February 2025|Edition VI

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DISTRICT & COMMUNITY UPDATES

Dear Friend of Wellness,

As we step into this month of LOVE, let us remember that February is more than just a celebration of affection – it is a reminder of the power of connection, trust, and support we have for one another. Whether it is through friendships, family, or colleagues, each of us plays a vital role in lifting each other up. It is the love we share and the trust we build that will continue to carry us forward.


Yesterday, February 12th, we had the wonderful opportunity to present the FY24 Wellness Promotion Policy Annual Report and lead a workshop on the Wellness Promotion Policy (2.035). This marks another step in our journey to strengthen the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model. We are grateful for the collaboration and dedication of everyone involved, and we celebrate the collective progress we are making—together.


As we continue to navigate these times, let us hold close the values that help us grow stronger as a community: kindness, respect, and a shared commitment to building a healthier, more supportive world for our children and each other. Let us keep pressing forward—never giving up—and always remembering that together, we are stronger.


Continue being a beacon of LIGHT, let's grow STRONGER together!

 

~ Be healthy and safe ~

 

Paula

Relaxing LOVE Music for Your HEART!

~ WELLNESS PROMOTION ~

Wellness Promotion Policy (WPP)

FY24 WPP Annual Report

In this edition of the newsletter, we are proud to share the FY24 Wellness Promotion Policy Annual Report, which highlights the District’s commitment to the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model.


This comprehensive report showcases numerous initiatives, projects, and accomplishments across all 10 WSCC components, reflecting our ongoing dedication to equity, diversity, and positive progress.


We appreciate the phenomenal collaboration that made this robust report possible. Explore how our internal and external stakeholders support the wellness of our students, staff, families, and community.


Enjoy learning more about our District’s wellness efforts!

~ SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE ~

ATTENTION:

District Schools & Departments Only

School Food Service is excited to launch "Grade A+ Catering," the newly rebranded catering program designed to meet all your event needs. Whether you need light refreshments or full meals, we offer competitive pricing, diverse menu options, and hassle-free setup and cleanup—making event planning easier than ever. Employees can view Bulletin #PD-25-217-COO for more information.

Grade A+ Catering 
SFS District Website
 

Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child

~ WSCC UPDATES ~

2025 Celebrate the Great Winners

The School District of Palm Beach County, along with the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, honored the 2025 Principal, Assistant Principal, Teacher, and School-Related Employee of the Year at the fourth annual Celebrate the Great awards ceremony. The winners will represent the District as they go on to compete at the state level as part of the Florida Department of Education recognition programs.

Congratulations to this year's winners:


Principal of the Year

Shauntay King

Pine Grove Elementary School


Assistant Principal of the Year

Guy Tabuteau

Pahokee Middle-Senior High School



Teacher of the Year

Kimberly Stalker

Polo Park Middle School


School-Related Employee of the Year

Yasmin Balaguer

Allamanda Elementary School

Superintendent Michael J. Burke mentioned at the awards ceremony:


“We are ‘A’ rated, thanks to all of you and your hard work. The principals, with their vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication, shape their school communities. Assistant principals are the quiet architects of student success. Our teachers are the heart and soul of the District, shaping not just minds, but futures. And our school-related employees of the year are the unsung heroes who ensure that every day runs smoothly.”

Watch Ceremony Video

Honoring Black History Month

The School District is proud to celebrate Black History Month, the annual observance that honors the rich cultural heritage and contributions of African Americans. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History announced the official theme for this year, "African Americans and Labor.” The theme provides an opportunity to examine organized labor’s role in fighting economic and social injustice.

American Heart Month

❤️ Heart Smart Resources

AHA Cookbook
AHA Support Network
UHC Caring for your Heart
AHA Warning Signs of a Stroke

February is American Heart Month – a time to celebrate survivors, raise awareness of heart disease, and inspire heart-healthy choices.

International Pink Shirt Day

with The School District of Palm Beach County

The Department of Safe Schools encourages everyone to “Let Kindness Grow” by wearing pink on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025.


Pink Shirt Day began in 2007 when two students took a stand after a classmate was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. What started as a simple act of support has grown into a global movement for kindness and anti-bullying.


This Pink Shirt Day, we focus on the power of small, thoughtful gestures to create a community of empathy and belonging. By spreading kindness to students, staff, and the community, we can work together to create a world where bullying has no place.

Palm Beach Future Educators Scholarship 

The PBFE Scholarship program helps aspiring teachers in Palm Beach County by providing financial support to high school seniors, non-instructional employees, and temporary employees who want to become educators. Recipients receive $1,000 each fall and spring semester for up to five years and agree to return to the District to teach upon college graduation.


The application window runs from February 1 through the last Monday in March. Learn more about eligibility and apply here.

Free Tax Services

by The United Way of Palm Beach

United Way of Palm Beach County’s Taxes Filed Free Campaign gives taxpayers with low-to-moderate incomes several in-person and online options to prepare and file their return for free. The campaign which will enter its 22nd year, is an invaluable service to the community.


