Northview Improves Slightly On Reading And Science FCAT

June 11, 2008

fcathigh.gifNorthview High School’s Reading and Science FCAT results improved over last year, according to numbers released Tuesday by the Florida Department of Education.

At Northview , 52 percent of the ningth graders taking the Reading FCAT scored a 3.0 or above, a level that is considered to be on grade level by the state. That is an improvement over 38 percent of Northview ninth graders last year.

Of the Northview tenth graders taking the Reading FCAT, 35 percent scored at grade level this year, compared to 34 percent last year.

And on the Science FCAT, 40 percent of the eleventh grade students at Northview scored a 3.0 or above. That is up from 34 percent last year.

Of the 149 ninth graders taking the Reading FCAT at Northview, six percent scored a 5.0 or greater, 10 percent scored a 4.0, 36 percent scored a 3.0, 28 percent scored a 2.0 and 20 percent scored a 1.0.

Of the 140 tenth graders taking the Reading FCAT at Northview, 12 percent scored a 5.0 or greater, five percent scored a 4.0, 18 percent scored a 3.0, 31 percent scored a 2.0 and 34 percent scored a 1.0.

Of the 117 eleventh graders taking the Science FCAT at Northview, none scored a 5.0 or greater, two percent scored a 4.0, 38 percent scored a 3.0, 35 percent scored a 2.0 and 25 percent scored a 1.0.

Ernest Ward Posts Reading FCAT Gains

June 11, 2008

fcatmiddle10.gifErnest Ward Middle School’s Reading FCAT results showed improvement over last year, according to numbers released Tuesday by the Florida Department of Education.

At Ernest Ward , 68 percent of the sixth graders taking the Reading FCAT scored a 3.0 or above, a level that is considered to be on grade level by the state. That compares to 54 percent of Ernest Ward sixth graders last year.

Of the Ernest Ward seventh graders taking the Reading FCAT, 66 percent scored at grade level this year, compared to 58 percent last year.

Of the Ernest Ward eighth graders taking the Reading FCAT, 51 percent scored at grade level this year, compared to 53 percent last year.

And on the Science FCAT, 49 percent of the eighth grade students at Ernest Ward scored a 3.0 or above. That is up from 44 percent last year.

Of the 167 sixth graders taking the Reading FCAT at Ernest Ward, eight percent scored a 5.0 or greater, 20 percent scored a 4.0, 40 percent scored a 3.0, 15 percent scored a 2.0 and 17 percent scored a 1.0.

Of the 149 seventh graders taking the Reading FCAT at Ernest Ward, four percent scored a 5.0 or greater, 24 percent scored a 4.0, 38 percent scored a 3.0, 23 percent scored a 2.0 and 11 percent scored a 1.0.

Of the 128 eighth graders taking the Reading FCAT at Ernest Ward, two percent scored a 5.0 or greater, 14 percent scored a 4.0, 34 percent scored a 3.0, 36 percent scored a 2.0 and 13 percent scored a 1.0.

Of the 127 eighth graders taking the Science FCAT at Ernest Ward, one percent scored a 5.0 or greater, seven percent scored a 4.0, 41 percent scored a 3.0, 31 percent scored a 2.0 and 20 percent scored a 1.0.

Aztec Dancer Visits Library

June 11, 2008

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Aztec dancer John Jaramillo kicked off the Century Branch Library’s summer reading program Tuesday afternoon. He performed traditional Aztec dances from Mexico.

Jaramillo has performed regionally, nationally and internationally since 1983. His Pueblo Indian Native American heritage inspired his concept for Old Man Kokopeli – a masked theatre and puppetry production that was featured as part of the famed NYC International Fringe Festival in 1997.

Jaramillo has performed at the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian in New York City, Popejoy Center for the Arts at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, The Circle (theatre) at the American Indian Community House in New York City, Historic Christ Church in Philadelphia, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque and the Institute of American Indian Art Museum in Santa Fe.

For a complete photo gallery, click here.

