News & Spotlight on Success
The Office of Prevention believes in celebrating both individual and group success. We have so many winners in Broward County! Below in are some of the recent and archived stories of success from Broward County Public Schools.
See also our related webpages on:
Celebrating Red Ribbon Week
Broward County Public Schools is doing so much to celebrate Red Ribbon Week! Our students and staff are dedicated to living substance free lives, take a look at this video.
BCPS and NSU Tobacco Prevention at work!
Broward Schools paired with 75 Nova Southeastern University Tobacco Prevention teams and presented to 31 middle schools throughout the district. We were successful with impacting over 14,000 students on the dangers of Tobacco use and abuse! Please enjoy this video highlighting a few of these schools.
Broward County Public Schools and Department of Health Awarded Grant!
Broward County Health Department in partnership with Broward County Schools has been one of four to receive national award for “Dating Matters” Grant. On September 13, 2011, Vice President Joe Biden announced that Broward County Health Department is receiving a grant for $1.75 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to participate in a violence prevention initiative aimed at preventing teen dating violence. The grant is expected to cover five years and will be facilitated with BCPS’s Office of Prevention in select schools. Readthe Announcement to learn more about the award, and learn more about Dating Matters.
Choose Peace/Stop Violence Week 2011
To some it’s just a week. But to us, the week of September 19th is a week long platform for life-saving activities around the world and an opportunity for individuals – particularly young people – to create peace in Broward County. We support families, teachers, community leaders and students in their efforts to reduce and prevent violence. Lean more! Get involved today by calling: (954)462-4850 Ext. 141 or visiting the website: www.choosepeacestopviolence.org. Want to be inspired? View this video of what Broward County Schools are doing to celebrate peace!
Broward Students Hit The Stage To Stop Bullying
An acting class at Nova High School is using the power of performance to take on bullying. Thirty acting students wrote and choreographed a half hour musical, “The Weight of Words”. The show takes on tough topics — like sexual orientation, race and suicide. Read more and view a clip of the musical now!
2011 Superintendent’s Cup Challenge Winners
Nine Broward County Public School (BCPS) Middle Schools students were all smiles when they shook hands with BCPS Superintendent James F. Notter and received their brand new IPOD Touch or IPOD Nano for winning the the 2nd annual Substance Abuse Prevention Competition — Superintendent’s Cup Challenge. More than 3,500 students participated in the competition and were asked to gather information on tobacco prevention from select websites and then take a short quiz on the information they learned. Those with the most correct answers on the quiz, in the shortest amount of time, were eligible for some prizes including an iPOD Touch, iPOD Nano, and gift certificates worth hundreds of dollars. The competition took place between Nov. 5th-19th.
At the January 13th event, Pioneer Middle School was awarded the trophy for the highest percentage of participants in the “Superintendent’s Cup” trophy. The top individual winners represented Pioneer Middle School, New Renaissance Middle School, Glades Middle School, Bair Middle School and Driftwood Middle School.
“This year’s competition exceeded our expectations with 1,000 more participants than last year,” said Tresha Fletcher, prevention specialist with the Office of Prevention Programs for BCPS. “Middle school students from all over the county really took a strong interest in tobacco prevention and we plan to build on this momentum by offering more programs and creating more of an awareness.”
The annual competition is an effort between the Area Health Education Centers Program at Nova Southeastern University, BCPS, Best Buy, Broward County Health Department, CVS, Florida Department of Children and Families, Project Bridge and the United Way of Broward County Commission on Substance Abuse.
Project Brain, Students Fighting Alcohol Abuse
Everglades High School students have created an innovative campaign to get students thinking differently about alcohol use. Read more!
Broward County Youth Are Saving Lives
Six Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students are prevention leaders, working to keep kids safe and healthy. Their group is called “TTYL,” email and texting lingo for “talk to you later”, and their focus is on safe driving, specifically, educating kids about the dangers of texting while driving. They began their quest a year and a half a ago as new drivers, because they had witnessed erratic driving by people texting. TTYL, Inc.’s mission is to provide education, public outreach and assistance to legislative efforts aimed at combating the serious and growing problem of texting while driving. In the past year, they addressed the Florida Committee on Transportation, made a rap video that won second prize in a national contest, took part in the national Distracted Driving Summit in Washington D.C., and participated in numerous local awareness and education events. Go to TTYL’s website to view their video now!
How are Broward Schools Celebrating Peace?
