ECSD Names School Age Child Care Director of the Year From McArthur Elementary
June 1, 2019
Angela James, McArthur Elementary School’s school age child care director has been recognized as Escambia School District’s Outstanding Child Care Director of the Year.
“This was my first year that I had some of my kindergartners go into the fifth grade and leave,” James (pictured above in blue) explained. “Getting down to the last couple of weeks, I said, ‘Wow, you were with me when I first came here and now you are getting ready to leave me,’ and it was very emotional because I have watched them go from kindergarten to fifth grade. It’s hard to see them go.”
Last year, James started a summer program on McArthur’s campus because she listened to the parents and heard a need. “I scouted out this area for affordable childcare, and there wasn’t a program.” So, she took her proposal to Aisha Adkison, ECSD Workforce Education’s School-Age Child Care Administrator.
James praises the ECSD Workforce Department for allowing them to start the summer program, and her staff for their integral part in the success of the program. “They love the kids just like I do and all I can say is, I have been blessed with a staff that will go above and beyond with me.”
Summer participant, McKynleigh Montano will tell you that all of the staff members are, “really nice. We go outside a lot and we go outside on Fridays for water days, and that’s really fun.” When asked about the award presented to James, Montano said, “I am really happy for her and I’m shocked because she does the best!. And I never knew that this day would come. She is nice to all of us and I am just so happy to have her.”
A bonus staff member is Jason Lewis. Jason attended McArthur Elementary School and he was one of James’ after-school kids. Now, he is about to start high school and this summer he is back helping the staff in a variety of ways. When asked what he is learning from this experience, he explained that he is “learning how to take care of things, to be like them (indicating the staff), and leadership.”
The staff plans indoor and outdoor activities including crafts. This year they are adding field trips to go bowling, skating, to a bounce house and the park.
And, James did her homework. She found out that if she and her staff completed annual training with Feeding the Gulf Coast, her students could get lunch and an afternoon snack.
“It is awesome that we can provide this here,” said James. The program operates Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. She currently has room for ten more students. During the summer, they are not restricted to McArthur students the way they are during the school year.
“James works with her principal, district staff, PTA and community organizations to achieve this feat,” explained Adkison. “Angela and her staff members go above and beyond to ensure her children at McArthur experience a high-quality child care program during the school year, as well as this summer program.”
Additional attributes that her supervisors praise James for are, her outstanding record keeping, inspirational leadership abilities, and for following all process requirements.
“Even better than all of that is that she can do all of that and also be so loved by the students and their parents,” Adkison added.
Photo Gallery: Northview High Class Of 2019 Graduation
May 23, 2019
The Northview High School Class of 2019 graduated last Saturday.
For a photo gallery, click here. (Editor’s note: This Facebook photo gallery is provided as a public service. Feel free to *share* or tag the posts, but do not download and post the copyrighted photos.)
For an earlier story with a list of all graduates, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bratt Elementary Celebrates Reading With Superhero Party
May 21, 2019
Monday, Bratt Elementary School held a superhero themed Accelerated Reader party for students that met their reading goals for the year.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Gandy Family Trust Scholarships Awarded To Three Students
May 20, 2019
Three local Bill Gandy Family Trust scholarship winners have been announced.
Gandy Memorial Scholarship winners are Lexxi Baggett, daughter of Garry and Vicki Baggett; and McKayla McConathy, daughter of Gene and Sharon Findley. Both graduating Northview High School seniors earned cash scholarships for their community service, documented volunteer hours, and academic scholastic record.
The Solon Lee Gandy Scholarship recipient is Jay Jackson, son of Stephanie Myrick and Jason Jackson. Jay is a Flomaton High School graduate whose academic and athletic history stood out among the other applicants. His scholarship will follow him to the college of his choice.
This marked the 11th year of Gandy Family Trust scholarship awards given with funds raised through donations and various family fundraisers. A total of 29 high school scholarships have been awarded thus far, ranging from $250 to $1,000 each.
Pictured top: McKayla McConathy, Lexxi Baggett and Jay Jackson.
