Winter Recess

There will be no school from Monday, December 21, 2009 though Friday, January 1, 2010. Classes will resume Monday, January 4, 2010. Have a Safe & Happy Holiday Season!

Seminole's Holiday Show

Congratulations to all the chorus students who participated in Seminole’s Holiday Show. Parents may access the Holiday Concert Program here.

Free After-School Tutoring!

Read2Succeed: 21st Century Community Learning Center is offering after-school tutoring services in Sweetwater, Kendal, and South Dade.

Benefits include:
-Curriculum taught by Florida certified teachers
-Emphasis on all academic subjects PLUS physical fitness & social skills development
-Measurement tools used to track students’ progress

Please call 305-969-7440 or email info@r2succeed.org for more information!

Dial-A-Teacher

The Dial-a-Teacher program is a free service provided by Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Homework help is available to students through Dial-a-Teacher. Dial-a-Teacher is available Monday - Thursday, from 5 - 8 p.m. The Dial-a-Teacher number is 305-995-1600.

Winter Break Packets for K-12 Students

The Office of Curriculum and Instruction (K-12 Core Curriculum) is providing Winter Break Packets for all grade levels which will be posted by Friday, December 11, 2009. The packets include K-12 curriculum in the areas of Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. These packets are designed for review and practice of previously taught skills and strategies that students have learned thus far in the school year. Enrichment activities are also included in the packets. Use of these packets is not mandatory. Their purpose is to maintain and sharpen skills during the winter break recess. Winter Break Packets will be posted on the front page of the district’s website: http://www2.dadeschools.net . They may be downloaded and printed at the school site. They will also be posted on the following student and parent websites: http://www2.dadeschools.net/parents/parents.htm and http://www2.dadeschools.net/students/students/htm. We hope you find these winter break packets helpful.
The answer keys for the Winter Break Packets will be posted on the the Parents’ portal by December 11, 2009. The Parents’ Portal may be accessed at http://www.dadeschools.net/parents/parents.htm.

PTA Regular Clothes Day

Seminole’s PTA is sponsoring Regular Clothes Days each Friday during the month of December. Students are encouraged to make a one dollar donation to the PTA during these events. Please remember that students are not allowed to wear open-toed shoes. Please note, students attending the kindergarten field trip must wear their school uniform.

Beyond the Bell

Parents are reminded that all students in grades 3-5 are encouraged to use the Beyond the Bell supplemental learning tools that are available online. These learning tools are aligned to students’ specific FCAT levels. Students may log in using the M-DCPS Student Portal at http://myportal.dadeschools.net/student/.

Seminole Holiday Show

The Seminole Elementary Chorus will hold their 2009 Holiday Show on Tuesday, December 15th in the school’s cafetorium. The show will begin promptly at 6:00 pm. We hope to see you there!

Eating Disorders During the Holidays

The holiday season is a fun time of the year for millions of children throughout the world. Festivities, gathering with family and friends and celebrating often includes increased pressure to indulge in holiday meals and treats.For individuals suffering from eating disorders, this can be an extremely difficult time. The most common eating disorders, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia, affect more than 24 million Americans each year, according to The Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness. 90% of those with eating disorders are female between the ages of 12 and 25 years. Approximately 11% of  all high school students have been diagnosed with an eating disorder (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders). It is estimated that 50,000 people die  each year as a direct or indirect result of an eating disorder (The Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness). Suggestions to assist parents if their child is suffering from a known or suspected eating disorder are attached. The attachment includes the signs and symptoms, as well as helpful resources within the school and community.

Regular Clothes Day

Seminole’s PTA is sponsoring Regular Clothes Days each Friday during the month of December. Students are encouraged to make a one dollar donation to the PTA during these events. Please remember that students are not allowed to wear open-toed shoes.

December Calendar

Seminole’s December Calendar is now available. As a reminder, previous school calendars are located under the “School Calendars” tab.

PTA Candle Sales

The last day to turn in money for the PTA Candle Sales is Wednesday, December 2. If you have any questions, please call the school at 305-261-7071.

