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MAGNET SCHOOL HONORS
Elisabeth Jacobi and Alyce Culpepper accept the Environmental Award from the National Week of the Ocean with a student and a city commissioner.
In 2011, the Magnet Schools of America organization named the South Plantation High program a national Magnet School of Distinction for the third time in four years. The judges were impressed with the diversity and amount of outreach done by the students as well as the accolades the program amassed. For the last six years, admission to the program has been by random selection (lottery) because more eligible students apply than spaces are available t admit them. Representatives from the Broward School Board received the honor at the national convention in the Spring.
In May 2010, the National Week of the Ocean honors South Plantation for its work and community outreach with the Environmental Award. Magnet Coordinator Dr. Alyce Culpepper and teacher Elisabeth Jacobi received the award for the school.
Also in 2010, BrandsMart and Univision 23 named the magnet program the Premio Verde Escolar and gave $4,000 for students to continue their environmental work. Brandsmart USA and Univision 23 selected South Plantation High School for the award for its successful incorporation of environmental education and “green” initiatives into its curriculum.
Students from South Plantation High serve as ER Ambassadors visiting elementary schools and taking part in community events to teach children and adults about the importance of protecting the earth. Earlier this year, students at South Plantation High were champions of the Fairchild Challenge and national champions of the Dell-Winston Solar Car Challenge.
CONTACT: alyce.culpepper@browardschools.com
In May 2010, the National Week of the Ocean honors South Plantation for its work and community outreach with the Environmental Award. Magnet Coordinator Dr. Alyce Culpepper and teacher Elisabeth Jacobi received the award for the school.
Also in 2010, BrandsMart and Univision 23 named the magnet program the Premio Verde Escolar and gave $4,000 for students to continue their environmental work. Brandsmart USA and Univision 23 selected South Plantation High School for the award for its successful incorporation of environmental education and “green” initiatives into its curriculum.
Students from South Plantation High serve as ER Ambassadors visiting elementary schools and taking part in community events to teach children and adults about the importance of protecting the earth. Earlier this year, students at South Plantation High were champions of the Fairchild Challenge and national champions of the Dell-Winston Solar Car Challenge.
CONTACT: alyce.culpepper@browardschools.com
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FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE
For the fourth consecutive year, the team from South Plantation High won the Fairchild Challenge.
For four consecutive years (2008, 2009,2010, 2011) SPHS won the Fairchild Challenge, a multi-disciplinary environmental competition sponsored by Miami's botanical garden. Students submit artwork/photography and science projects, participate in a debate and dramatic presentation and other categories. South has Met the Challenge for five years and proudly hangs the Fairchild banner in the Culpepper Research Center.
In 2011 teacher Madeline Rosario won the Educator Design option and became South Plantation’s teacher Environmental Role Model. Jessica Millar was the Student Role Model. In 2010, Pam Krauss was an Exemplary Educator and Alyce Culpepper and Matt Zealy were Environmental Role Models. Richard "Shawn" Abrahams was the Student Role Model.
Please visit this link for Fairchild Challenge photos and awards SPHS has won:
http://www.fairchildgarden.org/education/fclinks/Top-Entries-2010-2011-HS/
CONTACT: Pamela.krauss@browardschools.com
In 2011 teacher Madeline Rosario won the Educator Design option and became South Plantation’s teacher Environmental Role Model. Jessica Millar was the Student Role Model. In 2010, Pam Krauss was an Exemplary Educator and Alyce Culpepper and Matt Zealy were Environmental Role Models. Richard "Shawn" Abrahams was the Student Role Model.
Please visit this link for Fairchild Challenge photos and awards SPHS has won:
http://www.fairchildgarden.org/education/fclinks/Top-Entries-2010-2011-HS/
CONTACT: Pamela.krauss@browardschools.com
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SOLAR KNIGHTS WIN THEIR DIVISION WITH NEW CAR
The Solar Knights have raced for five years in the Dell-Winston School Solar Car Challenge. The first year, the car was built by Daniel Myers as a senior project, and the students raced from Texas to New York in the Solar Knight I. It was a two-seater because the students want to be able to take passengers in a ride for the experience. However, it was not as successful going over the Applachian Mountains because it weighed too much.
The next year the students used the frame of an ultralight airplane covered with cloth. They raced at Texas Motor Speedway and finished second in the race. The next year they returned to the Texas track, and won the National Championship.
