Janet Marie Johns DiDonna was so passionate about teaching mathematics to her students at Miami Lakes K-8 Center that they described her as “funny,” able to make “clear explanations” and “patient” and “positive,” too.      So said the proclamation from Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid that celebrated DiDonna’s 30-year teaching career.     ...

 To jumpstart its future, Dade Christian School’s soccer program looked to the past.      On hiatus since 2016, Dade Christian restarted the program this season and hired alumnus Marino Torrens, Jr. as its new head coach.      Torrens, 31, helped the Crusaders to a district championship during his senior season in 2008.        He was hired to help oversee the programs at...

     The COVID-19 pandemic postponed the activities of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School’s Chess Club for 20 months. But in November, more than 60 students returned to the boards to study and compete in the game.       Interest was so high, the school said, that the club meets on two separate days to accommodate all the players.               Besides learning the...

    Students at Spanish Lake Elementary School participated in Operation Christmas Child, a program with Samaritan’s Purse, which delivers shoe boxes filled with gifts to children around the world, the school said. It’s the third year that kids at Spanish Lake Elementary, at 7940 NW 194TH St. in Miami, have taken time during the holiday season to think of others. The program at the school is overseen by Gianinna...

    The All-State Middle School Orchestra has accepted Sabella Scavuzzo, 12, a 7th grader at Miami Lakes K-8 Center.       Sabella, a violinist from Miami Lakes, auditioned with students from around the state before she was chosen, her teacher Sara Cino said.      Sabella will perform with the orchestra at the Florida Music Educators Association Conference to be held at the convention center...