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

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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..

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MIGUEL RIVERA

954-422-4416 (TTY: 711)

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. En español? Llame al 954-422-4416 (TTY: 711) mrivera62@humana.com

A more human way to healthcare™

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, ethnicity, marital status, religion or language.English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 877‑320‑1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 877‑320‑1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注 意：如果 您使 用繁體中文 ith the backto-school season in full swing, students everywhere are gearing up with new backpacks to carry their books, laptops, and supplies. While backpacks are a convenient and essential tool for students, improper use can lead to back pain, muscle strain, and potential long-term spinal issues. To ensure a healthy and pain-free school year, it's important to learn and implement proper backpack use techniques, backed by chiropractic recommendations.

It’s common to see children carrying backpacks equaling as much as 25% of their body weight. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) recommends a backpack weigh no more than

By Dr. Alphonso Chie

W5% to 10% of a child’s weight.

A large, roomy backpack may always seem like a good idea. However, the more space there is to fill, the more likely your child will fill it. If something’s not essential, have them leave it at home, in their locker, or the classroom.

If your child regularly carries home a heavy backpack, you may need to talk to their teachers. Remind them that your chiropractor is concerned about the short- and long-term effects on children’s musculoskeletal development and function.

Remember, too, that your child may not think about telling you the backpack is too heavy. Observe their backpack habits, and intervene for them if necessary.

Show your child how to put the largest and heaviest items in first, usually in the largest pocket of the backpack.

For even weight distribution, be sure to make use of the multiple compartments for smaller items.

3 Keys to Backpack Safety

• Make sure your child uses both backpack straps. Using one strap shifts the weight to one side and this can cause muscle pain and posture problems.

• Make sure the shoulder straps are tight, so the backpack fits closely to your child’s back. A low-hanging backpack can cause spinal misalignment and pain.

• Encourage your child to use the chest and waist straps and adjust them to the load each time, to and from school. If you or your student are experiencing back or neck pain caused by wearing a backpack or for any reason, Revive Chiropractic can help. Contact us for a wellness checkup today!

PRESCHOOLS/SCHOOLS

A World of Knowledge

750 NW 180th Terrace, Pembroke Pines worldofknowledgekids.com

954-430-7707

A World of Knowledge offers top academic excellence in early childhood education. Through a unique curriculum designed especially for the school, the children graduating from the program achieve high scores in assessments and screenings.

Academic School 4 Arts

8673 Stirling Rd, Cooper City as4a.org

954-999-5956

Academic School 4 Arts i s a learning institution that nurtures the whole child, utilizing the gifts of the fine and performing arts. The fine and performing arts are treated as equal learning disciplines with core academics. AS4A promotes mindfulness, problem-solving skills, independent thinking, and celebration of diversity. We help mold great citizens!

Apple Tree Montessori School

6301 SW 160th Ave, Southwest Ranches appletreemont.com

954-252-9250

Apple Tree Montessori School is a PreK-8 school that uses the Montessori method to encourage independence and freedom with limits and responsibility. It also allows for the child to grow independently and encourages the self-absorption. Students have been encouraged to exchange ideas and to discuss their work freely with others by using good communication skills to ease the way in their new setting.

Beth Emet School is committed to helping students reach their full potential through a challenging, advanced curriculum with a warm, supportive environment that promotes critical thinking, creative expression, self-esteem, emotional learning and Jewish ethics.

Everglades Academy

6941 SW 196th Ave Suite 21-A, Pembroke Pines eavpk.com

954-434-8884

Everglades Academy offers preschool learning and child care services, including preschool (from infants to 5 years old) care, VPK, after school programs and summer camps. It offers a safe, loving and attentive infant care, as well as a structured age appropriate curriculum.

Franklin Academy

18800 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines franklin-academy.org

954-703-2294

Franklin Academy creates a learning atmosphere where differentiated instruction implements strategies that support student success within the classroom. They also constantly enhance student skills that are essential for success beyond the classroom walls, ensuring students are college and career ready.

Greentree Prepartory Charter School

6301 SW 160th Ave, Southwest Ranches cambridgepreschools.com

954-780-8733

Greentree Prep has a mission to prepare K-8 students for high academic achievement and personal success. The school was designated as one of the top 3 performing schools in Broward County according to FSA scores in 2014. Greentree Prep enrolls students in grades K-8.

Sagemont Preparatory School

1570 Sagemont Way, Weston sagemont.com

954-389-2454

Sagemont Preparatory School inspires academic excellence, through intellectual exploration, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Students in Pre-k through grade 12 are encouraged to take responsible risks and develop a deep understanding of social responsibility as active agents of change.

