DISTRICT 2 NEWSLETTER Issue 16

District 2 Newsletter

“SEE YOU ON THE JOURNEY.” HIGHLIGHTS

17th Annual No More Broken Hearts Dr. Bendross-Mindingall hosted the 17th Annual NMBH workshop on February 25th at Georgia Jones-Ayers Middle School. The event featured a panel of experts and survivors, youth discussions, a resource fair, an interactive gallery and info on how to stop domestic violence in our community.

Student Poetry Transit Bus Unveiling

Dr. Bendross-Mindingall joined County Mayor Gimenez, Superintendent Carvalho, community leaders and parents to congratulate students during the unveiling ceremony held at Poinciana Park Elementary School on March 27, 2017.

HBCU Symposium at FMU Dr. Bendross-Mindingall served as a panelist at the 2nd Annual event held March 30, 2017 to discuss the advantages of attending a historically black college or university. Thanks to Florida Memorial University for hosting this educational event for our students.

Dr. Bendross-Mindingall commended the Charles R. Drew K-8 Center Drumline for their outstanding performance at the March 15, 2017 School

Board Meeting. Great job to Principal Abner, administration, teachers, staff and parents for educating our talented students. Go RAMS!!!

Greetings,

As your School Board Member, it is my pleasure to share wonderful school accomplishments and positive news happening in our community.

I want to thank all of our educators, staff, and parents for your hard work in preparing our students for a successful testing period! We encourage all community leaders and organizations to continue to support our wonderful students throughout the year!

Working together, we can ensure our students will achieve their academic goals and make a positive impact in our community. #EducationIsTheKey #EveryChildMatters #SeeYouOnTheJourney

- Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall

School Board Member, District 2

“Working together to

improve education for

all students.”

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DISTRICT 2 HONOREES

February 15, 2017 Women’s History Month was designated during the

month of March to recognize the countless contributions that women leaders have made to improve the lives of

all citizens.

February 15, 2017 Zoe Terry of Zoe’s Dolls was honored for her dedication to spreading love and joy to girls in our community. Zoe, along with her mother, Ms. Nakia Bowling, and friends

joined her for this honor.

March 15, 2017 St. Arthur’s Lodge #488 was honored for their many

years of charitable services and giving back to our community. The masonic fraternity aims to make “good

men better”.

March 15, 2017 Booker T. Washington Senior High School was

honored for 90 Years of educating our students in the Overtown community. Principal William Aristide,

administrators, and alumni attended in support of this recognition. Go Tornadoes!

CHARLES R. DREW K-8 CENTER DRUMLINE

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SCHOOL BOARD INFORMATION

School Board Meetings Next Committee Meeting will take place Wednesday, May 17, 2017, 11a.m., SBAB, 7th Floor Conference Room, 1450 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami.

Next Board Meeting will take place Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 11a.m., SBAB, Auditorium, 1450 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami.

District 2 - WORKING FOR YOU! Would you like to assist our District 2 students to achieve their academic and career goals?

Then, contact your District 2 Office TODAY!

CONTACT INFORMATION

OFFICES:

SBAB 1450 NE 2nd Avenue, 7th Floor Miami, FL 33132 Phone: (305) 995-2311 Fax: (305) 995-2787 Satellite Office: Charles R. Drew Community Center 1801 NW 60th Street Miami, FL 33142 Phone: (305) 636-3363 EMAIL: District2@dadeschools.net WEBSITE: www.District2.dadeschools.net FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: MDCPS_D2 FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: MDCPS_D2

SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES

IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

At the March 15th School Board Meeting, Dr. Bendross-Mindingall proposed H-10 which directs the Miami-Dade County Public School Board to amend its 2017 State Legislative Platform to specifically oppose any legislation that eliminates funding that allows M-DCPS to assist refugee and immigrant students and their families or negatively impacts our students’ ability to obtain an education in Florida.

GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND PROJECTS At the February 15th School Board Meeting, Board Members approved General Obligation Bond (GOB) projects valued at $37.7 million. The GOB was overwhelmingly approved in 2012 to renovate, remodel, and replace schools, expand student capacity, enhance safety, and provide technology upgrades. The projects awarded for construction include the following District 2 schools:

Comstock Elementary School Scope of work includes: Replacement of one building, playground and play court improvements, renovations to existing buildings. Total project allocation - $11.85 million Completion – Spring 2020

