2023 Space Coast Odyssey of the Mind | |
Space Coast Odyssey of the Mind held its 33rd Regional Tournament on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Viera High School. Teams from across Brevard and even one from Volusia County showcased their talents in creative problem-solving. The 56 teams worked for months to solve their selected long-term problem:
- Vehicle - Pirates and the Treasure: 13 teams
- Technical - Because iCan: 7 teams
- Classical - Classics…The Walls of Troy: 8 teams
- Structure - Where’s the Structure?: 9 teams
- Performance - The Most Dramatic Problem Ever!!!: 13 teams
- Primary - Dinos on Parade: 7 teams
Teams are divided into divisions based on grade level and only compete against those in their division. The competitive divisions are Division 1 (3rd - 5th), Division 2 (6th - 8th), Division 3 (9th - 12th), and non-competitive (Primary K - 2nd). We had no Division 4 (collegiate) teams in the competition but we have high hopes for the future.
|  | |
In addition to competing in the long-term problem, each team had to participate in Spontaneous Problem-Solving. Teams were given a problem and had only minutes to solve it by working cooperatively. The problem given could have been a verbal problem, a hands-on problem, or a combination of verbal and hands-on. Throughout the year, teams practiced solving all types of spontaneous problems with the hope that the skills learned could be used on competition day. Mum is the word when it comes to the Spontaneous Problem given to a team at competition.
One of the biggest tenets of Odyssey of the Mind is for team members to receive no Outside Assistance in solving their long-term problems. This means that only the 5-7 team members can build their props, make their costumes, paint scenery, write their script, build devices, balsa wood structures, and vehicles, and complete any of the other numerous tasks needed to solve the problem. They have 8 minutes to present their solution in front of a panel of judges and their proud coaches, family members, and other audience members. During Spontaneous, the 5-7 team members solve their presented problem with only the judges observing them.
Of the 56 teams that competed, 38 will be heading to Orlando for the State Tournament at the Orange County Convention Center on Saturday, April 8, 2023. Wish these teams well on their possible journey to the World Finals at Michigan State, to be held May 24 - 27.
| | | |
|
This year’s Model Student Senate Program held on February 9-10, 2023, was a success. One hundred students, from 8 high schools (Astronaut High, Bayside High, Cocoa High, Edgewood Jr/Sr High, Melbourne High, Rockledge High, Space Coast Jr/Sr High, Viera High, and West Shore Jr/Sr High) participated in this event. This Brevard program has been held annually since 1980. However, due to COVID, the district’s last Model Student Senate was held three years ago in February 2020.
Under their school sponsors' guidance, students were assigned a U.S. senator from the 117th Congress to portray. Students conducted research on their assigned senator, learning as much as they could about that senator’s positions on the issues, their state’s history, parliamentary procedures, debate, and the nuances of writing legislation.
This simulation brings the legislative process alive for participating students and provides them with a practical application of lawmaking. Through hands-on learning, students experience senate rules and procedures.
Judge Scott Blaue, of the 18th Judicial Circuit, swore the students in as mock senators, and Sherri Bowman, BPS Director of Secondary Programs, delivered the keynote address.
This year’s award recipients were:
- Connor Cornell, Viera High - Most Influential Senator
- Anjani Sharma, West Shore Jr/Sr High - Judges’ Commendation Award
- Viera High School - School Commendation Award
- Mason Spira, Viera High - Best Committee Chairman
- Connor Cornell, Viera High - Best Ranking Senator
- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) *various schools - Most Effective Committee
- Ash Blackstone, Bayside High - Most Effective Page
- Baylee Bevel, Space Coast Jr/Sr - Most Effective Secretary
- Anjani Sharma, West Shore Jr/Sr High - Most Effective Senator (voted by students)
The Senate Leadership:
- Gabriella McDermott, Viera High School, President of the Senate (Kamala Harris)
- Gretel Ramos, Cocoa High School, Majority Leader (Chuck Schumer)
- Brock Mueller, Cocoa High School, Majority Whip (Richard “Dick” Durbin)
- Christian Carey, Cocoa High School, Minority Leader (Mitch McConnell)
- Yasmin Mosby, Cocoa High School, Minority Whip (John Thune)
For questions or additional information, contact Ms. Jennifer Jolley, Secondary Social Studies Content Specialist ([email protected]).
|  | | | |
|
|
|
Coreylyn Ahern is the Heart of Brevard!
The Heart of Brevard is a person who puts their heart and soul into teaching, inspiring, and supporting our children in whatever role they play in BPS.