Cantonment Rotary Recognizes Teachers Of The Year From North Escambia
May 20, 2019
The members of the Cantonment Rotary Club recently treated the Teachers of the year from Escambia County District schools north of Nine Mile Road to lunch at St. Luke United Methodist Church. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview High School Class Of 2019 Graduates
May 19, 2019
The 105 members of the Northview High School Class of 2019 graduated Saturday.
“First, we must look up. The Bible says the fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom,” Salutatorian Seth Killam told the class. “Our education we received and look to receive is a valuable tool, but is useless if you do not keep God in our lives. I believe God has a plan for each of our lives. With the stress and distractions of this life, it can be easy to lose focus.”
“Second, look to each other…no man is an island. I know Delaney and I can both say we would not be up here without all of my classmates I study with, and the support and encouragement we give each other,” he continued. “Third, don’t look back but never forget.
“Our journey is only just beginning today. We have the rest of our lives before us to choose greatness,” Valedictorian Delaney Reynolds said.
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; and for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you,” she added, quoting from Deuteronomy.
Editor’s note: Look for more photos, including individual graduate photos, this week on NorthEscambia.com.
School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas praised the Class of 2019 for their numerous academic and athletic accomplishments, and for earning over $550,000 in scholarship money.
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The Northview High School Class of 2019 graduates were:
Summa Cum Laude (4.0 GPA and above)
Sara Delaney Reynolds (Valedictorian)
Seth Hammac Killam (Salutatorian)
Lexxi Olivia Baggett
Jacob Wolf Borelli
Ashtyn Brooke Carnley
Logan Wade Chavers
Justin Alan Cruce
Rebecca Nicole Dunn
Dalton Dewayne Hamilton
Ashlan Kaile Harigel
Tanner Brett Levins
Olivia Grace Porter
Valen Taylor Shelly
Aaliyah Raquel Tucker
Magna Cum Laude (3.85 GPA and above)
Austin Joshua Adams
Marissa Skye Bullington
Rebecca Lynn Diamond
Brooke Emory Doolittle
Mikayla Payton Jeneske
Gabrielle Faith Nichole Kline
Aubree Grace Love
Lance Taylor McLaughlin
Alexander Jesse McMinn
Gabbrielle Elizabeth Peebles
Lydia Grace Smith
Cum Laude (3.5 GPA and above)
Rebekah Mae Amerson
Dalton Lamar Brown
Kendall Madison Enfinger
Tyler Malik Jackson
Kherstin Simone Johnson
Keegun Patrick Johnston
Margaret Alexandra Lane
Jessie Hayden McCall
Andria Zy’Kia Odom
Brandon Lee Santos
Robert Lee Hyle Worden Jr.
Marching In Alphabetical Order
Michiko Nachell Abraham
Bristol Cade Allen
Susannah Rena Amerson
Emily Rochelle Andress
Isaak Nathan Armstrong
Chanalei Muafono Auelua
Ja’quan Tyrell Barton
Shelby Lynn Bashore
Destiny Denise Braddock
Kaina Chyanne Brantley
Gracieann Marie Bray
Latavia Antanette Brown
Jacob Levy Bryant
Colby Durane Burkett
Rayvon DeShawn Bush
Kathlynn Grayson Bush
Matthew Paul Caine
Crystalyn Rayne Daly
Brandon Evan Dean
Crystal Laniece Douglas
Justin Ivan Elliott
Hannah Lynne Ellis
Alabama Rose Gilley
Colby Shane Graham
Anthony James Harrelson
Tori Gayle Herrington
Charity Josephine Johnson
Joseph Thomas Johnson
Shelby Faith Kizer
Cameron Aidan Long
Margaret A McCauslin
McKayla Noell McConathy
Jacob Wayne McCullough
Hannah Donaille Merchant
Daniel Lamar Merit
Jackson Stewart Moore
Noah James Moore
Jarius Jamichael Moorer
Hunter Patrick Moseley
Madison Blair Nassar
Sarah Gabrielle Nelson
Jazmine Alexandria Norman
Maxwell Sterling Odom
Wyatt Mason Oliver
Memory Kay Peebles
Dylan Dean Peters
Zachary Thomas Prosser
Paige Marie Roberts
Sabrina Ann Rolin
Billy Ray Rolin
Samantha Nicole Roux
John Kevin Salter
Ryan Thomas Sconiers
Jarreth Patrick Scott
Olivia Paige Seals
Madison Alyssa Sherouse
Courtney-Ann Evelyn Smith
Isis Imani Smith
Julia Elizabeth Sorrell
Travis Lee Sutton
Jaquarius Tiquan Thomas
Nicholas Paul Venable
Xaviar Terrel Washington
Kolton Lane Watson
Starla Rae Weaver
Taylor Ray Wilson
Hunter Santo Zisa
Also graduating, but not walking in Saturday’s ceremony, were Austin Emmanuel Walker and Charles Ian Williamson.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Weekend Gardening: Tips For The Month Of May
May 18, 2019
The Escambia County Master Gardeners offer the following May lawn and garden tips:
- Continue planting summer annuals. Try one or two that you’ve never grown and/or one that is not available in stores as transplants.
