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Friday, December 27, 2013

JIFFY LUBE DEAL:


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NEWS RELEASE: DECEMBER 6 - 13, 2013

December 6, 2013

A print or digital subscription may be required to view articles online. 

Runcie Receives Superintendent Of The Year Award
Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert W. Runcie received the “Star” Superintendent of the Year Award in Tampa Thursday.

Dolphins Make Appearance At Maplewood Elementary School For Gatorade JTC
The Miami Dolphins travelled north to Coral Springs to spend the day at Maplewood Elementary School for a Gatorade Junior Training Camp (JTC), impacting nearly 500 students, who were treated to six interactive football drills, cheerleader routines and life lessons.

Apollo Middle School STEM teacher honored with Florida’s 2013 ‘Oscar of Teaching’
No doubt, Luis Espinosa, who leads the Aeronautics STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Math) Magnet and LEEO (Linking Education and Employment Opportunities) programs at Apollo Middle School in Hollywood, Fla., was excited that Florida’s Commissioner of Education, Pam Stewart and Superintendent Robert W. Runcie were participating in a school-wide event to recognize the achievements of those two programs. Yet, Espinosa had no inkling that the assembly’s spotlight was about to focus on him.

Education over incarceration will end the school-to-jail pipeline
Anyone who has heard me speak at public functions knows that when it comes to our children — the future of Broward County — I strongly favor education over incarceration. Likewise, one of my first directives as sheriff was to implement mandatory civil citations.

Letter to the Editor
Broward schools replacing zero tolerance with PROMISE
The Broward County school system finally understands that arresting our children for disciplinary issues is cruel and unusual punishment. After several years of holding the No. 1 spot in student arrests in Florida, the district finally got it and introduced a program designed to reduce the number of student arrests, suspensions and expulsions.
 
December 7 - 9, 2013

Broward schools puts Disney partnership on hold
The Broward school district won't get its dose of Disneyfication just yet. Officials have halted the district's partnership with the Disney Institute because they say its employees have too many other initiatives on their plate to handle additional training. Officials said they plan to continue making improvements with there sources they have.

Group urges Broward school district to cut lawn mowing costs
Sometimes the grass is cheaper as well as greener on the other side. That's why a group of community activists is urging the Broward school district to reduce the costs of its in-house lawn mowing services. They pay its in-house employees almost three times what an outside company charges for the same work, numbers provided by the district show.

Are police living on school grounds still needed?
The Broward school district has allowed police officers to live rent-free on some school grounds since the 1980s as a way to provide after-hours safety. But there's no hard numbers to prove the decades-old program is still effective.

Opinion
Early education a proven fix to school's reading woes
The first time I met Angela Brown she seemed a little out of her element. It was over a year ago at an Urban League of Broward County meeting where the Broward School District had launched its Black Male Success initiative, a new effort by superintendent Robert Runcie to boost academic performance among black male students.

Opinion
Sharon Glickman: Public schools need more public support
Today, educators, support staff, parents, students and community members will come together for the National Day of Action to demonstrate our commitment to public education.

Audit could cost Broward schools $1.7 million
Broward County schools could be forced to pay as much as $1.7 million after a state audit concluded they received funding for hundreds of ineligible students. Many of the 15 regular and five charter schools were cited by the state Auditor General when they couldn't provide documentation that services were needed for some students in the English for Speakers of Other Languages and special education programs during the 2011-12 school year.

Hollywood mom creates 'The Bully Map'
OneHollywood psychotherapist has found a different way to stand up to bullying. Gay Lynn Grigas, who speaks to Broward County students about the importance of confidence and empowerment, has launched "The Bully Map." This new feature — found on her self-help website, Trigger-proof.com — allows people to report different forms of bullying and see their incident pop up in their city, anywhere in the world.

U.S. Schools Reversing Get-Tough “Zero Tolerance” Policy
Some of the largest school districts in the United States are moving away from two decades of “zero tolerance” policies that resulted in thousands of students being arrested and dropping out. Instead, education officials are trying to help at-risk kids avoid trouble and stay in school.
 
December 12, 2013

Broward's graduation rates dip slightly
Broward's high school graduation rate dropped slightly in 2013, according to state figures released Wednesday. The district's overall graduation rate was 75.3 percent, compared to 76.4 percent the year before. Statewide, 75.6 percent of students graduated.

