Florida Educaton Association, Local Teachers To Appeal Teacher Evaluation Case
June 6, 2014
Opponents of a 2011 Florida law that tied teacher evaluations to student performance will appeal a federal judge’s ruling that upheld the constitutionality of the system, according to a document filed Wednesday.
Plaintiffs in the case, which is spearheaded by the Florida Education Association and includes four Escambia County teachers, gave notice that they will appeal to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta.
The lawsuit, filed last year, raised constitutional due-process and equal-protection arguments. It took issue with part of the law that has allowed some teachers to be evaluated based on the test scores of students who were not in their classrooms. Similarly, teachers could be evaluated on student test scores in subject areas they didn’t teach.
But U.S. District Judge Mark Walker, while raising questions about the fairness of the system, issued a ruling last month that sided with the state and school districts named as defendants in the case.
Walker wrote, in part, that “the state defendants could rationally conclude that the evaluation policies further the state’s legitimate interest in increasing student learning growth. The same can be said of the district defendants.”
Local teachers named as plaintiffs in the case at the time of filing were Emily Jefferis, an art teacher at Ransom Middle School, Cathy McConnell, a music teacher who teaches orchestra at Tate High and Ransom Middle schools, Shauna Paedae, a math teacher in the IB program at Pensacola High, and Catherine Boehme, a biology teacher at West Florida High School. The Escambia Education Association is also a plaintiff in the case.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this story.
Florida’s Top Business Regulator Checks Out Molino Diner, Addresses Chamber
June 6, 2014
Florida’s top business regulator personally checked out a Molino restaurant Thursday before discussing the importance of his office at a Century Chamber of Commerce meeting.
Secretary of Business and Professional Regulation Ken Lawson gave rave review to Fran’s Diner and their blackberry cobbler. Fran’s Diner is one of the thousands of Florida restaurants regulated by Lawson’s department. The department also regulates cosmetologists, veterinarians, real estate agents, contractors and a long list of other businesses and professionals.
“I love to get out with the people,” Lawson told chamber members at a meeting in Century. “It’s important to have regulations, but it’s important to make doing business as easy as possible. When the economy is cold in Miami, it’s freezing in Century. So we have to do all we can for business. We are here to be partners with you. If you have rules in place, they better make sense.”
Lawson also expressed the importance of make sure contractors and other professionals have a valid license.
“We want people to trust but verify on our website,” he said. “If a licensee does wrong I can go after them.”
For more information on the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, visit www.myfloridalicense.com.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Fizz, Boom, Read: Summer Reading At The Library (With Molino Photo Gallery)
June 6, 2014
The Fizz, Boom, Read: Summer Reading Program made science and reading exciting for kids of all ages Thursday at both the Century and Molino branch libraries.
Children participated in the Page Turner’s Adventures with a story, magic tricks, and displays of talent.
For a photo gallery from Molino, click here.
Children and teens 6-12 are invited to participate in the West Florida Public Library’s 2014 Fizz, Boom, Read program, which focuses on experimenting with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
The interactive program is a fun way for students to keep their minds sharp throughout the summer months. Join the library for the summer reading game and interactive enrichment programs where there will be prizes for reading books, a chance to take part in science experiments and meet new people.
The program will continue through the summer until August 9.
Century Branch
Weekly on Thursday, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- June 12
- June 19
- June 26
Molino Branch
Weekly on Thursday, 6 to 7 p.m.
- June 12
- June 19
- June 26
Tryon Branch
Weekly on Tuesday, 11 a.m.
- June 10
- June 17
- June 24
Main Library
Weekly on Wednesday, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- June 11
- June 18
- June 25
Southwest Branch – program to be at Big Lagoon State Park Amphitheater (12301 Gulf Beach Highway)
Weekly on Wednesday, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- June 11
- June 18
- June 25
Pictured: The Summer Reading Program Thursday evening at the Molino Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com photos by Bethany Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Florida Files Suit For Access To VA Hospitals
June 6, 2014
The state Agency for Health Care Administration, at the urging of Gov. Rick Scott, has filed a federal lawsuit seeking access for state inspectors to Veterans Administration hospitals and documents.
