Palmetto Elementary School students received a surprise in the carpool lane as Miami Marlins players welcomed them to school. This unexpected greeting kicked off a morning of visits and activities with the team. The players, accompanied by mascot Billy the Marlin, co-hosted the school's close-captioned morning broadcast, celebrated student birthdays, visited the media center, and toured the school gardens.

Players also spent time in classrooms, to celebrate student achievements and encourage continued academic success. They stressed the importance of education as the foundation for success in life, no matter what you choose to pursue. "We are grateful to the Marlins players and staff for spending time in our community, and sharing with our students the importance of education," said Mr. Eric Torres, Palmetto Elementary School Principal. "The children look up to these individuals as role models, and really listen to what they have to say." The visit was part of an on-going relationship Palmetto Elementary has with the Marlins. The school's award-winning chorus sang the national anthem at the team's game on April 13.

2 0 1 3 S P R I N G E D I T I O N

Community NewsDr. Alexis Martinez, Region Superintendent

PALMETTO ELEMENTARY School

Paul Bell Middle SchoolOn February 19th, Paul W. Bell Middle School art students were captivated by two visiting ceramic artists.  After spending the week-end showcasing their ceramic vessels at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, they arrived at Paul Bell to introduce the art students to the art of ceramics and their techniques of straw firings and wood chip firings.  Louis and Christine Colombarini create pit-fired clay works.  They live in rural Dowelltown, Tennessee.  They enjoy working with clay by building shapes and forms into stimulating and sound constructions.  They create a lot of visual textures on the clay vessels and fire the clay pieces in a pit burning with wood chips or straw to create abstract designs on the clay works.

The Colombarini’s have an art gallery called “Stella Luna Art Gallery”, in Smithville, Tennessee.  Many artists from the area display their art creations at the gallery.

South RSouth RegegionionO!ce SRO Community News

School For Advanced Studies HomesteadSAS Homestead senior Drew Collins compiled well over 1000 hours of community service during his high school years. Most of these hours were performed in one special project where Drew organized 100 volunteers to clean up "Stiltsville" in Biscayne Bay. Drew was inspired from a very young age by his desire to protect the natural beauty of Biscayne Bay. He closely coordinated the effort with Bill Tuttle who is a local historian and civic leader.

In the process of carrying out this p ro j e c t D r e w g a i n e d v a l u a b l e experiences in many different areas. Mr. Tuttle helped Drew to secure the necessary National Park Service permits to conduct the project. There were heavy duty garbage bags to buy, and a

zillion other logistics to hammer out, while staying within his $1,700 budget funded mainly by the Stiltsville Trust. Drew learned how to deal with legal issues, expenses, recruitment, naval logistics, and media coverage.

With blue skies, calm seas, and a nice breeze to cool the workforce, Drew put the volunteers to work in September of 2012, collecting litter on the shorelines of Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables and in the shallow waters under the rustic stilt homes owned by the federal government and used by charitable organizations. "Remember, you are the treasure hunters," Drew told the volunteers. "Look for that treasure."

Divers and snorkelers armed with fish nets began collecting debris from the ocean floor. There were countless beer bottles, both empty and full, and evidence that the houses still attract partiers. Drew and his group of diver volunteers were able to collect adumpster full of trash.

To keep the effort going, Drew had seven metal signs made that read: "Keep it Clean or Pay Some $Green$. Fines up to $5,000. No L i t t e r ing. FL S ta te S ta tu te 403.413." "We put up one sign at each of the seven remaining stiltsville homes," Drew said. "It's part of making the project permanent."

T h e i d e a w a s a m a s s i v e undertaking. It was truly amazing that it was carried out by a high school student who dared to dream in a big way. Many people told Drew it could not be done. Mr. Tuttle called Drew an unusually mature, responsible, assertive, well educated and disciplined young man who is not intimidated by challenge or adversity. He pulled something off as an individual that most organizations could not successfully complete.

School for Advanced Studies is extremely proud of this young man who carried out one of the most impressive community service projects ever conducted by a high school student in Miami-Dade County. It was so extraordinary that it got front page coverage in the September 15 edition of the Miami Herald. Drew Collins is the SAS Silver Knight 2013 Nominee in the category of Social Science.

