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Oct. 7-11Reading Oasis Book Fair
Oct. 8Donuts for Dads and Book Fair Morning @ 7:30am
Oct. 10 Clay Tile Night Family Night (Save the Date)
THE PIONEER VIEWVIRGINIA SHUMAN YOUNG MONTESSORI MAGNET ELEMENTARY/AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013
MONTESSORI: THE CORE OF VSY ISSUE NO. 20
From the Desk of Ms. Smith, PrincipalDear Stakeholders:
Allow me to take a moment and officially welcome you back to a wonderful school year. Together we can instill the core values of Maria Montessori and a love of learning in your child. I encourage your active support and participation as we seek to provide a positive learning environment at VSY.
VSY is celebrating the twentieth year of Montessori Education. The history of our school and Montessori program is a beautiful story. I look forward to sharing our milestones with you this year. As we look back at the past history of our school, we also move forward. With our excellent staff, fantastic students, great parents and continuous community support, we are moving in the right direction. We know that through Montessori Guidelines, the teaching of our Life Skills and the Common Core State Standards curriculum that our children will continue to move in the right direction and make this world a better place.
I welcome your participation in the school improvement process through the School Advisory Council (SAC), our PTA, and the School Advisory Forum (SAF) monthly meetings. Please attend school events and take an active role in your child’s education. Your involvement is most significant in assisting your child to reach their full potential.
Fondly,
Danielle SmithPrincipal
Sept. 3-20'TUF' The Ultimate Fundraiser
Sept. 10Volunteer/Room Parent Orientation
Sept. 19 Parent & Reading Coach Training @ 9:00am
PROUD TO BE AN ‘A’We!are!pleased!to!announce!
that!our!school!has!been!designated!as!an!A’!school!by!the!state!of!Florida!for!the!18th!consecutive!year.!As!usual,!this!year!we!will!encourage!every!child!to!
achieve!his/her!personal!best!as!we!strive!to!maintain!this!
outstanding!achievement!within!our!Montessori!
framework.
The School Board of Broward County, Florida, prohibits any policy or procedure which results in discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, nationalorigin, marital status, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Individuals who wish to file a discrimination and/or harassment complaint, may call the Executive DirectorBenefits & EEO Compliance at (754) 321-2150 or Teletype Machine (TTY) at 754-321-2158. Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under theAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may call Equal Educational Opportunities (EEO) at 754-321-2150 or Teletype Machine (TTY) at 754-321-2158.
Upcoming Events: Sept. 25Meet the Masters Orientation @ 9:00am
Sept. 25SAC/SAF/PTA Meetings @ 6:00pmand Volunteer Orientation @ 5:15pm
Sept. 26Early Release @ 1:15pm
WELCOME NEW STAFFOur school is pleased to welcome our new VSY family members who will help us provide the highest quality education possible. Please join us in welcoming Allison McAuley (3/4), Laura Mandic (2/3), Samantha Criscuolo (2/3), Maria Emiliani (2/3), Macy Neudorff (2/3), and Kristen Rowntree (K/1). Working together, we know that everyone will make this a wonderful year at VSY!
SINGLE POINT OF ENTRYIn order to comply with State Statute and The Jessica Lunsford Act, no parents or visitors may enter the building through the car rider entrance. Any adult needing to access the building will need to enter through the main doors on NE 11th Avenue and sign-in through the front office. In advance, we apologize for the inconvenience this may cause and thank you f or your unders t anding and cooperation.
SIGN IN / SIGN OUT PROCEDURESOnce again all Broward County Schools, in compliance with the state’s Jessica Lunsford Act, will be using the STAR system for logging all visitors and volunteers on our school campus. Kindly bring your driver’s license or a state issued ID with you every time you visit our campus. This is the only way to gain access through the STAR system. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance as we all work together to ensure everyone’s safety.
RAINY DAY REMINDERS……As we are currently in the South Florida rainy season, we would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of our rainy day dismissal procedures.
• In the event of a light rain at dismissal, all students will be dismissed in the usual manner. • In the event of severe or hazardous weather at dismissal time, students will be held inside the building in designated areas.• In the event the weather is unsafe, students will only be dismissed if a parent comes into the building to take the child; otherwise they will be held inside until the severe weather passes.
CAR RIDER REMINDERSAll car riders should be dropped off in the car rider loop accessible via NE 9th Avenue. Those students needing assistance will be escorted to their classroom by school staff and safety patrols. Additionally, students should never be dropped off along the swale or in the driveway along NE 11th Avenue as this area is reserved for buses and it is illegal to stop on the swale. It is also illegal to turn left into the car rider parking lot from NE 9th Avenue; so all traffic must approach from the South. When using the car rider loop on NE 9th Avenue, please remember to pull as far forward as possible so that other cars may safely unload behind you. Kindly have your child ready to get out of the car as quickly as possible so that we can keep the traffic flow moving.
