4^th and 5^th graders in K-Kids at Allamanda Elementary collected items to help with the relief effort in Haiti.  K-Kids is a service organization for elementary students sponsored by Kiwanis International.  Allamanda staff members, Diane Wilson and Janie Villegas, worked with the students to collect items for three weeks to be sent to Haiti due to the devastation of the earthquake. Items that were collected included 16 boxes of diapers, several boxes of shoes, sheets, towels, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, cereal, granola bars, and peanut butter.

Ms. Wilson, Supplemental Academic Instruction (SAI),  Ms. Villegas, paraprofessional, and Tony Arena, third grade teacher, loaded two vehicles with the help of the K-KIDS and delivered the donations to The First Alliance Church in West Palm Beach.

For more information please contact Ms. Wilson at 561-803-7200 or wilsondi@palmbeach.k12.fl.us .

Marilu Garcia, Marcey Murray, Debbi Hager and Ed Gruvman

Allamanda Elementary School was presented with a check April 6^th for $3,454 to benefit the school’s Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) program.  The Singer Island Sunrise Kiwanis Club and the Florida Kiwanis Foundation made the donation to the Palm Beach Gardens school.  Marilu Garcia, principal, and Marcey Murray, teacher of students with ASD, happily accepted the check from Ed Gruvman, Singer Island Kiwanis Club President and Debbi Hager, Division 20 Trustee of the Florida Kiwanis Foundation. 

“Allamanda’s students are fortunate to have such staunch supporters and friends.  This gift will enhance our ASD program and will help our students grow for years to come.  We are very grateful,” said Principal Garcia.  Also present at the meeting were Rona Craddock, Allamanda Exceptional Student Education Coordinator and Kiwanis Club of Singer Island distinguished past president, Wayne Anderson, double distinguished past president of Kiwanis Club of Singer Island, Allamanda Elementary School former SAC Chair, current SAC member and Community Business Partner, and Helen Zientek, current mentor at Allamanda, former Allamanda Elementary School teacher and Kiwanis Club of Singer Island Secretary. 

The Kiwanis Club of Singer Island matched a grant of $1,727 from the Florida Kiwanis Foundation.  This is the second matching grant from the Singer Island Sunrise Kiwanis Club / Florida Kiwanis Foundation awarded to Allamanda Elementary School.  The first grant provided Allamanda’s students with picnic tables.  The Singer Island Sunrise Kiwanis Club also sponsors a K-Kids club at Allamanda, which recently coordinated donations of supplies for Haiti earthquake relief.   

For more information please contact Ms. Garcia at 561-803-7200 or garciamari@palmbeach.k12.fl.us .

Allamanda Elementary School recently received a donation of $10,500 from the Frenchman’s Creek Charities Foundation, Inc., in Palm Beach Gardens.  Marilu Garcia, Allamanda Elementary Principal, accepted the check at an event at Frenchman’s Creek April 14th. 

The money will be used to enhance the Very Special Arts program and the Autism Spectrum Disorder program at the Palm Beach Gardens school.  A portion of the gift, $1,400, was used to help defray the cost of the Washington, D.C. Safety Patrol trip for 10 fifth grade students.

“Allamanda’s students will benefit greatly from the generosity of Frenchman’s Creek.  A school needs the support of the community and we are fortunate to have such good friends and neighbors,” said Ms. Garcia.  

For more information please contact Ms. Garcia at 561-803-7200 or garciamari@palmbeach.k12.fl.us .

Palm Beach Gardens Mayor David Levy swearing in Jordan McEvoy, Allamanda Elementary School fifth grader, Safety Patrol and BizTown mayor

Allamanda Elementary School’s fifth grade students recently participated in Junior Achievement’s Mobile BizTown.  Jordan McEvoy, Allamanda Elementary School Safety Patrol and BizTown City Hall selected mayor, had the honor of being sworn in as mayor of BizTown by Palm Beach Gardens Mayor David Levy.  BizTown is a fully interactive simulated town facility that provides elementary school students with simulated real-world activities related to free enterprise, banking, loans, jobs, payroll, retail, restaurants, check-writing and other economics-related endeavors. 

BizTown is designed to support differentiated learning styles.  Ann Aiken, Allamanda Elementary fifth grade teacher and grade chairperson, said, “Our students had a fabulous, fun, instructional experience at BizTown.  They were fully engaged in the business of running a town and learning how to work as a team within their community.”

For more information contact Allamanda Elementary Principal Marilu Garcia at 561-803-7200 or garciamari@palmbeach.k12.fl.us .

