00:00:00.440 - 00:00:20.760

for her dry. Thanks. Mhm. Our guests. We don't want you to stand. So we are getting more chairs in this section. So we'll have you seated in just a moment. But we want to begin because our superintendent said it wasn't going to rain. So we want to make sure that he could live up to his province.

00:00:21.640 - 00:00:39.280

I want to welcome you to our ceremony. You know, we've been working so closely with our architects and our construction crew and the project managers that we have become one big Miami shores family. They are doing a marvelous job, and we're very, very happy to have you with us here.

00:00:39.280 - 00:02:50.560

Today is going to be a wonderful day. Would you please stand at this time for the calls of colours and the plenty of allegiance led by John cost to our student council president. Thank you. Mhm. Yeah, Yeah. Now, please join me for the Pledge of Allegiance.

00:02:52.340 - 00:03:46.250

My pleasure. Leisure is to the flag the United States of America. And generally we're just standing one nation under God, invisible with liberty and justice for all. Now Juanita Vendor with The Star Spangled Banner. Mhm. Oh, my batons. Arlene fly. What? So proud I am ever y lies less clean Who's worse Stripes and bright stars through the pain.

00:03:46.640 - 00:04:45.300

Oh, that's by for the round We was was so good. A strange Yeah. Okay, well, gave through the night. That a flag? Words still bad? Oh, say, does that star spangled there? No, Evelyn, I'm Oh, I'm not mhm. And uh huh. Mhm. Please be seated. Thank you very much.

00:04:45.310 - 00:05:07.860

Wanted to. That was beautiful. At this time. I'd like to introduce our region Superintendent, this is Carol Cortez who will bring the world. Okay. Boy, that was beautiful, Judy, That was just marvelous Welcome. I guess that's my part. On the agenda is to welcome you and I.

00:05:08.240 - 00:05:25.450

This is one project that I was really, really happy to see a groundbreaking app because Miami Shores invented that phrase. The Band Aid approached overcrowding. They have been as creative as anybody that I've seen in terms of taking care of the number of students that are here.

00:05:25.840 - 00:05:47.480

Hopefully between this project and the advent of the opening of new schools, um, you students are going to have an opportunity to really see what a real classroom is like and be able to to really enjoy the fruits of what is going on. I'd like to thank the architect, Monrovia's Okolobo for all of his patients and support out here.

00:05:47.510 - 00:06:09.560

And I look forward to this project. Really, Uh, being completed in a very professional manner. Thank you. Yeah, Thank you very much. Mrs Cortez, we appreciate you being here this morning at this time. It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you our newly elected chairperson of the school board.

00:06:10.140 - 00:06:39.760

This is Janet. Are maca Lily who will bring the introduction. Okay. Yeah, well, we have had many happy occasions right here in this band shell. I remember when Miami Shores was designated a national school of Excellence. And here we are again, beginning a construction program which we feel will be in keeping with the excellence that everyone associates with Miami Shores Elementary School.

00:06:40.640 - 00:07:14.940

It is my pleasure to introduce to you a school board member and vice Chairperson Betsy Kaplan who is with us today. Yes. She is a our teacher at Miami Shores Elementary School. Proud to come home today. Uh, Dr Rosa Castro Feinberg, Another school board member, Linda Robinson, representing school board member.

00:07:14.940 - 00:08:03.970

William Turner and Sylvia Leslie, representing Homes. Braddock School Board We have Carol Rennick, executive director of community relations. Dr T. S. Greer, Deputy Superintendent, Dade County Pocket Bob Thomas, Region for director and the Feeder Pattern Principles. So I think it is so wonderful of you to turn out and happy events at other schools in your feeder patterns.

00:08:03.970 - 00:08:48.360

So it's my pleasure to introduce Marguerite Rayford Principle, Little River Elementary School. Okay, Marianne Anisha Principle to Central Overture Elementary. Brenda Edwards, Principal Shadow Lawn Elementary John Williams Principle of Edison Park Elementary Robert Snyder, Principal Horace Mann A little school and will a young principle of Miami Edison Senior High School Mhm.