If you know of a BPS staff member or community partner who is the “Heart of Brevard,” nominate them HERE!
| | | |
INFO & EVENTS FOR STUDENTS | |
From ParaPro Prep to Google Suite, there is something for everyone. Click the button for more information. | | |
|
The Astronauts Memorial Foundation invites students and recent graduates to participate in the Annual Career and Networking Event at The Center for Space Education. Participants will meet with major organizations, like NASA, Microsoft, L3Harris, Jacobs, and more.
The event will feature:
- Career Exhibit Hall
- Keynote Speaker
- Breakout Sessions
This event is open to students with ALL interests. A common misconception about the aerospace and technology industries is that one must be an engineer to land a career at Kennedy Space Center. Another misconception is that the aerospace and tech industries are on the lookout for only “science people”.
The reality is these industries need EVERYONE. Not only do aerospace and tech companies need engineers and scientists…they need journalists, communicators, administrative personnel, welders, pipe-fitters, plumbers, educators, doctors, biologists, and more.
This event is open to high school juniors and seniors, college/university students, recent high school graduates, and recent college/university graduates (with a graduation date no earlier than June 2022).
In addition, The Astronauts Memorial Foundation, in partnership with Epic Flight Academy, will be presenting a FULL $30,000 scholarship for Epic Flight Academy’s Aircraft Mechanics Program in New Smyrna Beach. Apply for the scholarship here: https://forms.office.com/r/ZqqyihWq7w
This event will take place on April 1, 2023 at The Center for Space Education (Kennedy Space Center, FL).
Register here: https://www.launchsquid.com/event/2688
Registration closes on March 1, 2023. Questions? Email [email protected]
| |
|
During Tuesday's School Board Work Session, the school district took a big step forward in the search for a new permanent Superintendent. Board members finalized the language for the job advertisement and the length of time the district will accept applications. The Superintendent job ad begins today, February 24th, with applications being accepted through March 31st.
During the School Board meeting, the Director of the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs gave board members a look at the future of CTE. That future includes two new programs for next school year, an Aqua Science program at Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School and a Carpentry program at Viera High School. There are also plans to create an additional program focused on the space industry. You can view the slides from the presentation here.
| |
February is CTE Month! To celebrate this, we have two episodes where we dive into one of our newest CTE programs. The Fire Academy at Palm Bay Magnet High School is in its first year. We are joined by the instructor, Lt. Bombriant, to learn more about this program! | | | |
|
Follow us on social media!
| |  |
|
|
NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE
The School Board of Brevard County, Florida does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, transgender status, or gender identity), disability (including HIV, AIDS, or sickle cell trait), pregnancy, marital status, age (except as authorized by law), religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information or any other factor protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. The district also provides equal access to its facilities to the Boy Scouts and other patriotic youth groups, as required by the Boys Scout of America Equal Access Act. The School Board of Brevard County is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the Amendment Act of 2008 (ADAA), the Florida Education Equity Act of 1984, Age Discrimination Act of 1967 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Civil Rights Act of 1964 including: Title II, Title VI, and Title VII, United Stated Education Amendments of 1972 - Title IX, Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). If you have questions, concerns, or wish to report possible violations involving any of the above or below items, please contact either individual below for assistance:
| |
|
For concerns involving the public or students, including IDEA and 504 matters contact:
Title IX Coordinator
Jacqueline Saxenmeyer
2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Melbourne, FL 32940
(321) 633-1000, Ext. 11280
[email protected]
| |
|
|
For concerns involving employees or job applicants contact:
Director of Professional Standards and Labor Relations
Karyle Green
2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Melbourne, FL 32940
(321) 633-1000 Ext. 11265
[email protected]
| |
Reasonable accommodations are available for persons with disabilities to complete the application and/or interview process. Applicants/Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may contact the Director of Professional Standards and Labor Relations for assistance. Educators are required to follow the Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida (State Board of Education Rule 6B-1.006, FAC). To report alleged educator misconduct, contact Dr. Karyle Green, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, at 321-633-1000, ext. 11266 or [email protected]. In the event that the district is not able to resolve your concerns, consider contacting the Office of Civil Rights for assistance. This Publication or portions of this publication can be made available to persons with disabilities in a variety of formats, including large print or audiotape. Student requests for this information should be made to the Office of Exceptional Student Education Program Support, (321) 633-1000, ext. 11520, at least two (2) weeks prior to the time you need the publication. | |
BPS HEADLINES is a publication of Brevard Public Schools.
2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way * Melbourne, FL 32940 * 321-633-1000
| |
|
Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!
| | | | |
