DAC TALK

Title I District Advisory Council (DAC)Executive Board Officers

2014-2016

DAC TalkEditor.......................................................Maria Salas

Publishers..............................DAC Executive Board

The School Board ofMiami-Dade County, Florida

Perla Tabares Hantman, ChairDr. Lawrence S. Feldman, Vice Chair

Dr. Dorothy Bendross-MindingallSusie V. Castillo

Carlos L. Curbelo Dr. Wilbert “Tee” Holloway

Dr. Martin KarpDr. Marta Pérez

Raquel A. Regalado

Julian LafaurieStudent Advisor

Alberto M. CarvalhoSuperintendent of Schools

2014-2015 DAC CalendarDecember 4, 2014

April 2, 2015

Seating is limited, call now

Submit registration form to your school’s CHESS Facilitator/Teacher

Saturday Morning Classes8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (Beginners) 10:10 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. (Intermediate/Advanced)

Saturday Afternoon Classes (Sylvania Heights)12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Beginners) 2:10 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. (Intermediate/Advanced)

Nine (9) Week Sessions – Space limited to three students per school

Locations:

Robert Renick Educational Center2201 NW 207 Street, Miami Gardens, FL 33056

Phyllis R. Miller Elementary840 NE 87th Street, Miami, FL 33138

Sylvania Heights Elementary (PM)5901 SW 16th Street, West Miami, FL 33155

Rockway Middle9393 SW 29 Terrace, Miami, FL 33165

Check your school’s CHESS Facilitator/Teacher for more information

Free Title ICHESS Academy

Classes!

For students from schools implementing the

Title I CHESS program

For more information: 305 273-2825 305 274-7468

Dr. Abrahante

Southwest Miami Senior High School8855 S.W. 50th Terrace, Miami, FL 33135

7:00 p.m.

News for Title I Parents

Dr. Magaly C. AbrahanteAssistant SuperintendentDivision of Early Childhood Programs and Title I Administration

Booker T. Washington Senior High School1200 N.W. 6th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136

7:00 p.m.

DAC General Meeting ParticipationDistrict Advisory Council (DAC)

(2013-2014)

Bernadette MontgomeryExecutive DirectorTitle I Administration

TITLE Miami-DadeCounty Public Schools

Kent I. Pollock, ChairDannie McMillon, First Vice-Chair

César F. Hurtado Jr., Second Vice-ChairOlga González, Third Vice-Chair

Ana Madriz, SecretaryYoleidy Rodríguez, Assistant Secretary

Edwina Vincent, ParliamentarianJoseph Gebara, Immediate Past Chair

National Coalition of ESEA Title I ParentsElizabeth Tejada

Ana Madriz Sherelean Edwards-Bass

The 2014-2015 school year is shaping to be yet another year filled with outstanding academic performance by our students and our schools with great support from our parents and teachers. Since student achievement is the district’s top priority, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has aggressively tackled major concerns regarding testing and invested in advanced digital learning tools for the classroom.

Significant adjustments to the District’s assessment calendar were made following an internal review of Florida’s testing program and the exams administered in M-DCPS. These changes will result in 24 fewer tests this year and up to 260 minutes of additional class time. The exams that impacted valuable instructional time have been removed to allow students more opportunities to receive in-depth quality instruction and to benefit from all the innovations in their schools.

In order to ensure that our world-class educational system remains successful, M-DCPS is making exciting improvements that will continue to make teaching and learning both more relevant and effective. With the installation of more than 11,000 Promethean ActivBoards, the distribution of 50,000 mobile devices (including tablets and laptops), and WI-FI now in all our schools, we are bringing learning into the 21st century. Increasing classroom engagement with technology usage in all schools has been proven to enhance student achievement. M-DCPS has recently released the Dadeschools Mobile App. This application, available for iPhones and Androids, allows parents and students to view class schedules, bus assignments, and other important school information. Also, as a part of the district’s new Digital Convergence Plan students are encouraged to take their portable electronic devices to school under the “Bring Your Own Device” program. Using personal devices allows students to access vast digital resources that expand and enrich learning. To learn more about the District’s Digital Convergence Plan (DCP) please visit http://digital.dadeschools.net/

To continue this digital transformation, more than 600 educators recently participated in Digital Learning Day, one of the largest professional training days in the District's history. During this training, teachers learned how to best utilize digital content and technology to maximize student engagement and achievement. As a result of this and other professional development opportunities, educators have become familiar with the technology that allows them to connect with students through instruction that is relevant and engaging.

Our portfolio of school-choice options continues to expand as well. Fifty-two new magnet programs opened this year, which will offer students a variety of choices better preparing them for future careers. The application and processing for magnet school admissions has also been revised to allow for an easier Interface for parents and students. Applications are being accepted through January 15, 2015. Please see article inside this newsletter for more information. To all students and parents, I wish you a happy and safe holiday.

