 1070 ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students in August 2003. The reception,
time capsule closure, and tours made up the finale to the ceremonies.
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Celebration Agenda
Welcome .............................................................................................................. Amber Ripley, First Knight
Presentation of Colors ................................................................................................ Knights Army JROTC
National Anthem ..................................................................................................... Knights Marching Band
Greetings ................................................................................................................................ Honored Guests
Stephanie Arma Kraft, Esq.
Dr. Robert Parks
Dr. Frank Till
Joanne W. Harrison, Ed.D.
Mayor Lou Sarbone
Presentation of Project Monarch History ....................................................................................... Students
Stephanie Gonzalez
Sallysmarie Garces
Ludney Accime
The K nights Code ............................................................................................................................. Students
Amber Ripley
Sarah Sutherland
Danny Bautista
Kayla Pacheco
Michael Hoyos
Jennifer Dennis
Marus Roganti
Rodrigo Paiva
Brittany Washington
DeRyco Hargrove
Monarch Pride .............................................................................................................................. Davia Hyatt
Alma Mater ............................................................................................................................. Knights Chorus
Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting .......................................................................... Escorts and Honored Guests
Ludney Accime
Meagan Aguilar
Tashna Davis
Sandra Lechin
Catherine Neira
John Perrotta
Kathryn Schreiber
Dulian Zetrenne
Reception .................................................................................................................................... Media Center
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The Knights’ Code
Amber Ripley, First Knight
In Robert Frost’s poem, The Road Not Taken, there
are two roads, and Frost stands, ponders and
reflects on which of the two to take. Just as Frost
made a choice, choosing to take the road less taken,
so did I. After attending another school for two
years, I had the opportunity to come to Monarch
High School. It was difficult to leave my friends
and the activities that I had become a part of to go
to a school that was brand new.
My first “Knight” experience was in a portable at
Trade Winds Elementary. I attended Journalism
camp three weeks before school started. We, the newspaper staff, consisted of 7 students and
one outrageous advisor. After day 2, 3 and 4, everyone on the staff had gotten to know each
other and had come to find Mr. Grimes quite humorous. On day 7, Mr. Grimes informed me
that I would be taking photographs at the first meeting of the faculty and staff. I was terribly
nervous thinking about meeting an entire school of teachers and administrators. The other
road really looked appealing at that point, but I did as Mr. Grimes asked.
Much to my surprise, Mrs. Collins introduced me to the entire staff. The principal of the
school already knew who I was and was proud to call me the “first knight.” I tried to hide in
the corner, but the other teachers kept coming to me and introducing themselves. I was made
to feel welcome, comfortable and special by everyone in attendance that morning. It was at
that point that I realized, just as Frost did, that the road that I had chosen to take would make
all the difference.
What is it that makes Monarch different from other schools? Ms. Collins had a vision for a
place where students, teachers, administrators, and support staff all believe in a common set
of values. These values are known as the Knights Code of Chivalry. The eight character
traits have been and will be instilled into every student that enters the hallowed halls of
Monarch, helping each student to make wise decisions throughout his/her life thus making
the world a better place. Ms. Collins, I thank you for your vision and dedication to creating
a quality education for all the present and future students of Monarch High School.
It is with great pride that I introduce my peers representing various organizations on our
campus to speak to you about each aspect of the Knights Code of Chivalry. Ladies and
gentlemen, introducing responsibility is Sarah Sutherland.
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Responsibility
Sarah Sutherland
Good morning, my name is Sarah Sutherland and at Monarch High
I am very involved with activities. I participated in cheerleading,
basketball, softball, and soon to join flag football. I was the captain
of cheerleading and captain of the varsity basketball team. As you
can see I am very athletic and ery proud of it. I’m also involved in
Student Government.
In Student Government, I was the captain of a community service
project called American Cancer Society-Relay-For-Life Walk-AThon. This project was to raise $5000 to help find cures for cancer.
Our team goal was $1000 and many other teams were involved to
help reach that $5000 goal. To handle all this responsibility, one
must be mature and responsible.
To participate in four different sports, be involved with student government and keep a 3.7
G.P.A., you have to utilize your responsibility skills and that ‘s what I do at Monarch High
School.
We have the Knight’s Code of Chivalry, which describes the eight character traits that each
person at Monarch should demonstrate. The Code traits are responsibility, citizenship,
kindness, respect, honesty, self-control, tolerance and cooperation. At my previous schools,
there was nothing like the Knight’s Code of Chivalry. These eight traits have helped me to
become a role model.