Seminole County's Dede Schaffner awarded
Seminole County Public School Board member Dede Schaffner recently received the STAR award for her exemplary leadership from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations. Schaffner was one of two people who received the award from CFEF this year. The other recipient was Robert Runcie, the superintendent of Broward County Public Schools. Both were recognized on Dec. 5 during CFEF's 68th annual joint conference of the Florida School Boards Association and the Florida Association of District School Superintendents.

Opinion
A quality education for all public school students
Educators, parents, students and community members in Miami-Dade and Broward counties are joining together to reclaim the promise of public education. This important effort is co-sponsored by the American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association and is a vital step forward for our schools in South Florida.

 
December 13, 2013


World AIDS Day event draws over 500 Broward County students in commemoration
Over 500 Broward County students took photos in front of the authentic AIDS Memorial Quilt sewn together by friends, lovers and family members, commemorating the life of someone who has passed away due to AIDS.

Council of Great City Schools Urban Educator - Op-Ed
Broward District Aims to Close Schoolhouse-to-Jailhouse Pipeline
In an effort to counter "zero tolerance" discipline measures, Florida's Broward County Public Schools in Fort Lauderdale recently joined forces with local community organizations to approve a new collaborative agreement on school discipline. (Click pdf link to view article on page 9)

Pinellas schools aim to reduce student arrests
A new disciplinary policy could ensure that students in Pinellas County schools rarely find themselves in handcuffs.  School board members said during their Thursday workshop that they would like to move forward with the creation of a new policy emulating one Broward County enacted this school year. In Broward, the school board formed an agreement with local law enforcement agencies to ensure that students who commit “nonviolent, minor offenses,” don’t end up with a police record prematurely.


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Monday, November 25, 2013

HOLIDAY SMENCILS:

Thanks tight they are back! Holiday Smencils on sale while supplies last.

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BRAIN GYM:


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TRIP PROJECT REMINDER:

TRIP Projects are due on December 13th. If you still need a copy of the directions you can find them on the right side of the website by grade level. Please contact Candy Boyce if you have any questions. She can be reached at 754-322-8600.
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Sunday, November 3, 2013

NEWS RELEASE: NOVEMBER 1, 2013

November 1, 2013

A print or digital subscription may be required to view articles online.

Radio show to feature student poetry
Broward students' spoken word poetry is hitting the air waves
Starting at 5 p.m. Mondays, you can tune into a one-hour weekly poetry program on WKPX 88.5 FM.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/education/fl-tophat-school-poetry-radio-show-20131031,0,2838760.story

Miami Dolphins make appearance at Piper Wellness Day
The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs made an appearance at the first annual Piper High School Wellness Day as part of the team’s mission to promote a healthy lifestyle.
http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/article-1/Miami-Dolphins-Make-Appearance-At-Piper-Wellness-Day/9c1b9f45-06ea-49d0-bf39-28098d8713dd

ESL and Classroom Teachers Team Up to Teach Common Core
Collaboration may be the new norm for teachers of ELL students...In Broward County, Fla., where state law requires all academic content teachers to have some training in the theories and practice of teaching second-language learners, the district's curriculum and instruction team has created an open-source trove of digital professional-development resources around the common core, in addition to face-to-face training.
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2013/10/30/10cc-eslteachers.h33.html?tkn=RWNFdzYFxXRMJ%2FmK5HP%2F5zkHhJ6TyHStNpJ2&intc=bs&cmp=SOC-SHR-GEN

Fighting Chronic Absenteeism in Some South Florida Schools is Top Priority for Officials
Broward County has created a new truancy court to help crack down on parents who aren’t getting their children to school.
http://www.nbcmiami.com/investigations/Fighting-Chronic-Absenteeism-in-Some-South-Florida-Schools-Top-Priority-for-Officials-230125791.html

Other Education News

Moving beyond the mainstream
Helping Diverse Learners Master the Common Core
How well educators manage to adjust the common core to the needs of each student could prove pivotal scholastically, but also politically, as the standards themselves face skepticism in the states. This special report looks at the challenges educators face in adapting the standards for students with disabilities, English-learners, and gifted students
http://www.edweek.org/ew/collections/standards-report-diverse-2013/index.html
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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

HARVEST DRIVE


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NEWS RELEASE: OCTOBER 30, 2013

October 30, 2013

A print or digital subscription may be required to view articles online. 

Taravella High school band raising funds to play in London
The Taravella High school band in Coral Springs is adding yet another feather to its cap. The band has been invited to play in the London New Year's Day Parade. They hope to send each of the band's 200 students abroad. To do so, they've been hosting a series of fundraisers.