Robert Morgan Educational CenterRobert Morgan Educational Students named 2013 SkillsUSA State Champions!   The gold medalists will be moving on to the national competition in Kansas City, MO during the last week of June. We are very proud of these young leaders!

(Left to Right) Robert Compton, Gabriela Gomez, Alejandra Gomez, Ethan Martin, Bianca Guzman, Mason Phipps, Kadra Peters and Stephanie Quezada

SRO Community NewsRR Moton - Green School

InitiativesIn efforts to help the Green School Initiative at Robert Russa Moton Elementary School, teachers, students and staff committed to two green challenges this year, the Dream in Green Schools Challenge and the Fairchild Tropical Garden’s Challenge. The Dream in Green Challenge, headed by Dance teacher Avice Warren and assisted by Drama teacher Yamile Vazquez, initiated contact with the University of Florida Botanical Outreach Program which provided the school with a rain barrel to use in their vegetable and herb garden.

The Dream in Green challenge also helped students become more aware of energy, water consumption and recycling. The Fairchild Tropical Challenge was spearheaded by Sandra Valenzuela, Science Coach and assisted by the students at R. R. Moton. They became aware that they can make better food choices by planting and tending to their own food garden. The teachers will be receiving awards for the school on May 16th for the Dream in

Green Challenge and May 29th for The Fairchild Tropical Challenge.

Pinecrest Elementary Musical Extravaganza

Each year Pinecrest Elementary features our talented music students in o u r A n n u a l S p r i n g M u s i c a l Extravaganza.  Once again, this event was a huge success with standing room only at the Palmetto Senior High School Auditorium on May 9th.  Beginning and advanced Orchestra students opened the show, which was followed by the fun beats from our new Percussion Ensemble.    Finally, the Pinecrest Chorus performed a dazzling musical adaptation of Disney’s  AristoCats- Kids.  The set design, dancing, costumes and music were elaborate and all those who attended enjoyed this phenomenal tradition. 

Comic Book Ed. On Friday, February 15, 2013, Comic Ed. visited Oliver Hoover Elementary School to donate more than 30 comic books and graphic novels. Comic Ed. is a non-profit organization that donated comic books and graphic

novels to kids who write letters to them. First grade teacher, Ms. Sari Guevara, spear-headed this event. The students at Oliver Hoover wrote more than 800 letters to Comic Ed. In addition to the books donated to the library, students from five classes also received their very own comic book to take home with them. They even got a high-5 from Spiderman himself ! Channel 10 was there to cover the even t and interviewed students and teachers to find out how comic books and graphic novels excite students to read. The students were thrilled to see the new editions to their library collection.

Goulds ElementaryOn February 28, 2013, the Aqua Ventures, Florida’s Learning Lab visited Goulds Elementary. The mobile lab provided students with insight into Florida’s biodiversity, hydrogeology, and watershed stewardship.This interactive, mobile learning lab featured enriching and engaging activities that offered a hands-on look at Florida’s diverse watersheds, water conservation and recycling. Student enthusiasm was evident in their cooperative group discussion.  Through authentic learning, they employed their creative thinking skills to draw conclusions.  Maura F. reflected on the experience stating, “I had so much fun.  I can’t wait to grow up; so I can be a scientist.”

Cutler Bay Academy Of Advanced Studies, Centennial Campus

Cutler Bay Academy of Advanced Studies, Centennial Campus’ high school students participated in the 31st Annual Baynanza Biscayne Bay Cleanup Day. Students worked as volunteers on Saturday, April 20, 2013, picking up trash from the shoreline and islands of Biscayne Bay.

Coral Reef Elementary SchoolOur Odyssey of the Mind First Grade Teams  (Ms. Basulto’s Team: Benjamin Bileca,  Conner Carpenter, Samuel Casey, Conlon Jacobs, Dylan Lesman, Matthew Rosenn, Hunter Sosa,  Ms. Trout’s Team: Charles Adams, Angelina Diaz, Isaac Rosenn, Ashley Brenan, Kai t lyn Beaton, Li l ly Almaguer, Jacob Yglesias) competed at the Odyssey of the Mind State Competition held in Orlando, Florida.

