Sunday Bite With Mr. Bardoni
DMCS Principal Newsletter - Volume 30
October 23, 2023
TGIM "Thank Goodness It's Monday"
The day to be back at your passion.
Principal's Corner
Good morning, Fins Families,
I hope this email finds you having a relaxing weekend. I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your participation and unwavering support during our recent Hispanic Heritage celebration. Your presence meant the world to our scholars, your children, and our staff, and it was truly heartwarming to see you all present.
The celebration was a tremendous success, largely due to the love and support our scholars and teachers received from our families and friends. It was a joyous occasion where we celebrated Hispanic Heritage and fostered a sense of unity and inclusivity. I am proud to have parents like you who understand the importance of supporting our scholars and honoring the Hispanics roots and passing them to future generations.
Let’s finish this month out strong! We look forward to seeing all of you.
Monday, October 23rd, tutoring begins from 3:30 – 5pm. On Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays. All scholars that are required to attend have received tutoring forms. If you are unsure if your child must attend tutoring, please contact the front office. I will say that the majority of scholars who have not returned their tutoring forms are in 4th and 5th grade. If your scholar is in these grade levels please inquire with them and the front office.
October 23rd, we will also be hosting our Title 1 meeting at 8 am and at 5 pm. We look forward to seeing you. Please see below for more information.
On October 26th, we will be having our first House Day. If you would like to participate in your scholar’s house activities and assist in building their cardboard box car, please complete your Safe School Training prior to House Day. (See below for further information).
Thank you for those who have donated supplies for our House Day. We are still asking families and friends to please donate the following items as a lot is needed for this house activity. 2 Volunteer Hours will be provided. (See below for donation items)
On October 27th we will be hosting our Truck or Treat even at 6 pm in our parking lot. We have 5 spots available for parent who want to volunteer and decorate their cars for the event. We also are asking you to donate candy. We have a lot but with events like these we want everyone to be able to receive candy regardless the time they arrive. Please contact Ms. Santos at csantos@downtowncharter.org as space is limited and going quick.
Lastly, I would like to continue to encourage you to scroll down to see your scholars grade level monthly newsletters for more information on what your scholar is learning in his/her classroom. Grades will be closing the week of the 23rd so please communicate with your scholar’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns. Fostering open communication is crucial for the success of scholar(s) because it enables both of you to address any concerns, and work together to maintain consistency in routines, expectations, and reinforcement strategies. This consistency will also provide stability and a sense of security for our young scholar, enhancing their learning experience. Most important, when parents and teachers maintain a respectful and cooperative relationship, it models positive behavior for our scholars. Witnessing adults working together fosters a sense of community and collaboration, encouraging your child to develop similar skills in their own interactions.
Thank you always for your continued support.
Nicolas Bardoni
Your Proud Principal
Title 1 Meeting
Meeting will be held at 8 am in the morning as well as at 5 pm both via Zoom and in person.
Click to download more information below.
Monday, Oct 23, 2023, 08:00 AM
Downtown Miami Charter School, Northwest 3rd Avenue, Miami, FL, USA
Oct. 23rd - Title 1 Meeting
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Annual Parent Meeting About the Benefits of the
Title I Schoolwide Program
DOWNTOWN MIAMI CHARTER, a Title I School, invites you to our Annual Parent Meeting About the
Benefits of the Title I Schoolwide Program to learn about the Title I Program, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), parental rights, and much more.
DOWNTOWN MIAMI CHARTER , una escuela del Título I, le invita a nuestra Reunión Anual de Padres Benefis Pwogram Tit I nan tout lekòl la pou jwenn enfòmasyon sou Pwogram Tit I, Lwa pou Chak Elèv reyisi (ESSA), dwa paran ak anpil lòt bagay ankò.
When/Cuándo/Ki Jou
Monday, October 23, 2023 at 8 am or 5 pm
Where/Meeting ID & Passcode for Zoom / Virtual Meeting
Dónde/ID de reunión y código de acceso para Zoom / Reunión virtual
Ki Koté/ID Reyinyon ak paskod pou Zoom / Virtual Reyinyon_
https://charterusa.zoom.us/j/9985959700?pwd=amloYXNsOXVYZ2ZpMXhpdXVLbGJBdz09
All parents are invited to participate in this important meeting.
Todo los padres están invitados a participar en esta reunión tan importante.
Nou envité tout paran vini patisipe nan reyinyon sa ki twe impotan.
For more information, please call:
Para más información favor de llamar:
Pou plis enfómasyon tampri rele:
For more information please call.