TRANSPORTATION TALKPlease be reminded that we are working with the transportation department to iron out t he beginning of t he year transportation wrinkles that we have been facing. Your patience is most appreciated throughout this process. Please remember to send something in writing to the school any time that your child’s mode of transportation will be changed. Changes in dismissal should be limited to emergency situations only. If you have any questions regarding buses, please contact Ms. Suzy Baer-Goins at 754-322-9050.
DISMISSAL CHANGESIf you need to change how your child will be going home on a particular day during dismissal (bus to car rider or car rider to walker, etc.) please remember to send something in writing to the school. You may fax change to office at (754) 322-9090. Please also note that if your child is in aftercare, he or she must be signed out at the front office and cannot be dismissed to the car rider loop.
ARRIVAL & DISMISSALPlease be reminded that supervision begins each morning at 8:30 am and students should never be dropped off at school prior to this time unless they are enrolled in our fee paid morning care program. Students should be dropped off no later than 9:00 am. All students are admitted to the classrooms at 9:05 am and should be in class ready to learn at that time. Any student not physically present in the classroom at 9:15 am will be marked tardy. In the afternoon, students are dismissed at 3:15 pm and must be picked up before 3:45 in the car rider area unless they are enrolled in our fee paid after school care program.
FORMS, FORMS, FORMSWe realize that we have sent home a lot of paperwork to be reviewed and completed. If you have not already done so, please take the time now to send all requested paperwork back to the school as soon as possible.
KEEP IN THE LOOP……..To help you stay in the information loop with all that is happening at school, and to be able to reach you in the event of an emergency, please ensure that the school office ALWAYS has your most recent address and phone number on file. As a hint, if you did not get our phone message about Open House or our mailing informing you of your child’s teacher, our information is not up to date. Please correct this as soon as possible with Ms. Suzy Baer-Goins in the office.
MEDICATIONIf your child requires medication during the school day, please stop by the front office and request a Medication Authorization Form. A form was sent home in the first day packets. This form will need to be completed and signed by the doctor and returned to office. Please note that no medication will be administered to your child unless we have this form on file. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about medication.
PARENT INFORMATION ON STUDENT ATTENDANCE• Did you know that you are supposed to send a note or call in all of your child’s
absences and tardies within 48 hours or they are marked as unexcused?• Did you know that absences, tardies, and early sign outs that are not excused can add
up to the five days that count as a “pattern of non-attendance”?• Did you know that if your child has a “pattern of non-attendance” it may be an
indication of early truancy?• Excessive absences or tardiness are cause for rescission of your child’s
assignment to our magnet program and withdrawal from Virginia Young Elementary.
Please partner with us in supporting your child’s regular daily attendance at school. We are committed, as you are, to the academic success of your
child. For further information call your school or the School Social Work and the Attendance Department at 754-321-2490.
RESPONSIBILITY REMINDERBecause it is essential that we teach children to become responsible at an early age in order to help them grow into productive citizens, please make sure that your child has all necessary school items before they come to school. With approximately 725 students at VSY, it is unfortunately not possible to ensure delivery of items to students once the school day has started. Furthermore, calling into rooms so that children can pick up belongings from the front office has proven to be disruptive to the educational environment.
As a result, effective immediately we will not call into classrooms for children to pick up any items left in the front office such as homework or a lunchbox. Should a student be missing something, he/she may come to the office on their way to lunch to see if it was dropped off for them.
Thank you for your assistance and understanding.
PLAYGROUND USE AFTER SCHOOLPlease be reminded that use of the VSY playground after the school day is strictly at your own risk and school staff does not supervise the area. Parents must consistently supervise those students using this area after school, and children are expected to follow the same safety rules as during the school day. Failure to comply with school safety rules, including wearing of footwear, may result in the loss of use of the playground for violators. Your cooperation is appreciated. Any student released to that area as walker must be picked up before the gates are closed or student will be brought to the car rider loop.
Please note that this area must be vacated at 3:25 pm each day so that the area can be secured for our AfterCare program. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.
BEING NEIGHBORLYAs a school with many students who are transported by cars, it is essential that we practice some basic rules to remain as “good neighbors.” Please do not park in driveways, apartment or business parking lots at any time. Additionally, if parking on the street, please be sure that you are doing so legally and not blocking a driveway. Parents are strongly encouraged to use our car rider loop in the main parking lot and not park their vehicles.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION UPDATEFlorida State Standards require 30 minutes of Physical Education every day. Under the direction of Mr. Barclay, our guidance counselor, who is also a certified Physical Education teacher and the classroom teacher will lead your child for 30 minutes of daily Physical Education. Stay tuned to this newsletter for updates in the Physical Education program as well as opportunities to volunteer for special activities related to Physical Education.
SEPTEMBER CHARACTER TRAIT: COOPERATION Each month the entire school district focuses on a different character trait. While we share this focus, as we maintain a tone of decency and embody our Montessori manners, we also work to acknowledge all of the character traits throughout the year.
