1. Welcome to Open House!
Ms. Pelaez

2. Pelaez & Espinosa Pelaez: Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies
Espinosa: Science and Math

3. A Little About Myself
Graduated from FIU with a BA in Elementary Education
Elementary (K-6) certified
TESOL certified
I come from a family full of teachers and it has become my passion over the years. Lots of experience

4. Attendance & Dismissal
Students should be dropped off by 8:00 am. School starts promptly at 8:15 am. After 8:15am the student will be marked as tardy and will a late slip to enter the classroom. Students who arrive late miss critical instruction.
They must be picked up between 2:45pm- 3:00pm. (After 3pm they will be sent to the office. Late fees may apply.
If your child has been absent, you must send me a note to document the reason for the absence. If I don’t receive a note the absence will remain unexcused.
Try your best not to be late because of the possibility of missing information.

5. Birthdays & Toys
If you wish to have a birthday party during the school day, you may do so during lunch. Our lunch is from 11:35 – 12:05 pm.
Toys: Toys are not permitted in school. If brought to school they will be held until the December or summer break whichever comes first.
Making sure they leave them at home will help not have to take them away.

6. Money
If you are sending any money in to school with your child make sure if is sealed in an envelope and labeled with your child’s name and what the money is for. Thank you!
Remember, no checks under $20.
If you are forced to send cash to school and need change I may not be able to provide you with change right away. So, please be patient.
It makes it easier for me to know what their money is for and who has brought in money.
You will also get a receipt for anything paid over $20, please send me a note or an if for any reason I forget or have not given it to your child and I will be sure to do so.

7. Specials Schedule
Quarter 1- Art- Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
PE – Wednesday (AM)/Thursday (PM) (PE uniform and sneakers are required)
Library will be visited on Wednesdays (PM) and Thursdays (AM)
***Students will be able to check out library books at that time. Books are due back prior to the next visit. Please make sure the books are kept in a safe place and remain in good condition. If a book is lost, parents will be responsible for the cost of the book.
Sent home was a book check out agreement.

8. Communication
School planners will be used as a daily form of communication. Any question or comment you may have may be addressed inside.
is the best way to reach me:
Schoolrack.com: The class website can be accessed by going to
I have important class information posted. The website will be updated frequently.
Some of the students said they weren’t able to get to website, make sure you write my name down correctly. PELAEZ

9. Materials 2 red pens 5 number 2 pencils or mechanical pencils 1 eraser
1 sharpener
1 pack of college- ruled paper per quarter
Headphones
1 pack of highlighters (any light color)
1 pocket size dictionary (students must carry them with them to class every day)
3 composition notebooks (one for each subject – Reading, Language Arts, Social Studies)
1 flash drive
3 folders
Headphones are for reading plus --
PM class.. Students had one notebook left so I allowed them to use that one for both Language Arts and Reading, but they may need to bring one in later in the school year when we run out of space or when test crunch time comes. Keep that in mind please.

10. Florida State Standards
Provide means to give college and career readiness
Standards will build on each grade level
Increased rigor
Evidence based responses
Increased text complexity
Emphasis on writing in all subjects
Opinion writing now included
The standards have changed so this year. “Year of Change”.

11. What are the Florida Standards?
On February 18, 2014, the State Board of Education revised elements of the Common Core State Standards and renamed the benchmarks the Florida Standards. The board voted unanimously to revise the student performance standards in English/Language Arts and Mathematics.

12. Language Arts Florida Standards (LAFS)
The LAFS consist of Six Strands:
READING STANDARDS FOR LITERATURE
READING STANDARDS: FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS
READING STANDARDS FOR INFORMATIONAL TEXT
WRITING STANDARDS
STANDARDS FOR SPEAKING AND LISTENING
LANGUAGE STANDARDS
*Writing is incorporated within the Language Arts standards. Extended responses and writing will be based on textual evidence.
*The use of digital tools and technology to conduct research and publish writing using keyboarding skills is required.
Literature (fiction)
Foundational skills (grade level)
Informational (nonficition, informational texts: very important for them to read just as many of these as fiction books). Comprehending these types gets them ready for the test and for Middle School
Writing (writing now including opinion writing)
Speaking and listening (presenting and discussion skills)
Language standards (grammar – NEW – now a grammar component, I think good addition because not as much focus before)

13. Science and Social studies
Science and Social Studies instruction will continue to be guided using the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards. However, we will be incorporating Science and Social Studies content into the Reading/Writing lessons.
Our Journeys book series includes a lot of historical and science texts. This benefits them in learning how to read informational text as well. Goes hand in hand with social studies and reading instruction.

