The Bobcat Times

Throughout this year, the administration has consistently emphasized to students the importance and impact of their words. Every interaction, whether in the classroom, hallway, or online, presents an opportunity to uplift and support one another. We have also had discussions with students about the potential consequences when words—whether joking or serious—are used in ways that could be perceived as threatening or intimidating.

I kindly ask that all parents take a moment this week to speak with their child about the importance of choosing words carefully and being mindful of how their words affect others. The school will continue to encourage students to use positive language, practice active listening, and remain aware of the power their words hold.

We remain committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Thank you for your continued support and for helping us inspire students to use words that uplift and encourage one another.

Have a great week .

What an unexpected turn in the weather we have had the past few days. Please make sure that your student is dressing appropriately for the weather conditions and for school. We have a large collection of sweatshirts and jackets that have been left behind. If your student is missing a sweatshirt/jacket, please have them look in the lost and found. Crocs, although comfortable, are not appropriate footwear for PE and recess. Please make sure your student is wearing appropriate footwear to school.

The PCS Dress Code Policy is located on the district web-site. The link is as follows: https://www.pcsb.org/dresscode .

I am hopeful that this cold front moves through quickly and we will be back to our warm sunny days in not time. Have a wonderful weekend.

Monday February 24, 2025

• 3:00 PSA Sports - Flag Football

Tuesday February 25, 2025

• More Health Presentations- Kindergarten
• 3:00 pm Mighty Mu Club / Media Center
• 3:00 PSA Sports - Basketball

Wednesday February 26, 2025

• 3:00 pm STEM Club / Media Center
• PSA Sports - Soccer

Thursday February 27, 2025

• 3:00 pm Battle of the Books / Media Center
• 3:15 pm Art Club / Art Room

Friday February 28, 2025

• More Health Presentations - 5th Grade
• 3rd Grade Field Trip

Physical Education students recently participated in the American Heart Association Fundraiser the Kids Heart Challenge. The Kids Heart Challenge raises funds for the health of all hearts while allowing students to get moving with fun activities, learn about keeping their hearts and brains healthy and feel great for helping others. The PE department had a goal of raising $2500 but ended up raising $5,263.53, which directly supports the American Heart Association. The PE department would like to thank the parents, families and the community for their overwhelming support. Special thanks to our wonderful PE teachers, Mr. Broom and Mrs. Watt for organizing the event.

The BCE Spring Book Fair will be held from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday, March 10th through Friday, March 14th. We are also excited to offer extended hours for our Books and PTA Bingo Night on Thursday, March 13th, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM! We invite all families to come out and enjoy a fun evening of shopping and bingo!

We look forward to this event and would love to welcome volunteers to help make it a success. If you're interested in volunteering, please visit our school website and click on the Spring Scholastic Book Fair link located in the Latest News section of our homepage.

Every day we are moving closer to the final round of progress monitoring testing for the 2024-2025 academic year. Although specific testing dates have not yet been determined, below is the window in which specific assessments will be given here at Brooker Creek.

April 7th-11th 4th and 5th Grade Writing

April 14th – April 30th VPK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd Grade STAR Early Literacy/Reading and Math

May 5th – 23rd 3rd, 4th and 5th GRADE FAST ELA and MATH

5th Grade Science

As we move closer, your student’s teacher will provide to you the exact assessment dates. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Gerber.

Brooker Creek's Family Lunch will be held on the following dates listed below. All visitors must bring a government issued picture ID (Volunteer ID's badges can't be accepted) and sign in through the main office. The Family Lunch will be held in the courtyard of the campus and students must remain under the supervision of their parents / guardians at all times. Finally, we ask that you please be patient with our office staff during the check in process and allow yourself enough time to check in before entering the gates.

• March 3 - Family Lunch
• PreK-3 10:25 to 10:55
• Kindergarten 10:35 to 11:05
• 2nd Grade 12:05 to 12:35

• March 5 - Family Lunch
• VPK 12:05 to 12:35
• 1st Grade 12:40 to 1:10
• 3rd Grade 11:15 to 11:45

• March 7 - Family Lunch
• 4th Grade 11:15 to 11:45
• 5th Grade 12:10 to 12:40

Volunteer are needed for the BCE Spring Book Fair will be held from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday, March 10th through Friday, March 14th and during the Books and PTA Bingo Night on Thursday, March 13th, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM!

Individuals can sign up for the various opportunities during the spring book fair by clicking on the link below. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0845AAA629A2F58-54589164-bcespring

All volunteers must be registered through Pinellas County Schools as a Level 1 or Level 2.

For more information contact Rachel Kloepfer at kloepferr@pcsb.org

Each week teachers and staff reinforce our schoolwide ROARS expectations and good behavior through our BCE Gold Note Celebrations. The celebrations which happen during the student's lunch period provides an opportunity for students to be recognized and receive a small token of appreciation in front of their peers. Below are of few of last week's recipients.

Per district policy,

B. Clothing must cover the body from one armpit across to the other armpit and down to mid-thigh. All tops must have sleeves and cover the entire shoulder.

H. Students must wear shoes that are safe and appropriate for the learning environment. Inappropriate footwear includes, but is not limited to, roller skates, skate shoes, and bedroom slippers.

K. Head gear, including but not limited to, caps, hats, bandanas, sweatbands and/or sunglasses shall not be worn indoors on campus unless permitted by the principal for religious or medical reasons. Students may wear sunglasses, hats, or other sun-protective wear while outdoors during school hours, however these articles must not violate this dress code

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in ensuring a safe learning environment here at Brooker Creek.

Mark your calendar for the following upcoming events at BCE

• March 3 - Family Lunch PreK3, Kindergarten & 2nd Grade
• March 5 - Family Lunch VPK, 1st & 3rd Grade
• March 7 - Family Lunch 4th & 5th Grade
• March 13 - PTA Game Night / Evening Book Fair
• March 14 - End of the 3rd Marking Period
• March 17 - Spring Break
• March 28 - PTA Family Dance
• April 18 - No School for Students
• April 21 - No School for Students
• April 23 - Midterm Progress Reports Sent Home (grades 1-5)
• May 1 - Bobcat Student Achievement Showcase
• May 3 - BCE PTA 5k & 1 Mile Fune Run
• May 26 - Memorial Day - School Closed
• May 29 - Last Day of School for Students

Brooker Creek Elementary is committed to supporting the District's Commitment to Character Campaign. February's Commitment to Character area is Cooperation - Getting along with others and working together to accomplish a goal.

Congratulations to Talula Giddens as Brooker Creek’s East Lake Rotary’s February Student of the Month. Talula was recommended by Ms. Smith for her exceptional commitment to character both in and out of the classroom. Talula consistently demonstrates our core values of Respect, Ownership, staying Always Determined, Responsible, and Safe. Above all, she demonstrates a high level of kindness, care, and hard work.

Breakfast is FREE to all students each school day from 8:15 am to 8:40 am in the school cafeteria.

The Lunch Pals mentoring program matches a mentor with a student for a 30-minute mentoring session once a week (Tuesdays or Thursdays), or once every other week, during the student’s lunch time. Mentors are required to be a registered volunteer and complete a 1-hour mentor workshop.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor for the schools Lunch Pals mentoring program, please register for one of our workshops at http://www.pcsb.org/mentorworkshops. If you have questions about becoming a mentor or having your child being matched with a mentor, please email Rachel Kloepfer at Kloepferr@pcsb.org. Thank you

To enroll please follow the three simple steps below

1. Get a Pinellas County Schools User ID and Password (Focus Parent Portal Account)

Parents can create a Focus Parent Portal Account at focus.pcsb.org

2. Reserve a Seat

Log onto focus.pcsb.org and access the Student Reservation System using your PCS user ID and password.

3. Complete Enrollment at Your Child's School

Visit your child's assigned school and deliver the required documents.

Required Documents:

• Certified birth certificate or other proof of date of birth
• Physical examination signed by a licensed examiner (within 12 months prior to enrollment in kindergarten)
• Florida Certificate of Immunization (including specific dates - month, date and year given)
• All new students entering school in Florida for the first time must have a completed Florida Certificate of
  Immunization (DOH 680) with appropriate immunizations for kindergarten
• Proof of residency (2 forms of documentation required)
• Utility bill for power, water, cable, sewer or land-based telephone (not cellular)
• Rental agreement or lease
• Closing document
• Pinellas County tax statement with homestead exemption
• Affidavit of residency completed and notarized with two of the items listed above in the name of the person with whom you reside and who is listed on the affidavit
• Social Security card (required to request, but not mandatory)

APPLY FOR A SEAT:

Make sure you have a Parent Portal Account. You can create one by visiting focus.pcsb.org. To apply, visit focus.pcsb.org and access the “Student Reservation System” link on the left side of the navigation pane

APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY:

Visit the Early Learning Coalition and complete the online application for a Certificate of Eligibility (voucher). For information, please call the Early Learning Coalition at (727) 400-4411.

ENROLL AT ASSIGNED SCHOOL:

To enroll, bring the following documents to your assigned school:

• Certificate of Eligibility (voucher)
• Birth certificate/proof of child's age
• Florida Certificate of Immunization (DH Form 680)
• Physical examination certificate signed by a licensed examiner
• Proof of Florida residency (two forms of documentation required)

Thank you to the parents and students who completed the district Stakeholder Survey. Your responses will be used to provide valuable feedback to the school and district.

If you have not yet had a teacher parent conference with your child's teacher this year and would like to, please email them directly at their PCSB email address. All staff emails can be found on our school website: https://www.pcsb.org/domain/1742

District Vision: 100% Student Success

District Mission: Educate and prepare each student for college, career and life

Brooker Creek's Mission Statement: Brooker Creek Elementary, a community that encourages growth by valuing each other's differences, respecting everyone and creating life-long learners.

Brooker Creek Elementary

Address: 3130 Forelock Rd.,

Tarpon Springs, FL 34688-7286

Phone: 727-943-04603

Principal - Dr. Seymour Brown

Assistant Principal- Mrs. Kristie Gerber