In this episode of Heart to Heart, Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell discusses why he loves calling Brevard County his home. Dr. Rendell also looks back at one of his favorite memories as an educator.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO.

The Titusville Fire Department partnered with Brevard County Public Libraries for the Summer Reading Program. The program aimed to prevent the summer slide through reading. Students who participated in the program were offered a chance to win a ride to school in a fire truck.

Fortunately, BPS had two students who won the opportunity of a lifetime. Tyler, a second-grader from Apollo Elementary School, submitted a video summary of his favorite book, 'Buster' by Caleb Zane Huett; and Caroline, a second-grader from South Lake Elementary School, submitted a video summarizing 'Star Wars: Jedi Academy' by Jeffrey Brown. 

Tyler and Caroline were picked up from their houses and were able to ride to school in style in Titusville Fire Department’s newest big red truck. We are thrilled that the Titusville Fire Department could create this special moment for both Tyler and Caroline.

Auto Body Collision students at Cocoa High School had the opportunity to hear from hiring managers at Embraer, one of our Brevard County business partners, about the employment and career paths available with their company making use of the skills and certifications students earn in our Career & Technical Education programs. We look forward to working with Embraer to create internships and post-secondary career opportunities for our students.

Blair Burden 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!

Drive for BPS

We’re hiring school bus drivers! 

Why drive for BPS? 

● No experience necessary + paid training time

● CDL License provided at no cost

● Drive in an area convenient for you

● $20/hr. starting pay + eligible for up to $1500 bonus

● Eligible for BPS benefits

Brevard County is Hiring School Crossing Guards

Brevard County school crossing guards play an essential role in ensuring our children can safely navigate streets at key locations on their way to and from school. They actively promote safe driver and pedestrian behaviors at school crossings while also helping children cultivate the skills necessary to cross streets safely.

Brevard County is currently searching for potential candidates to join their dedicated team as school crossing guards. This opportunity is a permanent part-time position. School crossing guards are scheduled to work for two hours daily, both in the morning and afternoon, five days a week, spanning 180 to 200 days per year. The benefits package includes a pay rate of $15.00 per hour, along with a pension plan, paid holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.

For additional details about the Brevard County School Crossing Guard Program, please get in touch with Debbie Morancie, the School Crossing Guard Supervisor.

Phone: (321) 637-5390

Email: [email protected]

To apply for a position in your area, click on one of the links below:

• Titusville/Mims - https://tinyurl.com/37fn82tr
• Port Saint John - https://tinyurl.com/3mbnsmdp
• Cocoa - https://tinyurl.com/2kbdvz6u
• Merritt Island - https://tinyurl.com/2p94862e
• Viera/Suntree - https://tinyurl.com/yc8tc4kt
• Melbourne - https://tinyurl.com/2vxj664m
• West Melbourne - https://tinyurl.com/yjr4c736
• Satellite Beach/Indialantic - https://tinyurl.com/2se6vy8w

Samuel Casiano Lopez Memorial Scholarship Opportunity

Samuel Casiano Lopez was the Founder of U.T.B. United Third Bridge Inc., a civil rights, education, and cultural organization dedicated to the equality of Hispanic people. He was a pillar of the Brevard County community, and through education and leadership, he envisioned promoting Hispanic scholars to achieve higher goals in order for them to obtain better employment opportunities within the workforce. With this dedication, U.T.B United Third Bridge Inc. is bestowing this honorable recognition of a $500.00 scholarship.

All applicants are required to meet the following criteria:

• Must be of Hispanic heritage (Parents and/or Grandparents).
• Be a 2024 Graduating Senior in BPS.
• Enroll as a full-time college degree-seeking student in 2024.
• If chosen as a scholarship recipient, the student will agree to participate in our upcoming 2023 Parade Gala on Friday, September 29, 2023, and the Puerto Rican Day Parade and Multicultural Festival in Brevard County on Saturday, September 30, 2023.

Applicants are asked to submit their full name, the school they currently attend, and a short essay of no more than 200 words detailing why they are proud to be Hispanic and how being Hispanic has influenced their career aspirations.

Applications must be received by Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

Excellence was in action during this week’s school board meeting. Mr. Robert Pruett of Satellite High School and Ms. Kellee McCluney of Saturn Elementary School were recognized for their hard work and dedication toward making Brevard Public Schools Brevard's best in education. Congratulations to Mr. Pruett for being named the 2023-2024 Principal of the Year and to Ms. McCluney for being named the 2023-2024 Assistant Principal of the Year. Palm Bay Elementary School Principal Mr. Michael Mahl and McNair Middle School Assistant Principal Ms. Jennifer Shockley were honored as finalists. Ms. Shockley is now the principal at Jackson Middle School.

Mr. Bill McInnish, the Aircraft/Aerospace Assembly teacher at Eau Gallie High School, was honored for being selected as the 2023 Air & Space Forces Association / Rolls-Royce National Aerospace/STEM Teacher of the Year. Here is a quote from the Air & Space Forces Association: “This recognizes your exemplary achievements in promoting STEM education throughout your school, community, state, and nation. The National Teacher of the Year Selection Committee was quite impressed with your aviation education leadership efforts with your students, your peers, the community, and the aviation industry at large. Your collaborative work with numerous aerospace organizations and your vision and tenacity in developing the first high school aviation fabrication and assembly technician program in the nation is awe-inspiring. Also inspiring is the work you do to ensure your students at Eau Gallie High School are workforce-ready as they depart your classroom.” Mr. McInnish will travel to Washington, D.C. next month to receive the award. You can watch him be honored by the School Board here: https://youtu.be/BRm6vl05mOc

The Rockledge High School Chamber Orchestra also performed during the board meeting. They are a wonderful group of musicians who showcased their musical talent. You can watch the performance here: https://youtu.be/KjhNdEDvOR4 

We also welcomed Hilary Poole back to BPS on Tuesday evening! He was appointed as Director of Student, Staff, and Community Engagement during Tuesday's school board meeting. Mr. Poole comes back to BPS from St. Lucie County, where he was an educational administrator. Most recently in BPS, he was the principal of Stone Magnet Middle School.