Beth Emet School

4807 S Flamingo Rd, Cooper City templebethemet.org

954-680-1882

Small World Montessori School

18461 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar swmontessori.com

954-544-2915

At Small World Montessori, they have over 20 years of experience instilling the self-discipline & skills necessary for children to achieve higher education while enhancing each child’s imagination and improving their quality of life. They have programs beginning with toddlers through age 6, including summer programs.

St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Pre-School

601 N Hiatus Rd, Pembroke Pines stmax.cc

954-885-7250

St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Pre-School offers a curriculum that provides for the developmental needs of all children. They create opportunities for learning by providing a loving, Christian environment.

ACTIVITIES & ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

Academy of Arts

20841 Johnson St #113, Pembroke Pines academyofartsinc.com

954-704-0068

In the warm, caring environment of Academy of Arts, every student is special. Nurturing their love of the arts, by creating a class filled with positive learning experiences your child will be challenged in areas where his/her growing body and mind can benefit most. Academy of Arts teaches classes in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop, Flamenco, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Drama, Art, Violin, Guitar, Piano, Voice for preschoolers through adults.

British Swim School

6861 SW 196th Ave Suite 405, Pembroke Pines britishswimschool.com

954-828-2881

Offering you easy access, located on The Sagemont School Upper Campus, the British Swim School program offers a variety of small group classes to suit the littlest of beginners through to advanced swimmers, adults and private classes. We also have open swim events, host birthday parties, summer camps, private event rentals and much more.

Broward Tutorial Services

5400 S University Dr #503, Davie browardtutorialservices.com

954-667-6500

Since 2004, Broward Tutorial Services has provided professional small group and one-on-one tutoring to help students attain their highest score on the SAT and/or ACT exams. Students are taught skills to help manage the test, understand the questions, maximize what they know, eliminate mistakes, and recognize and avoid test traps.

Code Ninjas

5534 S Flamingo Rd, Cooper City codeninjas.com

954-323-4555

Code Ninjas teaches kids ho to code by building their very own video games. Their flexible coding programs for kids make it easy for parents. They offer flexible dropin hours after school and on weekends. With programs for kids as young as five there is something for every aspiring computer scientist in your family.

Camp Lingua

4700 SW 160th Ave, Southwest Ranches camplingua.com

954-642-2267

Camp Lingua offers an after-school language program that uses a proven natural, multi-sensory approach, delivered by professional educators who utilize engaging materials, ensuring students’ success in the acquisition and mastery of a new language. It also offers customized tutoring tailored to the student’s proficiency level, learning style, and schedule.

Karate America Miramar

14447 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar kidmartialartsinflorida.com

954-436-5535

The #1 ranked school for over 35 years teaching Karate, Martial Arts, Self-Defense and Taekwondo while building self-confidence, self-control, respect, loyalty, perseverance and self-esteem.

Miramar United Soccer miramarunitedelitefc.org

The Miramar United Elite F.C. was formed out of a need to facilitate the elite level youth soccer player. Our club philosophy is to create an environment that is physically and mentally challenging to stimulate our athletes to reach their highest potential. Together with the grass-roots level support of our city and local civic organization, our goal is to provide the most elite, professional and developmental year round soccer program for boys and girls of all ages

Pembroke Pines YMCA Family Center

501 SW 172nd Ave, Pembroke Pines ymcabroward.org

954-727-9622

At the YMCA, families come together to engage in programs that improve their health and well-being. The three areas of focus include youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Tennis for U Academy

17601 SW 2nd St, Pembroke Pines tennisforuacademy.com

954-531-4124

Tennis for U Academy brings a new experience to the game by combining excellence in coaching with a family atmosphere.

Sun City Aviation Academy Aero Camp

7201 S Airport Rd #504A, Pembroke Pines suncityaviation.com

754-423-2159

Aero Camp is a day camp program for high school students designed to give young people a unique opportunity to explore the vast & exciting world of aviation and aerospace. Sun City Aviation Academy also offers a variety of pilot certification courses.

West Pines Panthers Football Club

8815 Pasadena Blvd, Pembroke Pines wppofootball.com

954-303-3033

The West Pines Panthers tackle football club offers kids ages 4-16 tackle football and cheer opportunities. The program focuses on development of basic skills and self discipline through practice and competition while promoting teamwork and sportsmanship. Home games are played at Cooper City’s Flamingo West Park.