FIFA World Cup Online Petition

Once every four years, the world’s premier national soccer teams participate in the FIFA World Cup™. Alberto Carvalho, the Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, is asking all students, faculty and staff to join him in support of the bid to bring the World Cup to Miami in 2018 or 2022. The participation of the entire Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ family will go a long way toward ensuring that the world’s most prestigious soccer tournament comes to the United States and Miami. Help us obtain the needed 50,000 signatures before any other U.S. city by taking a moment to sign the online petition in support of this effort. The petition may be found at: www.gousabid.com/miami.

No School - Happy Thanksgiving!

There will be No School on Thursday, November 26 & Friday, November 27, 2009. Classes will resume on Monday, November 30, 2009. Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!

Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast

The Kindergarten classes will be hosting a Thanksgiving Feast on Wednesday, November 25th. Parents will be allowed to join the students when they re-enact the “First Thanksgiving.” Parents must sign-in at the Main Office before visiting the classrooms. Parents will not be permitted to enter the classrooms before 11:30 am.

Parent Resource Guide 2009-2010

The 2009-2010 Parent Resource Guide is now available. The Guide has been reformatted to create a "click-through" document that allows the reader to access sections of interest and select the Spanish or Haitian-Creole translation of a particular section. (See the flyers in English and Spanish.)

PTA Regular Clothes Day

Seminole’s PTA is sponsoring a Regular Clothes Day on Friday, November 20th. Students are encouraged to make a one dollar donation to the PTA during this event. PLease remember that students are not allowed to wear open-toed shoes. Students attending the first grade field trip must wear their school uniform.

Report Cards-First Grading Period

Student report cards were distributed today, Monday, Nov. 16. Report cards are an important indication of your child’s academic performance, and we encourage you to closely review your child’s grades. Our staff is available to help you interpret the information and recommend resources that you may use at home so that learning extends beyond the classroom.

An exciting new initiative called Beyond the Bell provides grade-level, appropriate technology programs in reading, mathematics and science to supplement and enrich student learning beyond the school day. Beyond the Bell activities can be found in the student portal at www.dadeschools.net by clicking on the Beyond the Bell link

Superintendent's Benefit Concert Series

 The Superintendent's Concert Series benefits Miami-Dade County Public Schools' Cultural Passport Program through the school district's Foundation for New Education Initiatives, Inc. The Cultural Passport Program will enable public school students to visit museums and art galleries and experience live musical, theatrical, and dance performances in the course of their education. This Foundation initiative is in partnership with Miami-Dade's various arts and cultural institutions. 

To purchase tickets, please visit To purchase tickets, please visit  

Education Forum with Elected Representatives

On Thursday, November 19, the PTA will host an Education Forum with Elected Representatives at 6 p.m. in the School Board Auditorium, 1450 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33132.
The forum is open to ALL concerned parents and community members and will provide an opportunity to engage elected leaders in a discussion about the future of public education in Florida.
Prior registation is not necessary. For more information, please call the PTA/PTSA office at 305-995-1102, or the Office of Parental Involvement at 305-995-1233.

PTA Fundraiser

The Seminole Elementary PTA (Parent Teacher Association) is proud to present the fall Fund-Raising event. This year, the PTA will host a Candle Catalog Sale using products from Freedom Fundraising Company. It is not mandatory to participate, it is optional. All students who sell five or more items will have an ice cream party. Individual prizes will also be given out to highest sellers. You will receive along with this notice, a catalog and order form. The prices and instructions are on the order form. The money for sale products needs to be collected up front in the form of cash or check made payable to: Seminole Elementary PTA. No exchanges will be accepted. Only returns for damaged or broken products will be accepted.

No School - Veteran's Day

There will be No School on Wednesday, November 11th in honor of Veteran’s Day. Classes will resume on Thursday, November 12th.

Holiday Blues in Students

The holiday season is a fun time of the year for millions of children throughout the world. The music, the decorations, and the spirit of the season make us think that this is a time of happiness for every child. However, this is not the case. Each year, many children experience all sorts of heartbreaks and losses that can become especially painful when the holiday season arrives.The general excitement and happiness of the holidays have a way of intensifying sad events that children have experienced during the past year.

With the holidays, children are reminded that this holiday season is different and they often start feeling blue.
The Holiday Blues manifest in children in various ways. Sadness is the most obvious sign of the holiday blues. But children also show the blues by withdrawing from their family, becoming irritable, uncooperative, aggressive and also verbally nasty. Children may get the holiday blues after experiencing such events as the divorce of their parents, the death of relative, separation from a parent who is in the military, or a reduction in their family's income.

