Department of Education - Success Measures Website

The Department of Education has a new website for administrators, students and parents outlining new statewide assessments.  The site will help guide parents and students through the upcoming changes to Florida's assessment program. There is an interactive online tool to help you research and learn more about Florida's standards and assessments. 


The Success Measures page will continue to be updated with important information on Florida's assessment programs including details on what your children are being taught in our classrooms and how their learning will be assessed.

http://www.fldoe.org/successmeasures/

Five Questions Parents Ask About Bullying

Bullying is a topic that has been getting a lot of media attention recently. Dr. Andrea "Andie" Weiner, a child therapist and author of "More Than Saying I Love You: Four Steps That Help Children Love Themselves" answers the five questions parents ask most about bullying.

The latest statistics show that 77 percent of students say they have been bullied. Because many children do not like to appear as a "tattletale" or "snitch," they often do not report a bullying incident to the teacher or parent and that is why half of all bullying incidents go unreported. For are answers to important questions parents typically ask about bullying please click on the link provided by the National PTA.

Reflections Entries Due December 10

This year's theme is Together We Can 

Each year, the PTA Reflections Program challenges students to create art inspired by a specific theme. Themes are selected from hundreds of ideas submitted by students to the PTA Reflections Program Theme Search. Past  themes have included "Exploring New Beginnings," "If I Could Give the World a Gift...," "A Different Kind of Hero," and most recently, “I Can Make a Difference by…” and “Wow!” The 2010–2011 theme is “Together we can…”

 

Students participate in the Reflections Program by submitting entries to a local PTA or PTSA. Nationally, the program has six arts areas—dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, and visual arts—and four grade divisions—primary, intermediate, middle/junior, and senior.


For an entry form, see the link below.
http://www.floridapta.org/Reflections%20Packet/10-11%20Student%20Entry%20Form-Florida.pdf

Great American Teach-In - Thursday, November 18

Please contact the front office ASAP if you have a profession, hobby, or talent to share with our students.  Stay the entire day or just an hour or two.  Call 724-1400 for more information on how to register.   

Fall Dance is Scheduled for November 11 - Parent Volunteers Needed

We are looking for Volunteers to help with the Fall School Dance on November 11. The following volunteers are needed the week of Novemer 8. 

Ticket Sales:  Mon, Tue, Wed, and Thurs, 9:00 - 9:30 am

Dance Set-Up:  Thursday 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Work Dance: Pass out food & Monitor Kids- Thursday 4:30 - 6:00 pm

Clean Up:  6:00 pm

If you would like to help out, please e-mail Darien G. Bulger, Community Liason: bulgerd@pcsb.org

Clothes to Kids in Need of Pants

Clothes to Kids is in need of  boys pants in sizes 6-8-10 and any gently used pants or clothing.

Please see the link for more information:  http://www.clothestokids.org/  Please help if you can...

Clothes to Kids is located:  1059 N. Hercules Avenue - Clearwater, FL 33765 -  727-441-5050

PTA URGES YOU TO VOTE NO ON AMENDMENT 8

The PTA, both locally and statewide, urge you to look at the facts behind Amendment 8.

Amendment 8 would bring back crowded classrooms.  This amendment proposes to revise the current constitution and calculate class size on a school wide average rather than actual class size. PTA supports class size reduction proposals that consider actual class size, meaning the number of students in a teacher’s room for whom that teacher is accountable.

Florida PTA opposed Amendment 8 when it was moving through the Legislature and testified against it in both the House and Senate Committees.

Grade Level 2002-03 Class Size Average Current Average If Amendment 8 Passes
                     
                           Current Size                    If Amendment 8 Passes


Pre-K-3                16                                      21

Grades 4-8          19                                      27

Grades 9-12       22                                       30


For additional information visit:   
http://www.floridapta.org/Legislation.html

Upcoming Dates and Help Wanted

Tues. 10/19 - Character Education ticket turn in day.  Students noticed performing acts of good character will be rewarded for their acts of character. 

