January 2024-March 2024 Issue |
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Greetings,
It is with great honor, pride and humility that I continue to serve the students, parents, and community members of District 1. I want to express how proud and pleased I have been to see our students, faculty, and staff in our schools teaching and learning with passion, conviction, and purpose. Thank you all for your continued work in improving the learning and lives of our students and uplift of our community. I continue to be extremely proud of the perseverance, collective resolve and resilience of our community.
The year has started with great excitement. As the year continues to progress, lets continue to encourage our students, teachers, faculty, and staff to remain engaged in educational enrichment and committed to success so that we can continue on our journey to improve the lives of our youth. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do. I look forward to your continued support, encouragement, and efforts.
Let’s Work!
Educationally,
Steve Gallon III
School Board Member, District 1
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Dr. Gallon continues to be actively engaged in his role as a policy maker, as he successfully proposed School Board agenda items for the March 2024 Board Meeting that received unanimous approval and support from the Board. He also proffered School Board Resolutions for January, February, and March.
Dr. Gallon's items addressed/recognized the following:
H-11 REVIEW AND UPDATE OF STUDENT HEALTH AND SAFETY RELATED POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND PROTOCOLS
(to read this item in full, please click on the link below)
H-12 REVIEW OF HAZARDOUS WALKING CONDITIONS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN
(to read this item in full, please click on the link below)
B-8 REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-006 OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, RECOGNIZING ARTS ACCESS MIAMI FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO BRINGING THE POWER OF MUSIC AND THE ARTS TO ALL YOUTH IN MIAMI AND TO THE STUDENTS OF THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
(to read this item in full, please click on the link below)
B-7 REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-012 OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, RECOGNIZING THE 5000 ROLE MODELS OF EXCELLENCE PROJECT CLASS OF 2024 WILSON SCHOLARS
(to read this item in full, please click on the link below)
B-7 REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-019 OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, RECOGNIZING I HAVE A DREAM FOUNDATION MIAMI FOR THEIR CONTINUOUS SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE STUDENTS OF THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
(to read this item in full, please click on the link below)
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Recognizing Arts Access Miami |
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At the School Board Meeting of January 17, 2024, Dr. Gallon recognized Arts Access Miami for their commitment to bringing the power of music and the arts to all youth in Miami and to the students of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
Arts Access Miami is a music and arts education coalition initiative working to identify and mobilize arts and music organizations across whole communities. This initiative was founded by Daniel Lewis and is led by The Miami Foundation and Young Musicians Unite, in an effort to bring the power of music and the arts to all youth in Miami.
Since 2020, Arts Access Miami has served over 12,000 students across 13 schools in the Carol City Feeder Pattern through the Miami Gardens Music Alliance and will be expanding to serve 16 schools in the Homestead and South Dade feeder patterns in the fall of 2024 through the creation of the South Dade Music Alliance. The Arts Access Alliance currently includes Achieve, Arts 4 Learning, Children's Voice Chorus, Guitars Over Guns, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Miami Music Project, Saves the Music Foundation, Teeny Violini, and Young Musicians Unite.
“I am honored to recognize and support the work and success of Arts Access Miami,” said Dr. Gallon. “Their unwavering commitment to bringing the power of music and arts to all youth in Miami and the students of M-DCPS continues to inspire support for expanded access to arts and music education.”
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It was a great start of the morning at Scott Lake Elementary School for the 6th Annual Real Men Read Initiative held on January 22, 2024.
This event provided yet another opportunity for men to read to students and model the importance of literacy and education.
Dr. Gallon saluted Principal Kenneth Williams, Ms. Porter, and the entire Scott Lake Elementary School family for this successful event. He also gave thanks to all of the men who came out to the event to read to the students and support the importance of literacy.
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District 1 Round Table Discussion |
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On January 22, 2024, Dr. Gallon displayed a great example of Anticipatory Leadership when he called for a meeting with middle and senior high school principals from District 1. This very important Round Table discussion was held regarding critical issues on safety, security, and operational matters at District 1 secondary schools.
"Special thanks to North Region Director Ann Lewis for facilitating me having this very important conversation, and for all principals for their input, candor, and openness to continuous improvement on behalf of our schools, community, and most importantly, our students," said Dr. Gallon.
