By Dr. Annette Weissman

April 24, 2009 was a very special day for Sunny Isles Beach Community School, the City of Sunny Isles Beach and me.  It was a picture perfect day with the sunshine matched only by the glow on the faces of the students, parents, and community leaders who assembled for the formal dedication of the school.  

It was a day to focus on the many individuals who were a part of the five year process that began with a commitment to bringing a school to the City.  But, as every speaker noted, the dedication was not about any one person.  It was about a community -- a community that includes Golden Beach and Eastern Shores; a community that includes educators, residents, parents, and municipal leaders; a community that includes passionate, dedicated individuals with a commitment to excellence. 

Of course, at the center of the community are our children and they stole the day!  The student greeters from fourth and fifth grade welcomed our guests with warm smiles and engaging conversation.  As the greeters escorted the guests to the official welcoming site, the guests were entertained by the school’s band. The guests had their pictures taken with our mascot, the Soaring Seahawk, signed the official guest book, and received their personalized name badges before walking through the courtyard to the patio. Along the route, the guests were serenaded by Ms. Disla’s fourth graders who played the recorders.  Once the guests arrived at the program site, the music continued with the melodious sounds of the chorus and the orchestra.  What talent!  What beautiful music!  These talented young musicians created a wonderful ambience for our program.

I opened the program by introducing the Sunny Isles Beach Color Guard who presented the flag.  The pledge was led by Victoria Valencia, a first grade student, and was followed by the chorus singing the Star Spangled Banner.  Then I recognized the dignitaries in the audience from both the municipalities associated with the school and the educators who were there from the feeder pattern, the Region, and the District.  Ms. Enid Weisman, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, related the history of the school beginning with her initial meetings with City leaders, through the construction challenges, and culminating with the City’s decision to donate the land for a public school that would serve three communities.  Ms. Weisman related the chapter about the SIB Education Fund visiting schools, observing and talking with principals, and asking for a principal just like Dr. Weissman who was then Principal of Ojus Elementary. 

Dr. Moran, North Region Director, applauded Dr. Weissman for having the vision and the fortitude to create such an outstanding campus.  He also noted that whenever he visited the school, members of the City government were here as well.  This was just one example of the strong partnership between the City and the school.

Dr. Martin Karp, School Board Member from the SIB District, recalled the numerous phone calls he received from the City, the parents, Dr. Weissman, and the Region regarding the timely opening of the school.  He credited the cooperation of all the members of the team from the project manager to the town manager for meeting the deadlines.  Dr. Karp concurred with the City leaders that they made a very wise investment in the future when they decided to build a school. 

Mr. Norman Edelcup, Mayor of Sunny Isles Beach, described the City’s transition over the past few years and the administration’s desire to meet the needs of the burgeoning number of young residents who wanted a local school for their children.  He spoke with overwhelming pride of the cooperation, dedication, and commitment of all the stakeholders involved with this project.  As a result of everyone’s hard work, the children have a wonderful opportunity to grow and learn in their own community.

And who better to speak to those opportunities than a student.   Belen Malla, a sixth grade student, asked the guests to picture themselves in her world.  She asked them if they had attended a school with an ocean and bay view; if they had classrooms equipped with the most up-to-date technology; and if they had teachers who motivated them to learn, to excel and to lead.  She told the audience that her world is Sunny Isles Beach Community School and that she is grateful for the many opportunities the school offers all of the students.

In addition to Belen’s words, the voices of the children were heard throughout the day as students escorted guests around the campus and shared their joy in being students at the school. Their voices also resonated throughout the program as the choir proudly sang the school song and other musical numbers.

Mr. Bob Welsh, Chairman of the SIB Education Trust and member of the original planning team, shared more of the history from the City’s perspective and recognized many individuals who were instrumental in moving a concept to a reality.

Ms. Natalie Daly, PTSA President, spoke about the excitement of the day and the feelings of the parents who are so very pleased with the school.  I used this opportunity to let the entire audience know how grateful I am to the women who worked so hard this year to help SIB soar.  In addition, I had to thank the ladies who planned and executed this special day with me. 

It was a day to remember the labors of the past, the excitement of today, and the promise of tomorrow.