DID YOU KNOW THAT…?

• Over the past 6 years, The Sanibel School has averaged 95% Student Stability compared to district average of 88% in South Zone Elementary schools and 85% in South Zone Middle Schools.   

 

CITIZENS OF THE WEEK

During the school year, students in Kindergarten and 1^st grade are recognized for being good citizens (good behavior, helpful attitude, and an eagerness to learn) at school.  The following are this week’s citizen of the week: Christian Menzel, Anna Willis, Francesco Tata, and Caitlin McCallion.  

 

FCAT TESTING ENDS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17^TH

BELIEVE, ACHIEVE, AND SUCCEED - Testing continues through this Wednesday.  Make-ups will be allowed if a student is sick during test days.  It will be very important for students to be on time each day and be well rested and fed so that they are able to do their very best.  If you have any specific questions about the testing, please contact Mrs. Reynolds, our test coordinator.  You may email her at lindasr@leeschools.net   Thank you in advance for your support.

 

2^ND GRADE PARENT LUNCHEON IS THIS FRIDAY

The classes of Mrs. Sanders and Mrs. Ryan request the pleasure of their parents’ company for lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Friday, March 19^th.  We hope that you can join us and look forward to your arrival.  School lunch may be purchased by adults at a cost of $3.05.  Please stop in the office to sign in and be recognized as an honored guest. 

 

SCHOOL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SAC)

There will be a SAC meeting held on Wednesday, March 17^th at 2:30 p.m. in the conference room. 

 

THE BOOK FAIR IS NEXT WEEK –BEGINNING MARCH 25^TH

The Spring Scholastic book fair will take place from March 25^th through March 30^th.   Please note: A change in the calendar.   We will NOT be open during the Field Day Event (or at all during the day) on Wednesday March 31^st.  We’ll operate for just 4 school days instead of 5 and will hold a teacher preview event following set up on the 24^th.  Parent hours will be held during the Sea Horse Festival on Sunday, the 28^th. 

We need volunteers to help set up the fair throughout the day on Wednesday, March 24^th, to help kids connect with great books during the fair, and to help pack up the book fair on Thursday, April 1^st.  If you’d like to help but cannot make it to the school on the dates mentioned, please volunteer to help create a volunteer schedule for Mrs. Payne.  We need several parents each day to make it a great experience for everyone.  Middle School students are welcome to earn Community Service Hours by helping to create signs and sort flyers for distribution before the fair, working at the book fair during the Seahorse Festival, and packing up the fair on Thursday, April 1^st, a day off from school.  Our goals are to get great books into the hands of our students for Spring Break and summer reading, to kids excited about reading, and to earn money for new Media Center books and supplies.  Please contact our media specialist Mrs. Payne at LibbyAP@leeschools.net or 472-1617 if you can help with our BOOK FAIR.

 

INDIVIDUAL SPRING PICTURES (K-8)

Spring Picture Day for students in Kindergarten through 8^th grade will be held on Friday, March 26^th.  Packets will be sent home the week of March 22^nd. 

 

KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2010-2011

Kindergarten Orientation will be held on Thursday, March 25th^h.  This is a change from the school calendar date of March 11^th.  Children who will be turning 5 years old on or before September 1^st are welcome to attend a daytime presentation beginning at 9:00 a.m.  A program for parents only will also be held at the school at 6:30 p.m. on

March 25^th.  If you are planning on enrolling a child in Kindergarten at The Sanibel School next year you need to complete the necessary paperwork prior to the end of this school year. Please call Donna Marks in the front office at 472-1617 if you need to get an enrollment packet or if you are not able to make it to the orientation.

 

Teens' Stress Is Increasing, but Parents' Perceptions Are Not

Recently released results of a national survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) have experts concerned. According to the study, parents are not aware of the impact that stress related to school pressure and family finances is having on their children -- and this, say psychologists, can have serious long-term health implications. "What we're seeing with stress is in line with existing research about parents' perception of their kids' engagement in risky behaviors," said psychologist Katherine C. Nordal, PhD, APA's executive director for professional practice. "Parents often under report drug use, depression and sexual activity in their children. Now it appears the same may be true for stress."  Read more at:  http://www.apa.org/releases/stress-children.html

 

Preventing Children's Drug Use Starts with Good Parenting

If you want your children to stay away from drugs, be there for them as a parent. That was the common theme of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) November 2009 CASA CONFERENCE, "How to Raise a Drug-Free Kid: The Straight Dope." Various experts in the field discussed the importance of talking to one's children about drugs (many small conversations rather than one big talk), maintaining family rituals, and being a parent before a friend, among other topics.  Read more at:
http://www.jointogether.org/news/features/2009/good-parenting-creates.html?print=t

 

INTRAMURAL SPORTS NEWS

Track and Field Begins Tuesday!

