READING ENDORSEMENT
Teacher Out-of-Field
Florida law requires us to notify parents and guardians when a teacher is assigned teaching duties in a class outside the field in which the teacher is certified. Effective July 1, 2006, all teachers of reading must meet new guidelines. The following teacher is considered out-of-field until she has completed additional training in reading.
Cheryl Pohley
This teacher is certified by the state of Florida in the core academic area of Language Arts and is currently pursuing their reading endorsement. I believe she is highly qualified to deliver instructional services to our students. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me.
Victoria Hawkins, Principal
PH Middle School
Cheryl Pohley
This teacher is certified by the state of Florida in the core academic area of Language Arts and is currently pursuing their reading endorsement. I believe she is highly qualified to deliver instructional services to our students. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me.
Victoria Hawkins, Principal
PH Middle School
October 6, 2008
ESOL Article
Our outstanding teachers are dedicated to our students and to the goal of having them reach their highest level of academic achievement. Our teachers are all certified by the state of Florida and are qualified to teach the core academic subjects they are assigned. In addition, they attend professional development designed to keep them current with best practices in education. To that end, many of our teachers are in the process of obtaining their English as a Second Language (ESOL) endorsement.
This endorsement is designed to give teachers special strategies for working with students whose primary language is not English. This endorsement requires up to 300 hours of additional professional development. The following teachers are considered out of field for ESOL while working towards this endorsement: Marianne Anderson, Janelle Castro, Anna Moustopoulos, and Janine Stafford. I am confident that they will provide excellent instruction in a safe learning environment to all of their students.
Our teachers and staff work diligently to meet the needs of every student in our school. Your continued support of your child's education is appreciated. Should you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 727-669-1124. .
Victoria E. Hawkins
Principal
This endorsement is designed to give teachers special strategies for working with students whose primary language is not English. This endorsement requires up to 300 hours of additional professional development. The following teachers are considered out of field for ESOL while working towards this endorsement: Marianne Anderson, Janelle Castro, Anna Moustopoulos, and Janine Stafford. I am confident that they will provide excellent instruction in a safe learning environment to all of their students.
Our teachers and staff work diligently to meet the needs of every student in our school. Your continued support of your child's education is appreciated. Should you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 727-669-1124. .
Victoria E. Hawkins
Principal
Dear Parent or Guardian,
The 2008 Legislature passed Senate Bill 610 which was signed into law by Governor Crist on June 2, 2008. It included changes in statute as it relates to physical education requirements for Florida students.
Senate Bill 610 requires the equivalent of one class period per day of physical education for one semester of each year for students in grades 6 through 8 beginning in the 2009-2010 school year. The physical education requirement shall be waived for a student who meets the following criteria:
∙ The student is enrolled or required in a remedial course.
∙ The student's parent indicates in writing to the school that:
1. The parent requests that the student enroll in another course from among those offered as options by the school district, OR
2. The student is participating in physical activities outside the school day which are equal to or in excess of the mandated requirement.
This statute requires each district school board to notify parents of the options available prior to scheduling a student into physical education. Unless your child meets one of the waiver criteria listed above, he/she will be enrolled in physical education for one semester of each year while in grades 6 through 8.
Please contact your school administration if you have any questions or concerns regarding the physical education requirements or waiver criteria.
Sincerely,
Victoria E. Hawkins
Principal
The 2008 Legislature passed Senate Bill 610 which was signed into law by Governor Crist on June 2, 2008. It included changes in statute as it relates to physical education requirements for Florida students.
Senate Bill 610 requires the equivalent of one class period per day of physical education for one semester of each year for students in grades 6 through 8 beginning in the 2009-2010 school year. The physical education requirement shall be waived for a student who meets the following criteria:
∙ The student is enrolled or required in a remedial course.
∙ The student's parent indicates in writing to the school that:
1. The parent requests that the student enroll in another course from among those offered as options by the school district, OR
2. The student is participating in physical activities outside the school day which are equal to or in excess of the mandated requirement.
This statute requires each district school board to notify parents of the options available prior to scheduling a student into physical education. Unless your child meets one of the waiver criteria listed above, he/she will be enrolled in physical education for one semester of each year while in grades 6 through 8.
Please contact your school administration if you have any questions or concerns regarding the physical education requirements or waiver criteria.
Sincerely,
Victoria E. Hawkins
Principal
1.08 Policy against Bullying and Harassment
In response to a new state law, the Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for all Students Act, the School Board recently adopted a policy that prohibits bullying and harassment. The policy ensures that all students, employees, and volunteers learn and work in an environment that is safe, secure, and free from harassment and bullying of any kind. Florida is now one of 32 states with a law regarding bullying in schools.
The Policy defines Bullying as systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or employees and may involve but is not limited to: teasing, social exclusion, threat, intimidation, stalking, including cyberstalking, physical violence, theft, sexual, religious, or racial harassment, public humiliation, and destruction of property.
