Friday, March 29, 2013

Purchase Your Yearbook Online

Yearbooks are on sale for $30.00 per book. You can now purchase your child's 2012 ~ 2013 yearbook online. Click on Yearbook at the top of the screen and follow the online directions. There will be a $2.00 processing fee for this service. If you have any issues please call Tamarac Elementary PTA @ 754-322-8600.
Posted by at

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

2013 TITLE I PARENT INVOLVEMENT SURVEY

Every year, Tamarac Elementary strives to provide opportunities for parents to become involved in their child's education. As the Title One Liaison, our school involvement team would like to find out how we are doing in the area of parent involvement. The Annual Title I School Parent Survey is designed to identify areas of strengths and opportunities. To provide input on our parent involvement programs, parents are asked to complete the survey online at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bZYI5kj79IU8Uf9Ui4B70nPQV1cv98Ro2Idslk06DcM/viewform

A hard copy of  the survey is also available in the front office upon request. Please understand this survey is different from the District's Annual Customer Service Survey, which parents are asked to complete through Virtual Counselor by Friday, March 21, 2013.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding either survey please contact the school at 754-322-8600.
Posted by at

Sunday, March 10, 2013

2013 P3 ECO-CHALLENGE

Now accepting online applications for the P3 Eco-Challenge - Preserving Our Planet for Posterity!  For all environmentally conscious BCPS schools, administrators, teachers, students, and volunteers, we want to reward you!  

Posted by at

Anti-Bullying, Health & Safety Parent Conference


Posted by at

NEWS RELEASE: MARCH 5, 2013

March 5, 2013

South Plantation High solar car team raising money to compete in cross-country race
As captain of the solar car team at South Plantation High School, aspiring engineer Josh Garcia never expected he'd be mastering business skills. But the 19-year-old now is busy trying to raise at least $30,000 for his team to compete with their student-built solar car in a Texas-to-California race this July. The Solar Knights III vehicle would be the only Florida entry in the race for student teams nationwide.

YMCA teen correspondents report on learning governmental process at State Capitol
YMCA of Broward County students took part in the 56th Annual State Assembly in Tallahassee on Feb. 21-23, 2013.  The YMCA Youth in Government civic engagement program prepared the 31 students to represent Broward County and debate their bills on topics such as; child abuse prevention, environmental accountability, and firearm restrictions at the State Capitol Building.

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
Thursday, April 11, 2013, is Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day in Broward County Public Schools (BCPS).  The theme for 2013 is “Work In Progress.”

Broward County School Board Superintendant Mr. Robert Runcie along with eight of the nine women that make up BCSB, joined with other elected officials at a program
Broward County School Board Superintendant Mr.Robert Runcie along with eight of the nine women that make up BCSB, joined with other elected officials at a program, Preserving the Legacy: Celebrating Black History Month through Holistic Wellness at the New Mount Olive Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fl after the Sunday’s morning 9 am worship service on February 24, 2013.

Broward debates school repair priorities
A proposal to fix the  roofs, restrooms and parking lot at Cooper City High School sparked a School Board debate about prioritizing capital needs in light of thinning budgets. Cooper City was one of a handful of schools to be given a phased replacement in 2009 because it had some of the most immediate needs and was deteriorating rapidly. School Board member Katie Leach said several schools still face similar conditions and their needs should be considered before Cooper City gets another fix — this one for almost $6 million.
Posted by at

NEWS RELEASE: MARCH 2-4, 2013

March 2 - 4, 2013

Blanche Ely outlasts Orlando Evans to repeat as 7A champ
Shaquille O’Neal had a courtside seat as Pompano Beach Blanche Ely held off a late charge Saturday to beat Orlando Evans 58-50 and capture its second Class 7A state boys’ basketball championship at the Lakeland Center.

Parents upset by school boundary shift
Parents are protesting a proposal to change the boundaries of a Pompano Beach elementary school. The district wants to move 171 students from McNab to two nearby schools — Floranada Elementary in Fort Lauderdale and Lloyd Estates in Oakland Park. They say the change would help the school meet state-mandated class-size requirements.

When it rains, trouble pours into aging Broward schools
Older schools in Broward County are caving in to years of deferred maintenance. Ceiling tiles sag and crumble when it rains. Students and teachers say they're sick from poor air quality and must trek through puddles to get to their classrooms, often sitting in hallways for lunch because there's no dry place to eat. "It's bad, but it's going to get worse," Superintendent Robert Runcie said. "The longer you put things off … the hole's just going to get larger."

Miramar to host meeting on school safety issues
The city is asking Miramar principals, teachers and parents to discuss school safety issues with Broward County School Superintendent Robert Runcie and School Board member Patti Good. The discussion will take place at 7 p.m. Monday at the Miramar Commission Chambers, 2300 Civic Center Place. The meeting will address Project L.O.V.E., which links police officers, volunteers and educators to provide safe schools.
Posted by at

NEWS RELEASE: MARCH 1, 2013

March 1, 2013

Hands-on project makes a difference at school
Heavy rains did not prevent more than 350 volunteers from being part of a recent national day of service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The volunteers converged at several events, including projects at Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Elementary School in Fort Lauderdale. There, volunteers made and packed lunches for distribution at a homeless shelter, donated blood, wrote letters to soldiers stationed overseas, planted a butterfly garden, built benches for a re-landscaped peace garden and more.

School board approves school boundary changes
The Broward school board approved new boundaries Wednesday that would kick in next school year. During a public meeting Wednesday, the board reviewed proposed changes including a plan to convert ArthurAshe Middle Schoolin FortLauderdale into an adult workforce development program and expand DillardHigh School into a grades 6-12 magnet program. 

Fewer students learn cursive handwriting
Cursive handwriting not in Common Core State Standards
Fewer students are learning how to write in cursive "I can read it just fine, but writing is a struggle," said 17-year-old Sam Reich, a high school senior. Reich, like many other students his age, is headed to college without learning cursive handwriting. "After fifth grade, I never was questioned for not knowing cursive again," he said. "Unfortunately, it's a dying art," said Lucy McGuire, a teacher at Coconut Palm Elementary School in Miramar.
Posted by at

NEWS RELEASE: FEBURARY 27, 2013

February 27, 2013

Dillard Center for the Arts jazz band makes 'Super Bowl' again
The jazz band at Fort Lauderdale's Dillard Center for the Arts has again been selected from nearly 100 high schools across the country to perform in the finals of the prestigious Essentially Ellington competition at Lincoln Center in New York. It is the fourth straight year that the DCA band has made the final 15 in the so-called “Super Bowl of high school jazz competitions,” which they will be trying to win for the third year in a row.

Broward Teachers Showcase Innovative Curriculum at 16thAnnual Broward Education Foundation Idea Expo @ Nova SE
More than 500 of Broward County’s brightest and most creative teachers attended the 16thAnnual IMPACT Idea Expo at Nova Southeastern University to share creative ideas for classroom learning projects and vie for grant money from the Broward Education Foundation, a non-profitorganization that raises private funds to support public school needs.

Weston city commissioners congratulate local principals for maintaining “A” schools
On Tuesday, February 19, 2013 the City Commission congratulated each Weston public school principal for achieving an “A” grade in the State of Florida’s A-Plus grading plan. Each principal was presented with two coveted crystal book awards honoring their individual achievement as well as the achievements of the school faculty, the students and the school community.

School Board members in demand at Springs' teen forum
School Board Superintendent Robert Runcie knew he would be answering more than a few questions at Coral Springs' sixth Teen Political Forum, but he was not quite ready for a question about President Barack Obama.

Students craft anti-bullying piece inspired by 'Wicked'
Don't stand by, stand up. This is the message students at Falcon Cove Middle School in Weston drove home with their original anti-bullying piece inspired by the musical "Wicked." To craft their piece, the 20 theater students participated in a series of workshops in collaboration with Tammy Holder, a teaching artist out of New York.

Parents fight closure of Fort Lauderdale special needs schools
'Wingate Oaks' and 'Sunset School' plan to close this year
At a meeting Tuesday, parents expressed their ire that the school they've grown to trust for their special needs kids, Wingate Oaks, is expected to shut its doors at the end of the school year. Located in Fort Lauderdale, Wingate Oaks is one of six Broward schools that serves children with a variety of needs, from autism to cerebral palsy to unique medical disorders. Along with Sunset School in Fort Lauderdale, Wingate was chosen by the Broward School district to close due to low enrollment. Combined, Wingate and Sunset serve under 200 students.

Broward County District 4 School Board Rep. Speaks to Mental Health Vigilance
As the Broward County School Board continues to prioritize school safety measures, MargateNews.net asked the Board’s District 4 Representative, Abby Freedman, to share her thoughts on making schools more secure. Freedman, a new face on the Board elected in November, represents more than 50 Broward schools.

Charter school, homes to go up on border of Pembroke Pines, Southwest Ranches
A highly contested piece of land on the city's western edge that borders neighboring SouthwestRanches will be home to a new charter school and residential development. The city sold the 43-acre property to Discovery Schools for $10,135,000 to build a three-story charter school for 2,050 sixth-through 12th-grade students and a 43-unit residential development with private access. The property is located south of Griffin Road and east of Southwest 208th Avenue.
Posted by at

Sunday, February 24, 2013

ESE PARENT SURVEY



Posted by at

YEARBOOK PRESALE & ADS DUE DATE EXTENDED

PARENTS:

Tamarac Elementary PTA has extended the presale price of $25.00 for the purchase of a yearbook till March 1, 2013. We have also extended that yearbook ads till this date. You still have time to get your orders placed. If you need assistance please email Tamarac Elementary PTA @ tamaracpta@aol.com or call the school at 754-322-8600.
Posted by at

NEWS RELEASE: FEBURARY 22, 2013

February 22, 2013

Broward Schools 2014 Teacher of the Year Finalists
Five elementary school teachers and an alternative school teacher are the six teachers selected to be among the best of the best in Broward County Public Schools (BCPS). The six – Suzanne Clancy, Challenger Elementary School; Monica Fernandez, Hallandale Adult Community Center; Dr. Miranti R. Murphy, Boulevard Heights Elementary School; Traci Porter, Harbordale Elementary School; Marie Rho, Lauderdale Manors Elementary School; and Evelyn Schwartz, Oakridge Elementary School – are finalists for the 2014 Teacher of the Year award. They are among the nearly 200 Teacher of the Year nominees from Broward County’s 232 schools and centers. The District has 14,327 teachers.

Six Broward Teachers recognized as among the best in Broward County

Bilingual Parents Institute to ‘Unlock Your Future’ Feb.23
The Broward County Public School District (BCPS) will hold its Annual Bilingual Parents Institute on Saturday, Feb. 23 from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at The Signature Grand, 6900 State Rd. 84, Davie. The free program is presented by the ESOL Department (English for Speakers of Other Languages), and is open to bilingual parents of students in grades 6 through 12 to prepare their child for success in high school and college education.

Analyzing Florida’s Class Size Limit Penalties
Florida lawmakers are considering a bill which would change the way the state calculates class size limits required by the state constitution. Lawmakers may allow district schools to use the more flexible rules granted to charter schools.
Posted by at

NEWS RELEASE: FEBURARY 21, 2013

February 21, 2013

Task force: Outsource part of Broward school bus service
The Broward County schools facilities task force on Wednesday proposed a dramatic alternative to fixing the bleeding transportation department —outsource one of its bus terminals to a private company.  "There's no way for you to know if what you're doing is the best until you have something to compare it to,"Charlotte Greenbarg, vice-chair of the task force, told the school board. She wants the district to pilot the idea with one terminal in order to compare costs and management operations.

Legislation Gives Florida School Districts More Flexibility On Class Sizes
A bill that would change the way schools are penalized for not complying with class size requirements is getting bipartisan support so far in Tallahassee….Georgia Slack, a lobbyist for Broward County Public Schools and a consortium of school boards, said the goal is not to change class size requirements.

