The Westside Gazette

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Education Reform Not To Blame For TToday’ oday’ oday’ss Segregated Schools PAGE 3

Dads Are Cool When They Help Out At School PAGE 6

Free Back To School Immunizations PAGE 10

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HIV/AIDS: What educators should know

By Tiffany A. Chenneville & Howard M. Knoff, Ph.D. University of South Florida Introduction Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is not only a health crisis, but a social

crisis that has affected every sector of the United States. The number of persons with AIDS in the United States is staggering, and it continues to multiply. Furthermore, the growing number of individuals infected with the Human Immuno-

deficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, is even more disturbing. Nobody is immune because AIDS does not discriminate by sexual orientation, gender, race, socioeconomic status or age.

The failure of AIDS to discriminate by age is evident by the growing number of children and adolescents infected by HIV/AIDS. There also are scores of children who are not infected, yet are affected by HIV/AIDS because one or both of their parents, or other family members, have been diagnosed as being HIV positive or having AIDS. In fact, an increasingly large number of children have been orphaned by parents who have died from AIDS. It is estimated that over 80,000 children will have been orphaned by the year 2000 due to parental deaths caused by AIDS. Noninfected children and adolescents also may be affected

through their association with peers or significant others who are HIV positive, have AIDS, or who have lost loved ones due to AIDS. HIV/AIDS in Children and Young Adults:As of June, 1996, over a half a million (548,102) diagnosed AIDS cases had been reported to the Centers for Disease Control. Approximately 1.3 percent (or 7,296) were children less than 13 years old.

This is a significant increase from the 3,898 pediatric AIDS cases reported just three years before in 1992. Relative to adolescents, the incidence of AIDS also is considered to be large and increasing. In fact, AIDS is considered to be one of the leading causes of death among teenagers, and it is estimated that two individuals under the age of 25 are infected with HIV every hour.

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To be free from conditioning “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”

Galatians 5:1 (NASB)

By Bobby R. Henry, Sr. As I was engaged in my daily meditation, which contrasts the conditioning of one of earth’s largest land animal—and arguably one of the most dominant with the tiniest amount of effort, yet over an extensive time period..

It was with a rope of some strength and a mighty tree that subdued this magnificent animal of brute strength.

This is how it is achieved. In the elephant’s juvenile state, they are attached to a large tree with a rope.

For days, weeks and months, they will try with all of their might and strength to break free. Yet, the rope does not split and the tree does not give.

Their spirits are broken and the will to be free is watered down to just wanting to live in that tiny circle.

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With students as top priority, Florida chooses replacement for FCAT Commissioner’s decision for new Florida’s new assessment tool will assess student progress on new Florida Standards Florida Standards Assessments TALLAHASSEE, FL – ports our new standards, which Continuing historic steps to en- emphasize flexibility for teach- March 17, 2014 Q and A sure all Florida children have the opportunity to succeed, Florida Department of Education (DOE) Commissioner Pam Stewart recently announced a new test has been selected to replace the FCAT 2.0 exams beginning with the 2014-15 school year.

“The new assessment will measure each child’s progress and achievement on the Florida Standards, which were developed with an unprecedented amount of public input,” said Stewart. “This assessment sup-

ers to make their own decisions in classrooms while preparing our students to analyze and think.”

“The selection of our new assessment tool is a critical step forward. Florida students will be assessed on their knowledge of the Florida Standards, which will prepare them for success in college, careers and in life,” said State Board of Education Chairman Gary Chartrand.

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Award-winning Broward educator files suit with EEOC against Lee County School District to defend her civil rights and protect her health

By K. Chandler (Part I of III) How do you go from being an award-winning educator with 25 years of exemplary service, a Sunday school teacher and an advocate for underserved students, with four college degrees, to living in an absolute nightmare, being attacked by educators and called an alcoholic after becoming ill at work?

Dr. Deedara Hicks said she was unprepared for the harassment, racism and discrimination that occurred in her native state of Florida, specifically within the Lee County School District.

She recalled being warned over and over again to leave, by whites, Blacks and Hispanics in Lee County, many of

Recovering from one hellof-a roller coaster ride, Dr. Hicks is a survivor today. whom made it clear that she would never survive in a position of authority in the school system, especially advocating

Pleading Our Own Cause

for equity for Black and Hispanic students.

How could educating students in the 21st century, 50 years after the Civil Rights Act, still require her to defend helping the underserved student?

That is the question that continues to haunt Dr. Hicks to this very day, and which prompted her to fight for her Civil Rights and seek recompense for damages to her health and reputation, and more importantly, help others going through similar situations.

Dr. Hicks undergoes Gastric Bypass surgery To fully understand the magnitude of the situation, one must go back to July 29, 2003.

That is when Dr. Hicks, principal at Broward Estates Elementary School, underwent Gastric Bypass surgery to im-

prove her health and livelihood as she was a single parent raising a young daughter at the time.

In May of 2004, complications set in and emergency surgery was performed on Dr. Hicks. The emergency operation did not stop Dr. Hicks from keeping a promise, however, that she made to her students at Broward Estates if they read at least 50,000 books.

Upholding that promise, three days after undergoing surgery, she left the hospital to kiss a pig the following morning in front of her students and the community. One year later, Broward Estates Elementary earned its first A and 100 percent Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).

(Story continues on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

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1. Why are we replacing the FCAT? With new, more rigorous standards in place to help Florida students succeed, the FCAT 2.0 no longer serves the purpose of measuring student progress and achievement. Commissioner Pam Stewart’s top priority was to choose the best assessment for students, ensuring that the test replacing the FCAT 2.0 in the 2014-15 school year best serves Florida students by accurately measuring education gains and progress.

To this end, the following goals were outlined in Governor Scott’s Executive Order on Sept.

23, 2013: • Provide timely and informative reports of results; • Do not significantly increase the overall cost of testing to the state, districts or schools; • Allow students to test as late in the school year as possible; • Measure student mastery of the standards taught; • Provide a basis for comparing Florida performance to that of other states; • Meet high quality standards for assessment, including reliability and validity for a variety of accountability purposes; • Provide the flexibility necessary in order for schools and districts to build technology capacity; and, • Include appropriate accommodations for exceptional students.

2. Why is this important to Floridians?

It is important that each and every child in this state have the opportunity to learn and succeed in college, career and in life. This new method of

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COMMISSIONER STEWART assessment will allow teachers to emphasize critical thinking, which will provide our students with even greater opportunities to live and learn in Florida.

Business growth will continue as Florida graduates show the ability to be the best in the nation, providing a strong workforce in the nation’s most desirable location to live, to work and to learn.

3. What changes will Florida students and teachers see? What are the benefits to students?

The new Florida Standards, adopted by the State Board of Education in February after unprecedented public input and review, will prepare Florida students for success in college, career and in life by emphasizing analytical thinking.

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Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper

President Obama welcomes young A blast from the Class of 1974 African leaders to Washington

President Obama addresses participants in the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders during a town hall in Washington, D.C. (Photos Freddie Allen/NNPA)

Hilarius Abiwu, 35, a public management fellow at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Md., from Ghana attended the African town hall in Washington, D.C.

By Freddie Allen NNPA Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON, D.C. (NNPA) – Abbigal Muleya, a young woman from Zimbabwe, traveled by bus for 18 hours just to apply for the Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (WFYAL), a rigorous, six-week program at some of the best universities in the United States. Muleya was one of 500 young people selected from

50,000 applicants for the fellowship that featured training in leadership, business and public management.

During a town hall with the young African leaders, President Barack Obama pledged to double the number of Washington fellows from 500 to 1,000, to provide more grants for entrepreneurship, and to develop regional leadership centers.

“I launched the Young African Leaders Initiative to make sure that we’re tapping into the incredible talent and creativity of young Africans like you,” said President Obama. “Since then, we’ve partnered with thousands of young people across the continent – empowering them with the skills and the training and technology they need to start new businesses, to spark change in their communities, to promote education and health care and good governance.”

President Obama created the WFYAL, renamed the Mandela WFYAL, in conjunction with the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) to partner with young people on the continent, providing the tools and training to start businesses and to support educational opportunities,

health services and civic engagement.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) pledged $38 million to create regional leadership centers in Ghana, Kenya, Senegal and South Africa. The Master Card Foundation will fund the centers for five years and companies, including Microsoft, Dow Chemical Company, Intel Corporation, and Cisco Systems, will also provide financial, business tools and technical support to aid in the project.

With 60 percent of Africa’s population under 35, the future success of African nations will depend on the leadership, skills, and ingenuity of this emerging generation of leaders and this public-private partnership is vital to helping better the continent for years to come, said White House officials.

Adebayo Alonge, 27, a business and entrepreneurship fellow at Yale University in New Haven, Conn., said that YALI is aimed at improving America’s relationship with Africa, a relationship that has been frayed. “[America] lost that first position to Asia and Europe, but this is supposed to redefine that relationship in terms of leveraging all of the young leaders here to improve its influence on the continent,” said Alonge, who is from Nigeria.

“At the core of it, [Obama] is looking at African youth to take responsibility for moving the continent forward. At the end of the day, it’s the young people that have to hold our governments to account.”

After taking a question from the audience on debt forgiveness in Africa, President Obama said that he challenges the notion that the primary reason that African nations have stumbled is because of heavy debt imposed by the West.

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Broward County-Wide Class of 1974 is celebrating its 40th Reunion Anniversary.

By Janice Hayes The Broward County-Wide Class of 1974 is celebrating its 40th Reunion Anniversary. All Broward County High School graduates from the Class of 1974 will convene Aug. 8-10, 2014 in Fort Lauderdale to celebrate. Classmates are arriving from all over the county to share in this event with family and friends. Arrivals include Fredrick Davis, Durham, N.C.; Gwen Wilson-Robinson, Atlanta, Ga.; John Elliott Gray, Methuen, Ma.; Elton Gaddy, Phenix City, Ala.; Constance Coley McIntosh, Decatur, Ga.; Janis Donaville, Cordova, Tenn.; JoEllen McDaniel-Bostick, Englewood, N.J. and many other cities and states.