CBS Channel 4 News Coverage: Local Youth Stand up for Peace!
Sun-Sentinel Article and Blog: The Children Shall Lead
Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl Running Back, Ronnie Brown visits Deerfield Beach Middle as part of Choose Peace Stop Violence Week!
Mr. Brown’s visited as part of his “23 WAYS to Stop Youth Violence” program, which is part of The Ronnie Brown Project, within the Jason Taylor Foundation. The goal of all is to help address the critical issues and challenges faced by the youth of South Florida on a daily basis.
Find out more about what Broward Schools are doing to Choose Peace Stop Violence.
Broward Celebrates Diversity Day
More than 170 students and advisors in Broward County took part in the fourth annual Broward Diversity Day celebrating the rights of all individuals to be accepted regardless of their orientation. Students attending Diversity Day identify as straight, gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender. These Broward high school students were proud to have a forum where they could promote all of the hard work they are doing in their school organizations. Learn more about this exciting event!
Congratulations to Broward County’s Prevention Schools of Excellence
At the May 18 School Board Meeting, at approximately 1:30, the School Board will honoring this year’s Prevention Schools of Excellence. These Broward County Schools are being recognized for their outstanding efforts this school year in providing effective services, supports, and activities that promote positive behaviors – development of emotional resilience skills, positive mental health and prosocial actions – while limiting and/or preventing violent behavior and drug use. Their efforts to support the Project Bridge initiative, but more importantly, to create a safe and secure learning environment for our students, is to be commended. See the 2010 Prevention Schools of Excellence!
June 20th, 2010 – Come Celebrate Father’s Day!
June 14th-20th, 2010 Bridge to Prevention Academy
Through the Project Bridge/Safe Schools Healthy Students initiative, the Office of Prevention Programs (OPP) will once again host the Bridge To Prevention Academy! This is a four-day conference where participants will learn about state of the art prevention resources as well as community and District support systems. The academy will be offered on June 14-17, 2010 with June 16th being designated Parent Day for all our community members. Please see the Application Form for further information. If you have any questions please contact Debra Rozsa at (754) 321-2568.
Special thanks to our generous sponsors in education – Rick Case Automotive Group!
May 26, 2010 Youth Anti-Violence Summit 2010
Location: Bank Atlantic Center
For more information, please go to this related webpage.
March 27th. 2010 Greek vs High School HIV Step Show
The AIDS Awareness Poets Inc are hosting the 2nd “Greek vs High School” Step Show during the 3rd National AIDS Awarenss Poets Conference. See Marvelyn from Oprah, Creepa from MTV’s G’s an Gents and IVY Box from BET!!! For more information about attending this step show, please click here .
Parenting Today with Bob Barnes
Session dates: 3/2, 3/9, 3/19 & 3/23/2010
We’d all agree, parenting is a balancing act! With work, school, sports and family life raising kids can be overwhelming. Help is on the way! Parenting Today Event Flyer
Celebrating YOU during Mentoring Month
You are invited to attend a Mentor Reception on January 12, 2010, from 5:30-7:30pm, at the Plantation Preserve Golf Course and Country Club hosted by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee, Inc. and the Broward County Public Schools Youth Mentoring Office.
Tobacco presentations delivered by the NSU
This year they saw approx 9300 students, provided over 400 presentations to over 100 classrooms at 28 middle schools. During the 10 year period, over 100,000 students have been provided the tobacco prevention presentation in our schools!!
Bullying and Sexual Minority Issues
Many students, mostly minorities, face many challenges such as bullying. As we’ve learned through previous workshops bullying can lead to depression, stress, and even suicide. Come join us, December 3, 200, and help put a stop in verbal and physical abuse among our youth. Let’s help teach our kids lift their voices and help bring change in our schools and community. See OPP’s related LGBTQ webpage to learn more!
September 28th - You are invited to the filming of “God, Me..HIV?”
This One-man show stars Devin T. Robinson X “Egypt”, who has appeared on BET, MTV & NBC! Click HERE to view the “God, Me..HIV?” Flyer AIDS Awareness Poets Inc. www.HIVSHOW.com
September 19, 2009 – Enter the Lion Showcase
Purpose: To demystify characters and images that destroy families, teenagers, and young adults targeting African American males in the inner cities brought upon by the influence of popular media that focus on negative behaviors. Enter Lion Showcase Flyer
On Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 3:00pm, Invest In The Arts, in conjunction with Dunamis Power Productions presents “Enter Lion Showcase” at the Broward County Main Library Auditorium.
