West Navarre Intermediate
May 2024 Parent Newsletter
Greetings WNIS Parents & Famlies!
As we embark on the final month of the school year, let's celebrate the incredible progress and achievements your student have made! From academic milestones to personal growth, each accomplishment is a testament to their dedication and hard work! We are so proud of our Navigators! Our goal is to make these last few weeks memorable, filled with laughter, learning and cherished memories. We look forward to finishing strong and embracing the summer ahead! Thank you for your continued support and partnership!
Shana Dorsey
Principal
Assessment
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. The purpose of this letter is to inform you that your student will participate in the third administration (PM3) of the Grade 3, 4, or 5 Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) ELA Reading and Mathematics assessment on the dates listed below. Your student’s results from PM3 will show how well your student has mastered the grade level content standards, and you will be provided with information about how to access the results after testing is completed.
FAST assessments are computer-adaptive tests taken on a computer or tablet. The questions get easier or more difficult depending on how the student responds, and each student will see different questions from a common item bank. Each test attempt (PM1, PM2, and PM3) will present 35–40 items that will cover the entire test “blueprint,” meaning students will encounter items representative of the standards within the subject or grade level. For more information on the test design, please visit https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/k12-student-assessment/best/ . If you or your student would like to interact with the online testing platform or review FAST ELA Reading and Mathematics sample items at home, sample test materials are available at https://flfast.org/families.html.
In addition to FAST Reading and Mathematics, 4th grade students will be taking Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Writing assessment and 5th grade students will be taking Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Writing assessment as well as the Statewide Science assessment.
Please review the following policies with your student before testing:
Electronic Devices—Students are not permitted to access any electronic devices, including, but not limited to, cell phones, smartphones, and smartwatches, at any time during testing or during breaks (e.g., restroom). If your student is found with an electronic device or is found using Bluetooth/wireless headphones/earbuds during testing, his or her test may be invalidated. Santa Rosa County District Schools provides an environment that fosters each learner’s potential, equips students for academic excellence, and promotes lifelong learning.
Calculator Policy—For Grades 7–8 FAST Mathematics, approved handheld scientific calculators may be used. For Grade 6 FAST Mathematics, a handheld four-function calculator may be used.
Testing Rules Acknowledgment— All tests include a Testing Rules Acknowledgment that reads: “I understand the testing rules that were just read to me. If I do not follow these rules, my test score may be invalidated.” Prior to testing, test administrators read the rules to students, and students acknowledge that they understand the testing rules by clicking the box in the secure browser indicating they understand the testing rules.
Discussing Test Content after Testing— The last portion of the testing rules read to students before they click the box to accept the Testing Rules Acknowledgment states that because the content of all statewide assessments is secure, students may not discuss or reveal details about the test content (including test items and passages) after the test. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as texting, emailing, or posting to social media sites. Please make sure your student understands this policy prior to testing and remind them that “discussing” test content includes any kind of electronic communication, such as texting, emailing, posting to social media, or sharing online. While students may not share information about secure test content after testing, this policy is not intended to prevent students from discussing their testing experiences with their parents/families.
Working Independently—Students are responsible for doing their own work during the test and for protecting their answers from being seen by others. If students are caught cheating during testing, their tests will be invalidated.
Testing Accommodations—If your student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), a Section 504 Plan, or is an English Language Learner (ELL) or a recently exited ELL, please contact the school to discuss any testing accommodations that will be provided for your student.
If you have any questions related to this test administration, you may contact Kim Alexander at 850-936-6060. For more information about the FAST program, please visit the portal at https://flfast.org/index.html .
Thank you for supporting your student and encouraging him or her to do his or her best during this test administration.
Attendance Procedures & Policy
If your child is sick, please send a note to the school within three (3) school days of the absence(s) for the absence(s) to be excused. If you have an upcoming event and would like to request approval for an excused absence(s) you must do so five (5) school days prior to the absence. The school strictly adheres to the five-school day prior notice policy. Please be aware that this is school board policy and can be viewed in the Santa Rosa County School Code of Student Conduct on the SRSCSD website at: https://sites.santarosa.k12.fl.us/files/csc.pdf . Please fill out a request form if you would like to receive a hard copy of this document.
