DISTRICT 2 NEWSLETTER “District 2 is working for you!” Issue 1 22222

Dear Community,

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER, DR. DOROTHY BENDROSS-MINDINGALL IN THIS ISSUE

As your School Board Member for District 2, it is my pleasure to share the wonderful accomplishments and exciting news happening in our community.

I am so proud of our administrators, teachers and staff for working hard every day educating our students. Our children deserve the best. I stand with each of you to make a positive difference in their lives because "Every Child Matters." I look forward to continue serving District 2 and I will see you on the journey!

- Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall

District 2 Gives Back! Dr. Bendross-Mindingall invited students from Miami Edison Senior High and Miami Northwestern Senior High schools to attend community event.

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Trayvon Martin Foundation Gala Dr. Bendross-Mindingall was honored to be recognized for her achievements and public service by the Trayvon Martin Foundation.

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SpongeBob Visits Holmes Elementary Miami Seaquarium and Paramount Pictures join Dr. Bendross-Mindingall in welcoming SpongeBob!

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IMPORTANT DATES

2015 Legislative Session March 3rd to May 1st

Spring Break

March 23rd to March 27th

Youth Resources Fair and FARM SHARE Free Food Distribution

March 25th 10am to 2pm

Gwen Cherry Park, Gymnasium 7090 NW 22nd Ave., Miami, FL 33147

ETO Community Taskforce Meeting

April 9th | 6pm Charles R. Drew Community Center

1801 NW 60th Street, Miami, FL 33142

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No More Broken Hearts

On Saturday, February 21st, School Board Member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall for District 2, held her signature community event, No More Broken Hearts – Domestic Violence Workshop, at Charles R. Drew Community Center in Liberty City. The workshop brought together a diverse panel of domestic violence survivors, community leaders, and professionals in the judicial, legal, and law enforcement fields. The panelists presented their personal and professional experiences in dealing with domestic violence and highlighted local resources available to address the epidemic.

The esteemed adult panel was moderated by Ms. Lucia Davis-Raiford, Director of Miami-Dade County’s Community Action Agency and Human Services, while Mr. Rodney Baltimore from HOT 105 served as the emcee. Running concurrently, students were also able to engage in an interactive session aimed at ending youth violence presented by the Jonathan Spikes Foundation and Urgent, Inc.

In addition to the adult panel discussion and youth workshop, over 200 attendees received important

information and material from dozens of community organizations and agencies from across the County.

“I was honored to have so many in our community, including parents, students, and educators, attending our event,” stated Dr. Bendross-Mindingall. “It is my hope that we can continue to encourage victims to break the silence and speak out. We are here to let them know that they are not alone.”

For assistance, victims are encouraged to contact the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119.

Congratulations to our 2016 Teacher of the Year Finalists Tawana Akins, 3rd Grade Teacher from Holmes Elementary School (pictured left) and Lisa Hauser, Math Teacher/SHAPE Adviser of iPreparatory Academy.

Dr. Bendross-Mindingalll and No More Broken Hearts Planning Committee

MC Rodney Baltimore (HOT 105 Radio Personality) and volunteers participate at

annual domestic violence workshop

District 2 students.

Jonathan Spikes discusses conflict resolution to students during the Youth session.

DISTRICT 2 TEACHER OF THE YEAR

2016 FINALISTS

Tawana Akins with Dr. Bendross-Mindingall

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District 2 Gives Back!

Community Leaders join together to serve our residents!

Countdown to Coverage!

Resident enrolls thanks to Jessie Trice Community Health Center

"District 2 Gives Back!" is our newest initiative that

encourages students to become actively engaged in their community. Dr. Bendross-Mindingall understands the importance of giving back to "the least, the lonely, and the left out" in our community. Students attending District 2 schools can contact our office at (305) 995-2311 to find out about upcoming events and receive community service hours. Dr. Bendross-Mindingall co-hosted two events to provide fresh food to our residents. In honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Dr. Bendross-Mindingall, along with State Senator Dwight Bullard (D-39), State Representative Cynthia A. Stafford (D-109), Miami Vice Chair Keon Hardemon (D-5), held a food distribution event for the community at Charles R. Hadley Park in Allapattah.