Suggestions to help parents when their child is suffering with the holiday blues this season are attached.

EESAC Meeting

There will be an ESSAC meeting on Friday, November 6th at 8 am. The meeting will take place in the Media Center.

November Bilingual Parent Outreach Program

The Bilingual Parent Outreach Program seminar will be held on Thursday, November 5 at 8:30 am. This free workshop will take place in our Media Center and will focus on Medical, Legal, Financial, and Other Services. We encourage you to take advantage of this worthy program.

Creating a Culture of Peace and Safety

Violence in our schools, whether it involves threats, fist fights, knives, or firearms is unwanted and intolerable. Children deserve a safe environment to learn in. Teachers and staff deserve a safe place to work. Communities deserve safe schools that educate kids and help keep neighborhoods safer.To make our schools safer, everyone can and must pitch in. This includes teachers, parents, students, policy makers, law enforcement officers, local businesses, faith-based leaders, civic leaders, youth workers, and other concerned community residents. Attached you will find helpful suggestions for Students, Parents, Teachers and Administrators of what they can do individually and collectively to improve school safety; thereby creating a culture of peace. (Excerpted in part from The National Crime Prevention Council).

Parent Involvement Month

November is Parent Involvement Month in Florida. The state’s Parent Information Resource Center put together the attached package of ideas and resources.

No School

There will be no school on Friday, October 30th. This is a Teacher Planning Day. Classes will resume on Monday, November 2nd.

Parenting for Violence Prevention

Seminole Elementary, in conjunction with The Parent Academy, will be hosting a Parenting for Violence Prevention Workshop on Thursday, October 29th at 9 am. We encourage all parents to attend this important workshop.

Fantasy Day

The Seminole PTA is sponsoring Fantasy Day on Thursday, October 29th. Students will be allowed to wear costumes. However, they must abide by the following guidelines:

• No “play” weapons
• No masks
• No gory costumes
• No costumes showing stomach/midrif

Students are encouraged to make a one dollar donation to Seminole’s PTA.

H1N1 Vaccination

On October 19, 2009 the Miami-Dade County Health Department, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and The Children’s Trust will officially kick-off the 2009 H1N1 Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Campaign. All residents of Miami-Dade County are requested to seek the H1N1 vaccination through their primary care provider. However, if a student does not have a doctor or insurance, the H1N1 vaccine will be free of charge at select locations.

Although some schools with Health Connect in Our Schools teams will be providing H1N1 vaccines at the schools, H1N1 vaccines will not be provided at our school. However, the Miami-Dade County Health Department has identified several clinics and federally qualified health centers throughout the community to administer the H1N1 vaccines free of charge to children under 18 years of age. The Miami-Dade County Health Department provided schools with copies of the attached letters in English/Spanish to distribute to parents. These letters contain important information regarding locations for students to receive the H1N1 vaccine, free of charge. Information regarding additional locations to obtain the H1N1 vaccine is contained in the letter sent home today or may be found on the Health Department website at www.dadehealth.org.

$5000 match campaign!

Adpot-A-Classroom is pleased to share an exciting opportunity for members of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools community - a $5000 match campaign! Starting Wednesday, October 21, the first 200 online credit card adoptions will receive an additional $25 matching donation from South Florida Educational Federal Credit Union. With only 200 matches available, we encourage you to tell everyone today about the $25 bonus!

Congratulations Ms. Sirker!

Congratulations to Ms. Sirker! She has been selected as Seminole’s 2011 Francisco R. Walker Teacher of the Year.

No School

There will be No School on Monday, October 19th. This is a Teacher Workday. Classes will resume on Tuesday, October 20th.

Cartoon Shirt Day

On Friday, October 16th, students will be able to wear a Cartoon Shirt for a one dollar donation to PTA. (Students may wear a T-Shirt with a cartoon character.) Please make a contribution for this most worthy cause.

Hispanic Heritage

In honor of Hispanic Heritage month, on Wednesday (October 14) the students will be allowed to wear clothing that promotes their Hispanic heritage. Please note, students are not permitted to wear jeans or open-toed shoes.