“We are all excited to be able to get together and reminisce about the good times ‘back in the day!’ It’s going to be a blast from the past looking at old photos and remembering our awkward teenage years,” said Janice Hayes, treasurer for the Reunion Planning committee.

The Class of ‘74 experienced myriad transitions as they progressed through high school during a very pivotal time at the peak of the struggle for racial and educational equality.

Twenty years after Brown vs

The Board of Education, wherein the Supreme Court abolished segregation in public schools, the Class of ’74 attended desegregated schools in Broward County.

Ironically, in 1970, Frederick Allen, a member of the Class of 1974, was party to a desegregation law suit that was brought by his father, Attorney W. George Allen and by the president of the Broward County Chapter of the NAACP, et al, against the Board of Public Instruction and the School Superintendent of Broward County, Fla. Also, Congressman Alcee Hastings, then a former judge and community activist, played an integral role in the fight for desegregation, as well. As a result, the district court found that the Broward County School Board was operating a dual school system. The Board was ordered to file a comprehensive plan to establish a unitary school system in Broward County.

Fast forward 40 plus years later, Broward County continues to maintain a unitary school system in the classroom and the boardroom. The Broward County School Board now has a Black school Superintendent, Robert Runcie and a

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Black, female board member, Dr. Rosalind Osgood, working diligently to improve the plight of all students regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or economic status.

Thus, the Class of ‘74 began in their ninth grade year to attend schools all across the county and many former classmates were split up to attend the different schools. The Broward County-Wide Class of ‘74 Reunion presents the perfect opportunity to reconnect, reminisce and reunite. The Class will also be worshipping together at the 11 a.m. service at New Mount Olive Baptist Church, Dr. Marcus D. Davidson, Senior Pastor.

Although this weekend is focused on celebrating, the Broward County-wide Class of ‘74 engages in charitable activities and their mission is to preserve the legacy of community service by contributing to the educational, economic and social vitality of the community. They have contributed to various charitable initiatives, provided needy families with donations and served as volunteers for many other charitable organizations. We salute the Class of ’74, a real “Class Act.”

August 7 - August 13, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 3

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Education reform not to blame for today’s segregated schools

By Kevin P. Chavous Executive Counsel, American Federation for Children www.kevinpchavous.com It is the great irony of Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark desegregation case that celebrates its 60th anniversary this year that segregation in our schools has gotten worse, not better. Back in 1954, 17 states still had segregated schools and with court order from the highest court in the land, they were forced to desegregate. How successful were they? Not very. Take Missouri, one of those 17 states. Its most populous city, St. Louis, still is one of the most segregated cities in the country and its schools are just as segregated as the urban area. But St. Louis is not alone, or even an outlier. In New York City, the nation’s largest school district is the most segregated in the country.

In the past few weeks, in a host of opinion articles and media interviews, status quo defenders of America’s public school system sought to explain this troubling situation by focusing on their usual villains – those urging comprehensive education reform. They suggested that enduring racial divides in our schools were to be blamed on charter schools and newly emerging educational options, such as vouchers. Donna Brazile, for example, cited

charter schools as part of the segregation problem in American education. As much affection as I have for Donna, it’s not a serious argument when the fact is that charter schools make up only 6 percent of the nation’s public schools.

Worse still, top officials in the Justice Department seem to believe in this mythological link between education reforms and segregation. Last year, the Department filed for an injunction to block the Louisiana school voucher program that was designed for low-income, and predominantly minority kids who were and remain trapped in failing schools. Using the spurious argument that the program exacerbated segregation, the Justice Department asked the Court to “permanently enjoin the State of Louisiana from awarding any school vouchers.”

Here are the facts. In Louisiana, 93 percent of the children benefiting from the Louisiana Scholarship Program are minorities, all of whom attend underperforming schools and are from low-income families. An analysis of the Louisiana voucher program concluded it has “no negative effect on school desegregation.” Those who take part over-whelmingly are moving from one segregated school to another. The new school just happens to be a better school for them acade-

mically.

The bitter truth is that America’s schools have been segregated long before the advent

“Finding the right path for high school is like finding a new car.”

This analogy is a favorite of Dr. Larry Feldman of the Miami-Dade County School Board.

While school buses are being readied for the new school year a few weeks away, many parents and students are already thinking about the next step in their educational paths. Or if they made the right choice.

Like never before, the decisions being made by many families and students on where to go for the best possible educa-tion is one that requires immeasurable thought and consideration.

Every parent at some point wonders if they are sending their child to the right school.

“Am I being a good parent?

Have I done my homework? Do I really have options?”

This is where the confusion begins. Confusion brought on by huge amounts of information given to parents. An overload of information that can be daunting to parents and students.

For example, while the choice between public and private schools may seem like a simple one, the complexities run deeper than the obvious.

Look further into the internal debate and even more questions arise.

“What’s this new academy at Campbell Drive Middle? How can I get my child in that new school on 11th street? Do I have to pay for a Charter School?

What’s so special about that school that is at the old James Archer Smith Hospital?” These are just a sample of ques-tions parents in our area ask every

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CHAVOUS reasons to fight against the innovation and creativity we are seeing in education that our citizens want and need.

FDOT encourages all to be cautious as students return to class The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and our Community Traffic Safety Teams remind motorists to take extra traffic safety precautions as students head back to school.

The beginning of the school year is a time when children are at increased risk of transportation related injuries from pedestrian, bicycle, school bus and motor vehicle crashes. FDOT offers the following tips for making back to school commutes safer for motorists and students.

Tips for Motorists • Be alert for School Speed Zones and obey the posted speed limits.

• Watch for school buses.

Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm indicate the school bus is stopping to load or unload children. State law requires you to stop.

• Keep an eye out for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks.

• Be alert for children playing and gathering near bus stops and for those who may dart into the street without looking for traffic.

• When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking or riding a bicycle.

Students and parents may feel overwhelmed with the large amount of school options available to them.

day. Now that we are im-mersed in the information age, sorting through the haze of terms and conditions can be a tedious task, to put it mildly.

Over the next few weeks, the News Leader will explore each of the options that are presented to prospective high school students and their parents and explore why each choice presents different opportunities.

Going back to Dr. Feldman’s analogy, looking for your student’s perfect fit is something that requires doing some legwork.

“When you go to a dealership to get a new car, you don’t just go up to the first car you find and say ‘this is the one I want,’” said Feldman. “Instead, you do your research, look up which features you want to have, and sometimes even take a car out for a test drive. Finding the right high school is no different.”

The proliferation of new schools, public, private and charter, in our area, after many years of no new schools built in South Dade, has created a competitive educational jungle, students and parents are no longer faced with one option. It used to be your kids went to school closest to where you live. End of story.

The notion of being required to attend one’s “home school” is no longer something parents and students are restricted to when choosing the next step.

Public schools now offer choices.

Choices brought about by competition. Competition many see as having a direct impact on how our local schools have improved their ratings and performance levels and even graduation rates.

tidote.

The education reform and educational choice movements grew out of a desire to address our collective failure to give our least privileged citizens the education they deserve – not the education to which they’ve been condemned. Blaming those of us who believe in reform and choice doesn’t do anything to help those kids. It’s a distraction. Getting our kids in good schools is part of the solution, not the problem. Let’s celebrate those outliesr – but growing – educational choice programs that are educating kids that otherwise wouldn’t be educated.

Every student who has a worthwhile education makes one more kid who can thrive in an integrated world. And for goodness sake, let’s stop finding

Back to school traffic safety tips

Deciding on the right school

By Andrew Gilbert

of education reform, charter schools, opportunity scholarships and virtual learning.

How did they become that way?

America is a segregated country, both racially and socio-economically. White and middle class Black and brown suburban flight left our city schools with primarily low income kids of color. Segregation is a fact of life in school systems in urban cities across the country.

If our Justice Department is serious about attacking segregation in K-12 education, wouldn’t it make more sense to sue New York than Louisiana?

Or Missouri, especially since it was one of the 17 states ordered to desegregate?

So how do we end segregation? If you ask me, it all starts with education. And school choice isn’t its cause but its an-

Broward Schools plans ways to improve services to special needs students

By Yolonda Reed

School Board Members of Broward County, ROBIN BARTLEMAN District 9 HEATHER P. BRINKWORTH District 3 ABBY M. FREEDMAN, District 4 PATRICIA GOOD Chair - District 2 DONNA P. KORN Vice Chair - District 8 LAURIE RICH LEVINSON District 6 ANN MURRAY District 1 DR. ROSALIND OSGOOD District 5 NORA RUPERT District 7

At a meeting held recently, parents and some school district officials agreed that Broward schools receive an ‘F’ for serving students with special needs.

For years, parents have complained about their children’s feelings of exclusion and isolation, mismanagement of district resources, Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services being understaffed, etc. A recent independent study was conducted that proves some of these points.

Evergreen Solutions of Tallahassee (EST) made 110 recommendations which included additional staff, placing ESE students closer to their homes instead of at a cluster site, auditing and monitoring of budgets, etc. by the School Board.

Superintendent Robert Runcie plans to create a task force and also to hold community meetings on how to best meet the needs of our special-needs students. After receiving complaints from the community, Superintendent Runcie commissioned the EST review.

School Board Member Robin Barlteman stated, “The culture of the district has to change.”

• When driving in neighborhoods or school zones, watch for young people who may be in a hurry to get to school and may not be thinking about getting there safely.

Tips for Parents • Be a good role model.

Always buckle up in the car, always wear a helmet when biking, and always follow pedestrian safety rules. Do not text or talk on the phone while driving.

• Supervise young children as they are walking or biking to school or as they wait at the school bus stop.

• Provide your children with bright clothing so motorists can easily see them.

• Make sure the child is properly buckled up in a weightappropriate child safety seat in the back seat.

• Make sure that your teen driver understands and obeys all state traffic laws.