Scott said Thursday in a prepared statement he is “committed to righting the wrongs experienced by Florida’s veterans at the hands of the federal VA.” The lawsuit was filed against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in U.S. District Court in Tampa.
The state is seeking access so inspectors can determine if the health-care needs of veterans are being met. A spokeswoman for the VA declined to comment on pending litigation.
In the lawsuit, the state agency claims an inability to investigate “numerous troubling complaints from veterans” about substandard patient care and conditions at VA facilities. The complaint also notes the federal agency has “made abundantly clear” it has no interest in partnering with the state agency on the six VA hospitals and other VA-run facilities in Florida.
According to AHCA, state staff members were denied access to Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville on May 19. Also, between April 3 and April 14 they were blocked from access to medical clinics in Gainesville, Lake City, Miami, Tampa, St. Petersburg and West Palm Beach.
Scott has been accused by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist of using the VA issue — which is playing out across the nation — as a “political tool.”
by The News Service of Florida
Wahoos Beat Biscuits 13-2
June 6, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos cruised to an easy 13-2 win over the Montgomery Biscuits Thursday night at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, Ala. It marked the fourth time in six games the Wahoos have scored five or more runs. Juan Duran blasted a pair of homers while Ray Chang matched a career high with four RBI as part of a 3-for-5 game to pace the offense behind starter Daniel Corcino, who allowed just one run over six innings in his sixth win of the year.
Already up by two, the Wahoos blew the game open with a four-run third, one of two four-run innings in the game. Ray Chang doubled home two before Josh Fellhauer singled home two more a batter later. A pair of two-run homers from Travis Mattair and Duran extended the lead to 11-0 in the sixth inning. Duran struck again with his second dinger of the game in the eighth, when he went back-to-back with Juan Silverio to cap the scoring at 13.
Corcino had one of his better starts of the season, allowing just one run over 6.0 innings with just one walk and five strikeouts. Carlos Contreras made his first appearance since going on the disabled list in late April. He allowed just a double over one inning with a couple of strikeouts.
Chang’s four RBI marked just the second time in his career he had done that. The last time was in August of 2009 when he was playing for the Altoona Curve in the Eastern League.
Pensacola looks to carry the offensive momentum into the second game of the five-game set when RHP Robert Stephenson (2-5, 3.39) goes to the mound against Biscuits RHP Victor Mateo (7-4, 3.93). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. from Riverwalk Stadium.
by Tommy Thrall
Century Receives $400,000 Gas, Water System Grant
June 6, 2014
Rep. Clay Ingram announced Thursday that the Town of Century has received a $400,000 gas and water system grant. Most of the money, according to town officials, will be used to relocated gas and water lines in prepartaion of the paving of Campbell Road. Century Mayor Freddie McCall (left) presented Ingram a key to the city to show appreciation for his assistance in obtaining the grant. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Pedestrian Hit And Killed On Pine Forest Road
June 6, 2014
A pedestrian was killed Thursday on Pine Forest Road, just south of 5 Flags Speedway.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 18-year old William A. Williams of Pensacola was southbound on Pine Forest Road when a male pedestrian stepped directly into his path near the intersection of Cope Lane.
The pedestrian’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Williams was not injured.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Cable Cut: Walnut Hill, Molino Lose Some Phone Services, Internet
June 5, 2014
Frontier Communications customers in the Walnut Hill and Molino telephone exchanges lost some phone services and internet connectivity for several hours Thursday due to a cut fiber optic cable in Walnut Hill.
A spokesperson said the cable was cut or damaged by a contractor working alongside Highway 99A at the construction site of the new Ernest Ward Middle School.