Broward School Board member to resign
Broward School Board member Katie Leach will resign at the end of the year to relocate with her family, she said Wednesday morning. 

Broward School Board member Katie Leach resigns
Broward School Board member Katie Leach has unexpectedly resigned from office — a decision she officially announced through a Wednesday morning e-mail.
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Monday, October 21, 2013

NEWS RELEASE: OCTOBER 19-21, 2013

October 19 - 21, 2013

A print or digital subscription may be required to view articles online. 

Girl's passion for animals, nature motivates classmates
All this week, we are sharing stories of South Florida kids who are making a difference in our community. Their projects are creative, innovative and life-changing. Hundreds of young people applied for Local 10's Summer of Service Award.

Teen with autism celebrates dream golf season
Golf helps Plantation High student come out of his shell, mom says
It's been a dream season for golfer Erik Christensen.  Not because his scores dropped so dramatically, but because he's playing on the Plantation High golf team -- a dream the teenager has been working toward for years.

Broward teachers union and district reach tentative agreement
The Broward school district and its teachers union have finally struck a deal to give all teachers an average five percent raise and distribute the long-awaited pay hikes the state approved more than five months ago.

Broward reaches tentative $62 million contract deal with teachers
After months of sometimes-tense negotiations, the Broward School district has reached a tentative contract deal with its teachers union. It’s a three-year agreement that awards nearly $62 million in raises to teachers.

Broward County Public Schools, teachers union reach agreement
Tentative agreement announced regarding teacher compensation

Broward School District, Teacher’s Union Agree On Pay Raise Plan
Broward teachers, all 14 thousand of them, after much persistence, learned Friday that they will be receiving their raises.

Opponents rally against Parkland school boundary proposal
Robin Lopatin, a mother of two elementary school students, chose to upgrade to a new home in a new development within the same city because of "its reputation" for high-rated schools. She appreciates that she lives close enough that her children could walk or bicycle to class. And like many of her neighbors, the  37-year-old parent is convinced that busing Parkland children to schools miles away in east Broward, in Pompano Beach or Deerfield Beach, is not what she signed up for.

EDITORIAL

Gov. Scott's leadership needed on education changes
It is nice Gov. Rick Scott wants to listen. This week he convened three public meetings across the state to ask parents, teachers and business leaders their opinions of Common Core, the state's new education standards for public schools. But more than listen, we need the governor to lead...Thankfully, Broward Superintendenet Robert Runcie showed that leadership - drawing applause from a touch crowd.
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Sunday, October 20, 2013

RED RIBBON WEEK


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NEWS RELEASE: OCTOBER 9-16, 2013

October 9, 2013

A print or digital subscription may be required to view articles online. 

Broward County holds largest high school marching band festival
Thirty of Broward County's best high school marching bands will be competing in the Florida Bandmasters Association Performance Assessment on Oct. 26. The Marching Band Festival will take place at Coral Springs High School, 7201 West Sample Road.

Alumni to be inducted into Broward Education Foundation Hall of Fame
The Broward Education Foundation (BEF), a nonprofit organization that supports public schools in Broward County,will be honoring seven "Hall of Fame Distinguished" alumni inductees at a breakfast Oct. 23, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., at the Global Grille and Event Center, 301 E Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. This inaugural event is part of the Foundation's 30th anniversary, and an opportunity to showcase many of the outstanding leaders educated in the community's public schools.

Broward plan overhauls pay for principals
A new plan for paying Broward's principals will factor in a school's size and its number of low-income or special needs students. The school district proposal, set to kick in next year, would overhaul the current salary structure, which is based on years of experience and school level (elementary, middle, high school or alternative center).
 
 
October 10 & 11, 2013

Students take charge in hurricane simulation
On Thursday, the fate of South Florida lay in the hands of a group of seventh-graders. Hurricane Barbara, a Category 3 storm, had just struck, leaving an overcrowded hospital without enough food or water. Senior citizens were stranded on an island after an ocean tanker smashed the connecting bridge. Water-logged communities needed to be evacuated. About 50 students from New River Middle in Fort Lauderdale huddled in groups at Broward's Emergency Operations Center in Plantation, trying to determine how to relay help and save lives.

Runcie Virtual School Superintendent of Year
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Superintendent Robert Runcie is being recognized by Florida Virtual School as Superintendent of the Year. Runcie shares the honor with Mark Rains, superintendent of the Dixie County School District.

