FCAT Results Released Today Are Mixed For Carver/Century
June 10, 2008
The latest round of FCAT scores were released today by the Florida Deparment of Education, and they show mixed results for Carver/Century K-8 School.
Superintendent Jim Paul cited previously released low FCAT scores at Carver/Century as a factor in his upcoming decision whether or not to close Carver/Century.
On the Reading FCAT grades 4-10 released today, Carver/Century improved at every grade level except eighth grade. Some increases were only slight, while some were dramatic percentage wise.
On the Reading FCAT, the fourth grade score improved from 33 to 35 percent scoring a 3.0 or above. The percent at grade level in the fifth grade increased from 29 to 41 percent. In the sixth grade, the percent at grade level increased from 26 to 57 percent. In the seventh grade, the percent at grade level increased slightly from 22 to 26 percent. At the eighth grade level, the percent scoring 3.0 or greater fell from 36 to 18 percent.
On the Science FCAT, the percentage of Carver/Century students at 3.0 grade level or above improved in the fifth grade, at 22 percent, up from 18 percent last year.
On the eighth grade Science FCAT, the percentage of Carver/Century students at grade level or above fell from 29 percent to 11 percent.
NorthEscambia.com will have complete FCAT results for all North Escambia schools posted tomorrow.
Molino Park School Says Goodbye To Teacher Sharon Smith With A Poem
June 10, 2008
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.
Public Meeting To Discuss Carver/Century Tonight
June 10, 2008
The public will get the chance to let a Century committee know their thoughts about the closing of Carver/Century K-8 School tonight.
The town’s blue ribbon committee to save the school will hold a public meeting in the school cafeteria at 6:30 tonight.
Parents and community members will have the opportunity to voice their opinions and their ideas for saving the school.
The committee met behind closed doors with Escambia School Superintendent Jim Paul on May 30. NorthEscambia.com was the only media at that meeting.
Paul began that May 30 meeting by telling the Carver/Century supporters that “this is not a decision making meeting,” and said again at the end of the meeting that his mind about a recommendation to close Carver/Century is not made up.
“I want to do what is right for the children of Century, Paul told Century Mayor Freddie Mcall; Blue Ribbon Committee members Laura Nelson, Rev. Willie Carter, Rev. Irvin Stallworth and Brenda Spencer; and Century resident Lina Showalter.
Facing millions in budget cuts, Paul said that the district must look at efficiency and the cost per student at every school. He said that with a principal, assistant principal, a curriculum coordinator and a declining enrollment, Carver/Century is expensive to operate.
“I’ve always been reluctant to close Carver/Century even though the numbers said to close it,” Paul said on May 30. “I continued to keep Carver/Century off the closure list. But when the first grades came out about a month ago, it now became a matter of what is best for the children.” Carver/Century’s FCAT Writing+ score released about a month ago were the worst in the county.
“There are members on the school board that feel strongly that the school should close,” he said. “The school board cannot shut down a school without my recommendation. My staff is recommending that I recommend that the school close. I am here to hear what you have to say before I decide.”
Pictured above: A prayer service for Carver/Century K-8 School was held May 3. Pictured below (L-R): Blue Ribbon Committee members Century Mayor Freddie McCall, Brenda Spencer, Lina Showalter and Rev. Willie Carter listen to Escambia School Superintendent Jim Paul at recent meeting at Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
VBS At First Baptist Bratt , Walnut Hill Mennonite, Other Churches
June 10, 2008
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.
Local Singer Misses Nashville Star
June 10, 2008
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
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
Bloodmobile Is At Walnut Hill Farm Supply This Afternoon
June 9, 2008
A community blood drive is going on this morning at the Walnut Hill Farm Supply.
The Northwest Florida Blood Services Bloodmobile will be at the store at the intersection of Highway 97 and South Highway 99 until 12:30 p.m.
There is a great need for blood donors of all types according to Sarah Noel from the blood center.
“The need for blood continues to increase as the ability to save and prolong lives increases,” she said. “At the same time the number of donors has not kept pace with the need for blood. Blood cannot be stockpiled. It must be constantly be replenished.”
“We have to ask and ask and ask because the need is very real. Please donate blood for it is the gift of life,” Noel added.
Donors must be in generally good health. Other requirements include:
- At least 17 years of age
- Must bring picture ID
- Weigh at least 110 lb
- Free of infection, fever or flu symptoms, for 3 days
- No cancer within the last 5 years
- No antibiotics within the last 48 hours
- No tattoos within the past 12 months
- No chest pain, heart disease, heart surgery (Requires written physician release with diagnosis)
- No history of viral hepatitis
- Cannot have lived in France for 5 years or more between 1980 and the present
- Cannot have lived or visited in the UK for a total of 3 months or more from 1980 to 1996
- Cannot have received a blood transfusion in the UK between 1980 and the present
- Military personnel (current and former), and their dependents, who spent time in military bases in northern Europe during 1980-1990, or southern Europe during 1980-1996, for 6 months or more
- All military personnel (active & reserve) that are returning from Iraq, are deferred for a period of 1 year after the last date on location in that country.
New Water Tower Going Up Soon In Walnut Hill
June 9, 2008
A new water tower is planned for Walnut Hill, and construction is expected to begin by the end of the year.
The new 200,000 gallon Walnut Hill Water Works elevated storage tank will be located next to the Escambia River Electric Cooperative office on Highway 99-A, across the road from the Ernest Ward Middle School gym. This tank will be in addition to a current water tower nearby at the intersection of Arthur Brown Road and Highway 97, according to EREC. EREC owns the Walnut Hill Water Works.
The new elevated storage tank will replace a Walnut Hill Water Works elevated tank currently located in Enon.
The $2.4 million project will include the tank, plus repairs to existing well houses and operating equipment and the replacement and looping of existing lines to increase water pressure. The water system, which serves 699 connections, has received a $866,000 grant toward the project. The remaining $1,621,000 will come from a USDA Rural Development loan.
In 2005, the water system began to experience problems when the well at Arthur Brown Road and Highway 97 began to fail. That well house and the one at another well located on Highway 97 just north of Wiggins Lake Road are both in need of physical and mechanical repairs, according to EREC. They say the system operates with a 19 percent loss due to leaks and inefficiencies.
Pictured above: The moon sets behind the current Walnut Hill Water Works tower at Arthur Brown Road and Highway 97. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Fiery Crash South Of Jay Kills Three
June 8, 2008
Three people are dead following a fiery vehicle crash about seven miles southwest of Jay.
The Florida Highway Patrol says Leonard R. Lail, 65, of Jay; Louvina Rosetta Rutledge, 17, of Pace; and Michael E. Rutledge, 19 of Mobile died in the accident about 5:10 Saturday afternoon. The accident happened at the intersection of Chumuckla Highway and Mineral Springs Road.
Trooper say Louvina Rutledge’s 2007 Kia was southbound on Chumuckla Highway when she ran off the road, lost control, over-corrected and entered the northbound lane of the highway. Lail swerved off the road onto the shoulder, where the two vehicles collided.
Lail’s 1996 Ford SUV erupted into flames, completely charring the vehicle. The fire quickly spread across the harvested wheat field where the vehicle came to rest.
All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The FHP says Louvina Rutledge and Michael Rutledge were cousins.
The highway patrol says none of the three were using seatbelts.