Tues. 10/19 - 6th Grade Principal's List/Honor Roll Party

Thurs. 10/21 - 7th Grade Principal's List/Honor Roll Party

Thurs. 10/21 - Successful Seahawk Breakfast

Fri. 10/22 - 8th Grade Principal's List/Honor Roll Party

Thurs. 10/28 - PTSA Board Meeting (4:30 PM at school)

Thurs. 11/11 - Fall Dance

The PTSA is seeking committee chairperson(s) for the Clothing Drive.  This worthwhle program collects gently used clothing and sets up a store for students needing clothing assistance.  For more information please email us:  shms.ptsa@gmail.com

Red Ribbon Week - October 18-25

"I pledge to make healthy choices, to be a positive role model for my friends, and to support the mission of Ribbon Week “No Use of Illegal Drugs, No Illegal Use of Legal Drugs."

Back to the Basics with Mr. Boulieris - Thursday, October 14 @ 6:30 pm

Sixth Grade Principal Mr. Boulieris will meet with parents in the Media Center on Thursday, October 14 at 6:30 pm to learn about Portal, Moodle, and the school website.  This informational session is open to parents of all grades.

Superintendent's Proposed Student Achievement Plan & Upcoming Community Forums

To provide feedback about the proposed plan, attend one of the Community Forums:

Oct. 12, Countryside High auditorium, 3000 SR 580, Clearwater, 7-8:30 p.m.
Oct. 13, Gibbs High auditorium, 850 34 St. S, St. Petersburg, 7-8:30 p.m.

Click on the link above for detailed information on the plan.

Upcoming Dates! Mark your Calendars

• Report Cards - October 14
• No School - Professional Day - October 15
• Bullying Workshop - October 26, 6:30 PM in the Media Center.  Presented by Dr. Steve O'Brien
• Great American Teach-In - November 18.  Share your career or hobby with students at the Great American Teach-In.
• Math Night - October 28, 6:30 pm

Yearbooks on sale now!  $35.  See Mrs. Zimmerman. 

Fall Dance coming in November.  Stay tuned for date and time.

PTSA urges you to vote No on Amendment 8 - Class Size Amendment

This amendment proposes to revise the current constitution and calculate class size on a school wide average rather than actual class size. PTA supports class size reduction proposals that consider actual class size, meaning the number of students in a teacher’s room for whom that teacher is accountable

Florida PTA opposed Amendment 8 when it was moving through the Legislature and testified against it in both the House and Senate Committees and urges you to vote NO.  Florida Class Size, Amendment 8 will appear on the November 2, 2010 ballot.  For detailed information on the amendment and the Florida PTSA position, please click on the link above.

Middle School Students Sought for Nagano, Japan Exchange Program

The Clearwater Sister Cities program is accepting applications from middle school students interested in traveling abroad as part of its Young Ambassadors exchange program with Clearwater’s sister city, Nagano, Japan.

Students accepted into the program will travel to Nagano for two weeks during the summer 2011. Participants will be immersed in the country’s language and culture as they stay with local families. In addition, they visit and give presentations to schools in the Nagano area, and get involved in educational exchanges. Priority will be given to students who live or attend school in Clearwater.

For more information or to receive an application, please e-mail japanapplication@aol.com. Applications must be received no later than Oct. 29.

In 2009, Nagano, Japan and Clearwater celebrated the 50th anniversary of their Sister Cities relationship. Since 1991, 72 Pinellas County middle school students have visited the city through the program’s annual exchanges of teachers and students.

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars for a Building Good Character Workshop,  Tuesday, October 26, 6:30 PM and don't forget about the Math Worshop on Monday, September 20 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at SHMS.

Protecting Children from Sexual Offenders and Predators – Tips for Parents and Students

See the notes below and click on the link for more information on keeping your student safe from the Florida State PTA.

Florida has the strongest laws in the country to protect its youthful citizens from being abducted. However, parents and children themselves are the first line of defense. Talk to your children about following these rules:

• Stay away from any unfamiliar person who is trying to trick you or force you to go with him or her.

• Let your parents and other trusted adults know about any suspicious persons or situations.

• Learn to describe people and vehicles.

• Know where to run and how to forcibly resist capture.

• Scream to be seen and to scare a stranger away.

• Stay with a buddy, a group, or parents at the bus stop.

• Report anyone hanging around or passing by regularly.

• Accept a ride only from someone approved by the school.

• Walk or bike only along a route that your parents or the school has determined is safe.