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Byrneville Reading FCAT Scores Among County’s Best

June 11, 2008

Byrneville Elementary School Reading FCAT scores were among the best in the county, according to numbers released Tuesday by the Florida Department of Education.

At Byrneville Elementary, 86 percent of the fourth graders taking the Reading FCAT scored a 3.0 or above, a level that is considered to be on grade level by the state. That compares to 74 percent of Byrneville fourth graders last year.

Of the Byrneville fifth graders taking the Reading FCAT, 73 percent scored at grade level this year, compared to 78 percent last year.

And on the Science FCAT, 53 percent of the fifth grade students at Byrneville Elementary scored a 3.0 or above. That is up from 45 percent last year.

Of the 28 fourth graders taking the Reading FCAT at Byrneville, 11 percent scored a 5.0 or greater, 39 percent scored a 4.0, 36 percent scored a 3.0, four percent scored a 2.0 and 11 percent scored a 1.0.

Of the 15 fifth graders taking the Reading FCAT at Byrneville, seven percent scored a 5.0 or greater, 20 percent scored a 4.0, 47 percent scored a 3.0, 20 percent scored a 2.0 and seven percent scored a 1.0.

Of the 15 fifth graders taking the Science FCAT at Byrneville, none scored a 4.0 or greater, 53 percent scored a 3.0, 33 percent scored a 2.0 and 13 percent scored a 1.0.

Local Fire Deparments Respond To Multiple Brush Fires

June 10, 2008

Lightning and downed power lines are being blamed for at least three brush fires across North Escambia Tuesday afternoon.

The Molino Volunteer Fire Department responded to a brush fire in the 6000 block of Schaag Road about 2:25. A caller reported the woods on fire behind a house, possibly due to a lightning strike. The fire was reported out at 2:50.

The Century Volunteer Fire Department responded Tuesday afternoon to Hilltop Road where a power line reportedly shorted out against a cable television line. There was also a small brush fire caused by the power line problem. The incident was reported about 1:35 this afternoon. The fire department was on scene until about 2:15. The McDavid Volunteer Fire Department was originally called to this fire, but they were canceled before arriving.

The Century Volunteer Fire Department was also called to a brush fire from a downed power line reported about 2:00 on Bass Road and Benauer Road, about three tenths of a mile from Highway 4A. That fire was reported out about 2:10.

Molino Park School Says Goodbye To Teacher Sharon Smith With A Poem

June 10, 2008

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Molino Park Elementary School said goodbye to beloved teacher Sharon Smith last week with a poem penned by a fellow teacher.
She died Friday, May 30, the last day of school, moments after waving goodbye to her students. That Friday were her last day before retirement; her retirement party was set for last Thursday.

Instead of a retirement party, her funeral was last Thursday. At that funeral, Molino Park Elementary School Principal Alice Woodward read a poem entitled “The Celebration.”

That poem was written by Jennifer Jones who retired from Molino Park Elementary last year, Woodward said.

She said that many people had requested a copy of the poem.

We have posted the entire poem below.

THE CELEBRATION

It was a wonderful and happy day, I was finished with my job,
But then I heard my friends praying and others start to sob.

I couldn’t understand it all, to me it wasn’t clear,
Why all of this commotion among those I hold so dear?

Then I found it very strange when I saw a shepherd man.
He said for me to come with him, there’d been a change of plan.

At first I didn’t want to go and miss the celebrations.
I was to march across the stage and receive by congratulations.

A party had been planned and many friends were invited,
Family and loved ones, too, and I was so excited.

But as the shepherd reached out and took my trembling hand,
Amazingly it didn’t seem to matter, all that had been planned.

Things were growing strangely dim, and I couldn’t help but fear,
But I kept my eyes on Him, as He wiped away my tear.

He told me of a place prepared, He’d promised long ago,
He said we’d walk across a valley, and then His plan I’d know.

Suddenly it dawned on me, I know this shepherd’s face,
So I was willing to go with Him to see this wondrous place.

When we arrived at last, on His arms I had to lean,
For my Lord had planned my party, the best I’d ever seen.

