Principal's Corner
Dear MBES Parents,
Thank you to all who have been following our arrival drop off and pick up processes! Your help in this safety matter is greatly appreciated! My presence in the front of our building both AM and PM has been a joy as I greet and bid farewell to you and our students. We hope that even when an adult is not present at this post that you will all continue to respect the rules and use our car circles for drop off and pick up. Safety has to be our first priority, and we must work together to make a positive difference in this area! Thank you again for your support and cooperation in this matter!
Have you had a chance to check out our new website format? Please take a look at this great school communication tool and resource; you will be pleased with everything that you can find there. A most recent posting under the Parent Info tab is related to changes in the FCAT resulting in FCAT 2.0 which is more rigorous with raised standards and benchmarks for our students to reach for. The slideshow posted there also shares information regarding 3rd and 5th grade portfolio requirements for promotion to the next grade. Great info to know, so please check it out! Thanks!
It is the time of year when students often have new technology devices that they received over the winter holidays. They are excited about these new tools, as they should be, but we must remind everyone that with the growth of information and communication technologies come new opportunities and sometimes challenges. The use of a cell phone for safety and protection is important and necessary for many families. We encourage the use of these tools for students when communicating with parents as they walk home from a bus stop, enter their home after walking home, etc. These devices should not be seen or in use while at school. We have asked that students keep phones safely stored in backpacks in the off position, so as not to disturb classroom instruction or risk loss by having them visible or in pockets where they can fall out. We appreciate your support and cooperation with these rules.
Other techie items that many students have or received over the holidays are hand held electronic games of many varieties (DS, etc.). Please keep these items at home as well, as they are expensive, can be disruptive, and many of them connect to the internet. All of these reasons can cause an interruption to classroom instruction or cause disruption and loss of time when a difficulty occurs. Please help us make the best use of our time, by keeping these items at home for use there. There are many other choices for Fun Friday that do not carry the same potential for loss or disruption. Again, thank you for your support as we all work together to make a difference for our students and their learning environment!
~ Sherry Aemisegger, Principal
Dates To Remember
Jan. 20
|
Pro Ed Day, No School for Students |
| Jan. 31 |
Publix Math Night, Last Names A-L
5:30-6:00pm Registration |
| Feb. 01 |
Publix Math Night, Last Names M-Z
5:30-6:00pm Registration |
| Feb. 08 |
3rd & 4th Grade Parent Workshop on Writing, 6:00-6:45pm |
| Feb. 16 |
Individual Spring Picture Day
Crispers Family Night, 5:30-8:00 |
| Feb. 17 |
Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, 9:00am |
Feb. 21
|
SAC Meeting, Media Center, 7:00-8:00
|
| Feb. 24 |
Pro Ed Day, No School for Students |
| Feb. 28 |
FCAT Writing, Grade 4 |
| Mar. 09 |
Multi-Cultural Fair, 6:00-8:30pm |
Umbrellas Needed
We could use several large umbrellas for our classes in the portables. Several walkways are uncovered between the main building and the portables and can become quite a challenge during inclement weather. Thank you!
Thank You Crispers!
We received Crispers Night proceeds in the amount of $184.70!
Community Happenings
The following flyers are located in the school office, and you are welcome to stop by and pick up any papers that interest you.
- Safety Harbor Rec Programs: Little League, Dog Obedience Classes, Track & Field, Daddy Daughter Date Night, 2/11 and Doggie Date Night, 1/13. For more information call 724-1530.
- Dance Classes/Cheerleading Classes, Countryside Rec Center, Ages 5 and up; For more information call (813)885-2292.
