Pirate Press

Pirate Families,

Your children have earned over 36,000 PBIS points over the past three weeks of school, and that number is over 10% of the total points given away at EVERY school across the district (approximately 100 schools)! Our students are showing their Pirate PRIDE in so many ways, and it should be a point of pride for our community to know that Pasco Middle is focused on recognizing the great things kiddos are doing every day!

Next week we will kick off the first round of FAST assessments for ELA and Math, and it is important that your child is rested and on time for school so that they can do their best work and show us what they know. The schedule for this round of assessments is in the Pirate Press.

Thank you for your support as we work together to ensure that our children have every opportunity to become college, career, and life ready!

Sincerely,

Ms. Gilbert

Our next Field Day event is scheduled for Thursday, September 19th! For this event, students need to qualify by attaining the following criteria:

1. No referrals from 8/30-9/18

2. No F's in any classes on their Progress Report

3. 75 PBIS points

4. Fewer than 5 tardies from 8/30-9/18

Kendall is one of our 6th grade Pirates who knows what it means to have Pirate P.R.I.D.E.!

Congratulations, Kendall!

Mrs. Sjolander - 7th grade math students shared that Mrs. Sjolander is giving them opportunities to learn by helping them with notes and providing 3 attempts on questions to get it right. Juan said, "I like that if I miss the question, I have another chance to prove I get it with a different but similar problem."

Frida O - Frida comes to school ready to learn! She participates in class and engages with whatever task is in front of her. She's using her planner and keeping her materials organized!

Emanuel V - Emanuel is growing in confidence, especially in contributing to class discussions. He often raises his hand to offer his opinion and always speaks like a scholar by giving justification.

Aliyah H - Aliyah has been seen displaying SLANT in class to show her teachers that she is engaged in learning. She is making a good impression and proving that she is at school to learn!

My name is Bree Ellis and I currently serve as an Instructional Learning Assistant, working with 8th graders at Pasco Middle School. I am passionate about my position and my goal is to leave a lasting, positive impact on those I interact with. I have lived in this area since I was a child, walking through the same halls of this very school. I currently attend Grand Canyon University, where I am pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Education, with an emphasis on Special Education. I have spent the last 12 or so years in various positions, dedicating my time to the youth of Dade City, and that is my motivation. In my personal time, I love to spend time with my family, go to the beach, cook, and bake.

Fun fact about me: Taking nature walks fasincate me and my favorite thing to bake is homemade cheesecakes, with the best one being a Butterfinger candy flavor.

Hi everyone. My name is Magda Mackenzie-Parrales. I am a returning Pasco Middle Pirate as I worked at PMS between 2012-2015 as a 6th grade ELA and World History teacher. I then became an ESOL Instructional Coach for PMS and PES between 2015-2020. Most recently I served as an ESOL Curriculum Specialist at District Office between 2020-2024, and now I am happily back in the classroom teaching AVID Excel and English Language Development. I am passionate about the instruction of all students, but Multilingual Learners hold a special place in my heart because I was an ML student when I arrived at the age of 12 from my native Nicaragua. I graduated from Mt. Diablo High School in Concord, California and attended the University of California at Berkeley, and National Louis University. I wholeheartedly believe that multilingualism is a superpower that we should nurture for all our students, as I am a living testament of its value.

I am the proud mother of a Pasco Pirate, as my son attended Cox Elementary, Pasco Middle and Pasco High School. I have been married to my husband for 10 years and we enjoy anything that involves creativity, most recently learning dot-painting and piñata making. My classroom in in Building 9, so when you have a few minutes, stop by and say hi or hola!

Congratulations to Lisa Herndon, Lorie Larkin, Alice Novak and Teena Watson!

Students will be selected at random using the spinning wheel. This selection will take place on a weekly basis. Spinning wheel prizes include: Pirate gear, snack coupons, PBIS points (25/50/75/100), Innovation Lab with 2 friends, Pirate Treasure Box, Kona Ice or Jackpot. We had several winners this summer and are excited to continue rewarding students for positive actions!

Parents, if you would like to get a detailed report of your child's FAST tests, please contact Mrs. Kassabaum at kkassaba@pasco.k12.fl.us to request an Access Code.

Visit this site https://fl-familyportal.cambiumast.com/#/ and enter the required information for the detailed Math & Reading report.

Students may only carry and self-administer medications with required documented authorization (medical provider & parent). The medication must be brought to school with the documentation by the parent. The child will be given a copy of the authorization to carry with the medication. The prescription labeled box or note from the medical provider is also required. Students may not carry medication that is not authorized or labeled.

Medication may also be accessible for your student in the school clinic, if needed. Parent should bring the medication, prescription label or note from the medical provider and then sign the parent medication authorization form. The student would then access the clinic for the medication.

Monday, September 2nd :

"P" rotation day - 1,2,3,4,5,6 (lunch is based on the 4th- period teacher)

No School

Tuesday, September 3rd:

"A" rotation day - 2, 3, 5, 4, 6, 1 (lunch is based on the 4th- period teacher)

1:30pm-4:00pm- Football Practice

1:30pm-3:45pm- Volleyball Practice

1:30pm-4:00pm- Cheer Practice

Wednesday, September 4th:

"S" rotation day- 3, 5, 6, 4, 1, 2 (lunch is based on the 4th- period teacher)

7:30am- Fire Drill #2 Video Only

1:30pm-3:45pm- Volleyball Practice

1:30pm-4:00pm- Cheer Practice

1:30pm-2:30pm- 6th Grade Cambridge Club
6:30pm- Football Game vs. John Long Middle School at PHS

Thursday, September 5th:

"C" rotation day - 5, 6, 1, 4, 2, 3 (lunch is based on the 4th- period teacher)

6th Grade ELA FAST Testing

1:30pm-4:00pm- Football Practice

1:30pm-3:45pm- Volleyball Practice

1:30pm-4:00pm- Cheer Practice

Friday, September 6th:

"O" rotation day - 6, 1, 2, 4, 3, 5 (lunch is based on the 4th- period teacher)

6th Grade Math FAST Testing

1:30pm-4:00pm- Football Practice

1:30pm-3:30pm- Volleyball Practice

*quantities and sizes are limited and are only while supplies last*

You can now report an absence online. The link is below and is also on our school website.

Report an absence

Fortify FL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials.

CLICK HERE to submit a tip.

Students can also report a tip in their mypascoconnect dashboard using the Fortify FL icon.

Central State Glass stopped by to deliver some wonderful giveaway items for our staff! Thank you for your generosity and partnership! 👏