Brevard Public Schools

Check out the brand new Career & Technical Education at Brevard Public Schools logo designed by none other than Sophia Coleman, a 9th-grade CTE student at Satellite High School! 🎨✨ Sophia took the challenge to heart, aligning her design with the community brand "Tomorrow Launches Here" – and we couldn’t be more proud to have her incredible work represent our CTE team! 🚀 Here’s to all the bright stars in CTE – and to the future leaders, innovators, and creators who are shaping tomorrow! 💡🌟 This month we are honoring (among other events) as CTE MONTH! ⚙🔬👩‍🍳 Follow us for many more stories about successes and opportunities in your schools!

We are beyond thrilled to celebrate... Laura Negi, a third-grade teacher at Sabal Elementary, as the 2025 Brevard Public Schools Teacher of the Year! 🏆🎉 From a Sabal Elementary student to a world traveler with the Peace Corps in Mongolia and teaching in India, Laura’s journey has come full circle—right back to the school that first inspired her! 🌍📚 Her classroom is a place of joy, learning, and endless possibilities—and now, she’ll be representing Brevard in the Florida Teacher of the Year competition! 🏅

Our schools have been having a blast during Florida Department of Education's Celebrate Literacy Week! 🎉📚 From Bingo for Books and Guest Readers to Idiom Days, Dress-Up Days, and Book Fairs, there’s been no shortage of fun learning activities! These events help spark a love for reading, inspire lifelong learning, and show just how important literacy is for success in school and beyond. Check out some of the awesome moments from around the district! 😄✨ #CelebrateLiteracy #ReadingRocks #FunWithBooks #FLCelebratesLiteracy Florida Department of Education (selected photos from) Andersen Elementary School Apollo Elementary School Fairglen Elementary School Quest Elementary School Palm Bay Elementary School Westside Elementary School Ralph Williams Elementary

Talented high school students from around the district recently participated in a Model Student Senate, diving into the legislative process by working in committees, proposing bills, and debating key issues facing our communities. 🏛️✨ From drafting legislation to intense debates on the Senate floor, these young leaders displayed impressive teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. They truly embodied the process by stepping into the roles of actual lawmakers to truly engage with the political process. Congratulations to all of the recipients of special commendations, and to all who participated. These young leaders truly make the future look bright! 🌟💪 #MockSenate #StudentLeaders #CivicEngagement #FuturePoliticians

In mid-December, students at West Shore Junior/Senior High School experienced the Hate Ends Now: The Cattle Car Exhibit , a mobile replica of a Holocaust cattle car. Inside, students were immersed in the brutal reality of how millions were transported to concentration camps during WWII. The exhibit featured a 360° video experience featuring survivor testimonies accompanied by reenactments and the atrocities of the Holocaust. Finally, students were able to view a display of actual artifacts and propaganda from the Holocaust. This impactful experience was brought to Brevard County by inSIGHT Through Education and State Senator Randy Fine. On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, let us be reminded of the atrocities of the Holocaust and inspired to continue the fight against antisemitism and all forms of hate. Thank you to all who made this possible for our students. #InternationalHolocaustRemembranceDay #hateendsnow

It is an exciting time to be a part of the West Melbourne School for Science ! This week, a ribbon cutting was held to unveil a brand-new building! ✂️🏫✨ The stunning new space is already being put to good use, with students engaging in art, music, science, and STEM classes. From creating masterpieces in the art room to conducting experiments in state-of-the-art science labs, this building is designed to inspire creativity and innovation! 🎨🎶🔬🚀 In addition, the improved outdoor learning space offers a unique opportunity for students to explore and learn in an inspiring natural setting. 🌳📚 A big thank you to the teachers, staff, and community members who helped make this incredible development possible! 💙 There’s no doubt this new building will be a game-changer for education at West Melbourne School for Science. (Some photos were provided by Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc)

📚✨ Titusville High School has been buzzing with excitement thanks to Media Specialist Melanie Desjardins & Florida Teen Reads! 🎉 Multiple schools from around Brevard County have been traveling to THS to participate in unique experiences with literature. In October, author Delilah S. Dawson visited, sharing her writing journey, followed by a mind-blowing magic show by Brandon Smith! 🎩✨ This month, Natalia Sylvester inspired students with her story and new book Breathe and Count Back from Ten. 🌟 Big thanks to the Titusville Culinary Arts students for serving themed lunches and snacks! 🍽️👏 Can’t wait for more literary fun! 📚 #BPSReads #AuthorVisits #TitusvilleHigh #FloridaTeenReads

