Panda Paws Newsletter
08/22/2021
We are off to a great start this school year. In this edition of The Panda Paws Newsletter I am going to provide academic resources and updates regarding upcoming assessments. As we work together as a school community to see our students succeed I ask that you share these resources with your students and review them. I have many district updates to share as well. I know this is a lot of information, but it is essential that all stakeholders read, understand, and follow these policies and procedures to ensure the welfare of all! If we are unified in our actions, our students will be prepared for school and beyond.
You can expect newsletters from me at least twice a month. I also post on Class Dojo and send call-out text messages and emails. Would you please help us by communicating with our staff through DOJO, phone calls, or emails? You can also find updates under the parent and student section of our school website.
https://poes.palmbeachschools.org/
We look forward to working with you and your student this school year.
Respectfully,
Mrs. McDowell
Below are a few updates
K-2 Updates are below.
K-2 Literacy began a new curriculum this school year. The Benchmark curriculum in conjunction with the new Florida Best Standards is more comprehensive than previous literacy materials used by the district. Phonics, reading, writing, and intervention materials are now included in the Literacy block. The literacy block for all K-2 students increased from 90 mins to 135 mins of instruction. The first unit focuses on foundations and routines in literacy. Kindergarten students will participate in the Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener known as (FLKRS) and the Fall I-Ready Diagnostic. All students in grades K-5 will take the I ready Diagnostic this week.
What is FLKRS?
State law requires screening for all public school kindergarten students within the first 30 days of the school year (Section 1002.69, Florida Statutes (F.S.). Kindergarten teachers use the results to help understand each child’s readiness for school and plan lessons to meet individual needs.
What is the I-ready diagnostic assessment?
Pinpoints students’ strengths and knowledge gaps at the subskill level
Delivers individualized learning paths in i-Ready Personalized Instruction
Provides Tools for Instruction to address skills gaps identified by the Diagnostic
Saves time by automatically grouping students and offering targeted instructional recommendations
Helps educators spot trends across student groups
Includes a wide range of accessibility features to maximize usability for all students
Quizzes
Students will begin taking Florida Standard Quizzes (FSQs) this week in grades three through five. I have written out the standards that will be covered on each exam. Below I have attached a few screenshots to assist your students in their review before the FSQs at home. FSQs,/NGSQ (Science Only) range from 1 to 15 questions. For specific questions about any of the assessments, email your child’s teacher directly.
FSQs (Florida Standard Quizzes) Grades 3-5 English, Math, and Science
Week of 8/23
Third Grade (English Language Arts)
Focus Literature
1.1 - ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text
1.3- describing characters in a story( motivations,feelings, and traits) and how it contributes to the story events
2.4 - meaning of words and phrases
Fourth Grade (English Language Arts)
Focus Literature
1.1 - ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text
1.2 Theme
1.3 Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story
Fifth Grade (English Language Arts)
Focus Literature
1.1 - ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text
1.2 Theme
2.4 - determine meaning of unknown words and multiple meaning words.
Figurative language, word relationship, nuances on word
Math
3rd Grade Math (See tested standards below in picture)
4th Grade/ AMP and Regular 5th Grade Math (See tested standards below in picture)
Science NGSQ (Next Generation Standards Quiz)
See the worksheet attached below
SC.5.N.1.1 Define a problem, use appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding, plan and carry out scientific investigations of various types such as: systematic observations, experiments requiring the identification of variables, collecting and organizing data, interpreting data in charts, tables, and graphics, analyze information, make predictions, and defend conclusions. (High)
SC.5.N.1.2 Explain the difference between an experiment and other types of scientific investigation. (Moderate)
SC.5.N.1.3 Recognize and explain the need for repeated experimental trials. (Moderate)
SC.5.N.1.4 Identify a control group and explain its importance in an experiment. (Moderate)
SC.5.N.1.5 Recognize and explain that authentic scientific investigation frequently does not parallel the steps of "the scientific method." (Moderate)
COVID-19 UPDATES
The district sent you an email including much of the information below, but additional information and procedures have been included to specifically address Poinciana STEM. Please read below for essential health information, reminders, which includes the recently modified Stay-Home directive.
Reminder: Children should NOT BE sent to school if they or a family member are sick, went for a COVID test, or tested positive, or if the student came in close contact with someone who is COVID Positive. Symptoms include, but are not limited to: fever, cough, sore throat, diarrhea, headache, body ache, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of appetite and sense of smell, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and other flu-like symptoms.
Mask Mandate: The School Board approved a policy, making facial coverings mandatory for students in District-operated schools. This measure takes effect on Monday, August 23, 2021. Opt-out letters previously submitted will no longer be honored. Refer to the SDPBC email sent on August 20th for specific details (including exceptions to this SDPBC policy).
All Covid communication is with Principal McDowell, Parents must email Principal McDowell at tanya.mcdowell@palmbeachschools.org per the guidelines below. Please do not email teachers or the school nurse.Do not send your child to school - wait for guidance.
Student is COVID Positive: Attach your child’s positive COVID Test Result - In the subject line - please include your child’s full name. In the email, please include why your child took the test - include when symptoms began (if applicable).
Student was in Close Contact with a positive individual. If your child was recently in close contact to a person who tested positive, please state the last day your child was in contact with the person, when the person tested positive, and if this person is a family member who lives with the child. Please include if your child has tested positive for COVID in the last 90 days or if your child is fully vaccinated (this information determines when you child can return to school). In the subject line - please include your child’s full name.
Student is staying home due to having COVID-like symptoms, going for a COVID test, a family member being sick/testing. In the subject line - please include your child’s full name.
Modified Stay-Home Directive has been modified in an effort to streamline this process (while the DOH conducts their protocols). It will also allow healthy children to return to school as quickly as possible, the following guidelines have been established by the School District of Palm Beach County.
Once your positive test results are received you will receive a call on the next steps from Principal McDowell.
All Covid policies were updated on Wednesday, Aug 18, 2021 at the School Board Meeting.
Arrival
Arrival begins at 7:30 in the parent drop-off loop. Students will sit under the pavilion until the first bell rings at 7:45. If they want breakfast, they can report directly to the cafeteria for breakfast. We have a single point of entry system. Please do not drop off students before 7:30 to the bus loop or other parts of the campus. All supervision begins at 7:30.
Breakfast and Lunch
Breakfast and lunch are free daily for students. If you did not complete your free and reduced lunch application, the link is below. Completion of this application helps the school receive additional funding for personnel, tutorial, and parent training throughout the year.
Breakfast is daily from 7:30-7:50.
https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/PickDistrict
Class Dojo
If you have not yet joined Class Dojo, please do so. Go to the app store or the Google Play store to download the free app.
Dismissal
Dismissal begins at 2:05 when the last bell rings. If your student is not enrolled in aftercare or a special activity, then you need to pick them up on time. Late pickups will result in a charge. All dismissal changes should be called in to the main office before 12:30. We can not accept dismissal changes at 2:00.
If your student(s) are car riders, you must have your window decal in the car. If you do not have our decal, you will be asked to pull to the side of the loop and provide your driver's license.
Asking for proof of identity is for the safety of all of our students. Using your window decal will avoid you having to show identification each time. If you have not confirmed your dismissal with your child's teacher, reach out to them immediately. In the case of a dismissal change, please email the teacher or write a letter and provide it to the office before 12:30 p.m.
September SAC Meeting
We are looking forward to seeing you in person for our next SAC meeting on September 18 at 5:30 p.m. We are looking for a SAC Chair, Co-Chair, and Secretary. If you are interested, email Ms. McDowell by September 8,2021.
SAC Meeting In-Person and Virtual
Masks are required.
Elections for Chair, Co-Chair, and Secretary positions available. If you are interested in running, please email Tanya.mcdowell@palmbeachschools.org by September 8,2021
Wednesday, Sep 15, 2021, 05:30 PM
Poinciana Elementary School, North Seacrest Boulevard, Boynton Beach, FL, USA
3rd Grade Math Standards
4th Grade Math Standards
5th Grade and 4th grade AMP Standards
Poinciana STEM Elementary
Email: poincianaes@palmbeachschools.org
Website: poes.palmbeachschools.org
Location: 1203 North Seacrest Boulevard, Boynton Beach, FL, USA
Phone: 561-739-5700
Facebook: facebook.com/poincianastem
Twitter: @poincianastem