Tips for Students • Always buckle up when riding in a car. Be sure to remove your backpack before getting in the vehicle. Never buckle your safety belt with your backpack on.

• Always ride in the back seat. It’s the safest place for young people.

• Always wear a helmet and follow traffic safety rules when riding your bike.

• If you ride a school bus, learn and practice the safety rules for waiting at the bus stop, getting on and off the bus, and riding the bus. Never wait for the school bus in the roadway.

• If you walk to school, learn and practice the safety rules for pedestrians. It’s extremely important for you to use sidewalks when available, look left-right-left when crossing the road, and always walk facing traffic.

• Always cross at crosswalks; obey all traffic signs, traffic lights and crossing guard instructions.

• Teen drivers should avoid speeding and minimize distractions (texting, talking on cell phones, eating, adjusting the radio) while driving. Teens are also reminded never to overload their vehicle; everyone riding in a vehicle must use a safety belt.

• Be a good role model for your younger brothers and sisters and friends, and help them learn and follow vehicle safety rules.

Thank You, Carmen B. Pullins Community Traffic Safety Program ManagerFlorida Department of Transportation-District 4, 3400 W. Commercial Blvd.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 - (954) 777-4361

Page 4 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • August 7 - August 13, 2014

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper

Easy afternoon snacks and school dictionary

To be free from conditioning (Cont'd from FP)

Remember how June Cleaver always had fresh cookies that just came out of the oven when Wally and Beaver arrived home from school? (If you don’t remember that, you might be able to catch some reruns of Leave it to Beaver on Nick at Night or TVLand!)

Anyway, who doesn’t like fresh cookies just out of the oven? However, even if you don’t fancy yourself a June Cleaver, you can still make easy afternoon snacks that your kids will love.

By the time they get off the bus or walk in the door they’re so hungry they could eat dirt.

You’re probably familiar with the well-known picture of your children standing in front of the refrigerator, door wide open, staring inside for something delightful to jump out.

Of course they’d probably love to grab an ice cream sand-wich, instead of an apple; a bag of chips over a bag of rice cakes.

Give them a snack that’s quick, nutritional and something the’ll want. Here are a few suggestions: Freeze bite size chunks of fruit. Watermelon, pineapple and apple slices tossed into a bag and then into the freezer make a refreshing, crunchy snack. The trick is that you want to have something convenient. They’re hungry – you

don’t (and neither do they) want to have to make something after school. Have it ready to pop into their mouth.

You can make a variety of kabobs. Adults usually like some meat chunks, with a little onion, green pepper and pineapple on their skewer, then onto the grill. Kids want something different.

Marshmallows, cheese, grapes, apple wedges, pineapple, banana slices, pretzels, and slices of rolled up ham or turkey are choice ingredients to stack your kabobs. Have those waiting in the refrigerator when the kids get home and you’ll hear no whines of “There’s nothing to eeeeeeeeeat!”

If you’re totally at a loss for creativity, then use some fun bowls, plates or cups. Serve fresh fruit in a margarita glass.

Put Goldfish crackers in a goldfish bowl and use a fish net to scoop out the yummy aquatic crackers. Use a new net, of course… not the one you use for Gill!

Imagine the look on your kids’ face when they come home to find an ice cream cone stuffed with Waldorf salad: Carrots, celery, apple, walnuts, and raisins with a touch of mayonnaise and lemon juice. You’ve heard that variety is the spice of life. Your kids will concur.

You don’t want the same old – same old, and neither do they.

Important School District Phone Numbers .br owar dschools.com Broward - (754) 321-0000, www www.br .browar owardschools.com .dadeschools.net Miami Dade - (305) 995-1000, www www.dadeschools.net West Palm Beach - (561) 434-8000, (866) 930-8402, www .palmbeachschools.or g www.palmbeachschools.or .palmbeachschools.org

CURRICULUM The District’s Core Curriculum includes various areas of study that support the overall academic growth of your child, such as Language Arts, Mathematics, Physical Education and others.

These subject areas are managed by separate departments that develop curriculum and learning resources; establish graduation requirements, and ensure that the programs meet the Sunshine State Standards. For a list of subject areas in the core curriculum, visit the Core Curriculum Web site.

DISCIPLINE MATRIX The Discipline Matrix is a tool used by administrators when students have committed serious violations of the Code of Student Conduct. This tool is designed to offer consistency at all levels across the District so that students are disciplined fairly from school to school when their behavior requires punishment beyond the classroom. There are two different versions of the Matrix: one for grades K-5 and one for grades 6-12. Both are available online for your review. If you have questions about the Discipline Matrix, please contact your school administrator.

EXPULSION The Code of Student Conduct contains information about behaviors that can lead to expulsion. Each student receives the Code at the beginning of the school year. It is also available online.

GUIDANCE COUNSELING School guidance counselors promote and enhance achievement with an annual comprehensive guidance plan that ensures that every student receives guidance services. Credentialed school counselors provide comprehensive counseling programs that incorporate prevention and intervention with continuous academic, career and personal/development activities that will prepare them for meaningful participation in a diverse, changing world.

These activities include Classroom guidance, small groups for skill mastery, individual counseling for students with specific needs and a variety of other proactive and innovative ways to support student performance.

School counselors implement a program based on the National Standards for School Counseling programs and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model.

They also provide resources to staff, students, families and others to ensure that a family friendly environment is established and ensure that students have access to a safe school climate necessary for academic and social/emotional growth.

Then, when the elephant reaches their capacity to wreak havoc (if they so choose) due to their enormous strength, they won’t fight back to get free, with the onset of ANY resistance they stop dead in their tracks, as if a light switch had suddenly been clicked off in their spirit.

So in due course they surrender and forget that they have choices...

There are many things in our lives today, that with greater amounts of similarity, we have chosen to be the big elephants tied to tiny trees with thread like ropes that chain all our hopes to boulders tossed into the abyss.

The pitiful drudge of an educational system that is weighted down by people who refuse to equate any form of semblance to a minority population of being qualified of equal education, equal access to business opportunities within that system and who try their best to sabotage the efforts of a superintendant who does not look like them; is less than punk (Punk or punky wood is a soft, rotted area, usually in the center of a tree or log. This condition is usually caused by fungal infection) used to burn rubbish from horse stables.

Then there is our season for politricks. How is that those who run for political office can set themselves up or allow themselves to be used by unscrupulous individuals, who might even be pistol toting family members that try to scare people in office to divert to lower forms of cultural racism?

Ohhh by such actions we become such “little men/women”.

Yes, the thread-thin ropes that bound us elephants to such small scrubby, is but a puff of smoke that is lost in the slightest summer breeze, if we so choose to seek that which can break all chains.

God’s Word promises us that there is “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”

(Romans 8:1-2 NASB). But the adversary of our character endeavors us to accept as true that sin rules over us..

What shall we do then? Reflect on what Christ has done. He died for our sins and declared an end to sin’s control over us (v.3). He rose from the dead and gave us the Holy Spirit. Now we are empowered to live victoriously in Him because “the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in [us]” (v.11).

In Christ, we are set free. He has our salvation wrought, He our captive souls has bought, He has reconciled to God, He has washed us in His blood. — Wesley EXPERIENCE TRUE FREEDOM— TAKE EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE IN OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST. -- Our Daily Bread

HIV/AIDS: What educators should know

(Cont'd from FP) AIDS is also the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 25 to 44 in the United States. This is significant because it is believed that many of the young adults currently infected with HIV/AIDS may have contracted the HIV virus during adolescence. Thus, adolescent incidence figures may underestimate those who contract HIV but do not exhibit its symptoms until early adolescence.

Relative to gender, HIV is being contracted more rapidly by women, including young girls and adolescents, than by men. Critically, the large and increasing number of females with AIDS also increases the probability of children being born with HIV due to prenatal or perinatal transmission. It is estimated that 25 percent of infants born to HIV-infected mothers will themselves become infected.

These children represent one of the fastest growing groups testing positive for the HIV virus.

Definitions: HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS - Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, the condition that results from HIV infection. AIDS is distinguished from HIV by the presence of an

opportunistic infection or a Tcell count of 200 or less.

What We Know About HIV/ AIDS Transmission: HIV is transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and in some cases, breast milk. This allows for many possible modes of transmission including the following: Sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral) with an HIV-infected person Sharing needles or syringes with someone who is HIV positive Mother to child transmission during pregnancy, during delivery, or in some cases, through breast feeding Blood transfusion with contaminated blood products, although the risk of HIV transmission through blood transfusions is minimal given current blood screening practices employed by blood banks.

It is critical to note that HIV is not transmitted through casual contact.

Prevention: Abstinence from sexual activity Condom use during sexual activity (vaginal, anal, and oral) Not sharing needles or syringes. It is critical to note that condoms are not 100 percent effective but greatly reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

Facts about AIDS:

You cannot tell if someone has AIDS by looking at them.

Currently, there is no cure for AIDS. Currently, there is no immunization to guard against the transmission of HIV. AIDS affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic status, and individuals with different sexual orientations including heterosexuals, bisexuals, and homosexuals.

No cases of AIDS have been reported due to kissing, biting, or mosquito bites.

HIV is not transmitted through touching or hugging.

HIV cannot be contracted from donating blood.

There are no reported cases of HIV being transmitted from child to child or child to staff member in a school building due to fights or contact sports.

Impact of HIV/AIDS on Children and Adolescents Many issues relative to academic and social development and functioning arise for children and adolescents with HIV or AIDS. In addition to the physical implications of HIV/AIDS, there are various neurological and psychosocial implications as discussed below.

Physical Implications: HIV infection suppresses the immune system making persons testing positive for HIV vulnerable to opportunistic infections and illnesses which include, but are not limited to, certain forms of cancer, pneumonia, and fungal infections.

Therefore, the physical symptoms experienced by persons with HIV or AIDS will vary according to their physical condition and the impact of these illnesses. HIV-infected indivi-duals who have not been diag-nosed with an opportunistic in-fection may also experience ge-neralized symptoms associated with immune suppression such as fatigue, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. To date, there is no cure for AIDS; however, pharmacological therapy (e.g., anti-retroviral medications, protease inhibi-tors) is used to prolong the onset of symptoms.