6 Broward cities to add police at elementaries
Elementary schools in six Broward cities will soon be getting something new on campus — police officers. The Broward school district agreed to spend $555,000 for 12 officers to patrol schools in Hollywood, Coconut Creek, Pembroke Pines, Wilton Manors, Lauderhill and Davie.

Broward County to Add 12 Officers to Patrol Elementary Schools in Six Cities
The municipalities would hire the officers and see how to divy them up throughout the schools.

Parkland Residents Speak Out To School Board Members Regarding Boundary Changes
On Wednesday night, parents had the chance to ask their school board members questions in their “Conversation with the District” event at Coral Springs High School. On many parent’s minds were the recent proposals involving boundary changes affecting Parkland schools which threatened to divide one community, and as well as send many on busses far away from their homes.

U.S. 27 to vary speed limit near school
For the first time, speed limits will vary along a stretch of U.S. 27, based on what's going at West Broward High School in Pembroke Pines.


October 15, 2013

Broward School District Adds More Cops in Schools
Ever since the Broward School District found money to help pay for 12 more school resource officers, Panther Run has her all to itself, instead of sharing her with two other schools. It’s peace of mind in the post-Sandy Hook era.

Charter school employees sue for unpaid wages
Almost a dozen employees of a now-shuttered charter school in Fort Lauderdale are suing the school's founder for unpaid wages. The separate lawsuits, filed in Broward County Court this month, allege Trayvon Mitchell, founder of Ivy Academy middle and high school, owes some of his former employees more than $40,000 total.
October 16, 2013

Margate charter school closes after failing to pay rent
Another charter school in Broward has closed, this time for failing to pay its rent. On Tuesday, School Board members accepted the voluntary termination of College Bound Academy of Excellence, a school for sixth to 12th grades that opened this year in Margate.

Broward Schools’ facilities department faces criticism over outsourcing deal
The Broward school district’s attempt to outsource much of its facilities department — a move designed to restore credibility — has instead raised new questions.
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Monday, October 14, 2013

NEWS RELEASE: WEEK OF OCTOBER 7, 2013

A SYNOPSIS OF BCPS IN THE NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF 10/7

Tell Broward schools what you
Have something to say to the Broward school district? Here's your chance: the district is hosting its second annual Ed Talk at the Broward Convention Center Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/education/fl-tophat-broward-ed-talk-20131007,0,15039.story

School club hopes to prevent teen suicides
Officials at Marjory [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/education/schools/high-schools/stoneman-douglas-high-school--OREDU0000447.topic ]Stoneman Douglas High School hope that the recently established HOPE (Helping Overcome Problems Effectively) Club will provide students with the support and information needed to prevent suicides.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/parkland/fl-cn-yoga-1006-20131004,0,2832869.story

Teacher preserves the art of woodshop
He's one of the last teachers in Broward to still hear loud buzzing from large industrial saws in his classroom. John Tunon breathes in sawdust as he works. It's constantly in the air. That's because Tunon runs one of the few woodshops left in the school district, housed at Taravella High in Coral Springs.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-broward-home-ec-class-change-2-20130927,0,7887204.story

$11.9M grant sprouts magnets
The Broward County Public School District (BCPS) is being awarded an $11.9 million federal grant to create and expand six elementary magnet schools that will specialize in STEM –science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
http://www.sfltimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14475&itemid=144

Sheriff’s program gives youth a second chance
A campaign promise by Sheriff Scott Israel has resulted in the Broward Sheriff’s Office invoking a little-known state law that gives a second chance to juveniles with otherwise clean records who get into minor scrapes with the law.
http://www.sfltimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14490&Itemid=331

Sunshine Connections:"Brooklyn Castle" inspiration for Florida chess-in-school programs
The award-winning documentary film “[ http://www.brooklyncastle.com/ ]Brooklyn Castle” continues to inspire city government officials in Florida, who are trying to incorporate academic chess programs into the lower grades.  http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/sunshine-connections-brooklyn-castle-inspiration-florida-chess-school-programs-2013-10-04

School districts want tighter rein on charters
Charter schools are designed to be free to innovate, but district officials — and many charter school leaders — say that freedom from regulation has gone too far. It is time to put in stricter standards, they say. I
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/fl-charter-school-accountability-20131005,0,1202692.story

