April 2015 Newsletter - Education Department

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A p r il 6 , 201 5
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on
The
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Education
Department
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Newsletter
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3100 North 63rd Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33024
Phone: (954) 989-6840 • Toll Free Phone (877) 592-6537 • Fax: (954) 893-8856
http://education.semtribe.com/
It has been said that, “The race is not won by the swift, but those
who endure it to the end. Simply, now that the Spring Break has
ended and the majority of testing has concluded, a lot of students
will begin to feel that the school year has ended, and now is the
time to coast along. Quite the contrary. The last term of the
school year is when the students must really show their strength
and endurance and not get weary. With end-of-the-year
programs, exams, projects, recitals, and sports events, the last
weeks of school can be exciting, but hectic, and student success
will depend on preparation, planning, and diligence.
The Education Department is dedicated to helping students at all levels finish this year successfully and begin
planning for a wonderful start of the new school year. There are a few checkpoints to help:
 Has your local Advisor met with your eleventh and twelfth grade students to review their transcript in
preparation for graduation and to discuss college applications options?
 Has the local Advisor met with your ninth and tenth grade students to help select courses for the
upcoming year to ensure they are on target for timely graduation?
 Has the local Advisor met with any student whose grade point average (GPA) is below a 2.5 to develop
a remediation plan of action for success?
 Has your local Advisor met with students whose GPA is greater than a 3.0 to discuss
honors/advanced classes and acceleration options?
Also, consider the following suggestions for ensuring a strong race to the finish line.
Prepare for the race. In addition to marking your calendar, make a written record of all the things that have
to be done and the date or deadline for each.
Keep the pace. Complete tasks in the order they are due. When possible, return permission slips and other
papers (or online forms) immediately after they are received.
Run realistically. Realize that you have to prioritize tasks in order of
importance. You can not do everything at once.
Inside This Issue:
Train well. Be properly equipped. Take a deep breath and remain
encouraged and refreshed in the midst of a frantic schedule.
2
Stay the course. Encourage your child to keep studying! Even with Keeping Children Motivated
a hectic pace, it's possible to utilize extra time in the car, at the ball
3
Big Cypress Shootout
field, or at the dance studio to keep up those good grades.
Remember, we can win this race TOGETHER!
Parents,
We need your input. Please
complete the parent survey at:
https://www.surveymonkey.
com/r/QLNL3TM
What Students Can Do
3
Kindergarten Registration
End of Year To-Do List
5
Test Taking Tips
7
WEP Success Story
8
Choosing the College Lifestyle
9
Library Events
6
10-11
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KEEPING YOUR CHILDREN MOTIVATED THROUGH THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR
Parents, help your kids understand that just because the end of school is near, it
doesn’t mean it is time to quit! When things get tough and we feel tired, stay focused on
the positive. If it has been a great year, celebrate! If it has been a difficult year, you can
still celebrate – you made it, and good things are yet to come. Continue encouraging
your kids to do their best and model a strong work ethic for them. Be on time, keep
checking their folders, keep reading with them, help them study for exams, and
anything else you do that you know they benefit from (including time to relax with
friends and sleep). Whatever you do, don’t do their work for them or try to rescue them
from a bad grade if they have forgotten to study or turn in something. They need to
learn from their mistakes, and you do not need to spend your energy doing unnecessary things. It
really means a lot to them when we do all the little things to show we care. When we care, they do too.
When it comes down to it, it is not difficult to sign a test (if there is time to play Candy Crush or check
Facebook, surely we can do a minute check of a folder) or keep a stash of extra poster board or other
project supplies to avoid last minute dashes to the store the night before an assignment is due.
There is no mistaking the end of the year is wild, but we also know that is to be expected. So, what are
we doing to prepare for it each year? Don’t let it overwhelm you or your kids, just be ready. During the
last months, be sure to take things one week at a time. It will all get done, we will all survive – just
breathe! (Contributed by Vernesha Swoope)
Preparing Your Child for Kindergarten
Children are excited about starting school, yet also a little afraid. Starting school means changes in their daily
routine including being away from familiar surroundings, learning new rules, and following directions from
other adults. It’s natural to have doubts and fears about change. Talk to your child about what they can
expect. Perhaps you can visit the school’s playground.
1. Read Books Every Day. Reading is the most important activity you can do to help your child develop
language and reading skills. The 3 R’s of reading are Repetition, Rhythm and Rhyme. Children enjoy books
about their world and having books read over and over. Place your finger under words showing that reading
is top to bottom and left to right. Visit your local library and perhaps your child can have his own card.
2. Develop Fine Motor Skills and help your child learn letters the sensory way. It takes time patience and
practice to have a proper pencil grip. Model and praise often, offer large crayons and pencils, buy child safety
scissors, and use play-dough to develop muscles.
3. Print First Name with Only the First Letter Capitalized.
4. Follow Two (2) and Three (3) Step Instructions. “Please get your shoes and put them on.” “Go to the bathroom, flush the toilet, and wash
your hands, please.”
5. Manners: Model saying please and thank you and listening without interrupting. Talk to your child about raising their hand when they want to
ask the teacher a question.
6. Social Skills: Playing with other children teaches children how to share, take turns, communicate, and problem-solve.
7. Help Your Child Take Responsibility: Encourage them to clean up toys and messes, dress, and use the bathroom by themselves, get own
drink and healthy snacks, and take responsibility for their own actions.
8. Number Recognition and Concept: Help your child learn to count with concrete objects such as marbles, rocks, dolls, cars, beans, pasta.
Play hopscotch then have your child place the correct number of items on each number.
9. Letter Recognition and Sounds: Words are everywhere in the environmental. Point to items and slowly sound words you see while taking
walks, running errands, from grocery lists and cereal boxes. Label favorite items and places around the house. Encourage your child to trace
over letters and numbers in chalk – then use a spray bottle or paint brush to trace over and erase, which also helps develop fine motor skills.
10. Build Self Esteem: Remember to praise your child often for their successes. Give them hugs every day and tell them you love them.
Communicate, listen, and answer their questions. A curious child’s questions reflects their cognitive and emotional development.
Remember, children progress at different rates. It may take some children six weeks to adjust to school. Enjoy their enthusiasm and discovery of
new things and their creative ways to explore and learn. Sometimes love is spelled t-i-m-e.
(Contributed by Vernesha Swoope)
S e m i n o l e T r i b e o f Fl o r i d a E d u c a ti o n D e p a r tm e n t
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BIG CYPRESS SHOOTOUT
The Seminole Tribe of Florida presented their annual 2 nd Seminole War Reenactment at the
Big Cypress Shootout at Billie Swamp Safari on Friday March 13th until Sunday, March 15th.
Friday was an educational day; there were no reenactments. Ahfachkee School’s students
participated in many cultural events and games. Educational activities included “Tomahawk
Throwing”, “Chunkey Stone”, “Archaeological Digs”, “Knife Creation” and exploration of the
Seminole and Soldier Camps time periods. Other activities and events included music,
“Venomous Snake Shows”, “Alligator Wrestling”, “Stomp Dancing”, and plenty of great food.
Great shows and entertainment were also presented on Saturday and Sunday. The Battle
Reenactment took place twice on Saturday, and again on Sunday. The battle depicted the 2 nd
Seminole War. In the 1800s, there were a total of three (3) wars fought by the US Military
against the Seminoles. Although many Seminoles were killed or relocated to Oklahoma, they
were never defeated. Today more than 3,000 are known as the Unconquered Seminoles.
(Contributed by Samantha Sherrell)
WHAT STUDENTS SAY SCHOOLS CAN DO TO HELP THEM BE SUCCESSFUL IN SCHOOL
Failure to graduate from high school is a silent epidemic. Although many of the students
surveyed blamed themselves for failing to graduate, and some stated there was nothing their
school could have done to convince them to stay, other students identified steps their school
could have taken to help them graduate. Not surprisingly, the suggestions made by these
students are closely aligned with what the research says. Parents can help by ensuring their
child’s school does the following:
1. Improve teaching and curricula to make school more relevant and engage and enhance the connection
between school and work. Students asked for smaller, more interesting classes with more one-on-one instruction
and coursework relevant to their lives. Students also asked for opportunities for real world, hands-on learning,
including internships and service learning projects
2. Improve instruction and access to supports for struggling students. Struggling students asked for better
teachers, smaller classes and more individualized instruction. These students also asked for after school tutoring,
Saturday school, and extra help from teachers.
3. Build a school climate that fosters academics. Students wanted teachers who knew their names and were able
to maintain order in the class room. Students asked for more classroom supervision and discipline to minimize
distracting class time disruptions. Students wanted their schools to do more to help them feel safe.
4. Ensure strong adult-student relationships within the school. Students challenged schools to do more to help
students with problems outside of class and to get parents involved. Students asked for more one-on-one
attention from teachers because it encouraged students to get involved in class and do well.
5. Improve communication between parents and schools. Students asked for better communication between
parents and the school and increased parental involvement in education as a way of ensuring students attended
school every day. Contributed by Tanya Williams)
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As school gets closer to wrapping up the last nine weeks of the school
year, it’s never too late to improve where needed with March, April
and May being testing months.
There are eight (8) simple ways to better help students to be
successful and prepared for tests and homework:
1) Make a to-do list every day. Put the most important tasks at the
top, even if there are things you are dreading; tackle them first.
Prioritize to get organized, so that you can do more in less time.
 Keep your work with you. You can get started if you have extra
time, on the bus ride, or while waiting for practice (sports).
 Don’t be afraid to say no if friends ask you to go do something
(movie, etc.) and you have to study for a test or complete homework. Study first, and then arrange a different
time to be with friends.
Find the time that you are more productive. Some students are “morning people” and some are “night
people”. You will be able to accomplish more work when you are at your best.
Create a dedicated study time. Discipline yourself to set a time devoted only to studying or homework. Don’t
go overboard on one subject. Turn off your phone and respond to calls and texts when your work is completed.
Budget your time. Create a weekly schedule by determining how much free time you have with activities
before adding any other commitments.
Don’t get side-tracked. If you find yourself wasting time on unimportant things, get back to what is on top of
your to do list. Procrastinating is easy when you’re dreading the work, but stay focused on your tasks.
Get a good night’s sleep. Your brain needs rest to perform at its peak. When it is time to sleep, list the things
you still need to do on your next day’s to do list. You need at least 8 to 9 hours of sleep to better perform in
class. (Contributed by Vickie Stuart)
Did you know that students who have family members involved in their school are more likely to
achieve? Studies show when parents and grandparents are actively involved in their student’s
school, grades increase, social skills rise, and teacher effectiveness improves. When a student
knows education is an important component of life for the entire household, that student puts
forth the extra effort to meet the expectation of success. Most children aim to please their
family members and usually don’t want to let parents down. What better way to show how
important an education is than being involved in their school? According to the National Parent
Teacher Association (PTA), when parents are involved in a child’s education, students receive
higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates increase. Students have better school
attendance and it increases motivation and develops better self-esteem. Additionally, there are
lower rates of suspension with fewer instances of violent behavior of children while at school. Children typically copy the
behavior of others around them, and if you’re actively working with the adults at the school and your child sees your ability to
work together; they strive to do the same within the classroom setting. When you are involved; you are the first to know when
important events are about to happen, what is new in education, and what changes may be coming that could affect your
child.
Here are several ways to get involve:
 Join the PTA – Most schools have a parent / teacher organization that may meet monthly or quarterly to discuss the
issues and needs facing the student body of that school.
 Volunteer at School – Schools often benefit from the help of adults to assist with basic office work, help in the
cafeteria during lunch, or help to monitor the entering and dismissal of the school day.
 Donate School Supplies – Most teachers are forced to buy supplies for the students due to budget restraints in most
school districts. By donating school supplies or items that improve student performance, you not only help your child, but
show interest in your child’s teacher. Also, during standardize testing time, donate snacks or breakfast as a way to
encourage student achievement. (Contributed by Alphonza Green)
S e m i n o l e T r i b e o f Fl o r i d a E d u c a ti o n D e p a r tm e n t
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Test Taking Tips for Parents
With the upcoming school testing during the month of April in most public and
private schools, here are a few test taking tips for parents to share with their
child(ren). The following tips will provide suggestions for parents on how to
approach test taking with their kids.
Make sure that your child does all their homework and reading assignments, this will help make sure your child is prepared for the test.
 Encourage your child to space out their studying and homework assignments so that they won't be forced to cram on the night before the test.
If you are anxious about your child's test, it's ok but try to keep cool around your child, you don't want
them to get anxious about their tests too.
Encourage your child to do well but don't pressure him/her. You may stress him/her out. It is important
for your child to stay relaxed for the test.
Keep a positive attitude about tests.
Provide a quiet, well-lighted area with little distractions to help your child study efficiently.
Mark down test days on your calendar so you and your child are both aware of testing dates.
Make sure that your child gets enough sleep on the night before the test.
Ensure that your child eats a healthy breakfast and avoid heavy foods that may make him/her groggy
and avoid high sugar foods that may make him/her hyper.
Make sure that your child gets up early enough so that he/she will be on time to school.
Let your child relax for a few hours before bedtime, it can be stressful for a child to study all night.
Talking about the test with your child can relieve stress about test taking.
If your child is struggling on their tests, talk to them about it and meet with their teacher to find out the
best way to help your child.
Praise/reward your child when they do well on a test or for their hard work preparing for a test.
Encourage them to do better if they don't do well.
Review the test with your child after they have
taken it and go over any mistakes they have
made and make sure that they understand what
they did wrong and how they can improve for the next test.
Visit TestTakingTips.com for more tests taking help. (Contributed by Victoria Soto)
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Three Reasons for High
School Parents to Attend Teacher Conferences
Once a child reaches high school, some parents don’t see the point of attending parent-teacher conferences. But parents of high school students should not discount the value of parent-teacher conferences.
These meetings may ultimately influence a teen’s academic success. Here are reasons why parents should
attend.
1. Show your child that you care. Students of parents who attend parent-teacher conferences typically do
better in school. Their parents know early on if students are not doing well, and students get help sooner.
2. Improve communication between parents and teachers. If parents show they want their teen to learn and
do well in school, the teacher will work harder to make sure that happens.
3. Learn something new about your child. Parent-teacher conferences can be a time
to discuss academic or behavioral issues, or give teachers the opportunity to share
other information. Teachers can alert parents if their child is struggling, so that they
are not blindsided when report cards come home.
Although teens may appear independent at the high school level, they need the
assistance and involvement of their parents. They may not voice it, but they
appreciate when parents show interest in school. (Contributed by Brenda Gillis)
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 Grade 5 students, get a successful start for the 2015-2016 school year!
Middle and high school students, complete courses needed to graduate or improve your GPA!
 Get a head start on your future!
Tianna Hali Garcia
I began the Work Experience Program (WEP) on January 28, 2015, a Wednesday. I remember the specific date so
well because the decision to work and have a job was a pretty big choice for me. Before then, I would spend my
time pondering how to spend my day. At the time I was in school, but I had lost motivation in part because I had
no idea what career choice to make. However, that has changed now that I am a participant in this program.
Not only has this program helped me in my personal and professional development; it has opened me up to new
opportunities. I have decided to go back to school to pursue a degree in Communications and Media Studies. If I
had not joined this program, I don’t think I would have realized what I want to do in the future. Furthermore, I
think I would have not known that I really love to be in a professional atmosphere. The Work Experience
Program is very encouraging and is there for you every step of the way. Being in the WEP has been a blast and I
encourage everyone to participate! (Contributed by Luis Yeguez)
S e m i n o l e T r i b e o f Fl o r i d a E d u c a ti o n D e p a r tm e n t
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Education is not just opening up a book and taking tests. It is about
trying new experiences and challenging yourself to go further than I
already have . My mother pushed me to do well at a young age . I
participated in various sports so that I would learn to interact with
members of my community. I traveled the world , as a tourist, foreign
exchange student, and as a member of a missionary group.
These things were not possible solely because I am smart or good at
everything I attempt, but because I had the right people supporting
my decisions and providing guidance . The Seminole Tribe of Florida
provided financial assistance for tutoring and tuition , for which I
am extremely grateful , but I also had to prove myself. Hard work and
determination has benefited me more than you could ever imagine .
You too, can do just as well as I have . Stay committed and work hard!
~ Excerpt from Essay Contributed by Grade 12 Student, Johnathon Idle
Choosing the College Lifestyle
Studies have shown that college graduates enjoy many benefits that enhance the
quality of their lives long term. The primary motive for seeking admission to college
should not be just a quest for knowledge, but also about shaping one’s self. Of course
knowledge is something that is valuable because it can never be taken away from you.
You might even think that college is just a continuation of high school; but it’s not.
College opens doors for you that high school doesn’t. As you explore college courses
and participate in college life, you’ll encounter new ideas and challenges. Along the way,
you will:
Build knowledge, skills and brainpower ;
Learn more about yourself;
Bond with new friends;
Prepare for a future in which you’re better equipped to give back.
College can also change you and shape you in ways that you may not imagine. Thanks to all the knowledge, skills
and experience you’ll gain in college, you’ll be able to adapt to a greater variety of jobs and careers. It’s safe to
assume that the quality of life, and living a good life, is something that matters to most people. College graduates can have:
 Better employment and promotion opportunities;
 Better housing options;
 Greater access to quality health care and medical facilities;
 More disposable income to spend for hobbies, leisure
time activities, and vacations.
Whatever your destination, college can help you get there
— even if you don’t know where “there” is yet. Whether
you’ve mapped out a long-term plan or you see new possibilities every day, college can help you become
your “future” self.
So my question is, “How can the Education Department help match you with the right college?”
(Contributed by Marcus Amos)
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Billy Osceola Memorial Library
“Providing the Resources to Preserve a Strong Community”
The “Tickets for Books “program continues to be a popular program with the
children. A child receives a ticket for every book title read, and that ticket is
placed into a drawing for the end of the month. February’s totals of titles read by
the children was 142; prizes were awarded to 4 children. We celebrated Black
History Month, Valentine’s Day, and Chinese New Year (the year of the sheep)
with program themes reflecting each event.
