School news from Marion County Public Schools
More Reading with myON
Daniah Lausett, a second grader at Fessenden Elementary, read more minutes this summer on myON, an online reading platform, than any other K-2 student in Marion County. In a surprise presentation, Daniah received congratulations and a $75 gift card from Superintendent Dr. Heidi Maier. The gift card allows Daniah to purchase her choice of books online because she read 9,095 minutes, which translates to nearly 152 hours.
Making Medical Technology Shine
Vivek Sandrapaty, a West Port High School freshman, recently competed at the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) International Competition for middle school students held in Orlando, capturing first place for his efforts. HOSA is an organization open to middle and high school students, along with college students. The group empowers aspiring health professionals to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration and experience. Sandrapaty advanced after capturing first place finishes in both local and state competitions.
Dads Day at School
Dads everywhere celebrated “Dads Take Your Child to School Day” throughout Marion County. At Legacy Elementary, more than 225 positive male role models spent quality time with their children at the start of the school day. The annual event is sponsored by Florida’s Department of Education. Like Legacy, some schools even offered “Donuts for Dads” as an extra incentive to convince dads to participate.
Walk Your Child to School Day
Nearly 200 parents and students gathered before daybreak to experience “Walk Your Child to School Day” at Maplewood Elementary. The annual trek allows parents to experience the obstacles their children could encounter on the walk or bike ride to school. Students learned about stranger danger, suspicious vehicles, safe crossings and other life-saving lessons during the early-morning walk. The event rotates between elementary schools each year and may expand next year to additional schools.
In the National Spotlight
We also congratulate the nine National Merit Semifinalists this year from Marion County Public Schools. They include Belleview High’s Camryn Chester and Thomas Deiorio; Forest High’s Patrick Betty and Joshua Fosen; and Vanguard High’s Alexander Phipps, Harrison Knight, Conrad Hellwege, Graham Cope and Jordan Davidsen. This prestigious program awards millions of dollars in college scholarships and is extremely competitive.
#RockYourMCPS
Congratulations to Sunrise Elementary for winning the second annual “Rock Your School” competition. Students and staff members showed off their creativity for the event that showcases school spirit. Sunrise posted more tweets than any other school during the one-day competition.