The character trait for the month of September is Cooperation. In today’s world, developing essential skills such as cooperation and collaboration are important for building strong positive character. At an early age, children can be introduced to cooperation through participation in team sports, fund raising, and volunteer events. Throughout our daily lives, we can remind children of the importance of cooperation by setting a good example and getting along with others.
“It is a fact that in the right formation, the lifting power of many wings can achieve twice the distance of any bird flying alone.” - Anonymous
As a reminder, for everyone’s safety, cell phone use is not permitted
while driving in the car rider dismissal area.
DON’T BE A VICTIMDo not leave any valuables or packages in your car. Ladies, NEVER leave your purse in your car even if it is not in sight. The criminals know if you get out of your car without a purse – it is probably in the car somewhere. Always be aware of your actions and surroundings.
CLASS SIZE REDUCTIONDue to the state Class Size Reduction law, students may need to be moved between teachers after the start of every school to ensure compliance with the required student limits. These limits are 18 students for Pre-Kindergarten to grade 3, 22 students for grades 4 to 8, and 25 students for grades 9 to 12 in core classes. Please know that students’ needs will continue to be met through proper instruction and services. Additional information on core classes or anything else related to Class Size Reduction is available on the Class Size Reduction website at http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/classsize/.
EVALUATION INPUTPer state statute, parents have the right to provide input into the annual performance assessment of their child’s teachers and administrators. To provide such input regarding any VSY employee, please address your comments, in writing, to Ms. Danielle Smith, Principal. To provide such input regarding our principal’s evaluation, please address your comments, in writing, to Ms. Cynthia Hannah, Director of School Performance and Accountability.
VSY PTA MEMBERSHIPThe VSY PTA Membership is in full swing! We invite all parents, guardians, grandparents, friends, faculty and staff members to join. Memberships are only $7.00. Our goal is to have at least one PTA member for each child in the school. This year, we challenge our parents to be a part of their children’s education. Please join the VSY PTA today. So sign up now! Forms were sent home with each child, available in the office and on the vsypta.org website.
Please contact me for any of the services listed above. My first priority is your child’s well-being during the school day here at VSY.
VSY Support Staff
A NOTE FROM THE DINING ROOMThe following information is provided by Food and Nutrition Management, Florida Department of EducationSince the federal government subsidizes school nutrition programs, parents are welcomed to have breakfast or lunch with their child on an occasional basis. Schools are not public restaurants and cannot provide meals to parents on a daily basis. Once or twice a month would be acceptable. Under no circumstances are parents to remove and/or eat food from their child’s plate. Parents and and child need to eat in the designated area. If you have any questions regarding this information, please call the Cafeteria Manager, Ms. Cullen at VSY, 754-322-9060.
NEWSFLASH: MEDIA CENTER IS OPEN IN MORNINGSAgain this year, thanks to the dedication of Mrs. Narkier and Mrs. Miranda, the VSY Media Center will be open for students to use from 8:30-9:00 am (except Tuesdays). Students may read quietly, check out materials, or do individual research during this time. Admission will be on a first come, first served basis and only students demonstrating appropriate behavior will be permitted to stay. This is a great way for students to get some recreational reading time in during the busy day!
Bruce Barclay, Guidance Counselor / PE CoordinatorAs the Guidance Counselor at VSY I would like to welcome all new students and parents, as well as returning students and parents. The Guidance program at VSY is designed to be comprehensive for students Pre-K to 5th grade. Students are able to speak with the Guidance Counselor upon request for individual counseling. Small groups are run for approximately 6-8 weeks for students who may need short term counseling. Classroom guidance lessons are scheduled throughout the year on various topics that are school related. I am available meet with parents for scheduled conferences on any number of topics. Often times I will join conferences along with the classroom teacher. I also oversee a variety of programs / services at the school, including:
VSY Arts & SciencesSPECIALSThe Arts and Sciences are alive and well at VSY and ready for another year full of music, color, language, and exploration! As part of the Special Area Programs, students will learn music appreciation through the study of the violin, singing, and dancing. We will begin with musical expression through singing. Our Art program will expose children to drawing, painting, and sculpture. We will begin with color theory. The Science Lab is ready to challenge young minds through inquiry with hands-on activities. We will start the year with a lab expedition using our science process skills. The Spanish program will teach students both the language and culture of our Spanish speaking countries beginning with greetings and introductions through music, movement, and song. ¡Ya estámos listos para comenzar!
Tales from the Media Center
It’s important to read to and read with your child ……… Barbara Condry, Literacy Coach
Welcome to another exciting year at Virginia Shuman Young Montessori. As both parents and teachers, we have come to see that one of the most important elements in a child’s learning to read and write is a supportive home environment.Reading time at home doesn’t need to be long – ten or fifteen minutes will get you started. The important thing is to make reading a regular part of each day. You can also boost your child’s thinking skills – and have fun at the same time. Here are some tips to get started.
