A tuition-free public charter school has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education – it’s a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School.

What’s that mean? Well, the DoE recognizes these schools “based on their overall academic excellence, or for making progress in improving student academic achievement levels.”

While 269 schools won these honors, only nine were in Florida – and only one in Broward County. That was Imagine Charter School at Weston.

“I am so proud of our students and staff for earning this national recognition highlighting our academic achievements,” said Imagine Weston Principal Nadine Laham. “The Blue Ribbon Schools flag waving on our campus each day will remind us of the high expectations we met in the past and must continue to exceed in the future.”

Added Imagine Schools Vice President for Education Eileen Bakke: “The Blue Ribbon Schools award showcases the academic excellence at Imagine Weston. This honor also firmly positions Imagine Weston as an academic leader and model within the Imagine Schools network as well as in the state of Florida and across the nation.”

Founded in 2001, Imagine Charter School at Weston is a tuition-free public charter school educating 900 Broward County students in grades PreK through sixth and will add the remaining middle school grades over the next two years.

10 holiday warning signs your senior is in trouble

The holiday season might be one of the few times local families get together and realize their elderly loved ones are in deep trouble and need help – right now.

Adult children who don’t live nearby often come home to holiday heartbreak with deteriorating relatives they aren’t prepared to handle. Here are 10 warning signs, provided by Senior Helpers, an in-home senior care company…

1. Poor eating habits resulting in weight loss, no appetite, or missed meals.

2. Neglected hygiene: wearing dirty clothes, body odor, neglected nails and teeth.

3. Neglected home: not as clean or sanitary as you remember growing up.

4. Inappropriate behavior : acting loud, quiet, paranoid, or making phone calls at all hours.

5. Changed relationship patterns that friends or neighbors have noticed.

6. Burns or injuries resulting from weakness, forgetfulness, or misuse of alcohol or medications.

7. Decreased participation in activities such as attending the senior center, book club, or church.

8. Scorched pots and pans showing forgetfulness for dinner cooking on the stove.

9. Unopened mail, newspaper piles, missed appointments.

10. Mishandled finances such as losing money, paying bills twice, or hiding money.

“This Thanksgiving and Christmas, thousands of adult children will be shocked to come home to elderly relatives who are lethargic and forgetful,” says Peter Ross, CEO and co-founder of Senior Helpers. “This is the time to map out a care plan for aging relatives and that plan should include hiring caregivers who can help ease the burden for families.”

If you see any of these signs, talk to your loved one’s doctor – or even your own. They’ll have solid advice and resources for you.