At my previous school, I did not have to be so responsible as I do at Monarch. The teachers
did not care if we skipped or turned in homework or just sat in class and did nothing. At
Monarch High School if you skip your parents are notified that day; if you don’t turn in a
homework assignment, your parents will find out through pinnacle and if you don‘t participate
in class your parents would be called during the week. Basically, what I am trying to say is
that at Monarch HS, you have to work hard to do well in school and working hard is part of
being responsible.
Having responsibility creates maturity in students. You have to be smart about everything
you do. You have to be able to think on your toes and you have to take responsibility for all
of your actions.
Finally, at Monarch HS, we have the most caring and dedicated principal. She is always
involved with the students. Ms. Collins not only cares about the duties of her hob, but she
cares about the students. Ms. Collins is the best.
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Citizenship
Danny Bautista
My name is Danny Bautista. I am a junior currently
involved in our student government program here at
Monarch. I was quarterback on the football team and I
am currently captain of the baseball team.
Many things here at Monarch have surprised me. The
first day of school the faculty and staff went over school
guidelines and rules. It was then that I realized that
everyone here caved about our students and school.
The staff has shown us by their example what “Monarch
Pride’ truly is. In the weeks and months that followed,
it was evident that not only have students learned by
example, but are also leading and taking the initiative to
make a difference in our school and community.
Students and teachers have the utmost respect for each
other, which lends to the caring and nurturing
environment at Monarch.
Behind the Scenes at the Celebration
Without Charles Grimes, English and journalism teacher, and Lori Fuller, technology
teacher, the Celebration would not have been
successful. Mr. Grimes led rehearsals for
student speeches, coordinated the ribbon
cutting ceremony, and designed the floral
decoration. Ms. Fuller coordinated the
sound and lights for the program.
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Kindness
Kayla Pacheco
I am Kayla Pacheco, and I am here today to speak
on behalf of Monarch High School’s step team
and choir on how kindness is displayed on our
campus everyday. I believe Monarch students
are great individuals who are setting high
standards for years to come. Monarch students
are helpful, caring, compassionate young adults.
We, here at monarch, pride ourselves with
creating a sense of peace and understanding of
each other and our differences.
Monarch students aren’t the only ones who
display kindness here; our staff and teachers
show great consideration to their students as well as their peers. I believe our staff is the most
elite Faculty in the county, setting traditions of kindness for years to come. Monarch students
and staff work together everyday to create a strong, united, safe environment that we are all
fortunate to learn. I am very proud of monarch students and staff and I would not want to be
called anything else except a Monarch Knight.
As a Monarch Knights, we treat each other with kindness and work together to accomplish
goals in both choir and step team. Without the important character trait of kindness included
in the Monarch Code of Chivalry, we, the students, believe that we couldn’t be as successful
as we are today at achieving unity and cooperation with kindness. I would like to leave you
with this thought: Monarch high School will sustain, persevere and accomplish its goals to be
a united school that provides a wonderful, safe, and kind learning environment.
Behind the Scenes at the Celebration
Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillan, art teachers, coordinated the invitations, stage decor,
reception decor and souvenirs. Everything
was beautiful!
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Respect
Michael Hoyos
My name is Michael Hoyos, and I am a member of
the Chorus and Tennis Team.
As a member of the Monarch High School’s Chorus,
I see every day how The Knights’ Code is used.
There have been many times that I can recall where
I’ve had to respect people and their beliefs and
personal items in chorus. When as a group we try
to accomplish perfection, individuals will learn at
different paces and at times mess up. As
aggravating as it may be for them, it would be more
aggravating if I were to yell and make fun of them.
Also, it’s a standard at Monarch High School to respect people’s personal property. I would
never take what doesn’t belong to me or mess with someone else’s property. One of the rules
in our classroom posted by our teacher Mr. Levine states, “Young men are supposed to treat
young ladies with the respect they deserve no matter what the situation.
What I have established as a standard of respect in the chorus classroom is exemplified by
most of our students around this school.” Through my experience in Chorus I have learned
valuable lessons about respect.
The Knights Army JROTC
The Knights Army JROTC presented
and retired the national colors during the
Celebration. The JROTC cadets also assisted in parking and guiding guests to
the auditorium. The JROTC is under the
direction of Lt. Col. Osowski and Sgt.
Samedy.
Zudley Cardona
Lisa Cefalu
Jasmine Olmeda
Alyssa Sanchez
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Honesty
Jennifer Dennis
Welcome political leaders, teachers, faculty, staff,
administrators, family and friends to Monarch High School’s
Dedication Ceremony. My name is Jennifer Dennis.