Under fire from Hollywood neighbors, school trims size of planned campus
After hearing concerns from Hollywood residents who say traffic is already infuriatingly snarled, officials from Ben Gamla Charter School on Thursday said they plan on reducing the size of a proposed high school to hold 600 students instead of 1,050.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/10/04/3668174/under-fire-from-hollywood-neighbors.html

Broward County holds largest high school marching band festival
Thirty of Broward County's best high school marching bands will be competing in the Florida Bandmasters Association Performance Assessment on Oct. 26. The Marching Band Festival will take place at Coral Springs High School, 7201 West Sample Road.
http://www.local10.com/news/broward-county-holds-largest-high-school-marching-band-festival/-/1717324/22331174/-/p9td5mz/-/index.html

Alumni to be inducted into Broward Education Foundation Hall of Fame
The Broward Education Foundation (BEF), a nonprofit organization that supports public schools in [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/ ]Broward County,will be honoring seven "Hall of Fame Distinguished" alumni inductees at a breakfast Oct. 23, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., at the Global Grille and Event Center, 301 E Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. This inaugural event is part of the Foundation's 30th anniversary, and an opportunity to showcase many of the outstanding leaders educated in the community's public schools.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/custom/society/broward/societyse-ots4-bef-1009-20131009,0,4459491.story

Broward plan overhauls pay for principals
A new plan for paying Broward's principals will factor in a school's size and its number of low-income or special needs students. The school district proposal, set to kick in next year, would overhaul the current salary structure, which is based on years of experience and school level (elementary, middle, high school or alternative center). http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/education/fl-broward-principal-evaluations-20131008,0,5868436.story

Students take charge in hurricane simulation
On Thursday, the fate of [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/us/florida/broward-county/new-river-%28broward-florida%29-PLGEOREG000012.topic ]South Florida lay in the hands of a group of seventh-graders. Hurricane Barbara, a Category 3 storm, had just struck, leaving an overcrowded hospital without enough food or water. Senior citizens were stranded on an island after an ocean tanker smashed the connecting bridge. Water-logged communities needed to be evacuated. About 50 students from [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/education/schools/middle-schools/new-river-middle-school-ORGOV0000224.topic ]New River Middle in [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/us/florida/broward-county/fort-lauderdale-PLGEO100100403070000.topic ]Fort Lauderdale huddled in groups at Broward's Emergency Operations Center in [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/us/florida/broward-county/plantation-PLGEO100100403230000.topic ]Plantation, trying to determine how to relay help and save lives. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/education/fl-student-hurricane-simulation-20131010,0,1169395.story

Runcie Virtual School Superintendent of Year
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Superintendent Robert Runcie is being recognized by Florida Virtual School as Superintendent of the Year. Runcie shares the honor with Mark Rains, superintendent of the Dixie County School District. http://www.sfltimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14518&Itemid=144

6 Broward cities to add police at elementaries
Elementary schools in six Broward cities will soon be getting something new on campus — police officers. The Broward school district agreed to spend $555,000 for 12 officers to patrol schools in [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/us/florida/broward-county/hollywood-%28broward-florida%29-PLGEO100100403100000.topic ]Hollywood, [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/us/florida/broward-county/coconut-creek-PLGEO100100403010000.topic ]Coconut Creek, [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/us/florida/broward-county/pembroke-pines-PLGEO100100403220000.topic ]Pembroke Pines, [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/us/florida/broward-county/wilton-manors-PLGEO100100403300000.topic ]Wilton Manors, [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/us/florida/broward-county/lauderhill-PLGEO100100403130000.topic ]Lauderhill and Davie.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/education/fl-broward-new-school-police-20131009,0,6927396.story

Parkland Residents Speak Out To School Board Members Regarding Boundary Changes
On Wednesday night, parents had the chance to ask their school board members questions in their “Conversation with the District” event at Coral Springs High School. On many parent’s minds were the recent proposals involving boundary changes affecting Parkland schools which threatened to divide one community, and as well as send many on busses far away from their homes. http://coralspringstalk.com/parkland-residents-speak-out-to-school-board-members-boundary-6036

U.S. 27 to vary speed limit near school
For the first time, speed limits will vary along a stretch of U.S. 27, based on what's going at [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/education/schools/high-schools/west-broward-high-school-OREDU0000261.topic ]West Broward High School in Pembroke Pines.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-us-27-speed-zone-20131010,0,5699348.story
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BCCPTA: PARENT INVOLVEMENT WORKSHOPS

BROWARD COUNTY COUNCIL OF PTA - PARENT INVOLVEMENT WORKSHOPS - URBAN FAMILY ENGAGEMENT NETWORK PROJECT


The Broward County Council of PTA has been selected by the National PTA as one of six sites for the Urban Family Engagement Network project. The Urban Family Engagement Network project is designed to train parents and community leaders, engage underserved families, and connect families to valuable community resources through a series of 12 workshop sessions.