Dr. Henry W. Mack/West Little River K-8 Center Scope of work includes: New building to house science and special purpose activities; site improvements including parking and walkways; new playground and play court improvements; interior and exterior renovations of Buildings 1, 2 and 3, including HVAC, ceiling, lighting, window replacement; and interior and exterior painting. Total project allocation - $10.56 million Completion – Fall 2019 Arcola Lake Elementary School Scope of work includes: New ESE building with classrooms and ancillary facilities, portable demolition and site restoration, new walkway, and exterior painting of existing facility. Total project funding - $4.08 million Completion – Summer 2018 In each instance, the District-established S/MBE utilization goals were exceeded, with highly diverse sub-consultant teams. This was further strengthened by a strong commitment to Local Workforce Utilization. Source: M-DCPS Office of Communications

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On February 8, 2017, the Annual Reading Under the Stars was held at Holmes Elementary School. Thanks to Judge Rodney Smith, Norland’s Freedom Writers, clergy and business leaders for taking time to read to our students. Special Thanks to Principal Dr. Yvonne Perry, Math Coach Ms. Tawana Akins, teachers, staff and parents for hosting this educational event. Go Baby Bulls!

History was made on February 16, 2017 as Miami Northwestern Senior High School hosted the first female President of Harvard University, President Drew Gilpin Faust. President Faust visited the school to speak with students and staff on the importance of going to college and excelling in life. Thanks to the Harvard Black Alumni Society of South Florida for coordinating this event for our students. Go Bulls!

On February 21, 2017, Dr. Bendross-Mindingall was proud to attend the Black History Month Biography presentations in Ms. Aguilar’s 1st grade class at iPrep Academy. Thanks to Assistant Principal Mrs. Rodriguez-Diaz, teachers, and staff for educating our students on the important contributions of numerous leaders, artists, and scientists during Black History Month.

Congratulations to Ms. Ana Rubio, P.E. Teacher at Earlington Heights Elementary School, on being named 2016-17 Finalist for the Life Changer of the Year on February 22, 2017. Ms. Rubio, a dynamic educator, has touched the lives of countless students and families for many years. We salute Ms. Rubio on being a "Life Changer" in our community. Go C.U.B.S.!

Congratulations to the Black History Legacy Honorees recognized at D.A. Dorsey Technical College in Liberty City on February 28, 2017. We commend Miami-Dade County Deputy Mayor Russell Benford, Ms. Jill Tracey (Radio Personality at HOT 105FM), Mr. Gordon Eric Knowles (President and CEO of Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce), Mr. Darrin Smith (Miami Dolphins Chaplain and President of DAS Limited), and the late Mr. Henry Goa (Educator and Community Leader). Great job to Principal Dr. Angela Thomas-Dupree, administration, staff, and teachers for hosting such a wonderful event for our students and community.

DISTRICT 2 SCHOOL NEWS!

DISTRICT 2 NEWSLETTER Issue 16

Dr. Bendross-Mindingall was excited to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of Booker T. Washington Senior High School in Overtown on March 17, 2017. The Celebration began with proclamations presented by local officials to Principal William Aristide and BTW Alumni Association. Soon after, a parade featuring BTW Marching Band, athletes, student leaders, Miami Northwestern and Miami Central Marching Bands, FIU Education Effect, and Junkanoos danced and marched through the streets of Overtown. Great job to Principal Aristide, administration, Activities Director Kim Wright, teachers, staff, students, and alumni for organizing a grand celebration. Go Tornadoes!

On March 21, 2017, Dr. Bendross-Mindingall visited and spoke with William H. Turner Technical Arts High School students at Lindsey Hopkins Technical College. The students are taking nursing classes at the Technical College and will be the only high school students to take the licensed nurse practitioner exam! Go Eagles!

Dr. Bendross-Mindingall was proud to attend the Miami-Dade County Public Transit Student Poetry Unveiling at Poinciana Park Elementary School on March 27, 2017. Great job to our talented students attending Poinciana Park and Orchard Villa Elementary Schools for their artistic expressions which will be displayed on a yellow transit bus. Thanks to Principals Dr. Amrita Prakash and Mr. Tony Ullivarri, teachers, parents, staff, Miami-Dade County, and O Miami for educating our wonderful students. Go Cougars and Bulls!

Dr. Bendross Mindingall was honored to serve as a panelist at the 2nd Annual HBCU Symposium "Expanding Our Horizons" held March 30th at Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens. Thanks to President Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis for hosting this wonderful event at your beautiful campus. Special thanks to Mr. Marquise McGriff for founding and convening this educational experience for students attending Miami Northwestern, Turner Tech, and Young Women's Prep Academy.

DISTRICT 2 SCHOOL NEWS!