00:08:49.240 - 00:09:27.650

We are also delighted to have here with us today. Oh, Judy Mats, administrative assistant to Dr Michael Crops, school board member. We are delighted to have from the community of the honorable Henry Courtney, council member and former mayor of the Village of Miami Shores when you start, and Gail McDonough, manager of the Village of Miami Shores, Pat Duffy, president of the Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce.

00:09:29.240 - 00:10:18.370

That's right, Mhm. And Jim Reader, the mayor of Biscayne Park, who is also an alumnus. of my element. And let's see, Crazy and Kathy Martin are to president here at night. A short Ah, Adele Corey Graham, former first lady of the state of Florida and former troopers here at 90 Shorts Element and Virginia Blue Tabbies tapes.

00:10:18.380 - 00:10:54.900

Virginia Blue tapes. A love night. I'll buy. Yeah, right. And then we have our architects without who we would not be able to do all of these wonderful things here. Um, representing the roo architects and planners incorporated Elizabeth, Ill race president. And? And we'll raise school tomorrow, Mr.

00:10:56.140 - 00:11:30.130

Yeah, well, so I'm like Mr Manuel Reyes? Yeah. Like to speak towards us to build morning distinguished for members dependent on all of our guests here, a day like this is a very important day for, uh, for an architecture and itself almost like giving birth. Except, you know, it's just like that of your child.

00:11:30.130 - 00:12:11.770

Except in this case, it's really all about teamwork. It's not just I really want to people. And I wanted to address a few remarks that has happened with the school with your parents, with your teachers. And I'm particularly excited about the fact that the school has seized on the opportunity to have your work on projects that teach you a little bit about how this whole thing is taking place, that you're all I understand doing projects that have to do with the construction of this project and what you really need to learn beyond that is that it takes a lot of people to do all this is not just the architect, but it takes the board members and the superintendent, and it takes a lot of people.

00:12:12.740 - 00:12:31.650

Thank you. First of all, that we need an addition to the school and then a lot of people building it. The contractor in this case also happens to be an alumnus of the school. Bob stops. And so it's kind of an old a lot of familiar relationships, and we've become like one big family.

00:12:32.040 - 00:12:57.950

We have really enjoyed working with the staff, and we look forward to completing this project successfully. Um, last but not least, I think one person who deserves mention here is Alex Gerster, who's been our project manager in Chief Engineer ER construction project manager. Um and, uh, we look forward to a lot of teamwork and you will learn more about teamwork as you grow up and you learn that life being successful in life has a lot to do with teamwork.

00:12:57.960 - 00:13:24.160

Thank you. Okay. Right. Yeah. One of the engineers on this project is Irene Fraga from Fraga Engineers. Is Ms Fraga here today? Well, girls, I know you're going to see her around the school from time to time and just realize that you, too, can grow up to be an engineer if you want to.

00:13:24.740 - 00:13:58.800

Important part of your uhh learning here. Yeah. And Maurice Gray, president of the Maurice Gray Associates. Um, Robert Stabs was already mentioned, but I think that it would be my pleasure to mention him again. He is someone who has been involved with the school system for quite some time as a member of our minority and Women Business Enterprise Program chaired that committee for an extended period of time.

00:13:58.800 - 00:14:24.900

We appreciate his service to the school system and are looking forward to a very successful project here with Mr Stabs company involved with it. And of course, since he is an alumni of Miami Shores, he will. This is a project that's important to him. And Mr Alex Gerster was already mentioned the A project coordinator for the school system.

00:14:24.910 - 00:14:47.950

So I think that that's about it. And we look forward to a great project, and I hope all of you have a lot of fun doing it. Okay, Right. Thank you very much for his accolades. At this time. We will have the Miami Shores Elementary recorders, and they're going to be directed by Mel Arnold, the music teacher.

00:15:26.140 - 00:17:52.420

Mhm. Yeah! Oh, yeah. Mhm! Mhm! Mhm, Right. Mhm. Yeah. Mm hmm. Yeah, Yeah. Mhm. Yeah. Mhm was He loved it. And I especially loved hearing Melissa West play The Ode to Joy, Beethoven's Ode to Joy. And it made me realize that I had forgotten something very important.