The goal of this grassroots training is to equip parents with the tools to support their children’s academic success, provide opportunities to build leadership skills and empower parents to get engaged in active advocacy efforts to ensure that all children have access to a quality education.

Each 3 hour workshop will consist of two sessions for a total of 12 sessions. We encourage participants to attend all the sessions in order to complete this National PTA training.

We invite all PTAs, parents and members of the community to register and attend these workshops. Materials, child care and food will be available for participants. Please fill out the attached registration form or you can find the form online at https://sites.google.com/site/browardptsa/urban  and email it to browardpta1@gmail.com

Workshop Sessions

1.  Orientation/Parent Involvement / 2. Parents’ Rights and Responsibilities

3. The Parent Teacher Partnership/ 4. Structure and Function of School Site

5. Structure and Function of the School District and Board/ 7. The Politics of Education

6. Engaging Father Figures/ 8. Responsible Leadership and Teamwork

9. Facilitating and Participating in Productive Meetings/ 10. Developing an Action Plan

11. Strengthening Communication Skills / 12. Reflection as Leaders

 Thank You
The Broward PTA Urban Network Team



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STUDENT ATTENDANCE 10/14-18/2013

STUDENT ATTENDANCE IS CRITICAL FOR MAXIMUM STATE FUNDING - OCTOBER 14-18

Dear Families,
Regular student attendance is very important for student learning and progress throughout the school year. The State's financial support for schools is also directly linked to student attendance. To ensure that the District attendance records are counted for maximum State funding this school year, PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR CHILD ATTENDS SCHOOL EACH DAY OCTOBER 14-18. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s school.


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Sunday, October 6, 2013

SPOOKY SMENCIALS ARE BACK:

Spooky Smencials are back. $1.00 per pencil. 5 different scents to choose from while supplies are available. Print the attached form or stop by the front office to fill out an order form and place in the PTA mailbox to have your order processed.

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SOUTH SIDE CARPOOL:

You may start to see a new face at south side carpool. "Tommy" our Safety Student will be posted at south side carpool daily to remind parents to slow down and refrain from being on your cell phone. It is against school board policy to travel in the carpool lane while on your cellphone. For the safety of our students and staff, Please stay off your cell phones.

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CITY OF TAMARAC'S ANNUAL HALLOWEEN HOOPLA:




































City of Tamarc host their Annual Halloween Hoopla.




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PUBLIC RULE DEVELOPMENT MEETING 10/17/2013:

Policies 5000, 5004.1 and 3320 have been scheduled for a Public Rule Development Meeting on Thursday, October 17, 2013 in the Board Room of the Kathleen C. Wright Administrative Center at 5:30 pm.  District Advisory groups and the public are invited to attend and provide input on these policies.  Public input received from this meeting will be provided to the School Board for consideration in the development of the policy.  Copies of the attached policies may be obtained, free of charge, from our Public Relations & Governmental Affairs Department by calling 754 321-2300.


Policies 5000 & 5004.1

Purpose and Effect: To amend the policies to align with the School Board organizational chart, school choice (Nova, Magnet, and reassignments) application timelines, the Community School Boundary Process timeline, and to provide clarification on the school choice application process.

Subject Area to be Addressed: In accordance with Section 120.54(7), Florida Statutes, the School Board of Broward County has initiated the process for revising School Board Policies 5000 and 5004.1.  School Board Policy 5000 guides the District in planning of educational facilities, designation of schools, school attendance zone boundaries, development of positive alternatives to accommodate growth, the process for keeping schools open, and/or the consolidation or re-purposing of schools.  Policy 5004.1 establishes school choice (Magnet Schools, NOVA, Opportunity Scholarship Program, reassignments, College Academy at Broward College, and Broward Virtual Schools) in the District.  Please come and be a part of this important process of revising School Board Policy.

Policy 3320

Purpose and Effect:  To amend the policy to allow flexibility in procuring purchases.

Subject Area to be Addressed: The Recommended Revisions to the Policy are as follows: (1) allow flexibility to purchase from vendors offering the lowest price; (2) increase the threshold to reduce number of purchases coming to the School Board; and (3) lowered the Superintendent’s authority to $500,000 even during emergency situations.

