JANUARY 2019 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 49 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: - Mentoring Programs - Graduation Rates CONNECTION - School Bus Information A Newsletter for Miami-Dade County Public Schools Parents

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CARMEN SANDIEGO?

More than 1,7000 Miami-Dade County Public Schools students learned about geography in a fun and exciting way by taking part in “Carmen Sandiego Day” at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.

REGISTER TODAY! 2019 SUPERINTENDENT’S 5K RUN/WALK CHALLENGE SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

The 4th Annual Superintendent ’s Challenge, FEB. 13 scheduled for Saturday, 11 a.m. April 13, 2019 at Museum Regular Meeting Park, is a 5K Run/Walk to promote health and wellness in our schools and in our community. Schools are MARCH 13 11 a.m. encouraged to register teams as a percentage of Regular Meeting event proceeds benefit participating schools. Proceeds from solo APRIL 17 participants benefit the of M-DCPS. All registered https://www.athlinks.com/ 10 a.m. Foundation for New participants will receive event/superintendents- Conference Session: Education Initiatives, Inc . – a a race t-shirt and finisher 5k-challenge-race-for- Attendance Zones for direct-support organization medal. Register now at: education-167578 2019-2020

Feb. 18 - Presidents Day 11 a.m. IMPORTANT DATES Feb. 24- Miami National College Fair Regular Meeting; Initial & INFORMATION March 14 - Secondary Early Release Day Reading - Attendance March 25-29 - Spring Recess Zones for 2019-2020

TAKE OUR DAUGHTERS CARNIVAL SCHOLARSHIP & MENTORING PROGRAM - When Dreams Set Sail & SONS TO WORK DAY

Get ready to see children and teens engaging in learning outside of the classroom and inside your workplace! Miami-Dade County Public Schools is once again participating in “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work” For twins Stephanie and “Dr. Payne made me more Stephanie worked with Day. Geovanna Hernandez going than a better student. She elementary, middle and high to college was always a made me a better human school students. When asked This year, M-DCPS chose given. How they were going being, more responsible, what they’d tell an incoming Friday, February 1st, 2019 to to pay for it was not. Growing more ambitious and more freshman about the Carnival honor the day, which allows up with a single mother on inquisitive,” said Stephanie. program, Geovanna said, students, aged 8-18 to go a sparse income, the twins “She taught me to see “You can easily show up and to work with their parents, knew they would have to obstacles as an opportunity go through the motions, other relatives, or adult make their own way if they to succeed.” Geovanna’s but be proactive and make mentors in their lives. were going to be the first Carnival mentor, Vicky the best of the experience. in their family to attend Blanch, taught her to Use it to better yourself and The intent of the national college. Through the Carnival dream big. It was Blanch develop new skills.” program is to assist students Scholarship & Mentoring who planted the idea that in learning to articulate their Program, Stephanie and she could go to college Stephanie advises, “Don’t career goals and aspirations Geovanna were among the anywhere, and after earning be afraid to ask for help. At to themselves, their peers first high school seniors to her BA in sociology, she the Carnival Scholarship and the adults important to earn the Carnival scholarship enrolled at Boston University & Mentoring Program, their lives. that opened the door to for her MBA. “What I someone is always willing Florida State University. remember most is the one- to help. Raise your hand and Employers are encouraged to on-one time I had with Vicky ask questions.” offer interactive experiences The girls entered the Carnival in her office,” said Geovanna. The twins credit the program for participating students Scholarship & Mentoring “During my visit, she cleared with teaching them how across South Florida’s Program as high school her schedule and I knew it to dress, speak in public, workplaces. M-DCPS selected sophomores after attending was my time.” prepare for an interview, this year’s date in partnership the HEAT Academy. The understand professional with Broward County mentoring program taught Days with their mentors were etiquette, write a check, Public Schools to facilitate them that, with hard work spent discussing everything and maintain a budget. But participation by companies and determination, anything from school to music to goals most important, was the and families in both counties. is possible. Stephanie recalls and aspirations. Both twins emotional connection with For additional information bonding with her mentor, say their mentors gave them their mentors. on “Take Our Daughters and Dr. Rosalie Payne, who made the confidence to apply Sons to Work Day,” head to a deep impression on her. to colleges beyond Miami. “I had someone to look up daughtersandsonstowork. Payne was the first person The scholarship meant they to who wasn’t in my family, org. she met with a PhD, a degree could focus on their studies someone who really cared Stephanie herself is working and dedicate their spare for me,” said Stephanie. “We toward at the University of time to giving back to the had access to a network of Texas at San Antonio, after community. Geovanna was people who cared about us earning two degrees in a Big Sister in Tallahassee and who were truly invested demography. and is one in Boston, while in us,” added Geovanna. M-DCPS’ GRADUATION RATE CONTINUES TO SOAR SCHOOL BUSES

Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ graduation rate rose once again to an all-time high of 85.4 percent for the 2017-2018 academic year, a 4.7 percentage point increase from the 80.7 percent the prior year. This rate marks the highest graduation rate M-DCPS has achieved since the Florida Department of Keeping parents informed is Education began tracking of the utmost importance to graduation statistics with M-DCPS. The transportation modern methods in the late has increased almost 27 This is a remarkable department is sending text 1990s. If charter schools percentage points from 58.7 achievement for a graduating messages to notify parents are removed from the percent to 85.4 percent in class that is being measured of bus delays and other calculation, the graduation 2017-18. on the more rigorous Grade important information. rate in schools managed by 10 FSA ELA assessment. Parents should ensure their the District is 89 percent. Miami-Dade’s graduation contact information is up Thirteen hundred more rates for White, Hispanic, For more information, visit to date with their child’s students graduated in 2017- Students with Disabilities, http://news.dadeschools.net/ school, especially cell 18 than the prior year. English Language cmnc/new/28892. phone numbers and email Learners and Economically addresses. To stay connected, Since 2006-2007, the disadvantaged students download the Dadeschools District’s graduation rate exceeded those of the State. mobile app to your iPhone or Android device. SCOTT LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GOB PROJECT M-DCPS recently unveiled the renovations at Scott PARENT E-TIPS: Lake Elementary. With a total investment of $5 million, the Primary: project includes: classroom Teach Your Child How technology improvements, to Balance School & new 10,546 square-foot, one- Activities story building addition, new https://bit.ly/2SYG94A ceiling, lighting and flooring, Secondary: a new bus drop off and Support Emerging covered walkway, exterior Executive Skills painting, and much more. https://bit.ly/2VXSsjp #GOBprogress

SOCIAL MEDIA

@MDCPS MiamiSchools @MiamiSchools MiamiSchools @MiamiSup AlbertoMCarvalho1 @MiamiSup

Stay connected with Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Make sure you follow us on social www.dadeschools.net media for the latest news and updates regarding the school district. #MDCPSConnects

Perla Tabares Hantman, Chair Dr. Marta Pérez Dr. Martin Karp, Vice Chair Mari Tere Rojas Produced by the The School Board of Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall Office of Communications Susie V. Castillo Alberto M. Carvalho Miami-Dade County, Dr. Lawrence S. Feldman Superintendent of Schools Daisy Gonzalez-Diego Florida Dr. Steve Gallon III Lubby Navarro Bryce Febres Chief Communications Officer Student Advisor to the School Board Sunset Elementary School

Uniform Policy

All students are required to wear uniforms to school every day. Uniform styles and color options are displayed for students. The white polo is required for special occasions/events. White ankle height socks are to be worn with approved closed toe shoes. The selected school uniform or generic options may be purchased from a variety of sources, such as uniform companies, department/retail stores and catalogs. Preferred vendor: Apple Uniform.

The following articles of clothing are not permitted: -athletic or gym shorts -hooded jackets Polo -leggings -caps White, Gold, Royal Blue and Navy* -sweatpants -visors -capris -sunglasses Polo Long Sleeve -jean/denim fabric -bandanas White, Royal Blue and Navy* -shoes/laces with lights/sounds -knee high socks

Logo Options: Embroidered Polo: Apple Uniform Uniform Styles and Color Options: Patch: PTA

Approved Closed Toe Shoe Styles:

Sneakers Penny Loafers Navy and Khaki Navy and Khaki Navy and Khaki Pants for Shorts for Skorts for Girls Boys & Girls Boys & Girls

Uniform Style Top-Siders Shoes

Navy Polo Navy Navy Navy Dress Cardigan Sweater Full Zipper Rain Jacket Jacket *The navy polo color has been added as an additional color option. School/language program t-shirts may only be worn on Fridays.

Memory Books Sunset Elementary School

Get Ready! We will be selling our Memory Books on PRESALE ONLY. Featuring 108 full color pages and school-wide individual photos! Class pictures and fun collages will also be included.

Last day to order a book is February 28, 2019 Price: $ 25.00 each Books must be purchased on-line through the Online School Payment site

Memory books will be distributed at the end of the school year Only students who purchase books during presale will receive books.

Help capture the memories… Submit your photos of school events. Register at http://commpe.pictavo.com/ School ID: 79870 Photo submission does not guarantee use.

Order Form HEY DADS AND KIDS…

Join us for the Sunset All Pro Dad FEBRUARY Breakfast

When: Thursday, February 21st Time: 7:30 am What: Dads AND Kids Share Breakfast Together Place: Riviera Church 5275 Sunset Drive

Join other Sunset Dads and their Children (or other father figures such as grandfathers, step-fathers, uncles or moms) for this quick, FREE, fun breakfast. You will take away some great tips and resources to help you be the best dad you can be, and you’ll strengthen your relationship with your kids at the same time.

Please RSVP: https://allprodadsday.com/chapters/5112

Valentine Friendship Grams

WHAT: A Friendship Gram is a special way to let someone know that you appreciate their friendship! All Friendship Grams will include a special treat along with your personal message!

WHO: Send a friendship Gram to anyone in the school (office staff, teachers, students, janitorial staff, CAMP staff, and cafeteria staff all included)

WHEN: Students may purchase them before school (by the front office) or turn in their order forms to their homeroom teachers anytime between Friday, February 1 to Wednesday, February 13.

COST: $2.00 each (cash only please)

DELIVERY: Friendship Grams will be delivered on Thursday, February 14

Note: Family Members may also send Friendship Grams to their children! Please print form below, fill out the Friendship Gram, and place in an envelope with $2.00. Give to homeroom teachers. Envelopes will be collected every morning by volunteer parents. Family members may also purchase Friendship Grams before school by the front gate. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to send a little extra love to your child! Friendship Gram Friendship Gram

To: ______To: ______

Homeroom class: ______Homeroom class: ______

Message: ______Message: ______

______

______

______

______

From ______From ______

Second BoxTops Collection

February 25, 2019

KEEP CLIPPING ALL YEAR LONG!!! Help us make it to our $3,000 goal!!!

BOX TOPS can be found on hundreds of products including cereal, snacks, yogurt, household products, organic brands and much more. EVERY CLIP MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!!

For a complete list of products visit www.BTFE.com/products or simply look for the Box Tops label when grocery shopping.

Don’t forget to ask friends, grandparents and other family members to

help save for you. There’s at least one in every house…. DON’T let them go to waste… Box Tops Collection for your School

1 Clip Box Tops and tape or glue Box Start clipping Box Tops today! Each one is worth Tops on this sheet. 10 for our school. Don’t forget to check the expiration date! EARN GIFT CERTIFICATES TO THE PTA STORE! For every full sheet (25 box tops) you will receive a 2 Return as many sheets as you can to your teacher $1.00 voucher. You will also earn points for your or the PTA Store by February 25th, 2019 class and a chance to win the BOX TOPS CLASS TROPHY! 3 Be sure to complete information below for class credit. Thank you for your help!

Student name: ______Grade:______

Teacher name: ______

Second Collection Date: February 25, 2019 FIRST FRIDAYS OUT FRONT

WHEN Friday, February 1st AND Feb. 8th 8am – 845am WHERE Outside Main School Entrance Join the PTA, and the other Sunset Parent organizations on the first Friday of each month in front of the school for conversation, coffee and information. Learn about upcoming activities and volunteer opportunities.

FIPA Annual Gala GIPA Gala Save the Date! SIPA SUNSET PICNIC SEED Gala will be on Saturday, Save the Date for this Join us at our annual April 13th at the Coco Plum Soiree Blanche years GIPA Gala on picnic for sports, music Women's Club. More informa- Saturday, February 23rd at 7pm Saturday, April 6th and bonding! See you tion to follow! on Sunday, February 3rd Sit-down Dinner, Raffles, Auctions from 11 AM to 1PM at HOW YOU and Dancing! Dante Fascell Park. Tickets available at fipamiami.org Book Sale CAN HELP… Preorder your GIPA SEED’S BRICK CAMPAIGN Yearbook. Last day Help pave the way to enhancing the educational for preorders is excellence at Sunset Sunday, March 31st Elementary by purchasing a personalized engraved J O I N S I P A ! brick that will be permanently displayed throughout the BECOME A MEMBER TODAY Help us continue o ering Spanish school. Purchasing a brick materials and events to our Sunset will be a wonderful way to leave a lasting legacy family by joining the Spanish at Sunset Elementary while International Parents Association. French Book Club Become a GIPA Member! also helping to fund Meeting Dates Classes with 100% membership See the attached membership educational tools and form. programs not funded by 4th & 5th Graders will receive a Pizza or Ice-Cream 7:45am in Room B1 MDCPS or other parent March 12th - Encore Party organizations. des histoires pressées May 7th - Voyage au MANDATORY pays des arbres BOOKS FOR SALE

Please send in the attached form and payment if you would like to order the mandatory Spanish books for the school year. FIPA @FIPAmiami Sign up for Newsletter at GIPA @GIPAmiami WWW.FIPAMIAMI.ORG WWW.GIPA.ORG WWW.SIPA-MIAMI.ORG WWW.SUNSETSEED.NET JOIN US AT OUR ANNUAL GALA IN SUPPORT OF FIPA BENEFITING THE FRENCH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES PROGRAM AT SUNSET ELEMENTARY COCONUT GROVE ELEMENTARY G.W CARVER MIDDLE SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL STUDIES PREPARATORY ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL STUDIES CHARTER MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL

INCLUDING A SIT-DOWN DINNER, RAFFLES, AUCTIONS AND DANCING!

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 23rd at 7 pm

AT THE RESIDENCE OF THE CONSUL GENERAL OF FRANCE

GET YOUR TICKETS ONLINE BEFORE FEBRUARY 15

$75 FOR FIPA MEMBERS $95 FOR NON MEMBERS DRESS CODE : WHITE ONLY

WWW.FIPAMIAMI.ORG FIPA MEMBERSHIP & ORDER FORM: SCHOOL YEAR 2018 / 2019

Please return this form to FIPA: P.O. Box 430845, Miami, Florida, 33243-0845, or to your child’s French teacher.

OR pay online at www.fipamiami.org (payment plans available online)

Parent 1 name (first and last) ______Parent 2 name (first and last) ______Email______Contact phone number______Student information: first name last name school grade

 My company (or a company I know) might be interested in donating to this program

Membership* (choose one) Price Total

Platinum includes annual membership for one family with students enrolled in the French IS $1000 program + backpack + drawstring bag + t-shirt + two tickets to our Parents Night Out event + two tickets to our annual gala! Gold includes annual membership for one family with students enrolled in the French IS $500 program + backpack + drawstring bag + t-shirt Family includes annual membership for one family with students enrolled in the French IS $250 program

Basic includes annual membership for one student in the French IS program $130

Any additional donations* are welcome!

Only for Sunset and Coconut Grove Price Quantity Total

French Notebook $30 Used in French classes all year; distributed directly to your child’s French teachers for use in class (1 per student)

GOODIES Price Quantity Size delivered Total Child T-Shirt – white $15 child S, M, or L

Child T-Shirt – grey $15 child S, M, or L

Drawstring bag “I Love FIPA” $8 N/A

Jansport backpack “I Love FIPA” $50 N/A

Date : Method of payment : cash check square TOTAL

*Membership and additional donations are tax deductible. (You’ll receive an automatic email)

2018-19 GIPA BOOK & PERSONAL DEDICATION ORDER FORM

GIPA BOOK PERSONAL DEDICATION(S) ** Deadline to order is March 31, 2019 ** Until March 31, 2019: $25.00 for GIPA members Indicate the number of each type of dedication you wish to order, $ 35.00 for non-GIPA members then add up your order total below.

As of April 1, 2019: You Design (print-ready file, 300 dpi, PDF or JPEG)* $30.00 for GIPA members ____ x $30 - Quarter Page: 3.875” w x 5.125” h (vertical only) $ 40.00 for non-GIPA members ____ x $50 - Half Page: 8” w x 5.125” h (horizontal only) ____ x $100 - Full Page with border: 8” w x 10.5” h OR Full Page with Bleed: 8.75” w x 11.25” h (trim line 8.5x11, live area 8x10.5)

Custom Design* ____ x $40 - Quarter Page: 3.875” w x 5.125” h (vertical only) ____ x $65 - Half Page: 8” w x 5.125” h (horizontal only) ____ x $120 - Full Page with border: 8” w x 10.5” h OR Full Page with Bleed: 8.75” w x 11.25” h

No. of Books: ______x cost from above = Sub-total of ‘You Design’ Dedications: $______+ Sub-total of ‘Custom Design’ Dedications: $______= Total Book Order: $______Total Cost of Dedications: $______

Parent Name: ______Phone Number: ______Email Address: ______Total Order Amount ($): ______

Name of child to whom we should deliver your order: Your child’s school and homeroom teacher:

______ Sunset Elementary ______ Henry S. West Lab ______ GW Carver Middle ______ Coral Reef Sr. High ______

Please mail this completed order form (we recommend you make a copy for yourself) together with your check (no cash!) for the full order amount made payable to “GIPA” to the address below. Orders must be received by March 31, 2019. We’re sorry, but no refunds will be given after March 31, 2019.

German International Parent Association, Attn: Book Editor P.O. Box 431081 Miami, FL 33243-1081

* Important Note About Artwork: To ensure print quality, all print-ready designs must be received as a PDF or JPEG file saved at 300dpi NO LATER THAN MARCH 31, 2019. Email your artwork to [email protected]. For custom designed dedication, email your high-resolution photos (low-resolution will not print well) and an overall design idea to [email protected] as soon as possible. We include one round of revisions. SIPA SUNSET ANNUAL PICNIC Where: Dante Fascell Park, 8700 SW 57th Ave., South Miami When: Sunday, February 3, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission: Free for members. You can become a member on site. Food: Pack your own blanket, chairs, and snacks or buy sandwiches, pizza and drinks. Come for a fun day with classmates and family to enjoy: Soccer games organized by Paris Saint‐Germain Academy Basketball drills Volleyball, tug‐of‐war, hula hoops Music with Sunset’s own Mr. Agüero as DJ Face painting, nail polish, tattoo stations JOIN SIPA! Each class with full participation will receive an ice cream party!

Student Name: ______Grade: ______Student Name: ______Grade: ______Student Name: ______Grade: ______

Parent's name: ______Cellphone:______Email:______Would you like to get involved and support SIPA's activities? ______Yes ______No Family One-Year membership: $20 Payment: Cash or check (payable to "SIPA") MANDATORY BOOKS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR You still have time to order the mandatory Spanish Books for the school year. 1st grade: La Cama de Horacio- Camilla Ashforth $15

2ND GRADE: Ya no soy tu amiga- Anita Heald $15 El Mejor es mi Papá- Georgina Lázaro $15

3rd grade: Shola y los Leones- Bernardo A aga $18 Amigos del Alma- Elvira Lindotx $10

4th grade: El Superzorro- Roald Dahl $18 Piruleta- Christine Nostlinger $10

5th grade: Muertos de Susto- María Fernandez Paz-Castillo $15 Verde fue mi Selva- Edna Iturralde $10

Pay using cash or check (payable to "SIPA") Total: $______Student name: ______Grade: ______Lengua teacher: ______Parent email: ______Please return the completed form to your child's Spanish teacher. If you have any questions with your order, please email us at: [email protected] BUY YOUR COMMEMORATIVE BRICK TODAY!

4x8 Red...... $100

8x8 Red...... $500

With your brick purchase, you will be invited to “BREAKFAST AND BRICKS” A special event for you and your friends to place your bricks in the ground together while enjoying a yummy breakfast!

FIFTH GRADERS Leave your mark on Sunset Elementary

Order online http://sunsetseed.net/latest-events.html

100% of proceeds are used to fund Sunset technology initiatives.

* Bricks purchased prior to the student's 5th grade year do not qualify for invitation to the 5th Grade Breakfast & Bricks Celebration.