Crist may expand Florida's online education

Thousands of public-school children across the state may soon be able to go to class without leaving their homes under a far-reaching measure that is now sitting on the desk of Gov. Charlie Crist.

See Full Article:

http://www.miamiherald.com/295/story/558694.html

Gov. Crist Signs New Tougher P.E. Bill

Gov. Charlie Crist has signed a bill requiring Florida elementary schools provide 30 minutes of continuous exercise daily for their students.

http://cbs4.com/local/Mandatory.PE.pe.2.738476.html

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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State Math Day

From Cisely Scott

On Thursday, May 1st we will be celebrating State Math Day.  The focus of this day is financial literacy.  Yesterday I placed lesson plans in your mailboxes that you may use during your math instructional hour.  If you need books about money and/or math manipulatives (coins), please let me know.  I have also attached the flyer about State Math Day that you may view.  Let's make this day a fun learning experience for our students. Please email me any questions or concerns.  Thank you for your cooperation and support.


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Bill to cut ESOL teacher training hours may die

Source: Miami Herald

The Florida House of Representatives on Tuesday unanimously passed a compromise that preserves much of the special training for reading teachers of students learning English -- but the compromise so displeased the bill's Senate sponsor that he promised to let it die without a vote in his chamber.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking_news/story/514508.html

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IPEGS for 2008-2009

Parkway Elementary was chosen as a 3rd Year Implementation IPEGS School for the 2008-2009 school year.  It is not clear as to whether or not this assessment tool for teacher observations will replace PACES. Details to come.

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Ratification of Insurance

The date has been set for the ratification vote on the 2008 Health Insurance packet.  UTD bargaining unit members are scheduled to vote at their worksites on Tuesday, May 6 and Wednesday, May 7, 2008. 

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Florida Schools Grades Under Review

The first substantive overhaul of Florida's high-stakes test in nine years was overwhelmingly approved by a House panel Monday, a move Democrats hailed as long overdue.

See Full Article:

http://www.miamiherald.com/295/story/504571.html

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Tax Holiday Shortened

A legislative compromise nearing final approval will set the 2008 back-to-school sales tax holiday for the week of August 2-8. Legislators cut the typical 10-day tax holiday to a week because of the budget shortfall affecting Florida.

See link

http://cbs4.com/local/tax.holiday.florida.2.704957.html

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Legislature poised to reform dreaded FCAT

Source: Sun-Sentinel

In hopes of damping " FCAT frenzy," the Legislature is expected this spring to approve a major revamp of Florida's public school testing program.

Rallies and motivational speakers meant to boost scores would be banned during class time. Schools could not buy new textbooks that mention the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.

Under House and Senate bills, the writing exam would be given March 1, and testing on other subjects delayed until April 15 at the earliest.

Deferred Pay Plan

UTD is seeking input from its members who are 10 month employees regarding the "Deferred Payment Plan." According to UTD, many members have expressed concerns that their deferred pay plan did not carry them through the entire summer. After negotiations with district administrators, it is now possible to make adjustments to the deferral amount and to the number of checks, but only on a uniform basis.

Please click on survey.

Instructional Technology Summer PD

The Instructional Technology Department will be offering week-long technology professional development activities designed for both elementary and secondary teachers. The focus of these week-long sessions is to provide teachers the necessary tools to integrate technology seamlessly into the curriculum.

Sessions are June 16, 2008 - June 20, 2008 or June 23, 2008 – June 27, 2008. Registration must be completed using the MDCPS Professional Development Menu and Registration System, Technology Tools and Tips for Elementary or Secondary  Teachers - Summer 2008:

*  Participants will be electronically notified of an approved registration. Selected participants are eligible to attend only one week-long session.

* Classes will be held at Felix Varela Senior High, 15255 SW 96 Street, from 8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Lunch is from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. each day.

* Daily attendance is mandatory in order to receive 40 MPP's; no partial points will be awarded. Teachers who are tardy to class will not be admitted after 8:30 a.m., will not receive a daily stipend or MPP's.

* Stipend of $ 100.00 per day, (totaling $ 500.00) will be provided upon successful completion of the course.

* In order to receive MPP's, participants must attend all five sessions. There are no make-up sessions. Master Plan Point award requires an outside assignment(s); therefore, MPP's will not be awarded until after July 1, 2008.

* Participants who enrolled in prior summer sessions of Technology Tools and Tips are not eligible to attend.

* No wait listed participants or walk-ins will be admitted.

Contact: Ms. Julie Tuttle (305-995-1511)

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National Board Certification

From Ms. Cisely Scott:

The application cycle for 2008-2009 National Board candidates will open on June 1, 2008. Information regarding National Board candidacy requirements and the application process will be provided at the locations and dates listed below.  All potential candidates should attend an informational meeting, but may select any of the dates/locations that is most convenient for them. 
 
Miami Jackson Senior High (Auditorium)
1751 N.W. 36th Street, Miami
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
5:00-7:00 p.m.
 
Robert Morgan Educational Center (Theater)
18180 S.W. 122nd Avenue, Miami
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
5:00-7:00 p.m.
 
Hialeah Senior High (Auditorium)
251 East 47th Street, Hialeah
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
5:00-7:00 p.m.

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Health Insurance Resolved

Dade school employees spared higher insurance bills

Source: Miami Herald

In surprise fashion, the Miami-Dade School Board announced late Wednesday that it would cover all increases to the cost of employee health insurance through December 2008.

''The School Board listened to us,'' United Teachers of Dade President Karen Aronowitz said. ``They understood the pressure that everyone is facing. They knew that our teachers had to be the priority.''

The announcement put an end to a bitter fight that has raged since November.