April Monthly News
BROOKER CREEK ELEMENTARY
Our final section of the FAST test is set to begin a few short weeks. Consistent student attendance is vital during these weeks as we work to address the learning gaps that exist. Kindergarten through grade two will have their Math and ELA test during the week of April 24. Most of third grade through fifth grade will have their ELA test during the week of May 1. Fifth grade will test in Science during the week of May 8. We will conclude testing during the week of May 15 for grade 3 through grade 5 in the area of Math. Teachers will provide families with more specific dates as the above is just a general plan. This will be the third time most students have taken the FAST test and we expect some amazing results!
We know that some families remain at BCE for many years and siblings may have had experiences with a variety of teachers. While we do not accept teacher requests, we recognize that some siblings may have a different personality from each other and perhaps a different teacher placement would be advantageous. You may email a teacher NON-request to Mr. Hodges at hodgesjo@pcsb.org by May 5. This NON-request must include the connection between the teacher and the child.
Please take a moment to read the rest of the newsletter. I hope you have a wonderful April and that you consider attending the Bobcat Bash.
Take care-
Mr. Hodges
Season of Awards
5th Grade PRIDE Award
Math- Haden Aamold
Science- Daniel Rusu
Writing- Sofia DiDiana
Social Studies- Isabel Brotten
Maria Edmunds Award
Hayden Aamold
Isabel Gorman
Alex Copri
Alessandra Morales-Coll
Carwise Award
Olivia Breadon
Carter Bruce
A special thank you to Kikilis Florist for donating a corsage and boutonniere for our students to wear to their ceremony. We appreciate your support!
Clinic News
End of the Year Medication Pickup
As the end of the school year quickly approaches, I wanted to remind all parents with students that have medication in the clinic, that they need to pick up the medication by the end of the school year. The last day of school this year is May 25, 2023 and dismissal time is 12:55. All medication in the clinic needs to be picked up by 3:00 pm on May 25, 2023. Any medication that has not been picked up by that time WILL be disposed of or destroyed. I know that days get hectic and people forget, so I will be sending home another reminder letter closer to the last day for you all to mark your calendars for this pickup date and time. This medication can be extremely expensive, and I would hate to have to destroy it.
Pinellas County Schools have strict polices that do not allow students to carry medications on their person. Therefore, we are not able to give the medication to students to bring home. A parent must come to the school and sign out the medication.
If your student is enrolled in summer bridge, unfortunately you will still need to pick up the medication from school and bring it back to school on the start date for summer bridge. I understand that this is an inconvenience, but as there are days off in between school being dismissed and summer bridge starting, the school cannot store the medication. Summer bridge this year is at Brooker Creek Elementary School.
If you are unable to pick up the medication on this date, please pick up medication prior to school being dismissed for the summer. I will be more than happy to assist you with this prior to the school year ending.
I will also be sending home a health history form for next year. If you plan to come back to Brooker Creek Elementary, could you please send back the form before this school year ends. This gives me a head start to next year and it is less paperwork for you all to fill out at the start of the school year.
Thank you all for your support throughout the school year. Have a safe, healthy and relaxing summer. I look forward to next year.
Nurse Diana
Tickets are on sale!! If you would like to be a Business Sponsor for this event, please email bcebobcatbash@gmail.com
Have you purchased your tickets for the Bobcat Bash yet?
To save your spot, please visit
https://bcebobcatbash.memberhub.gives/bobcat
Tickets are only on sale until 4/20!
F.A.Q.'s
Friday, April 28th 6p-10p at East Lake Woodlands Country Club
What is this all about anyway?
It's a party! The PTA has organized a kid-free night to celebrate the 25th anniversary of BCE. It's a chance to gather with friends and the educators who have dedicated 20 plus years of their career to Brooker Creek Elementary School! There will be plenty of food, drink and music to keep you entertained. We will have a 360 photo booth available as well as a professional photographer to capture the evenings memories. Not to be missed is our silent auction which has been carefully curated, featuring some truly awesome items and experiences. (Signed Lightning hockey puck anyone?)
All proceeds raised from the silent auction will go back into the PTA budget for the betterment of the teachers, students and the school
Is this for teachers and staff only?
No! We want to welcome as many current parents, past parents and students (over 21 of course), retired teachers,staff and friends as possible! If you love Brooker Creek Elementary School, this party is for YOU!
Will there be assigned seating?
Nope. Dinner is buffet style and you are free to sit wherever you like. We do think you will be up dancing to the music from NY DJ Rich Kenny though... If that's not your thing, there will be plenty of space to sit and relax or shop the silent auction!
What if I don't know anyone?
Hopefully you will by the end of the night! In a post pandemic world, this is our first real opportunity to mix and mingle with other parents and school faculty. If that doesn't excite you, you can always use this as a date night!
What is the bar situation?
Your ticket includes two drinks per person (beer, wine or signature drink)
A full CASH bar will be available if the above options are not your style.
Can I bring my child?
Hard no. This is an adults only event and a chance for us to let loose with no little ears around! KidsPark Oldsmar has partnered with us and is offering a special package for your childcare needs. Please reach out to them for more info.
https://www.kidspark.com/oldsmar
What do I wear?
Whatever you want! The event is intended to be a celebration where you can be comfortable but still feel good about your outfit. Dress like you would if you were headed out on a date night. Jeans are perfectly fine. Have a new dress? Wear it!
If you still have questions please email us at bcebobcatbash@gmail.com
We almost forgot!
Please email your song requests to bcebobcatbash@gmail.com
It's almost party time!
Laura Samreth
Bobcat Bash Committee Chair
Brooker Creek PTA
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
Galvin Gardner is Mrs. Janosek’s East Lake Sunrise April Student of the Month nomination for Brooker Creek! He consistently shows commitment to character throughout the school, in the classroom, during specials, in the cafeteria and during recess. Galvin demonstrates leadership in the classroom by exhibiting above and beyond thinking. He is a kind and engaging student who participated in the Student Leadership Summit 2023. He is also a safety patrol and takes his responsibilities seriously to fulfill his civic duty. He is a NEHS member and a district Mighty Mu finalist, while still being able to be a fantastic baseball player. Mrs. Janosek is proud to be his teacher and can’t wait to see all the amazing things he will continue to accomplish!
February Prestigious Paws for Cooperation
Student Name****Teacher
Sophia Gonu****Ms. T/Ms. I
Logan Berrios****Ms.K/Ms.Clark
Teylie Upchurch ****Ms.Renee/Ms.Vargas
Gianna Stolar****Mrs. Copri
Ellen Cudzil****Mrs. Crim
Genevieve Bird****Mrs. Ortega
Gavin Manning****Ms. Toye
Caleb Mortensen****Mrs. Price
Jana Piperski****Mrs. Schwabe
Grace Prillhart****Mrs. Skryd
Duncan Gilpin ****Mrs. Smekal
Sawyer Glynn****Mrs. TenBieg
Lilyana Smekal****Ms. Browne
Donato Vitale****Mrs. McMullen
Luke Barnes****Ms. McSunas
Mason Upchurch****Mrs. Mieras
Sofie Kapur****Mrs. Read
Maya DeVita ****Mrs. Bailey
Ayva Bashore****Ms. Coll
Vibhu Mantripragada****Mrs. Fox
Grayson Thompson****Mr. Rademacher
Ben Mandeville****Mrs. Vinyard
Amanda Garcia****Ms. DePaolo
Antony Mikhael****Mrs. Ficca
Aiden Howard****Mrs. Hite
Austin Mokhiber****Mrs. Schuler
Leah Bloznalis****Mrs. Hickman
Logan Sonetirot****Mrs. Janosek
Connor Niedziela****Mrs. Katsourinis
Avri Goodlet****Mrs. Miller
Madison Leasure****Ms. Smith
Luke Lentine****Mrs. Livingston
Louie Lind****Mr. Ross
Lauren Dauman****PE Department
Cooper Davis****Ms. Iannello
Rian Carden****Mrs. Harlan
Mary Correa****Ms. Putnam
March Prestigious Paws for Responsibility
Student Name****Teacher Juliette Mitroka****Ms. T/Ms. I Pete Kapur****Ms.Clark/Ms. K Joslyn Phillips****Ms.Renee/Ms.Vargas Abigail Schuler****Mrs. Copri Ian Lafontaine****Mrs. Crim Korban Keefe****Mrs. Ortega William Kerestury ****Ms. Toye Victoria Mihaj****Mrs. Price Jameson Martin****Mrs. Schwabe Madison Kloepfer****Mrs. Skryd RJ Smith ****Mrs. Smekal Charlotte Griep****Mrs. TenBieg Evelyn Tolson****Ms. Browne Stella Spencer****Mrs. McMullen Alek Aboul-Hosn****Ms. McSunas John Stolar****Mrs. Mieras Matej Poljcic****Mrs. Read Madelyn Belcher ****Mrs. Bailey Allyson Tarver****Ms. Coll Harlow Houllis****Mrs. Fox Eden Moua****Mr. Rademacher Brayden Ritchie****Mrs. Vinyard Cristina Nuszer****Ms. DePaolo Mia Roy****Mrs. Ficca Colton Scruggs****Mrs. Hite Sophia Smith****Mrs. Schuler Steven Mikhail****Mrs. Hickman Galvin Gardner****Mrs. Janosek Mary Correa****Mrs. Katsourinis Keaton Drusbosky****Mrs. Miller Ashlyn Lannon****Ms. Smith Elly Heyns****Mrs. Livingston Lillian Carey****Mr. Ross Eliana Boehm****PE Department Anna White****Ms. Iannello Jack Phillippi****Mrs. Harlan Grace Shook****Ms. Putnam Swayer Glynn****Ms. Loftus
March Library Media and Technology News
March Library Media and Technology News
Florida Power Library
https://www.flpowerlibraries.com/fplsschools
Book Fair News:
WOW! The BCE Spring Book Fair had an awesome turn out and there simply are not enough words to express our gratitude. THANK YOU to all the fearless volunteers who gave their time, THANK YOU to all the fabulous visitors who shopped the fair, and THANK YOU to everyone who purchased books. All profits earned from the Book Fair will be used to support our Media Center.
It's the boundless generosity of this community that helps make Brooker Creek Elementary one of the best elementary schools in the district!
Battle of the Books:
Congratulations to our Fourth Grade Team! They came in first place in our School Battle on March 30th. They will represent our school in the District’s Semifinals with a chance to move onto the finals in the end of April.
We are very proud of them!
· Logan Jackson
· Lucia Spencer
· Elora Johnson
· Marie Kornilova
The media center is a place where kids learn to enjoy reading. Our Media Center is open to all students, staff, and parents who wish to check out books or use any of our many resources. When a student chooses the books that interest them, they are more interested in reading. Remind your child to choose a just right book, a book when they read, they make less than five mistakes per page. Please take time to share their books with them. By sitting together looking at the pictures, reading the captions and talking about the story, you are building memories and modeling good reading habits that will last your child a lifetime. If you would like to view our inventory of books, please go to http://destiny.pcsb.org and select Brooker Creek Elementary. This will give you a direct link to all the books that we have in our collection available for checkout.
The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.
— Dr. Seuss
Danielle Gabbert, Library Media Technology Specialist
PE NEWS
Bobcats! We've just completed an awesome few days of Field Day! Thank you to all the parents and family members that were able to attend. We also appreciate all the support we continue to receive from the Bobcat community. The Tampa Bay Street hockey team came out for a second time last month and have left us with thousands of dollars' worth of street hockey equipment. Not all schools are fortunate enough to have them come out once, let a one twice. We know the students who participated had a great time! We just completed our Fitness Testing; we saw many improvements from the students compared to earlier in the year! We hope everyone has a good start to the month of April!
Elementary School Wellness Guidelines
While we know that students and families enjoy providing treats to students, particularly on birthdays, there are strict rules and guidelines provided for the elementary student consumption of food items. We try to use our best discretion for these situations. The link provided below will take you to the district website outlining the guidelines, but we have included a graphic below. Items such as candy, cupcakes, and donuts do not meet the guidelines and we ask that you please do not provide them as the office staff will remind individuals of the guidelines. The link and graphic provided list options that are acceptable, and we ask that you make allowable selections when needed. Thank you for understanding.
Invitation to eat lunch with your child
The schedule is as follows:
4/14- Fourth grade
4/21- Fifth grade
TIME TO ENROLL
Art News
March was officially Youth Art Month….even though here at BCE we celebrate the arts every month and boy did we have lots going on. As always, I’d like to acknowledge some of our outstanding student artists for having their work chosen for county art shows:
***Congratulations to Teli Pavalis in Mrs. Tenbieg’s 1st grade class for being chosen to represent Brooker Creek Elementary for the “I Can” Awards at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Teli was chosen for his outstanding creativity and attentions to detail.
Clearwater Arts Alliance~ Youth Art Month Show at Creative Pinellas
· Ellie Sullivan for her ‘Steamy Cuppa Cocoa’ oil pastel design
· Raigan Zaborowicz for her “ShooCng Stars and Northern Lights’ chalk pastel design
· Julia Dhima for her “Ribbons in the Sky” chalk pastel masterpiece
Exceptional Voices Show. Saturday, April 8th
· Maryann Correa for her “Surf Life” sculpture
· Andrew Jones for his “Cream Fetches” sculpture
Dynamic Dimensions Sculpture and short film K-12 Show at The James Museum in St. Pete. Awards date Wednesday, April 12th at 5:30pm
· Alex Bull for his “Spread Your Wings” sculpture
· Colby Brown for his “The Hit Heard Around Florida” sculpture
· Carson Spaniolo for her Twirling in the Wind” sculpture
· Dylan Meyer for her “View from Above” sculpture
· Alessandra Morales-Coll for her “The Magic Library” sculpture
SODA (State of the Digital Arts) Leepa RaVner Museum Wednesday, April 5th at 5:30pm
· Dylan Lindon for his “Revenge of the Ki]es” digital masterpiece.
WORD and IMAGE Show at The Morean Arts Center in St. Pete. Thursday, April 20th at 5:30pm with the theme: “I am Enough”
· Hadley DorseN ~ “Our Home is Enough”
· Galvin Gardner ~ “More than a Seed”
· Carson Smekal ~ “The Great Humpback Whale”
· Colton Scruggs ~ “I am a Fisherman”
****Also…Save the date for our Specials Night of art, music and PE fun Thursday, May 11th from 5:30-7:00pm. More details to come soon.
Outstanding School Volunteer for Area 1
Congratulations to Rita Smekal as the Area 1 Outstanding School Volunteer. Rita has significantly improved the lives of students through relational growth and rapport. She enjoys working with students in small reading groups, speaking with them during spelling tests and she even creates unique art projects that go with the reading books. She does all this for almost 100 students. These relationships create an environment that students and teachers want to be a part of which has a direct impact on student learning.
Brooker Creek is extremely lucky to have such a hard-working volunteer. Rita has been a valuable source for teachers, students, and staff. She is a true example of a volunteer, a timeless job that provides a difference. We cannot thank her enough for rendering the amount of service to Brooker Creek.
VOLUNTEERING @ Brooker Creek
Are you attending a field trip anytime this year? Please be sure to register or reactivate your volunteer account.
New Volunteers – Volunteer applicants must complete an online volunteer registration and upload a Government Issued photo ID. A Level 1 (National Background Screening at no cost to the volunteer) will be processed by the District Office of Strategic Partnerships. It could take up to three weeks to be processed at this time of the year.
When the applicant has been Level 1 background checked approved they will receive an email with the volunteer's user ID and password to log their volunteer hours in the volunteer system. A volunteer must pass the Level 1 background check before moving forward with the Level 2 process.
Volunteers are required to sign in at the front office with an ID and wear a volunteer name tag all times while on campus or at a school sponsored event. All Level 1 volunteers will be escorted to and from their volunteer destination and will be in line site of a PCSB Employee or Level 2 volunteer.
Please sign in using a laptop or desktop computer via the following link; https://focus.pcsb.org/volunteer
Level 2 Screening - All volunteers MUST be registered and approved in the volunteer system as a Level 1 before obtaining a Level 2 status. Level 2 screenings are valid for five years. Level 2 badges will need to be obtained once your are a Level 2. Once you are an approved Level 2 contact me for directions for obtaining a badge. Please go to the following website; https://www.pcsb.org/Page/12334, halfway down you will see Vendor Lists. Please contact and make an appointment with the vendor that is convenient for you. There will be a fee for fingerprints.
All level 2 volunteers will need to be rescreened prior to/or after the five year expiration date if you wish to continue volunteering in an unsupervised capacity. Level 2 vendors are listed half way down in this link; https://www.pcsb.org/Page/12334
If you have been fingerprinted by your employer, please provide the FBI/FDLE screening results, or a letter confirming you were FBI/FDLE screened and cleared, the date of the screening, your legal first and last name, your birthdate, the last 4 digits of your SSN, and that you are a current employee. Please send the letter via email to volunteer@pcsb.org for review and approval.
College Student Interns – College Students who are beginning any practicum, internship, field experience, or any type of observations must be registered and Level 2 fingerprinted prior to completing any educational course requirements. Level 2 applies to all school levels.
· Every hour counts, on campus, at home, field trips, Book Fairs, PTA, SAC, and in the classroom.
· The hours can be “chunked”, log them all at once. It is the hours that are the most important, not necessarily the dates.
· These hours are reported to Tallahassee twice a year and show our District’s Community Involvement.
Please continue to log your volunteer hours using Google Chrome browser; https://focus.pcsb.org/volunteer – if you do not know the user ID and Password please contact the family & community liaison at your school.
To obtain a badge please e-mail me @ cantu-alvarezj@pcsb.org your legal name to provide you the proper documents.
Did you know, Brooker Creek is rewarded for ALL our VOLUNTEER hours we log?
L E T ‘S log those hours
Directions for logging hours: https://focus.pcsb.org/uploaded-assets-volunteer/file/Volunteer%20Quick%20Guide(1).pdf
REACTIVATE YOUR VOLUNTEER ACCOUNT, it is required every year.
Thank you,
Johanna Alvarez
Family & Community Liaison
Tel; 727-973-4600
PTA Spirit Night
PTA NEWS
We Want YOU!
Are you interested in volunteering more at the school? Do you have a passion for helping our school and community? Have you considered joining our PTA?
As we reflect on our year so far at BCE, we have done so many good things for our students and staff. This would not have been possible without our wonderful parent volunteers who support the PTA. We anticipate continuing our many fun programs and volunteer opportunities and will need volunteers to help with this, but first we have more immediate needs to function in accordance with Pinellas County PTA standards. For the 2023-2024 school year, we are looking for individuals interested in serving as the Treasurer and Secretary. Both roles are considered EXECUTIVE BOARD roles.
The treasurer is responsible for all the bookkeeping and handling of money for our PTA. You are not alone but will be the primary contact when it comes to money. The treasurer will need to be available to make deposits and payouts for activities or reimbursements. The treasurer is expected to provide monthly updates to the board about the PTA checking account balance. Tax documents and audits are also needed, and you will work with our accountant for these jobs.
The secretary is responsible for producing the agenda and minutes for all monthly meetings. Shared duties include managing the social media page, creating sign-up genius’ for special events/management of volunteers, and creating flyers and handouts as needed.
It is important to consider that the executive board members should be present for all PTA sponsored events. Life happens, things come up, but to go into the school year as an executive board member means you know your help will be needed all school year!
If you are interested in these positions or would like more information, please contact our PTA Vice-President, Jen Reyes jennymay0414@hotmail.com or 239-691-0169.
Brooker Creek Elementary
Email: Hodgesjo@pcsb.org
Website: https://www.pcsb.org/brooker-es
Location: 3130 Forelock Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, USA
Phone: 727-943-4600