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District 1 Principals & Pastors Partnership Breakfast |
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On January 23, 2024, Dr. Gallon had a great morning at the District 1 Principals and Pastors Partnership Breakfast.
This is a continuation of the District 1 initiative launched nearly 8 years ago, in which faith-based community organizations partner with schools to support the education of students and District 1's overall education mission.
Dr. Gallon gave a special thanks to Pastor Felix of Bethel Evangelical Baptist Church for hosting and to those who came out to support.
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District 1 Student Advisory Council Meeting |
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On January 25, 2024, Dr. Gallon met with members of the District 1 Student Advisory Council.
This group provides valuable information, insight, and perspective regarding the learning and operational realities experienced by students in District 1 schools. For the past several years, this group of student leaders from middle, K-8, and senior high schools in District 1 have provided information which has led to Districtwide policy initiatives and improvements.
Dr. Gallon thanked Dr. Napoleon, principal of North Miami middle school for serving as host, North Region leadership, and all school staff that supported and assisted in this effort.
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District 1 Town Hall Meeting |
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It was an amazing evening at the District 1 Town Hall Meeting held on January 30, 2024 at North Miami Senior High School. In addition to providing updates and a platform for community stakeholders, Dr. Gallon celebrated and recognized all of District 1's 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year Honorees. He also recognized District 1’s very own Dr. Precious Symonette for receiving the U.S. Fulbright Award.
"These outstanding and dedicated educators reflect the fullness of our commitment to students and fulcrum of our work," said a thankful Dr. Gallon. "Congratulations to all that were recognized this evening as you reflect and represent the best and brightest of our most noble profession."
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Senior Citizens of Brentwood |
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Dr. Gallon had a great day meeting with the senior citizens of the Brentwood area to provide information and updates on schools in District 1.
It is always a pleasure for him to continue to engage with these committed stakeholders and supporters of their schools and children.
The day served as continued affirmation on the importance of consistent engagement with community stakeholders throughout the duration of one’s public service and time in office.
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Student of the Month Recognition Ceremony |
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It was another exciting evening in District 1 celebrating their students' academic and overall success at the February 2024 District 1 Student of the Month Recognition Ceremony.
Dr. Gallon always finds it rewarding to assemble with parents, educators, community, stakeholders, students, and region and district staff to applaud their students.
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Recognizing the 5000 Role Models of Excellence 2024 Wilson Scholars |
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Dr. Gallon was humbled and honored to recognize the 5000 Role Models of Excellence 2024 Wilson Scholars.
He gave congratulations to all of the students, mentors, and everyone who played a role in the learning and lives of these young men and saluted Congresswoman Frederica Wilson for her 30 years of dedication to this effort.
Lastly, he gave a huge shout out to the living legend, Udonis Haslem for his unwavering love and service to the community.
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South Hialeah Elementary School 100th Anniversary Celebration |
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The morning was splendid as Dr. Gallon strolled through the doors that marked the beginning of his administrative career.
Dr. Gallon was thrilled to revisit South Hialeah Elementary School during its centennial celebration.
It is not widely known that this was where he embarked on his journey as a lifelong educator, starting as a 23-year-old assistant principal. He remarked that it was wonderful to reconnect with many individuals who, over 30 years ago, had offered him support and mentorship.
Dr. Gallon extended his congratulations to Principal Dr. Dillon Williams and the entire South Hialeah family for orchestrating a remarkable program and providing him with a heartfelt welcome.
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This Week in South Florida |
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Dr. Gallon appeared on “This Week in South Florida” to discuss parental rights, Black History, and related policies for parental notification and involvement.
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8th Annual District 1 Black History Showcase |
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It was a packed auditorium at the 8th Annual District 1 Black History Month Showcase. It was an exciting and enjoyable evening to see the talent, energy, and excitement of District 1 students as they displayed their talents in the visual arts, dance, music, spoken word, and drama around the celebration of Hip-Hop over the past 50 years.
Dr. Gallon sent special thanks to all who came out to support their students as they continue to not only educate and empower, but to elevate their minds, spirits, and aspirations.