Allamanda Elementary School in Palm Beach Gardens and the BallenIsles Volunteer Women’s Group are the grateful recipients of a $2,000 TARGET Corporation grant for the 2010-2011 school year.  This pilot program will pair special needs students with BallenIsles volunteer mentors for intergenerational current events awareness and news reading. 

“We are so fortunate to have such involved community supporters.  We have a larger student population than we have had in many years; our BallenIsles mentors enrich our students’ lives,” said Allamanda Elementary Principal Marilu Garcia.  The TARGET grant will be used to purchase age and ability appropriate materials for students and volunteers to read current events and the news together. 

For more information please contact Ms. Garcia at 561-803-7200 or garciamari@palmbeach.k12.fl.us .

Mark Roithmayr, President of Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest Autism science and advocacy organization will visit Allamanda Elementary School in Palm Beach Gardens, Thursday, February 24^th at 9:30 AM. Mr. Roithmayr will tour the North Area’s A-rated school cluster site for Autism, as the school prepares for “Walk Now For Autism Speaks!” March 6th. 

Allamanda Elementary has raised close to $3,000 with 57 team members recruited for the walk.  Allamanda Elementary Principal Marilu Garcia said, “Allamanda would be happy to welcome the community to join us or contribute to the cause as we gear up for this worthy event.  We thank Mr. Roithmayr for his special attention to our hard-working students and staff.” 

The School District of Palm Beach County serves approximately 34,209 Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students which include 7,494 gifted students. Eligible ESE students are provided services from birth through age 22. ESE services are available at all public school sites throughout the district.  The School District is committed to providing exceptional students a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in accordance with federal, state, and local mandates.

For more information about Mr. Roithmayr’s visit to Allamanda Elementary please contact Principal Marilu Garcia at 561-803-7200 or garciamari@palmbeach.k12.fl.us .

Sometimes the difference between a child that is excelling and one that is struggling is an adult who cares, listens and reaches out to them.  Volunteers from BallenIsles, one of Palm Beach County’s premier country club communities, are wasting no time in helping the children from Allamanda Elementary School prepare for academic success and a brighter future.

The BallenIsles group project was started last year by Rebecca Cohen, Susan Pashman, and Beverly Fink at the helm.  “BallenIsles has amazing people with various backgrounds that enrich the school setting and volunteer time, and it’s such a pleasure to work with the creative and appreciative staff at Allamanda Elementary School,” said Rebecca Cohen.

Twenty-six registered volunteers spend between one and three hours a week volunteering their time at the Palm Beach Gardens school.  These dedicated men and women come from diverse backgrounds and some are previous educators.  Their love of children and wanting to make a difference is what brought them to Allamanda Elementary.  BallenIsles volunteers read one-on-one with children, work reading centers, mentor children, tutor math, assist with writing, and most importantly listen to the children.

“We are very fortunate these volunteers have chosen to spend their time helping Allamanda children grow into safe, respectful learners and good citizens of the world,” says Deborah Feinsinger, Resource to Intervention Facilitator at Allamanda.

According to North Area Volunteer Coordinator Debra Tharpe, “The School District looks forward to the bond between BallenIsles and Allamanda Elementary continuing to grow and flourish and encourages other communities to get involved and volunteer in our schools.”

For more information or to volunteer please contact Ms. Tharpe at 561-904-7731 or tharped@palmbeach.k12.fl.us .

PGA Tour Player, Robert Allenby made a generous donation to help special needs children in Palm Beach County.  He donated $40,000 to Allamanda Elementary School in Palm Beach Gardens to help the special needs students who attend the school. The money will be segmented for a special “Blue Room” which contains sensory equipment for the children. The meeting was Wednesday, October 19th at 9am and included Robert Allenby; the Principal, Marilu Garcia; two ESE (Exceptional Student Education) teachers, Marcey Murray and Patricia Spinelli and some of the special needs children who attend the school.

The money is from donations as a result of the Robert Allenby Bluewater Golf and Fishing Invitational tournament which occurred on May 20-22, 2011. For additional information on this tournament, please feel free to visit http://www.robertallenby.com/invitational.asp 

For more information please contact Allamanda Elementary Principal Marilu Garcia at 561-803-7200 or Tiffany Christoffers (Marketing and Public Relations for Robert Allenby) at 561-762-6576 or trchristoffers@comcast.net .

Carlton Willis and son, fifth grade student Carlton Willis, share their pride and enjoyment after completing The Home Depot "Make and Take" project.

Allamanda Elementary School students and their families recently participated in a hugely successful Science Fair Home Depot “Make and Take” Family Picnic event sponsored by the Allamanda PTO and Science Committee. More than 300 Allamanda families participated in this educational, creative evening at the school. 