00:17:52.610 - 00:18:22.130

And that is to introduce Robin. Writer Sarah Kelly, the chairperson of our Blue ribbon construction committee, oversees this whole construction program from the Citizens Point of view. Miss Farrah Jelly Robin Writer Farinelli, right? Yeah. And also Mr Henry framed Assistant Superintendent who's standing back. They're back under the tree.

00:18:22.130 - 00:18:43.700

Thank you. Mhm. We won't let anyone get by us today. Right? This bag of Allah Oh, okay. If you will direct your attention to the South Wing, we are delighted to have with our students first through fifth grade. They're called memory through music, and they have quite a reputation.

00:18:43.700 - 00:19:34.860

They have performed throughout the county. Yeah, there are directed by Rush Job and and Harry to second grade teachers. And they do this on their own time in the afternoon. In the evening? Uh huh. You can make me. He denied it was right. But whatever you can make debating, but hey, God damn.

00:19:43.640 - 00:20:55.360

Yeah. Wait. Yeah, All right. Now you are. Yeah. Think about that boy does. I don't care. I will. Not yet. Yeah. I mean, you know, exactly. There I will never find a better way. You know that way. Happy way to grow And, you know and the name of my Yeah, yeah, mhm man.

00:20:56.040 - 00:21:39.270

Yeah, yeah, I will never love a better friend in is over down Yeah, that you can see and that Yeah, I'll never find a better Mhm Mm. Verified at this time it gets great pleasure to introduce to you our superintendent, Mr Octavio Jane, to see a doe.

00:21:46.240 - 00:22:08.760

Good morning. Morning, boys and girls. Morning. I'll do it. Good, Good. I love those sunglasses. We need some of those taken back to the school board meeting for the next meeting. Okay, You know, this school has such a rich history. And as you look around and you see the beautiful trees, you see the beautiful building in the courtyard.

00:22:09.640 - 00:22:32.600

It just sort of reminds you what school should be like and whole item confident that what we will be adding, building not only will add to the educational program of this building, but also to its history. And I'm confident that the architects have taken into account the rich value of the architecture that exists right now.

00:22:32.610 - 00:22:49.160

The trees and all the special things that make this Miami Shores Elementary school the special school that it is. I've been here a lot of meetings. I remember a meeting that we came here. Betsy Kaplan myself sat in that cafeteria where we had a lot of parents.

00:22:49.740 - 00:23:07.830

Uh, there was some heated debates, but the one thing I always remember about this community and about the manner in which they raised the issues is that they always had their primary concern. Children. And you can't get very upset about anybody whose primary concern deals with Children.

00:23:07.910 - 00:23:30.060

That's what the mission of our organization is all about. And that's why we have always had the kind of relationship that the school board has enjoyed over the years with the Miami Shores community and the Miami Shores Children. I recall not too long ago when the bid came up with this project, we had a very difficult decision to make.

00:23:30.540 - 00:23:55.450

And the school board under and pursuant to the motion by Dr Crop in fact, authorized staff to go and look at the possibility because we had had a problem with the lowest bidder to explore the possibility to go to the second lowest bidder if it was legal and appropriate, because they were so concerned that this project get on with it and do it in such a manner that recognizing the needs of the community and the Children.

00:23:55.840 - 00:24:15.460

And fortunately for us, our attorney, our attorney, is determined that it was appropriate to go to the second, uh, lowest bidder. And I must tell you, in many ways you've been very fortunate because stops brothers are then act excellent, excellent contractor, which I'm confident we'll bring this this project in on time and within budget right back.

00:24:17.240 - 00:24:36.270

You all heard it we got. We got a written agreement here, and this is being taped. So in any case, I want to thank all of you. You are very fortunate. You have some architects that are committed to working with this building. You do have an excellent excellent all kidding aside contractor was a gentleman and a professional.

00:24:36.640 - 00:24:53.100

And the students in this building deserve it. The community deserves it. And we are very, very privileged to give you the opportunity. Hopefully, within a short period of time. Have a beautiful new facility and renovated facility that will serve the needs of this community for many, many more years.

