Titan Newsletter
#KnowNova
May 2021 - Volume 9
Nova Blanche Forman Elementary School
Russell Schwartz - Principal
Janet Calamaro - Assistant Principal
Email: Russell.Schwartz@browardschools.com
Website: novablancheforman.browardschools.com
Location: 3521 Davie Road, Davie, FL, United States
Phone: 754 323-6600
Twitter: @NBFelem
May 03-16 - Online Book Fair
May 04-05 - Third Grade Math FSA
May 06-07 - Fifth Grade ELA FSA
May 10-11 - Fifth Grade Math FSA
May 12&14 - Fourth Grade Math FSA
May 18-19 - Fourth Grade ELA FSA
May 20-21 - Fifth Grade Science FSA
May 31 - Memorial Day - Schools and Administrative Offices Closed
Nova Blanche Forman Families,
Welcome to May and the homestretch of a school year that was undeniably unique. I hope that this newsletter finds everyone healthy and optimistic about the future. In a normal school year, so much would be happening this time of year. We would be closing out the school year, conducting assessments, celebrating the promotion of our 5th grade students, hosting end of the year gatherings, etc. With COVID-19 and the restrictions in place, we are doing our best to properly close out the year while still celebrating the accomplishments of our students and faculty.
To begin with, state assessments and end of year assessments are in full swing this month. We are always excited for our students to demonstrate what they know. The uniqueness of the school situation since last March means that we will be able to utilize these assessments, along with any others, as a starting point for the next school year. Our goal is always to take students where they are and move them to where they are capable of being and beyond. Post COVID-19, this remains the same.
Please strongly consider taking advantage of Broward County School’s expanded Summer Experience this summer. Unfortunately, the program will not be available at Nova Blanche Forman, however, it will be available in-person and at a school near your own home. This is a great opportunity to help close any gaps that might have developed due to any learning loss during the pandemic.
We at Nova Blanche Forman are extremely excited about the future. While we don’t know the specifics of how school will look next year, we are ready and prepared for anything. Our hope is to welcome all our students back into the building and be able to provide a safe, healthy environment. If the pandemic situation doesn’t allow for that, we will be ready in any capacity to deliver a high-quality learning experience for all students.
This has been a very difficult time for our students. So much negativity has been in our world with very few outlets to just be a kid. At our school, we are very focused on our students’ social and emotional health. We want them to know and feel that they are loved and supported when they arrive at school each day. Our team strives to make sure each student feels welcomed and accepted and that they have many adults surrounding them who are willing to help. Please communicate any concerns that you have for your child with Ms. James, our School Counselor, or Administration. We don’t want to miss someone who might need that extra attention.
In closing, I hope that you have a wonderful month of May. Thank you all for always being so supportive and understanding especially during these unique times. Stay safe and stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Mr. Russ Schwartz
Principal
ENGLISH FOR FAMILIES
English for families is a series of online interactive classes for parents and children (ages 6-12) that focuses on developing English vocabulary and literacy skills through strategic and fun story reading. It will be located at the Miramar Library. Pre-register here: http://broward.libnet.info/event/4997760
Testing, Testing 1,2,3!
The month of May will be busy with testing.
Testing tips: Be sure that your child to gets a good night's rest
Limit media use during testing
Encourage them to do their best
Remind them that this test does not define them!
Please see FSA testing dates below. All students will be required to come to the building to test for FSA.
**Please note that 5th grade math and 4th grade Math dates have slightly changed during the week of 5/10.
**FSA Dates**
5/4-5/5: 3rd Grade Math
5/6-5/7: 5th Grade ELA
5/10-5/11: 5th Grade Math
5/12 & 5/14: 4th Grade Math
5/18-5/19: 4th Grade ELA
5/20-21: 5th Grade ScienceWe are in the final stretch of the school year! Hang in there and finish strong!
Tips for ELearning at Home to increase focus and engagement.