The showcase begins with a preshow of videos created by Invest In The Arts encouraging inner city youth and young adults to make healthier life choices. A shofar is blown to bring attention to respecting cultures and creed during the event. Martial art and musical performances by Chinese Tai-Chi, Afro-Brazilian Capoeira, and positive hip hop artists support the artistic expression of the diverse culture we live in. A vignette introducing superhero, “Lion” reinforces positive behaviors of “good will” in the inner city communities. A ten minute presentation on “Obtaining Value In Life” will be given by artist, illustrator, author and motivational speaker, Demetrius T. Veasy II. The showcase will conclude with door prizes that enhance and portrays positive self-image.
Sunland Park Elementary School News Flash
Learn how Sunland Park Elementary School uses CHAMPS to help students with Academics and Behavior!
Deerfield Beach Middle School News Flash
Learn how Deerfield Beach Middle School Students Work Hard to Clean up Their Campus!
Congratulations to the 2009-2010 Kids and Staff of Character
The Broward County students and staff who are being recognized for their outstanding efforts this school year in providing services, supports, and activities that promote character development and positive behaviors have been chosen. Their efforts to support the Character Education initiative, but more importantly, to create a safe and secure learning environment for our students, is to be commended. To find out who won go to the Character Awards webpage.
Congratulations to the following winners of the 2009-2010 Alcohol & Drug Prevention Competition
6th grade:
1. Jah-Sun Joseph–Glades Middle
2. Blane Silverman–Pioneer Middle
3. Precious Bassey– Westpine Middle
7th grade:
1. Travis Schwantes–Pioneer Middle
2. Sasja Smith– Pioneer Middle
3. Daniel Altavilla–Driftwood Middle
8th grade:
1. Christa Barone–Pioneer Middle
2. Nicole De Los Reyes–Apollo Middle
3. Lisette Perez–Pines Middle
School Winners:
1. Pioneer Middle with 42% of their student body participating.
2. Rickards Middle with 26% of their student body participating.
3. A tie between Bair Middle and New Renaissance Middle with 9% of their student body participating.
Congratulations to the following winners of the 2009-2010 Red Ribbon Poster Contest
Red Ribbon Winners!
(Click on image to enlarge and view all winners)
Drug and Tobacco Poster Contest
November 16-30, 2009
Click on image to enlarge.
For more details, click here.
“Your Voice” Video Contest
August 2009 – May 2010
Deadline Extended
Coral Glades High Celebrates Anti-Bullying Week
Mr. Ramirez and administration are committed to taking all the necessary precautions to keep their school safe at all times! Coral Glades High School staff and students have taken steps to enhance their awareness of anti-bullying. They prepared activities for teacher to use in their classrooms and throughout campus. Here are some of their events:
1. District’s Anti-bullying video streamed during all lunches on Tuesday, Oct. 6th.
2. Mrs. Freeborn’s Class performed Skits on Anti-bullying.
3. Mr. Alonso’s TV Production Class created an Informational Video on Coral Glade’s Procedures on “Anti-bullying
4. Mr. Borja has designed a Power Point presentation on Anti-bullying which gives information on Bullying, Cyberbullying, and report procedures. Also, a small quiz at the end of the presentation to test student’s understanding of the different topics.
2009 Family Day
Student Support Service’s Charlene M. Grecsek, EdD, LMHC, the SEDNET Project Coordinator was recently seen on CBS channel 4. She was interviewed by Elliot Rodriguez about this year’s Family Day – September 28th. CLICK HERE to view the video of the interview.
Our hope at the office of Prevention is we can make every day – Family Day!
2009 Prevention School of Excellence Award
These Broward County Schools are being recognized for their outstanding efforts this school year in providing effective services, supports, and activities that promote positive behaviors – development of emotional resilience skills, positive mental health and prosocial actions – while limiting and/or preventing violent behavior and drug use.
Their efforts to support the Project Bridge initiative, but more importantly, to create a safe and secure learning environment for our students, is to be commended.
Congratulations! Amalio C. Nieves,Project Bridge Director
Congratulations to the 2008-2009 Kids of Character!
These Broward County Students are being recognized for their outstanding efforts this school year in providing services, supports, and activities that promote character development and positive behaviors.