  Although these teams did not place at the State Level, judges and spectators who viewed their presentations were amazed at the caliber of their performance and commented on their tenacity considering they were the youngest participants competing against fifth graders.  It was definitely a wonderful experience for our students and one they will not soon forget.

Hammocks Middle SchoolOn April 30th, HALS was visited by Congressman Joe Garcia. The students were very excited to meet him and learn about what a day on Capitol Hill is like. Congressman Joe Garcia led a discussion with the students regarding the various bills and legislation that are currently being debated. Additionally, in celebration of Law Day which takes place on May 1st, the faculty and students of HALS have planned a month of enriching events and activities, focusing on the tenets of

the pre -law   curriculum and program.  Several speakers, including an FBI Agent and an 11th District Court Judge, will visit with the students this month. What a memorable way to end the school year!

SRO Community News

On April 30, 2013, the second grade students at Air Base Elementary, as part of the Magnet Curriculum Program, studied the country of China covering it’s history, landmarks, culture and endangered animal life. The students brought rich cultural meaning, ancient history, and a traditional Chinese festival composed of important and brilliant parts of the Chinese culture. The students showcased a beautiful parade where each class displayed ancient and modern day Chinese Costumes.  This year’s   theme “China at a Glance” was part of the Chinese New Year’s celebration where students brought significance and entertainment to the school.  Special guest Master Cocco from the Hero Martial Arts School along with one of our second grade students, Jose Grullon, demonstrated to all students the different brilliant techniques of Tae Kwon Do which included breaking wooden boards and mental discipline. One of the highlights of the festival was that all the students sampled a  taste of China which included vegetable fried rice, Chinese tea and a fortune cookie. This year’s Chinese Festival was a cultural  and meaningful experience for all Air Base Elementary students.

Support the strong, give courage to the timid, remind the indifferent, and warn the opposed. These words by Whitney M. Young encapsulate the vision and direction

of Positive Behavior Support at Ruth Owens Kruse Educational Center.

At Ruth Owens Kruse the staff supports the strong through the use of a school wide point and token economy system. As students succeed in the point and level system, they are able to participate in one of four inclusion programs.  The programs allow students to transition into mainstream education and living.

The school services students with a wide array of disabilities.   The Students need increased guidance in socially appropriate behavior. One way the staff encourage the timid is through the use of a structured curriculum, LEAPS. This program offers 150 lessons that center on the instruction of rules, respect and ways to manage anger and stress.

One of the biggest hurdles the teachers face as educators of this vulnerable population is indifference.  They combat this indifference by creating innovative lessons that inspire students through the latest technology available. They offer rewards that are motivating to students.  Communication through daily progress notes ensures collaboration between home and school.

Change takes time. There is always some opposition from students.  Data is used to guide our intervention. Through careful analysis the school is able to determine which students need specialized attention. By addressing those needs specifically, they have been successful in reducing the number of indoor suspensions by forty eight percent. They have also seen over a sixty percent decrease in outdoor suspensions and an eighty percent decrease in seclusion and restraint over the past three years.

A l t h o u g h t h e s t a f f ’ s c o m m i t m e n t t o t h e implementation of positive behavior strategies has resulted in remarkable improvement in the behavior of students, their job is not complete until every, timid, indifferent and opposed student finds the strength in themselves to change their behavior for good.

South RSouth RegegionionO!ce SRO Community News

Ruth Owens Kruse Educational Center

Air Base Elementary

Cutler Ridge Middle School

Cutler Ridge Middle School in partnership with Home Depot is  undergoing an “Extreme Home Makeover”.  Home Depot is donating over $5,000 in Paint, shelves, oven, washer and dryer for the students in the Special Education program. On May 23, over 20 employees from Home Depot delivered the donated items and paint the classrooms used by the school’s most needy students.