PTA Sales

The PTA will continue to sell the Seminole Spirit Shirts, sweat pants, jackets and backpacks. The PTA sales will take place each morning in the school’s breezeway until Friday, October 16th. The prices for the PTA sales are as follows:

• Jackets - $20


• Sweat Pants - $12


• T-Shirts - $10


• Backpacks - $5

PTA Sales

The PTA will be selling Seminole Spirit Shirts during the week of October 15th. The shirts will be sold beginning at 8:17 am in Room 101.

Understanding the CELLA

The Parent Academy and the Bilingual Parent Outreach Program will be hosting a parent workshop on Thursday, October 1 at 8:30 am. The workshop entitled Understanding the CELLA test, will be held in Seminole’s Media Center.

United Way Student Campaign Kick-Off

Seminole Elementary is asking for your support to help others in need. Our school is hosting a variety of events that will allow students to participate while collecting donations for this worthy cause. With your support and efforts, we will be able to assist other in our community.
The United Way Student Campaign begins on Wednesday, September 30th. Students will be allowed to wear a hat or wear their hair in a “crazy” way. Students are encouraged to make a dollar donation for the United Way.

PTA General Meeting

The PTA is holding a general meeting on Wednesday, September 30th. The meeting will take place in the cafeteria and will begin at 8:30 a.m. There will also be an election for a vacant Board position. (Only PTA members will be allowed to vote.)

Regular Clothes Day

Seminole’s PTA is sponsoring a Regular Clothes Day on Friday, October 2nd. Students are encouraged to make a one dollar donation to the PTA during this event.

FDLRS Parent Services Calendar

Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) has released the 2009-2010 Parent Services Calendar of Workshops. All parents and interested stakeholders are encouraged to attend. The workshops are offered in the South and North (in the mornings and evenings.)

No School Monday

There will be no school in Monday, September 28th. This is a Teacher Planning Day.

Interim Progress Reports

Interim Progress Reports were distributed today, Thursday, September 24.
Interim Progress Reports are a vital indication of your child’s academic performance. Parents are encouraged to closely review their child’s grades. Seminole’s staff is available to help you interpret the information and recommend resources that you may use at home so that learning extends beyond the classroom.

Miami-Dade County Health Department Town Hall Meetings

The Miami-Dade County Health Department and community leaders are hosting Town Hall meetings to discuss preventive measures for the H1N1 (Swine Flu) Virus. The attached flyer lists the meetings scheduled throughout Miami-Dade County.

Recommendations for Healthy Celebrations at School

At the February 11, 2009 meeting, the School Board approved Item H-10, proffered by Dr. Marta Perez, requesting that the District Wellness Advisory Committee develop food guidelines for classroom parties/events at school sites.
The District Wellness Advisory Committee has developed the attached “Recommendations for Healthy Celebrations at School.”  This document can be found in English, Spanish and Creole, on the Department of Food and Nutrition’s web page, http://nutrition.dadeschools.net.

Introduction to the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Standards for Parents

The Florida Department of Education recently published the Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Education Standards: What Parents Should Know, It's OK to Play in VPK!. Fully recognizing parents as their child's first teacher, this book is designed to help families understand how these standards can help them create developmentally appropriate learning environments at home. This parent resource book describes the characteristics of developmentally appropriate learning environments. It identifies how the VPK Education Standards can be used to help children of all different backgrounds, abilities, temperaments, and interests, learn and develop skills.

Beyond the Bell

Miami-Dade County Public Schools is dedicated to providing all students with experiences to enhance their education. The Superintendent has a new initiative for the 2009-2010 school year entitled Beyond the Bell. This initiative will provide students in grades 3-11 with access to instructional programs in the areas of Language Arts, Reading, Mathematics, and Science. Students will be able to access these programs beyond the school day via the Internet. Beyond the Bell is accessed via the web through the Miami Dade County Public School Student Portal located at http://myportal.dadeschools.net/student/. Once students log into the portal, specific learning paths have been identified and are aligned to FCAT levels.

Your commitment along with the school site will provide academic support for your child. We are requesting you accept this contract to participate in our program. Please return this signed form to your child’s school before September 11, 2009.

September Calendar

The September calendar is now available!

