November 6, 2023
Learning, Remembrance, and Honoring Survivors for Holocaust Education Week
The Florida Department of Education annually commemorates the second week of November as Holocaust Education Week, coinciding with the anniversary of Kristallnacht, November 9-10, 1938, a watershed event in history marking the beginning of the Holocaust in Nazi Germany. This year, Holocaust Education Week in Florida is held November 6-10, 2023
Not All Heroes Wear Capes and Fight Crime, Some Wear Sneakers and Run to Support Public Education!
More than 1,400 people participated in the 2023 Heroes for Education 5K race on October 28. The event raised money for the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County's programs, grants, and the distribution of supplies to Title I schools throughout our District.
This Week's Thank a Teacher Winner is Inspiring the Next Generation of Medical Professionals
Tania Martinez pours her heart into training the next generation of health care heroes at the John I. Leonard High School Medical Academy. For empowering the dreams of future first responders, Ms. Martinez earns the Thank a Teacher award and a $250 check from our sponsor, HCA Florida Healthcare!


Nominate an outstanding teacher at palmbeachschools.org/thankateacher
Florida Family Engagement in Education Month is All About Involvement and Support
During November, the District recognizes Florida Family Engagement in Education Month. This important statewide initiative acknowledges the meaningful role of parents and families in their children's education. Parents are encouraged to get involved in their child's educational journey and to help support their academic success. From classroom volunteering, to helping with homework, and simply staying informed about school activities, any opportunity to connect with your child is valuable.
Students Learn Inner Workings of Government from Local Leaders
Ethical Governance Day gives students a chance to learn lessons about government, not from a textbook, but from local Palm Beach County leaders. Members of the state legislature, local mayors, and judges were just some of the guest speakers who shared their expertise and knowledge at Suncoast Community High School. This special event is organized by District 4 School Board Member, Erica Whitfield.

District Teacher Recognized as Outstanding Holocaust Educator by FAU Center for Holocaust and Human Rights
Jackelyn Powali, a teacher at H.L. Johnson Elementary School, received the 2023 Gutterman Family Outstanding Holocaust Educator award. The prestigious honor recognizes teachers whose efforts have had a positive impact on their respective schools and the wider community in the field of Holocaust, genocide, and human rights education.

Ms. Powali takes a unique approach to Holocaust education by incorporating music into her lessons. Through her own dedication and research, she was able to discover how music could be integrated into curriculum to provide more effective instruction to her students.
The Annual Teacher Sustainability Symposium Informs Educators and Inspires Students
District teachers gathered at FPL's Manatee Lagoon on November 1 for the third annual Sustainability Symposium in collaboration with Florida Power & Light Company and other local environmentally-focused organizations. With an emphasis on Everglades restoration, scientists and environmental experts discussed topics such as the clean water movement, animal/wildlife protection, and climate Resilience. The District's "Green Champions" participated in hands-on activities and learned new methods of teaching students about the importance of environmental sustainability.
District Leadership Discusses Priorities with Area Legislative Delegation
On Wednesday, November 1, Superintendent Mike Burke and District School Board Members presented the priorities that are critical to ensuring the continued success of our A-rated District during the annual State Legislative Delegation. The purpose of the workshop is to share ideas and have open dialogue about what the District wants to see in state legislation and what lawmakers expect for public schools and education.