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August 7 - August 13, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 5

Community Digest

Publix is Proud to Support Community News WHERE SHOPPING IS A PLEASURE

Forum

Fair

Event

The Broward County Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host a Community Candidates Forum on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2014 beginning at 5 p.m. (Judicial Reception) and 6 p.m.

Candidates Forum at the Urban League, 560 N.W. 27 Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more info call (954) 722-0836 or email dstsocact@yahoo.com

The City of Lauderdale Lakes will host a free, two-day Community Resource Fair, Friday, Aug. 8, and Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Lauderdale Lakes Multipurpose Center, 4340 N.W. 36 St., Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. For more info call (954) 535-2800.

ACOSS a division of DOMES Foundation and SweetRebound Foundation host a Second Annual Back to School event, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at C.W. Thomas Park, 800 N.W. Second St., Dania, Fla. For more info call Demetria Robinson at (945) 548-7597.

Event

Event

Health Fair

Brown’s Temple F.B.H. Church invites you to their Community Outreach & Health Fair on Aug. 9, 2014 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., 1081 N. Powerline Rd., Pompano Beach, Fla. There will be free school supplies and book bags. A representative from Habitat for Humanity will discuss how to apply for their housing program. For more info call Darlene Ponder at (954) 9178099 or tlcadultdaycare@aol.com.

Event The Crockett Foundation will host its Sixth Annual Health Festival in partnership with Zeta Rho Omega Chapter of Al-pha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Pompano Citi Centre, 1955 N. Fed Hwy., Pompano Beach, Fla. (Vendors needed. Contact Henri Crockett at henri@Crockettfoundation.org

The Eta Nu The Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Pompano Beach, Florida will initiate a Voter Awareness Campaign leading up to the Primary and MidTerm Elections beginning Saturday Aug. 2 – Nov. 1, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the following major thoroughfares in Pompano Beach: Dixie Hwy. & Atlantic Blvd.; Atlantic Blvd. & Powerline Rd.; and MLK Blvd. & Powerline Rd. Primary & Mid-Term Elections Matter Please Vote!!!

Crystal Lake Middle School hosts ‘Back to School Community Connection”, Monday, Aug. 11, 2014 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Pompano Citi Centre, 1955 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, Fla. For more info call (754) 322-3100.

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue invites you to join them during their fourth annual Back to School Drive to benefit Kids in Distress (KID), donations are being accepted at every Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Station from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week until Aug. 11, 2014. You can help ease the stress of returning to school and give our local children a healthy boost of confidence and the tools they need for a successful start to this new school year.

Suggested donations for ages 5-17: Financial assistance, gift cards,new clothing, new sneakers, backpacks and school supplies. For more info contact Lieutenant/Paramedic Joshua Wells at (945) 8682240.

Fair

Youth Explosion

Event Lauderdale Lakes Libarary presents "Selecting Your Judicial Candidates" on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014 at 6 p.m. at the Lauderdale Lakes Branch Library and Cultural Center, 3580 W. Okld Pk. Blvd. Come and learn how to get information on the judicial candidates.

Drive

Children and Youth Explosion, “Taking Out the Trash”, Tuesday, Aug. 12 thru Thursday, Aug. 14, from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., and a “Blow Out Musical Concert”, Friday, Aug. 15, 2014 at 7 p.m., at First Baptist Church Piney Grove, 4699 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. Rev. Dr. Derrick J. Hughes.

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Students Services Department and community members, Educational ReEngagement Fair, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Broward College – Central Campus, Building 19, 3501 S.W. Davie Rd., Davie, Fla. For more info call Shirley Baker, at (754) 321-1562

Event

United Way of Broward is looking for volunteers: The newly formed Carlton B. Moore Freedom Foundation is sponsoring two Inaugural events in Fort Lauderdale. On Friday, Aug. 22, 2014 a reception at the Fort Lauderdale Woman’s Club and Saturday, Aug. 23, a Bid Whist Tournament at the Elks Lounge. For tickets or more information go to: FaceBook Carlton B Moore Foundation or EventBrite.com/ CarltonBMooreFreedomFoundation.

Events Events at Mitchell Moore Park Recreation Center, 901 N.W. Tenth St., Pompano Beach, Fla. For additional info contact Laverne Troutman. * Chicago Style Stepping classes every second and fourth Friday, from 7 to 10 p.m., learn how to do Urban Ballroom Chicago Style Step Dancing now through Sept. 26, 2014. * Brunch-Bingo and Boards free fun and games and refreshments for adults every first and third Saturday morning, from 10 a.m. to noon. * Teen Scene Chat & Chew, free event for teenagers ages 14-17 every Wednesday, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. * Parents Night Out, every fourth Friday, from 6 to 10 p.m., children will be supervised by Creative staff members. You must pick up your children by 10 p.m.

We are looking for volunteers that can dedicate one hour per week, for 25 weeks to read to first grade students for the 2014-2015 school year -- No experience is necessary; just a love for children. Volunteers must complete and pass a background check.

ReadingPals takes place during school hours.ReadingPals runs from September 2014 to June 2015.

Through the ReadingPals initiative volunteers read with children at 14 public schools and 6 childcare centers throughout Broward County. For more information about volunteering, training dates and volunteer requirements for the ReadingPals initiative please contact Lola Jordan at (954) 453-3738.

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BROWARD MEGA REUNION CLASS OF 73' THRU 77' Piper Alumni is hosting a Broward Mega Reunion Class of 73" thru 77" Schools, Dillard, Boyd Anderson, Plantation, South Plantation, Ely, Fort Lauderdale, Stranahan, Nova, and Piper on Friday Night Friday, October 17, 2014: Meet and Greet cost $20; Saturday Night, October 18: Formal Banquet cost $60 and Sunday, October 19: Church Service First Baptist Church Piney Grove, 4699 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderdale Lakes Fla., DEADLINE FOR MONEY - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2014. Other classes are welcome to participate.To receive Forms you can email me at Registration Browardmegareunion75.76.77@gmail.com or send a Self Address Stamped Envelope to c/o Cecelia Armstrong Edwards- P.O. Box 120242 Lauderhill Fl., 33312.

ATTENTION RADIO LISTENERS We have free gifts for everybody who calls into the show and shares their opinion. Listen every Saturday at 4 p.m. to Spiritual Downloads with Anna Stephenson on WWNN Radio AM 1470. It’s a live Call in talk show that discusses everything from Spiritual Matters to what matters to you. The show can also be heard on the Internet at wwnnradio.com; just click on the listen live button. Your voice is the most important part of the show. So call in and let us hear what you have to say. The toll free call in number is 1-888-5651470. Also e-mail Anna Stephenson at annasmiami@aol.com with a subject you want to hear discussed on the show. The show also interviews special guests Like Jessica Reedy from Sunday Best. Shelia Raye Charles, Melba Moore and different preachers and gospel musical artists and politicians.

Page 6 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • August 7 - August 13, 2014

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper

Dads are Cool When They Help Out at School “My dad can beat up your dad!” Oh yeah? “Well my dad is cooler than your dad!”

One thing about most kids, they’re loyal to their dads. It doesn’t matter how much he’s working or how he may not be able to throw a ball or ride bikes because he’s working on Mom’s honey-do list, most children think their dad is pretty wonderful.

Often the room parents and those parents who are available to help out at school are the moms.

Many dads would love to help out at school if their schedules were a little more flexible. Imagine the excitement on your child’s face if Dear old Dad was one of the

Bedtime Routine to Give Your Kids a Chance to Tell You About Their School Day “Ok, it’s time to start getting ready for bed. After your bath, brush your teeth and get your pajamas on. It’s getting late.”

If you have a bedtime routine, pat yourself on the back. Bedtime routines are so vital, especially for young children. Consider adding one more step to your bedtime routine. Give your kids a chance to tell you about their school day.

Remember that if your child is in school all day, your teacher is with your son or daughter for an average of 30 hours a week. That’s almost the equivalent of a full work week. You’ve missed quite a bit of time with your child.

Make an effort to keep the communicationfreeflowing. Ifyou set good habits while your child is young, it’ll be easier to talk about just anything as the years pass.

For starters, don’t ask yes or no answers. You don’t want to establish a nightly Q & A, but rather two-way communication.

Sometimes “tell me about your day” doesn’t generate much conversation. You could begin with, “tell me five things that happened

today; recess and lunch don’t count.” That is usually a great ice breaker. Kids learn real quickly that if you don’t ask, they’re not telling.

In addition to asking what was for lunch, ask who your child sat next to. Who did they play with at recess? What did they play during recess? Was anyone sick today?

Did anythingfunnyorembarrassing happen to anyone in school today?

Sometime it is difficult to keep track of the specials. By specials I mean: gym, music, art, computer lab, etc.; the extra classes that usually take place with a different teacher outside of the main classroom. Keep a cheat sheet if you need to; ask what activity they did in gym.

If you can get your child to tell you about someone who may have had a hard time (in gym, with math, with reading aloud, etc.) it is a great segue for a life lesson in difficulties and hurt feelings.

It really doesn’t matter what you talk about; it’s more important that you talk. Make talking about your kid’s day a regular part of the bedtime routine; you’ll be surprised what you learn!

The Service Learning Graduation Requirement The Student Volunteer Service Program

The School Board of Broward County, Florida has incorporated Service Learning and volunteer service into the high school graduation requirements. Any student who wishes to earn a standard diploma must meet the graduation requirement of 40 documented hours in the Student Volunteer Service Program. The website bcps.browardschools.com/schools/service_learning.htm will allow access to the rules governing exactly what will be accepted as service learning/volunteer service hours and what won’t, the log sheets necessary to document hours and the Service Application and Approval Form (used when a student is not performing a service as part of a school sponsored organization).

chaperones on the next field trip.

