Campus Connections
February 18th, 2018
Rita Kentros, Brenna Spieth, Noemy Mozo, Lianne Elliott, Marsha Bergquist
Message from Jeff and Yolanda
The "Laws of Life" program is a character building activity that helps young people focus on and develop positive character traits that lead to responsible citizenship and a successful life. It was initiated as a suggestion by members of the Naples Young President's Organization (YPO 49ers) who brought it before the City of Naples and the Collier County School District. Now sponsored by the City of Naples, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, the Southwest Florida 49er’s organization and the School District, the program is open to all student residents of Collier County who are enrolled in grades four through twelve. Over 4,000 students now annually compete for a variety of honors and scholarships in four grade level divisions.
Students initially write essays connected to an annual Character Education, Laws of Life theme. Participating public and private schools then send their top five essays to the district level for judging.
The student essays are scored by a committee of readers and the top ten students in each division are then invited to participate in the speech phase of the competition. At Lorenzo Walker Technical High School we were thrilled to have four students go to the semi-finalist round to present their Laws of Life essays; Jabob Simmons-Rosen (9th), Brenna Speith (10th), Sierra VanVoorst (11th), and Noemy Mozo (12th). We have never had four students selected to go forward as semi-finalists.
Once again a committee composed of community judges scores the presentations. The top four student finalists in each division are then invited, along with their parents and teacher to attend the annual banquet where the finalists are recognized and presented with their awards. The winners of each category presents his/her essay to the audience which is generally attended by the Mayor, Sheriff, members of City and County Government, and selected educational and community leaders.
At the award ceremony, our two finalists (Brenna Spieth and Noemy Mozo) anxiously awaited as the awards and recognitions were being called. We couldn’t have been more proud to celebrate a first place finish with Brenna Spieth in the 9th and 10th grade category. Brenna was awarded $600. Noemy Mozo also earned a first place finish in the 11th and 12th grade division. Noemy was awarded $2,000.
Both young women wowed the audience with their poise and elegant delivery of their stories. Noemy even elicited a standing ovation for her story of courage, strength and perseverance. Brenna and Noemy are two of many incredible students that we have the pleasure of educating each day. They made a powerful and positive impression on the community members in attendance and these celebrations continue to raise awareness of all of the wonderful contributions that the schools of Lorenzo Walker make in the community!
These accomplishments would not be possible without each of the teachers who played a critical role in developing and working with the students to prepare for the presentation phase of the semi-final and finals rounds. Congratulations to Mel Simmons-Rosen (9th), Rita Kentros (10th), Susan James (11th), Marsha Bergquist (12th) and Lianne Elliott, Reading Coach.
If you would like to read Brenna and Noemy’s stories, please see below.
Brenna Speith's paper
Noemy Mozo's paper
Coaches' Corner
Got Notes?
Ever been reading something and then notice that your mind has drifted off and you don’t really have a clue about what you’ve been reading? Does it seem like several of your students do this, too?
Here’s something weird to think about: It’s impossible not to think when you write.
When we inhale, we’re completing half of the process of breathing. It’s just as important to exhale as it is to inhale. It’s the same with reading and writing. Reading (inhaling) is taking information in, and writing (exhaling) is getting the information out, thus completing the process of comprehension.
All of the students here at LWTHS/LWTC/ACE are asked to read in order to learn. Too many, however, don’t take notes while they read unless they are directed to do so. Perhaps they never figured out an effective way to take notes. Maybe they don’t know how to decide what is crucial information, what are key details, and what are insignificant nice-to-know points.
This process is sometimes called “Active Reading,” or “Metacognitive Reading,” but it’s really as simple as putting your thoughts on the page so that you can review them later. It also gives students ideas to talk and ask about the following day.
There’s nothing magical about a template like this, but for many students, it’s the training wheels they need to get started.
For other note-taking templates, here are some decent ones.
