Harbordale Elementary School
2nd Quarter Newsletter 2018-2019
Letter from the principal
January 30, 2019
Dear Harbordale Families,
Happy 2019 and, can you believe it, the beginning of a brand new year! Thank you for all your holiday thoughts and well wishes. We hope you had an enjoyable holiday season with family and friends and had an opportunity to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
December and January were extremely busy months for staff, students and families. Christmas on Las Olas, the Food and Toy Drives, the Holiday Shop, field trips, Parent Presentations, Field Days, our Holiday Chorus and Sing-a-long and class parties are just a few of the many activities recently enjoyed by students and staff. We also truly thank HSA for sponsoring the delicious Staff Holiday Luncheon on December 5th. Staff enjoyed plenty of great food and an opportunity to relax and enjoy the decorations and festive atmosphere. Plenty of good food, fun activities and good company! We truly appreciate the hard work of our many dedicated, wonderful volunteers who help make Harbordale such an outstanding school!
How quickly the school year is flying by. It is hard to believe we are more than halfway through the school year. Before we know it, it will be June 7th and summer vacation will be upon us! With the excitement of the holidays behind us, we anticipate a busy 2nd semester filled with challenging curriculum, exciting school programs and activities and State Assessment Testing (FSAs) for students. The Curriculum Workshops, HSA Walk-a-thon, Career Day, Valentine’s Day, President's Day, Candy-Gram Sales, BINGO Night, Garden Club Activities and Jump Rope for Heart are just a few of the many activities scheduled in the upcoming months. Watch for flyers and check out the Harbordale and HSA ’s websites for further information.
Those wishing to request a reassignment or apply for a magnet program for the 2019-20 school year, the window is now open. The student reassignment and magnet window is December 1, 2018 through February 6, 2019. All timely reassignment applications will be processed after the February deadline. Please note, those students previously reassigned do not reapply each year. Your reassigned status remains through 5th grade. However, siblings are not automatic and do need to apply. Notifications regarding the status of your reassignment application will be sent after the February 6, 2019 application deadline (most likely some time in March). Please visit http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/dsa/reassignments-overview.shtml for further information.
Broward Assessment of the Florida Standards (BSA’s) were administered to all 3rd – 5th grade students the weeks of January 14th – 18th. These benchmark assessment tests are designed to provide diagnostic and predictive information regarding a student’s preparedness for the Florida Standards Assessments (FSAs) as the State of Florida continues to move into more rigorous expectations and standards. These reading and math practice FSA tests help teachers make decisions regarding the instructional focus and student’s strengths and weaknesses and will assist teachers in monitoring and assessing student progress. Please see your child's teacher if you have questions regarding the results.
This year, Florida Standards Assessments (FSAs) for 3rd – 5th Grade students will be held during the months of April and May. With approximately 9 weeks until testing begins, please no unnecessary absences or tardies, as these next few months are critical in preparing students for these upcoming important assessments.
Please mark your calendar with these important testing dates:
~FSA Writing….
4th and 5th Grade Tuesday, April 2 120 minutes
~FSA ELA….
3rd Grade Tuesday, April 2 80 minutes
3rd Grade Wednesday, April 3 80 minutes
4th and 5th Grade Wednesday, May 80 minutes
4th and 5th Grade Thursday, May 2 80 minutes
~FCAT Science….
5th Grade only Friday, May 3 80 minutes
5th Grade only Monday, May 6 80 minutes
~FSA Math….
3rd, 4th, 5th Grade Tuesday, May 7 80 minutes
3rd, 4th, 5th Grade Wednesday, May 8 80 minutes
Please visit the website www.fsassessments.org for additional information. Additionally, Ms. Rodriguez will facilitate an FSA informational meeting for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade parents on Wednesday, January 23rd, 8:00 a.m., Cafeteria. We hope to see you there.
The safety of our students and staff continue to be top priority. This is not only Harbordale’s focus, but the District’s as well. We continually assess, discuss and revise our safety plans in an effort to ensure our campus is as safe as possible. Students and staff are required to wear ID badges, the Front Office doors remain locked and mock emergency drills are conducted on a regular basis in an effort to ensure staff and students know what to do in the event of a real emergency. Additionally, Officer Wilson, our Safe School Guardian, is consistently walking the campus, checking doors and gates and monitoring visitors throughout the day. We truly hope we will never need to implement these plans, but feel confident we will be prepared if it becomes necessary. Please know, we do permit parents to enter the campus each morning between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. in designated areas only. After 8:00 a.m., if remaining on campus to volunteer, parents must enter the Front Office to sign in and obtain a badge. We thank you for your patience and assistance in keeping our students and staff safe.
We are confident the programs and activities we have implemented address the needs of all our students. Our outstanding teachers and staff work hard to implement programs and instructional strategies in an effort to assist all students to achieve and meet success. This is a team effort and parents play a critical role in their child’s success in school. You can help by reading to and with your child each night, reviewing math facts and concepts, utilizing the helpful practice websites, checking homework, limiting TV time, and setting consistent schedules and routines for studying each evening.
Everywhere you look positive things are happening both in classrooms and throughout our entire school. We thank you for your continued efforts in making Harbordale the best school in Broward County.
Sincerely,
Theresa Bucolo Jennifer Kashdin
Theresa C. Bucolo Jennifer Kashdin
Principal Assistant Principal
Kindergarten News!
Winter is here! The students have adjusted nicely to Kindergarten and are blossoming as learners!
Throughout the second quarter, we’ve learned a lot of strategies to facilitate our learning. In reading, we have introduced 40 sight words, all letter names and letter sounds, and are continuing to review them daily. Our goal now is to segment our sounds to form words by stretching them out slowly. We look not only at our words, but pay close attention to the illustrations too. Analyzing the connections between the details in pictures and text is a skill that helps students deepen their understanding. Be sure to ask questions about the pictures and the words while reading with your child! Expectations for the end of Quarter 2 is for students to be reading on a BAS level B.
In Math, we have mastered our numbers 1-10 and are continuing to read and write numbers up to 20. We just finished up addition and learning strategies to make a 10. Students will continue to practice adding fluently between 0-5. We are beginning 2-D and 3-D shapes and learning about their attributes. We will be practicing rolling, sliding and stacking our shapes.
In Science, we have learned about winter and hibernation. We are currently researching arctic animals. We have been incorporating researched based facts into our non-fiction writing. We will be learning about the 3 states of matter and doing many fun experiments to observe the changes.
In Social Studies, we studied holidays around the world. We discussed the importance of celebrations and national holidays as a way of remembering and honoring people, events and our nation’s heritage. We also learned about the voting process, campaigning, and the qualities of a good president. Students participated in a mock classroom election. To celebrate Martin Luther King Jr., students will do a variety of projects to honor his dream.
The field trip to the Farm was a huge hit! The students loved getting to pet the animals, explore the farm, and learn interesting facts. They had a blast with the sing-a-long and story time. We always love getting to visit Tradewinds Park and seeing Mrs. Wishy Washy!
We are excited for our upcoming field trip to the Broward Center of Preforming Arts to see Henry and Mudge!
Thank you so much for your continued support!
Sincerely,
Ms. Brotman, Ms. Costello, Mrs. Edler, Mrs. Webb, Mrs. Glasser
First Grade News
It’s hard to believe that half the school year has already passed. We’ve become great readers, mathematicians and scientists. In reading, we compared and contrasted character traits and learned about the author’s central message. We’ve learned how to write words with initial and ending blends. We can even add interesting descriptions to our stories and sentences using adjectives and show action using verbs using various tenses! In science, we’ve learned about the motion of objects and forces and changes in motion. In social studies, we’ve compared and contrasted life during Colonial times to life today and we’ve traveled around the world learning about different holidays and traditions. In math, we’ve learned great strategies to add and subtract such as using fact families, counting on and back, and making a 10 to add and subtract.
First graders are enthusiastic about the third quarter, when we’ll cover geography, space, famous Americans, and economics. We will use our place value knowledge to add and subtract, learn about money, and explore measuring length, weight, and capacity. All students are involved in Accelerated Reader (AR), and have individualized goals. At the end of each quarter, students who meet their goals will be invited to an AR celebration hosted by administration. Please encourage students to read daily and ask questions to improve comprehension.
We are looking forward to engaging learning experiences
this quarter!
First Grade Team
Second Grade News
Happy New Year! Can you believe we are halfway through the school year?!
This quarter Second graders have been very busy with research projects, mastering addition and subtraction facts, and hitting our AR goals!
During second quarter, we have continued working on strategies to facilitate our learning. For reading, we have learned how to use text features to help us understand non-fiction texts.
In writing, second graders have learned all about informative writing using facts and information from non-fiction texts. We also reinforced our text feature skills by creating our very own Animal Magazines! In grammar, we learned about adjectives, plural nouns, and compound words.
We began the core of 2nd grade math curriculum by using our knowledge about place value to begin 2-digit addition and subtraction with regrouping. We continued to practice math facts daily to move away from using fingers as tools to add and subtraction and build fluency.
Science was integrated heavily throughout reading and writing curriculum. We have learned about the life cycles of plants, butterflies, and frogs. Each student also learned about the life cycle and family life of the animal they researched for their magazine.
In social studies, we combined geography and American history to research Native Americans by their geographic region in North America. Students worked very hard and had a lot of fun completing our Native American projects for our Fall Parent Presentation.
The students also participated in 30 minutes of structured physical activity with Mr. Dada. They had a love/hate relationship with push-ups and burpees, but overall, we had a blast learning football drills and exercising with each other.
A few reminders:
* Take-home books (blue pouches) should be coming to and from school on a weekly basis. Students have new AR goals each quarter, which includes both a point goal and an average goal of 80% or higher. Please encourage your child to read and reread their AR books before
he or she may take an AR quiz. Re-reading also increases stamina, fluency, and builds comprehension skills.
* Practice addition and subtraction facts daily.
* BAS assessment period 2 has begun. The second round of BAS testing will conclude 2/22/19. Teachers will provide updated BAS levels once testing has concluded.
Thank you so much for your continued support!
Sincerely,
The Second Grade Team
Ms. Disbury, Ms. Ferraro, Ms. Menolascino, and Ms. Smith
Third Grade News
Happy New Year from third grade! We had a great second quarter!
In December, the entire third grade went on a field trip to Secret Woods Nature Center. It was so much fun! Students went on a nature walk and learned about plants and animals in southeast Florida. They were also able to see live snakes and turtles while learning about reptiles and amphibians. The field trip included hands-on activities as well. Everyone was able to create different animal footprints with Playdough, and each student painted their own wooden snake as a keepsake.
In reading, we have been learning about the craft and structure of fiction and nonfiction texts. In math, we are in the process of finishing multiplication. Soon we will tackle division, fractions, and measurement!
We are in full swing preparation for the FSA test. The ELA potion will be taken April 2nd and 3rd. The math portion will be taken May 7th and 8th. Both sections of the FSA test will be paper-based.
The Third Grade Team,
Ms. Bernard, Ms. Hanley, Mrs. Solis, Mrs. Goldstein, and Mrs. Vaughn
Fourth Grade News
The fourth grade classes have been hard at work preparing for the rigorous tests ahead. On April 2nd they will take the FSA writing test. This score will become part of the student reading score. Students began with narrative writing to provide a foundation for the two genres that may be tested. We learned to write opinion pieces using multiple sources. The third genre we are studying is informative/explanatory. Students are expected to read articles, plan the response, complete the response with multiple paragraphs citing from text, and then edit it.
On the test date, students will write to one of these two types, and will not know which until the actual test. We expect to do well!
With the third marking period, please be aware that we expect students to have adjusted to our fourth grade expectations. Assignments are due on the due date. Planners/agendas should be checked to monitor your child’s study habits. Now is a good time to replenish school supplies, especially pencils. Students should also be reading AR books in order to achieve their goals and improve their reading ability. The Sunshine State books are good choices. A celebration for those reading and passing the tests for four of the books will be held in the spring.
Many of the textbooks can be accessed online for extra practice at home in preparation for the FSA. The Florida DOE website has sample materials as well.
We had our first field trip to the Stranahan House where the students learned about Fort Lauderdale’s rich history while taking in the beautiful views of the New River. We’re looking forward to another fun and educational field trip soon.
Continue praising your child for work well done, being responsible, and just for pure effort. Together we can achieve success
Fifth Grade News
Wow! Second quarter really flew by. We had an exciting time presenting our Valley Forge SWAY’s and debating in front of our parents at the annual parent presentations. The fifth graders really were able to show their knowledge off about the American Revolution and make an informed opinion on whether or not they would re-enlist at Valley Forge.
The fifth grade team would like to take a moment to thank all of the parents for volunteering their time at Christmas on Las Olas and making sure that all the students showed up and looked bright and sparkly. Every year our fifth graders do an outstanding job by helping to spread holiday cheer and this year was no exception. Also, a huge thanks to Mr. Ciotti for coordinating everything.
We also had a great day at Birch State Park. The children are now participating in the Youth Gardening Program sponsored by the Fort Lauderdale Gardening Club. We were able to go on a nature hike, plant our plants, and have a fabulous lunch under the pavilion near the banyan tree. The Fort Lauderdale Gardening Club really pulled out all the stops to get the kids excited about their plants and gardening. The students have been challenged to successfully grow all of their plants over the next few weeks. They can also submit a poster, whimsical, and notebook/journal for a chance to win a scholarship to Camp Wekiva for one week. Please encourage your students to do at least two out of the four items.
Thanks for an amazing second quarter.
Your fabulous 5th grade team- Ms. Chee, Ms. Dixon, Ms. Fleming, and Ms. Rothenberg
Reading News
Happy New Year everyone! I’m happy to report Harbordale’s Reading Program is soaring with success. Here’s a recap of Quarter 2 happenings!
The Blue Pouch Program launched in the primary classrooms. Students receive a book at their independent reading level to read and enjoy with family members. The students should be able to read these books with little or no errors. The program is NOT designed for teaching and learning, but to show success for skills already mastered in their reading ability. Have them read these books to siblings, friends, pets, and grandparents (even over Facetime)! For more information contact your child’s classroom teacher. Thank you for fostering a love of reading at home.
We currently have about 25 members of the AR 100 Point Club! Students are inching towards the triple digits daily. Remember, we use AR to monitor student progress with their Reading to Self. Students should be reading at home at least 20 minutes daily. Reading should be a reward. At home you can foster the love of reading by taking a trip to the public library or local Barnes and Noble. Getting a new comic book or even Fortnight guide. Reading is reading! First get them hooked, and then get them inspired to read the stuff you’d wish they would pick!
A BIG thank you to our AR 100 Club Sponsors. They have donated monies to assist with the cost of t-shirt rewards and the BIG celebration the end of May. They are in no particular order:
* Southport Raw Bar
* AXA Financial Services with Brandt Shuler
* Kumon Learning Center in Fort Lauderdale
* Club Z Tutoring Services
* Sunshine Aftercare
* Delmar Arts Academy (aftercare)
* Kaizen Martial Arts (aftercare)
* Kimling Academy (aftercare)
* Franklin Templeton Investments
Please consider supporting our community partners
In other news, besides fostering reading at home, don’t forget we offer many websites and resources for the tablet and computer. Ask your teacher for specific ones to focus on and how to access them. For most, we use the SSO (Single Sign-On) Launchpad. The district's portal for their approved websites like iReady Reading and Math 1-5, NEWELA 3rd-5th,), Spelling City 2-5,and online versions of student textbooks and more...
https://www.flocabulary.com/ (K-5 check student login sheet for credentials) Fun rap videos that teach and quiz on a variety of topics
https://www.raz-kids.com/ (K-2 check student login sheet for credentials)
Students have access to books at their independent BAS level
Tumble Books - more access to books online
Username - bcs Password - reads
Sites for learning and playing educational games:
http://wonderopolis.org/ http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/
http://www.funbrain.com/(monitor which section they go on) http://www.highlightskids.com/
http://www.abcya.com/ http://www.makemegenius.com/
http://www.kidsknowit.com/ http://www.wegivebooks.org/
http://www.switchzoo.com/ http://pbskids.org/
http://freerice.com/ http://www.henryanker.com/
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/Dictionary.html
I can’t wait to share the great stuff already in the works for Quarter 3. Until then…
Guidance News
Happy Spring, Harbordale Families! As this season usually brings about sprouts of the garden variety, it’s also a great time to think about the future of our little sprouts! And while many of us still have a hard time believing it, the end of this school year has been ‘sprouting’ up, as well. That being said, our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students have begun state testing. So far, they’re delivering a true Harbordale effort- brilliant, optimistic, and steadfast! And it’s during times like these that we as educators see that there are, indeed, some things that a test cannot measure- like diligence, hard work, and positivity! We hope to keep this bright attitude shining as we navigate (and dominate!) the rest of the year!
And so, amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, it’s important to take some time to sit back, relax, and reflect. The amount of growth that our students have acquired thus far, both academically as well socially and emotionally, has been tremendous- it’s truly amazing to see first-hand how Harbordale’s sprouts have grown, and continue to grow, into thriving young individuals. So remember, feed and water daily with love and support, provide lots of air and room to grow, and never forget to soak up the sunshine!
With love,
Mrs. Bureau
ESE Updates
Sincerely,
Ms. Hicks and Mrs. Taylor
Speech Updates
Hello Families!
Speech and language students have been working very hard this quarter! It’s been so great getting to know them. Some things we have been working hard on include: story-telling verbally and in writing, grammar, describing, social skills, using smooth speech, phonological awareness and practicing their own speech sounds.
To continue practicing at home, reading together is always beneficial. While reading, ask questions, make predictions and encourage discussion. Model smooth, clear speech. If you notice your child is having difficulty pronouncing words or using correct vocabulary or grammar, focus more on being a good model rather than highlighting what they said wrong. For example, if a child says, “My toof falled out at school!” You can respond by saying, “Oh wow! Your tooth fell out?”
I look forward to continuing to see students make progress in the new year. If you have any questions, contact me any time.
Katy Quackenbush, M.S. CCC-SLP
Physical Education
PE was filled with so many activities and fun I can hardly wait til next quarter! We had our Field Days, played volleyball, used paddles and bats, threw and caught various objects, played some Castleball, worked on locomotor skills like jumping and landing, worked on teamwork, and many more activities while exercising and having a blast!
Field Day was SO much fun! We had Field Day on December 12, 13, and 14, and a rescheduled grade for the 17th due to inclement weather. The theme this year for Field Day was SPACE. We had lots of volunteers who came and helped, which made Field Day a huge success! Whether they ran a station that was based on a theme, or helped out with snow cones, I am so grateful to the many volunteers who helped make the day AMAZING. Students went through NASA training camp, went on moon walks, pretended to be Saturn with hula hoop rings, and so much more!
I look forward to our next PE quarter, which will be the last quarter of the school year. We have a very special event coming up called “Jump Rope For Heart”. Run through the American Heart Association, we raise money for the AHA and have special activities planned, and Broward County schools have had a huge participation every year. And every year our school has reached our goal or surpassed it!
I look forward to the next PE quarter!
Coach Hardison
Music Updates
Our Christmas on Las Olas musical, “Rock the Hall”, was a success because of the 4th and 5th graders’ excitement, hard work, and musicality. Thanks to everyone who assisted, both parents and faculty/staff. Thank you to HSA for it’s financial support. It couldn’t have been done without all of you!
Secondly, Harbordale is so proud of our great musical students. Seven 5th Graders were selected by audition by the Florida Music Educators Association to participate in the Florida All-State Elementary Chorus and Orff Ensemble in Tampa in January.
Elementary All-State Chorus All-State Orff Ensemble
Sa’eed Abu El Kheir Zora Angelovski
Tomas Brown Talia Ciotti*
Amelie DeKegel
Ricky Relyea*
Katherine Voet
*accepted into both Chorus and Orff Ensemble!
Nearly 900 4th and 5th graders from around the state of Florida auditioned for the chorus, but only 200 were selected. 270 auditioned for the Orff Ensemble and 100 were accepted. We are so happy for our students’ great accomplishment!
A big thank you to Mr. Perry at Kaizan Martial Arts Academy and the Johnson Family (Skye and Flynn), for adopting the music classroom this year! I really appreciate their donation to our music program!
On another “note”, another aspect of music class is the Composer Corner. Throughout the year, we highlight the music and life of a different composer. This encourages active listening to classical music or jazz, helps students to know various historical periods and cultures, and provides an understanding of how historical contexts generate music.
Last fall, we enjoyed the music of Edvard Grieg (Peer Gynt Suite and In The Hall of the Mountain King). In December we listened to the music of Peter Tchiakovsky (The Nutcracker Suite). Later this year we will listen to music composed by Franz Joseph Haydn and the jazz music of George Gershwin. You can hear samples of these composers’ music (and others) at www.classicsforkids.com/composers
Happy Listening!
Mr. Ciotti
Spanish News
NOTICIAS DE LA CLASE DE ESPAÑOL
Muchas gracias, thank you so much parents and guardians for all your support in the foreign language program.
During the second quarter, students in the 1st thru 5th grade have been acquiring Spanish animal names. Third grade students created a wonderful, informative “Las mascotas y otros animales” research project.
Kindergarten students continue to master Spanish numbers, colors. On the second quarter is was all about clothing items in the target language. Please watch out for more activity pages going home.
If/when you have any questions on student’s Spanish unit packet, please email me with any concerns, suggestions and/or if you’d like to volunteer during our “centers’. Here is student’s Spanish project in their specials classroom.
Muchas gracias,
Sra. Kupferman
Student Council
Harbordale Student Council recently made a trip to the Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center (CDTC) of Fort Lauderdale. We would like to thank ALL volunteer parents for their generous donation, tireless energy, and efforts during our trip to the CDTC.
The Harbordale Student Council delivered hundreds of toys from our annual toy-drive. Our donation of toys was able to provide hundreds of smiles on these children’s faces as a result of your willingness to help! We are so proud that Harbordale has such a strong sense of community.
Another rewarding community service was the delivery of new books to the Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital at Broward Health