00:24:53.100 - 00:25:28.020

Thank you very much. Mhm. Thank you very much. Mr Easier, though at this time. You know, when I called the Bell Gram and told her what we're doing today, She said I wouldn't miss it for the world. We're delighted to have you back, Mrs Graham. Welcome to Minor Shores Elementary, Mr.

00:25:28.020 - 00:25:54.560

Superintendent, Good friend and new chairperson Janet Makalele. Distinguished principles. Della there honored guests. There's so many people here in the audience whom I feel I know so very well and I'm delighted to be a part of this program. today. Friends, family and mommy sure is elementary school, superb tackle and most of all, wonder morning.

00:25:57.840 - 00:26:22.460

I'm so glad nobody part of your groundbreaking ceremony. This is a day to reflect on the goodness of this community and the goodness of this school I know in the audience might pal from elementary school Jenny Blue and Jim Reader and Ray Carroll Ho Zakhar all hear anyone else from those days of the forties.

00:26:23.140 - 00:26:47.620

Early fifties. Yeah, it was great to have you all here. And thank you for making this effort for our how proud be to be a national school of Excellence To have the first press Florida designated as the national distinguished Principle. I know of the excellent parental involvement in this school with the volunteer efforts.

00:26:47.660 - 00:27:23.950

And I know of your many awards. Congratulations to all of you who have made this possible. I thought I'd few moments today to kind of reflect on life. What, Back in the forties, These were my growing up years here in Miami Shores Village when there was simply a main street, a village store, Mackenzie's five and Dime Food Palace, Blacks Pharmacy, where we all kind of hung out life standard around this water.

00:27:24.440 - 00:27:52.130

Yeah, the community center and the tiny village itself. Those were the war years, and there was such turmoil around us. I had five teachers in the first grade. Can you imagine that? People had to move so frequently because of the war. But things settled down the second year I had Mrs MacMillan the third year I had Mrs Brown boys and girls.

00:27:52.130 - 00:28:14.560

She was really something. When we were good Children, she would go behind her door into a secret cabinet where she had peanut butter and crackers. And we really enjoyed that. We were in a portable out back somewhere. And I can remember that so vividly today. That was the best peanut butter I've ever had had Mrs Moran in the fourth grade.

00:28:15.240 - 00:28:31.660

And I had Mrs Gann in the 5th and 6th grade. I remember all these teachers without even looking back on my report card. That's how important they were. To me. Mrs. Gann was very, very special because I shared her for two years. And you know what she did for us?

00:28:32.440 - 00:29:00.270

She took our class to Cuba for one, we to study the island nation and to learn more about. Yes. My mother worked right here in the office. We had one car. My daddy traveled a lot and she was a secretary here in the office. And you know how I got to school?

00:29:01.040 - 00:29:24.760

She told me to school on her bicycle. I thought that was a great, wonderful adventure for three years. That's how I got to school. My daddy was was president of the Daddy's Club, and I believe he was the first one of the first people to raise money to add this band shell as well as the fence that goes around the school.

00:29:26.440 - 00:29:50.460

My mother was president of the PTA. Now, at this very same time that she was present of Marty Shores Elementary School to Bob's mother. My husband's mother was president of the Hialeah Elementary School to they became lifelong friends. As a result of this, Mr Lange was our principle.

00:29:51.340 - 00:30:17.760

You know what he did? Every single grading period, he would line us up. He wouldn't measure us, he would weigh up. Everybody would live. And do you know they would applaud when it was my turn? Because I was always the tallest one. I can remember collecting money for the March of Dimes to find a cure for polio bringing money in for war stamps.

00:30:18.740 - 00:30:39.050

I can remember the rock pit that was across the street from the school. You now there, homes all around. But that was so scary because we were always frightened. Somebody would tumble into the rock pit. And so we formed the Rocket Ranger Club. Well, one of the nicest memories of all was our music teacher.

00:30:39.640 - 00:30:59.350

The music today has been absolutely beautiful, but we had a beautiful music. Teachers had long black hair and we thought, prettiest person we've ever seen, and we sang and sang out of our little yellow book. Now I'm the mother of four daughters myself, two of whom are elementary school teachers.