The policy defines harassment as any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture,
use of data or computer software, or written, verbal or physical conduct directed
against a student or employee that: Places a student or employee in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property, has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's educational performance, opportunities, or benefits, has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school.
Palm Harbor Middle School is committed to providing a safe learning environment and will not tolerate bullying or harassment of any kind. Incidents of bullying or harassment can be reported to the principal or administration or reported online at http://www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/SDFS/bullying_report.html. Anonymous reports can also be made by calling the Campus Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-873-8477.
For more information about the policy or bullying prevention and intervention visit the Safe and Drug Free Schools' website at www.pcsb.org/sdfs/bully.html <http://www.pcsb.org/sdfs/bully.html>. To learn more about bullying and find out what adults can do to help prevent it, visit the Stop Bullying Now website at www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov <http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov>.
The Policy defines Bullying as systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or employees and may involve but is not limited to: teasing, social exclusion, threat, intimidation, stalking, including cyberstalking, physical violence, theft, sexual, religious, or racial harassment, public humiliation, and destruction of property.
The policy defines harassment as any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture,
use of data or computer software, or written, verbal or physical conduct directed
against a student or employee that: Places a student or employee in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property, has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's educational performance, opportunities, or benefits, has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school.
Palm Harbor Middle School is committed to providing a safe learning environment and will not tolerate bullying or harassment of any kind. Incidents of bullying or harassment can be reported to the principal or administration or reported online at http://www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/SDFS/bullying_report.html. Anonymous reports can also be made by calling the Campus Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-873-8477.
For more information about the policy or bullying prevention and intervention visit the Safe and Drug Free Schools' website at www.pcsb.org/sdfs/bully.html <http://www.pcsb.org/sdfs/bully.html>. To learn more about bullying and find out what adults can do to help prevent it, visit the Stop Bullying Now website at www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov <http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov>.
For school year 2009-2010, which will start August 25th, there are some important Immunization requirement changes (they must have a Tdap- not Td)- most significantly affecting middle school- 7th graders; but also K-1 this year need 2 varicella (gr 2-12 need just 1)
I have attached a short article that you can put in a newsletter, on your website , etc- if you are a middle school, and have an Immunization clinic scheduled this Spring, please add your date in the newsletter
Thank you!
Rita Becchetti, MHS, RN, BC
Supervisor, School Health Services
Pinellas County Schools
727-588-6320
I have attached a short article that you can put in a newsletter, on your website , etc- if you are a middle school, and have an Immunization clinic scheduled this Spring, please add your date in the newsletter
Thank you!
Rita Becchetti, MHS, RN, BC
Supervisor, School Health Services
Pinellas County Schools
727-588-6320
New Immunization Guidelines for the 2009-2010 School Year - 7th Grade Requirement
Safety Procedures at Palm Harbor Middle School
Dear Parents, January 12, 2008
I am pleased to announce that our campus is undergoing a major expansion project with the construction of a two-story building. Construction is commencing during the third week of January. We are asking for everyone's assistance in creating a smooth transition and an efficient entry and dismissal process that ensures safety for everyone.
Our parking will be limited during the entire second semester. Visitors to our campus are asked to park only in the designated visitor parking spots. Staff members and contractors will also have designated areas to park. Continue dropping off and picking up students in the parent car loop; however, during dismissal please do not enter the campus in your vehicles before 3:30 p.m. The contractors will still be working and it will reduce safety hazards.
With everyone's commitment, our school will continue to be a safe place to learn. As always, we will continue to monitor our procedures to make sure that our dismissal is safe and efficient as possible. If you have any questions, please contact the school.
Thank you in advance for following these procedures.
Sincerely,
Victoria Hawkins
Principal
I am pleased to announce that our campus is undergoing a major expansion project with the construction of a two-story building. Construction is commencing during the third week of January. We are asking for everyone's assistance in creating a smooth transition and an efficient entry and dismissal process that ensures safety for everyone.
Our parking will be limited during the entire second semester. Visitors to our campus are asked to park only in the designated visitor parking spots. Staff members and contractors will also have designated areas to park. Continue dropping off and picking up students in the parent car loop; however, during dismissal please do not enter the campus in your vehicles before 3:30 p.m. The contractors will still be working and it will reduce safety hazards.
With everyone's commitment, our school will continue to be a safe place to learn. As always, we will continue to monitor our procedures to make sure that our dismissal is safe and efficient as possible. If you have any questions, please contact the school.
Thank you in advance for following these procedures.
Sincerely,
Victoria Hawkins
Principal
Bullying; It's just not right!
On Feb. 4th our school kicked off our new anti-bullying campaign with the title "Bullying; It's Just Not Right". You might have seen the teachers, and some of our peer mediators, wearing a T-shirt with this slogan on it. (Thanks to the support of our school SAC.) This program is our effort to reduce the amount of bullying happening here on campus.
Any student may report a bullying incident by filling out a Bullying Report form, which can be found in each grade level office, as well, as in the media center. The student then enters the completed form into one of our three collection boxes. These white, metal boxes are located in the media center, near the front office and near the gate to the bus circle. These locked boxes are nailed into wall and are regularly checked by teachers and administrators.
Once the incident is reported, it is investigated, parents are notified and the incident is resolved and recorded. Please encourage your student to report bullying behavior to help us reduce the amount of bullying behavior here at Palm Harbor Middle.
Thank you for your support!
On Feb. 4th our school kicked off our new anti-bullying campaign with the title "Bullying; It's Just Not Right". You might have seen the teachers, and some of our peer mediators, wearing a T-shirt with this slogan on it. (Thanks to the support of our school SAC.) This program is our effort to reduce the amount of bullying happening here on campus.
Any student may report a bullying incident by filling out a Bullying Report form, which can be found in each grade level office, as well, as in the media center. The student then enters the completed form into one of our three collection boxes. These white, metal boxes are located in the media center, near the front office and near the gate to the bus circle. These locked boxes are nailed into wall and are regularly checked by teachers and administrators.
Once the incident is reported, it is investigated, parents are notified and the incident is resolved and recorded. Please encourage your student to report bullying behavior to help us reduce the amount of bullying behavior here at Palm Harbor Middle.
Thank you for your support!
School Advisory Council Members Needed
(SAC)
Palm Harbor Middle School is in need of parents and students who would like to join our SAC. This group is committed to making decisions about our School Improvement Plan and implementation of highest student achievement. SAC meets the second Monday of each month in Palm Harbor Middle's Media Center at 5:30 p.m.
If you are interested, please call 727-669-1146. We hope you will join us!
If you are interested, please call 727-669-1146. We hope you will join us!
H1N1 Swine Flu- Be Prepared!
As you probably are aware, there is concern that an outbreak of H1N1 (swine) flu may result in a public health emergency during this school year. However, in the event that swine flu results in it being necessary to close schools for a period of time, please start planning now for how you will provide care for your children at that time. Having a family discussion now to consider options in advance of a school closing will be helpful. It is not advised to place them in close contact with other children such as group childcare during an outbreak. It is important to plan ahead.
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever (100 degrees or more), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
Any activities where children and/or adults spend time in close proximity
may increase the likelihood of coming into contact with a contagious disease.
Flu (both seasonal variety and H1N1) spreads easily. If you suspect your child is getting the flu, it is important that he/she does not attend school or go anywhere else--such as group childcare, the mall, or sporting events--where other people would be exposed to the flu germs. It is also important to teach your children and family how to reduce their risk of getting the flu and protect others from infection.
* Teach your children to wash their hands often. Washing with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds is ideal (that's about as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice).
* Teach them the proper use of hand sanitizer. Gels, rubs, and hand wipes all work well, as long as they contain at least 60% alcohol. Hand wipes must be disposed of properly.
Always read and follow label instructions when using hand sanitizer.
* Teach your children to keep their hands away from their face
and avoid touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.
* Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of their elbow. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve-not your hands!
Any activities where children and/or adults spend time in close proximity
may increase the likelihood of coming into contact with a contagious disease.
Flu (both seasonal variety and H1N1) spreads easily. If you suspect your child is getting the flu, it is important that he/she does not attend school or go anywhere else--such as group childcare, the mall, or sporting events--where other people would be exposed to the flu germs. It is also important to teach your children and family how to reduce their risk of getting the flu and protect others from infection.
* Teach your children to wash their hands often. Washing with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds is ideal (that's about as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice).
* Teach them the proper use of hand sanitizer. Gels, rubs, and hand wipes all work well, as long as they contain at least 60% alcohol. Hand wipes must be disposed of properly.
Always read and follow label instructions when using hand sanitizer.
* Teach your children to keep their hands away from their face
and avoid touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.
* Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of their elbow. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve-not your hands!
* Help your child learn these healthy habits by setting a good example
and always doing them yourself.If we all practice good hygiene, health officials believe we can limit the spread
of flu in our schools and communities.
We will continue working with our district health services department, the Pinellas Health Department and the State Department of Health officials to monitor the situation and
will make all decisions in consultation with them.
We will inform parents immediately if the situation makes it necessary to close schools.
and always doing them yourself.If we all practice good hygiene, health officials believe we can limit the spread
of flu in our schools and communities.
We will continue working with our district health services department, the Pinellas Health Department and the State Department of Health officials to monitor the situation and
will make all decisions in consultation with them.
We will inform parents immediately if the situation makes it necessary to close schools.
You may also get information at <http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm>, www.cdc.gov <http://www.cdc.gov>, www.doh.state.fl.us, www.pinellashealth.com <http://www.pinellashealth.com>, or call the Pinellas Health Department at 727 824-6932. You may also contact your school nurse, or Pinellas County School Health Services at 588-6320.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children and our schools healthy!