Picture Day

Picture Day is taking place on October 6, 2009. The last day for payment is Friday, October 2 by 1 p.m. Please remember that only cash (exact amount only) and money orders are accepted. Checks will not be accepted.

President Obama's Address

On Tuesday, September 8th, President Barack Obama will deliver a national address to the students of America. The mission of Miami-Dade County Public Schools is the delivery of effective instruction. Teachers at this school may choose to use the speech as an educational resource, if it fits the instructional mission. Student participation in this activity, however, is not mandatory. Students who do not wish to view the broadcast will be accommodated. The President’s speech is available and can be previewed at http://www.whitehouse.gov/mediaresources or www.ed.gov. Parents who do not wish to have their child participate in this activity should send a note with the child to the school on Tuesday morning.

Family Day

Family Day on September 28th honors and celebrates the family dinner hour. Bringing the dinner table back into focus as a center for family life is an effort that is gaining momentum.  Recent research has shown that when families have dinner together, they share and  shape their family culture, their legends and values and even their jokes.  Children benefit tremendously from such quality time and are less likely to engage in negative behaviors like substance abuse.  As William J. Doherty, Ph.D, professor and author of The Intentional Family: Simple Rituals to Strengthen Family Ties, has said  "A meal is about sharing."  

To encourage all parents to enjoy Family Day, the South Florida Coalition Alliance is seeking sponsors for free family dinners at local restaurants.  If your organization would like to sponsor a free family dinner, please call The Miami Coalition at (305) 854-4515. To learn more about this national initiative, please visit the Family Day website.

Labor Day-No School

There is no school on Monday, September 7, 2009. Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. Have a safe and Happy Labor Day.

Open House

Seminole Elementary will host it’s Open House on Tuesday, September 8th from 5:30 pm to 7:15 pm. This is an opportunity to meet your child’s teachers and receive information about our clubs, activities, tutoring opportunities, academic programs, and more. Please take advantage of this Open House activity so we can work together to maximize your child’s educational growth throughout the 2008-2009 school year.

Bilingual Parent Outreach Program

The Bilingual Parent Outreach Program (BPOP) will hold its first seminar on Thursday, September 3 at 8:30 am. This free workshop will take place in our Media Center and will focus on Miami-Dade County Programs designed for English Language Learner (ELL) students. We encourage you to take advantage of this valuable parent workshop. All future BPOP workshops will be held during the first Thursday of the month.

Target Take Charge of Education Program

Target's Take Charge of Education program is an easy way to raise money for our school. To help schools promote this program, a special incentive has been created.  Any holder of a Target REDcard Charge Card can designate a school to receive credits each time the card is used.  Target will donate 1% of the purchases made at a Target store and .5% of other Target Visa charges.The Miami-Dade public elementary, K-8, middle and senior high school with the greatest percentage increase in Target designations during the month of September will receive a flat-screen TV courtesy of Target. For additional information click here.

Useful General Information

Parents, please make sure to read through the Useful General Information that was provided to students. This document provides important facts regarding Seminole Elementary’s policies and procedures.

PreK and Kindergarten Orientation

Seminole Elementary’s teachers are hosting a Kindergarten Orientation on Friday, August 21 from 8:30 am to 9:15 am. Parents and students are encouraged to attend this event. This will be a great opportunity for you to meet your child’s teacher.

Save the Date

Join the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Superintendent Carvalho, the National PTA, the Miami HEAT and other community partners on  Sunday, August 16th 12 pm to 5 pm for a Free "Back to School" Rally at the American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Boulevard.
 
This event will provide you with FREE resources and information to make your child's school year successful, as well as entertaining and fun activities for the entire family.       
 
To learn more, please click here.

Welcome Back to School!

Summer is over and it’s back to school time! In an effort to keep your new school year fun and safe, we ask that parents and children/students, and also, school staff and teachers, follow these simple guidelines when traveling to and from school.

Back-to-School Tool Kit Available Online

Miami-Dade County Public Schools “2009-2010 Back-to-School Tool Kit” is now available online for parents and students.

The tool kit is designed to inform parents about different programs that target students’ needs. Students can benefit from information found in the tool kit, and parents may also use it to find out about important dates and policies regarding their child’s education.         