Have fun when reading with your child, and your child will be developing thinking and reasoning skills that will lead to success at school. As parents, you have such an important role in helping your child not only to become better readers, but more importantly to encourage and develop their love of reading.
• Read aloud to your child – children need to hear what fluent readers sound like. Use expression and different tones when reading exciting, scary and fun parts of the story.• Take turns reading – you read a page, your child reads a page.• Make predictions about the story• When reading, stop in the middle of a story – choose an exciting part. Then ask your child, “What do you think will happen next and why.”• When you are finished, ask them to think about how they might change the story or ending. What was the problem, how was it solved.• To check comprehension, have your child retell the story, what was their favorite part and why.• Make sure the reading material is varied. As we move to full implementation of the Common Core Standards, being able to read and understand non-fiction materials is critical.
The media center staff extends a warm welcome to our returning and new VSY families. We are very excited to kick off another year full of reading adventures!Our media center offers a diverse collection of materials promoting a culture of reading. Below are some tidbits about our media center by the numbers…
29,707... Annual print circulation for 2013-2014. 825… The average number of books the media center circulates weekly.42,527… The number of searches conducted using our Destiny One Search Online
Databases. 13,004… The number of print items in our media center collection.952… Current patrons that use our media center.770… New books purchased last school year.
140… Books added to our collection from our Spring Book Fair Bonus. $8,115.11… The amount raised for our media center from both the Fall and Spring Book Fair
last year used to purchase books, support reading programs/events, and new technology.
And last, by the numbers… 1… New area being set up in the media center called “The Media iDea.” This area
is a collaborative space for students to research and read using iDevices such as laptops, iPads, and Nooks.
Please join me
for our Parent Reading
Training on Thursday, Sept. 19th at 9:00am in the Media
Center.
Media Center ContinuesOur Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge is coming to an end! If your child is participating, please log any minutes read on the Scholastic Website by September 6th. To date, Broward County schools has logged just over 1.6 million minutes. Our district goal is 2 million minutes. Keep reading and logging minutes to help our district reach the goal!
In the VSY Media Center, not only are there resources available in print format; but, there are also electronic online resources as well! Link to our online databases or Follett Shelf ebooks via the Media Center section of our school’s website or through Destiny at http://destiny.browardschools.com. When Destiny loads, scroll down to Virginia S. Young Elementary to access media center materials. Students use their Destiny username and password to log into Destiny and Follett Shelf. The student’s username is their 10 digit student ID number and their password is their birthday- mm/dd/yyyy (include the slashes).
Follett has released a free app for mobile devices to access ebooks on a smart device. Download the app to read eBooks on your iPad or Android tablet! Enjoy easy and instant access to our collection of eBooks on the go. Just enter the URL of VSY’s Follett Shelf (wbb00617) along with the username and password (which is the same as the Destiny username and password). Remember, your eBooks will automatically return at the end of the loan period or students can return them early. Use the intuitive tablet navigation features such as swipe, pinch, tap, and gesture to navigate your way through your eBook and the reader tools.
Need to know what book your child has checked out? Or when their book is due back to the media center? Download the Destiny app from the app store for Destiny Quest. Access the app and search our media center collection from your mobile device. When setting up the app, type the URL destiny.browardschools.com and select our school in the school list. Use your child’s Destiny username and password for the app.
Mark your calendar for our Fall Book Fair “Reading Oasis.” It’s sure to be a cool place to discover hot books from October 7th - October 11th. Select books that are fun, engaging, and affordable! Help support our media center and it’s programs by shopping our Scholastic Book Fair. We can’t wait to get wrapped up in reading treasures!
Over the course of the school year, there are many reading motivation programs/events that students can participate in including, but not limited to, Reading Across Broward, Sunshine Showdown for students in 4/5, Sunshine Jeopardy for students in grade 3, Accelerated Reader, and voting for our favorite Florida Reading Association book and SSYRA book. Visit the media center section of our school’s website to learn more!
This year, reading books makes a world of difference and we want everyone to reach for the world and read in the VSY Media Center. Books open our children’s imagination and take them on a journey to places in our world they have never been. Books enrich our children’s minds to help them think globally and learn more about the world they live in, how they fit into that world, and the possibilities the world holds for them.
Stay tuned to the Tales from the Media Center article in the monthly newsletters for more information to come on what's happening in the media center. We invite you to visit the media center section of our school’s website at http://www.vsyschool.com. Once the page loads, click on media center and browse through the many useful links. We look forward to teaming with you and helping your child become an avid and successful reader!
From the PTA President….