Meet in Mrs. Kridle’s room on Tuesday, March 16^th, at 2:15 p.m. for the first track practice of the 2010 season.  

All practices will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL ARCHERY CLUB

Middle School Archery club is on Wednesdays from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.  The club is open to all middle school students who have their Intramural Insurance forms turn in.

 

PTA NEWS

SEAHORSE FESTIVAL SPONSORS & FRIENDS

We would like to thank the following Sea Horse Festival Sponsors:

$2,000-Shark: Bailey’s Supermarket, Marinello Family

$1,000-Dolphin: The Crater Family, Doc Ford’s Restaurant

$500-Tarpon: Bank of the Islands, Coca-Cola Company, Island Sun, Kiwanis, The LaBar Family, The Rothwell Family, Sanctuary Island Electric

$250-Snook: Aroma Coffee Service, Bank of the Islands, Barrier Island Title Services, Comfort by Design Footwear, Hungry Heron, Island Pizza, Kirchner Contracting, Inc., The Kouril Family, Lucky Dog Boutique, The Mason Family, Periwinkle Park, Sandcastle Construction, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, She Sells Sea Shells, Southern Eagle Screen Printers, The Wesley Family, The Willis Family

Seahorse Friends: Finnimore Cycle, Gulf Breeze Cottages and Motel

If you would like to be a sponsor or donate an auction item, please fill out and return the form that went home with your child. More forms are available in the school office. Thank you for your generosity!

 

THE SEAHORSE FESTIVAL & AUCTION

Elementary classroom money collections for the auction has ended  We are looking forward to seeing what great items each grade level comes up with to compete against other grades levels for winning the PIZZA PARTY.  We would like to sincerely thank the families for making this opportunity possible with your generosity.  Remember another opportunity exists in bidding for these great items at the Seahorse Festival Auction on Sunday, March 28^th. Auction bidding will close between 3:00 p.m. and end by 4:00 p.m.  We would like to also thank the Seahorse parents responsible for coordinating these grade level items, Kindergarten:  Renee Mann, Grade 1:  Patty Holston, Grade 2:  Michelle Wesley, Grade 3: Renee Mann, Grade 4:  Dawn Ramsey, and Grade 5:  Lori Hendricks.

Middle school students are encouraged to bring in basket items coordinating with their grade level basket theme. The 6th, 7th and 8th grades will be competing against one another for a PIZZA PARTY. The party goes to the grade whose basket brings in the most money at auction the day of the Seahorse Festival.  The following basket themes have been selected to inspire student participation:  6th - Family Fun Night:  A basket of games, movies, snacks, gift cards to restaurants, bowling, putt putt, movie tickets, etc…7th - Show Me The Money:  A basket full of gift cards (ITunes, Subway, Target, Game Stop, etc...) 8th - A Day At The Beach:  A basket of towels, sunscreen, chairs, beach games, floats, sunglasses, picnic items, etc... Please contribute to these additional Seahorse Baskets that will be up for auction sponsored by the following:  Media Center ~ Ms. Payne, Book Basket, Office ~ Health Basket, Mrs. Kridle ~ “Hello Kitty” Basket and Music Room ~ Mr.  Angelo, Dog Basket (featuring the live Dalmatian puppy introduced during Thursday's 101 Dalmatian Jr. Performing Arts Production) Friday, March 12^th was the deadline for accepting all donations for the Seahorse Festival Auction.  If you have an item, service or specialty to donate and haven't filled out an auction donation form please pick one up at the front office of The Sanibel School or contact Michelle Wesley, Seahorse Auction Chair 910-8000 or email, michellewesley@sanibelrealtors.com.  Seahorse Festival questions should be directed to Milissa Sprecher, Seahorse Festival Chair by email milissa@special-kids.com.  Please direct any sponsorship questions to John & Melissa Talmage, Sponsorship Chairs 395-3197.  Tuesday, March 16^th, and Tuesday, March 23^rd at 9:00 a.m. will be the Seahorse Auction Meeting dates.  If you are interested in volunteering for the Seahorse Auction on March 28^th please contact Michelle Wesley or come to the auction meeting.

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

CALLING ALL PARENTS!  PLEASE VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME AT THE SEAHORSE FESTIVAL!

Please sign up on the schedule in the front office! We need help with set-up, ticket sales, food sales, games, auction and clean-up.  Shifts are generally only one hour.  Thank you in advance for helping make the Seahorse Festival a success.  Middle-School Community Service hours are available for certain positions.  For questions, contact Melanie Congress melcongress@me.com.

 

ITS GONNA BE A HIT!

