Manatee District Schools participates in two student and teacher recognition programs for mathematics and science. Students and teachers will be recognized for science and mathematics excellence through the Sunshine State Scholars and through the Promoting Regional Interest in Science and Mathematics (PRISM) Outstanding Math and Science Teacher and Student Recognition.

The School District of Manatee County is partnering with PRISM to set and achieve a global standard of excellence in K-12 mathematics and science education in support of economic development throughout the Florida High Tech Corridor. PRISM partners believe science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education success will be driven best by public-private partnerships between business and industry and our school system.

Through PRISM one outstanding mathematics and one outstanding science teacher for elementary and secondary levels has been selected as well as one outstanding middle school mathematics student and one outstanding science student to represent the Manatee School District. In addition to the School Board recognition, students will receive a $150.00 check. At the School Board meeting, the teachers will be awarded a $500.00 check, a certificate of achievement, and a PRISM award by a PRISM representative.

The Sunshine State Scholars program was initiated to recognize and retain intellectual talent. Top 11th grade students are from each high school are nominated in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEMS). A district committee selects the District Sunshine State Scholar who competes at the State level. The District of Manatee County Scholar, along with his parents and teacher, will travel to Orlando on February 21-22, 2013, for an extraordinary two-day program.

Judy Griffin and Joe McNaughton will present the following honorees:

PRISM Student Representatives:

Coral Palacios, Most Improved Science Representative, Buffalo Creek Middle School

Hannah Reynolds, Most Outstanding Mathematics Representative, Haile Middle School

Alex Quinones, Most Outstanding Science Representative, Johnson Middle School

PRISM Teacher Representatives:

Elementary:

Katherine Turenne, Mathematics, Virgil Mills Elementary School

Alyson Colosia, Science, Palmetto Elementary School

Secondary:

Kathleen E. Brown, Middle School Mathematics, Braden River Middle School

Robert Wilson, High School Science, Bayshore High School

District Sunshine State Scholar:

Alexander Strzalkowski, Southeast High School

Promoting Mathematics and Science excellence is an effective way to demonstrate the school district mission and apply the EdVantage Strategic Objectives.

Curriculum

Linda Guilfoyle/dg

12/10/12