Upcoming Allen West appearance sparks complaint
He's out of office, but former Congressman Allen West is still attracting controversy. This time it's over a speech he's scheduled to give Saturday night to one of the Broward School Board's advisory committees. A civic activist who's tangled before with West is outraged, arguing it's the wrong venue for the defeated one-term congressman, best known for his incendiary attacks on President BarackObama and other Democrats.

If Allen West could teach in Broward schools, surely he can speak
You know what's wrong with Allen West giving a talk to a Broward school district advisory group this weekend? Nothing.

Broward schools audit finds security firm overbilled
A private security firm hired to protect Broward school district properties was overbilling for the service, according to an internal audit presented to Broward School Board members Wednesday. The audit documented more than $129,000 in overbilling by Georgia-based U.S. Security Associates, and faulted the district’s “inadequate” oversight of the charges, many of which have been paid.
Posted by at

NEWS RELEASE: FEBURARY 16-20, 2013

February 16 - 20, 2013

Miami Dolphins teach NFL skills to Glades Middle School students

Dancing program part of anti-bullying effort
Three fifth-grade classes from Harbordale Elementary School in Fort Lauderdale recently took part in a Dancing Classrooms Southeast Florida program designed to promote social development and combat bullying. The program involved teaching about 50 students several ballroom dances — the waltz, merengue, fox trot, tango, rumba and swing — twice a week at recess time during the fall semester. At the conclusion, the students gave a recital at the school.

Music to their ears: Students seek $30,000 grant for instruments
When McArthur High's students learned that as many as three classmates had to share a single band instrument, it struck a sour note. So five freshmen put their lessons to work and applied for a $30,000 grant to replace some of the school's beat up and out-of-tune instruments. They recently learned they're finalists for the money.

Parents fight to keep 2 special needs schools open
Parents at two special needs centers in Browardcounty are determined to convince the district to keep their schools open. Earlier this month, the district announced Sunset School and Wingate Oaks in FortLauderdale will shutter at the end of the school year due to low enrollment numbers. Parents at Sunset have started an online petiiton to "Save Sunset School." So far, the petition has garnered slightly under 500 signatures.

Parents decry closing of two Broward schools for special-needs kids
A growing chorus of parents with special-needs children are complaining about how the Broward school district treats them. If you ask parents why they value Broward’s Wingate Oaks Educational Center — and why they’re so furious about its imminent closure —the answer often boils down to trust.

School Districts across the country join Broward at invitation-only symposium on LGBTQ issues in Fort Lauderdale
School district representatives from across the country are convening in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, taking part in a first-ever symposium hosted by the Broward Stonewall Education Project (BSEP). Participants will examine LGBTQ-inclusive support systems and resources necessary for the wellness and safety of LGBTQ students in schools. In addition, participants will work together to create a national network for the future. BSEP is an unprecedented partnership between a private museum, the Fort Lauderdale-based Stonewall National Museum & Archives, and a public school district, Broward CountyPublic Schools (the nation’s sixth largest).

Hillsborough schools consider ads on websites
In Broward County, the web site for Coral Springs High School has an advertisement for a movie theater complex. The web site for Fort Lauderdale High carries an ad for a local dance studio.

Broward schools overpaid security firm by $129,000, audit finds
The Broward school district overpaid a security firm by $129,000, according an internal audit that found the district grossly mismanaged the contract, paid unnecessary overtime and late fees, and even paid guards after the contract expired. U.S. Security Associates, Inc. was contracted in 2009 to provide security guards to various bus facilities and the district's administration building. The district's school police department handled payments and verified work hours. An audit into the contract paymentswas requested by Superintendent Robert Runcie.

Davie considers tax to raise money to pay for police at every school
After the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December, Davie decided to put police officers in all of the town’s public schools. But after six weeks, saying it was too much of a strain, the police department pulled the officers out. Unhappy parents and teachers complained, and on Wednesday, the Town Council held a meeting to discuss a solution. They decided to put it to the voters….The Broward School District has no unified policy on the placement of police officers in schools, said spokeswoman Tracy Clark. It’s up to each municipality to decide whether or not to place officers in elementary schools.

