Tradewinds Eagle Parent Newsletter
January 2025 Volume 2 Issue 6
Dr. Elie, Principal
Ms. Brantley, Assistant Principal
SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY, FL
Debra Hixon, Chair
Sarah Leonardi, Vice Chair
Lori Alhadeff
Maura McCarthy Bulman
Brenda Fam, Esq.
Dr. Jeff Holness
Nora Rupert
Rebecca Thompson
Dr. Allen Zeman
Dr. Howard Hepburn
Superintendent of Schools
Principal's Message
Greetings Tradewinds Families,
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! As we gear up for the second half of the school year, we remain dedicated to our mission and vision, focusing on high-quality teaching and learning while preparing our students for the upcoming FAST/STAR PM #3 in the spring. Please read below so that you can access your child's FAST/STAR report.
Stay connected with all the exciting plans we have for January! We hope you enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season and a wonderful New Year. We are truly grateful for your partnership—let’s continue working together for our students’ success. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@tradewindsbcps) and X (@tradewindses) for the latest updates.
Parents: If you haven’t yet, please register for the Parent Focus Portal to receive timely updates, including quarterly interim reports and report cards. This user-friendly app provides real-time access to student information, grades, school news, and more. Visit the Parent FOCUS Portal today for instructions on signing up and downloading the app.
With heartfelt gratitude and best wishes for the season,
Dr. Priscille Elie
Proud Principal
Ms. Natalie Brantley
Assistant Principal
Our Mission Statement & Vision Statement
Our Mission: A diverse community of learners and educators striving toward educational excellence for all.
Our Vision: Committed to developing a learning community of caring individuals and life-long learners. Self-worth is cultivated in a nurturing environment and decisions are based on what is best for students.
Please do not hesitate to contact our main office at (754) 322-8700 if you have any questions.
Educationally,
Dr. Priscille Elie
Proud Principal #Excellenceisthestandard
From our TWE family to yours Happy Holidays & a Happy New Year
Season's Greetings Tradewinds Families from BCPS
Dear Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) families,
As we approach the holiday season, we extend our warmest wishes to you and your family during the Winter Break. We also want to remind you of important updates to the school calendar for January 2025:
- Students return to class Monday, January 6, 2025
- Friday, January 10, 2025, will now be an Employee Planning Day
These adjustments were made due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton's closure of schools on September 26, October 9 and October 10.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to support students, families and staff. We hope you enjoy the Winter Break.
Broward County Public Schools is an A+ District
Your Input Matters! 2025/26 School Year Calendar Survey
Important Message
Your Input Matters! 2025/26 School Year Calendar Survey
We are excited to announce the Superintendent's Calendar Committee is
seeking your input on three proposed calendar options for the upcoming 2025/26 school year.
Take the survey at browardschools.com/calendarsurvey.
Parents check out this great resource that includes resource and tips for
parents and students to access during Winter Break and from January on.
BCPS 2024-2025 Extended Learning & Enrichment Academic Support Guide
JANUARY EAGLE CALENDAR OF EVENTS 📆
January Eagle Calendar of Events
- Wednesday, 1st: Happy New Year
- Monday, 6th: School resumes 1st day back from winter break
- Thursday, 9th: School Advisory Council (SAC)/School Advisory Forum (SAF) Meeting in the Media Center 2:20pm
- Friday, 10th: Employee Planning Day No School for Students
- Monday, 13th: 3rd Grade Field Trip
- Tuesday, 14th: Middle of Year Science Diagnostic Day 1 K-3 & 5th grades
- Tuesday, 14th: Districtwide School Showcase @ Amerant Bank 5:00pm (more information below)
- Wednesday, 15th: Middle of Year Science Diagnostic Day 2 K-3 & 5th grades
- Wednesday, 15th: Middle of Year Science Diagnostic Day 1 4th grade
- Thursday, 16th: Middle of Year Science Diagnostic Day 2 4th grade
- January 17th: January Birthday Table during students' lunch time
- Friday, 17th: Monarch Parent Zone Meeting at Monarch High School 10:00am (more details to follow)
- Monday, 20th: No Name Calling Week
- Thursday, 23rd: Save the Date Parent It's Coffee Talk Time Topic: ESE Services so bring your Questions (more details to come) Time To Be Announced (TBA)
- Monday, 27th-Friday, 31st: Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! (See Literacy Spirit Week Flyer)
- Monday, 27th: 3rd grade field trip
- Tuesday, 28th: 100th Day of School
- Friday, 31st: 2nd Quarter Report Cards Issued via Focus no paper copies
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Showcase
Broward County Public Schools is excited to invite families to attend the BCPS Showcase on Tuesday, January 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Amerant Bank Arena, located at 1 Panther Parkway in Sunrise.
This FREE event is open to all families, and a great opportunity to learn about the variety of student programs and services available at our A-rated District. Find out about the exciting academic, athletic, and extracurricular clubs and activities exclusively for BCPS students.
The showcase will feature nearly 300 schools and departments, offering information and resources. Staff will be available to answer questions about the wide range of offerings available to students from pre-K through adult learners, including:
- World-Class Magnet Schools
- Innovative Programs
- Technical Colleges
- Early Education Centers
- Athletics
- Adult Education Solutions
- English Learner Programs
- Virtual Schools
- Workforce Education
- Student Services
- Art and Music Programs
- Electives
- Exceptional Student Education
Attendees can also enjoy interactive exhibits, and exciting raffles, with prizes including tickets to Disney on Ice, Florida Panthers games, and The Lion King.
This is an ideal opportunity to match your student’s interests and talents to a specific program or school and apply for the upcoming school year. The School Choice Application Window for the 2025/26 school year is now open until Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Visit browardschools.com/schoolchoice to learn more.
When it’s time to choose your partner in education, Choose the Best, Choose BCPS.
ENGLISH FLYER
PORTUGUESE FLYER
SPANISH FLYER
HAITIAN-CREOLE FLYER
Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida 2025
We are excited to announce that we are once again implementing Celebrate Literacy Week Activities District-Wide. Our Celebrate Literacy Week (CLW) theme this year is Building Literacy: Constructing the Foundation for Success! We encourage all families to join in on the fun that week. See the attachment with the Broward CLW 2025 Flyer below!
Now that FAST PM #2 is complete; it's time to review your child's progress
INSTRUCTIONS TO GET ACCESS CODES
TO FAMILY PORTAL TO SEE YOUR CHILD'S DETAILED FAST SCORES
(click the attached document for complete directions)
CLICK TO ACCESS YOUR CHILD'S FAST SCORES
ENGLISH
PORTUGUESE
SPANISH
PARENTS CHECK OUT THESE GREAT PARENT RESOURCES BY GRADE
Click to Complete If You Haven't Already Done So
CLUBS AT TRADEWINDS: OUR CLUBS ARE GROWING WE ARE SO EXCITED!
CHECK OUT OUR AFTERSCHOOL CLUBS, MEETING TIMES, DESCRIPTION ETC: CLICK ON ATTACHMENT BELOW
- Awesome Buddies
- Cheer/Dance
- Debate
- Enrichment Masters
- Environmental
- K.I.N.D.
- Robotics
- Safety Patrols
- SECME
- Student Council
STUDENTS ALWAYS FIRST-BCPS Strategic Plan
Please read our Parent/Student Handbook 2024-2025
JANUARY SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING (SAC) AGENDA
SAVE THE DATE: January 9, 2024
PTA CORNER
On Behalf Of PTA
TWE PTA wants to thank all the volunteers who helped out with our December holiday shop! You made all the difference in making our holiday shop a success. We are also so grateful to everyone who supported our Giving Tree this year. We couldn't do it without you!
Save the date for our upcoming events:
- Spirit Night at Mod Pizza in Parkland on Wednesday, February 19th. Mod is giving 25% percent of sales back to the PTA, so help us raise some dough!
- We’re excited to host our Spring into Health Fair on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Tradewinds Elementary. We're still looking for vendors to join us in making this event a success! If you or someone you know has a business or organization related to health, wellness, or community services, we’d love to hear from you. Please email Lisbeth Linert at VP3@tradewindspta.com for more information. Thank you for helping us support our school community!
- Yearbooks are on sale! Purchase yours now to guarantee your student a yearbook at the end of May. Flyers will be coming home in January to purchase ads in the back of the yearbook to commemorate your student's fantastic year at TWE https://tradewindspta.givebacks.com/store/items/1050679
Next PTA General Meeting on Monday, February 3rd 6:00PM in the Media Center
PTA President Message
Tradewinds PTA is getting ready for the holidays! Our holiday shop flyers will be coming home soon and we are looking for volunteers to assist at holiday shop to help make it a great experience for the students!
Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4EACA72CAAFA7-53138827-holiday#/
Our annual Tradewinds GIving Tree is up and running! Sign up below by choosing a child to shop for and help spread some holiday joy for our Tradewinds students.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4EACA72CAAFA7-52756389-twegiving#/
The PTA is also looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our Events Committee! Sign up here for more information
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFaocVgjQSf-gdTgpZjdyKqeGPYfwMOFZZevckMssLTL40AQ/viewform
We are sad to lose our 2nd Vice President Lauren Dunaj but we are thrilled to announce that Steffany Goldfarb is our new 2nd Vice President and Lisbeth Linert is our 3rd Vice President. New to the board is Kerene Robinson who is now our Correspondence Secretary.
We are currently accepting donations of gently worn uniform items for our Second Threads Donation Closet. We are in particular need of girls and boys clothes, sizes 8-12.
Meet the PTA Board
PTA President: Tiffani Wenig
Vice President: Nancy Fry, Lauren Dunaj, & Steffany Goldfarb
Treasurer: Marcy Houser
Recording Secretary: Stephanie Hicks
Corresponding Secretary: Lisbeth Linert
Historian: Sasha Williams
Giving Tree Chair: Lauren Milewicz
PTA Contact Info: tradewindspta@gmail.com
Click on the link below to view PTA's website
Check out PTA's Newsletter
You can follow Tradewinds PTA Facebook
Find Your Zen with PTA: Join, Support, Win!
Members can win a Yoga Cure gift certificate by purchasing a membership or sponsor a teacher or friend to win. Our classroom membership competition ends this week, the teacher with the most memberships wins a $25 Amazon gift card and the class receives a pizza party!
Join here:
Become a PTA Sponsor
TRADEWINDS GALLERY 📷🤳🎥📹
WANT TO KEEP UP WITH ALL THINGS WE ARE DOING AS A SCHOOL VISIT OUR INSTAGRAM
@TRADEWINDSBCPS FOR OUR TRADEWINDS GALLERY
School Supply List for 24-25
CLASS PLACEMENTS FOR 2024-2025 🏫🍎🚸
At Tradewinds Elementary, we are fortunate to have a team of wonderful teachers dedicated to your child’s success. Please note that there is no need to submit specific teacher requests, as we cannot guarantee placement with a particular teacher.
As it relates to addressing teacher concerns, If you have any concerns, you’re welcome to reach out to the administration, and we’re happy to assist. However, we will always ask: Have you communicated with the teacher? Is the teacher aware of your concerns? Have you scheduled a parent-teacher conference? Our staff is committed to addressing any issues that are brought to their attention, so please make every effort to speak with the teacher first.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We’re all in this together, and I sincerely appreciate your partnership in supporting our students.
Parents Register For FOCUS: You Will have access to schedules, grades, & more
FOCUS PARENT PORTAL
Parents this is for YOU! The District will implement a new Student Information System (SIS), Focus School Software, beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. Student's schedules will be available for parents to view on FOCUS beginning August 7th.
Focus will replace Pinnacle, Virtual Counselor, PCG (EdPlan), BASIS, and TERMS. It centralizes all applications used by parents into one districtwide system, incorporating attendance, grade book, scheduling, report cards, transportation, and communication.
To sufficiently inform parents and guardians, the Parent and Community Involvement Task Force and District staff hosted Parent University: Get Focus(ed)! on April 8, 2024, to provide an introduction and overview of the system. The recorded webinar may be found at https://www.browardschools.com/parentuniversity.
For detailed information, Focus Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and translated directions for parents and guardians to register for the Focus Parent Portal, visit https://www.browardschools.com/focus.
For Focus SIS project information, please check the Focus Resource Hub.
Should you have any questions, please reach out to Focus Communications at focuscommunications@browardschools.com.
TWE School Dress Code
Unified Dress Code
Tradewinds is a unified dress school and students are expected to follow the color patterns of hunter green, gold, khaki and white. As these colors may be a bit challenging to find during certain seasons, students are permitted to wear variations of greens and yellows.
REVISED UNIFIED DRESS CODE POLICY as of 7/31/2024
2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR NO CROCS ALLOWED
THIS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED
SHOES SHOULD BE COMPLETELY CLOSED TOED AND HEEL COMPLETELY COVERED
HAPPY TO BRING TO YOU A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH ENRICHMENT MASTERS & TRADEWINDS
BRINGING OUR STUDENTS A VARIETY OF AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS DON'T DELAY REGISTER TODAY
NEW K-5TH GRADE ENRICHMENT CLUBS FOR 24/25:
We are pleased to announce that there will be 2 NEW On-Campus Enrichment Clubs (i.e. the STEAM Club and the Strive Sports Club) at TWE for the 2024/2025 school year. The STEAM Club participants explore 8 Different Programs (e.g. Robotics, Painting), while Strive Sports Club participants learn and practice 4 Different Sports (e.g. Basketball, Flag Football).
Clubs will be conducted at the school and held once a week from 2:00pm to 3:30pm. Few spots remain for K-1st graders as well as 2nd-5th graders for Monday club classes. Once filled, the provider might offer a Wednesday class for TWE, which will have 20 SPOTS for K-1st graders and 20 SPOTS for 2nd-5th graders. To register or for more information, click the links below or see the attached flyer. See essential links by clicking button below.
CLICK Essential Links Button Below
ASP AFTERSCHOOL AT TRADEWINDS
CLICK ON THE ATTACHEMENT FOR ASP 24-25 NEW PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Meet Our Directors Mr. Rob & Ms. Tina
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Kindly keep birthday treats at home
Tradewinds Elementary DOES NOT, allow birthday celebrations or allow bringing in birthday celebration items such as cupcakes, treat bags, drinks, pizza, etc. There will be two classroom celebrations occurring during the school year (Winter break and End of Year celebrations). Your child’s teacher will advise you of the exact date of these celebrations.
A monthly “Birthday Table” sponsored by the PTA will celebrate the students’ birthdays in lieu of individual classroom activities. This also takes the place of sending balloons, cupcakes, flowers, surprise gift or “goody bags,” etc. to your child during the day. We are unable to accept these items. If they are sent to school, they will not be accepted and will have to go home with the parent. No exceptions.
RETURNED CALLS 24-48 HOURS
Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
TARDY POLICY
STUDENT & STAFF IDs
Visitors: Any visitors on campus, if they need to gain access onto the campus, must be issued an ID badge from the front office and processed through the Raptor System with a valid ID. Also note that parents or guardians picking up students early must have a valid ID in order to do so. Not having an ID will prevent your child to not be released until proper identification is presented to the front office staff.
SAFETY FIRST
- All visitors must report to the front office.
- All visitors must go through our Raptor Visitor System.
- All visitors must have an I.D. in order to gain access to the school.
- All parents must have a Dismissal car tag to pick-up their child. A picture of the sign on your mobile device is acceptable as well.
- Students will wear their I.D.s while on campus
- Parents must update their contact information with the front office.
- All students should be in uniforms. Our uniform policy is listed in this newsletter and our website.
- Consistency with dismissal is critical. Please alert the teacher and office ASAP of any changes.
- Early student sign-outs will cease at 1:30 p.m.
Emergency Management / Emergency Response Protocols
Follow Tradewinds Elementary on Instagram @tradewindsbcps
Follow Tradewinds Elementary on Twitter @tradewindses
SEE SOMETHING! SAY SOMETHING!
School Climate & Discipline / Code of Conduct (browardschools.com)
The Code Book For Student Conduct (browardschools.com) (K-2)
The Code Book For Student Conduct (browardschools.com) (3-5)
The Code Book For Student Conduct (browardschools.com) (ENGLISH)
Libro del Código de Conducta del Estudiante (browardschools.com) (SPANISH)
Cêdigo de Conduta do Estudante (browardschools.com) (PORTUGUESE)
Final Code SY 2021-2022 11_4_21v4b_ht.pdf (browardschools.com) (HAITIAN CREOLE)
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!!! YOU MUST OPT IN FOR HEALTH SERVICES IN SCHOOL! FILL OUT FORM TODAY!
PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT FOR SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES
RATIONALE: Under new Fla. Stat. § 1014.06, licensed health care providers and practitioners as defined in Fla. Stat. § 456.001 may not provide, solicit, or arrange to provide health care services to children without first receiving written parental consent. Schools should note that § 1014.06 provides that violators will be subject to disciplinary action under licensing statutes, administrative fines, and potential criminal action.
The Parents’ Bill of Rights allows parents to do the following:
• Access and review all medical records (unless the parent is the subject of a criminal investigation for harm to a child).
• Opt out of HIV/Aids education for their child.
• Opt out of any portion of the school district’s comprehensive health and sex education.
• Reject medical treatment for a child unless the state can prove the child’s own welfare would be best served by such treatment.
• Exempt a student from required immunizations.
• Create a list of people, by priority, who may consent to the medical care or treatment of a minor when a parent or legal guardian can’t be reached.
PLEASE DOWNLOAD AND COMPLETE HEALTH CONSENT FORM & RETURN TO THE SCHOOL. THANK YOU
PARENTS RESOURCES TO TEACH & ENHANCE STUDENTS TYPING SKILLS
Free Educational Websites
Scholastics First (K-2)
- Log into https://sso.browardschools.com
- Click Log in with Active Directory
- Log in username and password
- Click on Scholastics F.I.R.S.T
NewsELA:
- Log into https://sso.browardschools.com
- Click Log in with Active Directory
- Log in username and password
- Click on NewsELA
- Log into https://sso.browardschools.com
- Click Log In with Active Directory
- Log in username and password
- Click on BrainPop or BrainPop Jr.
Khan Academy
Readworks:
- Log into https://www.readworks.org/
- Log into https://www.spellingcity.com/
STEMScopes:
- Log into https://sso.browardschools.com
- Click Log in with Active Directory
- Log in username and password
- Click on STEMscopes
- Reading Sites
- i-READY www.i-ready.com
Weekly Reader -The same great magazine used in classrooms around the country has a great website devoted to extending reading activities at home.
http://www.weeklyreader.com
Scholastic's Book Central - https://kids.scholastic.com/kids/home/
Scholastic Activities for families to participate together.
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/kids-activities-and-printables.htm - Kids-Reads A great resource to find out about books, authors, and illustrators.
http://kidsreads.com
Star Fall - http://www.starfall.com
Time For Kids - http://timeforkids.com/tfk/
"Ultimate Guide to Reading Comprehension"
http://www.supersummary.com/reading-comprehension-guide/
REVISED SCHOOL BOARD CALENDAR
District’s Nondiscrimination Policy Statement 4001.1
The School Board of Broward County, Florida, prohibits any policy or procedure which results in discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation. The School Board also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Individuals who wish to file a discrimination and/or harassment complaint may call the Director, Equal Educational Opportunities/ADA Compliance Department & District’s Equity Coordinator/Title IX Coordinator at 754-321- 2150 or Teletype Machine (TTY) 754-321-2158.
Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, (ADAAA) may call Equal Educational Opportunities/ADA Compliance Department at 754-321-2150 or Teletype Machine (TTY) 754-321-2158.
About Tradewinds Elementary
Email: priscille.elie@browardschools.com
Website: https://www.browardschools.com/tradewinds
BCPS Website: http://www.browardschools.com
Location: 5400 Johnson Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073
Phone: 754-322-8700
Instagram: @tradewindsBCPS
Twitter: @tradewindsES