Student Spotlights – February 2024

Thursday, November 2, 2023, was a big day on-base at NAS Pensacola, not only for the airmen but also for local students. Hundreds of STEM students from Escambia County elementary schools spent the day learning about Navy history, and what the future holds for aspiring service members. Top officials showed the kids what life is like as a naval aviator.

Pine Forest High School Football Coach Tony Carter announces the addition of star player Jonathan Daniels to the Under Armour All-American team during a school ceremony on Monday, November 27, 2023.

Escambia County Public Schools is working to close the achievement gap for students living in underserved communities by launching the school district’s third Community Partnership School at Bellview Middle School. Students will have resources from kindergarten through high school.
The school was selected to take on the model in partnership with Children’s Home Society of Florida, Community Health Northwest Florida, Escambia County School District and the University of West Florida.
The community partnership model not only provides students with needed support to help improve academic achievement but is designed to be an asset to the children’s families and the wider community. The model helps address issues such as hunger, homelessness, poverty, exposure to violence, mental health struggles, inadequate access to health care and more, so that students and families can focus on education.
Integrating the model into Bellview Middle School will help with closing the achievement gap for underserved children and help provide them with the resources they need for school, and for life after.

On Thursday, December 14, 2023, Creative Learning Academy’s gymnasium was transformed into a winter wonderland as all grade levels took the stage for their much-anticipated Winter Musical, “Songs of Peace and Joy.” From the moment the curtains separated, the audience was treated to a fun medley of traditional and non-traditional winter songs, showcasing diverse winter celebrations from around the world. The emphasis on inclusivity was evident, as the musical choices spanned regional and international festivities. It was a beautiful reflection of the school’s commitment to embracing different cultures and traditions.
The performances were musically and visually captivating, with students dressed in festive outfits, and the stage decorated with charming props, adding an extra layer of magic to the evening. The coordination and effort put into these elements certainly paid off, making the evening even more memorable for the parents, friends, and family members who filled the gymnasium to capacity.
Under the direction of CLA’s musical director, Abigail Walker, the students delivered outstanding performances that left the audience beaming with pride. The positive feedback of this evening is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the students and Mrs. Walker. The turnout for the event was nothing short of amazing, with the CLA community coming together to support and celebrate the talents of their students. It was, without a doubt, an evening of joyous melodies, festive decorations, and an overwhelming sense of winter celebration and community spirit.

The Escambia County School Social Workers, in partnership with The Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA), the installation’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department’s Child and Youth Programs (CYP), welcomed area schoolchildren for a December 13 holiday event onboard the installation.
More than 45 children from Warrington and Navy Point Elementary Schools interacted with service members at the command, making holiday-themed arts and crafts and receiving presents from Santa Claus.
“I think it’s important to host something like this because it shows the community, and most importantly, these children that we’re here to support them,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Launch and Recovery) (AW) 1st Class Alicia Coleman, a FCPOA member and one of the organizers of the event. “Being able to celebrate the holiday season not only is great for them, but it provides us an opportunity to give back to our community.”
“These kids aren’t military children, so for them to get a look at the base that is right outside of their back door is just amazing,” said Caroyln Bevil, a social worker for the Escambia County Public Schools. “We are so appreciative to the Sailors for putting this all together.”

Are these kids playing a game or gaining important skills? Both! Studies have shown that chess can help improve children’s academic skills such as concentration, reasoning, creativity, and problem solving as well as life skills such as learning from mistakes, considering consequences, thinking ahead, and building confidence. With both a chess class and a chess club, Redeemer is sure to have a grandmaster or two in the making as they play to learn.

All 50 PreK students at Global Learning Academy received brand new bicycles from The Pensacola SubWest Rotary Club this week. SubWest Rotary has a longstanding tradition of giving bikes to GLA PreK students—they say it’s their favorite Rotary meeting of the year. Additionally, UCF Medical Students working at HCA Florida West Hospital came out to fit each student with a helmet.

What’s better than putting your name on a gift that you didn’t pick out? Obviously picking out a gift yourself! Each year, Redeemer Lutheran has a Christmas Market and each child is able to pick out gifts for their friends and family. They bring their list, check it twice, and get to picking out goodies for their loved ones. No generic gifts this year!

Montessori School of Pensacola hosts an annual holiday bazaar in December. MSP staff, families, and students sell handmade wares. It is a fun, celebratory experience for the students. The first day of the sale is just to preview, so students visit and are able to make lists of what they would like to purchase and for whom. As part of this planning visit, students record prices and practice budgeting. The MSP Manta Ray sports teams raised funds by selling potted succulents. Students of different ages, teachers from both campuses, grandparents, and more had their items for sale. It is rewarding to be able to showcase the variety of creative items. It is always a joyable, fun way to get ready for winter break. Parent volunteers love getting to help students shop and also wrap gifts.

Montessori School of Pensacola Elementary students at the MSP Montessori Drive campus get creative. Students rotate between music, art, physical education, and sign language classes as part of the Enrichment Program. The students pictured are in MSP’s Lower Elementary level. Montessori education has multi-age classrooms. Lower Elementary is first-third grades together.

The Animal Tales animal education program visited both Montessori School of Pensacola campuses. They brought a variety of animals to MSP. Students learned facts about where the animals are from and what they eat. The facts were not just educational, but also entertaining. Students were encouraged to get up close and personal to the animal visitors, engaging in questions and group activities.
For more info about Animal Tales: https://www.animaledzoocation.com/southeast/#

The Krewe of SWAT and many local companies turned the cafeteria at Brentwood Elementary School into a Christmas wonderland. There were Santa Stations where every student filled a bag with presents, an ice cream station, Santa and Mrs. Claus for photo opportunities, tons of other characters, and a DJ. This is a $35,000 project that Krewe of SWAT has worked on all year for our students. We are constantly amazed and humbled by what these wonderful school partners do for our students each year.

School Board members recognized ECPS Assistant Principal and Principal of the Year. Our AP of the Year is Booker T. Washington’s very own Amy Gordon. Our principal of the year is Esi Shannon of West Florida High School. Congratulations to these two innovative and transformative school leaders.

Third through fifth grade students from Lipscomb Elementary School presented their Christmas musical, “A Golden Oldies Musical,” at Hillcrest Church on December 11th. Pictured below are Lipscomb’s third grade students.

At December’s School Board meeting, those in attendance were honored to have experienced the choral stylings of Vocal Harmony, the auditioned choir from Booker T. Washington High School, conducted by Michelle Young, choral educator. Through music, these students explore various cultures, traditions, and human experiences. In April of 2023, with the support of various community members and community leaders, 18 choir members traveled to New York City and performed at Carnegie Hall. We are so blessed to have such talented students and dedicated instructors in Escambia County Public Schools.