Teacher faces firing over anger issues
A Wilton Manors Elementary teacher could lose her job for a variety of issues, including a heated dispute over flowers. Superintendent Robert Runcie is recommending the Broward School Board take steps Tuesday to fire Ann Morgan, 60, who teaches autistic students. If it agrees, she would be placed on unpaid leave while she is allowed to appeal.
Posted by at

NEWS RELEASE: FEBURARY 15, 2013

February 15, 2013

Forest Glen Middle School Student is Finalist for National Award For Outstanding Volunteer Work
Forest Glen Middle School eighth grader, Randell Slapikas, has been selected as a Distinguished Finalist in the 2013 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards for his outstanding volunteer work in his community.

Group uses hopscotch to help fight MS
A local foundation is turning to a popular children's game to help raise awareness for a serious cause. They are hoping to bring hopscotch to as many schools as possible to help battle multiple sclerosis. "We want kids to learn and understand really what MS is because it can be a very confusing illness," said Coral Springs resident Marla Jaffe Nassau, president and CEO of MS Hopscotch Hopping 4 A Cure…."We have raised money to be able to give our first scholarship this year to either a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High with MS or who has a family member who has been affected by MS," she said.

Bacterial meningitis reported at Miramar school
A case of bacterial meningitis was reported at Fairway Elementary School in Miramar, Broward school officials said. In a letter sent to parents Tuesday, school principal Michelle Engram-McKnight said students displaying high fever, chills or tiredness should be taken to the doctor right away.

Kunjufu: Hire more black male teachers
The graduation rate for black boys attending Broward County public Schools during the 2011-2012 school year was 68.2 percent, up 7.1 percent from the previous year, according to a December 2012 School Board memo.
Posted by at

NEWS RELEASE: FEBURARY 14, 2013

February 14, 2013

Should Pembroke Pines charters get money from Broward school kitty?
Unhappy with the funding it gets for upkeep of its city-run charter school system, PembrokePines wants to change state law to compel the Broward school district to share some property tax revenue. The school district hates the idea, saying it can't afford to give up any money for construction, repairs and equipment for traditional public schools. So now we have a heated clash pitting government vs. government, and Pines charter supporters vs. outsiders.

Davie considers tax to raise money to pay for police at every school
After the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December, Davie decided to put police officers in all of the town’s public schools. But after six weeks, saying it was too much of a strain, the police department pulled the officers out. Unhappy parents and teachers complained, and on Wednesday, the Town Council held a meeting to discuss a solution. They decided to put it to the voters.

Report: Meningitis case at Miramar school
A case of bacterialmeningitis has been reported at an elementary school in Miramar, according to WTVJ-Ch. 6. Parents of students at Fairway Elementary School were notified by the school on Tuesday, informing them about the disease and its symptoms, the station reported.
Posted by at

BOXTOPS WINNER!!!!!

Did you know that when Jamie Romano wakes up every morning, she enters for a chance to win prizes from General Mills Boxtops for Education?

Well, she does!

And...

She WON!

And won BIG!!!!!

Her name was drawn and she has won $10,000 for our school and a trip for herself to the Boxtop University in Minneapolis this summer!!

Way to go, Jaime! And thank you so much for your hard work for Tamarac Elementary!

Roberta Ray
Principal
Tamarac Elementary
Posted by at

NEWS RELEASE: FEBURARY 13, 2013

February 13, 2013

Broward School Board upset by savings shortfall
Broward School Board members expressed disappointment Tuesday that the transportation department is expected to fall drastically short of its projected savings this year. "We were really banking on getting those savings," said board member Patricia Good. "It's quite severe."

Broward school bus service shake-up yielded lower savings than expected
Broward’s revamped schools bus service was supposed to save big money this year, but those savings came in much smaller than expected. The Broward School district’s overhaul of school bus service — a shake-up that led to widespread mishaps — is expected to yield less than $3 million in cost savings this year, district leaders announced Tuesday.
Posted by at

NEWS RELEASE: FEBURARY 9 - 11, 2013

February 9 - 11, 2013

Musical to recreate Springs' 50-year history
CoralSprings students will, with some help from principals, city officials and senior city staff, recreate the history of the city through music at an event next month.The musical will be one of the highlights of the city's 50th anniversary celebrations.