Greetings VSY Family,
We made it through the first two weeks and September is upon us. This month VSY PTA is focused on you to “Get Involved” and has planned events to help you fulfill one of the PTA’s main objectives – family engagement.T.U.F. starts on Tuesday, September 3, which is the primary way we fund all the programs and events through the fall and winter months. Depending on our success this year, T.U.F. can also fund the school’s ongoing technological needs and hopefully will serve as the seed money to purchase and install a much needed electronic marquee. As a non-profit charitable organization, VSY PTA takes donations of all sizes and all kinds, all of which is tax deductible. We are looking for everyone to participate as it is our collective effort that makes the school so great. The month is scattered with many training opportunities if you would like to help VSY during the school day, including Meet the Masters training and Parent & Reading Coach training. All volunteers in any capacity (regardless of whether they are PTA members or whether they have taken the training before) MUST participate in the Mandatory Volunteer Orientation taking place in the morning of September 10th and the evening of September 25th. If you plan to help the school or help in the classroom, your participation is required.So look at the calendar, figure out how you would like to help, and Get Involved.No matter how much you have to give, there is a fit for you at VSY PTA.
Sincerely,Peggy HamiltonVSY PTA [email protected]
Celebrating 20 Years of Montessori Education1994-2014
We would like to thank the parents, teachers & Staff who have already joined our VSY PTA. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
We still have not reached our goal and are kindly asking that if you are considering joining, to please do it now. Keep in mind that last year's memberships expire in September!
Forms were sent home with each child and are also available in the office and at VSYPTA.orgParents, guardians, grandparents, faculty, staff and friends are welcome to join. Memberships are $7.00/year per adult.
PTA Executive BoardHow to reach us…Elected OfficersPresident Peggy Hamilton [email protected] Jennifer Eason [email protected]. Ways & Means Linda Ferri [email protected]. Membership Karine Manfredi & Hannah Roeder [email protected] Secretary Kirsten Brown [email protected] Secretary Amy Cox [email protected]
Principal Danielle Smith [email protected] Principal Mitshuca Moreau [email protected]
Standing Committee ChairsAdopt-A-Class Jennifer Casso & Monica Glaysher [email protected] Amanda Dobin [email protected] Coordinator Lynda Davey & Liz Roberts [email protected] Jonna Circe [email protected]
T.U.F. The Ultimate Fundraiser has begun!
Together VSY families (736 students) will
work together to raise $40,000.
www.LetsGetTUF.org
T.U.F. “The Ultimate Fundraiser” SEPTEMBER 3 – 20, 2013!
• Celebrating 20 Years of Montessori Education •
What is T.U.F.? “The Ultimate Fundraiser” (T.U.F.) represents the next evolutionary step in the PTA’s fundraising efforts. In previous years, the PTA asked students and families to fundraise by selling products that most people didn’t want. We have replaced those efforts with a Direct Donation Fundraiser, which means NO SELLING and 100% of the donations benefits VSY students.
Help us Raise $40,000! $40,000 is an average of $56 per student. The PTA aims for 100% participation of all students. The PTA asks each family to contribute an amount that is meaningful and significant to them! Please give more if you are able, however any amount is appreciated.
Where Does the Money Go? PTA has funded the following items and programs: Computers and Technology
• Promethean Boards • Desktops, Laptops and Laptop/Media Carts
School & Classroom Enhancements
• Adopt-A-Class • Outdoor Classroom • Accelerated Reader License for Media Center
Enrichment Programs
• Meet the Masters – art education program • Literacy Programs – Reading Coach program, Muffins with Moms, Donuts with Dads • Earth Day, Career Day, Author Assemblies
VSY Family Events
• Fall Family Night & Montessori Magnet Expo • Family Movie Night • Arts Alive!
To view more information about T.U.F. GO TO – www.vsypta.org or www.letsgettuf.org
2013-2014 VSY Merchandise Order Form20th Anniversary VSY T-Shirts are a great way to show school
spirit! We encourage your child to wear their school T-shirts on all field trips and every Friday to celebrate school spirit.
20th Anniversary window clings can be placed in your car, home, office or classroom window!
To order, complete the form below and return to school in an envelope marked:Attention: VSY PTA T-Shirts
Student: ________________________________________________________________Teacher: ________________________________ Grade: __________________________ Total Enclosed: $_____________________________
Make checks payable to VSY-PTAChild’s shirt $9.00 Adult shirt $12.00
Adult shirts - 2 for $20Child shirts - Two for $15
One adult/one child - Two for $20Window Cling - $5 each Quantity (#) _________________
Compass Shirt VSY@ shirt Twenty/arrow Shirt
Child XS (2-4)
Child S (6-8)
Child M (10-12)
Child L (14-16)
Adult S
Adult M
Adult L
Adult XL
Adult 2XL
Adult Female Fit S
Adult Female Fit M
Adult Female Fit L
Adult Female Fit XL
Adult Female Fit 2XL
Celebrating Twenty Years of Montessori Education1994-2014
VSY @ Twenty This is what twenty years looks like!
