Horizons Fall 2015

41 NSU HORIZONS Carlos Montero (right), a teacher at NSU University School, was among 108 mathematics and science teachers across the United States honored by President Barack Obama as a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Montero teaches honors and AP chemistry in grades 9–12. He also serves as the chair of the science department for grades 6–12. The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to outstanding K–12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of dis- tinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level. n NSU UNIVERSITY SCHOOL TEACHER RECEIVES PRESIDENTIAL AWARD Robyn Kaiyal, M.S., Ph.D., was promoted to director of the Middle School. Most recently, Kaiyal was associate director of academic affairs in which she guided the overall management, planning, and daily operations of the upper school. She also taught at the school for five years. Previously, Kaiyal served as principal of the kindergarten through grade 8 Alazhar School and principal of the grade 6 through grade 8 Sinai Academy, both in Miami. In addition to changes in its administration, the Nöel P. Brown Sports Center is undergoing a 54,000-square-foot expansion. It will boast cutting-edge training and fitness rooms, two full-sized basketball courts, a volleyball court, and a variety of areas for physical fitness activities and aquatic sports. Offices for the athletic department staff and a permanent home for the Special Olympics Broward County chapter are part of the expansion. The projects are expected to be completed in 2016. SHARK TIME NSU University School has not only embraced the Sharks identity, it also now sports the blue and gray colors of Nova Southeastern University. Its students and athletic teams will be wearing blue and gray. “This rebranding lets us capitalize on our uniqueness of being one of the only private schools locally that is situated on a college campus, affording our students a number of resources and oppor- tunities,” said Stacey Gonzalez, M.S., associate director of market- ing and communications at NSU University School. And, USchool made the naming of its Sharks mascot a fun, school-wide venture. Student focus groups submitted names, which were narrowed to four choices. The entire student body then voted online to choose the name. “Fin” was the overwhelm- ing choice as NSU University School welcomes its new branding and heads into bluer (and grayer) waters with its Fins Up! n The expansion of the Noël P. Brown Sports Center is expected to be completed in 2016.