Palmetto Middle SchoolOn April 26, 2013, Palmetto Middle School organized an extravagant celebration to commemorate the 50th year of the school’s service to the community. Palmetto Middle School is ce lebrat ing i t s fif t ie th year of producing top of the line students with the help of the best teachers. The occasion highlighted Palmetto Middle’s award winning fine arts programs and its alumni. An array of local food trucks came to support the event. Many people attended to celebrate this special milestone in the school’s history.

Palmetto Middle School exhibited many forms of their arts programs as en te r ta inment ; showcas ing i t s acclaimed music program, STOMP Team, as well as, their Spirit Squad. The band and orchestra performed a v a r i e t y o f m u s i c i n c l u d i n g compositions from Disney, Journey and the James Bond Theme; all conducted

by the talented Mrs. Angelica De Jesus.  The STOMP team demonstrated their talents with a stunning display of step dance. The Spirit Squad showed their enthusiasm and passion for Palmetto Middle with a multitude of cheers. These extracurricular arts have found their way into countless events around the community and state.

I n a d d i t i o n t o t h e f a b u l o u s entertainment, Palmetto Middle featured approximately 10 local food trucks serving a variety of different cuisine; drawing masses of people to help celebrate the occasion. All of the delicious food was served on their brand new cafeteria tables, a seat for all.  Plenty of food trucks crowded into Palmetto Middle’s parking lot to cater to their diverse student body past and present.

Palmetto Middle School ’s 50th Anniversary celebration was not only to show how far the school has come but also to recognize the people who got the school where it is today, the alumni. The bash encompassed many of the alumni who either went to or worked at Palmetto Middle School. The alumni came to share their experiences and reflect on the time they spent at Palmetto Middle. Moreover, they came to see the development of the school since they attended. There was an extremely impressive alumni turnout at Palmetto Middle School to mark this significant event.Overall, Palmetto Middle School’s 50th Anniversary celebration was a hit; it demonstrated the school’s celebrated fine arts programs, fed the school’s

population with local food trucks and reintroduced the alumni. Over those 50 years in service Palmetto has produced the best-of-the-best students. Fabulous teachers plus magnificent administrators and everyone in between equals the finest students in America. From the inspiring music to the delicious food and all of the past and present students and faculty all in the same place at the same time make one very happy Palmetto family.

Mayor Cindy Lerner (Alumni Member), and Dr. Larry Feldman (Miami-Dade County Public Schools - School Board Member) Howard Drive ElementaryOn April 6th students from Howard Drive Elementary School won the Odyssey of the Mind Florida State competition in Orlando after winning t h e l o c a l Tr o p i c a l Re g i o n a l competitions in February. Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem-solving competition which includes students from kindergarten through college. They will compete at the World Finals at Michigan State University from May 22nd - 25th.  Although there will be over 800 teams from around the globe competing, there will only be four teams from Miami-Dade County Public Schools, of which Howard Drive will be the only elementary school representing the district.  

SRO Community News

Kids Treated To Heat GameAn anonymous donor provided 250 tickets for kids from the Dr. Henry E. Perrine Academy of the Arts in Palmetto Bay to attend a Heat playoff game against the Milwaukee Bucks last week. Kids from the school got to ride on a Heat bus to American Airlines Arena, and the school's cheerleaders and dance team got to perform in the pregame show. Shown here is the dance team, front row from left, Beatriz Catanzaro, Hanna Wyant, Elisabeth Keime and Sofia Marckioli; middle row, Ariana Lopez, Mia Cruz, Lauryn Bello and Isis Lindner; back row, Principal Maileen Ferrer, Liyah Bullard, teacher Deanna Sekel, Dyamond Davis, Lauren Anderson.

Palmetto Dolphins Training CampWhat kid doesn't want the chance to try a pro-football workout, or see what it's like to be an NFL cheerleader? Judging from the enthusiasm shown at Palmetto Elementary School, this is not an opportunity to pass up. Students in second through fifth grade took a break from the books to see what it's like to run drills and practice cheers during the school's biannual visit from the Junior Dolphins Training Camp.   "Our students work hard in the classroom all throughout the year, and have the great results to show for it," noted Palmetto Elementary School Principal Eric Torres. "But our school community knows how important physical fitness is to student success. Bringing in an activity like this allows our students to try out a new kind of exercise, while enjoying a well-earned break from the books."  Palmetto Elementary School emphasizes the importance of healthy living for its students through the

school's pioneering Wellness Initiative, which includes student-tended gardens, weekly visits from a farmer's market, and an early-morning walking program. The school appreciates support from the Miami Dolphins in furthering these goals.