I am Monarch’s first President of S.A.D.D, Club (Students
Against Destructive Decisions). The purpose of our club is
to make students realize the consequences of poor decisions
throughout their lives. The more knowledge students gain,
the better off they are to say “No “ to drugs, alcohol, and
violence in the near future.
The S.A.D.D. Club members and I strive hard to keep
destructive decisions out of our school. In the state of
Florida, three hundred S.A.D.D. Clubs have been
established, and Monarch now makes three hundred and
one. Honesty is one of the Knight’s Code of Chivalry, and
our S.A.D.D. Club is honestly telling each person here today
that if one person makes a poor decision, it affects everyone.
Monarch is like a puzzle-if one piece of the puzzle is missing or out of place, then the picture
is not complete. Each person who walks the halls at Monarch High is a piece of that puzzle;
and as the pieces come together, we form a Monarchy that will never die.
Celebration Guests
The Knights greeted celebration
guests and provided them with programs outlining the activities of the
day. Student leaders served as hosts.
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Self Control
Marcus Roganti
Good morning. My name is Marcus Roganti and I am the
Drum Major of the Monarch High School Band.
My role as Drum Major involves keeping everyone on task
and in line, but I did not get this job just because I ended up
being one of the only upperclassmen in band. I received this
title because I showed the skills necessary to lead people; I
showed self-control. It is in the Knights Code of Chivalry after
all.
But what is self-control? In my opinion, it is the ability to listen
to your leaders, to follow your leaders, and to take
responsibility for your actions. After being in band, I’ve learned
that it takes much discipline and concentration to demonstrate
self-control, and it’s that kind of skill that practices good
musicianship. Without control of yourself and your actions, there can be no progress. It is a
life skill that we learn in band and we take it seriously.
As leader, I’ve seen that not everyone will always do their best, and I can always tell who
wants to be the best, but you know, it takes a great deal of self-control and self respect to
achieve anything. Band is no different. We’ve learned that if we every want to be a superior
band that we’re going to have to accept our roles and to set aside our arrogance and ego and
to practice self-control. It is the way it is. It is the way it will be.
I can honestly say that Monarch’s Band is the best band that I have ever been in, no matter
what happens.
Knights Marching Band
The Marching Knights entered the auditorium
behind the JROTC cadets. Marcus Roganti, drum
major, led the band in playing the National Anthem.
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Tolerance
Rodrigo Paiva
EW!
You’re a freak!
Hey, you’re funny looking!
Why do you think differently?
Why are you different?
What is “different”?
Monarch celebrates being unique.
Living by the Knight’s Code, we exhibit tolerance to those that seem “different”.
The Knight’s Code reminds us to live by the highest standards.
We encourage people to be individuals.
We embrace diversity.
Strive towards unlike thinking.
What’s does that make? A Monarch Knight!
Monarch Knights are different!
Representing the Art Club, I am Rodrigo Paiva.
The Reception
Guests enjoyed the reception
sponsored by Websters Athletics. ues
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Cooperation
Brittany Washington & DeRyco Hargrove
Good Morning, my name is Brittany Washington.
My partner is Deryco Hargrove, and he is in the
Sound Booth.
We are student computer
technicians here at Monarch High. Deryco and I
have developed a virtual tour of our school.
Putting this film together has shown us that
without cooperation we would not be able to
succeed in life.
Virtual tour of Monarch High School shown.
The Knights’ Time Capsule
Monarch’s Time Capsule was created by art students Sarah Kowalski and Marcus
Roganti. Items to be placed in the time capsule were submitted by various clubs,
organizations, students and teachers. The capsule will be filled and sealed during the first week of May.
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Presentation of Project Monarch History
Stephanie Gonzalez
Sallysmarie Garces
Ludney Accime
We were challenged by our American history teacher, Mr.
Nicholson, to record the development of Monarch pride. He
said, “People who have no history have no future.” It was
important that the students who come to Monarch High School
understand how the pride and traditions began. Our class
accepted the challenge and called it “Project Monarch History.”
Today we have the first volume of Project Monarch History.
We are honored to present the very first copies to you today.
Books were presented to the dignitaries -- Mrs. Kraft, Mrs. Carter, Dr. Parks, Dr. Till, Dr. Harrison,
and Mr. Sarbone.
The Knights are still making history, and there are more chapters to yet be written. We are
proud Knights.