School Choice for Education Location Options (ELO) or Education Program Opportunities (EPO) Applications are now OPEN for new students entering grades 7 - 12 for the 2025-26 school year. For more information on School Choice including ELO & EPO, which students are eligible, which schools are available, and how to apply, refer to the BPS Choice Program Informational Packet: https://shorturl.at/WBPVP or visit the School Choice website at School Choice: https://www.brevardschools.org/o/bps/page/school-choice Apply before February 21 at 5 pm! For either school choice selection, use FOCUS: https://brevardk12.focusschoolsoftware.com/

"Play is the foundation of all learning." – Jean Piaget 🌿🌻 Exciting News from Sherwood's Head Start Program! 🌟 We’re thrilled to announce the opening of an Outdoor Classroom, where learning goes beyond four walls! This hands-on space fosters creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking through nature-based lessons. Thanks to our amazing partners at the Brevard Zoo and a generous donation from the Andujar family, kids will explore the Growing Up Wild curriculum and dive into frequent immersive adventures in the great outdoors! 🌱🌼

☀️🌈 Weather fun at Mims Elementary! 🌪️📡 Mims Elementary was thrilled to welcome FOX 35 Orlando Weather team on Friday. Students learned all about weather including discussing topics of forecasting and how cold it would need to get to snow! The highlight? A tour of the weather truck, where students got hands-on with the incredible equipment that keeps us prepared for Mother Nature. One lucky student even joined Meteorologist T.J. Springer to report the morning weather like a pro! 🎤🌦️ Big thanks to Fox 35 for inspiring these future meteorologists! 🌎💜

Last Thursday, a police road closure on A1A (due to an offsite incident) caused a significant delay in releasing students at many beachside schools, including Roosevelt Elementary School. Despite the unexpected situation, these amazing educators and many others stepped up to support our students until the issue was resolved and parents could safely pick them up. 🙏 Thank you to all the teachers, bus drivers, and staff district-wide who helped our children navigate through this tense and confusing moment! The commitment and care of our front-line staff for the students of this county is what truly sets BPS apart. 💖 Roosevelt said it best themselves, "A huge thank you to the front office staff: Mrs. Cathy P, Mrs. Debra, and Officer Sean. Thank you to the teachers who stayed back and watched the kids: Ms. Parker, Mrs. Verduzco, Mr. LaDolce, and Mrs. Smith. One student said, this is the best day ever, it's like a sleepover!" Superintendent Dr. Rendell treated the staff with the small gesture of 🍵 & 🍩 for their heartfelt dedication and adaptability.

We were thrilled to welcome a very special guest to Riviera Elementary School -2025 Florida Teacher of the Year - Jaime Suarez! 🍎👏🌟 Upon arrival, Mrs. Suarez was received warmly by Principal Myers (who had actually coincidentally been a college friend!) and honored Riviera teacher Ms. Price who was the district Teacher of the Year in 2024. After touring classrooms and exchanging ideas with our incredible teachers, Mrs. Suarez spent time with a group of enthusiastic 6th graders interested in becoming teachers themselves. A huge thank you to Mrs. Suarez for visiting BPS and for making such a positive impact on the lives of students across Florida! 💖

BPS is celebrating another GREAT kid! Zy’Ron, a 4th grader at Mims Elementary, was recently awarded Sherriff Wayne Ivey's Great Kid Award for promoting school safety, and for the wonderful caring attitude he consistently portrays to his peers and teachers. His teacher Ms. Lett enthuses, "Zy'Ron is one of the kindest students at Mims Elementary School. He exemplifies all of the behaviors of a model student. If you want to know what "right looks like," take a look at Zy'Ron! He's always doing the right thing, even when no one is looking." Congratulations to this sweet young man! Thank you to Sheriff Wayne Ivey to the Brevard County Sherriff's Department for spending the morning celebrating Zy'Ron, and sharing your knowledge with our students!

💫 Space Coast Jr/Sr High School JROTC is truly reaching for the stars and achieving near perfection. Last month the Cadet Corps successfully completed their Space Force JROTC unit inspection. receiving a score of 98.5 out of 100 💫 Other notable accomplishments from last month alone include: 🚀 Attendance at the Spacepower Conference where they met with active-duty Space Force Guardians and Chief Master Sergeant John F. Bentivegna 🫡 Honoring Veterans by participating in the Wreaths Across America community service event at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery 🧠 The Corps Joint Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB) team advancing to Level II competition 🎯 The Marksmanship Team winning a conference title in the Scopos National Sporter Air Rifle League and qualifying two teams to attend the Air and Space Force CMP Service Championships 👨‍🚀 Being chosen as banner bearers of the United States Space Force in the Port Saint John Christmas parade. Talk about impressive! Viper Pride! 💜

"The holidays are the perfect time to celebrate the love and joy we share with others." - Walt Disney A certain magical mouse 🐭✨and his friends from the Disney Cruise Line - Disney Wish surprised our delighted students from Endeavour Elementary A Community Partnership School recently! Disney VoluntEARS kicked off the holiday magic by gifting each student a Disney storybook 📚 After some reading time, our special guest arrived... Mickey Mouse! 💖 Mickey and his friends Trent Hitchcock, Cruise Director of the Disney Wish, and Joshua Newman, Assistant Cruise Director of the Disney Wish, took photos with our students 🤳 Then, Mickey handed out Disney plush toys 🎁 to all the kids! Endeavour was chosen for this special event, and footage aired on the Disney Holiday Special on Good Morning America on Christmas Eve! 🎄🌟 Thank you Disney!!!