Walnut Hill and Bratt Frontier customers in the 327 exchange, and those in the Molino 587 exchange lost their Frontier internet, long distance (regardless of provider), and the ability to call some phone numbers. The customers are still able to call within their local exchanges, make local calls to Pensacola and 911 is still operational. Bratt and Walnut Hill customers are unable to call Atmore, which is normally included in their local calling plan.
Callers, including those in Pensacola and Atmore dialing into the 327 and 587 exchanges are unable to complete their call.
Some callers in Bratt and Davisville lost all phone services, including their dial tone.
Repairs to the fiber optic cable took about six hours to complete.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Man Charged With Fleeing From Deputies
June 5, 2014
A Molino man is charged with fleeing from deputies trying to stop him on traffic charges.
Ortega Montray Williams of Barth Road was charged with operating a motor vehicle without a license and driving while license suspended second offense and felony fleeing or eluding police.
Williams, 31, remained jailed Thursday morning with bond set at $7,000.
Byrneville Elementary School Presents Year End Awards
June 5, 2014
Byrneville Elementary School recently presented the following year-end awards:
Dawson’s 1st grade:
Most Improved Reader: Logan Bevins
Highest Averages:
Math- Addisen Miller & Madeleine Atallah
Reading- Madeleine Atallah
Language Arts- Addisen Miller
Science- Addisen Miller
Social Studies- Madeleine Atallah
Physical Education:
Luke Diamond
Zidon Smith
Layla Brown
Danny Ray Wilson
Music:
Daisy Johnson
Layla Brown
Mrs. Thornton’s 1st grade:
A Honor Roll all year:
Madison Levins
Evin Matlock
Jayden White
Brian Yoder
A/B Honor Roll all Year:
Ayden Atallah
Gavin Beasley
Maddie Mae Driskell
Tyler Gilmore
Jikeem Hall
Jaci Jackson
Kelan Jury
Mia Kornegay
Riley Long
Allie Odom
Mia Turner-White
Most Improved: Olivia Griffis
Citizenship:
Maddie Mae Driskell
Tyler Gilmore
Kelan Jury
MAdison Levins
Riley Long
Evin Matlock
Brian Yoder
Highest Averages:
Reading: Brian Yoder
Language: Madison Levins
Math: TylerGilmore
Science: Kelan Jury
Social Studies: Riley Long
Physical Education:
Evin Matlock
Madison Levins
Brain Yoder
Music:
Evin Matlock
Madison Levins
Kelan Jury
Maddie Mae Driskell
Destiny Burt
Mrs. R. Gilmore 2nd grade:
A Honor Roll all Year:
Riley Dawson
Kaylee Hamilton
Tyson McBride
Tyler Riggs
Ayden Smith
Highest Reading:
Tyler Riggs
Most Improved:
Reygan Steadham
Adrianna Atallah
Highest Math:
Kaylee Hamilton
Tyson Mcbride
Most Improved:
Caitlyn Dortch
Highest Science:
Kaylee Hamilton
Most Improved:
Troy Parr
Highest Social Studies:
Tyson McBride
Kaylee Hamilton
Riley Dawson
Physical Education:
Dalton Wolfe
Music:
Riley Dawson
Kaylee Hamilton
Tyler Riggs
Mrs. Marshman 2nd grade:
A Honor Roll all Year:
Meredith Johnston
A/B Honor Roll all Year:
Nolin Godwin
Leif Waters
Madalyn Grimes
Alexa Castro
Takayla Lewis
Highest Averages:
Reading-
Nolin Godwin
Madalyn Grimes
Meredith Johnston