The site has information on topics ranging from accelerated learning through dual enrollment, graduation requirements to immunizations and parent involvement. The tool kit is available in English, Haitian Creole and Spanish.

For more information please visit it http://news.dadeschools.net/toolkit0910.htm.

2009-2014 District Strategic Plan Survey

Miami-Dade County Public Schools is in the process of developing its 2009-2014 District Strategic Plan. This plan focuses the efforts of the District on a set of prioritized goals and objectives designed to achieve the District's mission of providing the highest quality education to our students. The purpose of this survey is to gather input from the community and sharpen the focus of our efforts for the next five years. Parents, students, staff, and community members are invited to participate in the survey, which is available in English, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole at http://www.dadeschools.net/strategicplansurvey.asp.

The school district values the input of all survey participants. The deadline for completion of the 2009-2014 District Strategic Plan survey is Friday, June 19, 2009. Thank you for your support.

Summer Recess Ideas

Summer recess for Miami-Dade County Public Schools begins on June 5th.   What better time than summer vacation to try out new routines and enjoy quality family time?   Please visit Breezing through Summer  on The Parent Academy website for a whole raft of free family enrichment ideas.  Download reading logs, use a zip code data base to search for parks and museums across the country, find hands-on projects that  kids and adults can do together, join a meal planning forum to create your own online cookbook, and much more.

Farewell to Ms. Prins

On Tuesday, June 2, the Seminole faculty and students will be paying a tribute to Ms. Prins. Students will be allowed to wear the colors of Ms. Prins’ alma mater--the Florida Gators! The PTA is sponsoring this event. Students are asked to wear Orange and Blue. Also, don’t forget to bring a dollar donation to help support the PTA. GO GATORS!

No School Monday

There will be no school on Monday, May 25th. Please enjoy a safe and restful Memorial Day Weekend!

Summer Reading List

The Division of Language Arts/Reading has created a Summer 2009 Suggested Reading List. This list is intended for independent student reading and is not meant to be curriculum-based required reading. The list is available here.

Dollar Donation Day

Seminole Elementary’s PTA is sponsoring a Dollar Donation Day on Friday, May 22th. Students are permitted to wear regular clothing. Please remember that no open-toed shoes are allowed.

Dollar Donation Day

Seminole Elementary’s PTA is sponsoring a Dollar Donation Day on Tuesday, May 19th. Students are permitted to wear regular clothing. Please remember that no open-toed shoes are allowed.

BPOP Meeting

The Bilingual Parent Outreach Program (BPOP) will host a Parent Academy workshop in the Media Center on Thursday, May 7th at 8:30 am. This workshop will focus on Surviving in Hard Economic Times. We encourage all parents to take advantage of this excellent program.

FCAT Writing

Congratulations to all of the fourth grade students and to their dedicated teachers. The fourth grade team posted a 23% gain in the amount of students that scored a 4.0 or higher as compared to the 2007-2008 administration of the assessment. This was the largest gain by any elementary school within the South Central Regional Center. Way to go!

Seminole's Financial Report

In accordance with Florida law, we are providing you with access to Seminole Elementary’s financial report. The purpose of this report is to inform parents of the resources that were available to our school during the 2007-2008 school year. If you have any questions, please contact our school administration.

Parent Involvement Survey

The Parent Involvement Survey (spanish) has been extended until May 15th. Parents, please take the time to complete this very important survey.

Miami Heat “Black is Back”

The NBA Champion Miami HEAT have been great partners in education with M-DCPS through their HEAT Academies, HEAT scholarships, HEAT FCAT Pep Rallies and a host of other initiatives.  Let's show our support for the Miami HEAT as they pursue another NBA Championship! Tomorrow all students and employees are encouraged to wear BLACK or a Miami HEAT t-shirt.

Hands-on Science for Families

The Parent Academy Invites You to a FREE Family Learning Event at the Miami Science Museum, Sunday, April 19, 2009, 1 pm – 6 pm.

Come and Enjoy Special Hands-on Family Science & Expressive Arts Activities
Explore the Museum & Experience the Shows!