Alberto M. Carvalho Superintendent of Schools

Volume 12 • Number 47 • December 4, 2014

Converging with ourInnovations into 2015

Maria L. IzquierdoChief Academic Officer

Office of Academics and Transformation

Seating is limited, call now

Submit registration form to your school’s CHESS Facilitator/Teacher Saturday Morning Classes8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (Beginners) 10:10 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. (Intermediate/Advanced)Saturday Afternoon Classes (Sylvania Heights)12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Beginners) 2:10 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. (Intermediate/Advanced)Nine (9) Week Sessions – Space limited to three students per schoolLocations:Robert Renick Educational Center2201 NW 207 Street, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 Phyllis R. Miller Elementary840 NE 87th Street, Miami, FL 33138 Sylvania Heights Elementary (PM)5901 SW 16th Street, West Miami, FL 33155 Rockway Middle9393 SW 29 Terrace, Miami, FL 33165

Check your school’s CHESS Facilitator/Teacher for more information

Free Title ICHESS Academy

Classes!

For students from schools implementing the Title I CHESS program

For more information: 305 273-2825 305 274-7468

CHESS Academy Title I proudly announces... a FREE Chess Academy at 2 sites with over 100 students participating. The Title I Chess Academy serves K-12 students with classes on Saturday, in six-week sessions that began on Sept. 13, 2014. There are beginner and advanced modules. Each class is facilitated by a M-DCPS teacher who is currently a sponsor of a CHESS program at a Title I school. Academy sites are at Rockway Middle School and Miami Lakes Educational Center.

For more information, please call a Title I Neighborhood Resource Center nearest you (see page 2 of this newsletter) or a Title I CHESS Program facilitator.

Winners of our 2014 District CHESS Championship will be representing Miami Dade-County Public Schools in a national tournament. Some of these schools and individual competitors are poised to earn national recognition at this event. Seventeen schools will be attending the National K-12 Championship, December 11-14, 2014, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, in Orlando, Florida.

The schools participating are: NorwoodElementary School, Olympia Heights Elementary School, North Dade Center of Modern Languages, Riverside Elementary School, Scott Lake Elementary School, Irving & Beatrice Peskoe K-8 Center, Milam K-8 Center, ASPIRA Raul Arnaldo Martinez Charter School, Rockway Middle School, Hialeah Gardens Middle School, Jose Marti Mast Academy, H.D. McMillan Middle School, Shenandoah Middle School, Miami Senior High School, South Dade Senior High School, G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School, and Hialeah Gardens Senior High School.

Good Luck to all!!!

TITLE Miami-DadeCounty Public Schools

CHESS Tournaments

DistrictChampionshipMiami Senior High SchoolMay 2, 20157:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

To Learn More ContactTitle I Chess Staff at 305 273-2825

TournamentCalendar2014-2015

South RegionalTournamentG. Holmes Braddock SeniorHigh SchoolFebruary 7, 20157:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

North RegionalTournamentNorth Miami Senior High SchoolMarch 7, 20157:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

North Region: 93 Central Region: 151South Region: 361Staff: 15TOTAL: 620 Attendance Report for Meetings during the 2013-2014 school year

Kent I. Pollock

M-DCPS Launches Free Computer and Internet Services

TITLE Miami-DadeCounty Public Schools

PARENT RESOURCE CENTERS

This school year has and will provide challenges and opportunities, but please keep in mind that we are here to assist you always. Your elected PAC and DAC representatives will focus on following this year:

I. Increased Parental Involvement. This begins within a Title I school and branches out into the community. We encourage parents to participate with their school’s PTAs/PTSAs and with the Educational Excellence School Advisory Council (EESAC).

As a parent, I realize this is time consuming. However, if you do not sacrifice the time to participate, you are allowing others to decide what is best for your children. There is no one that knows your children better than you do, so put in your time and your voice.

II. Parental Rights. I am committed to ensure that Title I parents know our rights under the law. Please see your school’s Community Involvement Specialist and request a copy of the Title I No Child Left Behind Act (Section 1118 – Parental Involvement). This document details your rights under the federal law. Also request a copy of School Board Rule 2111, which explains the school district’s position on parental involvement.

Feel free to contact me with any questions. I am not a school system employee, and I am not limited to their viewpoints. I will focus on the best interests of Title I parents and students. I can be reached at 305-995-1713 with any recommendations or suggestions. I would like to thank the many parents who are already involved in their children’s education, and I hope to inspire other parents to take the same initiative. Our meetings are a chance for interested parents to voice their opinions and suggestions, so I hope to see many of you there.

CONNECT@HOME is designed to provide students

with the opportunity to improve their digital skills. All

third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students will receive a

computer device and free Internet access to use at their

homes. Participating students, parents, and teachers

were given detailed training on how to use the new

computers and access all online materials and resources.

The program is designed to ensure younger students

could practice their reading and math skills at home

through “My On Readers” and “Reflex Math” and

other educational software, accessible through Miami-

Dade County Public Schools’ student portal.

Solar for Schools InitiativeIn order to expand learning opportunities in our schools, Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) are teaming up to install solar panels in 11 schools across the county by the end of 2014.

These solar panels are the focus of a hands-on program that allows students to learn about the complex science of solar energy and electricity production.

Teachers who have completed special training with the equipment will be able to incorporate the solar panels into their structured lesson plans

Miami-Dade County Public Schools has partnered with the University of Miami Health System to provide a medical center for its employees with quality care and affordable prices. With copayments as low as $10, employees, retirees and their dependents are now able to receive thorough health screenings. The first UHealth Medical Center offers a wide range of services from the care of minor injuries and lacerations to the treatment of complex and long-term medical conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure.

A University of Miami physician, a nurse practitioner and nursing staff operate the school-site center and provide physicals, lab services, nursing support, and direct referrals to UM specialists. Staff members at the UHealth Center speak English, Spanish, Haitian-Creole and French to facilitate physician-patient interaction. “We want our employees, their families and retirees to realize the importance of preventive care. The affordable prices, central location and convenient hours of operation will allow many of my colleagues to take full advantage of this great facility,” said Superintendent Alberto Carvalho at the center for his physical exam.

The center is open Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Appointments can be made online through the MyUChart system at uhealthdadeschools.com or by calling 305-243-CANE (2263). Walk-in visits are also welcome. Patients must bring their Cigna ID card.

Title I Neighborhood Resource Center - Gratigny - 305 953-6068733 E. 57th Street, Hialeah, FL 33013 (Mon., Wed., & Fri. - 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tues. & Thurs. - 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

Title I Neighborhood Resource Center - South - 305 274-7468 5555 S.W. 93rd Avenue (FDLRS South Site) Portable #3, Miami, FL 33165(Mon., Wed., & Fri. - 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. • Tues. & Thurs. - 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

Title I Neighborhood Resource Center - North- 305 694-7120 7900 N.W. 27th Avenue (Northside Shopping Centre, 130 South Ct.) Space F-9, Miami, FL 33147(Mon., Wed., & Fri. - 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. • Tues. & Thurs. - 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sat. - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Office of Parental Involvement - 305 995-2680School Board Administration Building, Suite 216, 1450 N.E. 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33132Monday to Friday (9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

Nova Southeastern University Parent Center - 1-866-281-4678 Fischler School of Education and Human Services, Room 166-B 1750 N.E. 167th St., North Miami Beach, FL 33162Monday to Friday (9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.) • Saturday (10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)

Miami Jackson Senior High School UHealth Medical Center

TITLE Miami-DadeCounty Public Schools

TITLE Miami-DadeCounty Public Schools

(Pictured, left to right) Chris Reigadas, Chair, Superintendent’s Advisory Panel for Student’s with Disabilities; Kent I. Pollock, District Advisory Council- DAC Title I Administration; Alberto M. Carvalho, Superintendent of Schools; Jacqueline M. Perez, Chair, Family and Community Involvement Advisory Committee-FCIAC; Joseph Gebara, President, Miami-Dade County Council of PTAs/PTSAs

Superintendent of Schools Alberto

M. Carvalho recently launched the

Jumpstart CONNECT@HOME project

at Liberty City Elementary School

one of 10 other elementary schools

participating in the program.

Don’t Forget to Submit Your Magnet Applications!Miami-Dade County Public Schools is now accepting Magnet Program applications for the 2015-2016 school year. It is critical for parents and students to complete and submit the application as soon as possible. Any applications received after January 15, 2015 will not be processed. The fastest way to apply is online at www.dadeschools.net via, the Parent Portal.

However, if the student attends a private school or is entering the school system for the first time, they will need to submit the paper application available at www.miamimagnets.org. On their application students can select up to five programs at five different schools. In order to be eligible for any magnet program, students must have a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA), but individual schools may have different additional requirements such as auditions, interviews orrecommendations. You must contact the school to request its magnet requirements. Parents are notified of the results of the random selection process on or around March 15, 2015, and all selections are final. Please visit www.miamimagnets.org if you have any questions or concerns.

yourchoicemiami.org

2015 College Fair is Coming! Sunday, February 22, 2015, Noon - 4 p.m.

Doubletree Miami Mart Airport Hotel &Convention Center

777 N.W. 72 Ave., Miami, FL 33126For more information, call 305-995-1739

(Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.)

DAC Chairperson’s NewsGreetings Title I Family and Friends:

Kent Pollock, DAC Chair