“I’M COMING HOME”

Bcps Selects Peter Licata As New Superintendent

Broward County Public School Board (BCPS) announced the selection of Dr. Peter Licata as its next superintendent. The country’s sixth-largest school district announced the selection after a nationwide search. Licata is set to be in place prior to the start of the 2023/24 school year. He was selected via a 7-2 board vote. East Baton Rouge Louisiana School District Superintendent Dr. Sito Narcisse received the other two votes.

BCPS Board Chair Lori Alhadeff announced the selection, saying, “I am so excited to introduce the next superintendent of Broward County Public Schools, Dr. Peter Licata. I believe he is the transformational leader that we were seeking.”

By joining BCPS, Licata is coming full circle, returning to the school district where he was once a first-grade student at McNab Elementary School in Pompano Beach.

“I’m coming home. We will change Broward County to an A (school district),” Dr. Licata said, “We are down the street from where I was born and where my wife was born.

I feel like a fortunate son to be able to do this.”

Licata began his almost 30-year career in education as a teacher and basketball coach for the School District of Palm Beach County and has continued to advance his leadership career – most recently holding the position of South Region Superintendent. In this role, he oversees 60 schools, 65,000 students, more than 5,000 teachers and four instructional superintendents.

Licata comes from a family of teachers and was inspired to pursue his career by his father.

“It was at my father’s funeral, when thousands of people came to me to say what an impact, as coach and algebra teacher, my father had on their lives. That day I became a teacher.” Licata said during his public remarks at the school board’s public interview.

Licata’s experience includes 15 years of teaching and leading at the middle and high school levels, and 14 years at the district-leadership level as Director of Secondary Curriculum and Assistant Superintendent, before becoming a regional superintendent.

“Our goal has remained to find the most qualified candidate to lead our schools while maintaining our dedication to excellence in education and to preparing our students to reach their highest potential,” Alhadeff commented. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Licata to Broward County Public Schools.”

During the interview process, the new superintendent laid out his vision to get the school system to become an ‘A’ district.

“It’s my vision and mission that every child that starts school at BCPS has an experience as memorable as mine with the same opportunities. I know being born and raised in Broward County doesn’t automatically qualify me as the best candidate, but I believe it gives me a unique perspective and knowledge of the county… Broward County is where I was born, raised, married, and I now want to make it the best educational system in all of Florida as superintendent.”

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES & ENRICHMENT

5678 Dance, Inc.

REC, 10561 Trails End, Parkland 5678danceinc.com

954-579-8820

Dance. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. Their motto says it all. 5678 Dance, Inc. is a fun and fulfilling dance program, offering kids as young as 18 months an unforgettable lifetime experience. They provide a variety of dance programs and activities with qualified staff committed to the enjoyment and safety of all their dancers.

Art Paper Scissors

6654 Parkside Dr, Parkland myartpaperscissors.com

754-444-9936

Art Paper Scissors offers programs for all ages, including art classes, open studios, birthday parties, social events, workshops, camps, kids’ night out, and adults’ night out. They also offer after school classes, enrichment programs, field trips, workshops and camps on site for schools, preschools, neighborhoods, and more. Let your creative juices flow at Parkland’s premier art studio! Your artistic spirit will be encouraged by professional artists.

Dance Theatre

5952 Coral Ridge Dr, Coral Springs

6546 FL-7, Coconut Creek dancetheatre.com

954-427-7217

With five locations, nearly 3000 students, cases full of trophies and a handful of Our City Readers’ Choice Awards, it is no wonder Dance Theatre is a favorite of local families. In the twenty years that Dance Theatre has operated under the direction of Michelle McGrath-Gerlick, her students have been invited to perform at some of the most prestigious venues, including the Summer Olympics, the Super Bowl, the Pro Bowl, The Orange Bowl, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The London Grand Christmas Parade, and more.

Monster Minigolf

9533 Westview Dr, Coral Springs monsterminigolf.com

954-526-5115

There probably is no more unique or quirky brand of family entertainment than Monster Mini Golf. Their monster-themed, black-lit environment offers more than just a putt-putt course. The “living art” decor encourages kids and adults to relax and have a good time. In addition to mini golf they offer laser tag, laser mazes, mini bowling and more.

Parkland International Music Academy

7337 FL-7, Parkland musicparkland.com

754-777-6372

Parkland International Music Academy will teach anyone from young kids through adults. They guide every student through the basics of reading and playing music. In fact, they even offer trial lessons in guitar, piano, violin, voice, & drums.

Parkland Rangers Tackle Football

5944 Coral Ridge Dr, Coral Springs parklandrangers.com

786-236-0948

Lets get ready for some football! The Parkland Rangers Youth Tackle Football and Cheer Program is dedicated to providing a positive and enriching environment for both the children and the parents. One of the things that makes them different from most Youth Football clubs is their “Must Play” rule. In the end, they want the boys and girls of Parkland to develop the skills necessary to not only succeed in team athletics, but also in life. The program is comprised of 6 football team divisions and 6 cheerleading squads. The season starts soon, so act now!

At Kiddie Academy®, we expertly guide your child’s curiosity to wherever it takes them and nurture every accomplishment along the way.

Fun, self-expression and creativity are all explored with equal enthusiasm.

Summer Horse Camp!

Junior riders of all levels will have a blast this summer developing horsemanship in a safe, fun, and friendly environment. Every week is packed with learning, special events, games, crafts and more. All activities are horse-related, age/skill appropriate, hands-on, and nonstop!