The school is neither endorsing nor sponsoring the events nor approving or endorsing the views of the organization sponsoring the activity
Family and Community Relations
Each year we have the privilege of selecting our Outstanding School Volunteers. Since all of our volunteers are “outstanding” in our eyes, this is never an easy task. Selection is based on nominations received from teachers and school staff. We are thrilled to announce our Outstanding School Volunteers for the 2011 – 2012 school year are: Julie Pollitt (Adult category) & Darlene Peter (Senior category). Congratulations to both of them! Here are excerpts from the nomination forms which were submitted to the county:
Julie Pollitt has been instrumental in assisting with our MBES Commitment to Character Program for the last three years. She arranges all of the assemblies and coordinates preparation of certificates, goody bags and all of the photographs displayed in our cafeteria. Julie puts in countless hours behind the scenes, and pulls everything together to provide our students with an entertaining and educational character-building celebration.
Julie has been instrumental in scheduling Bullying Prevention programs for our assemblies. By focusing on the needs of our students, Julie has helped to develop a C2C program that touches every student in McMullen Booth Elementary. It would be impossible to accomplish what we have done without Julie’s leadership and countless hours of volunteer service.
As a volunteer in the Media Center, Darlene Peter will take on any task that is asked of her. She performs many jobs from assisting students find their “just right” book, shelving books and hanging decorations. She is always organizing, arranging, alphabetizing and bringing together students and books to support literacy at McMullen Booth. Without Darlene’s talents, our students would not be able to enjoy all the benefits our Media Center has to offer.
In addition to her Media Center service, Darlene has extended her love for children to include mentoring a student once a week. Darlene is truly a one of a kind and a very kind one! If a volunteer is needed, Darlene will be here with her ever present smile.
All of us at McMullen Booth are blessed by the presence of these ladies and all of our other wonderful volunteers.
Our volunteers are the wind in our sails and keep us on a course to success. We appreciate all of the time, hard work and enthusiasm you share with our students and school each day. Join us as we celebrate all of our volunteers at our “All Hands on Deck” Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on Friday, Feb. 17th. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us!
~ Barbara Hajko, Family & Community Liaison
Thought for the Day: “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.”
Calling All Students...
PUBLIX NIGHT
Sunset Point & US 19
Math Scavenger Hunt 5:30-6:30pm
- Tuesday, January 31st for last names ending in A-L
- Wednesday, February 1st for last names ending in M-Z
Children must be accompanied and supervised by parents. If you have a conflict with one night, you may come the other night. All students completing the Scavenger Hunt will earn a school Privilege Pass and a complimentary PUBLIX Cookie and Goodie Bag!
Counselor's Corner
Many parents feel guilty about working. They assume their children want more time with them. But children have different views from parents about work and parenting. A leading researcher on work-family issues interviewed more than 1,000 children. She asked them what they would like to tell working parents. Here’s what they said:
- Work if you want to! Only two percent of the children said parents should “Stay home.”
- We’re proud of you. Children notice that their parents are working hard. They respect parents for the time and effort they put in.
- Love and raise us well. Children want to be respected, listened to and encouraged. They want discipline, but not if it’s harsh or judgmental.
- Teach us how to work. Share information and your insights about working. Introduce children to enjoyable things to do.
- Make time to be with us. Don’t put your job, material things or friends before your kids.
- Be involved in our lives. Know what’s happening at school and with your child’s friends. Attend important events. Play games and solve problems.
- Share what’s happening in your life. Children want to know about their parents’ work hours. (Try to share the good, not just the bad.)
- Make an effort to establish values and morals, rituals and routines.
- Don’t bring the stress from work into the home. Know when to quit. Or get a less stressful job if needed. If you’re angry and tired, don’t take it out on your kids.
- Hang in there. Don’t be put off when children push you away. They really do want to talk with you.
~ Marilyn Taylor, Guidance Counselor
C2C - January: Self Motivation
As we begin a New Year, it is important for parents to continue to MOTIVATE their children. Here are some motivating tips from the Parent Institute.
- Laying the foundation for optimism. Break down difficult tasks into small steps your child can master. Let her see that one success can lead to another.
- Teaching problem solving skills. Brainstorm possible solutions. Give your child choices.
- Criticizing actions, not your child. Say, “You didn’t pick up your dirty clothes.” Not, “You’re lazy and messy.” The latter implies that there is something wrong with her character.
- Playing away your child’s worries. If your child is afraid of making a new friend, let her practice introducing herself to you.
- Stifling negative comments about yourself. If you burn a cake, say “Oops, I guess we’ll have ice cream tonight!” Not, “I’m so dumb. I can never do anything right.”
- Talking about positive thinking on a regular basis. Point out positive versus negative attitudes from news or life stories. Share positive quotes from famous people.
What is Cyber-Bullying?
Cyber-bullying involves the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group that is intended to harm others. A 2003 Florida Legislation amended the states “stalking Statute” to include “cyber-stalking,” which equates to electronic bullying in cyberspace. Penalties for acts under this statute range from a first degree misdemeanor to a third degree felony.
The following are just a few safety tips that parents may want to consider in the use of computers and cell phones:
- Create rules for the use of the internet or texting.
- Educate yourself and your child in the safe use of these technologies.
- Know what your child is doing on line and with their phone.
- Learn the language.
- Don’t allow solitary/unmonitored surfing or texting.
- Don’t rely solely on technology safeguards to protect kids.
- Know your child’s email accounts, profiles, IM screen names, etc.
Please talk to your children about technology safety. Relationships and education are the best way to assure that our students are prepared to handle the great wide world of technology that awaits them. Working together we can make a difference for our students!
Application Process for Magnet, Fundamental, and Career Academy Schools
- All Magnet, Fundamental, and Career Academy applications will be made online through the Student Reservation System this year. Additional information is available at www.pcsb.org
- Parents must have a Parent Portal User ID and Password to make an application.
- The application period runs from January 7 through January 20 with the Information Fair on January 7th at Pinellas Park High School from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.
- Discovery Night schedules are posted online. Additional information about the application process will be posted on the district website as it becomes available.
- The acceptance period for this process is February 9-16.
2012-2013 Zoning Fast Facts
- Of the district’s 63 elementary schools that have zones, 26 are being recommended for zone changes.
- Of the district’s approximately 45,000 elementary students, about 2,100 will be impacted by zone changes; fewer than 2,900 will be impacted by policy changes.
- Zoning changes will not affect current fourth-graders. They will be eligible to stay at their school for fifth grade whether or not it’s their zoned school, as long as they complete an “Intent to Remain” via the Student Reservation System between Jan. 23-31, 2012. They are not eligible for transportation to their non-zoned school.
- Zoning changes will not affect third-graders who are attending a school outside their zone as long as they complete an “Intent to Remain” process via the Student Reservation System between Jan. 23-31, 2012, and if:
- They were assigned to their non-zoned school through open enrollment.
- They were assigned to their non-zoned school because there was no room at their zoned school.
- They are attending their non-zoned school under a zoning exception.
- They are a sibling of an ESE student.
- Students in kindergarten through third grade who are not enrolled in their zoned school and have no exceptions for program placement will be assigned to their zoned school for the 2011-12 school year.
- Students who are attending a non-zoned school as NCLB or Opportunity Scholarship transfer students may remain at their current school and receive bus transportation in accordance with federal and state statute.
- No zone changes are being recommended for middle or high school students.
Student Council News
Congratulations to our newly elected Student Council Officers!
- President - Kayla Dixon
- Vice President - Frank Olivares
- Secretary - David Cassidy
McMullen Booth Elementary School Website
Have you checked out our new website? One stop shopping for everything you would like to know about McMullen-Booth Elementary School and PTA. Information includes missions, goals, links to teachers and PTA, interesting sites, FCAT information, schedules, lunch menus...and more! Thank you to Andrea Drennen and her expertise for putting this wonderful resource together for us! Check us out today at www.mbes.com!
Did You Know?
In the 2010-2011 school year, the State Department of Education adopted new standards for our curriculum areas. Because the standards changed, the end of the year testing changed as well and FCAT is now referred to as FCAT 2.0. As you might think, requirements for graduation were impacted by this change. It is never too early to begin thinking about what will be asked of your child in order to graduate! If you would like to preview the details of this information, go to our school website (www.mbes.com), click on For Parents, All About the FCAT and watch the publication, Pathways to Success. The brochure is also available on our district website using www.pcsb.org under the Parents and Students tab and following the drop down menu to locate the Parent’s Bulletin Board postings. It is full of interesting information!
McMullen's Cafe
| Good Morning! |
Lunch |
Lunch
|
| Week of 1/23-1/27 |
Week of 1/23-1/27 |
Week of 1/30-2/3 |
Mon
1/23
Tues
1/24
Wed
1/25
Thurs
1/26
Fri
1/27 |
Omelet
Cereal
Oatmeal
Max Stick w/ Sausage
Cereal
Grits
Breakfast Sausage Bagel
Cereal
Oatmeal
Chicken & Biscuit
Cereal
Grits
Breakfast Bar
Cereal
Yogurt
|
Mon
1/23
Tue
1/24
Wed
1/25
Thur
1/26
Fri
1/27 |
#1 Cheeseburgers
#2 Hamburger
#3 Bean Burrito
#4 Chef’s Salad
#5 Turkey Sandwich
#1 Chicken Parmesan
#2 Beef & Cheddar
#3 Ravioli
#4 Beef Kabob Salad
#5 Ham & Cheese Sandwich
#1 Chicken Patty
#2 Grilled Cheese
#3 None
#4 Chicken BLT Salad
#5 Tuna Salad Sandwich
#1 Breakfast for Lunch
#2 Lasagna
#3 None
#4 Farmer’s Salad
#5 Bologna & Cheese Sandwich
#1 Pepperoni Pizza
#2 Fish Sandwich
#3 Cheese Pizza
#4 Mandarin Chicken Salad
#5 PB & J Sandwich
|
Mon
1/30
Tue
1/31
Wed
2/1
Thur
2/2
Fri
2/3 |
#1 Sloppy Joe
#2 Max Stick
#3 None
#4 Chef's Salad
#5 Turkey Sandwich
#1 Meatball Sub
#2 Corn Dog
#3 Ravioli
#4 Chicken BLT Salad
#5 Ham & Cheese Sandwich
#1 Chicken Nuggets
#2 Pasta w/ Marinara Sauce
#3 None
#4 Mandarin Chicken Salad
#5 Egg Salad Sandwich
#1 Teriyaki Chicken
#2 Rib-B-Que
#3 None
#4 Farmer’s Salad
#5 Bologna & Cheese Sandwich
#1 Pepperoni Pizza
#2 Fish Sticks
#3 Cheese Pizza
#4 Beef Kabob Salad
#5 PB & J Sandwich
*** IMPORTANT
NOTICE ***
All Menus
Subject to Change |
| Week of 1/30-2/3 |
Mon
1/30
Tues
1/31
Wed
2/1
Thurs
2/2
Fri
2/3
|
Breakfast Pizza
Cereal
Grits
Egg Patty w/ Sausage
Cereal
Grits
Egg & Cheese Biscuit
Cereal
Grits
Waffle Stick/Sausage Links
Cereal
Oatmeal
Yogurt
Cereal
Honey Bun
|
Cafeteria News
We have sent out new Free/Reduced Meal Application forms for the 2011/2012 School year. We have also sent out flyers about the Apply for Lunch system. Check out the website: www.applyforlunch.com.
We also have sent out flyers about the NEW payment system called School Payment Solutions the website www.SchoolPaymentSolutions.com.
For technical questions, please call 727-547-7152.
The School Board of
Pinellas County,
Florida, prohibits any
and all forms of
discrimination and harassment based on
race, color, sex, religion, orientation or
disability in any of its programs, services
or activities.