South Lake Shark Express
"Planting Seeds, Growing Leaders" - September 1, 2023
Note from Administration
The new Florida Assessment of Student Thinking - or FAST - is a progress monitoring assessment for reading and math that will be administered in Kindergarten through 6th grade, three times per year, to track your student’s progress in learning the required Reading and Mathematics materials within Florida’s Benchmarks of Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards. The assessments are taken on a computer or tablet. The questions get easier or more difficult depending on how the student responds, and each student will see different questions from a common question bank. Each test will provide 35–40 questions that will cover the entire year’s lessons, including material that has not yet been covered by the teacher.
The results of the first assessment will only be used to help teachers understand what areas to focus on with students. It is important that students take the assessment seriously, so teachers have accurate information to use for planning future lessons. The school will send communications to all families with how to access your student’s results when they are available.
You can find more information about the test and see sample questions at flfast.org/families. Once on the site, just select the grade band appropriate for your student(s).
More information about the BEST standards and the new state assessments can be found at https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/k-12-student-assessment/best/.
Upcoming Events
*September 01 - Early Dismissal @ 1:15 pm
*September 04 - Labor Day Holiday - Offices Closed
*September 05 - Open House 3rd - 6th Grades/Boy Scout Sign up
* September 6 - 3rd-6th grade FAST PM1 ELA Testing
* September 7 - 3rd-6th grade FAST PM1 Math Testing
*September 08 - Early Dismissal @ 1:15 pm/STEAM Awards Ceremony (invite only)
*September 11 - No Uniforms - Patriot's Day - Wear Red, White, and Blue
*September 11 - "Penny Wars", start today, sponsored by PTO
* September 12 - K-2nd Grade FAST PM1 ELA Testing
* September 13- K-2nd Grade FAST PM1 Math Testing
*September 13 - Science Fair Informational Night - Media Center
5:00-5:45 pm - 4th grade families and/or anyone new to South Lake
6:00-6:45 pm - 5th and 6th grades families
*September 15 - "Penny Wars" end today
*September 29 - Deadline to submit Parent Consent Nickname Form
*See flyer below for FAST Testing Dates (dates are subject to change)
FAST Testing Dates - Dates are Subject to Change
Deadline to Submit Parent Consent Nickname Forms - September 29
A recent addition to Florida law requires schools to obtain parental permission to use a name other than a child’s legal name. A copy of this form has been linked to this story. You may also obtain this form from your school’s front office. Please fill out the form and return it to your child's school if you wish to add a nickname. Forms are due Sept. 29.
Here is the link to the nickname form:
Attention 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade Parents
Notes from the Clinic
Mrs. O'Leary-Peacock Welcomes Kindergarten to South Lake Library
South Lake Library
Dear Family,
Your child’s kindergarten class visits the library once a week as part of their activity rotation. Your child will check-out his/her first South Lake library book the week of September 4th. This is a very exciting milestone I am sure your child will be thrilled to tell you about it.
Mrs. Mackiewicz – Day 1 Mrs. Toy’s Class – Day 2 Mrs. Pils – Day 3 Mrs. Delaney – Day 4
The students have one week to read and return the checked-out book. They must return the SL library book before checking out a new book. Any lost or damaged books will result in a fine.
We read a book called Mr. Wiggle’s Book. This book is about taking care of library books. Mr. Wiggle teaches the reader what NOT to do: do not eat or drink around library books, do not write or color in the books, do not use scissors or glue and keep away from pets and babies. Your child will be working on their own copy of “Book Care” during library time.
Tips BEFORE Reading:
1. Discuss the parts of the book; spine, front cover, title page etc.…
2. Take a picture walk; discuss the pictures together.
3. Introduce possible new vocabulary words.
As you are Reading
1. Ask these questions
· What do you think will happen next?
· Why do you think the character did that?
· What do you think is happening in this picture?
· Has anything like this happened to you before?
2. Read with enthusiasm and enjoyment – do not be afraid to use funny voices and use your silly side.
3. If the book has repeating or rhyming pattern, you might try letting the child finish the sentence.
If the child asks questions while you read, stop, and answer them.
After Reading
- Ask the child for his/her opinion about the book
- Ask the child for their favorite part. Why?
- Which character he/she would want as a friend and why?
Mrs. O’Leary-Peacock, Teacher Librarian
COVID -19 Protocol and Attendance Update
News from the Classrooms
Kindergarten Open House was a success! Thank you for coming to learn about your child’s class even with a hurricane! If you missed open house, please reach out to your child's teacher for important information. Kindergarten continues to practice our rules and procedures. Our classrooms are filled with students using STEAM traits throughout the day. Discuss with your child what STEAM represents and how he/she can demonstrate these traits in school and at home. Kindergarten is thrilled to start our Project Based Learning Five Senses Unit. We will use the 5 E model (engage, explore, explain, extend, and evaluate) to help our students learn the standards. Some activities we plan to complete are sight bags, feely hands, smelling predictions, guessing that sound, and a few taste tests! Please be on the lookout for ways you can help! We are looking forward to exciting hands-on activities in the upcoming weeks.
Fifth grade teachers and students have been working hard during the first month of school and have adapted to their very busy schedule of switching classes. Please come visit us for Open House to hear everything about your child's Math and Reading classes. Unfortunately, Mr. Englert will be unable to participate in the Open House evening; however, he will send out his presentation with him presenting his classroom information for parents to view. Please reach out to Mr. Englert if you have any questions related to Science/ Social Studies or Intervention. We look forward to seeing our Shark Parents on Tuesday night during one of our sessions for Open House. Please see below and follow the following schedule for where to go first for your session to allow for space in the classrooms.
Mrs. Wood’s Homeroom-
- Start in Mrs. Wood’s Classroom for the first part of your session.
- Move to Ms. Farner’s Classroom for the second half of your session.
Ms. Farner’s Homeroom-
- Start in Ms. Farner's Classroom for the first part of your session.
- Move to Mrs. Wood's Classroom for the second half of your session.
Mr. Englert's Homeroom-
- If your last name begins with A-L go to Mrs. Wood's room first and then go to Ms. Farner's Classroom for the second part of your session.
- If your last name begins with M-Z go to Ms. Farner's room first and then go to Mrs. Wood's Classroom for the second part of your session.
News from the South Lake PTO
This year's Penny Wards will be September 11th-15th! Gather up your coins and help your grade level win! More information will be coming home with students next week.
PTO business sponsorships are due by September 15th. Thank you again to our 2022-23 sponsors: Orleans Bistro, Pier 220, Medec Medical Center, Honeysuckle, Ashley Bolognese--Realtor, Coastal Life Properties, Anderson Rentals, Anderson's Quality Concrete, and Rockledge Animal Clinic.
We hope to see you at our next PTO meeting on Monday, September 18th at 6pm in the Media Center! Email us at SouthLakePTO@gmail.com with any questions.