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Black History Month Read-In at Joella C. Good Elementary School |
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The morning was splendid, spent among fellow educators, community members, stakeholders, parents, and advocates for education. Dr. Gallon was once again honored to take part in the Black History Month Read-In at Joella C. Good Elementary School on February 23, 2024.
He relishes every chance to engage with the students, reading to them and discussing the pivotal lessons of Black History.
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Miami Gardens Youth Music Festival |
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Dr. Gallon enjoyed speaking to parents, students, and community stakeholders at the Miami Gardens Youth Music Festival. He is a long-standing supporter of arts and music education, and this event was a great opportunity to showcase the outstanding talent of students in District 1 and throughout schools in Miami Gardens. |
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District 1 Elementary School Field Day Competition |
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Dr. Gallon successfully hosted the 2nd Annual District 1 Field Day Competition on March 12, 2024, where 4th and 5th graders competed in various athletic events. The events included a sack race, egg and spoon race, jump roping, and 50/100-yard dashes for boys and girls, culminating in a tug of war. Expanding from last year's pilot with 7 schools, this year saw participation from 33 District 1 elementary schools and K-8 centers, involving over 650 students.
The event was a showcase of education, community, diversity, and sportsmanship, drawing students, principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community supporters.
Dr. Gallon extended special thanks to Councilwoman Linda Julien, Pastor Arthur Jackson III, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, the District 1 field day committee, and everyone who contributed to the event's success.
He concluded by congratulating the champions of the day, Madie Ives K-8 Preparatory Academy.
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Student of the Month Recognition Ceremony |
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District 1 commenced the day with its 2nd Annual Field Day and concluded the evening honoring students at the March District 1 Student of the Month Awards Ceremony.
Celebrating students for their academic achievements, positive actions, consistent attendance, and upbeat attitudes is always a joyous occasion.
A particularly touching moment was when Dr. Gallon had the opportunity to award an honoree whose parent, a former pupil of Dr. Gallon during his tenure as principal at Holmes Elementary School, shared a photograph of him awarding her a certificate nearly three decades ago—it was truly a testament to the enduring impact of education.
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Recognizing the "I Have A Dream Foundation Miami" |
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At the School Board Meeting of March 13, 2024, Dr. Gallon proffered agenda item B-7, recognizing I Have A Dream (IHAD) Foundation Miami for their continuous support of the community and the students of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
The I Have A Dream program, founded in 1981 by Eugene Lang, has been making significant strides in supporting at-risk youth by providing them with access to education and mentorship opportunities.
The Miami chapter of the I Have A Dream Foundation Miami, established in 1995 by Stephanie and Jules Trump, adopted the entire second-grade class (97 Dreamers) at Charles R. Drew School in Liberty City led by program coordinator Ricky Wiggins. Out of 97 Dreamers, 95 Dreamers reached the twelfth grade, 83 of them graduated in 2005 on time, and 54 graduated college and several are currently enrolled in higher education. I Have A Dream has been instrumental in ensuring that children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds have the necessary resources and support to pursue their academic goals. Through comprehensive programs that include tutoring, mentoring, college prep classes, and counseling, the foundation has helped numerous Dreamers defy the odds and achieve academic success.
The Class of 2032 Dreamers, currently in the 3rd grade at Fulford Elementary School, represents the next generation of leaders and scholars in our community.
“I am thankful for the I Have A Dream Foundation of Miami for their decades of service to the children and families in select schools in Miami-Dade County,” said Dr. Gallon. “Since 1995 I have served witness to their unwavering commitment and support of students and their families. Salute to the entire IHAD team and I look forward to continued partnership in positively impacting the learning and lives of our students.”
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District 1 ETO Update Meeting |
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On the morning of March 14, 2024, Dr. Gallon had a productive meeting with staff from the North Region, District, and ETO to discuss the progress and pertinent data of selected District 1 schools. Reviewing and analyzing this data, as well as discussing strategies to enhance the leadership and learning outcomes of these schools, is always gratifying. |
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Real Talk with Dr. Steve Gallon III |
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Dr. Gallon concluded another episode of "Real Talk with Dr. Steve Gallon III." This episode featured a discussion on Acceleration Academies and the alternative educational pathways they provide via Miami-Dade County Public Schools for students whose progress was impeded by challenges and circumstances.
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