Winston Park K-8 CenterWinston Park K-8 Center celebrated National Bike to School Day on May 8, 2013. In conjunction with the University of Miami, over 50 students, parents, and teachers biked to school while escorted by TD from the Miami Dolphins and Miami-Dade School Police. The event highlighted bike safety and promoted biking to school.   On June 5th WPK8 will be hosting our first Fashion Show. Eighty students in grades Pre-k - 5 will be participating.

SRO Community News

“No Place for Hate” is an initiative enacted by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) to promote a respectful and unbiased community. This initiative is found nationwide as it continues to spread throughout the country. This mission to end prejudice and bullying is of course, not an easy one; however, “No Place for Hate” is a giant leap in the right direction.  

                  “No Place for Hate, No Place for Hate!” this is the chant that was roaring from Miami Palmetto Senior High School’s (MPSH) auditorium on March 18th 2013. On this day, MPSH received a banner that officially declared this school a “No Place for Hate School. A ceremony was held in honor of this recognition thanks to the sponsorship of Lisa Mallard, MPSH School Guidance Counselor and the No Place for Hate Student Task Force.  The ceremony consisted of a wide variety of groups promoting peace and equality through various performances. For example, the Thespian Club had presented a part of the Martin Luther King “I Have a Dream” Speech, along with an individual monologue. In addition, the Omega singers performed the song “Imagine”, by John Lennon, Palmetto’s Jazz Band performed a few numbers, the Variations Dance Team performed an emotional piece, and of course the “No Place for Hate” Student Task Force educated the audience with facts about the “No Place for Hate” club.

                                  However, the acquisition of a recognition banner was a process. Palmetto ultimately made the “No Place for Hate” initiative their mission. They participated in many activities in order to achieve this status. The students in “No Place for Hate” held a Mix it Up event which is a national campaign that encourages students to identify, question and cross social boundaries. This is what untimely spread the word of “No Place for Hate”, and it helped to integrate a group of students that wouldn’t have otherwise met. Consequently, the club began as a group of 10 students on a mission and has grown to a club of 40 active members

In addition to the mix it up event, Palmetto’s “No Place for Hate” group also attended a 3K walk/run for kids with disabilities, a 3 hour anti-bullying training,

essay contests, bi-weekly club meetings, evening PTSA presentations, such as Stand Up Speak Out and Healthy Dating, and many more programs and projects that reached as many individuals that the task force could.  Furthermore, the “No Place for Hate” Student Task Force read positive message books to the 2nd grade students at Palmetto Elementary School. The group, however, is not simply subjective to the student body, they involve the faculty and staff as well hoping to outstretch their goals to the community as a whole. They created an Acts of Kindness Board where the faculty writes down kind memos and posts them on the board for other faculty members to view. In addition, the faculty recognizes students that are caught being kind and “reports” them to receive a Paw of the Back sticker. Wendell Dunn, a senior that is part of the “No Place for Hate” Student Task Force, was a speaker on the expert panel answering questions after the Pinecrest Community organized a weekend viewing of the movie “Bully” at Pinecrest Gardens. Miami Palmetto Senior High School has worked hard on the initiative to make our schools and the community a bully free environment. Earning our “No Place for Hate” designation has been a great honor and a special moment for our task force. With our continuous efforts, Miami Palmetto Senior High School and the “No Place for Hate” Student Task Force were recognized for their hard work and desire to promote this on-going initiative on Channel 4’s Focus on Miami, as well as, this month’s School Board Meeting. Our current endeavor is promoting this initiative state wide through our Kindness Drive Tour.