• 9 Weekly Sessions beginning June 12

• 9am-2pm M-F (rain or shine)

• For kids 7 and up

School of Rock

7544 Wiles Rd C-102, Coral Springs schoolofrock.com

954-252-7625

At School of Rock, students learn guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards, and drums. The school combines weekly private music lessons and group band rehearsals to prepare students to take the stage in front of live audiences in an authentic concert setting.

USK Karate

10629 W Atlantic Blvd, Coral Springs usk.ninja

954-340-5427

USK Karate brings the very best in martial arts instruction. Instructors selected for both their skill & achievement in martial arts and for their ability to effectively relate that knowledge & understanding to students of all ages and backgrounds. They offer programs for all ages & skill levels.

Score at the Top Learning Center

5830 Coral Ridge Dr STE 130, Coral Springs scoreatthetop.com

954-510-0600

Score at the Top offers part-time tutoring, full-time schooling, courses for credit, test prep and more. As the name implies, they deliver an array of educational services with one goal in mind: to help students do their very best in every aspect of their education. Students acquire skills for today, feed their curiosity, and develop learning habits to support an independent, fulfilling life.

SCHOOLS & PRESCHOOLS

All Saints Catholic School

10900 W Oakland Park Blvd, Sunrise allsaintscatholicschool.net

954-742-4842

The Mission of All Saints Catholic School is to provide an atmosphere rich in the Catholic faith where each child is challenged to grow spiritually, academically, and emotionally in a safe and nurturing environment. They offer instruction for Pre-k - 8th grade.

Cambridge Schools of Coral Springs

6100 Coral Ridge Dr, Coral Springs cambridgepreschools.com

954-721-3471

Cambridge Schools of Coral Springs offers 18 months of age through VPK the opportunity to learn developmental skills in a modern, safe and secure facility. Their credentialed staff engages children through a series of specialized learning center areas, which makes each day an exciting learning adventure!

Coral Springs Preschool

4441 coral springs drive , Coral Springs coralspringspreschool.com

954-603-2821

Coral Springs Preschool is a free standing building nestled under large oak trees with 18 classrooms and a special preschool friendly swimming pool. The school is a court-yard style building which allows for a very secure environment. Their goal is to create a warm, open environment where students feel safe enough to ask questions, explore and seek answers. They challenge every student to surpass his or her own personal best and help them over the hills and through the valleys of these growing years.

Kiddie Academy

5876 Wiles Rd, Coral Springs kiddieacademy.com

954-684-5437

Every day children’s imaginations grow and their curiosity gathers momentum—Kiddie Academy of Coral Springs empowers and celebrates all of it. Their Life Essentials® learning approach and curriculum encourages children to explore and progress in their own way, and at their own pace. At Kiddie Academy of Coral Springs, your child will grow socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually.

Mary Help of Christians Catholic School

6000 N University Dr, Parkland mhocschool.org

954-323-8006

Mary Help of Christians Catholic School (MHOC) is a vibrant learning community serving students in Pre-K through Grade 8. It is fully accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference, and provides students with a strong educational program rooted in the Catholic faith. The school blends academic rigor with small class sizes, and emphasizes excellence in teaching and learning. Their qualified and dedicated teachers strive to inspire, engage, and motivate students to maximize their individual and highest potential.

Parkland Children’s Academy

6624 Parkside Dr, Parkland parklandchildrensacademy.com

954-688-5877

Parkland Children’s Academy offers parents a curriculum-based preschool in a family-oriented environment. Their safe and toxin-free playground offers kids a wonderful play environment. They are a VPK certified provider with a partnership with the YMCA to give kids everything they need.

Pineview Preschools

7505 FL-7, Parkland pineviewpreschools.com

954-688-9398

Grow. Play. Learn. That is what Pineview Preschools are all about. Pineview strives to maintain a high quality program with low teacher-to-student ratios, allowing teachers to focus on the individual learning styles and needs of each child in their program. They operate their schools according to accreditation standards, not just the minimum standards required by the state. Pineview’s goal is to enrich and enhance each child’s preschool experience, by providing stimulating opportunities for children to explore, discover, play and learn.

Primary Learning Preschool

5993 W Hillsboro Blvd, Parkland www.plpparkland.com

954-575-2600

Primary Learning Preschool Parkland is dedicated to quality early childhood education and serving the community since 1996. During this journey Primary Learning Preschool Parkland established itself as one of the most well known and respected childcare/preschool facility in the area. At Primary Learning Preschool Parkland, they truly believe that care and learning go hand in hand. .

St. Andrew Catholic School

9990 NW 29th St, Coral Springs standrewscatholicschool.com

954-753-1280

St. Andrew Catholic School is a friendly and welcoming place where students are encouraged to do their best each day. Strong faith formation and rigorous academics are the cornerstones of this Catholic elementary school. At Saint Andrew the love of Christ is modeled for all to see. A primary goal of Catholic education is to prepare children to be disciples of Christ through their interactions with other students, their teachers, family and society.

The Sagemont School

2585 Glades Cir, Weston sagemont.com

954-389-2454

The Sagemont School is a premier independent school serving students in preschool through 12th grade. It provides a college preparatory curriculum, athletics, arts and extra-curricular activities within a safe and nurturing environment. Sagemont’s dedicated teachers personalize learning for each student. The Sagemont School is a diverse community of engaged learners with over sixty nationalities represented.