Sea Dragons Snak Shak and Sanibel Youth Baseball/Softball, that is!  Baseball/Softball season has started and Middle School students have a great opportunity to earn their required community service hours by volunteering at our own PTA -sponsored, Sea Dragons' Snak Shak.  The season started Saturday, February 27^th and runs until Saturday, May 15^th.  There are volunteer hours available Tuesday nights, Friday nights and Saturday mornings.  Call Lisa Lawler-Williams, 472-0871, to schedule your hours NOW!  Don't wait till the last minute!  Parents----we also need YOU!  The Sea Dragons Snak Shak is a great way to spend time with your child, is a wonderful fundraising event for the middle school trips and helps provide a needed service.  Please volunteer! We need YOUR help to keep the Sea Dragons' Snak Shak serving!

 

SANIBEL SCHOOL FUND (SSF) NEWS

CHEEBURGER CHEEBURGER NIGHTS –2^ND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

Join us on the 2^nd Tuesday of each month for Sanibel School Night at Cheeburger Cheeburger. Dine from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and 15% of the proceeds will be donated to The Sanibel School Fund. Childcare and entertainment for the kids will be available free of charge. Sanibel School Cheeburger nights will continue on the second Tuesday of every month.  Future Cheeburger nights are, 4/13, 5/11, 6/8, and 7/13.

 

SANIBEL SCHOOL FUND MEETING

There will be a SSF meeting held on Wednesday, March 17^th at 8:00 a.m. in the conference room.  

PREVIOUS NEWS            

DID YOU KNOW THAT…?

• Teacher turnover at The Sanibel School is below the District and State average:

             The Sanibel School- 14.0 % - District-23.1 % - State-19.5 % (7 year average: 02-03 through 08-09)

Source:  No Child Left Behind- School Public Accountability Report

• Over the past four years The Sanibel School has retained *1.9% of children, while the district average retention rate was 4.1%. *(Correction to error in Monday Reporter’s 3/1/10 of 1.4%)
• 83% of 9^th grade former Sanibel students in the pre-IB program at FMHS have earned a semester grade of an A or B in Algebra II.
• 100% of the cost of Spanish instruction is funded through the fundraising efforts of the Sanibel School Fund (SSF). 
• Foreign Language instruction is required in order to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School.
• 72% of these Sanibel graduates have an A average in Spanish II. Spanish is taught at every grade level K through 8 at The Sanibel School.
• 100% of The Sanibel School students enrolled in the IB Program at FMHS this year have an A or B semester average in Spanish II.  

 

YEARBOOK – Less than 50 left! – RESERVE TODAY BEFORE THEY ARE GONE

Order your YEARBOOK NOW! Orders are still being taken for the 2010 edition of The Sanibel School Yearbook.  There are a limited number of yearbooks yet to be sold.  An order form is located at the end of this Monday Reporter.  The price is $40.00.  Orders may be turned in to the school office or online at www.JostensYearbooks.com. 

 

PARENT LINK

Due to a spam problem within the district email system, the district will not be sending automated weekly Grade Summary and Attendance History emails to parents. Parents are encouraged to check their children’s grades and attendance information by logging into ParentLink and clicking on the Classes tab. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and hope the problem will be rectified in the near future.  If you have any questions or problems getting into ParentLink please contact Donna Marks at DonnaMM@leeschools.net

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES FOR LANDSCAPING WORK SESSIONS

Students interested in earning Community Service Hours by working outside at the school can sign up for Landscaping Work Sessions in the office or with Ms. Jones.  The Work Sessions will be held on the following Thursdays:  March 25^th April 22^nd, and May 27^th.  The sessions will begin right after school and will last until 4:30 p.m.  Students participating should report to the office right after school.  Students are welcome to sign up for any number of dates and for any amount of time between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.  Projects will include weeding, raking, and general clean- up.  If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer McSorley by phone at 560-2355 or by email at jenmcsorley@embarqmail.com.

 

SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL (SAC)

The School Advisory Council’s purpose is to advise the principal regarding school matters.  The committee is also responsible for developing the annual school improvement plan.  The council is composed of parents, teachers, administrators, as well as business and community representatives.  The list of this year’s members may be found in The Sanibel School Calendar Handbook.  The SAC meetings for the year are scheduled in the conference room on the following dates:              Wednesday, March 17^th

Wednesday, April 21^st

                                    Wednesday, May 19^th

                                    Wednesday, June 9^th

All meetings begin at 2:30 p.m.  All parents and community members are welcome to attend.

 

 

The School Board of Lee County, Florida: Steven K. Teuber, J.D., Chairman; Elinor C. Scricca, Ph.D., Vice Chairman; Robert D. Chilmonik, District 1; Jeanne S. Dozier, District 2; Jane E. Kuckel, Ph.D., District 3; James W. Browder, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools.