EAGLE RIDGE ELEMENTARY

As we enter the first progress monitoring sessions, I want to take a moment to address the importance of this time and how we can best support our students.

Testing, whether state assessments, classroom tests, or topic assessments, each assessment plays a significant role in our students' academic journey. These assessments provide valuable insights into your child’s progress, helping us tailor instruction to meet their needs and ensure they are on the right path to success.

Here are a few key points to keep in mind during this testing period:

1. Encouragement and Support: It's essential to remind our children that these tests are an opportunity to show what they know. The first Progress Monitoring (PM#1) FAST assessment is based on the current grade level content that they have not been taught yet! Encourage them to do their best, while also reassuring them that their worth is not defined by a single test. We do not expect the students to meet proficiency with the first PM assessments.

2. Healthy Habits: A good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast can significantly impact your child's performance. Please ensure they are well-rested and start the day with a nutritious meal.

3. Attendance and Punctuality: Being on time and present every day is crucial, especially during testing days. Please try to schedule any appointments outside of school hours to avoid any disruptions.

4. Stress Management: Testing can sometimes be stressful for students. Talk to your child about how they are feeling and encourage them to practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or taking short breaks when studying.

5. Preparation: Encourage regular study habits and review of materials in a way that feels natural and not overwhelming. This steady approach can build confidence and reduce anxiety.

6. Communication: If your child is feeling particularly anxious or stressed about testing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to their teacher or our school counselor. We are here to support them in any way we can.

As always, the well-being of our students is our top priority. We believe in their abilities and are committed to providing an environment where they can thrive. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Together, we can make this testing season a positive and successful experience for all our students.

Mrs. Sierra, Proud Principal

The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) is a progress monitoring system that is administered three times per year to track your student’s progress in learning the Benchmarks of Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards throughout this school year. Your student’s results from PM1 are for informational purposes only, and you will be provided with information about how to access the results after testing is completed. Please support your child by encouraging them to do their best, getting a good night's sleep, and having a healthy breakfast.

The testing dates are as follows and testing for grades 3-5 starts at the beginning of the day and can take up to the entire school day to complete:

Monday 9/9 - Star Reading K-2

Tuesday 9/10 - Star Math K-2

Monday 9/16 - FAST Reading Grade 3

Wednesday 9/18 - FAST Math Grade 3

Thursday 9/19 - FAST Reading Grade 4

Monday 9/23 - FAST Math Grade 4

Tuesday 9/24 - FAST Reading Grade 5

Wednesday 9/25 - FAST Math Grade 5

9/26 & 9/27 - Make-Ups

On August 21, 2024, Hits 97.3, The Rhythm of Miami, partnered with Blakeley Law to surprise one of our outstanding fourth-grade teachers. A student’s heartfelt nomination led to Mrs. Randi Feiler being honored as Teacher of the Month. She was presented with a plaque, a $100 gift card, and other special gifts. Congratulations, Mrs. Feiler!

Eagle Ridge Elementary is launching the "Eagle Shuffle" program to better address our students' needs. Students have been grouped according to their specific educational priorities to ensure they receive the appropriate support or challenges. Each morning from 8:10-8:40, all students will engage in targeted intervention or enrichment activities. We'll be using a variety of resources to enhance your child’s learning experience.

1. Missed Lessons = Falling Behind: Even one day can mean missing critical instructions and activities, making it harder for your child to catch up.

2. Impact on Future Success: Consistent attendance is a strong predictor of academic achievement and future opportunities.

3. Building Resilience: Regular attendance teaches your child the value of perseverance and responsibility—essential skills for success in life.

4. Stronger Friendships: Daily presence helps your child develop and sustain friendships, which are crucial for emotional and social development.

5. Healthy Routine: Attending school every day establishes a stable routine, promoting better mental and physical health.

Science Beginning of the Year Assessment window: 9/3/24-9/6/24

APEX Glow Party - 9/13/24

FAST progress Monitoring ELA and MATH PM #1- 9/9/24- 9/27/24

Quarter 1 Interims: 9/27/24

Broward County Public Schools is introducing a new parent portal for parents to be informed about their student's progress. The new portal replaces Pinnacle, Virtual Counselor, Parent Link, and ED plan. The all-encompassing parent portal is FOCUS.

1. What do I need to create a new Parent Portal Account?

   Parent/Guardian Information

   • A valid email address currently on file with the school(s) for your student(s).
   • If you do not know the email used originally, or if it has changed, please contact your school for further direction.
   • If you have multiple students, each student must have the same email address associated with you on file.
   • Your name must be an exact match to the name on file with the school(s) for your student(s).
   • FOR BCPS STAFF ONLY: You cannot use your @browardschools.com email address. If that is the email address you have on file for your student(s), please contact your student’s school to update the email address on file to a non-BCPS email address.

   Student information

   • Student's full name
   • Student's ID number (begins with ‘06')
   • Student's date of birth

   Parent Portal Registration and Login:

   1. Register for a Focus Parent Portal Account and download the BCPS Connect App. Instructions are available in English| Español | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português (Brasil) | РусскийTiếng
   2. Log in to the Focus Parent Portal.

   Download the BCPS Connect App:

   • Go to Google Play or Apple Store and search for the BCPS Connect App. Look for the icon that says Broward County Public Schools.
   • Login using your Parent Portal credentials.

   Need Help?

   For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, visit browardschools.com/focus. If you need further assistance, please contact your child's school.

Click on the link for a previously recorded Parent University on FOCUS.

https://becon.eduvision.tv/directplayer.aspx?q=8jKC5GVy42jwwY%2bBj%2fRUhw%3d%3d

Pledging Opens: Friday, August 30th Event Day: Friday, Sept. 13th

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

1. When pledging opens to www.myapexevent.com and log in using your child’s unique ACCESS CODE. Their Access Code and a QR code for the site can be found on their VIP Badge.

2. Use the “Share Wizard” tool to send a donation link to 10 family members and friends via email, text, and social media asking that they donate online to help our school. 10 SHARES = FREE THANK YOU GIFT!

3. Make a flat donation. The minimum donation that can be made is $10.

Why did the bicycle fall over?

It was two-tired.

Thank you to all the parents who take the time to carpool in the mornings and afternoons. If you do decide to walk, all pedestrians need to use designated crosswalks when crossing the street. We do not want children walking through the parking lot without an adult. So please make sure to give yourself more time in the mornings to get into the car loop line or park in the West Parking lot, park and walk up to drop off or pick up. When there are no available parking spots in the lot, we are asking parents to join the car line… it does take a few more minutes but when there’s no parking that is the safest way to pick up or drop off. As a school, we provide supervision 30 prior to school and 30 minutes after school. We want all students to be picked up on time but we also have a window of time to pick up and drop off. Just know that your child’s best interest and safety are our priority. Thank you for your help and support.