Dads may not have the flexibility that the work-at-home-moms do to help out at school, but most dads I know are entitled to a lunch each day as well as some vacation days each year.

If logistics permit it, dads should schedule their lunch break at the school a couple times a month.

They could help out in the school store, in the classroom or media center. Your child will be proud as a peacock!

A sad reality is that there are more and more single parent households. Some children don’t see their dad nearly as often as they would like. I remember one field trip to an apple orchard.

Dad rearranged his schedule so he could attend and help rally

PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES AND FAMILY COUNSELING

The District has a team of more than 160 school psychologists who consult with school staff and parents, coordinate responses in times of crisis, and assist in providing services to students with disabilities. These professionals are available to help parents deal with a number of common childhood issues.

The Family Counseling Program offers free short-term counseling, crisis intervention and consultation. Individual, family, and group counseling services are available. Any family that resides in Broward County and has a school-aged child enrolled in

Anti-Bullying Policy The School Board of Broward County has approved the first school district Anti-Bullying Policy in Florida. The policy, which was adopted on July 22, 2008, was designed by the District’s Office of Prevention Programs and Student Support Services, under the Safe Schools Healthy Students Grant initiative.

The Florida Department of Educationwillutilizethenewpolicy as a model for the state’s other 66 school districts. The policy was developed prior to the passage of House Bill 669, which mandates that all districts in the state adopt Anti-Bullying policies by Dec. 1, 2008.

The District’s Anti-Bullying Policy specifically prohibits bullyingoforbyanyDistrictstudent or employee, with consequences for those acts that meet the definition of bullying as defined in the policy: “Bullying”meanssystematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on

one or more students or employees.

The policy sets forth guidelines for the identification and reporting of bullying – as the overall goal of the initiative is the protection of students and their increased feelings of safety and belonging. The policy requires teachers and staff to utilize a variety of prevention and intervention activities and includes tools and resources that create environments of safety and respect and expectations of appropriate behavior.

The Anti-Bullying Policy was developed by a District task force, which included community and parental involvement.

the children. While sitting on the hay ride you would have thought he was a local celebrity. Kids were fighting over who could sit next to “The Dad”.

It’s good for children to see dads participate with school activities. Dads are cool when they help out at school. Don’t negate the possibility helping just because dad works when school is in session. Maintenance man Mr. Bob would love a hand setting up for the school carnival. Do you realize how many tables and stations need to be set up?

The next time you overhear a group of children trying to one-up each other where their dads are concerned, perhaps you’ll hear one bragging, “Oh yeah? Well MY dad helps out at school!” Do you know any cool dads?

school is eligible to receive services. The program is designed to intervene during elementary/ middle/high school years with students considered “at risk” academically, behaviorally and/or socially to prevent future dysfunction such as alcohol and drug abuse, school dropout and delinquency.

Problems addressed include school-related issues, minor substance abuse, mild depression, family communication problems, adjustment reactions to significant family changes, and interpersonal difficulties. Each counseling center maintains a schedule that provides both day and evening office hours.

August 7 - August 13, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 7

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper

AF amily T hat Prays T ogether, Stays T ogether Family That Together, Together

Church Directory

St. Ruth Missionary Baptist Church 145 NW 5th Avenue Dania Beach, FL 33004 Office: (954) 922-2529

Bishop Victor T. Curry Senior Pastor/Teacher

Worship T his and Every Sunday at the Church of Your Choice This

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church 2211 N.W. 7th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33061 Church: (954) 583-9368 Email: bethelmbchurchfl@att.net

Reverend Jimmy L. English PASTOR WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Worship ............................................................. 8 a.m. & 11 a.m.

Sunday School ........................................................................... 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday (Prayer Service & Bible Study) ............................... 7:30 a.m.

Saturday (Women Bible Study) ............................................................ 8 a.m.

"Baptized Believers working together to do the will of God"

First Baptist Church Piney Grove, Inc. 4699 West Oakland Park Blvd.

Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33313 Office: (954) 735-1500 Fax: (954) 735-1939 fbcpg@bellsouth.net

Rev. Dr. Derrick J. Hughes, Pastor SUNDAY SERVICES Worship Services .......................................................... 7:30 & 10:45 a.m.

Children's Church ........................................................ 7:30 & 10:45 a.m.

Communion (First Sunday) ......................................... 7:30 & 10:45 a.m.

New Members' Class .................................................................... 9:30 a.m.

Church School .............................................................................. 9:30 a.m.

Baptist Training Union (BTU) .................................................... 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday (Bible Study) ...................................... 11:15 a.m.. & 7:00 p.m.

Harris Chapel United Methodist Church Rev. Juana Jordan, M.Div E-MAIL:juana.jordan@flumc.org 2351 N.W. 26th Street Oakland Park, Florida 33311 Church Telephone: (954) 731-0520 Church Fax: (954) 731-6290

SERVICES Sunday Worship ................................................. 7:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School .............................................................................. 9:00 a.m.

Wednesday (Bible Study) ........................................... 11a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Mount Calvary Baptist Church

800 N.W. 8th Avenue Pompano Beach, Florida 33060 Church Telephone: (954) 943-2422 Church Fax: (954) 943-2186 E-mail Address: Mtcalvarypompano@bellsouth.net

Reverend Anthony Burrell, Pastor SCHEDULE OF SERVICES New Member Orientation ........................... 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School ................................................ 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service ........................................ 11:00 a.m.

WEDNESDAY Prayer Meeting ............................................... 6:00 p.m.

Bible Study ..................................................... 7:00 p.m.

WORSHIP SERVICES Bible Study (Wednesday Night) ...................................................... 6:45 p.m.

Sunday School .............................................................................. 8:45 a.m.

Sunday Morning Service ............................................................. 10:00 a.m.

Williams Memorial CME “PRAYER IS THE ANSWER” 644-646 NW 13th Terrace Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 (954) 462-5711(Ministry Office Line) (954) 462-8222(Pastor’s Direct Line) Email: wm_cme@bellsouth.net (Church} pastorCal50@yahoo.com (Pastor)

Rev. Cal Hopkins.

M.Div) Senior Pastor/Teacher

The WITNESS of “The WILL” Sunday Worship Experiences ................................................................ 7:45 and 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School ................................................................................................................. 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday Night Triumph {Prayer, Praise and Power} Prayer Meeting ................................................................................................................ 7:00 p.m.

Bible Study ........................................................................................................................ 7:30 p.m.

We STRIVE to PROVIDE Ministries that matter TODAY to Whole Body of Christ, not only the Believers, but also for those stranded on the “Jericho Road”!

“Celebrating over 85 Years of FAITH and FAVOR! Come to the WILL ... We’ll show You the WAY: Jesus the Christ!”

Obituaries Elijah Bell's Funeral Services ABRAMS Funeral services for the late John Abrams.

KELLY Funeral services for the late Marion Kelly.

James C. Boyd Funeral Home DERILIEN Funeral services for the late Major Gisele Derilien – 67 were held Aug. 2 at The Salvation Army Fort Lauderdale Corps with Majors Gene & Rebecca Hogg officiating. Interment: Lauderdale Memorial Park.

McWhite's Funeral Home

SUNDAY

"Doing God's Business God's Way, With a Spirit of Excellence"

New Birth Baptist Church The Cathedral of Faith International Bishop Victor T. Curry, M.Min., D.Div. Senior Pastor/Teacher 2300 N.W. 135th Street Miami, Florida 33167

ORDER OF SERVICES Sunday Worship ........................................................ 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Sunday School ....................................................................................................... 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday (Bible Study) ......................................................................................... 6:45 p.m.

Wednesday (Bible Study) ............................................................................... 10:45 a.m.

1-800-254-NBBC * (305) 685-3700 (o) *(305) 685-0705 (f) www.newbirthbaptistmiami.org

New Mount Olive Baptist Church 400 N.W. 9th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale 33311 (954) 463-5126 ● Fax: (954) 525-9454 CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Dr. Marcus D. Davidson, Senior Pastor WORSHIP SERVICES & BIBLE STUDY Sunday .................................................... 7:15 a.m. 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School ............................................................................ 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday Noonday Service .................................. 12:00-12:30 p.m.

Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting ............................................ 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday Night Bible Study ................................................... 7:00 p.m.

Where the kingdom of God is increased through Fellowship.

Leadership, Ownership and Worship F.L.O.W. To Greatness!

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1161 NW 29th Terr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33311 (954) 581-0455 ● Fax: (954) 581-4350 www.mtzionmissionarybapt.com

Rev. Dr. James B. Darling, Senior Pastor WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Worship Service .............................................................................. 8:00 & 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School ............................................................................................................... 10:00 a.m.

Communion Service (1st Sunday) ......................................................................... 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting ........................................................................... 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday Night Bible Study ................................................................................... 7:00 p.m.

Saturday (2nd & 4th) Growth & Orientation ........................................................... 9 a.m.

But be doers of the Word - James 1:22 nkjv - “A Safe Haven, and you can get to Heaven from here”

BRAHAM Funeral services for the late Archar Barrington Braham - 65 were held Aug. 2 at Koinonia Worship Center with Elder Anthony Rembert officiating. Interment: Hallandale Beach Cemetery.

BROWN Funeral services for the late Baby Jordan Brown – 5 months old were held Aug. 2 at McWhite’s Funeral Home Chapel with Min. Susie D. Miller officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home MITCHELL Funeral services for the late Kathryn Mitchell - 80 were held Aug. 2 at Roy Mizell & Kurtz Worship Center with Dr. Joe Edwards, Jr. officiating. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Central.

WILSON MORTURARY & CREMATIONS RAY Funeral services for the late Jimmie Lee Ray - 56 were held Aug. 2 at Apostolic Christian Faith Center with Rev. George E. Derico, Sr. officiating. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

A Family That Prays Together, Stays Together

Kids Talk About God What did Jesus mean when he said, “Knock, and it will be opened to you”?

By Carey Kinsolving and Friends “I keep on asking my mom if I can play Nintendo, and she finally says yes,” says Clyde, 7.