Field Day

Field Day is taking place on Friday, April 17. Only students in grades 2-5 will participate in Field Day. Students are encouraged to follow these bring the following items to school:

• Sunblock


• A water bottle


• Shorts


• Hat and/or other gear to help protect from the sun


• Closed toed shoes

PTA Chocolate Sales

The PTA sponsored Chocolate Sales is currently underway. Al students and parents are encouraged to participate in this important fundraiser. Parents are reminded that door-to-door selling is not recommended. Please be sure to sign and return the permission slip so that you may receive your chocolates.

ECHOS Family Learning Event

Early Childhood Hands-On Science resources will abound at the ECHOS Family Learning Event April 19 at the Miami Science Museum from 1 pm - 6 pm.  Educators will demonstrate how to look, listen and learn about the natural world with children; and health researchers will speak with parents about how they may boost their children's health and well-being.  Please follow this link to Leap into Literacy and other recent Parent Academy Family Learning Events.

Spring Break

Spring Break (April 6 - 10) is just around the corner!    Check out the Resource Guide prepared by Richard Louv, 2008 Audubon Medal winner and best selling-author, for Nature Activities for Kids & Families and much more.

Easter Eggstravaganza

here will be 50,000 Easter Eggs to hunt, arts and crafts, pie eating contests, and many more surprises in store at Jungle Island's  Easter Eggstravaganza April 10, 11, 12.   A portion of the proceeds from the festival will benefit The Parent Academy. 

BPOP Meeting

The Bilingual Parent Outreach Program (BPOP) will be presenting a workshop in Media Center on Thursday, April 2. This parent workshop will focus on The Media and how it influences children. We hope you will take the time to attend this most important meeting.

VPK Lotery

Registration for the VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) Program is now open. Seminole Elementary’s lottery for the 2009-2010 VPK Program will be held on Friday, April 24th at 8:45 am. The lottery will take place in Room 102. All registrations must be received before Wednesday, April 22 by 3:00 p.m. Registrations received after this deadline will not be eligible for the lottery.

Parent Involvement Survey

Please take a few minutes and let us know about your experiences as a parent of a student attending Seminole Elementary. The Parent Involvement Survey will be available online fro March 30 through April 24, 2009. Your answers should be based on the current school year. I f you have children attending different schools, please answer the questions with regard to only one school at a time. Parents may submit a survey for each school.

The survey is located here. The survey is located in the upper right-hand corner of the page. The survey is available in both English and Spanish. Please contact the school if you have any questions or concerns regard in the survey. We really appreciate you help!

PTA Spring Sale

Seminole Elementary’s PTA is sponsoring the Spring Sale beginning on April 1 through April 3. The Spring Sale will take place in the Breezway from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Individual items will be priced at $2 and up.

Free Saturday School Classes

The Miami-Dade County Public School district would like to inform all community members that a FREE Saturday School program is being offered at Hialeah Adult Education Center. The classes listed below are offered from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, from April 18, 2009 through July 27, 2009. 
        •        FREE Citizenship
        •        FREE G.E.D. Classes
If any additional information is needed, please contact them at 305-822-1500 (after 2 pm) or via e-mail at hialeahadult@dadeschools.net. 

No School-Teacher Workday

There will be no school on Friday, March 27th. This is a Teacher Workday. Enjoy the long weekend!

Language Updates to PIV

Effective immediately, the District's Gradebook can now provide automated email alerts/reports in English, Spanish, and Creole to parents and students. Parents and student who register for the Parent Internet Viewer (PIV) email alerts will automatically receive their email alerts and reports in English, Spanish, and Creole. Parents and students already receiving alerts/reports have no action to take. Parents and students who wish to start receiving automated email alerts/reports can do so via the PIV link in the parent portal.

Registration intructions as well as a description of all alerts/reports can be found on the gradebook support page at:  http://gradebooksupport.dadeschools.net/piv-resources.asp

Town Hall Meeting

On March 18 hundreds of concerned parents converged on Tallahassee to take a stand against further budget cuts to public education. On Monday March 23, get an update on the Rally to Tally, and join PTA members, parents, students, neighbors and school district employees at a town hall meeting to advocate the same position of no more cuts to public education! This very important meeting will take place at Coral Gables Senior High School and will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The FCAT is Over!

Seminole Elementary’s PTA wants all students to join them in celebrating the culmination of the FCAT. On Friday, March 20th, students will be permitted to wear regular clothing to celebrate the end of the FCAT. The PTA will be collecting a one dollar donation for this special event.

