Monday, January 28, 2013

NEWS RELEASE: JANUARY 26-28, 2013

January 26 - 28, 2013

Broward encourages solar energy with easier permits
Making energy from the sun seems a no-brainer for the Sunshine State, but cost has proven to be a hurdle. [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/ ]Broward County has taken a big step to cut costs for solar-panel systems on rooftops and homeowners, businesses and other counties are taking notice, a Go Solar conference showed Friday. With help from a $673,000 federal grant, Broward has simplified the process to apply for permits for roof-top solar-panel systems, saving time and money — perhaps thousands of dollars per system….The Go Solar Fest continues today from 9 a.m. to noon at the [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/ ]Broward County Convention Center, featuring exhibits from companies such as FP&L, The Energy Store of [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/us/florida/broward-county/hollywood-%28broward-florida%29-PLGEO100100403100000.topic ]Hollywood and solar-powered vehicles, including a solar race car made by students at South Plantation High School.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/fl-go-solar-conference-20130123,0,5216556.story

Grant helps 'landlocked' school add play spaces
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/us/florida/broward-county/tamarac-PLGEO100100403280000.topic Tamarac Elementary School recently added play spaces for students thanks to the efforts of school officials, parents and a grant from a local health insurance company. The challenge: since being built in 1974, the school added five buildings and a large number of trees, which limited free space for playtime activity, Principal Roberta Ray said. The school already has a playground for kindergarten and pre-K but not enough room for a playground for students in grades 1-5. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/tamarac/fl-cn-playspace-0127-20130125,0,4580539.story

In newspaper only:

Weston school wins $25,000 with your help
If you helped vote for a Weston elementary school to win a new playground in the Clorox Power A Bright Future contest, congratulations.  Your vote counted and they won!  Country Isles Elementary will receive $25,000 to build a new playground.  “The district is expecting the check any day,” said PTA President Carolyn McDonald. “The community’s support was incredible,” she said.  The playground might be ready for the next school year.

Hundreds Stand Up Against Bullying at South Florida Anti-Bullying Summit
What came about from conversations during 2012 HRC Lobby Day with http://www.hrc.org/steering-committees/south-florida South Florida Congressman Hastings (D-F), Wilson, (D-F) and Wasserman-Schultz (D-Florida), as well as Capitol Hill staffers regarding anti-bullying legislation came into bright focus and reality Wednesday night in South Florida.  Over 400 students, administrators, parents and community activist took part in HRC South Florida’s 1st Annual Anti-Bullying Summit hosted by Sunrise Middle School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on January 23. http://www.hrc.org/blog/entry/hundreds-stand-up-against-bullying-at-south-florida-anti-bullying-summit/

Education Dept. Rules Schools Must Include Disabled In Sports
The U.S. Education Department has announced a new directive sure to be a real game-changer. They are telling schools they must include students with disabilities in sports programs or provide equal alternative options. The move is being hailed by parents in South Florida.
http://miami.cbslocal.com/2013/01/25/education-dept-says-schools-must-include-disabled-in-sports

Pines charters want share of Broward dollars
The Pembroke Pines Charter school system has a stellar reputation, top-notch students and well-maintained buildings. But it needs more money to keep going, school officials say.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/01/26/3202724/pines-charters-want-share-of-broward.html

Broward legislators to tackle topic of school cops and how to pay for them
Public meeting planned Tuesday at 2 p.m. in downtown Fort Lauderdale
The hot topic of how to pay for school cops will be the primary focus of a public meeting Tuesday at 2 p.m. The Broward Legislative Delegation meeting, scheduled to end at 4:30 p.m., will take place in commission chambers at the Governmental Center in downtown http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/us/florida/broward-county/fort-lauderdale-PLGEO100100403070000.topic

BSO gives tips on how parents can protect their child from bullying at school
If your child is afraid to go to school, something more sinister than algebra might be behind the unexplained anxiety. The [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/crime-law-justice/police/broward-county-sheriffs-office-ORGOV000075.topic ]Broward Sheriff's Office gives a list of tips on how to identify whether your child is being bullied, and what you can do to stop it. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fort-lauderdale/fl-stop-bullying-tips-20130127,0,7519416.story