00:30:59.940 - 00:31:38.860

What is a lawyer and one is a Capitol Hill staffer. It seems like yesterday when I attended this fine school which today so strongly continues the success of dedication to community, the commitment of teachers and staff as a graduate of Miami Shores Elementary Village, kindergarten in 1944 and Miami shores element how good it is to be a part of this groundbreaking ceremony of the significant addition to your mhm and institutions educating people so long for so very well.

00:31:39.640 - 00:32:04.600

Yeah. Thank you, boys and girls. Mr Style. Wonderful architect faculty, dude. Most of all for letting me be a part of this day and for letting me reminisce about my peanut butter day. I am proud to be a part of the Miami Shores elementary family, and I brought my scrapbook.

00:32:04.610 - 00:32:27.270

So any of you who would like to see me graduated from kindergarten? I have it in the library. Thank you very much, right? Yeah, very, very much. Mrs Graham. You know, I don't think I'll have the time as Mr Langen to wait you and to measure you.

00:32:27.740 - 00:32:46.840

How many students were in that school? Oh, but we do lots of other things. Don't. Captain's tied. It gives me a great deal of pleasure to introduce to you two of our students, a annual Barranco and Ryan Hampton who will give reflections of 1/5 grader. Yeah.

00:32:51.240 - 00:33:17.250

Mhm. Okay. Thank you, Mrs Air. Very special day here. Sure. Oh, The groundbreaking ceremony for the new addition to our I remember my first school. It was very scary because school was bigger than my pre K school and the kids were bigger too. But my kindergarten teacher, Mr Ross John, was so nice.

00:33:17.250 - 00:33:42.760

I forgot all about right. I've had great. Okay, Bad time. It's like a wonderful teacher each year being a part of and academic excellence program gymnastics, Churchill and so much more Miami shows all much a great part of my life Since kindergarten, I've seen the school grow over the years.

00:33:43.140 - 00:34:03.640

However, now there are more. Then there is school. That is why the new edition. It is very important to us because now we will have enough space for all of our all of for me. This occasion is both historic and I I am very happy part of the ceremony.

00:34:03.650 - 00:34:26.260

Thank you. And he is right. Today is a very special day for me. As I reflect on my six years here at Miami Shores Elementary School. I'm in fifth grade and I have been attending the school since kindergarten. My relationship with this school actually began before I was born.

00:34:27.540 - 00:34:46.960

My mother attended the school as a child for six years and then returned here during her senior year in college to intern with her second with her former second grade teacher. She was hired the next September and taught here for 12 years. During that time, both my older sister and I were born.

00:34:48.340 - 00:35:06.160

Mom was teaching summer school on August 8th, 1980 I was born day on August 9. So you can see that this this is truly a second home for me and my family. I can still remember how nervous I was that first day of kindergarten. Six years ago.

00:35:06.740 - 00:35:25.060

My kindergarten teacher, Mr Russ Johnson, was the greatest. He really taught me to love learning and made every day more fun than a day before. We were crowded, but we learned and had a great year. I didn't think I could ever be happy with a new teacher in first grade, but of course I was wrong.

00:35:25.640 - 00:35:51.530

Each year just got better, and also our school continued to grow numbers. I have grown up from a nervous kindergarten student to 1/5 grader, soon ready for middle school, and I'm proud my school. I won't miss Miami Shores Elementary very much when I graduate this year, even though very big school, even though we have been overcrowded since I've been here, I have always felt like I know everyone will.

00:35:51.870 - 00:36:11.460

And my teachers and principal have been the best. Mrs Air and all the teachers and staff really care about each and every one of us. Here we are. You're not just to celebrate the addition of this beautiful and much needed building, but also to celebrate the school's excellent and commitment to all of its students.

00:36:11.830 - 00:36:31.360

This is a great day for a great school. Thank you. Mhm. Okay. Sorry about John Ryan. I wanted to point out, you know, Russ Johnson say was mentioned twice. I think you should realize that he was part of the director of our memory to music and is now a second grade teacher.

