Our students are back into our school routines and busy learning grade level procedures and content! They are building wonderful classroom communities and building the foundations for a successful year. We were so happy to see so many parents attend our Curriculum Night on Tuesday! I hope this time with your child's teacher provided insight to you on classroom expectations and how you can communicate with the teacher and support your child. We are looking forward to an exciting September. Our Quarter 1 Morning Clubs will begin on Tuesday, after Labor Day. Thank you to all students who signed up! Make sure to mark your calendars for your grade level specific Progress Monitoring assessment 1 dates for ELA and Math (found below). It is important our students take their time and do their very best!

Growing successful students, one by one,

Ms. Kirby

On the following dates students will be taking Progress Monitoring 1, and the campus will be closed for lunch and parent volunteers.

PM1 Math: Grades K,1,3: Tuesday, September 10

PM1 Math: Grades 2,4,5: Wednesday, September 11

PM1 ELA: Grades K,1,3: Tuesday, September 24

PM1 ELA: Grade 2,4,5: Wednesday, September 25

FAST Progress Monitoring 1 (PM1) Results

PM1 results will be available electronically on the FOCUS Parent Portal. A parent email will go out from CCPS once the scores are loaded.

To access FAST PM1 results:

• Access the CCPS Portal at portal.collierschools.com (we recommend using Google Chrome)
• Enter your login credentials. For assistance accessing the CCPS Portal, email helpdesk@collierschools.com or call 239-377-0045
• Click on the FOCUS icon in the Parent/Guardian section
• Once in FOCUS, click on the REPORTS tab
• Available FAST reports will be listed – click on the green download icon to open the report

It is important to note that the new state mandated FAST PM1 included grade-level content for the entire year, much of which has not been taught yet. The purpose of the PM1 is to provide a baseline score at the beginning of the year to track student progress in learning the B.E.S.T. Standards. Therefore, your child’s PM1 achievement level should not be interpreted as a prediction of how he/she will perform on the end of year assessment.

Grades 3–5 FAST Overview

• Grades 3–5 FAST ELA Reading and grades 3–5 FAST Mathematics assessments are aligned to the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards.

• FAST assessments are computer adaptive. Each item a student receives will be selected to meet blueprint requirements and will adjust item difficulty levels based on how the student responds.

• FAST assessments are administered three times during each school year: once at the beginning of the year (PM1), once in the middle of the year (PM2), and once at the end of the year (PM3).

PM1 – because this administration occurs at the very beginning of the school year, it is designed to provide a baseline score so teachers can track student progress in learning the B.E.S.T. Standards from PM1 to PM2.

Sample Test Materials Sample test materials (STMs) contain sample items aligned to the B.E.S.T. Standards and allow teachers, parents/guardians, and students to become familiar with the various item types that will be encountered on the assessments, as well as the system, functionality, and tools on computer-based tests. STMs may be accessed through the Sample Items site on the Florida Statewide Assessments Portal: https://login4.cambiumtds.com/student_core/V109/Pages/LoginShell.aspx?c=Florida_PT&a=Student

Happy New School Year from the Media Center! Boy, has it been an eventful few weeks. Thanks to my amazing assistant Mrs. MacClugage, we have already started seeing students in the Media Center! Students in grades 1-5 have already come in for orientation, with kindergarten starting in just a few weeks.

Just as a reminder:

· Students in grades 2-5 are allowed to check out 3 library books

· First grade students are allowed 2 library books

· Kinder students will be allowed to check out one book for now, and will be allowed to take their book home

Students are allowed to keep their books for one week but can renew their books if they haven’t finished reading them. All students received (or will receive when they come in for orientation) one large, reinforced mesh zipper bag to keep in their backpack. This bag is for storing library books, as it is an additional way to keep library books safe. Please make sure students always have this bag in their backpack.

Laptops

My first task of this year was ensuring every student at school was issued a laptop, and thanks to the incredible efforts by Mrs. MacClugage, every student’s laptop was in their classroom on the first day of school! Here are some reminders about laptop use and care:

· Students should always transport the laptop IN THE CASE – between classes, to Technology class, everywhere they go

· Students should not put their laptop in their backpack

· Students should not put their laptop on the floor

· Just like with library books, students should keep foods and liquids AWAY from their laptop

· Students should make sure their laptop is fully on their table/desk – do not let it hang off the edge

· Students should keep their charging cords close – cords are a tripping hazard

· Students should be shutting their laptop down at the end of the day, and not just closing the screen (Windows, Power, Shut Down)

Students are responsible for maintaining their devices, so if the laptop needs to be repaired, a fine will incur. Here are the costs of replacing damaged items:

Part Price

Power adapter

$ 48.00

Keyboard

$ 95.00

Screen Touch/Non-Touch

$ 231.00 / $ 117.00

Laptop Replacement

$ 586.00

Students participating in Quarter 1 Clubs received their lanyard pass this week. Students in Grades 1 - 5 may go to the Media Center for Maker's Space on their assigned day of the week!

PBIS Spotlight

We are getting into the swing of things: learning school and classroom routines, expectations, and processes. This month’s Counselor Corner is all about PBIS (positive behavior interventions and support). PBIS is a school-wide, evidenced based framework used to address student behavior. It is a proactive approach that follows a multi-tiered system of support and helps to create a positive school climate. We teach our school-wide expectations where we model and practice what expected behaviors look like, sound like, and feel like at Sea Gate. Our school-wide expectations are the 3 B’s: Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible. Through our PBIS initiatives, our students and classes are rewarded for following our expectations. Every month we focus on a school-wide theme. We talk about the theme on the school news as well as in Classroom Guidance Lessons with me. This month we focused on responsibility. We had our first Seahorse of the Month Ceremony for Responsibility on Friday, August 30th. September's character trait is Good Citizenship. We will learn about ways we can be good citizens at school, home, and in our Naples community. I teach monthly classroom lessons on character education, coping strategies, and problem solving. I work with students in groups and one-on-one to help them reach their fullest potential when faced with issues that may interfere with their academic success. Parents need to check the “yes” for Consent for Counseling Services in Focus if you would like me to speak with your student.

Here are some of our SGE PBIS terms for parents/guardians to be “in the know” 😊:

SGE PBIS Expectations: Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible

Individual Incentives:

-Super Seahorse Cards: blue cards given to students as a form of praise/ “caught following our expectations”) Students put their name & teacher on the back and are entered in grade level bins for a drawing on “Super Seahorse Fridays” on the school news for a chance to win a Spirit Stick on Friday’s or a token to the book machine on WooHoo Wednesday’s! Spirit sticks are a fun incentive that students can collect throughout the year! (see picture)

-Student of the Month: 1 student per class is recognized who exemplifies the monthly character trait. They receive a special Spirit Stick, medal, and Culver’s coupon!

-Positive Referrals: Students who go above and beyond expectations can be rewarded with a positive referral. Teachers submit these and students receive “Counselor Mail.”

Class Incentives:

-Compliment Chart: a chart the class fills up with each compliment received and class chooses reward

School Wide Incentive:

-PBIS Day: A school-wide celebration of positive behavior during related arts time. Students who are in good behavior standing are invited to attend.

Thanks for reading!

Miss Carney

carnek@collierschools.com

Welcome or Welcome Back, Seahorses!

New in ELA this year is our K-5 writing program, Top Score. Top Score teaches students how to write expository, argumentative, and narrative writings. The fun, engaging, and interactive lesson are designed to teach students the essential components of writing that are needed to obtain a “top score.”

Another addition this year comes to third grade. While Kindergarten through second grade is continuing in their second year of our newly adopted phonics program, Fundations, third grade will be beginning their first year of the program. Bringing the research-based program into third grade will allow for a smooth transition for second graders moving into their final year of phonics. We are so excited about this addition.

We are just finishing our second week of school, and your child has already taken their first i-Ready diagnostic. The program uses the results of your child’s diagnostic to place them on an independent learning path specifically designed to meet their learning needs. Research has shown that 45 minutes a week is the optimum amount of time for children to be on the program. Once your child has reached their weekly goal of 45 minutes, they should choose a different activity to practice their reading skills; like reading a book, magazine, or writing in a journal.

I look forward to working with you this year. If you should ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out. pellek@collierschools.com.

Important lunch information:

Please note SGE will return to a PAID LUNCH system for the 2024-2025 school year. Breakfast will continue to be offered at no cost. The price for school lunch meals will be as follows:

• $2.50 - elementary school student lunch

You may still qualify for free/reduced lunch by completing a meal application at www.collierschools.com/nutrition.

We have several students with unpaid balances. Parents, please remind your child that lunch is no longer no cost this year. Have the conversation with your child whether or not they should be going through the lunch line or if you packed them a lunch. If you receive a call or email regarding a balance, please send money in the following day to repay your account. Thank you so much and please let us know if you have any questions.

Welcome Back SGE Families!

We are excited for an amazing 24-25 school year filled with growth, and new memories! At the beginning of the school year each case manager reaches out to parents with a welcome letter which includes their contact information. Below is a list of our ESE team here at SGE as well as their role in supporting our students. As we navigate the school year if any questions arise relating to student service needs, current services, or future staffing of services please don’t hesitate to reach out to me, Ashley Ellis-ESE Specialist at (239)377-8311 or by email at ellisa2@collierschools.com.

ESE Team at SGE:

· Ashley Ellis-ESE Specialist-ESE Point of contact for IEP, EP (Gifted), and 504 processes and compliance

· Damien Shadrick-ESE Inclusion Teacher

· Lauren York-ESE Inclusion Teacher

· Christine Ecret-ESE Inclusion Teacher

· Julia Ciula-Guest teacher for Mrs. Ecret

· Katie Nugent-Occupational Therapist assigned to SGE

· Rose Farnsworth-Physical Therapist assigned to SGE

· Kathryn Hughes-Behavioral Analyst assigned to SGE

· Margaret Froitzheim-Speech Language Pathologist

· Allie Richard-Speech Language Pathologist

· Claudia Perozzi-Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

· Jason Shaffer-Teacher of the Visually Impaired

· Kristyn Stetson-Grade K-2 Modified Curriculum Teacher

· Kylen Carmody-Grade 3-5 Modified Curriculum Teacher

· Elizabeth Essler-Grade 3-5 Resource Teacher

The School District of Collier County has an Advisory Committee for Exceptional Student Education (special education). It is comprised of a cross representation of parents, teachers, administrators, and community stakeholders. Meetings address district and state issues. The Advisory Committee for ESE operates collaboratively in order to gain and share information from its Board members and guests. Spanish and Creole translation available.

Advisory Meeting Dates for 2024-2025

September 5, 2024 5:00-6:30PM

MLK Ad Center - 1-103

October 15, 2024 6:00-7:30PM

Immokalee - TBD

December 5, 2024 5:00-6:30PM

MLK Ad Center - 1-103

January 28, 2025 5:00-6:30PM

Tommie Barfield Elem.

February 27, 2025 5:00-6:30PM

MLK Ad Center - 1-103

April 1, 2025 5:00-6:30PM

Everglades City

May 8, 2025 5:00-6:30PM

MLK Ad Center - 1-103

These meetings will be held in person or virtually. An agenda will be added to the website 3 days prior to each meeting. (Click on the date to access the meeting agenda, posted 3 days prior. Within 10 calendar days following the meeting, click on the date to access the meeting minutes)

As the new school year begins this is a great time to establish new routines at home. Having a routine outside of school helps families simplify their morning, make time to connect after being apart, keeps the home organized and relaxed, and most importantly sets students up for success. I have included a few examples of visuals for the home below

Examples:

• Crocs are not appropriate footwear and are not part of our dress code, please wear closed-toe shoes which secure your entire foot
• Students lanyards and ID badges must be worn at all times, if your child has lost theirs, they may purchase a new one on Tuesdays and Thursday in the front office for $3.00 cash
• Spaghetti straps on shirts or dresses are not permitted, per the CCPS Dress Code

As the rainy season is upon us, we want to review with you the safety procedures for dismissal. Rainy day is called when we are under Red Alert, using the CCPS THOR guard Application. This is a lightening prediction system. When this occurs, students are unable to be dismissed in the typical fashion. Below are the changes you can anticipate when we go to Rainy Day Dismissal.

You will be alerted through the following methods: text, email, Facebook and Twitter (please ensure your Parent Portal is updated to receive communication from our school)

Walkers will be held indoors and not released until we are given the "all clear" from THOR guard. You may enter the car rider line in your vehicle, using your yellow walker sign. For those families which live within a 2 mile radius of school, and need to walk, you may wait under the covered walker area until the all clear, and then someone will bring your child to you. Please do not come to the front door of the school to retrieve your child, as staff are working diligently to safely place students in vehicles.

We understand the lengthy process in altering our dismissal procedures and appreciate your patience and understanding, as safety of our students is number one.

9/2: Labor Day - NO SCHOOL

9/3: Morning Clubs start this week!

9/4: PDQ Family Night

9/11: 9/11 Heroes' Day: Wear Red, White and Blue

9/12: Volunteer Orientation From 8:30 - 9:00am in the Cafeteria

• PTO General Meeting @ 9:00am in the Cafeteria

9/17: SAC Meeting @ 5:00pm, Media Center

9/18: Early Release Day: 11:50am dismissal

9/20: PTO Chuck E Cheese Night 3:00 - 9:00pm

10/1: Fall School Picture Day

10/2: PDQ Family Night

10/3: NO SCHOOL STUDENTS

10/15: SAC Meeting @ 5:00pm, Media Center

10/17: End of Quarter 1

10/18: NO SCHOOL STUDENTS

School Board Policies 2266, 3362, and 5517 – Prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and/or gender identity), disability, or age in the provision of educational opportunities or employment opportunities and benefits. The District School Board does not discriminate on the basis of sex or disability in the education programs and activities that it operates, pursuant to the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

For additional information or to report Title IX or any other discrimination/harassment concerns, contact Ms. Valerie Wenrich, Chief Human Resources Officer/ Title IX Coordinator, at (239) 377-0351, wenriv@collierschools.com or at 5775 Osceola Trail, Naples, Florida 34109.

A year of fun awaits! Be a Girl Scout. Get ready for fun, friendship, and amazing adventures. From kindergarteners learning to tie their shoes to high school seniors exploring colleges and careers, Girl Scouts of all ages try fun new things, discover hidden talents, gain amazing life skills, and—most importantly—find a supportive group of friends. If you’re ready to make awesome memories with forever friends, become a Girl Scout at gsgcf.org or customercare@gsgcf.org.

This free mentoring program will give your child the tools to achieve higher aspirations, greater confidence, educational success and encourage positive choices. All youth in the program gain access to fun, free activities, financial resources and scholarship opportunities.

Each pairing is monitored by certified and trained case managers, and all Mentors are background checked and vetted according to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America National Standards.

Call 855-501-2447, or visit www.bbbssun.org for more information.

The Boys & Girls Club of Collier County offers after-school programs and full-day camps for school-aged children in grades K-12. Our programs provide a safe and engaging environment where your child can participate in academic support, sports, arts, and leadership activities. Teen programs, such as College & Career Readiness and Work-Based Learning, are tailored to help middle and high schoolers prepare for future success. Sign up today at www.BGCCC.com to ensure your child enjoys enriching experiences both after school and during school breaks!

Join Cub Scouts night is coming up! It’s all about Fishing, Camping, Smores and Much More!!! For girls and boys in grades K-5.

Come join the adventure, Cub Scouts where FUN and learning connect. Learn new skills and earn awesome patches, build projects and make new friends! Learn to tie knots, set up a tent, bows and arrows!!! Smores and a campfire, explore nature, and more! Ask questions at (239) 936-8072.

Website: www.beascout.org

There will be a Cub Scout information night in the cafeteria on 9/17/2024 @ 6:30pm.