VSY- Compass shirt
VSY Window Cling 4” x 6”
You can also order online at http://www.vsypta.org and click “Store”
The backs of shirts are all the same:Celebrating Montessori Education
Virginia Shuman Young Montessori Magnet Elementary SchoolFt. Lauderdale, FL
1994-2014
Traditional VSY Shirts (kid sizes) will be
available for sale at the end of September!
Adopt-a-Class off to a Great Start!
Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar!September – 3 – T.U.F. $ The Ultimate Fundraiser $ kicks off (runs until 9/20)10 – Mandatory Volunteer Orientation, 9 am Dining Room 13 – Jamba Juice Friday, $2 smoothies at Car Rider & P.E. Field 19 – Parent (and Reading Coach) Reading Training, 9 am Media Center 20 – T.U.F. Ends – remember to participate at whatever level you can!25 – Meet the Masters Orientation, 9 am Dining Room
25 – Alternate Mandatory Volunteer Orientation, 5:15 pm Media Center 25 – SAC/PTA Meeting, 6 pm Media Center (free childcare provided)26 - Early Release Day, 1:15 pm
27 – Jamba Juice Friday, $2 smoothies at Car Rider & P.E. Field
October – 3 & 4 – Book Fair Set Up, Media Center * Volunteers Needed
4 – Jamba Juice Friday, $2 smoothies at Car Rider & P.E. Field 7 - 11 “Reading Oasis” Book Fair, Media Center * Many Volunteers Needed
8 – Donuts with Dads & Book Fair Morning, 7:30 am Courtyard & Media Center, * Volunteers Needed
10 – Clay Tile & Book Fair Family Night, Dining Room * Volunteers Needed
11 – Jamba Juice Friday, $2 smoothies at Car Rider & P.E. Field
18 – Jamba Juice Friday, $2 smoothies at Car Rider & P.E. Field
21 – Individual Student Pictures * Volunteers Needed
22 – 23 Pumpkin Sale * Volunteers Needed
30 - SAC/PTA Meeting, 6 pm Media Center (free childcare provided)31 – Career Day * Volunteers Needed
*Volunteers are needed to ensure the success of all of the PTA’s programs. Please plan to attend an orientation and support the VSY PTA by signing up to volunteer at events. Online event sign up is available at
www.vsypta.org on the volunteer tab.
During the first two weeks of school, we have had an amazing 67 classroom and special adoptions through the Adopt-A-Class Program. As of August 30th, we have raised $16,750; our total goal for this year is $47,000. Please visit our website www.vsypta.org for a complete list of our very generous business and family sponsors.
But, we still need your help as parents to spread the word about this wonderful program, which provides funds directly to our teachers so that they have the opportunity to purchase essential teaching materials. Our hope for this year is for every teacher and special department at VSY to be adopted 4 times, earning a total of $1,000 for their classrooms.
Please check the chart in the main entrance of school or on the website for the most up to date status on classroom adoptions. Several teachers have already met their cap of $1,000.
Businesses and individuals can adopt a class for a tax-deductible donation of $250. For more information, visit the Adopt-A-Class page on www.vsypta.org or email [email protected] And applications are always available in the school office. Thank you for your continued support!
Save the Date….
Sponsored by
Tuesday, October 8th
7:30 am - 8:30 amEngage your child with reading!
This program provides an opportunity reinforce your child's love ofreading. Bring a book or buy one at the Book Fair!
Coming Soon…Clay Tile Night
Food Sponsored by Tequila SunriseOctober 10, 20135:30 pm – 8:00 pm
This is your family’s opportunity to leave a permanent remembrance ofyour journey with a hand painted tile mounted on VSY’s wall.
Be sure to come hungry as Tequila Sunrise will be offering beef, chicken,pork, vegetarian & vegan entrée options all at steeply discounted prices.
Look for a flyer next month to find out all the details.Be sure to pre-order as this popular event sells out each year!
Jamba Juice Fridays return!
September 13th & 27thOctober 4th, 11th & 18th
8 oz. smoothies for $2P.E. Field
Car Rider Loop
Become a VSY Reading Coach
Make a world of difference in a student'slife by becoming a Reading Coach!
This wonderful VSY program putsvolunteers one-on-one with students inneed of extra reading assistance during
school hours for the school year.
Contact chairperson Liz Roberts to signup or for more details:
Volunteer Openings Now Postedon www.vsypta.org
Volunteer at VSY and Make a World of Difference!
VSY loves and encourages volunteerism and family involvement, and we have many diverse opportunities to get involved throughout the year. To get started as a VSY volunteer, you will need to complete several short steps:
1) Broward County Background Check - Before you are allowed to volunteer at VSY, you must apply for clearance through Broward County at www.getinvolvedineducation.com The online form only takes about 5 minutes to complete. You will not be notified when the clearance has been processed, but you can anticipate that it will take a week to process. 2) VSY Volunteer Badge - After your Broward County background check has cleared and you are ready to volunteer, the next time you come to the school office to check in, please present the same ID that you used to complete your background check. You will be photographed for a Volunteer Badge, which VSY will keep on file for you for the rest of this school year. 3) Volunteer Survey - If you haven't had a chance to complete your "Volunteer at VSY" form, please complete both sides and return it in your child's folder. This is a great way for us to let you know about volunteer opportunities that match your interests. This form is also available on the www.vsypta.org website under the "Volunteer Survey" link.