The fourth year, they again raced the Solar Knight II but this time it went cross country from Texas to Colorado, over the Rocky Mountains. They were leading throughout much of the race until the cloudy last day and ended up second. The race is now call the Hunt-Winston School Solar Car Challenge.
The summer of 2011, the team drove a new car in a different class. Advanced Green Technologies helped the team with purchase of a used card from McGill University in Canada. The new high-tech car was a challenge to the team, but the Solar Knights won their division.
The next year the students used the frame of an ultralight airplane covered with cloth. They raced at Texas Motor Speedway and finished second in the race. The next year they returned to the Texas track, and won the National Championship.
The fourth year, they again raced the Solar Knight II but this time it went cross country from Texas to Colorado, over the Rocky Mountains. They were leading throughout much of the race until the cloudy last day and ended up second. The race is now call the Hunt-Winston School Solar Car Challenge.
The summer of 2011, the team drove a new car in a different class. Advanced Green Technologies helped the team with purchase of a used card from McGill University in Canada. The new high-tech car was a challenge to the team, but the Solar Knights won their division.
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GOVERNOR'S SERVE TO PRESERVE AWARD
At the second annual Serve-to-Preserve Green Schools Awards Oct. 12 in Palm Beach Gardens, South Plantation High teacher Pam Krauss won the top teacher honor and $1,500. The Broward County School Board won the District Division.
For the last eight years Krauss has taught students in the Environmental Science and Everglades Restoration magnet program, creating the Research 3 (Sampling and Analysis of the Upper K-O-E watershed) and Environmental Law curriculums. She is one of the few teachers in the state to teach Botany. Her Green Waterwise project involved using rain barrels for irrigation of the 12 gardens her students created and maintain through the calendar year.
The multidisciplinary project involved art, physics and science. The barrels save up to 52 gallons a day and use a solar-powered irrigation system designed and built by students. Also, her students have been the Champions of the Fairchild Challenge for the last three years earning $3,500 in grants for the gardens.
"Because Mrs. Krauss is an Environmental Lawyer, she brings an unique and professional perspective to all the classes she teaches," Magnet Coordinator Alyce Culpepper said. "Her assignments, field trips and class activities are collegiate-based and take the students out of the classroom and into the environment they are trying to preserve."
In 2009, Krauss was one of three finalists for the Governor's Serve-to-Preserve Class Division. AP Environmental Science teacher Allan Phipps won the teacher division for his students’ work with solar/alternative energy as they were the only students in Florida to enter and win the national Solar Car Challenge.
CONTACT: Pamela.krauss@browardschools.com
For the last eight years Krauss has taught students in the Environmental Science and Everglades Restoration magnet program, creating the Research 3 (Sampling and Analysis of the Upper K-O-E watershed) and Environmental Law curriculums. She is one of the few teachers in the state to teach Botany. Her Green Waterwise project involved using rain barrels for irrigation of the 12 gardens her students created and maintain through the calendar year.
The multidisciplinary project involved art, physics and science. The barrels save up to 52 gallons a day and use a solar-powered irrigation system designed and built by students. Also, her students have been the Champions of the Fairchild Challenge for the last three years earning $3,500 in grants for the gardens.
"Because Mrs. Krauss is an Environmental Lawyer, she brings an unique and professional perspective to all the classes she teaches," Magnet Coordinator Alyce Culpepper said. "Her assignments, field trips and class activities are collegiate-based and take the students out of the classroom and into the environment they are trying to preserve."
In 2009, Krauss was one of three finalists for the Governor's Serve-to-Preserve Class Division. AP Environmental Science teacher Allan Phipps won the teacher division for his students’ work with solar/alternative energy as they were the only students in Florida to enter and win the national Solar Car Challenge.
CONTACT: Pamela.krauss@browardschools.com
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ENVIRONMENTAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Matt Zealy is the 2011 Broward County Environmental Educator of the Year and received his award from Dawn Walker representing the Environmental Education Council.