On January 17, 2015, over 1,000 families received fresh food and received affordable health care information from Jessie Trice Community Health Center. Farm Share Food Distribution with Miami-Dade College Meek EEC - On February 6, 2015, Dr. Bendross-Mindingall partnered with the Meek EEC located in Liberty City to distribute fresh food to over 500 residents. In addition, 150 students from Miami Edison Senior High School and Miami Northwestern Senior High School were invited to receive food for the families. Dr. Bendross-Mindingall spoke to all students on the importance of participating in events that provide support to our neediest residents. Students were encouraged to become more involved in charitable causes in Liberty City and Little Haiti.

Dr. Bendross-Mindingall was proud to host Affordable Care Act enrollment events at Miami Northwestern, Miami Edison Senior High School and Booker T. Washington Senior High School to inform residents about the importance of getting coverage. Dr. Bendross-Mindinall believes “healthy families, healthy children. Thanks to our

partners, Jessie Trice Community Health Center and Enroll America for their roles in making sure our residents received affordable healthcare.

Dr. Bendross-Mindingall, in partnership with Miami-Dade College Meek EEC and Farm Share, distributed fresh food to families and District 2 students.

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AGENDA ITEMS

H-18 EXPLORE THE FEASIBILITY AND COST ASSOCIATED WITH IMPLEMENTING A MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND DATABASE FOR APPLICABLE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DOCUMENTS AND/OR FORMS

H-20 INTEGRATION OF LOCAL AFRICAN-AMERICAN, HISPANIC AND JEWISH HISTORY INTO MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS BY UTILIZING, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOCAL PUBLICATIONS, ARCHIVES AND HISTORICAL SITES

Honorable Carrie P. Meek

Carrie P. Meek was elected to the United States Congress in 1992 and was the first African American lawmaker to represent the State of Florida since the Reconstruction Era. Born Carrie Pittman on April 29th 1926 in Tallahassee Florida, Congresswoman Meek is the daughter of sharecroppers and granddaughter of slaves.

The School Board commends the Honorable Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek for her leadership and service to the children and families of Miami-Dade County and the State of Florida. In 1978, Congresswoman Meek won election to the Florida House of Representatives where she served from 1978 to 1993. Throughout her six terms as a member of Congress, Congresswoman Meek became a champion for the least and the lost. Read more here.

Recognizing Local Tuskegee Airmen

Prior to 1940, African Americans were prevented from flying for the United States military. Due to constant pressure from civil rights organizations and the black press, the United States military formed an all-African-American pursuit squadron based in Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1941. This elite group became known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

“Tuskegee Airmen” refers to all who were involved in the so-called “Tuskegee Experience,” the Army Air Corps program to train African Americans to fly and maintain combat aircraft. The Tuskegee Airmen included pilots, navigators, bombardiers, maintenance and support staff, instructors, and all the personnel who kept the planes in the air. This historic group includes, Lt. Col. Leo R. Gray; Judge Richard B. Rutledge; and Lt. Col. Eldridge F. Williams. Read more here.

CONTACT OUR OFFICE!

FACEBOOK: CLICK HERE

TWITTER: MDCPS_D2

PHONE: 305-995-2311

OFFICES:

SBAB

1450 NE 2nd Avenue

7th Floor

Miami, FL 33132

Charles R. Drew Community

Center, 1801 NW 60th Street,

Miami, FL 33142

Do you know someone who should be recognized for their work with children and/or the District 2 community?

Email us:

DISTRICT2@DADESCHOOLS.NET

NEXT BOARD MEETING

APRIL 15th

– 11 A.M.