- Plant heat-resistant summer flowering annuals such as begonias, impatiens, coleus, salvia, marigolds, torenia, verbena, ornamental peppers and gaillardia.
- Bulbs: Caladium, gladiolus.
- Vegetables: Continue planting warm weather seeds and transplants (Shade those transplants!). Use transplants for cherry tomatoes, eggplant and sweet potatoes. Plant seeds of lima beans, okra, southern peas: purple hull, crowder, etc.
- Prune and shape spring flowering shrubs and trees now. Later pruning may destroy next year’s blooms.
- Good cultural practices help maintain a healthy lawn and discourage insects and disease. Mow with a sharp blade. Centipedegrass should be cut to a height of 1½ to 2 inches. St. Augustinegrass normal growth habit cultivars should be cut to a height of 3 to 4 inches.
- Climbing roses are pruned after they finish blooming. Blooms form on one-year-old canes, so any older ones may be removed to make them more tidy. Cut each flowering stem back to the first five leaflet stem to encourage them to bloom again.Spray with horticultural oil or malathion for mites, scale and white flies, if insects are present, before it gets too hot (85 degrees).
- Yellow leaves on azaleas may mean they need iron. Apply iron sulphate or chelated iron.
- Feed citrus plants using special citrus fertilizer. Broadcast under the tree canopy and water in.
- Begin planting palms while the weather is warm and rainy.
- Make cuttings of azaleas, hollies, camellias, and other choice shrubs as new growth becomes half hardened.
- Take soft wood cuttings to root: alyssum, begonia, chrysanthemum, shrimp plant, dianthus, geranium, hibiscus, hydrangea, etc.
- Dig bulbs after foliage turns brown if they need to be divided or the space is needed for other plants. If the space isn’t needed, braid the foliage.
- Cut back the vines of Irish potatoes when they begin to die but leave the tubers in the ground for about two weeks longer to toughen the skin. Handle the potatoes carefully during digging, as skinned or bruised potatoes decay quickly when stored.
- Divide crowded and vigorously growing perennials.
- Promote continued flowering of bedding plants by removing faded blooms.
- Encourage coleus to branch and produce more colorful leaves by pinching off the flower stalks as they form.
- Prune poinsettias when new growth is 10-12 inches high (back to the last four leaves). Prune new growth at the base throughout the summer.
- Stop pruning after Labor Day.
- Keep roses watered, cut out weak spots, feed every six to eight weeks or at every new flush of growth, dust.
- For insect or disease problems in your garden, use the least toxic control possible.
IP Celebrating Reading With Book Donations To First Graders At 11 Schools
May 17, 2019
Thanks to a donation from International Paper, every first grader at Jim Allen, Beulah, Bratt, Ensley, Kingsfield, Lincoln Park, Lipscomb, Longleaf, McArthur, Molino Park, and Pine Meadow elementary schools will take home three books of their own for the summer.
The children will also celebrate reading by participating in a variety of engaging and inspiring reading activities in each school. Students from Lipscomb Elementary School participated in a Big Book Breakfast on Monday. During the event, first grade teacher Betsy Eggart read “If You Give a Dog a Donut,” by Laura Numeroff. The book was one of the three books the children took home to keep. International Paper also supplied the students with doughnuts and apple juice to correlate with the dog’s adventures in “If you Give a Dog a Donut.” To complete the breakfast theme, they also took home “If You Give A Moose A Muffin,” and “If You Give A Pig A Pancake.” All three books are fun and are a great way to learn about sequence and cause and effect.
