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

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.

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.

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.

CITY OF TAMARAC'S ANNUAL HALLOWEEN HOOPLA:

City of Tamarc host their Annual Halloween Hoopla.

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.  

NEWS RELEASE: OCTOBER 2, 2013

October 2, 2013

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

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

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

TRIP PROJECT:

STORY BOOK PARADE:

FAMILY CURRICULUM NIGHT & SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR:

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.

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

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.

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.

ACTIVE PARENTING CLASSES:

RAINY DAY DISMISSAL PROCEDURES:

OPEN HOUSE DATE CHANGE:

WANTED: SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS

VOLUNTEERS: BOUNDARY MEETING

Parents, contact the school at 754-322-8600 if you are interested in being a volunteer to represent the innovation zone at the three pre-scheduled meetings held in the following evenings:

1. Friday, October 11, 2013, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, KCW School Board Room – IZone Voice
Committee orientation meeting,

2. Monday, December 2, 2013, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, Arthur Ashe Auditorium – IZone IZone
Voice Committee holds public hearing for map proposers to present their maps, and

3. Thursday, December 19, 2013, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, KCW School Board Room – IZone Voice
Committee returns to vote on maps for recommendation to the School Board.
We value your involvement!