Weekly News 08282017 to 09012017
Lillie Henry - Magnet Coordinator
Welcome Everyone!
This is the first weekly email for the 2017-2018 school year. Thank you for subscribing to keep up with the happenings at McFatter. Last week was an amazing opening to our school year… with the solar eclipse in the middle of our afternoon, it even became a once in a lifetime first day.
First of all, Parent Back-to-School Night is on Tuesday, August 29th, beginning at 6:30pm in the ARC. We hope that you can come to meet your student’s teachers and get more information regarding the classroom expectations and course curriculum. Forms will be sent home on the 28th so that you can locate the student’s classes. I am also attaching the form (See BTSN 2017)… Please read below for more information.
For any referenced attachments, please go to https://drive.google.com/open?id=0ByXD3QYvLm7jcDV5Q25nRGkwTTg .
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Some Important Dates:
8/29 – Parent Back-To-School Night (Open house) at 6:30pm in the Gym
8/31 – SAC Parents Election Meeting from 11:30 – 12:00 in room 603, Culinary Building
9/1 – Freshman Mixer (ninth grade students), 4th period in the ARC
9/4 – No School
9/7 – Yearbook Photo Make up Day
9/8 – Club Day at lunch time (extended lunch)
9/25 - PTSA meeting at 6:30 in the McFatter Bistro
9/26 – Broward College Spring Term 2018 Dual Enrollment Deadline (see grade level counselor)
10/24 – Parent Seminar at 6pm
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BCPS APP:
Check out the The new BCPS app was released last year. If you don’t have it, please consider adding. The app allows parents to sign into the app and receive personalized information on their child or children. Amongst other things, parents will see bus routes, attendance, class schedule, cafeteria balance, and library obligations.
Note: The library obligations will only show library books that are marked as LOST in Destiny.
The app will NOT display overdue items, or books checked out.
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Business Owners:
Did you know that you can donate collected Tax Dollars to schools at no cost to you? Get more information at:
http://www.browardschools.com/taxdonation
For a flyer go to http://www.browardschools.com/SiteMedia/Docs/Info/pdf/sales-tax-flyer.pdf
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School Advisor Council Members Needed:
McFatter has several School Advisory Council (SAC) parent positions available for the 2017-2018 school year. If you're interested in becoming a member on SAC, please attend the SAC Parents Election Meeting on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at McFatter from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Room 603, the Culinary building. Below are the positions that are available for the 2017-2018 school year:
9th grade parent
10th grade parent
11th grade parent
12th grade parent
ESE parent representative
ESOL parent representative
Gifted parent representative
Parent-at-large representative
SAF representative
I-Zone Parent Representative
PTSA (elects their own representative to serve on SAC)
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PTSA Meeting:
McFatter’s PTSA meets from 6:30PM - 8:00PM in the BISTRO of our Culinary building. Please join us to keep abreast of activities that impact your students on the following dates:
September 25
October 16
November 13
December 4
January 22
February 12
March 12
April 16
May 15
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Parent Open House:
Tuesday, August 29th at 6:30pm: – Come to meet your student’s teachers and find out more about the curriculum and expectations for each of their classes. We will start in the gym at the Academic Resource Center.
Parents will attend “classes” immediately following the general session.
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Broward Schools Toolkit:
To help families prepare for the new school year, the District created an online "Back to School" toolkit. Go to http://browardschools.com/backtoschool/ and click on the icons below the video to go directly to the section you would like to review or simply scroll down to see all of the Back to School information.
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Class of 2021:
Parents and Students can stay up with important Class of 2021 information by subscribing to Ms. Bluth’s REMIND page, click:
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Transitional Assistance:
As students go from summer to fall or even to a new school, students and their families often feel an increase in stress. Below is an article with some suggested stress relieving techniques:
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Tutoring Opportunities:
We are offering Algebra I EOC tutoring for students who will be retaking the exam on September 18th and 19th.
This will be the schedule:
Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM in room 302
Tutoring Dates: August 28 and 30, September 6, 11, and 13.
Students must arrange their own ride home. There will not be buses to take them home. Students may pick up additional resources from Mr. Tipping by going to room 302 in the mornings or after school.
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Zika Update:
Zika virus preventive measures as recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Florida Department of Health-Broward. (go to http://www.cdc.gov/zika/)
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Free Office 365:
Office 365 is available for Broward County Public School students once they have registered. It takes a day or two for their records to cycle through the Browardschools directory, but once in, they can use Office 365.
Access it at the web site http://www.office365.com
*use the same drop-down choice: "Work, School or University"
The user id is in the following format: firstname.lastname.my.browardschools.com
The password is the student birthdate in the following format: Pmm/dd/yyyy.
Make SURE to use a CAPITAL "P".
Make SURE to include the "/" between the month and day, and the day
and year.
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Gradebook Updates:
Parents can go online to Broward.focusschoolsoftware.com/focus/auth to create a new account, retrieve a forgotten password, or add an additional account. If you get stuck or need help, please contact the appropriate grade level counselor to request technical support:
Class of 2021 Deborah Bluth email address: debora...@browardschools.com
Class of 2020 Juliet-Ann Olagbemi email address: juliet-an...@browardschools.com
Class of 2019 Nohemy Paz email address: nohem...@browardschools.com
Class of 2018 Tamika Fussell email address: tamika....@browardschools.com
ESE Specialist Andrea Jackson email address: andrea....@browardschools.com
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Testing Calendar:
Please click on the attachment link to view the current EXAM SCHEDULE for Fall/Winter state mandated tests. Please be advised that future dates may change due to conflicts in the schedule.
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BCPS District Updates:
BCPS Friday Focus: http://www.browardschools.com/News-And-Events/Friday-Focus/Week-Ending-August-25,-2017-(1)#.WaGK07pFxaS
SMART Futures Updates:
The
Public Information Office would like to share the June/July 2017 SMART Futures
Update (http://browardschools.com/smartfutures/updates#.WaGPybpFx)
. For your convenience, we are providing color and black/white versions
(see attached). Included in the SMART Update:
SMART Facilities
- 1,069 school facilities projects are in progress.
- SMART projects as of June 30, 2017, represent an investment of $748 million.
SMART Summer Interns
- From archiving blueprints to reviewing schedules and cost estimates with project managers, BCPS students serving as interns on SMART projects received hands-on experience in architecture, construction and engineering this summer.
SMART Technology
- SMART Technology projects are now completed at 183 schools.
- SMART Technology updates as of June 30, 2017, represent an investment of more than $66.4 million.
Did you know?
- Through the SMART Music program, approximately 57,000 musical instruments and equipment have been delivered or are in the process of being delivered to schools across the District. This marks an investment of approximately $17 million.
Mark Your Calendar!
- The next Bond Oversight Committee Quarterly Meeting is August 28, 2017, at the Kathleen C. Wright Administration Center, Boardroom. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.
For more information, please go to www.browardschools.com/smartfutures
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School Lunch/ Meal Benefits Approval Status:
According to the guidelines of the United States Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services, parents who would like to apply for free or
reduced-price meal benefits for their children, are required to submit a
2017/18 Multi-Child Application for Meal Benefits. The
application should be completed online at www.myschoolapps.com.
The completed online meal application is submitted to Food and Nutrition
Services for processing; and completed within ten working days.
Meal benefits carried over from the 2016/17 school year will be terminated for those
students who do not have an approved 2017/18 meal application on file at Food
and Nutrition Services. Termination of meal benefits for students without
an approved application will occur on October 4th, 2017.
Attached
are notes in four (4) languages which explain to qualify for free or
reduced-price meal benefits for the 2017/18 school year; parents
must submit a Multi-Child Application for Meal Benefits for their
children.