By providing children with choice and access to books and literacy resources, International Paper hopes to create a culture of literacy in the communities in which its employees live and work.
This book distribution event is part of Reading Is Fundamental’s Books for Ownership flagship reading program which enables children to select new, age-appropriate books to take home and own.
“We can’t express our gratitude enough for programs such as RIF, and local business partners, like International Paper. When they become involved in reading they help us achieve one of our main goals – encouraging children to read outside of school,” explained Kim Gunn with the English and Language Arts Department of Escambia County School District who attended the Big Book Breakfast. “When we see children get excited to explore a new book that they get to own, well, their reactions were priceless.”
“Reading Is Fundamental is committed to creating a culture of literacy in communities nationwide and ensure every child has the fundamental building blocks needed to achieve their highest potential. Reading is the necessary foundation for all children that puts them on the pathway for success,” says Reading is Fundamental President and CEO, Alicia Levi. “For over 50 years, Reading Is Fundamental has supported communities with the resources they need to impact children in their communities and we are excited to partner with International Paper to bring this program to Escambia County.
“We’re proud to team up with Reading Is Fundamental to support the children of Escambia County,” said Whitney Fike, communications manager, International Paper. “At International Paper, we believe that the future of our communities depends on children, and supporting strategic programs in our community that help children succeed in education is critical.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jim Allen Elementary Names Students Of The Month
May 16, 2019
Jim Allen Elementary School has named Students of the Month for April. They are Emily Dunlap (pictured left) and Peyton Lewis. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Top Achievers Honored During Annual Northview FFA Banquet
May 16, 2019
The Northview High School FFA recently held their annual banquet.
The night included many awards for Northview FFA members and supporters. The Northview High School FFA has been continuously honored as a top chapter in Florida and the nation.
The Walnut Hill Fire Department, Tate FFA Chapter and the Northview High School NJROTC were inducted as honor members of the Northview FFA chapter.
The The Jamie Hall Memorial Scholarship, Glynn Key Memorial Scholarship and Tommy Weaver Memorial FFA Alumni Scholarship were presented to Olivia Porter (pictured).
Other awards and honors presented included:
Creed Speaking Career Development Event- Sarah Sconiers
Prepared Public Speaking Career Development Event – Amber Gilman
Safe Tractor Operations Speaking Career Development Event – Stewart Woodfin
The Livestock Evaluation and Selection Career Development Event – Raeleigh Woodfin, Amber Gilman, Stewart Woodfin, and Kelli Merchant
Horse Evaluation Career Development Event – Olivia Porter, Autumn Williams, Destiny Cleckler, Brooke Doolittle, and Leia Grantham, Sarah Sconiers, Rachael Sanders, and Emily Stabler
Vegetable Evaluation Career Development Event – Raeleigh Woodfin, Olivia Porter, Destiny Cleckler, and Amber Gilman
Beef Production and Showmanship Career Development Event – Tyler Simmons and Bryce Korinchak
Forestry Career Development Event – Stewart Woodfin, Jonathan Gibbs, and Brandon Dean
Blue and Gold Awards- Jonathan Gibbs, Michael Roloph, Lacie Carter, and Bryce Korinchak
High Point Awards- Raeleigh Woodfin and Stewart Woodfin
Outstanding 9th Grader and Greenhand member: Page Gibbs
Outstanding 10th Grader: Amber Gilman
Outstanding 11th Graders: Raeleigh Woodfin and Stewart Woodfin
Outstanding 12th Grader: Olivia Porter
The incoming Northview FFA Chapter 2019-2020 Officer Team was also recognized:
President- Raeleigh Woodfin
Vice President- Amber Gilman
Secretary- Lacie Carter
Treasurer- Meredith McGhee
Reporter- Paige Gibbs
Sentinel- Stewart Woodfin
Historian- Rachel Sanders
Parliamentarian- Sarah Sconiers
Chaplain- Leah McCoy
Photographer- Samantha Sasser
Public Relations- Julie Keith
Chairman of Recruitment- Jamie Gruenwald
Honorary Student Advisor- Tyler Simmons
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