Students’ Science Fair projects were displayed while families toured and picnicked on the school grounds, enjoying hot dogs and hamburgers, popcorn and cotton candy.  Families worked as teams to build Home Depot crafts such as wooden snowman napkin holders, mini-toolboxes, planters, helicopters and mini-white boards.  Moms read directions, kids hammered and glued, dads took pictures – it was industrious, organized teamwork.  Home Depot donated all the materials, including orange, personalized aprons for the children. 

Allamanda Elementary Principal Marilu Garcia said, “Our families enjoyed every minute, stopping to read everything and snapping photos in front of their science projects.  It was a wonderful family evening.”

For more information please contact Ms. Garcia at 561-803-7200 or Marilu.garcia@palmbeachschools.org .

Jason Brian, Allamanda Elementary School alumnus, will be the featured speaker at Allamanda’s Honor Roll Breakfast March 8th.  Mr. Brian, 24, will share his years of experience since elementary school giving back to his community through charitable efforts and involved caring.  Allamanda’s students are sure to be motivated to see the success and personal and professional satisfaction that is possible through committed determination.  

Marilu Garcia, Allamanda principal, said, ” We are proud of all of our students, but especially Jason, who got his start at Allamanda and has gone on to make the community a better place, richer in tangible ways, but also richer in ways of the heart.  We are delighted to be part of Mr. Brian’s history.”

Mr. Brian, president and founder of Autocricket.com, an auto and insurance clearing house, is a young entrepreneur with a special interest in community involvement.  He was the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year, 2011, for his involvement in raising $89,000 last year, a record amount for a male fundraiser.  Mr. Brian was named the South Florida Business Journal CEO of the year, 2011.  He has been written about in Forbes.com, Yahoo! Finance, the Palm Beach Post, The Palm Beacher and more.  He has been featured on local radio and television multiple times.

For more information please contact Ms. Garcia at 561-803-7200.

David Dickerson, Allamanda Elementary School Assistant Principal, recently received five pies in the face by five Allamanda students who scored the highest possible FCAT writing grade.

Zachary Woodward, Larry Lewis III, Aliaj Santos, Emma Wright and Matthew Goldberg

Matthew Goldberg, Emma Wright, Zachary Woodward, Larry Lewis III and Aliaj Santos, current fifth grade students, each earned a six on the fourth grade FCAT Writes exam last year.  As a reward and an incentive to this year’s fourth graders, they each got to pop “Mr. D.” with a pie to the face in front of this year’s FCAT writers.

Said Mr. Dickerson, “I am happy to take one, or five, for the Allamanda team if it will inspire our fourth graders to better writing.  Plus, the pies were delicious!”

Marilu Garcia, Allamanda Elementary School Principal, said, “Mr. D. is such a good sport.  Our fourth graders howled with laughter.  Our students were well-prepared for the FCAT and we know their talent will shine through.  Just wait until next year, Mr. D.!”

For more information please contact Ms. Garcia at 561-803-7200 or marilu.garcia@palmbeachschools.org .

Allamanda Elementary School will “Rock the FCAT” at the fifth annual school-wide FCAT pep rally Thursday, April 12th at 1:00 pm. Radio’s Wild 95.5 morning personality Kevin Rolston will be on hand to reveal Allamanda’s top 10 list of ways to “Rock the FCAT.”

Students at the A-rated school will play staff versus student musical chairs, dance and sing to karaoke, play “Minute to Win It” and other games.  Kindergarten through 2nd grade students are also included in the rally. The entire school supports the test-takers through FCAT buddies activities and positive support and encouragement.

Marilu Garcia, principal, said, “Our third through fifth grade students are eager to show what they know on the upcoming exam.  They are well-prepared to let their skills and knowledge shine.  The pep rally reinforces the school-wide philosophy of our Allamanda Attitude, while allowing the children to see the support in the school and get fired up about the FCAT.”

For more information, please call Principal Garcia at 561-803-7200 or email marilu.garcia@palmbeachschools.org.

AJ Brockman is a digital artist.  He also has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a progressive neuromuscular disease, and has been wheelchair bound since two years old.  As an artist he believes, “My disability definitely influences who I am but does not define me as an artist or individual. I view myself as being “differently abled” rather than “disabled” and I live life to the fullest every day.”

Mr. Brockman is living life to the fullest as a graphic designer, artist and business partner at Watson B. Duncan Middle School, his old alma mater.   He also attended Allamanda Elementary and graduated from Palm Beach Gardens High.  Following his graduation from Digital Media Arts College, he went on to win numerous awards for his works. 