Miami Palmetto Senior is “No Place for Hate”SRO Community News

Lamar Louise Curry Middle SchoolLamar Louise Curry Middle School recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary in a quaint celebration in the school’s media center.  With ten amazing years under its belt, Curry has lots to be proud of.  To celebrate its achievements, the memorable event included current staff, as well as, former stars that helped the school become such a pillar in Miami Dade County Public Schools. The celebration commenced with a “social hour” where current staff and former staff members reconnected and reminisced about fond memories of the school’s past.            “One person can make a difference” was the theme of the event.  Several of the invitees included opening principal, Ms. Montano, former registrar Lisette Deas-Bernardo, former IB Coordinator Mr. Eric Wright, former reading teacher Ms. Shauana Hughes, and former Assistant Principals, Mr. Penton and Ms. Robinson.  After an inspiring video about how each person makes a difference, Ms. Ruan gave a warm welcome.  During her opening speech, she shared the school’s advancements over the years and how proud she is of its achievements. Our assistant principal, Mrs. Boue, shared a few emotional words as to how she arrived at Curry mentioning those teachers that  helped guide her along the way.  Then three former students spoke briefly about their experience at Curry and how it impacted their lives and future educational endeavors.  “This is an excellent school. I learned so much during my time at Curry,” shared Annabelle Miguelez who represented the first graduating class.   This school changed my life, shared graduate Ana Medina.  During her emotional speech she shared her fond memories at Curry and how she felt the teachers really cared about her future.  At Curry is where she decided what her profession would be.  She went on to explain how the knowledge she gained in Mr. Rios’ computer class helped her discover her talent for computers.   After several heartfelt speeches by graduates, Mrs. Ruan presented teachers and staff who have dedicated 10 years to Curry Middle School with  a ten-year honorary pin.

Several of these teachers were on board even before the school had a completed building. During the construction of Curry, several early staff members worked out of Marjory Stoneman Douglas Elementary and then moved to Howard A. Doolin Middle with a small group of students.   Science teacher Mrs. Cardenas remembers how they prepared for the opening of the school.  “I was in charge of the science department which included setting up all of the equipment needed for the school year and planning the curriculum for the Science Department,” she stated.  With only 230 students and 11 teachers, the skies were the limit.  “We were all very excited about the new school, and we’re happy to see what it has grown to be.  A school of leaders continuing to receive an “A” grade year after year,” she shared.

Once the presentation concluded, a slideshow of Curry’s fondest memories was presented.  During this time, Mrs. Cordoba’s advanced culinary arts students served their scrumptious desserts and pastries to the invitees.  Mrs. Montano closed the event by giving a few words of appreciation toward the staff and school.   She shared how she expects Curry to continue to sustain its model of “Simply the Best” and continue its legacy of excellence!  When asked about successes at Curry, she shared that TERRA Environmental Research Institute Magnet High School has become successful thanks to Curry’s accomplishments.  She added “TERRA’s success only rides on the shoulders of Curry.”  The crowd applauded in enthusiasm.

SRO Community News

W.R. Thomas Middle SchoolThe end of the year brings many opportunities to celebrate students' talents and achievements. In association with the PTSA and Barnes & Noble, W. R. Thomas Middle school collaborated to host an evening fundraising and talent showcasing by the Art, Band/Orchestra, and Youth Writers Club. The Barnes & Noble Book Fair Night was a joint effort between a community partner and the school's PTSA. Parents and students were invited to purchase summer reading books, and any other items they needed, and a portion of the proceeds were donated to the school. Families came together to support this endeavor as well as to enjoy the music, art, and creative oral readings conducted by W. R. Thomas Middle School talented youth. This was an event enjoyed by all who attended!

Irving & Beatrice Peskoe K-8 Center Career DayProfessionals ranging from police officers to an animal wildlife caretaker discussed their careers with students at Irving & Beatrice Peskoe K-8 Center on Tuesday, April 30, 2013.  The school held the event to help provide its students with information on various careers.  Students from kindergarten to seventh grade had the opportunity

to learn about various career fields. “I thought our career day was wonderful, we had a variety of speakers,” said Sonia Ambrose, who serves as the school counselor and Career Day coordinator for the school. The event benefited both guest speakers and students alike; as many professionals left feeling as though they made a significant impact on the students.  Our Community Career Day extended to the South Dade News Leader as one of our speakers, Ms. Meneses wrote an article about her experience speaking to our students. Peskoe’s Career Day was a perfect opportunity for the students to explore their dreams and to understand that all lines of work bring value to the community!