Well, Clyde, there’s no doubt you’ve learned that persistence pays off. Your mother knows this, too. Give your mom a break, and apply that same persistence to things of God. You might be surprised at how much more rewarding it is.

“When you are dead, you are knocking on the door to get into heaven. When you ask to come in, the door will open,” says Connor, 6.

Jokes abound about Saint Peter examining credentials for entering the pearly gates. Some people believe in second chances such as reincarnation. Let’s see what the Bible says.

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.

To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation” (Hebrews 9:27-28).

Jesus died for our sins one time, and we have one life in which to decide whether we’ll trust him with our eternal destiny.

“Keep on trying hard, and you will receive everlasting life,” says Bruce, 11.

This is a common belief that appeals to our pride. Many things in this life are earned by persistent hard work. Eternal life is not one of them. The price is higher than anyone can pay. That’s why God sent the Lord Jesus to pay the price for us.

“If you keep asking Jesus into your heart, someday he will come,” says Sara, 8.

Sara, Jesus isn’t reluctant to impart his life to those who want it. Begging isn’t required. Jesus freely gives his eternal life to anyone who will “believe in him,” as John 3:16 so clearly states.

If our eternal destiny isn’t at stake here, why did Jesus command us to knock?

“If you pray for something, and God doesn’t answer it right away, he will answer you if you keep on praying,” says Gerald, 6.

When Jesus spoke of knocking, he also mentioned asking and seeking. To illustrate what he meant, Jesus asked, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11).

Even evil people give good gifts to their children. How much more does a good God give gifts to his children who ask? This is where persistence pays huge dividends. The key is to make sure you’re asking for the right things and persist in asking, seeking and knocking.

“Don’t quit following Jesus for one day. He will reward you,” says Grace, 10.

In the context of knocking, this is persistent prayer for the advance of God’s purpose and plan. We can pray boldly and Sunrise: Jan. 1, 1918 confidently about many situations revealed in Scripture.

Sunset: Aug. 5, 2008 Juanita Brown is the best mom and grandmom in the world. We love her today and always. Because she loved us with all her heart. I know God is looking over her. And I know she is looking over us.

We truly miss you Mom. You are always in our hearts.

Love your children and grands and greatgrands.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Mt. Pisgah MB Church of Pompano, Inc. at 891 NW 27th Ave, Pompano Beach, FL 33069 is now receiving resumes for the position of PASTOR. Those interested must be called

by God, meet the criteria of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and should meet the following criteria: 1. Must be a Baptist ordained member in good standings 2. Must serve in a Baptist church that will give letter of recommendation 3. Position will be bi-vocational 4. 5 years of church leadership experience 5. High school graduate or higher Must submit to background check and home visit. Resumes are accepted between July 27 – Aug 24. Please send resume, video or links to : Mt. Pisgah c/o Nathaniel Lowe 2613 NW 8th Street, Pompano Beach, FL. 33069 or email to mtpisgahpompano@att.net

Page 8 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • August 7 - August 13, 2014

BUSINESS

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper

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FUNdraising Good Times

Reader success!

An Interview with Judy Davis Part Two

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Phone: (954) 581-2915 Fax: (954) 581-2390 Cell: (954) 224-9866

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“I did not recruit leadership, instead I embraced leadership.”

This is what we learned from Judy Davis, membership outreach manager at the Metal Museum in Memphis. We were talking with Davis to learn how this column “FUNdraising Good Times” influenced her work in raising $45,000 for The 10th Anniversary Gates Campaign.

This was a campaign to restore the beloved metal gates at the museum and the 331 rosettes that adorn them.

rjfl@aol.com

CALL AND HAVE YOUR AD PLACED ON THIS PAGE FOR A DISCOUNTED PRICE, FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES IN THE COMMUNITY CALL -- (954) 525-1489

FIRST B APTIST CHUR CH PINEY GR OVE, INC BAPTIST CHURCH GRO INC..

FULL TIME POSITION AVAILABLE MINIMUM Q UALlFICA TONS QU ALlFICAT Bachelor of Music Degree Preferred Must Be Able to Read Music and Play Organ & Piano Must have at least 3 years Administrative/Supervisory Experience Must Pass Background Check Salary: Negotiable Deadline for Resume: Friday, August 15, 2014 Send Resumes to : Att. Dr othy Cook or Sis. Fran Bolden Dr.. Dor Dorothy Personnel Ministr dinators - First Baptist Chur ch Piney Gr ove Ministryy Coor Coordinators Church Grove 4699 W est Oakland Park Boulevar d, Lauder dale Lakes, Florida 33313 West Boulevard, Lauderdale Phone: 954735-1500 H Fax: 954735-1939 E-mail: info@fbcpineygrove.org

The campaign was launched in April 2013, but Davis “did not get involved with the campaign until November 2013 when I saw we needed more funds. I produced a timeline of events and presented it to my director and the public engagement associate. I took the Development Boot Camp workshops that were offered at the Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence and received advice from my previous manager that raised funds for the Memphis Public Library,” Davis shared. “I did not ask anyone to do anything I would not do and I tried to keep the momentum going. I tried to create an environment where all my coworkers felt they had a vested interest in the success of the campaign.”

She developed two questions to drive her fundraising. These were: “How do the Metal Museum gates impact the community?” and “What is your story as it relates to the gate?” These were derived from her desire for museum members and visitors to feel they had a personal connection with the gates.

Davis also developed a brand identity for the campaign that tied to the museum’s overarching brand. “I wanted the feel and color of gray (metal) but to focus on the gates, not the museum.

Copyright 2014 – Mel and Pearl Shaw -- Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your campaign visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper

August 7 - August 13, 2013 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 9

Students with criminal convictions have limited eligibility for federal student aid Make sure you understand your status, and don't assume you can't get aid.

Your eligibility for federal student aid can be affected by incarceration and/or the type of conviction you have. * If I’m incarcerated, can I get federal student aid? * If I’m on probation or parole, can I get federal student aid? * Is it true that drug convictions might affect my ability to get federal student aid? * What other convictions might affect my aid?

If I’m on probation or parole, can I get federal student aid?

Yes; if you are on probation or parole or living in a halfway house, you may be eligible for federal student aid. But remember, if you were convicted of a drug-related offense or if you are subject to an involuntary

civil commitment for a sexual offense, your eligibility may be limited.

Is it true that drug convictions might affect my ability to get federal student aid?

Yes; your eligibility might be suspended if the offense occurred while you were receiving federal student aid (grants, loans, or work-study). When you complete the FAFSA, you will be asked whether you had a drug conviction for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid.

If the answer is yes, you will be provided a worksheet to help you determine whether your conviction affects your eligibility for federal student aid. Preview the drug eligibility worksheet.

Bizarre picture book teaches kids about open carry gun laws

By Maria Mora Photo credit: Rich Legg Wondering how to explain to your kids that you go about your daily life with a handgun? Never fear. My Parents Open Carry has all the information you need, complete with adorable awkward illustrations.

I’m not against the second amendment. I grew up in a household with guns. Many of my family members have concealed weapons permits. My brother goes hunting and texts me photos of dead deer and I

LEGAL NOTICES PUBLICATION OF BID SOLICITATIONS Broward County Board of County Commissioners is soliciting bids for a variety of goods and services, construction and architectural/engineering services. Interested bidders are requested to view and download the notifications of bid documents via the Broward County Purchasing website at: www.broward.org/ purchasing.

August 7, 14, 21, 28, 2014 IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: FMCE 14008372 DIVISION: 42-91 STANEITA HOLMES, Petitioner, and RONALD D. HOLMES, Respondent,

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: RONALD D. HOLMES (Respondent’s Last Known Address) 3517 S.W. 16 Court Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defense, if any, to it on STANEITA HOLMES, whose address is 5321 S. W. Sixth Street, Plantation, Florida 33317 on or before September 8, 2014, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court at 201 Southeast Sixth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 Room 230 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address: (You may file Notice of Current Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed to the address on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or Dated July 24, 2014

By Randi B. Fischer, Deputy Clerk July 30, Aug. 7, 14, 28, 2014

don’t cry about it. On the other hand, I’m completely freaked out by the notion of open carry and bringing guns to restaurants, stores and recreational areas. Just last year, a disgruntled elderly gentleman shot and killed another man at the movies. Why? The guy was texting during the film. This kind of senseless gun violence simply wouldn’t happen if guns weren’t being carried in public places like movie theaters. I genuinely don’t understand why untrained civilians can carry loaded weapons around me and my kids.

But maybe I just need to be educated on safe, responsible gun ownership. That’s where My Parents Open Carry could come in handy. This picture book from White Feather Press answers the sweeping call for pro-gun children’s books. With 20 U.S. kids hospitalized each day for gun injuries, it’s clear that children desperately need to learn that adults walking around with loaded firearms are totally safe. My Parents Open Carry tells the story of 13-yearold Brenna Strong, the supercreatively named teen who runs errands with her gun-toting, freedom-loving parents, Richard and Bea. The book includes helpful information such as telling kids what an easy target is. “Someone that would be easy to rob,” the My Parents Open Carry glossary explains.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

On-Line Student Text Books There are increased numbers of electronic textbooks (e-textbooks) now available on the Broward Enterprise Education Portal (BEEP). BEEP is on the internet at http:// beep.browardschools.com or by clicking on the BEEP link on this website. · Once on BEEP: · Click Student Portal · Under Online Re-sources enter student username and password (same as Virtual Counselor username and password) choose desired online textbook.

Textbooks offered online are the textbooks that are adopted throughout the school district.

Additional online textbooks will be added annually as Broward Schools continues to purchase new textbooks on a district-wide basis. · Student Virtual Counselor password is subject to change by student, parent, and/or guardian.

If your eligibility for federal student aid has been suspended due to a drug conviction, you can regain eligibility early by successfully completing an approved drug rehabilitation program or by passing two unannounced drug tests administered by an approved drug rehabilitation program. If you regain eligibility during the award year, notify your financial aid office immediately so you can get any aid you’re eligible for.