School Phone Number: 305.579.2112
REMINDER
A missed school day is a lost opportunity for students to learn. Students who attend school regularly have been shown to achieve at higher levels than students who do not have regular attendance. Any absence, whether excused or not, denies students the opportunity to learn.
A recent study looking of young children found that absenteeism in kindergarten was associated with negative first grade outcomes such as greater absenteeism in subsequent years and lower achievement in reading, math, and general knowledge.
HABIT OF THE MONTH
HABIT TIPS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
People who Begin With The End In Mind have a plan.
They create a Personal Mission Statement that they live by every day.
You begin with the end in mind when you:
- Set short term and long term goals.
- Plan the steps you need to take to reach your goals.
Kid Language
Have a Plan: I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen.
21 Day Challenge: Help your scholar(s) practice Begin With the End in Mind by:
- Have them lay out their clothes for tomorrow before you go to bed.
- Get out a pencil and a piece of paper and write down three goals you want to do. Put the paper in a safe place where you can see it.
- We all have something we need to get better at, like doing our homework, brushing our teeth at night, or obeying our parents. Pick one thing you need to do better. Start doing it.
Click below to read more
PARENTING TIPS
New Worlds Reading
New Worlds Reading is Florida’s FREE literacy program available to eligible students in VPK through fifth grade who need additional reading support. This program seeks to partner with schools and educators to help advance the literacy of our students—and we need your help to encourage eligible families to apply.
Through New Worlds Reading:
- Enrolled students will receive one free book per month in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, or braille during the school year, for a total of nine free books each year through fifth grade!
- Children can choose the books they receive to help them build personalized at-home libraries and foster a love of reading.
- Books also come with resources and activities for families and caregivers to engage with their children about reading to strengthen children’s literacy skills and reading confidence.
The UF Lastinger Center for Learning is the state-appointed administrator of the program and has chosen Scholastic as a partner. Books are selected in collaboration with the Florida Department of Education.
Applications are open for parents and caregivers of eligible students and only take a few minutes. To be eligible, students must be either in VPK and not making age-appropriate progress according to state assessments or in K-5th grade in a public or charter school and not yet reading on grade level. Parents and caregivers can apply at newworldsreading.com.
Events at a Glance
Tutoring Begin - October 23, 2023
Title 1 Meeting - October 23, 2023
Truck or Treat - October 27, 2023
Thanksgiving Break - November 20 - 24 , 2023
Winter Break - December 25, 2023-January 5, 2024
Spring Break - March 25, 2024 –March 29, 2024
Last Day of School - June 6, 2024
Lunch Date with your scholar(s) now happening.
Safe School Trainings
Boo Grams
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
SAFE SCHOOL TRAINING (Mandatory)
CARDBOARD BOX CAR HOUSE CHALLENGE
Cardboard Box Car Donation Needed
Houses will be building Cardboard Cars to race on Dec 16th at our Cardboard Car Derby Day (Day is subject to change, location will be provided at a later date).
Thank you for those who have donated supplies. We are still asking families and friends to please donate the following items. 2 Volunteer Hours will be provided.
Cardboard
Wood Glue
Wooden Dowels (suggested size – 7/8” x 48” or 1” x 48”)
Materials for decoration/theme (House leaders will communicate these at a later date)
Paint brushes
Clamps
PLEASE DO NOT BUY CARDBOARD. Ask retailers if they have any extra boxes that they plan to recycle. They usually do or will be willing to save some for you for a week or so. Tell them you have a school project, and you need it.
Save any boxes that you get delivered to your house.
Ask family, friends, neighbors to save their carboard boxes.
PLACES TO GET A LARGE AMOUNT OF CARDBOARD:
- Costco
- BJ’s
- Sams Club
- Publix
- Home Depot
- Lowes
- Petsmart
- Walmart
- Target
Do you know someone that is not happy with their young scholar's current school?
Have them come set a tour and speak to me about their options.
Any family that would like to switch their scholar's school to Downtown Miami Charter School will receive a $100 Uniform Voucher to purchase our uniforms?
Who is eligible?
- All current Gr K-5 parent, looking for a better education for their child.
- This Offer is only for enrolling new students for this current 2023-2024 School Year.
What can you earn for free?
- Current Downtown Miami Charter School parent will receive all their 20/30 Parent Volunteer Hours for referring the new enrolled family.
Where do I start?
- Talk to friends/family
- Have them go to our Website to register (www.downtowncharter.org)
- Speak with Ms. Aracely Guadamuz (aguadamuz@downtowncharter.org)
- The New Family/Scholar must
- 1. Apply
- 2. Be accepted
- 3. Be fully enrolled
How does this work?
- Parents: Have the New Family provide your full name and your child's/children's name(s) to Ms. Guadamuz when they enroll.