Student leaders served as
escorts for the dignitaries
during the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Ludney Accime
Meagan Aguilar
Tashna Davis
Sandra Lechin
Catherine Neira
John Perrotta
Kathryn Schreiber
Dulian Zetrenne
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Monarch Pride and Ribbon Cutting
Davia Hyatt
The Knights demonstrate Monarch pride on campus and in the community
through good sportsmanship on the playing fields and courts, community service
projects, celebrations of diversity and multicultural projects, peer counseling and
tutoring, and academic achievements. The Knights’ Code is the standard for
Monarch Pride.
Tradition calls for a “ribbon cutting” at a Dedication
Ceremony. Monarch Knights will escort some of our
guests outside to prepare for the ribbon cutting. As I call
your name, please stand to be escorted to the school
courtyard -- Mrs. Kraft, Mrs. Carter, Dr. Parks, Dr. Till,
Dr. Harrison, Ms. Airaghi, Mr. Sarbone, Mrs. Tooley.
Monarch’s colors are red, silver, and black. Each color symbolizes something
special at Monarch High School.
Red symbolizes the heart of Monarch, The Knights’ Code. Monarch
Knights choose to follow the code. Knights choose to do the right
things for the right reasons at the right times.
Silver symbolizes academic excellence. Monarch Knights strive for
excellence in the classrooms. There are courses for every student at
Monarch, and opportunities for every student to achieve.
Black symbolizes the strength of the Knights. Strong traditions are
being established at Monarch, and the Knights are quickly becoming
an academic and athletic power among Broward Schools.
We are proud Knights at Monarch High School.
The Knights Chorus will perform the Alma Mater. Although tradition calls for
an audience to stand during an alma mater, our chorus asks that you remain
seated in order to get the full effect of their voices.
Alma Mater
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Please stand as the JROTC retires the colors.
Colors Retired
We will now proceed into the courtyard for the ceremonial ribbon cutting to
complete our “Celebration of Monarch Pride.” Following the ribbon cutting,
you are invited to join the Knights at a reception in the school media center.
The Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting
Commissioner Becky Tooley, Mayor Lou Sarbone, School Board Chair Stephanie Kraft, School Board
Member Darla Carter, Principal Kathy Collins, School Board Member Dr. Bob Parks, North Area
Superintendent Dr. Joanne Harrison, North Area Director Sharon Airaghi
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Student Leaders Support Dedication
Closed Circuit Television and Videotaping ........................................... TV Production Students
Stephanie Molloy
Hooman Zandieh
Mohammad Zayed
Lights and Sound ............................................................................... Student Technology Leaders
Daniel Cepeda
Deryco Hargrove
David Holtz
Michael Renneker
William Rivera
Knights Circular Reporters............................................................................ Newspaper Students
Jaime Daigle
Jennifer Inacio
Ayranne Schommer
Sandra Ziegelheim
Presentation and Retiring of Colors .........................................................................JROTC Cadets
Zudley Cardona
Lisa Cefalu
Jasmine Olmeda
Alyssa Sanchez
Project Monarch History ..................................................................... American History Students
Ludney Accime
Maria Cabrera
Sallymarie Garces
Stephanie Gonzalez
Candice Henry
Maira Hernandez
David Holtz
Dagmar Ledesma
Marcus Roganti
Guides and Parking ........................................................................................ Army JROTC Cadets
Josh Bagley
Tiffany Clark
Holly Davis
Anthony Groenweld
Jessica Holmes
Cassie Krijger
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Justin Maynard
Beth-Lea Merel
Kandi Morris
Joseph Murray
Daniel Nembhard
Kyle Quinones
Ryan Reilly
Kimonia Simpson
Erick Siqueira
Invitations, Stage Decor, Reception Decor, Souvenirs .............................................. Art Students
Time Capsule .................................................................................................................. Art Students
Sarah Kowalski
Marcus Roganti
Celebration Sponsors
The following sponsors provided the funding and support for the Celebration of Monarch Pride. Their
commitment to student achievement and education is greatly appreciated by the Knights.
Platinum Plus
Websters Athletics
Platinum
Mr. & Mrs. David Sutherland
James B. Pirtle Construction Co., Inc.
Dan Lester, Walsworth Publishing
Gold
W . Earl Hall, P.A.
Chuck Puleri & Assoc. / Herff Jones Company
Silver
Pepsi-Cola Co.
