Academy at the Farm

We have officially broken ground for the Academy at the Farm High School! We want to extend our deepest appreciation to our local elected officials for their crucial support in securing the state funding that is making this long awaited project possible. Thank you Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, State Representative Randy Maggard, and Florida Senator Danny Burgess for your support! We’re excited to see our vision come to life with the help of our general contractor AD Morgan, architects Furr, Wegman & Banks, and engineers Coastal Design Consultants, Inc.. Together, they’re bringing a beautiful building to our campus. We can’t wait to meet the high demand for a charter high school in our area that focuses on character education and critical thinking skills.

Mrs. Rucker grew up in Orange, NJ, and has lived and worked in six states (NJ, NY, FL, LA, CO, TX). She has two grown daughters—one recently graduated with a BS in physics and is preparing for medical school, and the other just earned an AA in medical billing and coding and is now pursuing a BA in Healthcare Management and Administration.

Mrs. Rucker's husband, Frederick (Fred), is a retired engineer with pilot and helicopter licenses. They celebrated their third wedding anniversary on July 15th. Last June, they relocated to Florida to be closer to her mother, sister, and brother.

We are thrilled to have Mrs. Rucker join the AATF family and lead the academic program for our new High School this year. Please join us in making her feel welcome!

Victoria Sutton, Principal:

I am thrilled to announce that we are off to a fantastic start to the new school year! It has been a joy to see the children eagerly walking into their classrooms each day, ready to embark on new adventures and learning experiences.

Our dedicated teachers have been working diligently to create a warm and welcoming environment where each child feels safe and valued. The bonds being formed between teachers and students are rooted in trust, fostering a sense of security and belonging that is essential for learning and growth.

This month, we continue to emphasize social and emotional development. We believe that nurturing these skills is crucial for each child's overall well-being and success. Through a variety of activities and interactions, we aim to help our young learners understand and manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and develop empathy and compassion for others.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's early education. We look forward to our continued partnership throughout the school year to support your child's growth and development.

Victoria

What we are learning:

• We will start introducing letters during our lessons while continuing to build other literacy skills such as phonological awareness and print knowledge.

• This month the letters of focus will be L, F, E, and H.

• We will start with letters that have straight lines before introducing curved and diagonal letters, as these are the easiest for students to write.

• We will continue to work with students to recognize their name, correct pencil grip, and age-appropriate pre-writing and writing skills.

This month we will begin our Tree Study. We will be observing and comparing trees to learn about what lives in them, what they are made from, and who cares for them. The students will also learn about the creatures that inhabit trees and the foods trees produce. We hope that this study will help children explore and appreciate nature. As we study trees, we will use literacy, math, the arts, and technology to explore the topic in depth. We will learn important social studies and scientific concepts through first-hand investigations.

Mrs. Lauren:

This month, we are working and focusing on fine motor skills. Fine motor skills involve small muscles in the hands, fingers, lips, tongue, and eyes working with the brain and nervous system to control movements. They are different from gross motor skills, which involve larger muscle groups used for movements like running and jumping. Fine motor skills are important for many aspects of development, including self-care, academic learning, and independence. They are also helpful in the development of pre-writing and writing skills. Some activities you can try at home to help develop your child's fine motor skills are squeezing, pinching, rolling, and stretching playdough, peeling stickers off a sheet and placing them onto paper, fastening buttons, zipping zippers, opening food packages and by threading and lacing activities.

Mrs. Rose:

Time flies by when we are having fun learning! Miss Nicole and I have enjoyed getting to know your children these past few weeks. We are excited to dive into our Fine Motor Journal this month. With these journals, the children will be working on fine motor skills, math skills, and writing skills. We will continue to build relationships and demonstrate all our character traits.

We look forward to seeing the progress and creativity each child will bring to their journal. Thank you for your continued support!

Mrs. DeLynda:

We are thrilled to share that we’ve had an amazing start to the new school year! Our students absolutely loved learning about primary and secondary colors, and it has been a fantastic hit in our classes.

In the coming weeks, we will be diving into an exciting new topic: investigating leaves and trees. It promises to be an engaging and educational experience for our students, and we can’t wait to get started!

Here are a few important reminders to ensure a smooth and organized school day:

1. Sign In and Out: Please remember to sign your child in and out each day. This practice is beneficial for all teachers and helps us keep accurate records.

2. Check Mailboxes: Make it a habit to check your mailboxes regularly for any important notices or updates from the school.

