Suncoast Community High School
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| Established | 1955 |
|---|---|
| Type | Public (magnet) secondary |
| Principal | Linda Cartlidge |
| Students | 1367 |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Location | Riviera Beach, Florida, United States |
| District | Palm Beach County School District |
| Campus | Suburban |
| Colors | Green and gold |
| Mascot | Chargers |
| Yearbook | 'Renaissance' |
| Band | The Chargersonic Sound |
| Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Florida State Department of Education |
| Website | palmbeach.k12.fl.us/SuncoastHs/ |
Suncoast Community High School is a public magnet high school (grades 9-12) in Riviera Beach, Florida.
The campus was built in 1955 as Riviera Beach High School. Renamed in 1970, Suncoast became a magnet school in 1989. All students belong to one or two of the school's four magnet programs: International Baccalaureate (IB), Math, Science, and Engineering (MSE), Computer Science (CS), or the Interdisciplinary Program (IDP).
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[edit] History
Suncoast's campus was built in 1955 as Riviera Beach High School. During the 1950s and 1960s, Riviera Beach High School was known for both its academics and its athletics. The Riviera Beach High Hornets were particularly strong in men's basketball, with games against rival Palm Beach High School routinely drawing packed crowds.
While Riviera Beach High School had been desegregated during the 1960s (by the end of the decade the school's student population was approximately 15 percent black and 85 percent white), a court order to desegregate all schools in the School District of Palm Beach County resulted in nearby J.F. Kennedy High School, where the student body was almost entirely African-American, being converted to a junior high school, now J.F. Kennedy Middle School. Beginning in 1970, black students who had been going to J.F. Kennedy High School, or who had anticipated going there, were forced to attend what had been the mostly white Riviera Beach High, which had been renamed Suncoast and given the new mascot of the chargers.
Suncoast's first year was marred by major race riots that received national media coverage, with police using tear gas and helicopters to break up rock-throwing and fights between mobs of black and white students. Racial tensions remained high at the school over the next several years, and while there were no more riots on the scale of 1970-71, there was a gradual exodus of white students from Suncoast High as their families either enrolled them in private or parochial schools, or moved. By the late 1980s, the racial makeup of Suncoast's student population was more segregated than it had been 20 years before.
In 1989 Suncoast, along with Atlantic High in Delray Beach and S.D. Spady Elementary School, became a magnet school. The institution of magnet programs was originally opposed by several black organizations and some teacher's unions.[1][2] The principal at the time was Kay Carnes, who remained Suncoast's principal for 15 years before stepping down at the end of the 2004 school year.) Current Suncoast students and prospective students were required to apply in late spring, and minimum GPA and new dress code were adopted.[3][4] About 150 former Suncoast students left the school this year and moved to either Palm Beach Gardens or Jupiter high school (which the previous school year had enrollments of more than 2000 compared with Suncoast's 666). About 350 Suncoast students stayed.[5]
The introduction of the IB program improved greatly racial balance at the school; in this year of the introduction of the magnet program 71 percent of Suncoast's students were black (despite improving its racial balance by 19.3 percent that year).[6] Suncoast was the target of an investigation beginning on June 2, 1987 by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights. The investigation began after parents complained in a letter-writing campaign to state and federal officials that the School Board and then-Superintendent Tom Mills allowed Suncoast and John F. Kennedy Junior High to become segregated black schools, allowing enrollment to decline and facilities to become run down.[7] Two years earlier Mills had proposed busing white students from southern Jupiter to integrate Suncoast, but Jupiter parents opposed the plan and it was dropped.[8]
[edit] Academics
Students apply to Suncoast via the Palm Beach County School District's Magnet and Choice School Application Form. Applicants apply for a specific program or programs and are admitted into the school by a selective lottery after the top 10 percent of applicants (based upon Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) scores, teacher recommendations, and grades) are admitted. Additionally, students who complete the IB Middle Years Programme at an area middle school, such as John F. Kennedy Middle School, are automatically admitted.
Students in the International Baccalaureate program take IB classes. Although the IB program is only the junior and senior years, freshmen and sophomores take "pre-IB" classes. Foreign language is an IB requirement; Suncoast offers three: Spanish, French, and (since the 2005-2006 school year, Mandarin Chinese. Many students dual-enroll with Palm Beach Community College or Florida Atlantic University through the Palm Beach County School District's Dual-Enrollment Program.
The Math, Science, and Engineering Program (MSE) concentrates on mathematics, science (particularly physics), and engineering. Suncoast MSE and MSE/IB dual-enrolled sophomores take AP Physics B, as well as Pre-IB Chemistry and Calculus AB. MSE and MSE/IB juniors take AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, as well as an Engineering Research class, and Calculus II/III (half a year of what otherwise would be called "Calculus BC" and half a year of Multivariable Calculus). As Seniors, both MSE and MSE/IB students take a semester of Differential Equations, and a semester of Matrix Theory, taught through the same dual-enrollment program. Students in only the MSE Program take AP Chemistry and AP Biology, those in MSE/IB take IB Higher-Level Physics (Physics III), as well as a semester of further engineering research. All MSE Students are required to complete a Science fair project (many have been selected to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair), and to take two engineering classes at Florida Atlantic University's Engineering Scholars' Program, a Florida Governor's Summer Program of Excellence.