💜 BPS is a Florida Purple Star District! 💜 In this state-level program's inaugural year for district designation, BPS was named only 1 of 5 total school districts in Florida (out of 67) selected for this prestigious honor. This dedication is reserved for districts which help military families as they relocate due to a parent's change in duty station. With 91 BPS schools designated as Purple Star Schools, BPS leads Florida in providing resources for military families. This achievement highlights BPS's commitment to ensuring military students feel welcomed and supported. To qualify, districts must meet key criteria such as: ⭐Hosting military recognition events (e.g., Month of the Military Child, Veterans Day, Memorial Day) ⭐Publicizing support for military families ⭐Offering volunteer opportunities for active-duty parents ⭐Engaging in service projects connecting the school to the military community ⭐Providing the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program Thank you to our educators and staff who have made this honor possible. And thank you to our military and veteran families who have sacrificed so much. Superintendent Dr. Rendell adds, “This recognition reflects our unwavering dedication to the military families in our community. We are committed to ensuring every military-connected student has the support they need to succeed and thrive.” For more information on the Florida Department of Education's Purple Star Schools Program, see their website here: https://www.fldoe.org/schools/family-community/activities-programs/parental-involvement/purple-star.stml?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3VAKcwulR86Tu-Hjl59BqjvB1rjYHgvkxpQoel1XLVMT8LJQu-DZsfBKc_aem_AdQHDdOJ9Qb11wsRTCMzPw

Brevard Schools Partners in Education (PIE), BPS staff members, and some community partners and friends, all gathered this morning at The Children's Hunger Project and worked diligently to pack 1,100 food packs for local children. These bags are filled with small nutritional meals and snacks and are designed to ensure food security for children who may experience scarcity, when they are not in school. What a fun holiday event! The thought of all of those full bellies really warmed our hearts. Thank you for all you do The Children's Hunger Project 💚❤️🎒❤️💚 Volunteer or donate!: https://thechildrenshungerproject.org/

🌍🎉Enjoy the sights from Mel High Culture Fest 2024! 🍲🎶 Melbourne High School's IB Culture Fest, an annual celebration of diversity, delighted the community, staff, and students recently, with an afternoon of food samplings from around the world. Attendees were able to enjoy a variety of traditional dishes, offering a delicious way to experience different cultures. In addition, participants were treated to exhibits full of information and cultural immersion, including music, art, and more! The event fosters understanding and respect while highlighting the school’s commitment to global awareness through its International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Thank you to MHS IB program and to all who volunteered their time, and shared generously of their culture, with us! 💖

At recent school board meetings, several appointments were announced. Help us congratulate and celebrate: 🥳👏 (From November 19) Barbara Kelly, Assistant Director of Student Services Cathy Gahres, Assistant Principal of Jefferson Middle School Lesley Cosgrove, Assistant Principal of Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High School Jacob Schweich, Assistant Principal at Melbourne High School Karen Berkowitz, Assistant Principal of Oak Park Elementary School Megan Falcone, Assistant Principal of West Melbourne School of Science (From December 10) Martha McFarland, Assistant Principal of Viera High School Christopher Ault, Director of Projects & Technology Services (not pictured) Amber Smith, Principal of Pinewood Elementary School (not pictured) Kelly Rouse, Principal of Oak Park Elementary School We can't wait to experience all of the positive impacts that are in store for our District because of these incredible educators. 💛💚

Inspiring Change and Overcoming Challenges 💪✨ Recently, high school student athletes from across Brevard County gathered at the Clemente Center for an unforgettable motivational talk by best-selling author Damon West. From promising quarterback to overcoming addiction and a 65-year prison sentence, Damon’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience. 🙌 During his talk, Damon shared his transformative concept of "The Coffee Bean" – a powerful metaphor for personal growth. Just as a coffee bean changes hot water, we can transform our environment through a positive mindset, no matter the challenges we face. 🌱 Damon’s message is making a real impact in Brevard County. Last year, 6th graders took part in a book study of Mr. West's book, The Coffee Bean, leading to a 31% decrease in Suicide Risk Inventory scores among students! This year, the study continues, and Damon will return in the spring to inspire even more young minds. 🙏 Let’s embrace the power of change and always strive to be the coffee bean in our lives! ☕💥