If you are convicted of a drugrelated offense after you submit the FAFSA, you might lose eligibility for federal student aid, and you might be liable for returning

any financial aid you received during a period of ineligibility.

Find more information on this topic in a fact sheet called “FAFSA Facts for Students with Drug-related Convictions.”

What other convictions might affect my aid?

If you have been convicted of a forcible or non-forcible sexual offense, and you are subject to an involuntary civil commitment upon completion of a period of incarceration for that offense, you cannot receive a Federal Pell Grant.

Page 10 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • August 7 - August 13, 2014

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper

Bully proof your student Meningococcal vaccines It probably started in preschool when your son was playing with the truck and a big mean four and a half year old just came over and stole that dump truck right out of your sweet innocent little man’s precious little hands. How dare he?!

The fact is, children can be mean. Shoot, adults can be mean too. Why do you think someone created the bumper sticker, “Mean people suck”? You can’t be with your child 24/7 to protect him from the school bully. You can’t control what other children do; but you can control how your child reacts. Or at least hopefully you can bully proof your student.

For starters you want to ensure your precious baby isn’t on the giving end of the bullying. Not only is it rude and wrong, it could land your assertive child a suspension. (Assertive sounds so much better than aggressive, don’t you agree?)

You would do well to explain the psychology of a school bully before your child is faced with a situation where he (or she) is the one being bullied. The “do unto others rule’ is a good place to start. You can also explain that often children act like a bully to mask other feelings (anger, dis-appointment, etc.) If your student isn’t doing anything intentional to egg on the rough and tough, the odds are in his favor he may not be a target.

Only you know whether or not your child is mature enough to understand what makes a bully act in a certain manner. If you still have “a situation” even after you’ve thoroughly and repeatedly discussed

What is meningococcal disease?

how to play nice and how to avoid instigatinganynegativeplayground behavior, it’s time for Plan B. Make sure that your child’s teacher is aware of the situation.

That’s not considered tattling; it’s your responsibility. Often school can and should put an end to it once they become aware.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

Florida Department Of Health In Broward County Offers

FREE Back To School Immunizations IMMUNIZATIONS will be offered on the following dates and times:

BROWARD COUNTY, FL – The Florida Department of Health in Broward County will offer free immunizations for school age children (up to age 18) during the month of August inside the Lauderhill Mall, 1299E N.W. 40 Avenue in the City of Lauderhill, FL. Parents and guardians are advised to prepare early and get the required immuni-zations for their child/children before the school rush.

INSIDE THE LAUDERHILL MALL Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday August 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 15, 18 & 19 - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Thursday August 7 & 14 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

School physicals and religious exemptions will not be provided at the Lauderhill Mall. For information on school physicals and religious exemptions call (954) 467-4705.

Florida requires certain vaccines to be ad-ministered before children may enroll and attend childcare and school.

For information on immunization schedules visit:

www.immunizeflorida.com or call, (954) 467-4705.

In order to be vaccinated, each child must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Parent or legal guardian should remember to bring the child’s immunization records.

JOIN THE FUN ON SATURDAY, AUG. 16 – 10:00 a. m. -2:00 p.m.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR Free Immunizations, Face Painting, Family Entertainment, Lauderhill Mall shop discounts Enrollment for: Florida KidCare (Health insurance for children), WIC (Women, Infants & Children nutrition program), Free & Reduced School Lunch program

Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) was licensed in 2005. It is the preferred vaccine for people two through 55 years of age.

Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) has been available since the 1970s. It may be used if MCV4 is not available, and is the only meningococcal vaccine licensed for people older than 55.

Both vaccines work well, and protect about 90 percent of people who get them. MCV4 is expected to give better, longer-lasting protection.

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness.

It is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children two through 18 years old in the United States.

Meningitis is an infection of the covering of the brain and the spinal cord.

Meningococcal disease also causes blood infections.

Anyone can get meningococcal disease. But it is most common in infants less than one year of age and people 16–21. Children with certain medical conditions, such as lack of a spleen, have an increased risk of getting meningococcal disease. College freshmen living in dorms are also at increased risk.

Meningococcal vaccine There are two kinds of meningococcal vaccine in the U.S.:

Who should get meningococcal vaccine and when?

A dose of MCV4 are recommended for children and adolescents 11 through 18 years of age.

Meningococcal vaccine is also recommended for other people at increased risk for meningococcal disease: * College freshmen living in dormitories * U.S. military recruits. * Anyone traveling to, or living in, a part of the world where meningococcal disease is common, such as parts of Africa. * Anyone who has a damaged spleen, or whose spleen has been removed. * Anyone who has terminal complement component deficiency (an immune system disorder).

MCV4 is the preferred vaccine for people two through 55 years of age in these risk groups. MPSV4 can be used if MCV4 is not available and for adults over 55.

(Read full story on www.thewestsidegazette.com)

August 7 - August 13, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 11

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper

FLORIDA BRIGHT FUTURES

SCHOLARSHIPS

High School: Graduation Requirements There are two options for students to earn their high school diploma, ACCEL (18credits) or Standard (24-credits). For both options, students must meet certain credit, grade point average (GPA) and assessment requirements to earn a high school diploma. A student’s graduation requirements are determined by the cohort, which is the year the student first entered ninth grade, and the chosen graduation option.

Students should know their requirements and regularly monitor their progress toward earning a diploma. School counselors are

available to assist students with planning for college and career readiness. Students can view an up-to-date report on their progress toward meeting graduation requirements onVirtual Counselor.

Diploma Designations Beginning in the 2013/14 school year, students can earn two Diploma Designations on their high school diploma, each with its own re-quirements beyond the standard diploma: • The Scholar Diploma De-signation aligns closely to the State University System’s requirements for admission into a Florida university.

The requirements for the Scholar Designation are the same for all students; however, students who entered 9th grade in 2012/13 and prior should know the End-of-Course (EOC) exam score requirements, as these may vary between cohorts.

• The Merit Designation requires students to earn at least one industry certification in addition to their high school diploma.

The following charts and videos outline the specific requirements for students in each graduation option based on the school year students entered the ninth grade.

When it comes to paying for school, you’r e not alone. Grants, work-study you’re work-study,, and low-interest loans help make college affordable.

Financial aid is available from a variety of sources for college, career school, graduate school, and professional school.

The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program is comprised of three Florida Lotteryfunded scholarships to reward Florida high school graduates for high academic achievement: • Florida Academic Scholars Award (FAS), including the Academic Top Scholars award (ATS) • Florida Medallion Scholars Award (FMS) • Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award (GSV) For initial eligibility, a student must: • Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

A student’s residency and citizenship status are determined by the postsecondary institution. Questions regarding such status should be directed to

the financial aid office or admissions office of the institution the student plans to attend.

• Not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant, loan, or scholarship program unless satisfactory arrangements to repay have been made.

• Meet specific coursework and minimum grade point average (GPA) and test score requirements.

Further requirements apply for each of the three award types.

Students must apply during the last year of high school, before graduation, or forfeit all future eligibility for a Bright Futures Scholarship. * This information can change pending future legislation rulings.

Financial aid is money to help pay for college or career school. Aid can come from • the U.S. federal government, • the state where you live, • the college you attend, or • a nonprofit or private organization.

Besides financial aid, you also should think a-bout what you can do to lower your costs when you go to college.

Aid and Other Resources From the Federal Government The federal government offers a number of financial aid programs. Besides aid from the U.S. Department of Education (discussed below), you also might get • aid for serving in the military or for being the spouse or child of a veteran, • tax benefits for education, • an Education Award for community service with AmeriCorps, • Educational and Training Vouchers for current and former foster care youth, and/or • scholarships and loan repayment through the Department of Health and Human Services’ Indian Health Service, National Institutes of Health, and National Health Service Corps.

The U.S. Department of Education awards about $150 billion a year in grants, work-study funds.

The Brace Program The BRACE Program is unique to the Broward County School System. BRACE advisors work with guidance counselors to provide students with information on scholarships, financial aid and the college application process. Advisors can also provide informatioon technical schools, military options and direct workforce entry. Your junior

and senior years are critical in finding out what you want to do in life. Identify sources of college and career information at your school and seek assistance from your BRACE advisor. Don’t miss out!

This is the time to make decisions about your future.

There is a world of opportunities available to students; plan now, try hard and follow your dreams!

CITY ACADEMY -FVC (Formerly FACTS) Florida’s Virtual Campus (FVC) is a free, online advising Web site that helps students plan and track their education progress from middle school through high school and on to college. FVC helps middle school students and their families plan for high school and explore careers.

In order to be promoted to Grade ninth, all middle school students must complete a Career and Education Planning course, which

requires the creation of an academic plan for high school, using the electronic Personal Education Planner (ePEP) located online at flvc.org. The course may be offered in either Grade 7 or 8 and it may stand alone or be integrated into an existing course.

Page 12 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • August 7 - August 13, 2014

Regular school attendance is vitally important to a student’s academic achievement. A student has a “pattern of non-attendance” if he or she is absent from school a total of 30 hours (5 days) in any one marking period or 60 hours (10 days) within 90 days. Unless acceptable documentation is available, both unexcused and excused absences, along with tardiness and

early sign-outs, will be counted when determining a student’s pattern of non-attendance.

Acceptable reasons for an absence include: • Student illness • Illness of an immediate family member • Death in the family • Religious holidays of the student’s faith

• Required court appearance or subpoena by a law enforcement agency • Special events (conferences, state/national competitions, exceptional cases of family need) • Medical or dental appointments • Having a communicable disease or infestation A “pattern of nonattendance” may have serious consequences.

The student’s report card may be withheld, or he or she may be required to repeat a class. The child’s parent may be required to appear in court. If parents receive Temporary Assistance to Needy Families from the state, TANF payments may be suspended.

Parents with questions about the attendance policy should contact their home school or the School Social Work and Attendance Department, 754-3212490.