4) Mandatory Volunteer Orientation and Training – Your final step to get started volunteering at VSY is to attend the school’s Volunteer Orientation and Training. To accommodate busy schedules, we will be offering two sessions presenting the same information. * Morning Session – 9am, Tuesday, Sept. 10 * Evening Session – 5:15, Wed. Sept. 25 Volunteer Openings Now Posted on www.vsypta.org
Visit our “Volunteer Command Central” on www.vsypta.org where you will find openings for upcoming fall events that wouldn’t be possible without the help of our volunteers. Just click on the “Volunteer” tab at the top of the page and you will be directed to current openings.
Any questions? Send Volunteer Coordinators Lynda Davey and Liz Roberts an email at [email protected]
If you’re passing through the car loop to drop offyour children, chances are you’ve already seen
one of our fabulous Car Rider volunteersJulia Kennedy .
Julia, whose son is in Ms. Finazzo’s PreK4 class, helps out once a week inthe car line and feels like she’s found the perfect volunteer fit at VSY.
“It’s so much fun to greet the children, say hello to fellow parents andget so many smiles and waves!,” says Julia. “I’m a morning person and
this is an amazing way to start my day.”
If you are interested in joining our stellar team of CarRider/Hallway volunteers, contact Clare Wills or Rick Royer at
VSY$PTA$Sponsorship$Pyramid$
Corporate/Family.Benefactors.$2,500+.
Corporate/Family.Sponsors..................$1,000<$2,499.
..........................................
Adopt<A<Class............................................................$250/classroom.adopAon......................................
.....188.adopAon.opportuniAes.totaling.$47,000.
The.UlAmate.Fundraiser.(TUF)...............................................................$1+.........................................................................................
...2013<2014.Goal.=.$40,000.and.100%.parAcipaAon.
Open%House%Clay%Tile%
Fall%Fes1val%Career%Day%
%%
Volunteer/Reading%Coach%Orienta1on%Reading%Breakfasts%
%
Snow%Day%%Movie%Night%
Montessori%Expo%Earth%Day%
Arts%Alive%20th%Year%
Anniversary%Celebra1on%
Staff%Apprecia1on%%
Event.Sponsors.$300,.$500,.and.$1,000.Tiers.
With$ funding$ in$ educa:on$ at$ record$ lows,$ our$ school$ is$ looking$ within$ and$ beyond$ our$ walls$ to$ find$sponsors$dedicated$to$further$enhancing$the$scholas:c$experience$of$our$children.$Our$successful$AdoptDADClass$program$brings$money$directly$ into$our$classroom$but$ the$schools$budget$ to$ is$not$enough$ to$deal$with$pressing$issues$of$improvement$or$yearly$needs$for$specific$resources.$$Large$capital$improvements$to$our$dated$facili:es$such$as$our$sand$playground$need$to$be$addressed.$Our$technology$falls$behind$every$five$years$requiring$expensive$but$essen:al$upgrades$to$keep$our$students$compe::ve.$$$$Our$ needs$ also$ expand$ to$ funding$ items$ at$ specific$ events$ that$ provide$ not$ only$ fun$ but$ educa:onal$experiences$to$our$children.$ $Basic$necessity$items$including$water$and$food$while$specialty$items$such$as$mulch$for$our$“Earth$Day”$are$included$in$our$needs.$$Our$children$get$an$opportunity$to$help$our$earth$and$our$school$by$spreading$mulch$and$plan:ng$trees$and$shrubbery$around$our$grounds.$$$$Sponsorship$ from$ families$ and$ business$ will$ provide$ benefits$ to$ those$ who$ can$ help$ our$ biggest$ needs.$$Restaurants$and$retail$stores$will$be$able$to$host$school$promoted$“Family$Events”,$families$and$companies$can$leave$a$legacy$with$a$plaque$hung$no:ng$the$contribu:on$to$our$school,$corporate$businesses$will$gain$exposure$to$our$700$families$through$marque,$website,$newsleRer$and$yearbook$recogni:on,$and$sponsors$at$a$certain$level$will$gain$access$to$our$Assistant$Principal’s$mee:ngs$with$local$educa:onal$partners.$$Our$sponsorship$program$in$the$upcoming$year(s)$will$aRempt$to$fill$some$of$the$gaps$leV$by$funding$cuts.$$If$ you$ have$ interest$ in$ helping$ our$ school$ and$ learning$ all$ the$ benefits$ of$ sponsorship,$ please$ contact$Amanda$Dobin,[email protected]$or$954.806.5771.$$$$
CELEBRATING$20$YEARS$OF$MONTESSORI$EDUCATION$1994D2014$
Why$Become$A$Sponsor?$
BOXTOPS and LABELS FOR EDUCATIONThese are valuable programs and we’d like for our VSY students to participate – please remember to clip and collect and drop them off in front office where a collection box has been set up.