14. Why are we replacing the FCAT 2.0?
With new, more rigorous standards in place to help Florida students succeed, the FCAT 2.0 no longer serves the purpose of measuring student progress and achievement.
It is important that each and every child in this state have the opportunity to learn and succeed in college, career and in life. This new method of assessment will allow teachers to emphasize critical thinking, which will provide our students with even greater opportunities to live and learn in Florida.
*Note: Will any students be taking the FCAT 2.0 in ?
The FCAT 2.0 science exam will be used in grades 5 and 8.
Any questions on the science exam can be directed to Mrs. Espinoza – not my specialty

15. Florida Standards Assessment (FSA)
The new exam will assess students in English/Language Arts and Mathematics is the Florida Standards Assessments (FSA).
The new test will provide a more authentic assessment of the Florida Standards, because it will include more than multiple choice questions. Students will be asked to create graphs, interact with test content and write and respond in different ways than on traditional tests. New question types will assess students’ higher-order thinking skills in keeping with the higher expectations of the Florida Standards.
Extremely similar to common core

16. Florida Standards Assessment (FSA)
March FSA Writing (4th-paper based and 5th- computer based)
March 31-April 10 FSA English/Language Arts and Mathematics (3rd & 4th grade-paper based)
April 13-May 8 FSA English/Language Arts and Mathematics (5th Grade- computer based)
FCAT 2.0 Science (5th grade-paper based)

17. Typing Resources
Typing Web
Dance Mat Typing
ABC YA!
Slime Kids games/super-hyper-spider-typer.html
Fun To Type
Free Typing Games
Learning Games for Kids _games.html
Sense-Lang
WILL ADD these to my website!

18. Helpful Websites and Resources
FLDOE:
LAFS:
MAFS:
CPALMS:
FSA Portal:

19. Curriculum Social Studies- Social Studies Weekly
Hispanic Heritage Month
Black History Month
Multicultural Week
U.S. History
What are we going to use to teach your child these new standards?

20. What curriculum are we using to teach these new standards?

21. Curriculum ELA- Journeys
Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
Compare and contrast texts.
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects
Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
Write arguments to support claims
Using evidence to prove points
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions.
Writing and Grammar
We chose to stay with the same curriculum bc they addressed everything the new standards ask for.

22. Sadlier Grammar Ready Florida New Curriculum
Supplementary in depth grammar instruction
Ready Florida
Our new crunch time prep books.

23. Home Learning, Textbooks, and Conferences
Homework: Students will receive daily Reading/Language Arts homework. Reading Plus will be assigned on a weekly basis. Students are to read 30 minutes each day and complete reading log. Students will receive a weekly grade for all assignments.
Conferences: There are two mandatory parent/teacher conferences in a year.
Textbooks: Textbooks should never be taken home. If a book happens to go home with your child by mistake please send it back.
Starting in mid September.

24. Grading
Grades will all be the same weight this year. The following things may be graded.
Class participation & homework
class work
projects
tests
quizzes
Grades will be posted weekly on Pinnacle. A
80-89 B
70-79 C
69-60 D
59 and below F
Be patient with me.. I will have them up as soon as I can

25. Volunteer Remember you need 40 hours!!!
We need your help!  Parents are needed to help with...
donating/contributing items for classroom use:
*WISHLIST*
For each $4 spent, you will receive one volunteer hour. 
Any contribution is greatly appreciated. My wish list is on the board if you want to take a look and take a tab. My wish list will always be on my website and can be updated.
Bring in your receipt and I will give you back a confirmation for your hours

26. Ways You Can Help:
Check my website on a weekly basis to make sure your child is keeping up with the assignments.
Check Pinnacle on a weekly basis. FYI: Pinnacle can send you an if your child’s grade drops below a certain percentage.
Please have a designated quiet area for your child to complete his/her homework assignments.

27. Homework
Homework is MANDATORY. It is used to reinforce the skills learned during the day.
Late Work Policy:
1 day late: -10 points
2 days late: -20 points
3 days late: -30 points
4 or more: NO LONGER ACCEPTED
NO HOMEWORK = PINK SLIP
5 PINK SLIPS = LUNCH DETENTION

28. Classroom Expectations
Begin work upon walking into class.
Keep your notebooks clean, neat, and in order.
All papers must be turned in on time-neatness counts!
If you finish your work early, work on unfinished material or read a novel.
Walk in and out of class quietly and orderly.
Raise your hand if you have a question or comment. And wait your turn to speak.
Stay in your assigned seat while in class.
Do NOT speak when the teacher is speaking.
Bring ALL required materials to class every day.
THE TEACHER DISMISSES THE CLASS, NOT THE BELL!
We came up with rules together similarly to how we came up with the constitution together.

29. Following the Guidelines will Result in:
Verbal acknowledgement
A stress-free learning environment
A pleasant and orderly classroom atmosphere
Rewards
Tickets
Candy
Class party
Five extra minutes of recess on Fridays
Ability to choose a job
10 minutes of computer time at the end of the day on Friday
A happy teacher! 

30. Infractions and Procedures
First offense: Verbal warning, parent contact.
Second offense: Parent contact, 30 min lunch detention
Third offense: Parent contact, Mandatory 1 hour after school detention.
Fourth offense: Referral submitted to the dean of discipline.
Loss of recess
Loss of tickets

31. School Advisory Councils are…
A group intended to represent the school community who will share responsibility for guiding the school toward continuous improvement.
Referred to as SAC
Required by all schools, including charter schools
Have the goal of increasing student achievement for all students in a safe learning environment

32. School Advisory Council (SAC)
Assists in preparation and evaluation of The School Improvement Plan (SIP)
Decides how school improvement funds are spent
Assists principal with the school budget
Making suggestions relating to the improvement of the school in all areas
SAC meetings are held quarterly
Students are notified of SAC meetings by distribution of flyers, parent link notifications, teacher s and the Somerset School website.
Meetings are usually held at 6:00 p.m. in the Media Center
2 volunteer hours are given for attending these meeting
Works hand in hand together for the success of the students and the school!

33. What is Title I?
Title I is the largest federal assistance program for our nation’s schools.
The goal of Title I is a higher quality of education for every child.
The program serves millions of children in elementary and secondary schools each year.
“What every parent should know about Title I” brochures are available in our front office.
For a detailed description of Title I, please attend our first School Advisory Council meeting in the beginning of September.

34. How Title I Works
The federal government provides funding to states each year for Title I.
The Florida Department of Education sends the money to the district.
The school district identifies eligible schools (based on the number of students receiving free/reduced lunches)and allocates Title I funds.
Somerset Miramar implements a school wide Title I program. This means that all students receive the benefits of our Title I funding.

35. School Status and Testing
As part of our Title I compliance, we are expected to reach certain achievement levels dictated by our School Improvement Plan.
We utilize FCAT (grades 3-8 for previous years), FSA (grades 3-8 from this year on), Primary Reading and Math tests (grades 1-2), and FAIR tests (grade K) to determine our achievement levels.
Our elementary and middle school are both “A” rated schools!!

36. Working together!
Title I law requires meaningful involvement of parents in the decisions made at our school.
How we work together is listed in our:
School Level Parent Involvement Plan;
District level Parent Involvement Plan
Parent-School Compact
Title I Plan (School Improvement Plan)
All information is available on our school website, but the best way you can be involved is by participating in our School Advisory Council. (SAC)
If you have any questions, please contact a member of our administration or our Title I liaison- Ms.Calvacca.

37. Parent-Teacher Conference
If you’d like to schedule a conference, please write the student’s name on the calendar.
Remember: You must meet with me at least two times this year.
If you only have a question, please write it on the index card. Please make sure to include your address so that I can get back to you ASAP.

38. Now lets rate our learning!
4 – I understood the presentation and I could teach it to a friend.
3 – I understood the presentation well.
2 – I understood the presentation well but I still need some clarification from the teacher
1- I did not understand the presentation and need more clarification from the teacher
You will see that on the desks you have a cloud with a scale on it. I address the learning goal at the beginning of every lesson and I ask the students at the end of every to rate how they feel about what they learned. Our scale on the board is…

39. THANK YOU FOR COMING!!!
Please make sure to sign in prior to leaving.