The Broward County Environmental Education Council honors students and teachers every year for the environmental stewardship. In 2011, Matthew Zeal was the Environmental Educator of the Year, and the previous year, Jake Edwards was the Environmental Student of the Year. Other teachers in the magnet program are former winners:
2009 – Pamela Krauss
2008 – Elisabeth Jacobi
2007 – Allan Phipps
2006 – Dr. Alyce Culpepper
2005 – Kay Burley, Joel Herbst
2004 – Carl Wallack
2009 – Pamela Krauss
2008 – Elisabeth Jacobi
2007 – Allan Phipps
2006 – Dr. Alyce Culpepper
2005 – Kay Burley, Joel Herbst
2004 – Carl Wallack
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CITY OF PLANTATION P.L.A.N.T. AWARD
Matt Zealy and Elisabeth Jacobi receive the City of Plantation P.L.A.N.T. plaque from Mayor Rae Carole Armstrong. Student Luis Malpica is Freddy, the mascot of the South Florida Water Management District.
Each year, the City of Plantation presents awards for environmental stewardship. South Plantation teachers have received the Plantation Landscape Award for Nurturing our Town (P.L.A.N.T.)
2011: Matthew Zealy- Sponsor for the ER (Everglades Restoration) Ambassadors, a community outreach club that teaches children and adults about conservation of Florida’s natural resources; Elisabeth Jacobi- Coordinator of the Plant a Fish mangrove renewal project.
2010: Carl Wallack – Sponsor of the 4-H Club, Small Animal Care and Horticulture programs that help landscape area schools and parks.
2009: Pamela Krauss – Sponsor of the Fairchild Challenge
2011: Matthew Zealy- Sponsor for the ER (Everglades Restoration) Ambassadors, a community outreach club that teaches children and adults about conservation of Florida’s natural resources; Elisabeth Jacobi- Coordinator of the Plant a Fish mangrove renewal project.
2010: Carl Wallack – Sponsor of the 4-H Club, Small Animal Care and Horticulture programs that help landscape area schools and parks.
2009: Pamela Krauss – Sponsor of the Fairchild Challenge
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BROWARD COUNTY ENVIROTHON
The 2011 Envirothon Magnet team was runner up.
Over the last five years, two teams from South Plantation have competed in the Broward County Envirothon winning first or second place each year.
In 2011, the magnet team of Candace O’Neill, Jessica Millar, Kristen Oliff, Viktoriya Andnova and Hailee Greenfield was second.
In 2011, the magnet team of Candace O’Neill, Jessica Millar, Kristen Oliff, Viktoriya Andnova and Hailee Greenfield was second.
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FABIEN COUSTEAU & STUDENTS CELEBRATE FLORIDA MANGROVE DAY
Once again marine science students will be working with Fabien Cousteau to help restore mangroves in South Florida. At the annual Marine Environmental Day in the Spring, Cousteau spoke to the participating elementary students about the importance of conserving the world’s marine resources so fish and sea life can continue to flourish.
In 2010, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Fabien Cousteau, grandson of famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau and founder of Plant A Fish today celebrated Florida Mangrove Day with students from the Environmental Science and Everglades Restoration magnet school program at South Plantation High. About 75 students, in partnership with Plant A Fish, took to the beach at John U. Lloyd Beach State Park to harvest approximately 1,000 propagules, or mangrove seeds that will be grown in a nursery environment at South Plantation High School.
Governor Charlie Crist issued a proclamation declaring October 1, 2010 as Florida Mangrove Day. The idea of a Mangrove Day initiative developed from the partnership between Plant A Fish, a non-profit organization focused on education, empowerment and restoration, and the Environmental Science and Everglades Restoration magnet school program at South Plantation High. The Plant A Fish program model focuses on building partnerships, such as DEP’s Division of Recreation and Parks, for the restoration and preservation of mangroves and coral reefs located in Florida.
“Plant A Fish is excited to partner with the Environmental Science and Everglades Restoration magnet school program at South Plantation High and DEP’s Division of Recreation and Parks on the inaugural Mangrove Day event. Our mission is to educate and empower local communities to play an active role in the restoration of the oceans for future generations. Florida Mangrove Day affords us the opportunity to take such steps and also highlight the particular importance of the role mangroves play in Florida’s delicate aquatic ecosystems,” said Fabien Cousteau, founder of Plant A Fish.
About Plant A Fish:
Plant A Fish is a newly-launched nonprofit, headquartered in New York City, by third-generation ocean explorer and environmental advocate, Fabien Cousteau, whose mission is to empower communities to become involved with responsible ‘re-planting’ of key marine species in their local habitats in distressed bodies of water around the world. Initial targeted projects in 2010-2011 will include responsible re-planting of mangroves in South Florida, oysters in the New York Harbor, sea turtles in El Salvador and corals in the Maldives. For more information, please visit www.plantafish.org.