Should Florida teachers get big hike in pay?
After years of frozen wages, pension reforms that ate into their pay and a new accountability system that will base pay on performance, the subject of teacher salaries in Florida is gaining new political attention. State Rep. Kevin Rader, D-Delray Beach, and state Sen. Joe Abruzzo, D-Wellington, have filed twin bills in the Legislature to give teachers an average $10,000 pay increase, which they say would make them level with their national counterparts. Gov. Rick Scott, in a separate plan, wants to give all teachers a $2,500 pay raise.

Students arrested for throwing spitballs, lollipops
Thousands of Florida students are arrested in school each year and taken to jail for behavior that once warranted a trip to the principal's office — a trend that troubles juvenile-justice and civil-rights leaders who say children are being traumatized for noncriminal acts….Broward school officials are working with law enforcement officials and school administrators to reduce the incidents,including drafting a set of non-criminal punishments — such as in-school suspension — for discipline problems.
Posted by at

NEWS RELEASE: FEBURARY 8, 2013

February 8, 2013

Drive provides more than $100K in school supplies
Three semi-trucks full of items helped more than 600 Broward teachers replenish their school supplies as a result of the Tools for Schools drive organized by the UnitedWayof Broward County and Publix.

‘School Duel’ back for 3rd season on BECON
BECON-TV (Broward Education Communications Network) WBEC-TV a nonprofit, noncommercial television station owned and operated by the School Board of Broward County announced the participating teams and broadcast schedule for the third season of School Duel, designed to reward and showcase intellectual talent in South Florida’s high schools, as well as serving as a positive educational tool for students.

Four Broward County students named candidates for prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
Four Broward County Public Schools students have been named candidates for the highly prestigious 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
Coral Glades High School senior Ronald D. Laracuente, Nova High School senior Gregory A. Bernstein, and Marjory Stoneman High School seniors Diana C. Luzardo and Jason C. Zhang were named among the more than 3,000 candidates in the 2013 U.S.Presidential Scholars Program.
Posted by at

Thursday, February 7, 2013

NEWS RELEASE: FEBRUARY 7, 2013

February 7, 2013

Students grow food, learn nutrition
Program encourages Broward County students to eat more fresh food
A new program is teaching students in five Broward County Public schools about healthy eating and growing vegetables. ”Go ahead, just pull them out. Wow, look at the carrots,” said science teacher Noel Morgado-Santos.  His students are harvesting and observing the carrots they've grown in their new garden in Lauderhill.

Broward School District releases three year plan
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has announced distribution of the District’s new Three-Year Strategic Plan. The BCPS Strategic Plan was developed with the assistance and input of the BCPS community. In brief, the plan highlights three primary goals and provides a structure for “Strengthening the Paths to Success.”

Broward School Board approves salary increases for employees
The School Board of Broward County, Florida approved salary increases on February 5, 2013, for approximately 4,568 Broward County Public Schools employees.

Alex Collins delays signing with Arkansas: 'The family is not on the same page'
While Northeast receiver Stacy Coley and Miramar linebacker Jermaine Grace ended intense speculation Wednesday by signing with the University of Miami, another prized local recruit who had turned down the Hurricanes against his mother’s wishes stole the spotlight with his strange National Signing Day saga. South Plantation running back Alex Collins was set to sign with Arkansas on Wednesday morning after announcing Monday night on Fox Sports South that he had chosen the Razorbacks over Miami, Florida State, Florida and Wisconsin.

Embattled BCPS Transportation director blows the whistle on rampant corruption, nepotism
Chester Tindall, 50, may hail from the “Windy City” of Chicago, but his brief tenurehere has been nothing short of stormy. “I was brought down here to reform the system,” stated the embattled but unbowed head of the Broward County Public School’s Transportation Department.
Posted by at
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)