Their efforts to support the Character Education initiative, but more importantly, to create a safe and secure learning environment for our students, is to be commended.
Weston teens take anti-bully pulpit to grade schools
April 17, 2009
Bullying took a beating when students from Cypress Bay High School took their stories to a Miramar elementary school. But some questions weren’t so easy to answer. For more click on Miami Harald.
OPP Staff Honored by Connect to Protect
February, 9, 2009
Connect to Protect honors two of Broward County Public School, Office of Prevention employees!
Suzanne Edgar received an Award “with great appreciation” and in recognition of her outstanding efforts towards community mobilization, “Bringing the community, youth and partners together to create healthier environments for our youth and our future.”
Tresha Fletcher received a Certificate of Appreciation from Connect to Protect recognizing her “for all the consistent support” she has “provided to create healthier environments for youth by continuing… commitment to reducing HIV/AIDS in Broward County.”
Both Ms. Edgar and Ms. Fletcher have been outstanding supporters of Connect to Protect and their important work. Office of Prevention partnership began with Connect to Protect years ago. This collaboration is a natural output of similar missions to prevent destructive decisions and to promote the health and wellness of all Broward County students and families.
The specific Mission of Connect to Protect is to help:
- Reduce HIV/AIDS rates among adolescents and young adults by combining the strength of communities and researchers to build a new vision to protect youth.
- Develop partnerships that build upon the diverse insight and skills of researchers and the community.
- Identify culturally responsive research based interventions.
For more information on Connect to Protect, please go to Connect to Protect
OPP & Olweus Partnership to fight Bullying
January 27, 2009
As part of the Broward County Public School’s efforts to keep our district safe and respectful, Student Support Services’ Office of Prevention applied for and received the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) award, allowing one staff member to become a certified Olweus trainer as part of the Florida Bullying Prevention Initiative – an award valued at $3,900! The honor was given to the Office of Prevention Program’s Prevention Specialist, Aimee Wood. She will attend the upcoming Olweus Bullying Prevention 
Program’s Training of Trainers in Orlando, FL on February 24-26, 2009, along with approximately 30 other trainers from Florida school districts. After she becomes a trainer, Ms. Wood will provide services to the two Broward County schools that applied for and received the Olweus Schoolwide Training award: Attucks Middle School, Fort Lauderdale, and Horizon Elementary School, Sunrise. Although the Florida Bullying Prevention Initiative was only able to fund two schools this year, having the Office of Prevention staff trained in the Olweus Model opens the opportunity for additional schools as funding increases in 2010. As part of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Initiative, Ms. Wood will work very closely with these schools for three years – enough time to effectively embed a culture of respect and safety amongst the staff and students.
This opportunity was created through a unique partnership aimed at addressing the tremendous problem of bullying. The Florida Association of School Administrators (FASA), the National Association of ElementarySchool Principals (NAESP) Foundation, and the Hazelden Foundation make up the Florida Bullying Prevention Initiative whose goal is to get OBPP in as many as 25 schools in Florida, with the possibility of expanding to more schools in the near future.
“We’re proud to be a partner with these organizations to bring OBPP to Florida schools,” said Nick Motu, Hazelden publisher. “We know that schools that have implemented the program have found reductions of 50 percent or more in student reports of being bullied and bullying others.”
Office of Prevention sees great opportunities for Broward County Schools arising out of this award, because OBPP is recognized by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence as one of only eleven Blueprints Model Programs and by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as a Model Program-two of the highest honors a prevention program can attain.
“Besides bullying, the Olweus program has been shown to reduce other antisocial behaviors, such as vandalism, fighting, theft, and truancy,” according to Amalio Nieves, Coordinator of the Office of Prevention. Nieves said, “It has shown improvements in classroom social climate and more positive attitudes among students toward schoolwork and school, all the elements are perfectly aligned with our goals of prevention for Broward County Public Schools.”