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On February 26, 2017, Dr. Bendross-Mindingall joined elected officials, community leaders, and Mr. Terry Wright, Founder of Don't Take My Life Let me Live at their National Kickoff at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Liberty City. Miami Commissioner Francis Suarez presented a $20,000 check to support the “Eyes of God” initiative to deter crime in our communities. #DontTakeMyLife #LetMeLive

On March 22, 2017, Dr. Bendross-Mindingall attended the Sherdavia Jenkins Remembrance Ceremony held on what would have been her 20th birthday at the Peace Park located in Liberty City. Sherdavia’s parents, David and Lisa, grandmother, students, and community members showed their love and respect to the young life lost due to senseless gun violence. #StopGunViolence

On March 30th, Dr. Bendross-Mindingall joined parents of murdered children to Demand Justice from all Police Departments. Our children deserve to live in safe communities. It should not take months and even years to give these families the JUSTICE they deserve and need. #JusticeForOurFamilies

AARP Valentine’s Day Love Fest Dr. Bendross-Mindingall was excited to spread love to the seniors attending the AARP Love Fest on February 14, 2017 at Charles Hadley Park. Thanks to Pastor Harriette Wilson-Greene and Omega Power and Praise Ministry for coordinating this special event for our community.

Dorothy Height Stamp Dedication Dr. Bendross-Mindingall was proud to join elected officials, National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) – Metropolitan Dade County Section and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and community to commemorate the unveiling of the Dorothy Height Postage Stamp. Thanks to NCNW President Sandra Gipson for coordinating this momentous occasion on March 14th at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center in Liberty City.

Honoring Fire Chief Maurice Kemp Dr. Bendross-Mindingall recognized Former City of Miami Fire Chief Maurice Kemp with a proclamation on March 23, 2017 at the Miami Commission Meeting. Thanks to Chief Kemp for his many years of public service to our community. We salute Chief Kemp for being a wonderful role model to our children. Have a great retirement. You deserve it!

AROUND MIAMI-DADE COUNTY WE MUST SAVE OUR CHILDREN!

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Dr. Bendross-Mindingall was honored to meet one of her “Sheroes”, civil rights icon Ms. Angela Yvonne Davis, at the Women Who Lead Conference held at Florida International University on March 21, 2017. On March 8th, Dr. Bendross-Mindingall was one of 27 Women Trailblazers honored at the Unity and Legends Luncheon hosted by Coffee Break with Charley. On March 23rd, Dr. Bendross-Mindingall attended the Women's History Month Recognition Ceremony at the City of Miami Commission Chambers.

proud to attend the Miami-Dade County Public Transit Student Poetry Unveiling at Poinciana Park Elementary School on March 27, 2017. Great job to our talented students attending Poinciana Park and Orchard Villa Elementary Schools for their artistic expressions which will be displayed on a bright yellow transit bus. Thanks to Principals Dr. Amrita Prakash and Mr. Tony Ullivarri, teachers, parents, school staff, Miami-Dade County, and O Miami for educating our wonderful students. Go Cougars and Bulls!

HONORING WOMEN and GIRL LEADERS

On March 30, 2017, Dr. Bendross-Mindingall was proud to present a proclamation to Mrs. Martine Moise, First Lady of the Republic of Haiti at a Luncheon held in her honor at the Joe Celestine Community Center in North Miami. The Honorable First Lady Moise also visited our students, parents, and educators at Benjamin Franklin K-8 Center located in North Miami. Special thanks to North Miami Mayor Dr. Smith Joseph, Vice Mayor Alix Desulme, city officials, staff, and leaders for rolling out the red carpet for our First Lady. Thank you First Lady Moise for being an inspiration to girls and women in Haiti, United States of America, and around the world.

Welcoming Haiti’s First Lady Martine Moise

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Dr. Bendross-Mindingall hosted another successful No More Broken Hearts Domestic Violence Workshop on February 25, 2017 at Georgia Jones-Ayers Middle School. The 17th annual event was a tremendous success! Thanks to MC Benjamin Evans, Moderator Director Lucia Davis-Raiford, Panelists: Judge Rodney Smith, Chief Therese Homer, Ms. Belkis Amaroa, Ms. Venus Miller, Mr. Desmond Daniels, and Cassandra Armstrong; Youth Presenters: Jonathan Spikes Foundation/Affirming YOUth (Signature Sponsor) and Urgent, Inc.; Performers: Miami Northwestern PAVAC, Denisia Purcell, Madame Butterfly Vaughns, and Jon Kelly; wonderful sponsors, supporters, volunteers, over 30 community organizations, and the hardest working Planning Committee ever!

Special thanks to our hosts at Georgia Jones-Ayers Middle School – Principal Bernard Edwards, AP Earl Allick, custodians, security, teachers, and staff. Our event could not have been a success without each and every one of you! Let us ensure that we work together to End domestic violence once and for all.