3. Label Water Bottles: To avoid mix-ups and ensure everyone stays hydrated, please label your child’s water bottle with their name.

Thank you for your cooperation and support. Let’s make this school year a wonderful and enriching journey for our students!

Ms. Catherine:

We will continue promoting our character traits of kindness, honesty, respect, responsibility, and being brave. I love giving "shout-outs" throughout the day when I see a student displaying one of our character traits. When they get a "shout-out", they receive a pom pom that coordinates with the character trait they displayed. For example, the red pom pom coordinates with kindness. When the students receive a pom pom it gets added into our class jar. When the jar is full, we will have a special treat from Mrs. Victoria and possibly a class visit from Mr. Polk! Focusing on these traits helps create a family environment in our classroom that fosters an atmosphere of respect for one another and minimizes nearly all major behavior concerns. I encourage you to use the vocabulary of each trait at home and give your child "shout-outs" when you catch them displaying one of the traits. You could even start a similar reward system of your own to encourage these good behaviors at home.

Our theme for the month will be the trees, apples, and the five senses. We will transform our dramatic play area into a tree house! Our tree house center will be embedded with math and literacy, and opportunities to improve fine motor skills.

Mrs. Sara:

The class came up with their own class rules which are posted in the classroom. They worked hard on this and I couldn’t be more proud! Everyone has been working on our character traits and it is starting to show. We have enjoyed getting to know each other by sharing our pages from the class All About Me Book. I have learned a lot about the students! The preschool students will start to learn how to write the first letter in their name and the VPK students will fine-tune their writing of their first name with some moving on to writing their last name. Be on the lookout for “homework” aka activities to do with your child to ensure they become successful in their writing.

Agriculture lessons begin the week of September 23, 2024. If you would like your child to participate, you must complete the Agriculture Release Form.

Monday, Sept. 23: Mrs. Sara’s Class

Tuesday, Sept. 24: Ms. Catherine’s Class

Wednesday, Sept. 25: Mrs. Rose & Mrs. Lauren's Classes

Thursday, Sept. 26: Mrs. DeLynda

Ag Release Form: https://aatf.wufoo.com/forms/rxrzoh70v30tfy/

Preschool Dates to Know:

9/2- No School

9/6- Dollar Dress Day*

9/9-9/13- VPK FAST PM1

9/11- Preschool picture day

9/12- PTO Meeting

9/17- Open House

9/23-9/26- Ag lesson with Mrs. Carter

9/24- Spirit Night Chipotle

*Dollar Dress Day is an opportunity for students to wear non-uniform attire to school by simply donating a dollar. The money raised each month will go to local charities or help fund various activities around our school.

We are thrilled to share that we have had an incredibly positive start to the school year in Primary. Over the past few weeks, our Primary students have jumped with both feet into the school setting with curiosity and excitement. Classrooms are buzzing and learning has begun in our Primary buildings. It is clear that the hard work and preparation leading up to the first day of school have paid off, and we are so proud of the progress our students are already making.

We would also like to thank our parents for getting the kids to school on time, prepared, and ready to learn. Working together as a team will benefit the students and teachers to have a successful year.

As we continue to build on this strong foundation, we look forward to the many experiences this school year will bring. Together, we can make a difference in our students. Thank you for your support, and here's to a fantastic year ahead.

Congratulations to our 2023-24 Intermediate Director's List All-Stars! This year, 54 students achieved the All-Star status by meeting the criteria each quarter, demonstrating exceptional dedication and hard work. These students were honored with a trophy and will enjoy an off-campus outing in celebration of their remarkable achievements. Well done!

Criteria for Recognition

All A or A/B Honor Roll

All Satisfactory marks in Social Growth & Work Habits

No More than 10 Absences per School Year

*Please note that tardies and check-outs count for ½ day absences.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As your school counselor, I am dedicated to ensuring that all our students have the support they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. One critical aspect of student success that often gets overlooked is the importance of a consistent bedtime and morning routine. Research shows that these daily habits are essential for children’s overall well-being and academic performance. I’d like to share some insights and resources to help you establish these routines effectively at home.

The Importance of Bedtime
Adequate sleep is crucial for children’s cognitive development, emotional regulation, and physical health. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children aged 6 to 12 years should receive 9 to 12 hours of sleep per night, while teenagers need 8 to 10 hours. Consistent bedtimes help ensure that children receive the necessary amount of sleep, which in turn supports their ability to concentrate, learn, and retain information during school hours.

Lack of sufficient sleep can lead to a range of problems, including difficulties with attention, behavior, and emotional regulation. Studies have found that sleep-deprived children are more likely to experience mood swings, exhibit hyperactive behaviors, and struggle with impulse control, all of which can negatively affect their school performance (Owens, 2014).

Tips for Establishing a Healthy Bedtime Routine:

1. Set a Consistent Bedtime: establish a regular bedtime that allows for the recommended hours of sleep. Consistency helps regulate your child’s internal clock, making it easier for them to fall asleep and wake up naturally.

2. Create a Calming Pre-Bedtime Routine: Activities like reading a book, taking a warm bath, or listening to soft music can signal to your child that it’s time to wind down for the night.

3. Limit Screen Time Before Bed: The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Try to keep screens out of the bedroom and turn them off at least an hour before bedtime.

For more information on sleep and its impact on child development, you can visit the American Academy of Pediatrics’ website: [HealthyChildren.org](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sleep/Pages/default.aspx).

Establishing a Morning Routine
A well-structured morning routine can help ensure that mornings run smoothly and your child arrives at school on time, ready to learn. Predictable routines provide children with a sense of security and control, which is particularly important during the potentially stressful time before school. When children know what to expect, they are more likely to cooperate and feel confident as they begin their day.

Steps for a Successful Morning Routine:

1. Prepare the Night Before: Encourage your child to lay out their clothes, pack their backpack, and organize their school supplies the night before. This reduces morning stress and minimizes the chances of forgetting important items.

2. Set a Regular Wake-Up Time: A consistent wake-up time helps maintain a stable sleep schedule and ensures that your child has enough time to complete their morning routine without rushing.

3. Create a Checklist: Use a checklist to outline the steps of the morning routine, such as brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and putting on shoes. This can be particularly helpful for younger children who are still learning to manage their time.

4. Make Breakfast a Priority: A healthy breakfast is vital for providing the energy and nutrients needed to focus throughout the morning. Try to include a balance of protein, whole grains, and fruits or vegetables.

For additional tips on creating effective morning routines, you can explore the resources available on the Child Mind Institute’s website: [ChildMind.org](https://childmind.org/article/help-your-child-get-organized/).

Setting Your Child Up for Success
By establishing consistent bedtimes and morning routines, you are setting your child up for success both at school and in life. These practices not only improve academic performance but also contribute to better emotional health and social interactions. As always, if you have any questions or need further support in helping your child establish these routines, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Thank you for your continued partnership in fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for our students.


**References:**

- Owens, J. (2014). Insufficient Sleep in Adolescents and Young Adults: An Update on Causes and Consequences. Pediatrics.

This month our FFA officer team went on our 3rd annual Officer retreat. We had tons of fun making videos, setting up tents under the barn, playing manhunt, creating funny videos, going to the beach, and much more! The officers enjoyed spending time bonding together and making memories that will last a lifetime. Our team is looking forward to leading the upcoming year in FFA!

For a week out of this past month our chapter decided to host an agricultural camp to raise money for the national convention. We had kids from kindergarten to fifth grade attend this event. During the week we did many things from learning how to make ice cream, wash a chicken, and much more. Everyday after our jam packed schedule full of activities we would hold the barnyard Olympics. Each team would compete in different games everyday and by the end of the week, the team with the most points won a gold medal. Each event was water based so that the kids would have a chance to cool off in the Florida heat. After the Ag camp was over we were able to raise about four thousand dollars to go towards our national convention trip.

This year our FFA wanted to try the new pullet project that was being offered at the Florida state fair. We began by picking up chicks, that we would then raise and take care of throughout the season. By the end of the project the chickens will have laid eggs. We will then check them into the state fair where they will be judged, and put on a display soon after being purchased. Our goal is for our 4H and FFA to check in three healthy chickens that will hopefully lay good quality eggs.

Mark your calendars because Friday is our first Dollar Dress Day!!

Our theme is Boots and Bling so break out the boots, denim, rhinestones, and flannel!

Students can participate for a $1 donation and must adhere to the dress code for non-uniform days.

This can be found on page 5 of the student planner for any specifications.

Homeroom teachers will collect the money.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bonita's Flower Shop for their generous Donation of beautiful flowers for our Registration Day.

352-567-6795, 37887 Live Oak Avenue Dade City, FL 33523