FortifyFL was created and funded by the 2018 Florida Legislature as part of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. The application was named by students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Download the app on your phone today!
You can view the website by going here www.getfortifyfl.com.
PTA Corner:
- Happy Mother’s Day to all who serve and take care of our children everyday!!!!
- 2021/2022 PTA Elections for the Executive Board will be held on May 11th, right after the SAC meeting!
- We need a minimum of 10 members to hold the meeting, please attend.
- If you are interested in serving on the Board please contact the PTA for a nomination form at NBFPTA.NOMCOM@gmail.com.
- Remember, you must be a paid PTA member to serve.
- It is finally here! We are so proud to sponsor our Teachers/Staff Appreciation Week!
- Parents don’t miss out! You can also show the teachers and staff some Love. Send a card, a gift, some teachers’ swag. Whatever you do we know they will appreciate it!
- Thank you all for supporting us with our fundraiser events.
- Online Book Fair - - May 3 to 16. Get your summer reading material now. https://www.scholastic.com/bf/nbfbookfair
- Please remember to say Nova Blanche Forman Elementary when you order!
- I Heart Mac and Cheese -- May 11th, 11 - 11pm. 2325 S University Dr.
- Juice Therapy Cafe – May 27th, 4 – 8 pm. 8820 Griffin Road.
May 3 - 16
Visit our Online Book Fair May 3 through 16, and get your summer reading materials now.
SCHOOL ISSUED LAPTOPS
Please read through the Property Pass issued to you for expectations on laptop care and internet use.
Keep in mind that with a loaner device, it’s important students do not place permanent marks such as stickers or writing on the devices.
Attention Students and Parents!
Homework Support is Available for BCPS K-12 Students
FREE, live and exclusive homework help from certified teachers and subject matter experts available Monday through Thursday on school days.
Ask BRIA! Flyer: English | Español | Haitian-kreyòl | Português
Homework support available Mondays to Thursdays from 3:15 to 7:15 p.m.
- Login into SSO/Canvas and click on the Ask BRIA link.
- Complete and submit a request form.
- Open Microsoft Teams and wait for a call from Ask BRIA for a one-on-one session with a certified teacher.
Subjects: English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and more!
There will be NO birthday or holiday celebrations.
Do not send in items to be shared or passed out.
For updated information regarding 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) please visit www.cdc.gov. If you are concerned that you have been exposed to 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), please call the Florida Department of Health in Broward County at 954-412-7300.
Arrival
School begins promptly at 9:30 AM. Students being transported to school by car must not arrive before 9:00 AM. Upon arriving late, after 9:30 AM, students must come to the front office to be admitted to class. Except in cases of a late bus, students will be marked tardy at 9:30 AM. As per the School Board of Broward County Discipline Matrix, habitual tardies can result in consequences such as time out, detention, social worker interventions and/or rescission of Nova placement.
Dismissal
Children are dismissed at 3:30 PM. If a student is to be picked up early, a note must be given to the classroom teacher in the morning. No child is permitted to leave the school at any time prior to the regular dismissal time unless he/she is signed out in the front office. Students will not be called to the office for early dismissal after 3:00 PM. Only persons listed on the registration form will be permitted to sign out a child.
Per School Board Policy, there will be no dismissal after 3:00 PM. Dismissal begins at 3:30 PM. If your child is a car rider, please be on time, in an emergency call the office.
Children who are car riders at dismissal will be seated according to grade level. Parents who do not wish to park, must wait in the car line. Parents need to wait outside, not in the front office. Students will not be released to meet parents across the parking lot. Names of children and their grade level should be placed in the windshield of the passenger side of the car. It is of extreme importance that children be picked up on time or enrolled in the After Care program at Nova Blanche Forman. Parents who habitually pick their child(ren) up late will be referred to the school social worker.
To ensure the success of your children, it is important that they be in school on time and that they remain in school through the end of the day.