Cafeteria/Food Service
Elementary student breakfast and lunch prices are as follows: Breakfast Full Price $1.15; Breakfast Reduced Price $.30; Breakfast – Adult $2.25; Lunch – Full Price $2.70; Lunch Reduced Price $.40; Lunch – Adult $4.00. Please ensure your child has money for lunch each day. When a student has accumulated five unpaid meals, parents will be contacted by the School Counselor for a Social Service Assessment. You may prepay for lunches by the week, month, semester, or year in cash, check or online at www.MySchoolBucks.com. Parents are welcome to join their children for lunch and sit at the round tables near the stage starting the week of August 28. For the safety and security of all students, lunch at the round tables is ONLY for parents and their child.
Classroom Spotlight
Congratulations to Lyla Morrow for her outstanding first place overall finish in the District 4-H Public Speaking Competition for 4th Grade and to Katarina Gonzalez for delivering an excellent speech for 5th Grade. We are incredibly proud of these talented and creative young ladies! Way to go!!!
Mrs. Tucker's students earlier this year completed an application with NASA in order to receive a moon tree. Moon trees were started in 1971 when seeds were flown on Apollo 14. The program was restarted by NASA in 2022 when Artemis I was launched. Seeds were flown around the moon aboard Artemis I for approximately six weeks. Mrs. Tucker's students developed a plan for their outdoor classroom and submitted that plan to NASA and found out in early April they had been chosen to receive a moon tree. On Friday, April 26, they planted their sweetgum tree and will be working this summer to make the area an outdoor classroom for many future students to enjoy. They will also be participating in virtual meetings with NASA to discuss the growth of their tree and submit official measurements.
Congratulations to Mrs. Long's fourth graders for their outstanding performance at the district Battle of the Books competition! They truly showcased their love for reading and dedication for learning! Way to go, team!!
Battle of the Books 4th Grade Team
Mrs. Long and her BOB Team
Dr. Barber presents our team with their certificates!
Lyla and her first place trophy!
Lyla, Mrs. Long, and Mrs. Baer
Kat giving her awesome speech!
Kat, her Mom, and Mrs. Rodman
Mrs. Tucker, Ms. Marek, and the class photo!
Students presenting during the tree planting ceremony.
Free and Reduced Lunch Applications
All parents are encouraged to complete a free reduced lunch application.. The applications are available online at https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application. If you need an application at any time during the school year, please call the front office @ 850-936-6060.
Lost & Found
Discover a collection of lost treasures awaiting their owners at the cafeteria stage - a sea of forgotten water bottles, coats, jackets, sweaters, and hoodies! Drop by the school this month to reclaim what may belong to your child before the items find new homes! Children have the opportunity every day when leaving the cafeteria to look through the items. The last day to pick up items will be Friday, May 24th.
Navigator Teacher & Staff Recognitions
Parents, Families, & Students:
Please take time to give a shout out to one of our amazing Navigator Teachers or Staff Members by completing the form below and submitting to Mrs. Dorsey via the front office or email @ dorseys@santarosa.k12.fl.us
Teacher/Staff Member Name:
How he/she makes a difference:
Submitted by:
Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) Corner
West Navarre Intermediate is proud to be a Positive Behavioral and Intervention Supports (PBIS) Model School. The PBIS framework provides schools with an opportunity to teach expected behaviors utilizing positive reinforcement along with more targeted interventions for students who require more intensive supports. Our school population is divided into five different communities and students earn navigator points/bucks for their respective communities by displaying the school-wide behavior expectations below. Each 9 weeks, the community with the most navigator points/bucks will be rewarded with a special event. Our goal is to maintain a program that fosters school-wide unity, positive behavior, and promotes lifelong learning. Our communities and school wide expectations are: Fidelis (Loyalty), Erubesco (Respect), Officium (Responsibility), Veritas (Truth), and Animus (Courage).
4th Quarter: WEEKLY PBIS POINT TOTALS - 4/26/24
The community in the lead for the 4th quarter so far is...>Animus Congratulations! Teachers please don't forget to submit your points. We only have a few more weeks! It is super close.
Erubesco– 237
Animus – 298
Fidelis – 229
Officium – 255
Veritas – 272
PTO Information
The PTO, an organization of parents and staff members, is an organization that helps raise funds and support activities that contribute to the enhancement of the educational program at WNIS. Examples of PTO support for WNIS include purchasing of computers and other classroom needs, providing funds to pay for student lunches until other funds can be secured, and honor roll recognitions. Parents are encouraged to join and support this worthwhile organization. For more information about our PTO check out their Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/westnavarreintermediatepto/ . The next PTO meeting will be May 14, 2024 @ 3:00 PM in the Media Center. Please join us!
Resources for Military Families
WNIS is proud to be a Florida Purple Star School of Distinction.
The purpose of the Purple Star School of Distinction Designation is to recognize schools that support the unique needs of military families, help military-connected students navigate critical challenges and provide resources for military-connected students when transitioning to a new school environment.
Click on the link below for more information and resources.
School Advisory Council (SAC)
West Navarre Intermediate has established a School Advisory CounciMayl to serve in an advisory capacity to the school principal and to assist in the development of the educational program in the preparation and evaluation of the School Improvement Plan required pursuant to Section 230.23 (18), Florida Statutes. The School Advisory Council shall not assume any of the powers or duties now reserved by the Florida statutes for the School Board of its administrative or instructional staff. The School Advisory Council meeting dates, times and location can be found on the WNIS website https://wni.santarosaschools.org/en-US?showHomepage=true . For more information about the School Advisory Council or to review School Advisory Council records, please contact Mrs. Dorsey, Principal.
Our next School Advisory Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 @ 7:30 AM in the Media Center.
School, District, and State Accountability report link https://edudata.fldoe.org/index.html
School Hours & Transportation
School start time is 8:15 AM. The tardy bells ring at 8:15 AM. Instruction starts promptly at 8:15 AM so students who are tardy will be missing instruction. The school day ends at 2:29 PM. Supervision is provided from 7:45 AM until 3:00 PM. Parents are solely responsible for student supervision until 7:45 AM. Parents who bring their students in the morning should remain with their child until the doors open for the da. No student should be left unattended. School personnel will be supervising the drop off area at the front entrance beginning at 7:45 AM. Please have an established routine for the afternoon; for example, Mon, Tues, and Wed bus rider home; Thurs and Fri car rider. If an emergency should arise and the afternoon arrangements change, you must FAX a signed note to the school secretary (Jodie Reilly) at 936-6067 by NOON. We do not accept changes over the telephone, by email or text messages.
Parents who pick up their students in the afternoon should remain in their cars and follow the flow of traffic. Parent pickup for grades 3-5 will begin at 2:29 PM and parents should enter the school line through Navigator Drive from Sunrise.. Pre-K will dismiss begin at 2:40 PM and parents enter line through Cotton Bay Lane. Please note blue car tags will be issued for Grades 3, 4, and 5. Pink car tags will be issued for Pre-K. Car rider tags should be displayed on the rearview mirror with the student’s first & last name clearly visible for school personnel. Car tags may be picked up in person from the front office.
School Safety & Mental Health Resources
FortifyFL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials. Florida Statute 943.082 states that if, following an investigation, it is determined that a person knowingly submitted a false tip through FortifyFL, the Internet protocol (IP) address of the device on which the tip was submitted will be provided to law enforcement agencies for further investigation, and the reporting party may be subject to criminal penalties under s. 837.05. In all other circumstances, unless the reporting party has chosen to disclose his or her identity, the report will remain anonymous.
Staff Spotlight
Congratulations to Barbara Kjer who was selected as West Navarre Intermediate’s ESOL teacher of the year!
Ms. Kjer consistently exhibits a positive approach in exploring effective solutions to assist her English Language Learner (ELL) student. She seeks out strategies to promote the success and comfort of her ELL student within her classroom. Thank you for going the extra mile to help your students be successful.
Congratulations, and thank you for your dedication!
Online Tutoring - NewPlatform
Exciting News! We are thrilled to introduce our new online tutoring platform for all students! Despite the discontinuation of Tutor.com, Superintendent Barber has prioritized ensuring that our students have access to on-demand, live tutoring.
We are proud to announce our partnership with Pear Deck Tutor to provide impactful online tutoring for all students! Pear Deck Tutor is a place where students can foster connections to enhance their learning and growth. Whether you need help with an algebra equation, seek a confidence boost, or crave an extra challenge, Pear Deck Tutor has got you covered!
Pear Deck Tutor offers all the familiar features of the previously used platform and even some additional enhancements to support our students' academic success. This resource can be accessed through Rapid Identity.
Check out how to get started with Pear Deck Tutor HERE.
If you need additional support getting started, visit the Pear Deck Learning Student Help Center at help.tutor.peardeck.com or email support@tutor.peardeck.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May Events
May 1 - FAST PM 3 - Grade 3 ELA
May 2 - FAST PM 3 - Grade 3 Math
May 3 - State Assessment 5th Grade Science
May 6-10 - Teacher & Staff Appreciation
May 7 - FAST PM 3 - Grade 4 ELA
May 8 - FAST PM 3 - Grade 4 Math
May 9 - FAST PM 3 - Grade 5 ELA
May 10 - FAST PM 3 - Grade 5 Math
May 10 - All library books due
May 10 - PBIS Community Spirit Day - Wear your community Colors
May 13 - Financial Literacy Assemblies - 5th Grade Only
May 14 - PTO Meeting @ 3:00 PM
May 15 - NHS Graduates walk the halls of WNIS starting @ 8:30 AM (student event only)
May 15 - Retirement Celebrations @ 3:00 PM for Barb Kjer & Lynn Morris
May 17 - 5th Grade Sam's Fun City Water Park Graduation Trip
May 20 – PBIS Reward Wagon 00 and 700 Hallway (700 hallway)
May 20 - 5th Grade Graduations (8:45 - Umstead/Library; 9:00 - Feilner, Rice, & Neu/Cafeteria; 10:00 Lee/Library; 11:30 Vaghy/Library)
May 20 - PREK Graduatiion - Mrs. Johannsen's Room
May 21 - 5th Grade Graduations (8:45 - Adams & Blixt/Library; 9:00 Rodman, Ferrer, & Little/Cafeteria; 10:00 - Redden/Library; 12:30 - Brockhum/Library)
May 21 – PBIS Reward Wagon 600 Hallway
May 22 – PBIS Reward Wagon 500 Hallway
May 22 - WNIS 5th Grade Graduation Walk @ 8:30 AM (students only)
May 23 – PBIS Reward Wagon 400 Hallway
May 23 - EOY Community Celebration (dance party, popsicles, hallway decor, & community lunches)
May 23 - PreK Water Day
May 24 – PBIS Reward Wagon 300 Hallway
May 24 - 4th Quarter Report Card
May 24 - Last Day of School for Students
May 24 - Early Release @ 12:05 PM
May 27 - Memorial Day - School will be closed.
May 28 & 29 - Post Planning for Teachers
Volunteer Information
Volunteers play an integral role at WNIS. Volunteer applications for the 24/25 school year may be submitted after May 31st to our front office.
All lists received from May 31 – June 3 will be placed on the June 13th board meeting. Please keep this in mind if you are planning to volunteer in June, July, or August!
For more information about the school volunteer program, please call Mrs. Dorsey or Mrs. Drost @ 936-6060. For your planning purposes, please keep in mind all volunteers must be school board approved before volunteering. Volunteer applications should be turned in at least a month in advanced to meet board approval guidelines.
West Navarre Intermediate
Email: dorseys@santarosa.k12.fl.us
Website: https://wni.santarosaschools.org/en-US?showHomepage=true
Location: 1970 Cotton Bay Lane, Navarre, FL, USA
Phone: 850-936-6060
Facebook: facebook.com/WestNavarreIntermediateSchool