Lisa D’Cato
Poinciana Writer

The community of Poinciana can proudly say that in Osceola County the three area high schools have shown improvement in their letter grades. New Dimensions High School is now a top-notch A school. Liberty High School has gone from a D-rating to a beautiful B.
The most improved Osceola County District School is right here in Poinciana. Poinciana High School was the only F-rated school in the county. Those days are gone. Poinciana High students can now say that the school is a B. Under the direction of Principal Belynda Pinkston, the school made important changes in accountability of both staff and students.
Pinkston is a powerhouse, a force of nature not concerned with popularity but focused on goals. I remember when Pinkston first took over in 2009. I snickered at a luncheon we both attended when she said the Poinciana Express was going to bring the school grade up to an A. Somehow, now it does not seem that far from happening.
The school grading system has gone through some revamping. Under the new high school accountability, all district high schools earned an A or a B for the 2009-10 school year. This new high school grading formula includes FCAT performance in reading, math, writing and science. It also uses college readiness in reading and math as measured in SAT/ACT/CPT. Also measured is participation and performance in advance placement classes, duel enrollment, international baccalaureate and industry certifiable classes. Finally, overall graduation rates are factored into the grade.
The Polk County high schools that Poinciana teens are zoned to attend also showed improvements. Haines City High School and Ridge Community High School both improved from a D to a C.
Congratulations to the teachers, staff and students. Now that we know it can be done, we look forward to the great advancements and accomplishments we know you can and will achieve.
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The 2010 Poinciana Christmas Parade was a candy-throwing, spirited good time. Held this past Saturday, the day started with dense, thick fog, which lifted close to the parade start time at 11 a.m.
The parade route was Cypress Parkway, a wonderful sight when devoid of traffic and filled with marching bands, floats and Christmas music. All of the parade participants were fantastic but some stood out and were awarded trophies.
The “Best overall” trophy went again to Living Water Fellowship. Over the years, Living Water is a show-stopper in the parade, with its music, dancing and unique themes. “Best float” was awarded to the Poinciana Area Council. “Best marching band” was Liberty High School. “Best holiday theme” was Iglesia Nuevo Jerusalem. “Best business float” went to Poinciana Area Council, “Best civic group” was won by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. “Best youth group” went to Studio 5,6,7,8 as did “ Best holiday décor.” “Best school” went to Liberty High School. “Most creative” was awarded to First Baptist Church of Poinciana and “Best holiday sounds” was won by Girl Scout Troop 1879.
Great job in spreading that holiday spirit!
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If you have any Poinciana news or information that you would like to share, call Lisa D’Cato at 407-846-7122, e-mail news@osceolanews
gazette.com or fax 407-931-3390.