Most Improved- Camron Howell
Math-
Leif Waters
Meredith Johnston
Most Improved- Alexa Castro
Language Arts-
Nolin Godwin
Madalyn Grimes
Takayla Lewis
Meredith Johnston
Most Improved- Jakelle Mixon
Science-
Nolin Godwin
Alexa Castro
Madalyn Grimes
Most Improved- Jakelle Mixon
Social Studies-
Nolin Godwin
Alexa Castro
Madalyn Grimes
Most Improved- Alexa Castro
Physical Education:
Nolin Godwin
Camron Howell
Music:
Alexa Castro
Nolin Godwin
Madalyn Grimes
Camron Howell
Meredith Johnston
Mrs. Dunsford’s 3rd grade:
Good Citizens Awards:
Leah Anderson
Josh Diamond
Drake Allen Driskell
Emily Levins
Grace Long
Kaden Odom
Aleigh Thornton
Math Achievement:
Drake Allen Driskell
Emily Levins
Reading Achievements:
Emily Levins
Blake Yoder
Language Achievement:
Emily Levins
Science Achievement:
Emily Levins
Social Studies Achievement:
Kaden Odom
Blake Yoder
Accelerated Reader Awards:
Blake Yoder- 472 points
Emily Levins- 204 points
A Honor Roll all Year:
Emilyy Levins
Blake Yoder
A/B Honor Roll all Year:
Leah Anderson
Drake Allen Driskell
Kaden Odom
Music Awards:
Emily Levins
Drake Allen Driskell
Physical Education Award:
Blake Yodar
Mrs Weaver’s 3rd grade:
Outstanding Citizenship:
Aloysia Dortch
Briana Dunsford
Bradley Hamilton
Chase Hampton
Kerry Hicks
Johnnie Howell
Emily Lambeth
Nicholas MArtin
Jasmin Robinson
Jolee Sloan
A Honor Roll all Year:
Aloysia Dortch
Bradley Hamilton
Kayla Johnson
Jolee Sloan
A/B Honor Roll all Year:
Briana Dunsford
Chase Hampton
Emily Lambeth
Nicholas Martin
Tiana White
Reading:
Highest Average: Bradley Hamilton
Most Improved: Conner Sheffield & Patrick Rolin
Math:
Highest Average: Jolee Sloan
Language Arts:
Highest Average: Jolee Sloan & Bradley Hamilton
Science:
Highest Average:
Aloysia Dortch
Bradley Hamilton
Jolee Sloan
Tiana White
Social Studies:
Highest Average:
Aloysia Dotch
Bradley Hamilton
Kayla Johnson
Nicholas MArtin
Joless Sloan
Physical Education:
Jolee Sloan
Johnnie Howell
Music:
Johnnie Howell
Kerry Hicks
Chace Hampton
Bradley Hamilton
Briana Dunsford
Aloysia Dortch
Mrs. S Gilmore 4th grade:
Highest Averages:
Reading:
Hunter Borelli
Torka Mills
Math:
Hunter Borelli
Harley Walker
Science:
Hunter Borelli
Torka Mills
Social Studies:
Hunter Borelli
Jace Gifford
Torka Mills
Language Arts:
Hunter Borelli
Jace Gifford
Physical Education:
Cody Adams
Music:
Cody Adams
Hunter Borelli
Nevaeh Brown
Bama Coburn
Kayla Dixon
Kaitlynn Gafford
Jace Gifford
Taylor Levins
Torka Mills
Julianna Money
Mrs. Johnston’s 5th grade:
Reading:
Highest Average- Maille Kilcrease
Second Highest- Dustin Martin & Abigail Levins
Math:
Highest Average- Maille Kilcrease
Second Highest- Heather Knowles
Science:
Highest Average- Maille Kilcrease
Second Highest- Jalexis Robinson
Language Arts:
Highest Average- Maille Kilcrease
Second Highest- Ty Rolin
Social Studies:
Highest Average- Maille Kilcrease
Second Highest- Abigail Levins & Jalexis Robinson
Physical Education:
Joseph Franklin
Maille Kilcrease
Music:
Desirae Bell
Briannaq Colter
Maille Kilcrase
Heather Knowles
Justin Lambeth
Abigail Levins
Tyler Merchant
Jalexis Robinson