Please forward this email to persons that may have been omitted on your committee.

The School Board of Broward County, Florida, prohibits any policy or procedure which results in discrimination on the basis of age, color disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sex coir sexual orientation.  Individuals who wish to file a discrimination and/or harassment complaint may call the Executive Director, Benefits & EEO Compliance at 754-321-2150 or Teletype Machine (TTY) 754 321-2158.  

Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, 9ADAAA) may call Equal Educational Opportunities (EEO) at 754 321-2150 or Teletype Machine (TTY) 754 321-2158.  

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Wednesday, October 2, 2013

NEWS RELEASE: OCTOBER 2, 2013

October 2, 2013

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Coral Springs Teacher Wins $1,000 Worth of Classroom Supplies from OfficeMax
A teacher from Ramblewood Elementary in Coral Springs received a surprise during class on Tuesday when two OfficeMax representatives awarded him $1,000 worth of classroom supplies.
http://coralspringstalk.com/coral-springs-teacher-wins-1000-worth-of-classroom-supplies-from-officemax-5983

Riverside Elementary in Coral Springs Celebrates Freedom Week
The students of Riverside Elementary’s Multiage K/1 class in Coral Springs celebrated Freedom Week in quite an artistic way.  Freedom Week is part of our Common Core Curriculum which is the last full week in September. The 40 students, ages 5 & 6, created a beautiful American flag by using their little hands and feet all while learning about our flag.
http://coralspringstalk.com/riverside-elementary-in-coral-springs-celebrates-freedom-week-5960

Taravella High School Band Raising Funds For London Trip
The J.P. Taravella Band and Orchestra Program has been invited to play in the London New Year’s Day Parade, and band members are working hard to get the word out about the fundraisers so that they can afford to send all 200 members on the trip.
http://coralspringstalk.com/taravella-high-school-band-raising-funds-for-london-trip-5860

In Hollywood, fight over charter high school gets noisy
Every morning when school is in session, traffic along Hollywood Boulevard and the surrounding streets slows to a crawl as parents drop their children at the Ben Gamla Charter School, which houses kindergarteners through eighth-graders.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/10/01/3663977/in-hollywood-fight-over-charter.html
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NEWS RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 1, 2013



September 24, 2013:

A print or digital subscription may be required to view articles online.

Broward high school culinary students hone their craft
South Florida hoteliers and restaurateurs want to spread the word to more high school students about a program that's helping students like James Graham realize his career goal. "I want to be a master chef," said Graham, 17, a participant in the ProStart School-to-Career food service curriculum offered in more than 20 http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/fl-prostart-high-school-culinary-program-20130920,0,2025913.story

Florida may scrap Common Core student test
In a major about-face, Florida may scrap its plan to administer a national high-stakes test, opting instead to devise one that is more Florida-centric. The potential move, announced Monday through an executive order by Gov. [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/politics/government/rick-scott-PEPLT00007609.topic ]Rick Scott, could affect everything from teacher evaluations to merit pay to school grades…."The big question is what will happen in 2014-15. How will this impact school grades?" asked Broward Superintendent Robert Runcie. "That hasn't been fully thought out. I haven't heard of any solutions." http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/education/highered/fl-south-florida--common-core-20130923,0,1606112.story

Gov. Rick Scott: Reverse course on Common Core tests
After a summer of polarizing public debate, Gov. Rick Scott on Monday ordered the state education department to withdraw from a national consortium creating tests around the new Common Core State Standards. http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/09/23/3645700/gov-rick-scott-reverse-course.html

September 27, 2013


Dade, Broward get millions to fund
South Florida’s public schools are getting a multimillion-dollar assist from the federal government. The U.S. Department of Education announced the award Thursday of $7.5 million to the Miami-Dade and Broward school boards in the first year of a three-year program to expand school choice options. Together, the two districts applied for a combined $22 million over three years to fund science, technology and engineering themed programs.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/09/26/3653074/dade-broward-get-millions-to-fund.html

Norovirus outbreak still concerns parents
Parents of students at Manatee Bay Elementary School still had questions Thursday  http://www.local10.com/news/norovirus-outbreak-still-concerns-parents/-/1717324/22139510/-/s2hee3/-/index.html