Now a business partner with the School District, Mr. Brockman continues to give back to his community.  According to Kate Wynn, Duncan Middle Pre-Academy of Finance Instructor and Business Partnership Coordinator, “ At Watson B. Duncan Middle School, we have a Business Partner who is outstanding in so many ways it is difficult to categorize him in one area. AJ is confined to a power wheel chair and has the use of only his left pinkie finger, and yet he continues to support our school as a Business Partner in so many ways.”  Mr. Brockman does graphic design work for the school’s academies which include recruiting displays, brochures, business cards, and t-shirts.  He is a motivational speaker for the Future Business Leaders of America meetings and donates his artwork for fundraising event.

Mr. Brockman has his own art studio, Single Handed Studios, and is currently being featured by Palm Beach County’s Art in Public Places. He recently produced a short documentary about his disability, his art, and his attitude about life which can be view at http://singlehandedstudio.com/about.html.

For more information please contact Ms. Wynn at (561) 776-3596 or kate.wynn@palmbeachschools.org .

Trevor Lonano-Student Council President

Allamanda Elementary School’s Student Council recently sent 257 books to Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.  Student Council members sold Cupid-grams to fellow students and staff to raise funds to pay tribute to the 26 angels and heroes who lost their lives in the December 14, 2012, tragedy.  

Student Council sponsor Jennifer Norman, said, “Sandy Hook students were so excited to receive their new books!  Our students were honored to be able to help other students with the gift of reading.”  

Please contact Jennifer Norman at Jennifer.Norman@palmbeachschools.org or call Allamanda Elementary at 561-803-7200 for further information.    

Students in Allamanda Elementary School’s Running Club had a strong showing at the Run/Walk for Autism Speaks event in downtown West Palm Beach Sunday, March 3rd.  Twenty-one students and three staff members participated in the 5K run at 7:30 that morning.  Running club sponsors Deborah Feinsinger (resource teacher), Rebecca Stockman (fourth grade teacher), and Kyle Sobick (school-age child care counselor), also ran the 5K.  All of Allamanda’s students finished the run.

The Millrose Foundation generously sponsored all runners by paying for their race shirts and registration fees.  ”We are so appreciative and grateful,” said Mrs. Feinsinger. 

Damiana Zesiv, Olivia Lowery, Ashleigh Kairella, Alexis Celestino, Gina Manno, Isabella Camberos, Marco Bragado, Trevor Lonano, Justin Huertas, Brian Moore (former Allamanda student), Ryan Goldstein, Lakolby Wright, Alex Dawkins, Christian Lee, Maya Voorhees, Vincent DiGiovanni and Zachary Lee.

Mrs. Feinsinger stated she was proud of her runners, saying, ”Our young runners showed perseverance, determination and connections with one another, running together until they crossed the finish line, encouraging each other to be the best that they can be!  We are all very proud of our students.”

Medal winners were:

Makayla Murphy, 1st place in the Female 10 and under category with a time of 28:10

Isabella Camberos, 2nd place in the Female 10 and under category with a time of 35:45

Maya Vorhees, 3rd place in the Female 10 and under category with a time of 39:10

Lakolby Wright, 1st place in the Male 10 and under category with a time of 24:40

Zachary Lee, 3rd place in the Male 10 and under category with a time of 27:18

Alex Dawkins, 2nd place in the Male 11 and under category with a time of 24:42

Ryan Goldstein, 3rd place in the Male 11 and under category with a time of 26:43

Allamanda Runners participated in three other 5K’s this year:  The North Palm Beach Ghost Run, Classics by the Sea, and the Honda Classic 5K.  Many of the runners also ran in the Race for the Arts 5K.  

Please call Mrs. Feinsinger at 561-803-7243 or deborah.feinsinger@palmbeachschools.org for more information.

Allamanda Elementary School will “Rock the FCAT” at the sixth annual school-wide FCAT pep rally Friday, April 12th at 1:00 p.m.  Cary Stadtlander, Amp’d drummer, is the rock star dad of Allamanda fifth grade student Savannah Stadtlander.  Mr. Stadtlander rallied his band to play this benefit performance to get Allamanda students fired up about the annual exam.  Students at the “A”-rated school will rock and roll, dance and dress like the rock stars they are, while “Sticks” Stadtlander and his band mates blow the roof off the joint.

Randy LeVenia (guitars), Cary Stadtlander (drums, founding member), Paul Goldschlag (vocals, harmonica, percussion), Keith Almquist (keyboards), David Kahan (former band member), Jim Black (bass guitar).

