January 26, 2009
-School submitted more than 1,000 recycling pledges for America Recycles Day contest-
ROCKLEDGE –The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recognized Rockledge High School students today for their commitment to protecting and preserving Florida’s natural resources by winning the statewide K-12 Recycling Pledge Card Contest. Across Florida, more than 18,000 participants pledged to adopt conscientious living habits such as reusing, recycling, buying recycled products and encouraging others to develop these important habits in 2009. DEP, Recycle Florida Today, Creative Recycling Systems, Inc. and Publix Super Markets hosted the contest to recognize Florida schools for outstanding environmental commitment.
“The America Recycles Day Contest is important because it allows Florida’s students to actively take part in recycling efforts,” said DEP Central District Director Vivian Garfein. “By participating in environmental stewardship at school and at home, students realize the positive effects the 3 Rs – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – have on conserving our natural resources.”
DEP officials visited Rockledge High School today to award teacher Ms. Jackie Insalaco’s (a Cambridge teacher) science class with a refurbished computer, courtesy of Creative Recycling Systems, Inc., for the class’s pledge of environmental stewardship. With more than 1,036 recycling pledges submitted from classmates, friends and family in 2008, Rockledge High has increased their number of pledges from the previous year by more than 400 and collected the largest number of pledge cards of any high school in the state.
“Rockledge High School is proud to receive the America Recycles Day Award for the second year in a row,” said Insalaco as she accepted the award. “Our school has a long history of recycling and this award represents the outstanding efforts of our students and staff alike in promoting this subject.”
Rockledge High was one of three Florida schools that submitted the greatest number of pledge cards, each receiving a refurbished computer. All pledges were entered into a statewide America Recycles Day drawing and eligible for one of three $100 gift certificates donated by Publix and a $100 gift card courtesy of Recycle Florida Today.
Cambridge Scholars Awards 2008
In October 2008, Rockledge High School received notification that 19 of our students qualified for a Cambridge Scholar Award. The Cambridge Scholar Award recognizes the students’ achievement at the AS/A Level examinations in the June 2008 testing session. In order to qualify for the Cambridge Scholar Award, students must take at least 3 AS/A Level examinations in one testing session and pass them with at least a “c” or higher. We commend the following students for earning this award:
Kiley Hannon
Michael Johnson
Sarah Kuta
Elyseo Mendoza
Drake Misek
Emily Moore
Dustin Morley
Casey Morrison
Alyson Nagy
Alberto Ochoa
Trushil Patel
Michael Ramos
Layne Roytman
Shelby Schwieterman
Alexandra Stepina
Scott Thompson
Brian Waytas
Sarah Young
Madison Zide
Rockledge High designated Cambridge International Fellowship Center
By: Jenet Krol
By participating in Advanced International Certificate of Education classes in the school’s Cambridge Academy program, they can choose classes in subjects that they are skilled and have an interest in.
“A lot of my classes in the past have been very broad and (non)-specific. AICE classes are more enjoyable and I get to do what I like,” said sophomore Rachel DeLoach.
“You learn a lot more that way,” sophomore Kevin Hutchins agreed.
The program originate in the United Kingdom and the curriculum is set by the Cambridge based University of Cambridge.
The 3o teachers at the school who teach AICE classes are trained in programs run by Cambridge.
Florida and Virginia are the only states that have the program available in schools.
The program at Rockledge High was recently designated an International Fellowship Center. It is one of only 19 worldwide, and one of only five in the U.S.
The school had to show community involvement, student success and have a high percentage of student involvement to be awarded the designation.
AICE coordinator Jo Curnock said the goal of the program is to prepare students for college.
“This program is helping (student) choose a major quite early on. We tailor it to each student’s academic strengths, and guide them towards subjects they’re good at,” she said.
Each student must take a class in the subjects of math and science, arts and humanities, and modern foreign languages. They get to choose the other classes for their coursework.
In addition to coursework, students must complete 74 community service hours.
Sophomore Candice Prince worked with Habitat for Humanity, while sophomore Evan Griffith volunteered at a hospital, and senior Tanner Lund organized and ran a blood drive.
Mrs. Curnock said the program is designed for students who are dedicated and highly motivated to succeed.
Most students agreed they enrolled in AICE classes because they wanted to be challenged.
“It’s more thinking and less memorizing,” Rachel said.
“You’re better prepared for college,” Tanner added.
While students tackle challenging coursework, they all participate in extracurricular activities and feel they still have plenty of time for a social life.
“The kids enjoy the rigorous portion, but they can still have a social life. It’s gotten the kids really fired up,” said principal Tony Hines.
Sophomore Ryan Healy said he likes the small learning community. “You get to make friends because you’re with a lot of the same kids,” he said. “There’s a lot more teacher/student interaction.”
Senior Emily Moore agreed. “You get to make friends because you’re with students who want to learn and that makes all the difference,” she said.
Last year, six students graduated with the Cambridge diploma. This year, 35 students are working toward the diploma.
Mrs. Curnock said using a curriculum that is world-renowned prepares students for a world where they must be globally competitive, but they will always be her “little darlings.”
“I’m so proud,” she said with a smile.
Contact Jenet Krol at (321) 751-5958 or
krol@hometownnesol.com