March was also a busy month as we celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday, St. Patrick’s
Day, a Frozen Sing-a-Long Day and a “Reading Picnic”. Patrons were invited to
celebrate and bring blankets for the picnic.
To celebrate National Women’s History Month, a guest speaker who is a family
member of Late Lorene Gopher, was featured. Mrs. Gopher will be presented
posthumously
with
the
Florida
Folk
Heritage
Award.
(Contributed by Deborah Johns)
Dorothy Scott Osceola Memorial Library Hollywood
Coming
in
April:
Hogwarts
Revisited - The Harry Potter series
consecutively set records as the
fastest-selling books in history. The last
volume sold approximately eleven (11)
million copies in the first twenty-four
hours of its release! On Thursday and
Friday afternoons, the DSO Library will
reacquaint readers with the first stories of
these modern day classics culminating
with a quiz show and party on April 30th.
Where in the World? – Young
patrons to the DSO Library will learn the
“lay of the land” in May as they absorb
the geography of their world. They will utilize their newfound knowledge through participation
in a Geography Bee on the 28th of May.
Power Point Anyone? – Would you like to know how to construct PowerPoint presentations,
begin a spreadsheet, or use the features of the Word software program? The DSO Library can
help. Call the library at 954-989-6840, extension 3, for information or an appointment about
computer training.
March is Women’s History Month – We all know about the accomplishments of Hillary
Clinton and Oprah Winfrey, but what about the contributions of Margaret Mead, Mary McLeod
Bethune and Dorothea Lange? Your DSO Library has plenty of inspirational materials on and by
the great women of our recent past. Find out about them! (Contributed by David Blackard)
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Willie Frank Library Book Fair
This March, the Willie Frank Library held the biannual Scholastic Book Fair. There were tables and
tables filled with books for school aged children creating quite a selection this time around. There was
a table of primarily Native American picture books and chapter books. We also had books for children
in preschool through the middle grades, children could select from picture books and beginning
readers to chapter books.
The Bppk Fair is sponsored by the Scholastic book company. The library is able to order items from the Scholastic Resource Catalog
using Scholastic Rewards points. The points from the book fair were used to order books, audiobooks, a Bluetooth radio, and youth
furniture for the library. In the future, the goal is to use Scholastic Rewards to obtain more children’s furniture. The next Scholastic Book
Fair is scheduled for September 2015.
During our Book Fair, we offered raffle prizes. Four prize boxes were on display—there was a Pre-K box, a K-3rd grade box, a 4th -6th
grade box, and a box for middle grades. For each purchase made, a name was placed in the appropriate box. On the Monday following the
Book Fair, we asked Courtney Irwin from Big Cypress Buildings and Grounds to select a name from each age grade/range box.
Congratulations to the winners:
☺ Pre-K:
Dustin Osceola
rd
☺ K-3 :
Jose Rodriquez
th th
☺ 4 -6 :
Daleen Osceola
☺ Middle Grades: Vincent Jimmie
(Contributed by Marcia DiStefano)
The Diane Yzaguirre Memorial Library has been busy with fun, educational games and book
readings. During the month of March the library provided programming based on Dr. Seuss’
Birthday which consisted of book readings, crafts, as well as green eggs and ham as a snack. Along
with Dr. Seuss’ activities, the library focused on St. Patrick’s Day which included a small party with
snacks and a scavenger hunt amongst the bookshelves. Library staff geared up for the creation of
Easter baskets for the children. We asked each department to save their gallon jugs and send them to
us for the kids to decorate them for their community. There was an Easter Egg Hunt and party on
Friday, April 3rd. Along with the monthly themed activities, the library provided a weekly movie
and popcorn on Thursdays.
We would also like to invite any and all interested persons to participate in computer classes that will be held in the library on Friday
mornings at 9:00 a.m. The Library Supervisor will facilitate the classes ranging from basic to intermediate levels. If you are unable
to make the classes on Friday mornings, Ms. Natasha Hayes, Library Supervisor, is available from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. daily for
one on one training/classes. She is willing and available to assist patrons with whatever is needed, such as resume writing, creation of
flyers, and even personal needs which could include
searching for rentals/properties in areas that you may
choose to attend school and/or relocate.
In April, the programming will include the following
dates and themes:
14th-The Day in which the Titanic hit the iceberg
15th-Jackie Robinson Day (View the movie 42)
22nd-Earth Day
30th-El día de los niños (Children’s Reading Day)
(Contributed by Natasha Hayes)
S e m i n o l e T r i b e o f Fl o r i d a E d u c a ti o n D e p a r tm e n t
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