Latest news with #PatronisElementary
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bay district schools' Eduardo Anastacio is a finalist for statewide award
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Eduardo Anastacio has been named a finalist for the Florida School-Related Employee of the Year. Anastacio is a language assistant at Patronis Elementary. He works one-on-one with students, transitioning to U.S. schools from other countries, to learn English. 'We need people here in Florida especially in this area that speaks more than one language to help all those that come. And, you know, it's it's tough for them knowing no English, and they have to come and interact with everybody. So I'm the middle man. I help them to do this, I'm the bond,' Anastacio said. Holmes County Jail seeks funds for expansion project Back in December, Anastacio was recognized as support employee of the year for Bay District. His principal says she knew from the moment he started working there that he would change the lives of his students. 'They just follow and they hang on his every word. And that is so important in a teacher that they want to hear everything he has to say. And they play and they learn. And that's a great combo. So to watch him work is just an incredible experience. I'm proud to be a part of that,' Patronis Elementary Principal Brooke Loyed said. Anastacio works one on one with students every day but once the bell rings, his day isn't even close to being over. He is currently part of the Bay District Scholars program, which helps current paraprofessionals go back to school for free to get their education degree. So after he spends the day with his students, he helps clean up the school, and then heads over to Gulf Coast State College to attend his classes. Anastacio says getting his degree will help him further help students in the classroom. Lane closures on US 331 northbound for resurfacing project 'I always dreamed to come to America and have a better life. Sounds like cliche, but it's not. And I remember my friends saying, you're not going to live Brazil. Yes, I will one day. Here I am doing the right thing, helping kids, taking kids and being a nice person to the community,' Anastacio said. Anastacio will represent Bay District at the state competition, coming up later this year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bay County administrator has dedicated her life to teaching
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – When it comes to Bay District Schools there is no truer professional than Janice Salares. Over her 55-plus-year career as a teacher and administrator, Salares has gathered plenty of valuable knowledge. 'We consider everybody to be a teacher,' said Salares. 'Our bus drivers, our paras, our support people, our families, our community. School is where everybody comes together and it becomes a great equalizer.' Bay High math interventionist helps students walk the stage Salares is also the founding principal of two prominent schools in Bay County, those being Patronis Elementary and Arnold High School. She states that although it was a challenging task it was made possible due to community support. 'There are no books for opening brand new schools,' Salares went on to say. 'Everybody in your district gets to be involved and again, I celebrate the support of this district and being progressive and the support of community people who were eager to share their generosity and their good fortune.' Salares is the longest-employed administrator in the district so it's fair to say a lot has changed from her first year teaching in 1968 to now. 'The lunch rooms didn't have air conditioning, nor did the cafeterias,' Salares added. 'No technology, we had a globe, we had a yardstick, and we had some books. No concept of technology at all, but it was a community in the classroom.' When looking back on her career Janice is thankful for all the opportunities she's had, but she knows her determination and work ethic are what afforded her those same opportunities. 'I've had blessed opportunities, but I also know I was reliable, I would show up and if I told you I was going to do something, I would die trying,' Salares said. That is what makes Janice Salares a Class Act. If there is someone out there who you think is a Class Act make sure you nominate them today. Everyone who works in a school system is eligible for this award. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New beach toy libraries aim to reduce pollution and provide toys for kids
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Beach toys are one of the main contributors to plastic pollution on our beaches. Patronis Elementary 5th graders and the Construction Academy at J.R. Arnold High School collaborated to create a new initiative to combat the issue. Beach toy libraries not only recycle buckets and shovels but also ensure every child has a toy to play with on the beach. 'It will make sure that the toys don't just get thrown away; it will reduce waste, and it'll also make other kids that come be able to have toys. So, they'll be able to play too, just keep the cycle going,' J.R. Arnold High School senior Maddox Valenti said. Friday marks the 7th anniversary of the Parkland school shooting The toy libraries are trending in beach communities and the initiative aligns with Patronis' mission. 'Our goal at Patronis is to show our students how to make a difference in their community. One of the things our students noticed is that beach toys are left on the beaches when we have a lot of visitors. And so the students started talking and trying to figure out ways to find a solution for that,' Patronis Elementary teacher Kelly Hodges said. 'We started the project with just an idea. To help kids that don't have beach toys to get beach toys, so they can play and have fun on the beach,' Patronis Elementary 5th grader Christian said. 'If people don't have toys, they can play with them, grab some, and then put them back,' Patronis Elementary 5th grader Camryn said. The fifth graders worked with the high schoolers to make their ideas come to life. 'We went on a field trip to Arnold High School and their construction site. It was actually really fun helping him or the males drill this, drill the holes. And that's what we came up with,' Patronis Elementary 5th grader Richard said. The fifth graders wrote the message posted on the box. The students say it means a lot to be able to give back to their community in this way. 'It's nice. It feels good to work on something that's more than just random stuff in the shop. Busy work. You know, it's my favorite class for a reason,' J.R. Arnold High School senior Tyson Kelly said. There are now boxes at Rick Seltzer Park and M.B. Miller Pier Beach Access 1 fully stocked. Panama City Beach kicks off Mardi Gras celebration The boxes will sit near the beach entrances so kids can grab a toy before their feet even touch the sand. Then you can drop the toys back off before you leave for the next kid to enjoy. 'It actually is pretty nice knowing that somebody will be able to get a toy whenever you're there even if you're not there to give them some toys,' Patronis Elementary 5th grader Tracy said. There are two more beach toy libraries that will be installed at Carl Gray Park and along Beach Dr. in Panama City next month. If you want to be a part of this new initiative just bring your gently used toys to either location and drop the toys in the bucket. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
