Gator Bytes
Staff News -March 11th
Mandatory IT Security Awareness Training
Mandatory IT Security Awareness Training - 86% Complete District-wide
As outlined in the District bulletin, DE 24-070 CFO FY24 Annual Mandatory IT Security Awareness Training, all District employees must complete the mandatory IT Security Awareness Training online by Friday, March 29.
Information About Posting Grades
In preparation for the end of the quarter, please update your gradebook to ensure students are aware of their standing in your class. Below are the rules outlined in The District's Student Progression Plan:
GENERAL GRADING RULES FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Grades will be determined by multiple measures including, but not limited to, the
following:
• classroom assignments: work completed during the scheduled class;
• homework: requires time and effort outside of the scheduled class time [School Board
Policy 8.16];
• examinations, tests, and/or quizzes; and/or
• alternative methods (based on a predetermined set of criteria). [Florida Statute §
1003.33(1)(a)]
A minimum of two grades per week will be recorded to justify the marking-period grade. A
marking-period grade is not based solely on a single project.
Academic performance and behavior must be evaluated independently (see Reporting
Student Conduct). [School Board Policy 8.16]
Students may not be exempt from academic performance requirements based on practices
or policies designed to encourage student attendance. A student’s attendance record may
not be used in whole or in part to provide an exemption from any academic performance
requirements. [Florida Statute § 1003.33(2)]
Please be aware that updating grades in the google classroom and not the SIS deprives parents of their ability to monitor their child's performance. Additionally, parents must be informed if a student is at-risk of failing well before the failing grade is entered in the SIS. Your administrator is closely monitoring the gradebook; therefore, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
☀️Secret Sunshine Week Starts NOW ☀️
Monday, 3/11 - Day 1: Favorite non-sweet snack
Tuesday, 3/12 - Day 2: Favorite sweet treat/candy
Wednesday, 3/13 - Day 3: Favorite drink (non-alcoholic, since we are delivering gifts on campus....)
Thursday, 3/14 - Day 4: Silly/funny/thoughtful/unexpected gift!
Friday, 3/15 - Day 5: Super Sunshine Surprise!
Teaching & Learning
Arts in Education Month
FLDOE Arts Education Month 2024
March is Arts in Education Month, a time to celebrate and emphasize the crucial role of arts education in our schools. The impact of arts education extends far beyond the classroom, shaping students' creativity, critical thinking skills, and overall well-being. The visual arts, theater, dance, and music have a lasting positive impact on our lives!
Throughout this month, we encourage you to highlight the profound impact of arts education in nurturing creativity, fostering self-expression, and cultivating cultural appreciation. The arts serve as a cornerstone in the holistic development of our students, providing them with a platform to explore their passions, hone critical thinking skills, and build confidence.
Arts in Education Month aims to raise awareness of the importance of arts education for all children and emphasize that schools should be where every child has access to a rich and diverse arts curriculum. It's an opportunity for arts educators to showcase the value of arts programs and their profound effects on students of all ages.
The commitment of the School District of Palm Beach County to supporting arts education is evident through our continued dedication to providing robust arts programs in our schools. During Arts in Education Month, our district fully celebrates the arts. Our dedicated arts educators work tirelessly to provide enriching and transformative artistic experiences for all students, whether in the classroom or on the stage. While the community may often only see the final performances and exhibitions, it's essential to recognize the months of hard work, practice, and learning that go into creating those memorable moments.
Together, let's continue to champion arts education and ensure that every student has the opportunity to explore their creativity and express themselves through the arts. By investing in arts education, we are investing in the future of our students and fostering a more vibrant and culturally enriched society for generations to come.
Women's History Month
March is Women's History Month. This annual commemoration celebrates the crucial role that women have had in American history. In honor of this celebration, The Office of African, African American, Latino, and Gender Studies has designed lessons highlighting Black women's historical contributions to American and World history. These lessons are entitled, 10 Black Women Who Help Change America, and Reigning Royalty: Unveiling The Power & Legacy of African Queens. 10 Black Women Who Help Change America is designed for grades 6 -12. This lesson is accessible here. Reigning Royalty: Unveiling The Power & Legacy of African Queens is a lesson designed for students in grades K-5 highlighting queens in African history and is accessible here.
On Monday, March 25, from 1-3 pm, we will offer a virtual PD session. You must register for this course through eLearning using the keyword "African" and register for the course titled the African American Studies Spring Forum. There will be two separate sessions for elementary and secondary educators. We will be facilitating sessions on the following topics:
Grades 6-12
The Healer of the World, The Healer of Society: Centering Black Women in American History
This workshop will highlight the historical contributions of Black women to the United States. Often forgotten, Black women have played a pivotal role in shaping American society. They often spearheaded the fight for equality that would ultimately benefit all Americans. We will unpack several examples of how they intentionally and strategically dismantled injustice.
On the evening of Monday, March 25, we are inviting educators to join us at the Norton Museum of Art. We will be discussing the contributions of Black women to visual arts and featuring an exhibit of the works of Faith Ringgold.
Earth Month Planning Calendar
Instructional News
Gators All In (GAIN) initiative at Gardens
Professional Development Opportunities
Free STEM Professional Development (FAU)
The FAU Stiles-Nicholson STEM Teacher Academy (SNSTA) is offering COST-FREE professional learning opportunities for FY25 to fully engage educators in enhancing their content knowledge and cross-disciplinary skills. SNSTA can work with your teachers to provide your students with hands-on learning experiences and innovative lessons fully aligned with academic standards.
Please refer to this list of free STEM professional development opportunities.
💵Get Paid for YMHFA Training During Spring Break💵
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training courses will be offered during Spring Break. Employees who attend training during non-duty hours will be compensated. To register, sign in to My eLearning > Find Learning > search the keyword “Youth” in the search bar for a list of classes. For more information, please see the YMHFA flyer.
Health & Wellness
March SLL Newsletter
School Calendars