• Lock the door and never tell callers you are home

Smile! Picture Day is September 16

Picture Day at SHMS is Thursday, September 16.  You can place the order online or use the form sent home with your student.  Click on the link for online ordering!  Smile! http://www.hjconsumerdirect.com/PHOTO_ONLINE_ORDERING/index.cfm?contractID=3100

Parent Math Night

You are invited to Math Night!  Monday, September 20 - 6:00 to 7:00 pm.  Lisa Goldsmith from Big Ideas will present tips and methods to help your student succeed in math.  For more information contact 724-1400.

National PTA Parent Subscription Form

PTA.org publishes useful content on important parenting topics including: Parent Involvement, Student Success and Health and Wellness. For more information, visit www.pta.org/ParentSubscribe

Worldwide Day of Play

On Saturday, September 25th, Nickelodeon and National PTA® encourage you to join hundreds of thousands of kids, families and communities across the world, as they turn off the TV, go outside and play!  On Worldwide Day of Play, Nickelodeon will suspend all programming and go dark all afternoon. Thousands of schools and community organizations will be hosting events engaging kids in physical fitness around the world.

Teen Dating 101

4TH ANNUAL - TEEN DATING 101
SEPTEMBER 22, 2010 
7:00 - 8:30 PM
COUNTRYSIDE HIGH SCHOOL - MEDIA CENTER
Teen Dating 101 was started four years ago as a program to address good and bad dating relationships. Teens and parents are invited to learn important strategies about successful relationships - what to look for…what to say…what to do. What is the impact of domestic violence on teens? What are the warning signs of dating violence? Teens, parents, families are welcome to attend this program which is open to everyone in the community. It’s free!

Sponsored by:  Countryside High School, GFWC North Pinellas Woman’s Club, Inc.,The Haven of RCS Domestic Violence Center, Clearwater Police Department, Countryside High School PTSA,GFWC Clearwater Juniorettes, Central Florida Behavior Health Network, Inc.

Questions? Jane J Hussar hussarj@pcsb.org 727-725-7956 x 2039

Volunteer Orientation - Tuesday, September 14 - 9:30 AM

Learn about the many volunteer opportunities at the school at Volunteer Orientation.  If you can't make the meeting, please call Community Liaison, Nick Panico (724-1400), or email him panicon@pcsb.org to find out about how you can help.

Note:  Please... All volunteers from last year must update their computer sign-in on the volunteer computer to accurately track their hours.  It only takes a minute.

Become a Member of SHMS PTSA

Thanks to the parents, teachers, and grandparents who have already joined!  Our goal is to have 570 members.  Special thanks to Johnny's Restaurant for $5 coupons to all PTSA members!!! Please consider joining today.  See the PTSA table at open house, fill out the form in the first day packets, or visit the front office for an application.  Your $5 will help us fund programs at the school. 

7th & 8th Grade Open House - Tuesday, September 7 - 5:30 PM

Mark your calendars for Open House!  Look for the PTSA tables for information on upcoming Entertainment Book sales, Secret Pal and other programs! 

New Pinellas County School Portal

Pinellas County Schools announced a new parent portal.  This portal replaces Parent Connect.  The portal allows parents to view their child’s attendance, schedule, upcoming assignments and test dates, in-progress grades, test/quiz scores, homework, and more.  Please see the attached link for more information on how to obtain a login if you had a Parent Connect account or how to obtain a new login.  http://www.pcsb.org/forparents/files/Parent%20Portal%20Brochure.pdf

Please visit the Pinellas County Schools website to access detailed information regarding the new PCS parent portal: http://parent.pcsb.org/

School Fundraiser

Entertainment Book Sales!  Sales run from September 1 to September 15. 

We are asking each student to try and sell one book, more would be great!  Students will be eligible for great prizes if they sell one book!  Books cost $25 each and there are books available for your out of town sales as well. 

Information will be sent home with your student.  Each grade will attend a pep rally to quick off the sales.  For more information, please email us at shms.ptsa@gmail.com  Good luck!

Join the PTSA

Please consider joining the PSTA.  Your $5.00 annual membership helps to fund many of the activities and programs at SHMS.  Applications will be sent home in your students first day packets.  They are also available in the front office.   

What does the PTSA do?

The PTSA sponsors a number of programs ranging from the end of year 8th grade celebration, Coke and Pizza Socials, Excellent Conduct parties, FCAT Snacks, Refections, Successful Seahawk Breakfasts, Trophies and Awards for Clubs, Staff Appreciation Week Activities, Gifts to School, Annual Clothing Drive, Character Education Incentives, and more...