Redondo Elementary SchoolStudents from Redondo Elementary School were recognized by the Kiwanis of Homestead for bringing up their grades during the third grading period, as part of the Kiwanis “BUG” (Bringing Up Grades) student incentive program.

SRO Community News

!

!

!

Welding students at Robert Morgan Educational Center have been tapping into their best “wildlife” and “swashbuckling” creativity, proving just how amazing steel sculptures can turn out when industrial training is combined with artistic expression.A 7-ft-tall elephant and 12-ft-tall giraffe — fabricated by high school and adult welding students in the newly formed morning class — required drawing, measuring, and critical thinking skills — Fig. 1. They used hot-rolled, 11-gauge steel sheets; cut them into 2-in.-wide strips of various lengths; moved in various positions to gas metal arc weld (GMAW) the strips in place; viewed pictures of the real- life animals; then painted the elephant gray and the giraffe yellow with brown spots.

Additionally, welding students in the morning class paid tribute to the school’s mascot by creating a “Captain Robert Morgan” sculpture — Fig. 2. The 7-ft-tall pirate was crafted from 11-gauge steel sheets cut into 2-in.-wide strips by various lengths then assembled using gas metal arc welding. Features include a painted red hat crafted from 18-gauge stainless steel; facial characteristics accented with an eye patch and beard; a silver sword; metal belt buckles across his chest and waist; and large jewelry around his neck and hands. Two small cannons to go with him have been made as well, and a treasure chest to go by his side is in the works.

Ricardo Delgado, the school’s welding instructor and an American Welding Society member, thought it was a good idea for his applied welding technology classes to make various figures after being in- spired by visiting different universities and public buildings.“The lessons the students have learned, and are still learning, is the concept of teamwork, the artistic work of welding, and using measurement tools,” Delgado said.

Challenges faced while working on the sculptures varied from height proportioning the large animals to dimensional factors with bringing out the 3D image vs. a flat pattern. On the flip side, students gained experience and skills working on a project.

The time to create each figure varied from two weeks to a month. Currently, they are on display throughout the school in different courtyard areas. Faculty members along with students enjoy their presence. Planned projects for the future include making flamingos and alligators.

“We are constantly creating new artwork,” Delgado added. Adult welding students in the evening class have transformed discarded bicycles into custom-made, American Chopper-style rides.

Delgado further feels it is rewarding to help his students succeed and have worthwhile careers. When companies call asking for welders, he helps them prepare for interviews and get ready to become qualified.

Robert Morgan Educational CenterWelding Students Bring Steel Sculptures Roaring to life

School For Advanced StudiesHigh school juniors from School for Advanced Studies (“SAS”) spent Saturday, May 4th, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami. They were accompanied by two adults, including SAS’s staff member Samay Alvarez. The girls transformed the landscape of a future Habitat homeowner’s house (Takoia). They worked very hard clearing large rocks, making the ground level, laying down Bermuda grass, digging holes to plant trees and shrubs, and spreading mulch. The students got a surprise visit from Mario Artecona, CEO of Habitat for Humanity.  Mario asked the girls to take a break to thank them for their commitment and praise them for their hard work. Isabella Riera said, “This was a very rewarding experience and an amazing way to give back to our community!” Victoria Riera added, “Our experience empowered the SAS girls, because we were able to accomplish so much as a team. We will carry this experience very close to our hearts.”(Photo  from left to right, Jorge Riera, Victoria Riera, Mario Artecona (Habitat CEO), Samay Alvarez, Isabella Riera, Deanna Vasquez,  Jahanny Izaguirre, Rosa Elera,  Takoia (future Habitat homeowner), Felia, Pedro, Jasmine Santiago, and Raquel Quezada.)

South RSouth RegegionionO!ce SRO Community News