Other Education Related News

SAT scores 2013 released: Florida students below nation
Florida's students continue to perform below the national average on the SAT college entrance exam, mirroring results from the ACT test. Results for the Class of 2013, released today, show SAT scores have hardly budged from 2012, and the number of test-takers remained nearly flat.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/education/os-florida-sat-scores-2013-20130925,0,6107434.story

October 1, 2013


Students come together to choose peace
With helicopters flying overhead, the 510 students at [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/us/florida/broward-county/miramar-PLGEO100100403170000.topic ]Miramar's Silver Shores Elementary School paraded onto a field to form a massive human peace sign.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/miramar/fl-cn-peacesign-0929-20130927,0,7000787.story

Students help kick off Weston's YFit Mayor's Challenge
Nearly 1,000 students recently converged on the open field at [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/education/schools/elementary-schools/everglades-elementary-school-OREDU0000314.topic ]Everglades Elementary School and worked up a sweat to help kick off the YFit Mayor's Challenge in http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/weston/fl-cn-fitness-0929-20130927,0,5323309.story

Student earns grants to help animals and environment
Rachel Supnick, fourth-grader at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston, recently earned two grants that will go toward her efforts in helping animals and the environment.
http://blogs.trb.com/community/news/weston/forum/2013/09/weston_student_earns_two_grant.html

Broward schools seek public input, ideas
Have something you’d like to say to the Broward school district?  Now is your chance. Throughout October, Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie will be appearing at public forums across Broward. Most of these will be informal “town hall”- style meetings held at local schools. Runcie and School Board members invite individuals to walk onstage, grab a seat and discuss whatever is on their mind. http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/09/30/3661311/broward-schools-seek-public-input.html

Traditional, charter schools seek common ground in South Florida
They compete for students, space and funds. But there’s hope that Florida’s charter schools and traditional public schools can move past the friction that defines their coexistence and collaborate to better benefit students.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/09/30/3661742/traditional-charter-schools-seek.html

School Board member withdraws son from public school
Broward School Board member Abby Freedman has withdrawn her son from the public school system she helps to oversee, deciding he would be better off in private school. Freedman, who was elected last November, now pays $23,900 to send her 12-year-old son Harrison to [ http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/us/florida/broward-county/fort-lauderdale-PLGEO100100403070000.topic ]Fort Lauderdale -based Pine Crest School, where he's in the seventh grade.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/education/fl-abby-freedman-private-20130930,0,4776207.story

School Board Member Sends Child to Private School
The Sun Sentinel has reported that recently elected Broward County School Board member Abby Freedman has withdrawn her youngest son from public school and enrolled him into private.
http://coralspringstalk.com/school-board-member-sends-child-to-private-school-5966

Charter school without a home faces termination
A charter school that has struggled to find permanent housing this year will likely get the ax on Tuesday. The School Board will vote whether to immediately terminate Ivy Academy, which had its students bounce between several facilities, including a reception hall and two churches.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-ivy-academy-closure-20130930,0,6132895.story
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TRIP PROJECT:


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STORY BOOK PARADE:


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FAMILY CURRICULUM NIGHT & SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR:


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EVENT CALENDAR:

Our Event Calendar that was on the right side of our screen was having issues and is down at this time. I will post the list of events for October later today. Sorry for any problems this will cause.
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Sunday, September 22, 2013

GIVE WITH TARGET:

Your vote makes a big difference to our school.
Visit GiveWith.Target.com to vote for our school.
This year, Target will give money to schools all over the country for one simple act: a vote. Our school needs just 25 votes to earn a $25 donation from Target. But that's only the beginning. For each additional vote, our school will get $1 more. So please remember that, although the gesture is small, the rewards are potentially huge. Go to GiveWith.Target.com to vote for Tamarac Elementary School. Voting has been extended and now closes on September 30 or until Target has given away all $5 million. And please forward this email to your friends. Vote and see rules at GiveWith.Target.com.
Thanks,
Jaime Romano
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Sunday, September 15, 2013

PICTURE DAY: SCHEDULE

All Pre-K through 2nd grade students will be photographed on Wednesday, August 18th except Mrs. Clark's 1st grade class.
All 3rd grade through 5th grade students and Mrs. Clark's 1st grade class will be photographed on Thursday, August 19th.
All payments must be paid the day of Picture Day.
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TITLE I MEETINGS: TAMARAC REP NEEDED

We need parents to represent Tamarac Elementary at the Title I meetings. Please see Mrs. Boyce for further details.


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Monday, September 9, 2013

ACTIVE PARENTING CLASSES:



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