If you have any questions, please
contact Food and Nutrition Services Program Coordinator, Meal Benefits,
Kristina Ramirez at 754-321-0203
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Helpful Websites:
Khan Academy/ SAT Prep – All grades: https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat/new-sat-tips-planning/about-official-sat-practice-khan-academy/a/using-khan-academys-official-sat-practice
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News from Ms. Lynn, BRACE Advisor (multiple attachments)
Please call (754)321-5805 with any questions you may have regarding BRACE News.
Blood Drive - Sept. 6th - 8:30 am - 4:00 pm - The blood drive is open to parents, adults, and students 16 (with a parental consent form, see attached) and over. Students can sign up with one of our Blood Drive Committee members: Ghiasy Alexandre, Andre Gomez, Frances Jara, Janai Pomales.
Textbook Concerns - Over the summer there was an issue with the county's textbook system. It created incorrect textbook obligations, which effected many of our students. This issue was mostly straightened out. If you have any concerns about textbook obligations, please contact me so that I can research any issues that you may have.
Welcome back seniors! It's time to hit the ground running. If
you have not already taken the SAT and/or ACT you need to register asap. Attached
is a list of the 2017-2018 test dates. Most colleges and
universities have their applications available. Remember, our goal date
for you to have all of your applications completed is Sept. 15th.
All transcripts should be requested through your family connection
account. See attached document.
Seniors and parents of seniors - Our goal at McFatter is to meet with every senior prior to mid-year senior year to discuss their plans for after high school. Ideally, we would like to have at least one parent attend this meeting. I have met with all but 34 students from the Class of 2018. If you have not already had a post-secondary, please call Ms. Lynn at (754)321-5805 to schedule an appointment. By mid-September, I will have to begin holding these conferences with the students alone.
SAT & ACT Test schedules - Please see attached flyer for the 2017-20178 SAT and ACT test dates. Pay attention to the registration deadlines. For example, the deadline for the next (October 7th) SAT is Friday, Sept.8th.
Traditionally students take the SAT and or ACT for the first time during the spring of their junior year and a second time during the fall of their senior year. Both of these tests are college entrance exams. Schools will accept these tests equally. It is recommended that students take both the SAT and ACT. This way they will be able to determine if they have a strength on one test over the other. Keep in mind that most schools look at the scores that are most favorable to the student. At the time of registration, students are able to send their scores to 4 schools for free. If students wait until after testing to send these scores, they will have to pay $12.00 to have their scores sent. It is the student’s responsibility to have their scores sent to the various schools. Schools will only accept official score reports which are sent directly from these testing agencies.
Free and Reduced Lunch - There are many benefits to qualifying for free or reduced lunch, other than the meals themselves. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch are eligible to receive SAT and ACT fee waivers for both their junior and senior years (1 per test, per year). Additionally, seniors who have taken a test using a fee waiver are able to receive college application fee waivers. If a student were to take advantage of all of the fee waiver offers, they could save over $500. It is well worth the time to complete an application to see if you qualify.
Fee Waivers are now available in
the BRACE office for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.
On Campus Events: College visits are open to juniors and
seniors.~ All students must have a college visit pass to attend.~ The student
must sign up through Eventbrite (http://www.eventbrite.com/o/brigitte-lynn-8407916290) to
get a college visit pass/ticket.~ Space is limited.~ Students must
have their teacher's permission to attend. ~ It is between the teacher and
the student whether it is appropriate for the student to miss class time to
attend the college visit ~ Students should check Eventbrite often as
visits are constantly being added.
Sept. 12th - Florida Atlantic University @ 11:00
Sept. 13th - University of Central Florida @ 1:30
Sept. 19th - Colby College @ 11:00
Sept. 29th - New Jersey Institute of Technology Information Session @ 11:00
Oct. 12th - Boston University @ 9:30
Oct. 16th - Florida Polytechnic University @ 9:30
Oct. 23rd - St. Thomas Univeristy @9:30
Off Campus Events:
Sept. 7th- Experience Penn
When: 7:00 pm
Where: School for Advanced Studies - Kendall Campus, Room 6120, 11011 Southwest 104th Street, Miami 33176
For more information, visit: www.admission.upenn.edu
Oct. 1st` - NACAC Greater Fort Lauderdale National College Fair
When: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Where: Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center
What: Over 200 colleges, universities and post-secondary options
Who: Open to the public
For more information, visit: [http://www.nacacnet%2Corg/college-fairs/FallNCF/Pages/Ft-Lauderdale.aspx][http://www.nacacnet,org/college-fairs/FallNCF/Pages/Ft-Lauderdale.aspx]http://www.nacacnet,org/college-fairs/FallNCF/Pages/Ft-Lauderdale.aspx
Oct. 2nd - Get to Know MIT
When: 7:00 pm
Where: Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus, Room 2016 (Building 2, Room 16), 300 N.E. 2nd Ave., Miami 33132
To see a list of all events, visit: mitadmissions.org/visit/travel
Oct. 9th - Broward County Public Schools College Fair
When: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Where: Nova Southeastern University
Who: Open to the public
* More information to come.
Oct. 16th - Carnegie Mellon University Information Session
When: 7:00 pm
Where: Ransom Everglades School Lewis Family Auditorium, 3575 Main highway, Miami, 33133
RSVP required
For more events, details and to register go to: admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/pages/information-sessions-in-a-city-near-you
Scholarships: One of the best resources available to our students is Family Connection. In addition to great college and career resources, there is a wonderful scholarship section. It is listed at the bottom of the student's college page. Attached is an information sheet (Naviance Quick Guide) on how to access Family Connection.
The Horatio Alger Scholarship - Deadline: Oct. 25th - Award: up to $25,000
High School senior. Exhibit strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor's degree. Demonstrate critical financial need. Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities. Minimum of 2.0 GPA. U.S. citizen. Application and details available at: scholars.horatioalger.org
Southern Scholarship Foundation,
Inc. - Deadline: Ongoing - Award: Low-cost housing
Rent free housing for students admitted to FSU, UF, FAMU, or FGCU.~ Motivation
demonstrated through awards and activities.~ Financial need.~ Minimum 3.0 GPA.~
Information and application available at: http://www.southernscholarship.org
Interesting Websites:
Following are a couple
of free test prep websites.
PERT prep - Go to Broward.edu.~ Click on Student Resources, then click Testing
center.~ When you click the PERT link it opens up to offer you a PERT study
guide and practice test.~ They also have links to YouTube tutorials.~ You can
also register for a free 4 - week on line college foundations course.
March2Success~ - www.march2success.com
Website includes test prep for the ASVAB, SAT and ACT.~ They also offer help
with high school math and verbal skills.~ There is a high school science hub to
help with Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Science.~~~ Additionally they
offer a college readiness online course.~ There is a Spanish option for this
website.~
[ http://www.maldef.org ]www.maldef.org -
MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) Scholarship List.~
This list is an informative resource for students, parents, and educators.~
MALDEF is not a direct provider of the scholarships on the list, with exception
of the MALDEF Law School Scholarship Program. (This can be a good resource for
students who have residency issues.
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PARENTAL INPUT FOR INSTRUCTIONAL AND SCHOOL-BASED ADMINISTRATOR EVALUATIONS:
In accordance with Florida Statute 1012.34, parents have the right to provide input into the performance evaluations of instructional and/or administrative employees. Parents interested in providing input into the performance evaluations of McFatter Technical High School's instructional and/or administrative employee evaluations may contact our office at (754) 321-5700 by April 14, 2018.
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In the event that you are a parent of a graduate, or student who is no longer at McFatter, or just don’t want the McFatter updates each week, please take a moment to unsubscribe at this time…
For any referenced attachments, please go to https://drive.google.com/open?id=0ByXD3QYvLm7jcDV5Q25nRGkwTTg