Profits Plus
J. P. Portraits
Mr. & Mrs. James Gelfand
Monarch Knights Football Booster Club
Bronze
Big Cheese
Blumberg Office Supply
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Celebration Committee
Reception Sponsor ............................................................................................... Websters Athletics
Invitations ................................................ Ann Ayers, Ellen McMillan, Art Students, Lori Fuller
Photography .............................................................................................................. Charles Grimes
Stage and Media Center Decor .......................................................... Ann Ayers, Ellen McMillan
Ribbon Cutting .......................................................................................................... Charles Grimes
Closed Circuit Broadcast .................................................................. Simone Primus, Jason Dixon
Sound, Lights, Video ........................................................................................................ Lori Fuller
Student Coordination ...................................................................................................... Teresa Hall
Rehearsals .............................. Barbara Beahan, Charles Grimes, Sandra Newbold, Edna Jones
Music ................................................................................................. Walter Lotocky, Karac Levine
Club and Organization Photo Display ................................................................. Barbara Beahan
Time Capsule ....................................................... Karac Levine, Ellen McMillan, Will Hendricks
Reception Set Up ................................... Rita Bacallao, Penny Dorfman, Lois Mercier, Pat Rode
Awards ...................................................................................................................... Ollie Pottmeyer
Souvenirs............................................................................................... Ann Ayers, Ellen McMillan
Project Monarch History ......................................................................................... Peter Nicholson
Parking ....................................................................... Marco Caceres, Col. Osowski, Sgt. Samedy
Security ...................................................................................................... Mike Zombek, Joe Nolan
Campus Preparation ......................................... Ollie Pottmeyer, Heles Miranda, Facilities Staff
Media and Sponsors Contact ......................................................................................... Teresa Hall
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MONARCH HISTORY
CONTINUES
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Project Monarch History
People who have no history have no future.
Monarch High School has a history and it is now available for all to read. With that in
hand, it becomes more meaningful and one may appreciate the dynamics of our unique
haven: “School-to-career, personalizing education, integrating technology into the
curriculum, interdisciplinary connection, horizontal and vertical teaming, treating each
other with respect, doing one’s best, helping each other, smiling,” and the list goes on.
The Knights have arrived and we ALL can now say, unequivocally and unapologetically,
“It is a GREAT day to be a KNIGHT! A Monarch Knight!” Now, because we know
more about our history we have a much better sense of where we are going!
Peter Nicholson
Project Monarch History committee members spent countless hours conducting
interviews, taking pictures, helping with research, typing memos and other documents,
collaborating, planning, and holding discussions, and much more. Kudos to these young
KNIGHTS who, not only accepted the challenge of Project Monarch History, but also
made it happen. Because of their hard work, commitment, and dedication, many have
been inspired in immeasurable ways. Monarch High School and the community are
better because of their noble efforts.
Thank you, committee members!
Kathy Collins, Principal, and the Monarch Community
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Committee Members
Project Monarch History
Ludney Accime
Maria Cabrera
Sallymarie Garces
Stephanie Gonzalez
Candice Henry
Maira Hernandez
David Holtz
Dagmar Ledesma
Marcus Roganti
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Project Monarch History
In Closing
Mr. Peter Nicholson and his American history students worked tirelessly on “Project
Monarch History.” Many staff members contributed ideas and articles to make the
project a reality. The Knights are still making history, and there are many more chapters
to be yet written.
Preparing Artwork
Taking Photos
Reviewing Articles and Photos
Writing Articles
History is ever present and happens, with or without our permission.
Monarch’s history is alive and well.
-- Peter Nicholson, Project Coordinator
Updated 04/28/2004
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Monarch High School
Alma Mater
Hail to thee brave knights of Monarch,
Lift your banner high.
Wave the silver, black, and red
And face each day with pride.
Monarch High, school we love, knights we praise
Guide us onward through our days.
Strong of heart, with courage true,
Create a better way.
We'll remember good old Monarch,
Noble, proud, and true.
Alma mater of our high school,
We will cherish you.
Monarch High, school we love, knights we praise
Guide us onward through our days.
Strong of heart, with courage true,
Create a better way.
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Broward County Public Schools
THE SCHOOL BOARD
OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
Carole L. Andrews
Chair
Stephanie Arma Kraft, Esq.
Vice Chair
Beverly A. Gallagher
Judie S. Budnick
Benjamin J. Williams
Marty Rubinstein
Dr. Robert D. Parks
Darla L. Carter
Lois Wexler
Dr. Frank Till
Superintendent of Schools
Transforming Education: One Student At A Time
The School Board of Broward County, Florida, prohibits any policy or procedure which results
in discrimination on the basis of age, color, handicap, national origin, marital status, religion,
or sex.
Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) may call the Equal Educational Opportunties Department at (754) 321-2150 or TDD#
( 754) 321-2158.
www.browardschools.com
Cover Design
Marcus Roganti, Class of 2005