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