Wellness
Calling all even-year birthdays -- Reminder: your pathways blood draw deadline is 3/31/18. Morning appointments are filling up fast. Do not procrastinate until March, as wait times will be longer.
Like a bootcamp type of workout? Teachers and staff have a meet up opportunity after school Thursdays from 3-4 at the park just past the airport on North St. Bring a towel or mat and $10. Contact Lisa Perez or Lindsey Simmons for details.
Staff and Student of the Month for February
Please show your Lorenzo family spirit and vote in the links below for our Staff and Student of the Month. This is your opportunity to give kudos by nominating a staff member. Of those nominated, the leadership team will select a staff member and a student from each category to honor through a certificate and special lunch in the dining hall.
Nominating a Staff or Student of the month is quick and easy. Just click on the Padlet links. Type the name of the nominated staff or student in the "Title" portion of the Padlet and post and your reasoning in the body of the post.
- 9th grade student Link
- 10th grade student Link
- 11th grade student Link (both academic and dual enrollment students)
- 12th grade student Link (both academic and dual enrollment students)
- Career and Technical Education student link (adults only)
- Adult Education student link
Veterinary Assisting Class Volunteers at the Vaccination Clinic in Immokalee
The vaccination clinic in Immokalee on February 3, 2018 . Was sponsored by Veterinary Services for Animals and was held at the Immokalee Community Park. We saw over 150 families and vaccinated and de-wormed over 400 dogs and cats. All of the students are not in the picture but all did a Fantastic job. The students in the second picture are filling out rabies certificates for the owners.
We will have another clinic on March 3, 2018 at Max Hasse Jr. Community Park. It will run from 12:30 – 3:30.
Dr. Dan
Happenings
On Monday February 26th:
- NHS meeting during lunch
- Selling senior class shirts before, after school and during lunch in room 4-315 with Mrs. Barr. Sale will end 3/19/18
- Selling prom tickets in Mustang Alley during lunch. Sale will end 3/19/18
On Tuesday February 27th:
- Leadership meeting in the principal's conference room at 2:00
- Green Club meeting in Mrs. Barr's room during lunch
- PBS Events Planning committee during 9th and 10th grade lunch
- PLT Reflections due
- Test Admin. and Security Training from 2:00-2:30
- PBS prize drawing open
- LWTHS Department meetings
Kudos to . . .
- Lorie Mitchell - January LWTC staff member of the month
- Paul Holimon for a successful in-service
- Fay Warfield for organizing the "going away" celebration for Lesa Veita Perez, Rosmeri Morales and Tim Hall
- Darlene Crete for organizing the Student Services "12th grade tours" celebration
- Neil Fehr for taking the Debate Team to Lely High School to compete in their third competition of the year.
Mr. Turner and Mrs. Neiman for announcing the Black history month essay competition held by the FLDOE to their classes in which the winner receives a four year scholarship and encouraging LWTHS students to participate. Dulcie will be hosting lunchtime workshops everyday until 2/28 to write the essay and fill out the application.
Jonah Nicosia for promoting and really celebrating with the students who earn Positive Referrals. He makes it a very special experience for the students and parents.
Rick Ponton and Peter DiMaria for posting the pictures of the Positive Referral recipients on the morning news to spread the recognition around campus. It is becoming contagious!
Rose Whippo for being selected as the January Staff Member of the Month. Here dedication and student centric approach is commendable!
Dawn Peck, Dulcie Neiman, Abby Lambley and Lianne Elliott for sharing all of the monitoring, tracking of student progress, how we are incorporating Learning Goals and Scales and using data to drive decision making at LWTHS with our district visitors on Tuesday.
Abby Lambley for collaborating with FSW and organizing a date where 76 of our 9,10 and 11th grade students could take the PERT and have the opportunity to qualify for academic dual-enrollment next year. We had a great success rate of the 76 students who tested.
Happy Birthday!
No birthday this week.