Teachers Use Internet To Pay For Supplies

MIAMI (CBS4) Teachers who have had to pay for certain classroom supplies out of their own pockets in the past are now using the internet to drum up support and dollars.

At DonorsChoose.org teachers write out detailed proposals about items they need and explain how they will be used. Anyone who wishes to help out can pay for a portion or for the entire project. The charity behind the website then buys the supplies and ships them to the school.

All donors get an e-card from the teacher, and those who give more than $100 or who give the last amount to fulfill a project get photos and handwritten thank-you cards from students and the teacher.



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School Board Agenda

Please click the link to view today's School Board Agenda.

http://www2.dadeschools.net/schoolboard/agenda.asp

New Deferred Pay Procedures

Current Users of Deferred Pay Option,

Please be advised that we expect the Defer Pay Plan Option information to be included with the payroll checks on Friday, May 23, 2008.  An individualized memorandum for each employee "currently" on Defer Pay, explaining all the changes and requirements will be included, along with calculation examples, other items and the revised Defer Pay Plan Option form. 

Details to come.


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Third Grade FCAT Scores

Florida third graders are about to find out how they did on the FCATs. The Florida Department of Education will release the reading and math scores for 3rd grade on Wednesday, May 21st.

http://cbs4.com/local/fcat.florida.comprehensive.2.728308.html

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District Block of Non-Educational Websites

As all schools approach the end of the school year, the demand on the Internet has reached maximum capacity throughout the county. As a result, action has been taken by the district to immediately cutback traffic to all non-educational sites.

These changes will block sites that will need to be unblocked. The only way to unblock a site is for the user to send an email to Filter@dadeschools.net

An explanation regarding the educational necessity for unblocking the requested site must be included in the request.
Network Services will analyze and unblock all educational sites as requested.

Please submit any questions via Self Service at:

http://selfservice.dadeschools.net Select "Ask ITS A Question" from the drop-down list.

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Alternative Assessment (AAGTP)

As we wait to learn our grade 3 FCAT results, the testing window for the Alternative Assessment for Grade 3 Promotion (AAGTP) will not take place in the fall. Instead, the test is scheduled for the last week of summer school on July 28 and 29, 2008.

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Box Tops

Hi Everyone.

In an effort to help improve our school we will begin participating in Box Tops for Education next school year. Please collect as many Box Tops as possible and bring them in at the beginning of the school year. We will have monthly contests for the classrooms that raise the most. Many schools in our community raise thousands of dollars per year (10 cents per top) which can help with supplies and support that will be desperately needed as budget cuts go into effect.

Thank you in advance for your support. You can bring your tops to Ms Sanders at ANY time. If I am out on leave, you can bring them to Ms Rice (just don't tell her yet because I haven't told her..haha..)

Thanks again....Lauri Sanders



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Career Day

Our annual Career Day will take place tomorrow. This will be a rewarding experience for all. Please check Mr. Cascudo's email with the attached schedule.

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FCAT Writing Results

Statewide results of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test will be released Thursday, according to the Florida Department of Education. It's the first round of scores to be released this year.

http://cbs4.com/local/fcat.florida.comprehensive.2.718171.html

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FCAT Online?

The Florida Department of Education issued the following guidelines for school districts setting up computer-based FCAT retake exams for high school students. Participating schools must provide specific equipment, facilities and staff.

http://feeds.sun-sentinel.com/~r/sun-sentinel/news/education/~3/284457296/sfl-flpfcatbox0506pnmay06,0,6608005.story

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Teacher ethics bill headed to governor

Source: Sarasota Herald Tribune

The state Legislature just passed the Ethics in Education Act, which gives Florida the toughest law in the nation against abusive teachers.

If Gov. Charlie Crist signs the bill, it would:

* Ban settlements that keep accusations against teachers secret if they quietly leave a school district.

* Withhold the retirement benefits of educators who commit certain felonies against children.

* Require the state to help public and private schools develop educator ethics policies.

* Put more parents and law enforcement officials on the state committee that helps determine the punishment for teachers who commit violations.

Governor Expected To Pass Fla. Anti-Bullying Law

School districts would have to adopt policies against bullying and harassment under a bill that the governor says he anticipates signing.

See full article:

http://cbs4.com/local/Florida.Passes.Anti.2.712950.html

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