No School

There will be no school on Friday, March 27th. This is a Teacher Planning Day.

Tutoring Cancelled

All tutoring (including morning tutoring and after-school tutoring) have been cancelled due to FCAT and SAT-10 testing. Morning tutoring will be offered once all testing has been completed. Please see your child’s teacher if you have any questions.

Standardized Testing

FCAT and SAT-10 testing begins Tuesday, March 10 and runs through Tuesday, march 17th. Remember, it is important for your child to get a good night’s sleep each night before the FCAT and to eat a healthy breakfast the morning of the test. Free breakfast is available to all students. (Breakfast beings at 7:30 a.m.) Please take advantage of this great program. Also, make sure your child is not late to school on the days of testing.

Bilingual Parent Outreach Program

The Bilingual Parent Outreach Program seminar will be held on Thursday, March 5 at 8:30 am. This free workshop will take place in our Media Center and will focus on Immigration Laws and Pathways to Become a Citizen. We encourage all parents to take advantage of this worthy program.

Honor Roll Breakfast

The Honor Roll Breakfast is taking place on Friday, February 27 at 8:35 a.m. The event will take place in the school’s cafeteria. Students achieving Principal’s and First Honor Roll will be honored at the ceremony. The PTA is sponsoring this event.

2009 Standardized Testing

The 2009 Standardized Testing Calendar is now available. Please make the necessary arrangement to ensure your students attend school during the assessment period. In addition, please take a few minutes to talk to the students about test anxiety and positive ways to release stress.

Black History Month-Recommended Reading List

This recommended reading list, in celebration of Florida's Black History Month, highlights African-American
literature. This list provides an excellent source of suggested books for children of all ages. Just Read, Florida! makes reading a priority in Florida's public schools and among the community groups and volunteer
organizations that support them.

Interim Progress Reports

Interim Progress Reports will be sent home today. Please take the time to review these reports with your children. If you have any questions regarding the Interim Progress Reports, feel free to call the school at 305-261-7071.

No School Monday

There will be No School on Monday, February 16. Happy President’s Day!

Miami Heat FCAT Rewards Program

The Miami Heat would like to congratulate each student who passed the FCAT last year with one free ticket to an upcoming game. This form delineates instructions to students and families on how to secure one free ticket and the restrictions that apply.

Workshop-Raising Children with Special Needs

The Parent Academy is offering a very valuable workshop entitled “Raising a Child with Special Needs.” This workshop is taking place on Wednesday, February 18th from 6 pm to 7 pm at FDLRS South. The workshop will be presented in both English and Spanish. Please see their flyer for more information.

No School-Teacher Workday

There will be no school on Friday, January 6th. This day has been designated as a Teacher Workday.

Medical and Community Services

The Bilingual Parent Outreach Program hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, January 5 at 8:30 am. This meeting will focus on Medical and Community Services available to the public.

Very Involved Parent Award

Are you a VIP Parent? The Very Involved Parent Award is offered to all parents who satisfy the following criteria:

• Have a child who attends M-DCPS
• Are involved with a child’s learning at home
• Ensure a child has no more than five absences in a semester
• Participate in a Parent-Teacher Conference
• Attend at least two school activities

If you are eligible, please complete the VIP Application and return it to the Main Office by Thursday, February 5th.

EESAC Meeting

There will be an EESAC meeting on Thursday, January 29th at 8 am in the Media Center. This meeting will focus on the Mid-Year School Improvement Plan and the School’s Uniform Policy. All teachers are encouraged to attend.

Last Day to Pay!

The last day to pay for the Group Picture Day is Monday, February 2 at 1 pm. Please remember that Group Picture Day will take place on February 5, 2009. Students must wear their regular school uniform this day.

No School-MLK, Jr.

There will be No School on Monday, January 19 for the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

FCAT Parent Workshop

Seminole Elementary is hosting an FCAT Parent Workshop for parents of students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. This important workshop will take place on Wednesday, January 14 at 8:45 am in the Media Center. We hope to see you there!

Not My Child Rally

The Miami-Dade County Council PTA/PTSA is asking parents, community members, and others to join the PTA’s efforts to address the state budget crisis. For more information , please see their flyer.

January Calendar

The January calendar is now available! Click here.