Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 8-21-18

Local
Woodson PK-8 Leadership Academy Hosts Ribbon Cutting
OVETT WILSON Principal of Woodson PK-8 Leadership Academy
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
On August 9th, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the opening of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson PK-8 Leadership Academy. The school came into existence through the combining of Ca- hoon Elementary and Van Buren Middle Schools.
Ovett Wilson, Principal of the new facility, said the school is a “brand new vision, a school transformed to meet the needs of students in our community.”
The new and returning students entered a campus that has been redesigned with upgraded classrooms and technology. Throughout the school year, they will par- ticipate in rigorous course work, and meet guest speak- ers from area business and community leaders.
Included in the curricu- lum, the students will also be trained in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” (upper campus, 6th-8th) and “The Leader in Me frame- work” (lower campus, PK- 5th).”
Wilson said, “I am a strong believer of providing children with opportunities
Members of the Hillsborough County School Board and School District joined Principal Ovett Wilson, members of his staff, parents and students for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Woodson PK-8 Leadership Academy.
to grow academically, emo- tionally, and socially. Our highly effective teachers know and understand what is best for children and how children learn. I am a firm believer that collaboration between home and school can make a big difference in a child’s education. We will provide constant support for our families, because when each student succeeds, the school succeeds, and our community thrives.”
Ms. Tamara Sham- burger, School Board Vice Chairperson, District 5, said, “This school is going to show- case what leadership is, what a legacy looks like and what excellence in education can do for our community; so there is no more fitting name than Dr. Carter G. Wood- son.”
Ms. Tyna Middleton,
President of ASALH of Tampa Bay said, “We will support these students so that they do not lose sight of their inspiration, learn the accomplishments of their for-
bearers, and with that knowl- edge, grow stronger in their sense of who they are and what they can become.”
“This is an opportunity to help each student see beyond their circumstance and situa- tion, so that they may some- day look at themselves and see that there is greatness in
them. We could not do it without partners like Fred Hearns, members of ASALH, Publix, and All Pro Dads, who are committed to ensure that the students who walk through our doors be- come the best version of themselves,” Wilson stated. School Name Honors
Dr. Carter G. Woodson
The school is named after a renowned scholar and his- torian, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, known to many as the founder of Black His- tory Month and the Associa- tion for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
Charge Dropped Against School’s Director
In an edition of the Sentinel published February 26, 2016, an article appeared that stated Erica Pooler, Director of the Seminole County Public Schools, Office of School Safety and Al- ternative Placement, had been arrested and charged with retail theft.
The article stated, “According to police, Pooler and her niece tried to steal merchandise worth $863.44 from a Kohl’s Store near Oviedo. A security guard told deputies he saw the two hide mer- chandise as they walked through the store.”
Ms. Pooler has since contacted the Sentinel about the inci- dent.
The Sentinel contacted Todd Brown, spokesperson for the Seminole County State Attorney’s Office. Brown stated the charges against Ms. Pooler were dropped in March 2017 because there was not enough evidence to support the case going to trial.
He further stated that she was required to write a letter of apology to both the store and law enforcement in connection with the case.
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