Polk County Public Schools
Haines City’s Boone Middle had two successful math-oriented projects during the 2009-2010 school year. Using idle time before school started in the morning, nearly 200 students decided to use the time in the school’s Odyssey Lab studying math.
Students who were loyal and regular participants participating in at least half of the before school sessions included Medichael Celestin, Jenny Diaz, Glenda Diaz, Alex Gradys, Jose Jaimes, Abdias Legros, Joshua Moore, Jiovanni Myrthil, Wittie Myrthil, Winnie Myrthil, Gregory Smith and Lakira Smith. Medichael Celestin was the student who attended the class the most frequently.
The Morning Math program was coordinated by Dr. Cyndee Weller, the school’s mathematics academic intervention facilitator, Odyssey Lab director James Kendrick and dean Ramon Cruz.
The school is looking to expand the program during the 2010-2011 school year to even more students.
In addition, 2009-2010 was the first year that Boone Middle participated in St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Math-A-Thon. The school raised more than $1,000. Students solicited donations for completing math fun booklets. Students in teacher Theresa Mosley’s classes raised more than half of the $1,000. Top student fundraisers were MeShaev McWhorter, raising more than $200 and Damon Marks, who raised more than $145.
St. Jude, located in Memphis, provides medical care for children with cancer.
Students of Auburndale Central Elementary teacher Shelley Reinacher created a turtle pond at their school during the 2009-2010 school year. Students spent weeks learning about turtle habitats and the needs of turtles. They then planned, designed and maintained the habitat. They named the turtles “Ace” and “Aubbie” after the school’s name.