CONTACT: Elisabeth.jacobi@browardschools.com
In 2010, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Fabien Cousteau, grandson of famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau and founder of Plant A Fish today celebrated Florida Mangrove Day with students from the Environmental Science and Everglades Restoration magnet school program at South Plantation High. About 75 students, in partnership with Plant A Fish, took to the beach at John U. Lloyd Beach State Park to harvest approximately 1,000 propagules, or mangrove seeds that will be grown in a nursery environment at South Plantation High School.
Governor Charlie Crist issued a proclamation declaring October 1, 2010 as Florida Mangrove Day. The idea of a Mangrove Day initiative developed from the partnership between Plant A Fish, a non-profit organization focused on education, empowerment and restoration, and the Environmental Science and Everglades Restoration magnet school program at South Plantation High. The Plant A Fish program model focuses on building partnerships, such as DEP’s Division of Recreation and Parks, for the restoration and preservation of mangroves and coral reefs located in Florida.
“Plant A Fish is excited to partner with the Environmental Science and Everglades Restoration magnet school program at South Plantation High and DEP’s Division of Recreation and Parks on the inaugural Mangrove Day event. Our mission is to educate and empower local communities to play an active role in the restoration of the oceans for future generations. Florida Mangrove Day affords us the opportunity to take such steps and also highlight the particular importance of the role mangroves play in Florida’s delicate aquatic ecosystems,” said Fabien Cousteau, founder of Plant A Fish.
About Plant A Fish:
Plant A Fish is a newly-launched nonprofit, headquartered in New York City, by third-generation ocean explorer and environmental advocate, Fabien Cousteau, whose mission is to empower communities to become involved with responsible ‘re-planting’ of key marine species in their local habitats in distressed bodies of water around the world. Initial targeted projects in 2010-2011 will include responsible re-planting of mangroves in South Florida, oysters in the New York Harbor, sea turtles in El Salvador and corals in the Maldives. For more information, please visit www.plantafish.org.
CONTACT: Elisabeth.jacobi@browardschools.com
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GREEN GALA
In May, seniors receive their green cords and gold medallions for successful completion of the magnet curriculum. Forty Youth Environmental Stewards (10 from each grade level) were recognized. More than 330 parents, students and friends watched eight students win scholarships for their environmental work provided by Wheelabrator, The Everglades Foundation, R&J Plumbing and Backflow Services, the Culpepper Foundation and the P.T.S.O. All together the seniors earned more than $2 million in scholarships to further their studies.
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South Plantation High School Honored for "Green Initiatives"
South Plantation High School was honored during the Papa Johns Pizza Orgullo de Nuestra awards luncheon held Friday, May 14th at Jungle Island in Miami. Students in the school’s Environmental Science and Everglades Restoration Magnet program were grand prize winners of $4,000 that will be used to continue their “green” initiatives.
Brandsmart USA and Univision 23 selected South Plantation High School for the award for its successful incorporation of environmental education and “green” initiatives into its curriculum. Students from South Plantation High serve as ER Ambassadors visiting elementary schools and taking part in community events to teach children and adults about the importance of protecting the earth. Earlier this year, students at South Plantation High were champions of the Fairchild Challenge and national champions of the Dell-Winston Solar Car Challenge.
Also honored during the event was Deepa Luka, a student at Miramar High School. Luka was one of six students from Broward and Miami-Dade recognized for academic excellence and community service. She was awarded tuition reimbursement from Miami Dade College, $2,000 from Publix, $1,000 from Papa Johns and a $1,500 gift card from BrandsMart USA. Four other students were recognized for demonstrating academic growth in spite of significant challenges.
Brandsmart USA and Univision 23 selected South Plantation High School for the award for its successful incorporation of environmental education and “green” initiatives into its curriculum. Students from South Plantation High serve as ER Ambassadors visiting elementary schools and taking part in community events to teach children and adults about the importance of protecting the earth. Earlier this year, students at South Plantation High were champions of the Fairchild Challenge and national champions of the Dell-Winston Solar Car Challenge.
Also honored during the event was Deepa Luka, a student at Miramar High School. Luka was one of six students from Broward and Miami-Dade recognized for academic excellence and community service. She was awarded tuition reimbursement from Miami Dade College, $2,000 from Publix, $1,000 from Papa Johns and a $1,500 gift card from BrandsMart USA. Four other students were recognized for demonstrating academic growth in spite of significant challenges.
| Press-Release |
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Bald Eagle Visits Magnet Program
Studying wildlife and their habitats is part of the Environmental Science and Everglades Restoration Magnet at South Plantation High. On May 17 more than 300 magnet students will be able to see a program featuring a bald eagle and learn from Lynda White of the Audubon Society. Two programs are scheduled: 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. in the Culpepper Amphitheater at South Plantation High located at 1300 S.W. 54th Avenue in Plantation.