“We’re excited to perform our flavor of upbeat classic rock for these young learners.  For many of them, it might be their first time seeing a live band; it just might lead to some of them getting involved with music appreciation or learning an instrument.  We hope it will “Amp” them up to do their best on the FCAT,” said Mr. Stadtlander.

Kevin Rolston, Wild 95.5 local radio personality, donated his time and talent to emcee Allamanda’s FCAT pep rally last year. Mr. Rolston is a hard act to follow, but Amp’d is up to the task.

Amp’d's usual venues include local bistros, casinos and corporate events.  Amp’d was formed in 2004.  The current lineup is: Cary Stadtlander (Drums, Founding Member), Paul Goldschlag (Vocals, Harmonica, Percussion), Keith Almquist (Keyboards), Jim Black (Bass), Randy LeVenia (Guitars).  

Please contact Deborah Feinsinger, deborah.feinsinger@palmbeachschools.org or 561-803-7243 if you need further information.      

Allamanda Elementary School’s Student Council is sponsoring a donation drive May 20 – 24 to benefit the Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue.  Student Council Sponsor Jennifer Norman said, “We will be collecting Purina Dog & Puppy Chow, Pedigree dry dog food, dog and cat toys (no rawhides), dog and cat beds, blankets and large towels, paper towels, trash bags, and other items to help volunteers take care of homeless dogs and cats until they find a forever home.”  

Please contact Jennifer Norman at Jennifer.norman@palmbeachschools.org or call Allamanda Elementary School at 561-803-7200 for further information.

Allamanda Elementary, in collaboration with the District’s Wellness Promotion Task Force, is proud to become the first and only school in Palm Beach County designated as a Health and Wellness campus.  Striving to educate the whole child, with an increased focus in the area of fitness and nutrition, Allamanda Elementary will be offering many opportunities for students, teachers, and families to participate in these life changing activities.  

An October fair, a fitness room and expanded running club are just a few of the exciting aspects of the Health and Wellness Project to be offered next school year.  Deborah Feinsinger, running club sponsor, said, “We had such a successful year with our inaugural running club.  Our runners generated the perfect spark and beginning to this great new initiative.”  

For more information please contact Ms. Feinsinger at deborah.feinsinger@palmbeachschools.org or 561-803-7243.

Allamanda Elementary is delighted to partner with the Palm Beach Gardens Green Market to kick off the school year and Allamanda’s new Health and Wellness Initiative.  Select vendors from the Green Market will be set up at the school’s Open House Friday, August 16, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.  Parents and students will be able to buy fresh fruits and vegetables to get a healthy start in educating the whole child and meet the teacher in one convenient stop.

Allamanda is the only school in South Florida to be a Health and Wellness campus.  The school will foster a culture of fitness and healthy eating.   “We are so proud and excited to be a Health and Wellness Campus and to have the Palm Beach Gardens Green Market on board to get healthy right from the start,” said Deborah Feinsinger, program coordinator.  “We want to grow a healthier generation of children.  We say eat well, play hard, live long!”  

Please contact Deborah Feinsinger at  561-803-7243 or  deborah.feinsinger@palmbeachschools.org for more information.      

About The School District of Palm Beach County

The School District of Palm Beach County is the eleventh largest in the nation and the fifth largest in the state of Florida with 185 schools, serving more than 177,000 students who speak 150 languages and dialects. As the largest employer in Palm Beach County, the School District has nearly 21,000 associates, including 12,627 teachers. To learn more about The School District of Palm Beach County, please visit www.palmbeachschools.org.

Dozens of FPL interns and employees from around the country will volunteer at Allamanda Elementary August 8th beginning at 10:00 AM, to help the school prepare for the new Health and Wellness Campus.  Teams of FPL’ers will pitch in on a variety of tasks, including beautification of the school’s Nature Area garden, working on the outdoor walking trail, an indoor fitness trail, classroom and book readiness and much more.  

Deborah Feinsinger, program coordinator, said, “We are so excited to welcome FPL to help us get ready to educate students through physical activity and healthy nutrition. These volunteers set a great example of community involvement.”

Please contact Deborah Feinsinger at 561-803-7243 or Deborah.Feinsinger@palmbeachschools.org for more information.           

About The School District of Palm Beach County

The School District of Palm Beach County is the eleventh largest in the nation and the fifth largest in the state of Florida with 185 schools, serving more than 177,000 students who speak 150 languages and dialects. As the largest employer in Palm Beach County, the School District has nearly 21,000 associates, including 12,627 teachers. To learn more about The School District of Palm Beach County, please visit www.palmbeachschools.org.