Creek immersion program speaking volumes at PECS Education by Beverly Bidney - October 29, 2015 BRIGHTON — The room was like any other day care center; babies sat on caregivers’ laps and clapped along to the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and the "ABCs." But what made this room special was language. Everything from the cartoons to the conversation was in Creek. The sign on the door to
Kids fired up for fire safety Education by Eileen Soler - October 29, 2015 When children are raised to respect fire as a daily and necessary part of life, teaching them about the dangers of flames can be tricky, according to the Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue Department. "Herbert Jim once called us ‘the fire keepers,’" said Fire Marshal Robert Brown. "So during National Fire Prevention
Reese Bert Jr. finds his niche in auto repair Education by Beverly Bidney - October 29, 2015October 29, 2015 BRIGHTON — As a recent automotive graduate of Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Orlando, Reese Bert Jr. feels like a kid playing with Legos again. "It’s fun to put things together and know you did it right," said Bert, 21, who graduated Sept. 4. Bert wasn’t always interested in cars, but he
Kitchen competition boosts teen teamwork Education by Beverly Bidney - October 29, 2015 HOLLYWOOD — The Hollywood Boys & Girls Club kitchens were transformed into competitive arenas recently as teens worked to outdo each other in a pair of after-school cook-offs. At stake were bragging rights and popsicles; winners got the glory while losers had cleanup duty. The good-natured contests were designed to build camaraderie
Prayer at pole events bring God to school Education by Eileen Soler - October 29, 2015October 29, 2015 Prayer is as welcome at Seminole schools as pencils, books and recess. "I am thankful that our Tribe honors God and that you all are able to be standing here today for Him," Josh Jumper said to more than 100 Ahfachkee School students, teachers, parents and community leaders gathered just after
New Student Council takes office at PECS Education by Rachel Buxton - October 29, 2015 BRIGHTON — Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School held its annual Student Council inauguration ceremony Sept. 24 in the school gymnasium. Parents, community members, fellow students and staff watched as Brighton Councilman Andrew J. Bowers Jr. swore in the 10 elected Student Council representatives. The elected representatives raised their right hands and placed their
Students dress to impress at annual clothing contest Education by Rachel Buxton - October 29, 2015 BRIGHTON — Students donned their best patchwork and Seminole attire Sept. 24 for Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School’s annual traditional clothing contest in the school’s gymnasium. Members of the Seminole Police and Seminole Fire Rescue departments served as judges. Boys and girls from each grade vied for first-place ribbons as they
Lee Zepeda named Education director Education by Beverly Bidney - September 30, 2015September 30, 2015 Lee Zepeda, a former teacher and principal at Ahfachkee School, was recently tapped to serve as Education Department director as the new school year began. "This was a huge opportunity to step back into education again," Zepeda said. "It’s an opportunity to refocus the department and remind ourselves we are supposed
Seminole Tribe’s youngest celebrate Indian Day with gators, games galore Education by Eileen Soler - September 30, 2015September 30, 2015 Indian Day celebrations came earliest for the youngest Tribal members Sept. 18 when preschool students tribalwide attended simultaneous events to honor culture, tradition and Seminole pride. Thommy Doud, director of the Tribe’s preschools, said nearly 220 children participated in Indian Day happenings at the same time in Immokalee, Big Cypress, Hollywood
Foreign exchange students learn about first Americans Education by Eileen Soler - September 30, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Foreign exchange students from Italy who visited the United States in early September learned more than they expected after a day-long educational adventure at Billie Swamp Safari. "I had no idea that when we would tour America we would come here. I never made the connection that the