1450 NE 2nd

Avenue, Miami,

FL 33132 – Auditorium

DISTRICT2@DADESCHOOLS.NET

February Proclamations

February 11th Board Meeting Board Member, Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall

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Mr. Michael Lewis presents office key to Dr. Bendross-Mindingall

Trayvon Martin Foundation 3rd

Annual Remembrance Dinner

Sister Zethel Surrency, Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Stars, presents plaque to School Board Member Dr. Bendross-Mindingall (D-2) at their 41st Anniversary event held at New Providence Missionary Baptist Church.

District 2 Opens a Satellite Office!

"I am bringing District 2 to the Community." - Dr. Bendross-Mindingall

On January 19, 2015, Dr. Bendross-Mindingall and staff officially opened the District 2 Satellite Office at Charles R. Drew Community Center, 1801 NW 60th Street, Miami. In addition to the downtown office, the new Liberty City office will offer parents, students, and the community the opportunity to meet with their Board Member and to receive educational support from the school district. The Charles R. Drew Community Center will also house numerous community organizations as a part of Community Connections. Community Connections will provide academic support and service to students and parents. For more information on Community Connections, please contact the Education Transformation Office at (305) 995-1168.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bendross-Mindingall or District 2 staff, please contact us at (305) 636-3363 or at District2@dadeschools.net.

School Board Member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall (D-2) was recognized for her public service and passion for educating our children at the Noble Lady Zethel Chapter #220 41st Anniversary Celebration. The annual event was held on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at New Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Liberty City.

School Board Member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall (D-2) was honored to be recognized for her achievements and public service by the Trayvon Martin Foundation. We remain inspired by the work and sacrifices made by Mr. Martin, Ms. Fulton and their entire family. "We must not forget Trayvon." Click here for more info.

Order of the Eastern Stars

41st

Anniversary

Board Member with Troy E. Wright, Executive Director of Trayvon Martin Foundation.

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SpongeBob Visits Holmes Elementary

On February 5th, School Board Member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall was thrilled to welcome SpongeBob SquarePants to Holmes Elementary School. In addition, students were able to learn about marine life and sea creatures from Heather Tedblow, a Miami Seaquarium Marine Educator. Thank you Paramount Pictures and

Allied Integrated Marketing for supporting our students.

Let’s Talk It Out at Brownsville Middle

School Board Member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall (D-2) was proud to host the "Let's Talk It Out" Conflict Resolution workshop for the students at Brownsville Middle School. Thank you Jonathan Spikes for presenting such a wonderful program for our children.

Atlanta Falcon’s Player Visits Brownsville Middle

School Board Member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall (D-2) was excited to form an educational partnership with Atlanta Falcons' Devonta Freeman and Mr. Luther Campbell at Brownsville Middle School. Thanks to Principal Ebony Dunn and her staff for working hard to improve the lives of our children. Good Luck Devonta’s Falcons!

Miami Northwestern’s Culinary Students Win @ Miami-Dade Youth Fair

Congratulations to Mr. Keno Tate and Miss Yasenia Diaz for winning the title of Grand and Reserve Champions at the Dade County Youth Fair Culinary Competition. GO BULLS!

AROUND DISTRICT 2

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Clinton Global Initiative University Visits

Charles R. Drew K-8 Center for a Day of Action!

School Board Member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall (D-2) was honored to welcome the Clinton Global Initiative University to Liberty City. Hundreds of students from across the world

participated in a Day of Action to beautify Charles R. Drew K-8 Center and surrounding community. We are grateful to former President Bill Clinton and his foundation for their work to improve the lives of ALL of our children.

The Greater Miami Athletic Conference Football Officials Association at Lorah Park Elementary

The Greater Miami Athletic Conference Football Officials Association gave every student at Lorah Park Elementary a bag of school supplies. We salute them for their generosity and commitment to our students! Go Eagles!

See you on the journey! – Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall