The Lions' Pride
Philip O'Brien Elementary School - February 2023
Announcements begin at 7:55 AM, and instruction begins promptly at 8:00 AM. Students that arrive at 8:00 AM or after are required to have a parent/guardian bring them into the office for check-in. Please schedule appointments after school to avoid disrupting classroom instruction. As a reminder, there are no early check-outs after 2:30 PM.
As a reminder, parents/guardians can submit up to ten (10) excuse notes throughout the year. Once ten notes have been received, we must have a doctor's note to excuse the absence each time the student is absent afterward. Students that have a continual pattern of non-attendance will be referred to the school attendance team, including the social worker, to schedule a meeting with the parent/guardian to develop a plan of support. Students from the age of 6 to 16 are legally required to attend school. Parents/Guardians will be held legally responsible for their child's attendance.
A Message from the Administrative Team
2023 is moving full steam ahead! We are now into the second month of the calendar year, and we only have three months of school left. Where has the time gone?
Please make every effort possible to have your child in school every day, on time, for the full day. Absences, tardies, and early checkouts take time away from your child's education. Skills and concepts that are taught build on newer skills and concepts. When students are absent and miss instruction, it is very difficult for them to catch up on what they've missed.
We ask that you take time to review your child's most recent STAR and FAST assessment results. Third graders must score at level two or above on the May FAST assessment in order to be promoted to fourth grade. If you have not scheduled a conference with your child's teacher, now is a great time to do that so you are up to date on your child's strengths and areas in need of improvement.
As always, we wish you continued good health and happiness. We appreciate and are here for you!
Mr. Huntley and Dr. Flowers
Philip O'Brien Elementary February Events
February: Black History Month
February 1 - Wednesday Folder Distributed
February 1 - Club ROAR Tutoring, 3:30 - 4:45 PM
February 4 - Saturday Accelerated Tutoring, 8:15 - 11:30 AM
February 6 - 100th Day of School!!
February 6 - Club ROAR Tutoring, 3:30 - 4:45 PM
February 8 - Wednesday Folder and Interim Report Distributed
February 8 - Club ROAR Tutoring, 3:30 - 4:45 PM
February 11 - Saturday Accelerated Tutoring, 8:15 - 11:30 AM
February 13 - Club ROAR Tutoring, 3:30 - 4:45 PM
February 14 - St. Valentine's Day
February 15 - School Choice Window Closes
February 15 - Wednesday Folder Distributed
February 15 - Club ROAR Tutoring, 3:30 - 4:45 PM
February 17 - Early Dismissal Day, 12:30 PM
February 20 - Presidents Day Holiday/No School
February 22 - Wednesday Folder Distributed
February 22 - Club ROAR Tutoring, 3:30 - 4:45 PM
February 24 - ROARabration
February 25 - Saturday Accelerated Tutoring, 8:15 - 11:30 AM
February 27 - 28 - Write Score Testing, Grades 3 - 5
February 27 - Club ROAR Tutoring, 3:30 - 4:45 PM
Grade Level News
Welcome to February! We love having your child in our classes, and love all the learning we are doing in kindergarten!
In ELA, we have finally finished learning all of our letters and sounds! Please check with your child to make sure they know this important information. If they don't yet know all of their letters and sounds, please practice each night for homework. Now that we've finished learning the alphabet, we are going to be diving into learning how sounds work together to help us read. We are going to learn how to use silent e to read words with long vowels. We are also still working hard to learn sight words. Please practice words with your child often.
In Math, we recently wrapped up our units on addition and subtraction. We will keep practicing these skills for the remainder of the school year. We are now going to begin studying teen numbers (11-20). We always have to remember "numbers in the teens, start with a 1!" This will help us to recognize and write our teen numbers.
In Science, we are beginning our study of Earth and space. We will focus this month on patterns in the sky, such as the pattern of day and night, only being able to see the sun during the day, and being able to see the moon at night and sometimes during the day.
Keep working at home with your child. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child's teacher for a conference. We love having you as our parents!
Fabulous First Grade
Students are ringing in the New Year with lots of goals for working hard this year!
In Reading, we are continuing to read nonfictional stories, discussing the main topic of the text and the relevant details in the story that helps us better understand the topic. We are writing about our opinions and continue to learn new sight words and more complex vowel spelling patterns, like "the magic e" which is the e that comes at the end of a word to make the vowel long, or "say its name," for example if you add e to the end of "mad," the vowel becomes long and the new word is "made."
If your child does not know all of their kindergarten sight words, they are already behind in reading for first grade. Please speak to their teacher for helpful resources on how to help your child learn their sight words so they can be set up for success!
In Math, we are learning about adding and subtracting using drawings, objects, and equations to represent the problem. We are also determining whether or not a problem is true or false.
If your child does not know all of their numbers in order from 1-120, they are already behind in math for first grade. Please speak to their teacher for helpful resources on how to help your child learn their numbers so they can be set up for success!
In Science, we are learning about magnifiers and what we use them for, and the harmful and beneficial properties of the sun.
THANK YOU PARENTS for all you are doing to work with your kids!
Superb Second Grade
Happy Happy New Year! It was very nice to see all those beautiful smiles and the show of excitement of our little Lions as they landed on Philip O’Brien soil. We are indeed thankful as we entered this new year with gratitude for a chance to create new dreams.
In Second grade we are still working on the same standards but with a new mindset. We are facing each standard with an “I can” statement. We are pressing on as our goal is to enter third grade equipped with the necessary skills to help our school succeed.
ELA
In ELA, we will continue to look at how text features contribute to the meaning of the text. These include, but are not limited to, titles, headings, captions, graphs, and maps. Our Little Lions are going to continue to show us their expertise in this area. They are also going to explain an author’s purpose in an informational text, our Lions will also be tasked with identifying and using context clues, word relationships, reference materials, and/or background knowledge to determine the meaning of unknown words and Identify and explain a theme of a literary text.
Mathematics
Our little Mathematicians will explore the addition of two whole numbers with sums up to 1,000. Explore the subtraction of a whole number from a whole number, each no larger than 1,000. As well as identify the number that is ten more, ten less, one hundred more, and one hundred less than a given three-digit number. They are going to have to put those thinking caps on as they will be working on more complex problems related to standards that they have seen before. Students will require some additional skills in adding three-digit numbers. Now Lions ‘don’t forget your Strategies!’ Show your teachers that you can prove your answer.
Science
Our scientists are trying to stay warm in February while investigating through observation of the Sun's energy. Then, we will float out of February learning all about air. Parents your task is to point out where you see the evidence of wind as you take walks with your children. How can we use our senses to describe air?
This year we are going to make each day count as we strive for excellence!
Thrilling Third Grade
Happy New Year to our Terrific Third Grade Families!
In ELA, we’ve been explaining how one or more characters develop throughout the plot in a text. Students can explain this development by looking at the characters' traits, feelings, and motivations. Furthermore, students were reintroduced to our Character’s Perspective benchmark which requires them to explain a character’s particular attitude toward something in a literary text. We will soon be moving back to Theme Development to continue expanding our knowledge with various literary texts. Just as a reminder we ask that our students continue reading nightly for at least 30 minutes. As the students complete their nightly reading, please ask them to explain the Character’s Development or Character’s Perspective to support what they are learning in class.
In Math, we just wrapped up area and perimeter! We are moving back to multiplying and dividing for a few weeks with a concentration on distributive property. Students will be challenged with this benchmark, so it is imperative that we engage with the skills needed at school and home. Families, please support our students at home by practicing math facts, so that the students become fluent in this area.
In Science, we are finishing up with learning all about the Sun. We will be moving right along to plant structures and reactions to stimuli. Be prepared for all of the many fun facts the students share with you! Also, ask them all about the hands-on lessons they’ve been receiving in Science!
Thank you so much for your support at home and for signing their agendas daily! It makes an enormous difference!
Fantastic Fourth Grade
4th grade is moving right along in the curriculum!
In ELA we will continue to sharpen our expository writing skills using multiple texts. We will continue to explain how setting, events, conflict, and character development contribute to the plot of a story. Thinking will get deep as we identify the narrator's point of view and explain the difference between the narrator's point of view and the character's perspective. We also continue to explain how text features contribute to the meaning and identify the text structures of problem/solution, sequence, and descriptions in texts.
In Science, we begin learning about Earth Structures. We will identify the physical properties of minerals and identify the categories of rocks. We will also explore weathering and erosion, along with natural resources specific to Florida and renewable and non-renewable resources.
In Math, we will be celebrating the 100th Day of School! Within our standards, we will be exploring adding fractions with denominators of 10 and 100. We will also be using decimal notation to represent fractions with denominators of 10 and 100. As we move away from fractions, we begin to focus more on decimals by plotting and ordering them on number lines with the purpose of being able to compare and order them. We will also be adding and subtracting decimals!
Friendly Fifth Grade
We have just finished our second round of FAST testing. We are seeing growth which is always encouraging. We still have room to grow and will continue to push forward to meet state expectations. Look at these benchmarks we will be covering over the next several weeks.
English Language Arts:
ELA.5.R.3.1 Analyze how figurative language contributes to meaning in text(s).
ELA.5.R.1.3 Describe how an author develops a character’s perspective in a literary text.
ELA.5.R.1.1 Analyze how setting, events, conflict, and characterization contribute to the plot in a literary text.
Math
MA.5.FR.2.3 – When multiplying a given number by a fraction less than 1 or a fraction greater than 1, predict and explain the relative size of the product to the given number without calculating.
MA.5.FR.2.3 – When multiplying a given number by a fraction less than 1 or a fraction greater than 1, predict and explain the relative size of the product to the given number without calculating.
MA.5.FR.2.2 – Extend previous understanding of multiplication to multiply a fraction by a fraction, including mixed numbers and fractions greater than 1, with procedural reliability.
MA.5.AR.1.2 – Solve real-world problems involving the addition, subtraction, or multiplication of fractions, including mixed numbers and fractions greater than 1. Example: Shanice had a sleepover, and her mom is making French toast in the morning. If her mom had 2 1 4 loaves of bread and used 1 1 2 loaves for the French toast, how much bread does she have left?
Science
Energy is the ability to do work. Work is done when a force moves an object. Energy can cause motion. Energy can also cause changes in matter. There are different forms of energy, including light, heat, sound, electrical, chemical, and mechanical energy. Energy is the ability to do work or cause changes. From the enormous amounts of energy necessary to lift a rocket, to the tiny amount of energy needed to lift an apple one meter, there is a constant interaction between matter and energy, big and small. A small amount of mass can be converted into a huge amount of energy. Releasing energy from matter can be as simple as burning a match or as complex as the Sun converting matter into the heat and light energy that illuminate our solar system. The total amount of matter and energy in the universe remains constant; matter and energy just keep changing form.
If you missed the last conference night, it is NOT too late to meet with your child's teacher. Please reach out via the PBIS app, email, or the student agenda to set up a time. Thank you for all you do to support your child's education.
Specials News
Hey Everyone! It’s Coach Kerst. Did you know we are working on these skills in February?
· MENTAL WELL-BEING AND LIFE SKILLS: highlighting how helping others and being kind can lift mood and self-esteem through service-learning
· BODY WELLNESS: highlighting nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and avoiding tobacco to establish healthy habits for life
· BE YOUR BEST SELF: helping students explore and discover new passions, including music, art, journaling, and cooking. Students can even become young advocates for the AHA’s mission.
Performing Arts with Ms. Allgood
Greetings POBE families from the music room. I have several fun things to share with you. First of all, I have received a $1,000 grant from the Polk Education Foundation. This grant will be used to buy musical instruments for our classroom. I am excited to order these new instruments and begin some new science of sound lessons with these new materials.
The fine arts department is also getting recorders for 3rd-grade students to begin a recorder unit. These new materials will make for some exciting times over the next few months in music class. I can't wait to share these new instruments with the students.
Media Matters with Mrs. Taylor
Did you know that your student has access to over 100 eBooks on Destiny Discover? To access this great resource, students will go to their Class Link and choose the Destiny Discover icon. Students log in by choosing our school and typing their 10-digit ID number for the username and password. There are many topics such as science, biographies, animals, sports, military vehicles, video games, and many more! Some of these digital resources have a “Read to Me” function that will highlight each word that is read in the story. What’s even better is that almost all of the eBooks in Destiny Discover have AR tests! The eBooks from ABDO publishing company can be downloaded on your digital device to be read later. Take a look at an eBook today.
Visual Arts with Mr. Culmone
Students have been working to create balance and symmetry in their art. They’re making use of lines, shapes, and patterns to create their pieces. It’s fun to watch them go through the process of making their art. Most students start with a picture that they’re not too sure where it’s going and end up with something that they’re really proud of. Some of these projects we’ve been working on have really taught them some patience pays off in their work.
Our 5th graders have wrapped up the design portion of the Kids Tag Art project. Now their finished art is being sent off to the print shop to be scanned and put on the website. All finished projects will be put up for viewing. I’ll send an update when they are ready to see. Check out https://www.polktaxes.com/kidtags/kidstagart.aspx to see some art from previous years and this will also be where this year’s 5th graders have their art displayed after they finish their designs.
Thanks for supporting the Arts at Philip O’Brien!
Great Things Are Happening at Philip O'Brien Elementary!
School Showcase at Lakeland Square Mall
School Showcase at Lakeland Square Mall
School Showcase at Lakeland Square Mall
Professional Learning
Professional Learning
Professional Learning
School Board Visit
Silly Dr. Flowers
Performing Arts Grant
Parking Lot Reminders
- Students are not to be dropped off in the lot to walk themselves through traffic. This is a major safety concern. Please park in a designated parking space and walk your child to the front gate.
- Please do not park your vehicle in the driving lanes. Please park in a designated space.
- The front sidewalk on East Lime Street is NOT a drop-off spot. Lakeland Police will issue tickets to those blocking traffic by dropping off at the incorrect location.
- Be mindful of private companies and their parking policies across the street from the school.
- Any student being dropped off by car and not escorted to the front gate by their parent/guardian should come through the car rider line on the east side of the campus. Pull all the way forward to the dining room where a POBE staff member will escort your child from the car to the dining room area.
- Once in the car rider line, if you need to speak with a staff member, please pull all the way forward to the fence. This will allow us to reroute traffic around your car to keep the line moving quickly yet safely.
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. This is our school-wide framework for promoting positive behavior choices and providing interventions and supports for all students.
What are the schoolwide expectations?
Respectful
Organized and ready to learn
Always safe
Responsible
How does my child earn PBIS Rewards points?
All staff members have the PBIS Rewards app on their digital device and are expected to reward students when they are exhibiting positive behavior choices. Points may not be taken away once rewarded, and students can earn unlimited points throughout the month. The more positive choices they make and display, the more points they earn.
What can my child earn with PBIS Rewards points?
Students work towards earning our monthly ROARabration activity. This year's theme, "ROARing the High Seas...Setting Sail On a New Adventure", takes us to a new "port" each month. So far this year, students have "traveled" to Italy, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Australia, and Alaska. We incorporate a fun art activity with each ROARabration activity to give students multiple ways to have fun during the event. This month, students will "travel" to China for 100 points. We will announce the ROARabration activity soon, and any points earned over 100 can be used to purchase items from the ROAR Store!
Are all staff required to implement PBIS?
Yes. All staff are required to implement PBIS as this is the tier-one framework for the entire school. Teachers and staff may supplement PBIS in their classroom with another recognition or prize system (i.e. treasure box, treats). Staff members are also recognized in the PBIS Rewards app.
How do I check on my child's status throughout the month?
The PBIS Rewards application can be downloaded to your digital device at no cost. We have a family letter with a QR code specific to your child that can be sent home if you need one. Once you've downloaded the app and clicked the QR code, you will be connected with your child's account. This app also allows you to communicate directly with the teacher(s) through a messaging tool.
Be sure to download the PBIS Rewards FAMILY application, not the student application.
ROAR Cafe'
If you want to have lunch with your child, we welcome you to do so! "Lunch on the Lawn" takes place every day. In the event of inclement weather, "Lunch on the Lawn" will be postponed for everyone's safety. If you would like to purchase an adult lunch, it costs $3.95 per lunch. You may pay by cash or check (no bills larger than $20).
Title One News
Title One is an important part of Philip O'Brien Elementary School. Did you know that Title One provides funding for things such as the Wednesday folders, student agendas, and pays for supplemental staff salaries? We are thankful for the support of the Title One program.
If you have not scheduled a conference with your child's teacher, please do so at the next Report Card Conference and Family Dinner night taking place on Thursday, March 30, 2023, from 3:30 to 6:00 PM.
Clinic Updates
Thank you to all of the parents/guardians who have returned the Medical Information Forms that were on the blue cardstock paper and sent home during orientation and the first few days of school. It is very important that we receive this from each student. Due to the Parental Rights in Education legislation, parents/guardians now must provide written consent for their child to participate in school health services, including clinic visits. This consent must be renewed yearly.
- A 100.4 degree F or higher temperature by mouth or 100 degrees F or higher temperature by a no-touch thermometer
- Sore throat
- New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing
- Diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- New onset of severe headache, especially with a fever
- Close contact with a person that has a confirmed case of COVID-19
"Any student who has tested positive for COVID-19 through any method (home test, rapid test, PCR test) should notify their school immediately and request information on schoolwork during their isolation period. Families are asked to notify any personal close contacts of your child’s positive test result. A close contact is anyone who has been within 6 feet of you for 15 minutes or more during the 2 days prior to your symptoms starting or the 2 days prior to your positive test result. The Omicron variant is pervasive throughout Polk County and is highly contagious. Exposure in any large group setting is very likely. Due to the volume of positive cases, contact tracing for individual cases will not be possible at this time. Based on state guidance and collaboration with the Florida Department of Health in Polk County, we will be moving from monitoring individual cases to monitoring for clusters of cases in the same class or school. If a cluster is identified in your child’s school, you will receive a SchoolMessenger notification (automated telephone call and email).
Students who have had close contact with a positive person no longer need to quarantine. Students who are close contacts may continue to attend school as long as they are symptom-free. Only students who are positive or experiencing symptoms must stay home. Students who are positive should also not participate in extra-curricular or afterschool activities. They should not attend community events or social gatherings outside of their home during their isolation period. Additional information regarding how to isolate if your child is sick can be found here:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html" (Taken from Polk County Public Schools Web site)
If you have any questions for our clinic nurse, Mrs. Ash, please contact the school at 863-499-2950.
Remaining Early Dismissal Days
February 17
March 10
April 28
Students are dismissed 2.5 hours early at 12:30 PM. Please make plans accordingly.