00:36:31.360 - 00:36:59.470

They wrote their own speeches, and when I heard his name twice that wonderful one impression that you made on these two students and now at this time, have a Yes, it is our Sunday the students that are sitting on the stage. Our students have been here since kindergarten and they are going to entertain you with the Miami Shores Self Esteem song that was written and directed by Darlene French White, our trust fascists and Irish Mints.

00:36:59.480 - 00:39:05.350

1/5 grade teacher. Yeah, no being in love. We want that wait. Anything goes down? Mhm. Yeah. Mhm. Thank you very, very much. They look like a great group to begin middle school in the fall. You know, I can't tell you enough about having such a wonderful group here today.

00:39:05.350 - 00:39:24.960

And I just want to thank you for joining us. And witnessing this latest and very significant change in the long and celebrated history of mine assures elementary and you can see it has a long heritage. It's hard to imagine that when our first principle opened these doors for the first time 62 years ago, Herbert Hoover was president.

00:39:24.960 - 00:39:45.030

The United States and Miami Shores was just a small suburb of Miami that first school day damn, with 80 students and six teachers. And today we have over 1600 and 90 teachers, and we have come a long way. The operation of the school of this size is a challenge and a cooperative endeavor.

00:39:45.520 - 00:40:05.130

And I'd like to take just a moment to acknowledge the contributions of our to our advisory committees have been so generous with their time and support, and of course, we must acknowledge the wonderful relationships that we have with our day partners and a special note effects to the mayor of Miami Shores and the council members and the manager.

00:40:05.300 - 00:40:22.750

They have real, genuine concern, and they do support us and last. But it's certainly not least, you know you can't run a school alone. I want to give a great big kudos symbol okay of appreciation to our terrific staff and students, and they are the ones that all make it happen.

00:40:23.410 - 00:40:48.630

And, you know, we have lots in our community and the school system care about our school and our system and its witness today. And they have care and concern in this groundbreaking for our wonderful new edition. And it's very fitting that the anniversary a friend Kennedy's assassination, we take the initiative to improve our schools, to provide a better environment for our Children.

00:40:49.110 - 00:41:11.360

After all, it was he President Kennedy who challenged us, ask us what we could do for our country, and in conclusion, I just really want to take this opportunity to again thank our superintendent, Mr Viciedo and our school board chairperson, Janet Makalele, and all of our honored guest and alumna and Adele Graham for taking time out of her busy schedule.

00:41:11.370 - 00:41:32.020

We really appreciate all of our distinguished guests being here and taking time to celebrate our growth and our continued commitment to excellence. And, you know, a program of this type matter how short, how long it is and how much planning takes place could not be done without the cooperation of a lot of people.

00:41:32.410 - 00:41:53.790

I just wanted to singly mentioned Mrs Linda Jacobs, who has been so instrumental she's a part of the heritage of this school. And she has been just invaluable for planning today. Thank you, Linda. Yeah, course. You know, count on media specialists and teachers, and I can't mention them off.

00:41:53.800 - 00:42:13.670

But while we're all getting ready for this groundbreaking, who's running the school? I have two wonderful assistant principals. I must mention them. They're just outstanding. Gloria Barnes and Bertha paying back there in the back. They make sure everything happy while we are organized. Now, at this time, we're going to begin the groundbreaking.

00:42:13.680 - 00:42:30.110

And after the groundbreaking, we want you to join us in the library for refreshment. And I guess our guests, our honored guest. So please join us over here and Mr Stops. You're gonna help us with the hard hats. And shall we? We're ready to go. Okay.

00:42:32.800 - 00:43:31.930

Right. Yeah. Mhm. Mm. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm sorry. My work. Yeah. All right. I'll bet you can. You go check. Right? Here's a list of things. Yeah, Yeah. Mhm, of course. Yeah, right. Yeah. Protection. Yeah. Why don't we got easy dirt here? Yeah. All right. Okay.

00:43:33.800 - 00:44:27.930

Okay. Right. Yeah. Mhm. Yes. Hello? Yesterday. What are we doing together? Look inside here. Good. Uh, you are already? Uh huh. That looks like you're ready. So on three. Ready one girl. Great. No more, Right? Please. Yeah.