OFFICE DEPOT’S 5% BACK TO SCHOOLS PROGRAMLearn how to help VSY earn benefits from your purchases. Our school ID # is 70021349. When shopping at Office Depot specify VSY and the above # so that we can all benefit.
TARGET STORES“Target” also has a program that can benefit VSY with your purchases. Our school ID # is 1736. By aligning your Target Credit Card with our school, we raise funds through your regular purchases. For further information call 1-800-316-6142.
Free Money for our School!
Active Parenting Now!(For Parents of Children ages 5-12)
This six-session Active Parenting series will provide parents with guidance and support to transform the challenges of raising their children into opportunities for growth. Participants will learn:
• Styles of parenting• Positive skills for clear, honest communication• Respectful basic and advanced discipline techniques to teach your child to make better
choices resulting in appropriate behavior• Using the Think-Feel-Do Cycle and BANK method to intervene and build self-esteem• Concrete strategies to prevent risky behavior and help your child to resist peer pressure• Problem solving methods including using family meetings and the FLAC method• 4 goals of your child’s behavior• Decreasing power struggles• Handling anger
Learn how to become an encouraging parent … and much more, including important issues such as alcohol and other drugs. Join us a the next session and see the difference … as you make positive and realistic changes in your family’s daily routine to gain greater happiness in your home! Every Participant will receive the book, Parents Guide to Active Parenting, by Dr. Michael Popkin. Choose a series of sessions below:
Dates 2013: September 10, September 17, September 24, October 1, October 5, and October 15
Time: 6:00 p.m until 8:00 p.m.Location: AC Perry Elementary
6850 Southwest 34th Street, Miramar 33023Presenter: Bonnie Cronenberg, School Psychologist and Active
Parenting Leader, Broward Schools
No Registration Required! For more information, contact Carol Beitler, FDLRS Program Specialist-Parent Services at
754-321-3466 or [email protected] Parent Workshop Information is available on the ESE website
http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/studentsupport/ese/html/WORKSHOP.htm
The School Board of Broward County, Florida, prohibits any policy or procedure, which results in discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, marital status, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
Individuals who wish to file a discrimination and/or harassment complaint may call Equal Educational Opportunities (EEO) at (754) 321-2150 or Teletype Machine TTY (754) 321-2158.
Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may call Equal Educational Opportunities (EEO) at (754) 321-2150 or Teletype Machine TTY (754) 321-2158.
Active Parenting 1, 2, 3, 4(For Parents of Preschool Children)
This three session Active Parenting series will provide parents with guidance and support to transform the challenges of raising their children into opportunities for growth. Participants will learn:
• Learn all about developmental stages of preschool aged children
• Distinguish three styles of parenting: “too hard”, “too soft”, and “just right”
• Learn the importance of building a parent/child bond, while emphasizing play
• Understand the importance of parent self-cared and have parents begin developing a self-care plan
• Define discipline • Understand the importance of choices with young children to prevent misbehavior
• Learn the ACT model for redirecting misbehavior
• Using rules consistently• The importance of routines and expressing affection
• Understand the choice and consequences as a discipline method
• Handling tantrums• Build awareness of how to encourage children
• Practice methods of encouragement
Learn how to become an encouraging parent ... and much more, including important issues such as alcohol and other drugs. Join us at the next session and see the difference ... as you make positive and realistic changes in your family's daily routine to gain greater happiness in your home! Choose one 3-part session below:
Dates 2013: September 17, October 1, October 15
Time: 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Location: Mirror Lake Elementary(Media Center)1200 NW 72nd Avenue, Plantation, FL 33313
Presenters: Gigi McIntire, Guidance Counselor, NBCT, Mirror Lake Elementary, Certified Active Parenting Leader
Dr. Robin Thornton, Speech Language Program Specialist, ESE/Support Services, Certified Active Parenting Leader
No registration required! If you would like more information, contact Carol Beitler, FDLRS Program Specialist-Parent Services at 754.321.3466 or [email protected]
ESE Parent Workshop Information is available on the ESE websitehttp://www.broward.k12.fl.us/studentsupport/ese/html/WORKSHOP.htm
The School Board of Broward County, Florida, prohibits any policy or procedure which results in discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, marital status, race, religion, or sexual orientation.Individuals who wish to file a discrimination and/or harassment complaint may call Equal Educational Opportunities (EEO) at (754) 321-
2150 or Teletype Machine TTY (754) 321-2158.Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may call Equal Educational Opportunities (EEO) at (754)
321-2150 or Teletype Machine TTY (754) 321-2158.