Choosing the Right Afterschool Act ivities for your Child Activities What happens after school is equally as important as what takes place during the school day. It’s important that you and your child choose the right after school activities. Obviously as the parent, you’ll be the one making the decisions. However if you can include your child in the process, you’ll have better buy-in.

If your child has sports practice, dance lessons or choir practice, there will be other adults present. That’s a good thing.

Dropping your child off at the mall isn’t such a good idea. If children have nothing to do, the potential for trouble is much higher.

Walking around the mall isn’t really considered, “something to do.” If you want to go to the mall with your child, that’s great. What

I’m referring to is your child taking the bus or getting dropped off, without an adult there to accompany her.

One-third of shoplifters apprehended are teens age 1317. Not suggesting that all teens are out to shoplift, just merely that the opportunity is greater when kids are wandering the mall unchaperoned, with nothing to do.

Another not so hot idea is dropping your child off at a movie theater. Unless you’ve seen the movie he wants to see, you haven’t approved the content. Besides there are much better things your child could do with his time that sit and watch a movie.

If they want to go to a friend’s house after school, make sure an adult will be present. By “making

sure” I don’t mean asking your child if the friend’s parent will be home. Get a home phone number (not a cell phone number) and talk to the mother. You’d be surprised at the number of times the other parent didn’t even know the children were planning to be together.

Many schools now have after school care which basically means your child can stay at school until you can pick her up. This gives them a chance to get homework done and play in the gym, in the presence of an adult.

Children grow up way too fast.

Make sure they are using their time wisely. Remember, they are our future generation!

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper

Does your daughter’s schedule look anything like this?

Monday: Band practice, school, dance class Tuesday: School, tae kwon do Wednesday: Band practice, school, cheerleading practice Thursday: School, tae kwon do Friday: Band practice, school, football game Saturday: Gymnastics, karate tournaments Sunday: Church, go to friends Whoa! I hope not. What is missing in that schedule? Where

does homework, family time, relaxing, reading, meals, being a kid and sleep fit into that schedule?

Don’t tell me – your child wants to do all that, right?

Or maybe all those extracurricular activities were your idea.

You only want what’s best for your child. If she is going to make the Varsity Cheerleading squad and take the State Championship in Martial arts it’s going to take some dedication.

Hello! Your child is 10! Let her be a child. Growing up goes way too fast, don’t hurry it along.

Solving problems with school staff Public Information Office offers guidance on how to prevent problems and repair relationships with teachers and staff. When your child has a problem at school, the first step is to make sure you have all the facts about the situation. Speak directly with your child’s teacher before going to the principal or superintendent. If you believe that the teacher is unwilling to resolve

the issue or you don’t think the result was fair, make a suggestion that the two of you speak with a mediator (another teacher, the assistant principal or the principal).

Children need to be children while they can. Once they hit high school there will be much more pressure to excel because college will be right around the corner.

Children should have two main responsibilities: Being a child and being a student. How can they become proficient in either if they are over scheduled, over worked and constantly on the go?

Sure extracurricular activities can have a very positive influence on your child’s development. But so can good grades and quality family time. What would happen if you limited your child’s extracurricular events to just one activity?

Let her choose one after school activity to participate in.

It may not be a popular decision, but it’s a wise decision. Do you want to be your child’s friend or your child’s parent? Explain that it is not a punishment. Remember you don’t have to justify your actions. What you do need to do is make the best choices for your children while they are still young.

Doing so will equip them to make their own smart decisions later in life. Make a commitment to limit the extracurricular activities this school year. Or perhaps give it a six month trial. You may find parking Mom’s Taxi for a while is good for everyone in the family!

PRESCHOOL EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION Preschool children aged three - five qualify for the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program if they have one or more of the following exceptionalities: • Autism Spectrum Disorder • Deaf or Hard of Hearing • Developmental Delay • Dual Sensory Impairments • Intellectual Disabilities •Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities • Physical Impaired with Orthopedically Impairment • Physical Impaired with Other Health Impairment • Specific Learning Disabilities • Speech and Language Impairments • Physical Impaired with Traumatic Brain Injured • Visually Impairment

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper

August 7 - August 13, 2014 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • Page 13

A Stress Free Morning Routine for Back to School Let’s go! Let’s go! Come on … you’re going to miss the bus! I don’t know where your favorite jeans are; it’s not my responsibility. What do you mean you still have homework? Did you brush your teeth yet?

Let’s go! I’m leaving… NOW! Oh I hope your mornings don’t sound like the above. If it does, it’s not too late to turn that ship around. The key to having a stress free morning routine is to have a smooth bedtime routine. Remember, a routine is something that is followed regularly; standard procedures. Without the consistency you will have an uphill battle.

Here are some tips to a stress free morning routine: • No yelling. Raising your voice, albeit frustrated, is only going to escalate matters.

• Early to bed, early to rise. That one is simple.

• Showers and baths should be taken at night. You think you’ll have time in the morning, but you rarely do.

• Look over all homework for completeness before bed; don’t assume it’s finished.

• Before bed ensure lunches are made, backpack is packed and there are no surprise, “Oh I need xxx today!”

• Give singular instructions. Don’t say, “I want you to finish your homework, eat breakfast, get dressed, comb your hair, brush your teeth and be in the car by

Running late for school yet again? Just give the kids a Pop Tart on the way out the door and they’ll be fine. If you’re all out of the sugary toaster treat, just swing through Krispy Kreme on the way and your offspring will be good to go. Right? Wrong! Wrong! And Wrong. You might as well give your children a cup of coffee if that’s what you consider a good breakfast.

Well sure it’s quick, convenient and tasty! In addition to lacking any nutritional value, the sugar buzz will quickly wear off and then your little one will fall asleep right before

8:15.” To a child, that sounds like “blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah.” One instruction at a time works wonders.

• Provide instructions once. If you’re doing this, stop: “Johnny, it’s time to get dressed.” Two minutes later, “Johnny, we’re going to be late if you don’t get dressed now.” Two more minutes later, “Johnny, honey, I told you to get dressed.” “Johnny, Mommy is going to be late, now go get dressed.” To a child

morning recess. So what about a bowl of cereal and a bagel? Nope, that’s not much better; although some cold cereals are clearly better than others. You want to feed your children a nutritionally sound breakfast, complete with a source of protein.

Quick and convenient does not have to equate to a boatload of carbs and sugar. How many times have you heard, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”?

It’s true; it sets the tone for the whole day. Children need to be able to focus, and they need to be awake.

Eggs are a great source of protein. If you don’t have time to cook in the morning, then make some hard boiled eggs the night before. Those are quick and easy.

You can also make fruit smoothies with yogurt and your children’s favorite fruit. Add a little cinnamon and vanilla, and then pour it all in the blender.

How many years has Carnation Instant Breakfast been around?

It’s been around longer than most readers will remember. But there is good reason for their longevity.

It’s chock full of antioxidants (as much as a cup of green tea) and it has twice the protein of an egg and twice as much calcium as a 6 oz. container of fruited yogurt. It tastes like chocolate milk, but it’s oh so much better.

Maybe your child just isn’t a breakfast person. Who says you have to eat typical breakfast food in the morning? Have you read “101 Delicious Chicken Recipes?”

If your student likes chicken, serve up a 3 oz. chicken breast for breakfast. There’s no rule against it.

And it’s a nutritionally sound breakfast, complete with a source of protein.

Don’t forget to put a small bag-

that sounds like “Oh mom is good for asking about five more times before she really goes ballistic!”

Repeated requests only send the message that junior doesn’t really have to do it now.

• Set consequences and stick to your guns. If you tell your child the car is leaving at 8:15 sharp, make it happen. Clearly you can’t leave your child behind, so leaving without her isn’t an option. Tell her you will be leaving whether she is ready or not. Sending a 10 year old to school with uncombed hair, pajamas and an empty belly might be just the catalyst for change.

You are the parent; you set the tone for the morning routine. You need to be actively involved in the morning routine.

Follow the steps above and I guarantee ‘joy will come in the morning!” gie full of almonds in your child’s backpack. Nuts are also a great convenient, energy boosting addition to breakfast. Just say ‘No” to sugary toaster treats!

TEEN PARENT PROGRAM Specialized school social workers in the Student Services Office deliver counseling, case management, and family support services to pregnant and parenting students who remain in their home schools. They coordinate with medical, child care, social services and mental health service agencies to ensure these students receive needed services. Parenting skills and academic/vocational counseling are coordinated at the school sites to support academic achievement and successful high school graduation. To access services through your home school, call the School Social Work/Student Services Office serving your area.

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION The Transportation Services Department is committed to the safe and efficient transportation of all eligible Broward County Public Schools students in compliance with federal, state and local guidelines. The Florida Statutes determine which students are eligible to receive school transportation. Each school receives a Student Transportation Eligibility Report prior to the beginning of each fall school term. The report lists each student registered at the school, their current registered address, the distance from the

registered address to the school, transportation eligibility and the bus route information, (if the student is eligible for transportation). If you believe

the distance from your home to the school has been calculated incorrectly, or have concerns about the safety of your child’s walking route, or other general questions, please contact the designated transportation liaison at your school.

Supper at School Program to Kick-Off at 42 Schools Starting Sept. 2, 2014, 42 Broward County public schools will participate in the Child Care Food Program, which is a federally funded program that provides healthy meals and snacks in the child care setting. Students enrolled in aftercare programs at designated schools will enjoy a nutritious early supper at school. Meals will meet all USDA requirements and include a milk, fruit, vegetable, grain and meat (or meat alternate) and will be offered in the school’s cafeteria. The healthy meals are provided at no charge to students.

USDA Notice: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or if all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department (not all prohibited categories will apply to all programs and/or employment activities).

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form available at any USDA office or online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/ complaint_filing_cust.html .

You can also call (866) 632-9992 to request the form or write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 6907442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.

Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 8778339; or (800) 845-6136 (in Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Page 14 • www.thewestsidegazette.com • August 7 - August 13, 2014

Broward County's Oldest and Largest African American Owned and Operated Newspaper