To find out more about the Olweus program, please visit their website at: Clemson Olweus program
Cyberbullying Summit: Where Bullying Meets Technology 
Broward County Public Schools and Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Date: October 23, 2009
An exciting and informative conference where the focus was on preventing and responding to cyberbullying. Some of the key elements were the Attorney General’s Cyber-Safety Education Program; The Lures, Dangers, and Legal Ramifications of “Sexting”; with Keynote Speaker: Justin W. Patchin, PhD, Co-Author: Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard. To learn more go to:
Broward Sheriff’s Office’s Community Justice Program Joins Forces with the Broward County School Board to Address Schools’ New Anti- Bullying Policy
December 8, 2008; From the Broward Sheriff’s Office official blog
Pictured from left to right are: Michael Emanuel Rajner, Broward County School Board Diversity Committee member; Community Justice Youth Counselor Elizabeth Mayo; Velma Xavier, Community Justice program volunteer; Community Justice Youth Counselor Anse Daniel; Kerline Gelin, Community Justice program volunteer; Prevention Specialist Aimee Wood, Broward County School Board; and Program Services Specialist Catherine Beaz, Children’s Services Council.
On November 12, BSO’s Central Broward district along with our Community Justice Program hosted a presentation for community youth and their parents about the Broward County School Board’s new anti-bullying policy. The program took place at BSO’s Public Safety Building and began with a presentation by BSO’s Equal Employment Opportunity Manager, Wiley Huff, who spoke about the four components of bullying. Aimee Wood, a prevention specialist from the Broward School Board, followed with information on the legislation surrounding the anti-bullying policy. Once the presentation concluded, speakers invited the audience to join them in a moment of silence in remembrance of the Dillard school shooting that happened that day.
The Broward County anti-bullying policy is the first of its kind in Florida, initiated for the 2008-2009 school year. It specifically prohibits bullying of or by any district student or employee, and defines consequences for such actions. For more information about the policy please contact the Broward County School Board.
Thousand Youth March For Humanity HUGE Success!
The Thousand Youth March for Humanity brought together more than 1000 Broward County students ranging in age from kindergarten to college on Sunday, November 16, 2008. These marchers united in downtown Fort Lauderdale to share their message: abolish bullying! These students were passionate and dedicated to their vision of a future where we all have the right to live in a safe and respectful community. This message was delivered loud and clear through the performance of original songs, poetry slams (the Write Side Poets), dance routines, and speeches of hope.
Weston City Commission Recognizes Students and Presents Anti-Bullying Proclamation
At the request of City Commissioner Angel Gomez, a group of students that live in Weston were honored at the November 2nd, 2008, City Commission meeting. These students were honored for their tireless efforts in the creation of the “Abolish Bullying” campaign, a student lead grassroots movement which has now grown to include both public and private schools.
At the presentation the Commission also presented a Proclamation to recognize the students’ efforts, demonstrate support anti-bullying, as well as increase awareness of the Broward County School Board’s Anti-Bullying Policy.
School district series wins two Telly Awards
SUN-SENTINEL, TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
The Broward County School District’s Reality Avenue series won two bronze Telly Awards, which honors outstanding local, regional and cable television programs. Reality Avenue is a series of half-hour programs airing on the district’s BECON-TV channel, with shows focusing on topics including body image, Internet safety, addiction, teen stress, diversity, depression, bullying and self-esteem.
TWO REALITY AVENUE SHOWS WIN TWO BRONZE TELLY AWARDS
BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEWS RELEASE, Date: May 13, 2008
Reality Avenue, a series of half-hour violence and substance abuse prevention programs created by the 
District’s Office of Prevention Programs and BECON-TV, recently received Bronze Tellys, gaining national recognition for its shows profiling body image and Internet safety.
Reality Avenue, which debuted in January of 2007, is hosted by District Prevention Specialists Patrick Chalmers and Aimee Wood. The shows were created using student focus groups and assembled by the District’s Office of Prevention Programs. The goal of the series is prevention – accomplished by presenting facts and skills in a dynamic, entertaining format using fast-paced, up-beat, energetic and modern themes.
Reality Avenue shows have addressed a variety of current topics, including body image, addiction, Internet safety, teen stress, self-injury, diversity, self esteem, depression/anger, bullying, divorce and character.
“It is a great honor to receive such high recognition for our efforts in creating Reality Avenue,” said Chalmers. “We dedicated a tremendous amount of time, through research and focus groups, to create a program that speaks to the needs and issues facing today’s youth.”
“The success of Reality Avenue is due to the incredible efforts of a fantastic staff,” said Wood. “Everyone from our production crew to our on-camera student hosts worked tirelessly to create shows that will make a difference in the lives of our viewers.
Founded in 1978, the Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional and cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions. The Telly Awards annually showcases the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators and corporate video departments in the world. The Telly Awards is a widely known and highly respected national and international competition and receives over 14,000 entries annually from all 50 states and many foreign countries.