Computer Science (CS) focuses on computer science, mostly computer programming and programming languages (Java and C++).
The Interdisciplinary Program (IDP) is a general college preparatory program.
The College Board named Suncoast the "Exemplary AP Comparative Government and Politics" program among schools with 1000 students or more, with the world's largest percentage of mastery (passing) scores for that AP exam in 2005.[9]. AP Comparative Government is no longer offered at Suncoast.
Newsweek has listed Suncoast in its annual "Best High Schools in America" list, which ranks public high schools according to their score in the "Challenge Index" developed by Washington Post columnist Jay Mathews. The scale is a ratio that divides the number of AP, IB, and Cambridge exams taken by all students at a school, divided by the number of graduating seniors. (The scale does not measure how many students passed the exams and also excludes schools with average SAT scores above 1300 or average ACT scores above 27—these are categorized as "Public Elite" schools). Currently, Suncoast is ranked #3 (index 10.387).[10]
| Year | Ranking | Index | Subs. Lunch* | E&E* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | #3 | 10.387 | 15 | 85 |
| 2007 | #5 | 8.395 | 17 | 77 |
| 2006 | #7 | 7.532 | 37 | -- |
- "Subs. Lunch" is the percentage of students who qualify for federally-subsidized free or reduced lunch, an indictator of low-income students at the school.[11]
- "E&E" is the "Equity and Excellence," the Newsweek name for the percentage of all graduating seniors, who had at least one score of 3 or above on at least one AP test sometime in high school (including those who took an AP test but not an AP course).[12]
[edit] Extracurricular activities
Suncoast's National Physics Competition, speech and debate, Academic Games,[13] FIRST Robotics Competition, Mu Alpha Theta, and Academic WorldQuest[14][15] teams have also won nationally.
The Suncoast marching band performed at the 2007 New Year's Day Parade in London.[16] The "Chargersonic Sound" also performed in Paris on New Year's Day, 2008.
The Suncoast Concert Choral has performed with many remarkable talents, and recently performed the John Rutter Requiem at the 2008 Masterworks Festival in the famous Carnegie Hall theater.
[edit] Athletics
Suncoast is a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), and competes in the 4-A division. Varsity sports include basketball, baseball, football, tennis, soccer, softball, volleyball, golf, lacrosse, cross-country, track, water polo, and swimming.
In 2006, the girls' varsity volleyball team won the State 4A Championship. In 1981, the football team reached the state finals, but lost to Palatka 42-2. The football team was the district champion in 1984 and 2002. The boys' cross-country team qualified for the state meet for five consecutive years from 1998-2002. The girls' track team was the state champion for four years in a row from 1999-2002.
The boys' basketball team won state championships in 1984, 1985, and 1990. The 1990 team, led by future NBA point guard Anthony Goldwire, went 36-0. Former wide receiver Anthony Carter was a three-time All-American for the Michigan Wolverines and was inducted into the College Hall of Fame eventually playing in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions. Devin Hester '02 played Miami Hurricanes football and currently plays for the Chicago Bears.[17]
DaJuan Morgan played NC State Wolfpack football and currently plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. His brother DeAndre Morgan '06 plays for NC State.[18]
[edit] Principals
- Fredeva Nelson (1984-1987) - was removed June 30, 1987 "as the district struggled to overcome bad publicity." Nelson was demoted to an attendance specialist tracking truancy, and her salary dropped more than $20,000, down to $36,131. Nelson filed a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission claiming the reason for her demotion was that she was female, black and was 50 years old. The Commission ruled March 9, 1989, that the school district did not discriminate.[19] Nelson later became principal of the Redemptive Life Academy in West Palm Beach.[20]
- Terry Andrews (1987-1989) - called "Rambo" and "Arnold Schwarzenegger" by students because of his weightlifting and reputation as a "no-nonsense principal" who reduced absenteeism and improved discipline,[21] Andrews, from Gainesville, was transferred to Palm Beach Lakes High School in 1989.[22] In 1989 he was one of 18 principals awarded Education Commissioner Betty Castor's Principal Recognition Award for Outstanding Leadership.[23] He also was a black belt in Taekwondo.[24]
- Kay A. Carnes (1989-2004) - Carnes presided over the first 15 years of magnet programs. Recognized as one of four outstanding Florida high school principals in the state by Education Commissioner Frank Brogan in 1998,[25] Carnes was credited with much of the magnet programs' success. She was also noted for an exceptionally long term as principal of the same school in a district where principal turnover is high.[26] Carnes retired at the end of the 2004 school year, having been recognized as an "energetic...pioneering principal."[27]
- Gloria A. Crutchfield (2004-2008) - Crutchfield's tenure was marked by controversy, including a split among administration, students, and parents,[28] along with the unexplained firing of school football coach Jimmie Bell.[29] Crutchfield was criticized by some for losing support from the community[30] and for higher staff turnover. On May 4, 2008, it was announced that Gloria Crutchfield would be leaving Suncoast to the nearby John F. Kennedy Middle School. Superintendent Art Johnson says that the move is "a promotion"; the Palm Beach Post wrote that "Crutchfield's departure may be a relief for some faculty members and parents who have described her as a dictatorial figure who rarely returns phone calls, alienates parents and has caused many good veteran teaches to leave. In three years, 37 teachers have left, more than one-third of the staff."[31] Crutchfield was also criticized for "jetting to Canada, California, Nevada, Tennessee, the Bahamas and Paris for school business trips and training seminars" paid for by the school district.[32]
- Linda Cartlidge (2008-present). The former West Riviera Elementary School teacher and adjunct professor is the current principal.[33]
[edit] Trivia
- Jeffrey Mart, a Martin County attorney who was disbarred for five years by the Florida Supreme Court in 1989 for mishandling over $1 million from a client's trust fund, became an acclaimed science teacher at Suncoast, being named "Outstanding Teacher of the Year in Student Activities."[34]
[edit] References
- ^ Gienger, Viola. "Choice debate buzzes into county schools." Palm Beach Post 28 Aug. 1989.