I saw many of my kinfolk, and loads of friends were there,
And then I turned and saw my loves, I saw a precious pair.

When the two most dearest of my heart were before me there,
The joy I felt was almost more than anyone could bear.

I was so very happy in this new and special place.
And as I lifted grateful eyes, I saw my Savior’s face.

I knew His plan was best, it was glorious to see,
So do not mourn and do not cry, but celebrate for me.

…….Weeping may go on all night,
But in the morning there is joy.
Psalm 30:5

In memory of Sharon Smith, My dear friend and coworker.

–Jennifer Jones

 

Pictured above: Sharon Smith with her Molino Park Elementary School Class shortly before her death. Poem by Jennifer Jones, reprinted with permission.

VBS At First Baptist Bratt , Walnut Hill Mennonite, Other Churches

June 10, 2008

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Vacation Bible School is underway at several area churches.

The First Baptist Church of Bratt will hold “Outrigger Island” Vacation Bible School from 8:30 until 11:30 each morning this week. There will be crafts, recreation, cool music, yummy snacks and lots of fun for ages three to those that just completed the sixth grade. The church is located on Highway 4 between North Highway 99 and Northview High School.

On Monday, dozens joined in the the “Worship Rally” to kickoff Bratt’s VBS. Then the students spread out across the church for their classes, crafts, snacks, recreation, music and more.

The second week of Vacation Bible School will continue at the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m for ages five to tenth grade. For more information, contact Eric Koehn at 327-6180, Brian Decker at 327-9596 or Kerry Boeckner at 327-4708. Everyone is welcome. The church is located at the intersection of Highway 97 and North Highway 99.

The First Assembly of God Church in Atmore will hold hold Vacation Bible School each day this week from 8:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. “God’s Big Backyard” is for age two through the sixth grade. For more information, call (251) 368-4637.

For a photo gallery from VBS Monday morning at the First Baptist Church of Bratt, click here.

Pictured above and below: VBS “Outrigger Island” at First Baptist Church of Bratt Monday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

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Local Singer Misses Nashville Star

June 10, 2008

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Lots of area people tuned into the sixth season premier of “Nashville Star” Monday night on NBC loooking for a local favorite. But he was not there.

Local country singer Kelton French was on of many that sang in the American Idol style country competition. But he did not make the “Nashville Star” top 12.

While he officially calls Milton home, he’s a familiar face around Molino.

His brothers attend Molino Park Elementary School. Joshua French will be in the second grade this fall, and Jordan French will in the fourth grade.

Kelton performed at Molino Park’s Arts Day back in April to the screams and cheers of hundreds of Molino Park students.

The winner will get a contract with a major record company and will get to perform during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing in August.

You can learn more about Kelton and hear some of his music at www.myspace.com/keltonfrench

Pictured above: Kelton French performs at the Molino Park Elementary School Arts Day back in April. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Storms Topple A Few Trees

June 9, 2008

Scattered strong storms moved through North Escambia Monday afternoon.

Several trees were reported down around Century, including small trees in the area of Hilltop Road and Alger Road, and on Carnley Road. Scattered power outages were also reported.

NWE Grizzlies Spend Afternoon With The Pensacola Pelicans

June 9, 2008

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The NWE Grizzlies from Walnut Hill enjoyed Sunday afternoon at UWF with the Pensacola Pelicans at for the Grizzlies’ “end of the season” party.

After coming off of a winning season, the Grizzlies decided to kick back with the Pelicans and take in some professional baseball.

The Pelicans fell short of the victory against the Grand Prairie AirHogs from Texas. But the Grizzlies enjoyed the Pelicans in action. Fun was had by all and the Grizzlies along with other teams from NWE will be moving on to All-Stars in the weeks to come.

Congratulations are in order for the Grizzlies on a season well played, and thanks to all who came out and helped organize the fun filled event.

For a photo gallery from the event, click here.

Photos and story submitted by April Maholovich for NorthEscambia.com

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