The event is co-sponsored by the South Florida Audubon Society (Broward County). For more information contact Alyce Culpepper, Magnet Coordinator, at (754) 323-1982.
The event is co-sponsored by the South Florida Audubon Society (Broward County). For more information contact Alyce Culpepper, Magnet Coordinator, at (754) 323-1982.
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More Awards
- In May 2010, BrandsMart and Univision 23 named the magnet program the Premio Verde Escolar and gave $4,000 for students to continue their environmental work.
- Two teams from SPHS won first and second place at the Broward County Envirothon; winner advanced to state.
- The Solar Knights Win National Race: For four years the Solar Knights have built and raced a car that runs on the sun's energy, Florida's only school to do so. In 2009 the team won the national Dell-Winston School Challenge, a four-day race at Texas Motor Speedway, a NASCAR track. In 2010 the team was second as it raced from Texas to Colorado. Allan Phipps is the coach.
- Green School Award: The Governors Serve to Preserve initiative named two teachers from South Plantation winners in the Green School Award: Pamela Krauss (2010) for Waterwise Gardens in her botany class and Allan Phipps (2009) as teacher for the Solar/Alternative Energy class. Each won $1,500.
- Phipps is Broward County's Teacher of the Year and a finalist for Florida's Teacher of the Year. He also won the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math & Science Teaching.
- Fairchild Challenge: In 2008, 2009, 2010, SPHS won the Fairchild Challenge, a multi-disciplinary environmental competition sponsored by Miami's botanical garden. Students submit artwork/photography and science projects, participate in a debate and dramatic presentation and other categories. South has Met the Challenge for four years. Pam Krauss is the coach.
- In May 2010, BrandsMart and Univision 23 named the magnet program the Premio Verde Escolar and gave $4,000 for students to continue their environmental work.
- Two teams from SPHS won first and second place at the Broward County Envirothon; winner advanced to state.
- The Solar Knights Win National Race: For four years the Solar Knights have built and raced a car that runs on the sun's energy, Florida's only school to do so. In 2009 the team won the national Dell-Winston School Challenge, a four-day race at Texas Motor Speedway, a NASCAR track. In 2010 the team was second as it raced from Texas to Colorado. Allan Phipps is the coach.
- Green School Award: The Governors Serve to Preserve initiative named two teachers from South Plantation winners in the Green School Award: Pamela Krauss (2010) for Waterwise Gardens in her botany class and Allan Phipps (2009) as teacher for the Solar/Alternative Energy class. Each won $1,500.
- Phipps is Broward County's Teacher of the Year and a finalist for Florida's Teacher of the Year. He also won the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math & Science Teaching.
- Fairchild Challenge: In 2008, 2009, 2010, SPHS won the Fairchild Challenge, a multi-disciplinary environmental competition sponsored by Miami's botanical garden. Students submit artwork/photography and science projects, participate in a debate and dramatic presentation and other categories. South has Met the Challenge for four years. Pam Krauss is the coach.
- Also in 2009 juniors Ashlyn Valdes and Dani Macias won a YouTube contest and earned a free trip to the Australia Zoo.
- Pam Krauss is an Exemplary Educator and Alyce Culpepper and Matt Zealy are Environmental Role Models. Richard "Shawn" Abrahams is the Student Role Model.
- Carl Wallack won the P.L.A.N.T. Award from the City of Plantation.
- At the Green Gala in May, seniors received their green cords and gold medallions to wear at graduation. Eleven of them also won magnet-specific scholarships. All together the seniors earned $2.5 million in scholarships to further their studies.
- Pam Krauss is an Exemplary Educator and Alyce Culpepper and Matt Zealy are Environmental Role Models. Richard "Shawn" Abrahams is the Student Role Model.
- Carl Wallack won the P.L.A.N.T. Award from the City of Plantation.
- At the Green Gala in May, seniors received their green cords and gold medallions to wear at graduation. Eleven of them also won magnet-specific scholarships. All together the seniors earned $2.5 million in scholarships to further their studies.