JOIN OUR "Educational Excellence School Advisory Council" EESAC
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCILS (EESAC)
The EESAC has the responsibility of monitoring, evaluating and revising the vision, mission and implementation plans of the school. Members obtain feedback from their constituents and express them at meetings and conferences. Within the EESAC are members of the Staff, School's Administration, Student Body, PTSI and Dade Partners, all of whom work collaboratively to support the school with resources that are available. Equipment, supplies and materials are purchased to support the schools strategic and action plans with expenditures focused on identified key performance areas.
Membership in the EESAC committee requires that:
- Must be composed of the principal, teachers, education support employees, students, parents, and business/community representatives.
- Must be representative of the ethnic, racial, linguistic, disabled, and economic community served by the school.
- Must have a majority of members who do not work in the school.
- Students With Disabilities must be represented.
- English Language Learner parents should be included when possible.
- Adult/vocational programs must be represented.
Selection of EESAC Members:
- Teachers elect teachers.
- Parents elect parents.
- Students elect students.
- Education support employees elect education support employee.
- Principal appoints business/community representative -- to ensure council diversity.
- Principal's are automatic members.
Email Ms. Nails dnails@downtowncharter.org if you are interested in joining.
Next Meeting: November 15th, 2023 at 4 pm
Have you signed up to LIVE School? KNOW YOUR SCHOLARS PROGRESS IN SCHOOL.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AFTER-CARE MENUS
Dismissal Traffic Pattern
I am proud to say that we continue to improve our dismissal and that Friday was the first day that we did not have any cars on NW 2nd Ave. We completed our dismissal at at 3:23 pm, THANK YOU! As I stated before, This is a testament to everyone doing their part in the process
As a reminder if you are picking up your scholar in our car lane please follow the traffic pattern below. (see map below)
· Go EAST on NW 5th Street to NW 1st Ave.
· Make a right on NW 1st Ave to NW 3rd Street.
· Make another right On NW 3rd Street and come down to the school staying on the right lane to allow thru traffic to flow on the left.
I will have a person recording your placard number on the corner of NW 2nd Ave and NW 3rd Street. This will alleviate the traffic but again, I ask for patience and understanding as we adjust.
NEW LEARNING PLATFORMS
SAFETY
Fortify FL - Submit a Tip
For reporting safety and security concerns is the FortifyFL app. FortifyFL allows individuals to instantly report suspicious activity to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials. For more information about the FortifyFL app, visit.
Submit a Tip
https://getfortifyfl.com/Tip.html
Download the app
Grade Level Information
Stay informed with Grade Level Monthly Newsletters Below
About OYC Miami
The Overtown Youth Center (OYC Miami) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire, empower, and enrich the lives of youth, adults, and families by providing a comprehensive and long-term approach to strengthening communities.
OYC delivers high quality services through a framework designed to bridge educational, social, emotional, health, and economic gaps; optimizing the full potential of those we serve from ages 5 and up.
OYC’s goal is to advance the socio-economic trajectory of children and families for future generations through 5 Key Pillars of Impact: Education, Enrichment and Exposure, Health, Family and Economic Sustainability Initiatives. Learn more about our impact in our Annual Report 2022 [issuu.com] [url.emailprotection.link]
STATE TESTING INFORMATION
ABOUT FLORIDA ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT THINKING (FAST)
Florida adopted new state education standards and changed the way testing is done in our schools. The new Florida Assessment of Student Thinking - or FAST - is a progress monitoring assessment for reading and math that will be administered in pre-kindergarten through tenth grade, three times per year, to track your student’s progress in learning the required reading and mathematics materials within Florida’s Benchmarks of Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards.
You can find more information about the test and see sample questions at flfast.org/families. Once on the site, just select the grade band appropriate for your student(s).
More information about the BEST standards and the new state assessments can be found at https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/k-12-student-assessment/best/.
Additional Resources:
Upcoming Testing Calendar
Governing Board Information
Pursuant to House Bill 1557 Parental Rights in Education, effective July 1, 2022, and Florida Administrative Code (“FAC”) Rule 6A-6.0791Special Magistrate for Unresolved Student Welfare Complaints at Charter Schools, attached please find Governing Board, The Downtown Miami Charter School, Inc policy to comply with said legislation and FAC Rule.
Next Board Meeting Dates
September - No Meeting
October 17, 2023
November - No Meeting
December - No Meeting
January 16, 2024
February 13, 2024
March - No Meeting
April 16, 2024
May 21, 2024
June - No Meeting
Quote Of The Week
School Parent Representative / Conflict Resolution Designee
Berna Ruiz-Chaqui