Visit www.TaxesFiledFree.org to learn more about the Taxes Filed Free Campaign, the services offered and where the sites are located throughout Palm Beach County. Site locations with days and times of operation can also be learned by calling 2-1-1.

~ UPCOMING EVENTS ~

Birth to 22: 8th Annual Taskforce Meeting

Birth to 22 is hosting their 8th Annual Taskforce Meeting for Palm Beach County, inviting the public to learn how to transform their voice into action. Subgroups will include mental health, education, and economics.

Join Prime Time Palm Beach County at

 "Put your Heart In It!"

This Interactive scavenger hunt celebrates the heart of afterschool by engaging practitioners in fun, energizing skill-building activities that help cultivate a quality learning environment for children and youth, a necessary component for success in the out-of-school time field.

Register

12th Annual Empty Bowls Palm Beach

Join The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea and the Palm Beach County Food Bank for the 12th Annual Empty Bowls Palm Beach on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.


All proceeds benefit the Palm Beach County Food Bank to fight hunger in our community. Your $40 admission includes gourmet soup tastings, a bread roll by Old School Bakery, a cookie, bottled water, a goodie bag (while supplies last), and a hand-painted ceramic bowl (while supplies last).

Get Tickets

2nd Annual Multicultural Youth Arts Festival

The 2nd Annual Multicultural Youth Arts Festival, merged with the 4th Annual Black History Youth Awareness Arts Festival, returns to the Old School Square Amphitheater on February 21, 2025, building on a legacy of celebrating young talent. This dynamic event brings together diverse cultures and artistic expressions in one powerful celebration.


Festival Highlights:



🎨 Youth Art Submissions – K-12 student artwork displayed at the Cornell Arts Museum, with a competition for cash prizes.


💡 Youth Entrepreneurship – Led by Everglades University, featuring interviews and awards.


🎤 Youth Performances – Showcasing incredible local talent.


🤝Organization Networking – Connecting youth, parents, and community partners.

2024's Festival Video

Glades Housing Fair

Home, Health, and Harmony – Your Journey to Homeownership and Wellness!

Whether you're renting or buying your first home, this event offers informative workshops and valuable resources to support your journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to take the next step toward homeownership and wellness!



🗓 Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025

⏰ Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

📍 Location: West Technical Education Center, Belle Glade

2025 Let's Move Campaign:

Commit to Change Physical Activity Challenge

Join the 13th annual Let’s Move Challenge from March 1-31 and commit to at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day!


Presented by Palm Health Foundation in partnership with Digital Vibez, this county-wide initiative encourages Palm Beach County residents to prioritize their health through movement—whether it’s a walk, dance, or workout. Learn more and get involved here.

11th Annual

Student Mental Health and Wellness Conference

ATTENTION:

District EMPLOYEES Only


The 11th Annual Student Mental Health and Wellness Conference, "Creating Pathways of Hope, Joy, and Well-Being," takes place on Monday, March 31, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Park Vista Community High School.



Highlights include workshops, a Community Resource Fair, and strategies to enhance mental health and well-being in schools.

Conference Registration

Click the banner above to view February's Skills for Learning & Life Newsletter.

The District's Wellness Promotion Task Force (WPTF) purpose is to create an educational forum that allows students, staff, parents, community partners, and members of the public to successfully collaborate in the promotion of healthier lives. With the District's ultimate goal of improving student performance, the direction of the Wellness Promotion Task Force is to encourage a proactive approach to holistically address the health, wellness, and safety of all school children and staff.

Paula Triana, RDN, LDN

Manager ~ Wellness Promotion

District's Wellness Promotion Task Force

School Food Service Department

3661 North Interstate Park Road, Suite #100

Riviera Beach, Florida 33404

Office Phone: (561) 383-2026

Cell Phone: (561) 253-5583

Email: paula.triana@palmbeachschools.org



Frances F. Rosier

Wellness Promotion Sr. Analyst

District's Wellness Promotion Task Force

School Food Service Wellness Champion

School Food Service Department

3661 North Interstate Park Road, Suite #100

Riviera Beach, Florida 33404

Office Phone: (561) 882-1931

Email: frances.rosier@palmbeachschools.org



Megan Rimpel

Wellness Promotion Analyst

District's Wellness Promotion Task Force

School Food Service Department

3661 North Interstate Park Road, Suite #100

Riviera Beach, Florida 33404

Office Phone: (561) 383-2074

Email: megan.rimpel@palmbeachschools.org



Hilary Greever, RDN, LDN

Nutrition Specialist

Nutrition Services

School Food Service Department

3661 North Interstate Park Road, Suite #100

Riviera Beach, Florida 33404

Office Phone: (561) 383-2041

Email: hilary.greever@palmbeachschools.org


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Disclaimer: Information, viewpoints, opinions and comments expressed in this 'Wellness Promotion: District & Community Updates' newsletter are those of the individual organization(s) and/or presenter(s), are for informational purposes only, and may not indicate ratification or sponsorship by The School District of Palm Beach County. We are sending out this newsletter to provide information that may be helpful to our students and their families, staff, and the community-at-large.

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