IN OUR OWN BACKYARD
By En USA news
EVENTS:
St. Patrick's Day parade and festival in downtown Hollywood.
The City of Hollywood and the Hibernians of Hollywood are joining forces to host the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival in downtown Hollywood.
Sunday, March 15, 2026.
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Downtown Hollywood
Hollywood, FL 33020.
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Juice Box Jam.
Let's dance! Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy play, socializing, and music in a safe and inviting open play area designed for children ages 1 to 4. Upon arrival, each child will receive juice and a snack. No registration is required. Space is limited.
Thursday, March 19, 2026.
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Coral Springs Gymnasium,
2501 Coral Springs Dr.
Coral Springs, FL.
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Springtime Egg Hunt.
Thousands of eggs filled with fun prizes or delicious sweets for children to enjoy will be scattered across three baseball fields and an area for children with special needs.
Saturday, April 4, 2026
9:00 am.
Margate Sports Complex
1695 Banks Road
Margate, FL 33063.
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EggsTravaganza.
Saturday, April 4, 2026.
10:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Peter Bluesten Park
501 S Dixie Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009.
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Tortuga Music Festival.
Held on the white sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach Park in a beautiful seaside setting.
April 10 to April 12, 2026.
1100 Seabreeze Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.
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Springfest Egg Hunt.
Enjoy a fun-filled morning of egg hunts designed for children with sensory needs! This event encourages excitement, discovery, and sensory exploration in a supportive and engaging environment.
Tamarac Sports Complex,
Northwest 77th Street,
Tamarac, FL.
Saturday, March 28, 2026.
9:00 am
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Walking Club.
Come and join other active members of the community and surrounding areas for a free walking club! Bring water and a towel.
No prior registration is required.
See you at the Energy Fitness Station.
First Saturday of each month.
Saturday, April 4, 2026
9:00 am
4500 Monterey Drive,
Tamarac, FL.
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Pompano Players.
In this vibrant enclave of active seniors, 75 is the new 45, and life moves to the rhythm of Botox appointments, bridge tournaments, tennis matches and the occasional gossip-filled happy hour.
From March 13 to 15 and from March 20 to 22, 2026.
Pompano Beach Cultural Center
50 W Atlantic Blvd,
Pompano Beach, FL 33060.
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Women's Business Conference & Expo - Calling All Women Business Leaders!!!
Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Fort Lauderdale.
801 Seabreeze Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Thursday, March 26, 2026.
1:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
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4th Annual Holi & Spring Festival.
Join the colorful fun and vibrant atmosphere of the 4th Annual Holi and Spring Festival in person!
Tradewinds Park & Stables.
3600 West Sample Road.
Coconut Creek, FL 33066.
Saturday, March 14, 2026.
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
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Planning for academic and professional success: does it really matter?
As students transition from elementary to middle school, and then to high school, families often wonder how important early planning really is. The truth is, middle school is the ideal time to explore interests, understand academic options, and begin building a flexible path to high school success. The advice to start early isn't meant to increase pressure. Early preparation gives students clarity and confidence to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way.
Middle school lays the foundation for the rigor of high school. Required courses in math, science, English language arts, and social studies ensure that every student is on track for promotion. But beyond the core curriculum, electives and academic choices from 6th to 8th grade influence students' high school options. Middle school is intentionally designed as an exploratory phase. Students can try electives that help them identify their strengths and interests without a long-term commitment.
While no student needs to have everything figured out by high school, careful planning can open more doors. Academic pathways in mathematics develop sequentially, opening doors to higher-level course options later on. Advanced and honors courses help students adapt to a faster pace and higher academic expectations. Expanding access to advanced programs, such as Advanced Placement, the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), and the International Baccalaureate, is an effective strategy for closing the opportunity gap and ensuring that all students can pursue rigorous academic pathways. World Languages and Career and Technical Education classes in high school can also give students a head start and easier access to advanced programs and industry-recognized certifications.
Many families assume that planning can wait until high school, but by then, key prerequisites or application deadlines may have passed. Others wait until a crisis arises before seeking help or become overly fixated on calculating a manageable workload of advanced courses. Furthermore, as students navigate adolescence, academic planning must also support their overall well-being. A healthy balance protects time for rest, hobbies, and personal interests. Growth, confidence, and enjoyment of learning are just as important as academic achievement.
Planning ahead doesn't mean planning perfectly; it means staying informed, asking questions, and using middle school as a stepping stone to high school opportunities. With curiosity, support, and early involvement, families can help their students enter high school empowered and prepared for academic and career success.
Dr. Howard Hepburn
NORTH BROWARD COUNTY CALENDARS: