1. Elementary School Orientation
Somerset Academy
Elementary School Orientation

2. Meet our team: Mrs. Enriquez Elementary Vice Principal
Ms. Barber Elementary Assistant Principal
Mrs. Machin Primary Learning Specialist (K-2)/ Math 3-5th
Mrs. Coto-Hernandez Elementary Reading/Writing Specialist (3-5)
Mrs. Marin Exceptional Student Education
Mrs. Fernandez Kindergarten Team Leader
Mrs. Landa 1st grade Team Leader
Mrs. Portela 2nd grade Team Leader
Mrs. Anon 3rd grade Team Leader
Ms. Ziadie 4th grade Team Leader
Mrs. Suarez/Mrs. Flores 5th grade Team Leader
Mrs. Capiro “Specials” Team Leader
Mrs. Oharriz Registrar/Information Management Technician
Mrs. Rhoden Administrative Assistant/LEAP Director
Mrs. Gonzalez Parent Coordinator/Activites
Mrs. Sotolongo Test Chair and ELL Coordinator

3. Student Support TEAM Sometimes it’s good to have someone to talk to….
Our Student Support Specialists hold group sessions dealing with everything from DIVORCE to BULLYING and many concerns in between and do SO MUCH more for our student body!
Referral forms for both students and parents will always be available in the main office.
Mrs. Lorena Sakay and her team are available at

4. A few words from our PTSO!

5. We need your help! Do you want to be involved?
Do you want to have fun with kids; hear their ideas, see their creations?
Can you volunteer 1 hour per month during school hours?
Are you reliable?
Do you want 30 hours of volunteer time for only seven(7) classes?
Signup to learn more about becoming a
Meet the Masters volunteer!
You get to be in the classroom. Children get so excited to see their parent come into the classroom.
This is a great time to share with the children... and they can teach us a few things too. You will be amazed at things they see in art work that we adults miss.
We coordinate your schedule with that of the teachers to accommodate as much as possible.
If you commit to a day & time, please be there. The children and the teacher are counting on you. Emergencies do happen, but don’t just not show up.
Elementary parents are required to have 30 volunteer hours, this program can get you 20 of those hours.
Please sign up to learn more about the Meet the Masters program. We will have an informational meeting on Tuesday August 30th 6-6:30 in the Elementary cafeteria.
I will be happy to answer any questions after the orientation.

6. Independence Day! Wednesday, August 24th is Independence Day!
Students will celebrate their Independence by wearing red, white and blue (uniforms will not need to be worn if students are dressed for Independence Day)
After Tuesday, students will not be permitted to be walked into school by mom/dad or guardian.

7. SOCIAL MEDIA
Please work with us to help combat cyber bullying by talking to your children about the dangers associated with the internet.
Somerset Academy has a zero tolerance policy for bullying of ANY SORT.
Do you want to make sure your child is NEVER involved in a Social Media event?

8. ROSE PRICE PARK IS OFF LIMITS FOR SOMERSET PARENTS AFTER 8/26/2016.
The City of Pembroke Pines has decided that parents and students of Somerset Academy may not use the parking lot for any reason at any time. Cars parked there that are associated with Somerset Academy will be towed at your expense.

9. Broward County Attendance Policies
A pattern of non-attendance is established when the student has missed 5 days (excused or unexcused).
May be accumulated by tardiness, early sign-outs, or daily absences
Once a pattern of non-attendance has been established, a statement must be provided to the school to explain the pattern. F.S
Excused Absences Include:
Illness of student;
Illness of immediate family member;
Death in the family;
Religious holidays of the student’s own faith;
Required court appearance/subpoena;
Scheduled medical/dental appointment.

10. Tardiness/Early Sign-out
Tardiness/early sign-out is disruptive to the learning environment and can have a negative impact on student achievement.
No students shall be released after 1:30pm.

11. Breakfast and Lunch Services
Cafeteria Manager: Ms. Canete
ext. 620
Breakfast price: $1.50
Lunch price: $3.25
Free and Reduced Lunch-applications will be available in your child’s first day packet of information.
Monthly menus are available on our website.

12. Visiting our School
Parents and families are welcome to visit our school!
Please remember to follow procedures for the safety and security of all of our Panthers:
Valid FL Drivers License is required
Parking is EXTREMELY LIMITED on campus.
Elementary Office check-in required
A reason to visit….field trip, classroom event or ceremony.
Please remember all of the procedures are to keep your children safe!

13. How do I stay informed about my child’s progress in the classroom
How do I stay informed about my child’s progress in the classroom? Monitoring Academic Progress
Parent/Teacher Conferences
(Each parent is required to have two in-person conferences per year)
Your child’s teacher has a website on somersetacademy.com.
Create a Parent Account to receive s about homework nightly.
Progress Reports are issued at the halfway mark of each grading period.
Report Cards are issued at the end of each grading period.
Check our website for the exact dates for progress reports and report cards.

14. Transportation
Several private providers provide transportation to our school. Contact school office for more information.
Traffic safety – please comply with staff directions and traffic safety
Speed Limit will be strictly enforced!
Here’s our S.R.O. with some helpful traffic flow information!

15. How is the first day of school going to work
How is the first day of school going to work? Drop – off/Pick-up Procedures (PLACE A BACKPACK TAG ON EVERY STUDENT BACKPACK)
DROP OFF:
PK-2nd grade
Somerset Way traffic pattern to front circle. Please get your bright red tag this evening!
3rd -5th Somerset Way traffic pattern to second circle.
Parents will receive hang tags to display with grade level and teacher on the first day.
PICK UP:
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PLEASE BE PATIENT DURING THE FIRST COUPLE OF WEEKS.
TRAFFIC WILL BE BAD. REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR BEST SMILE!

16. 5:00-5:45- Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st grade
Don’t forget about our OPEN HOUSE and MEET and GREET!
Friday, August 19, 2016
5:00-5:45- Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st grade
6:00-6:45- 2nd and 3rd grade
7:00-7:45- 4th and 5th grade
(Parents and students will have a chance to meet their new teachers. This is a great time to bring your school supplies.)

17. Thank you for coming tonight!
Don’t forget about our OPEN HOUSE/MEET and GREET!
Friday, August 19, 2016
5:00-5:45- Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st grade
6:00-6:45- 2nd and 3rd grade
7:00-7:45- 4th and 5th grade
(Parents and students will have a chance to meet their new teachers. This is a great time to bring your school supplies.)
Go Panthers!