- ^ Mailander, Jodi. "Magnet school test: Segregation or its solution?" Palm Beach Post 27 Aug. 1989.
- ^ Tolley, Scott. "Chargers bask in surprising success." Palm Beach Post 5 Oct. 1989.
- ^ Schaefer, Maria. "Suncoast off to good start in magnet school program." Palm Beach Post 4 Oct. 1989
- ^ Mailander, Jodi. "Magnet school test: Segregation or its solution?" Palm Beach Post 27 Aug. 1989.
- ^ Mailander, Jodi. "69% of county schools mostly segregated." Palm Beach Post. 5. Dec. 1989.
- ^ Gienger, Viola. "U.S. agency finds bias in schools; Investigation prompted by Suncoast complaints." Palm Beach Post 14 Nov. 1989.
- ^ Horine, Don. "School board jumbles busing puzzle." "Palm Beach Post 6 Nov. 1989.
- ^ "Advanced Placement Report to the Nation 2005." College Board. 2005. [1]
- ^ "The Top of the Class: The complete list of the 1,300 top U.S. schools." Newsweek. [2]
- ^ Mathews, Jay. "FAQ: Best High Schools: Frequently asked questions about NEWSWEEK's top U.S. high-schools list." Newsweek 18 May 2008.
- ^ Mathews, Jay. "FAQ: Best High Schools: Frequently asked questions about NEWSWEEK's top U.S. high-schools list." Newsweek 18 May 2008.
- ^ "Local students score big in national Academic Games." Palm Beach Post 27 June 1999.
- ^ McBroom, Katie. "Suncoast students win Academic WorldQuest." Palm Beach Post 6 March 2005.
- ^ McBroom, Katie. "Suncoast vs. the world." In "Lakes tops schools in money raised for MDA benefit." Palm Beach Post 8 May 2005.
- ^ Jefferson, Stebbins. "Help Suncoast band march proudly." Palm Beach Post 11 Nov. 2006.
- ^ Lieser, Jason. "Hester enjoys his spotlight." Palm Beach Post 28 Oct. 2007.
- ^ "DeAndre Morgan #2." [3]
- ^ "Principal's transfer ruled not discriminatory." Palm Beach Post 6 Apr. 1989.
- ^ Date, S.V. "Florida court strikes down vouchers." Cox 6 Jan. 2006. [4]
- ^ Sullivan, Joe. "Terry Andrews." Palm Beach Post 19 Mar. 1989.
- ^ Gienger, Viola. "4 County High Schools Getting New Principals." Palm Beach Post 25 May 1989.
- ^ Gienger, Viola. "Ex-Suncoast principal wins state award. Palm Beach Post 25 July 1989.
- ^ Madigan, Nick. "Principal gets his kicks, but not on the job." Palm Beach Post 4 June 1989.
- ^ "In School." Palm Beach Post 20 June 1998.
- ^ Desmon, Stephanie. "Principal turnover rate high in district." Palm Beach Post 5 July 2000.
- ^ Shah, Nirvi. "Pioneering principal." Palm Beach Post 18 May 2004.
- ^ Shah, Nirvi. "Suncoast parents besiege principal at raucous forum." Palm Beach Post 15 Mar. 2005.
- ^ Dorsey, Steve. "Meeting yields no answers on coach's firing." Palm Beach Post 28 Sept. 2005.
- ^ Rosenburg, Steven P. "Is Johnson just scheming to increase FCAT grades?" Palm Beach Post 1 Oct. 2005
- ^ DeNardo, Christina. "Criticized principal goes to lagging middle school." 4 May 2008 Palm Beach Post.
- ^ DeNardo.
- ^ DeNardo, Christina. "New Suncoast principal named." Palm Beach Post 13 May 2008.
- ^ Plarski, Pat. "Attorney disbarred five years; Lawyer diverted cash into his family's firm." Palm Beach Post 7 Oct. 1989.
