Pelican Press

September is a busy month at Poinciana Elementary School. Our students will soon participate in state Reading and Math assessments. These assessments provide valuable information about student learning and growth, and we appreciate your partnership in helping students be successful. Attendance on testing days is especially important, as testing sessions are carefully scheduled and planned to support the needs of every student. We ask that students arrive on time, well-rested, and prepared to do their best. Breakfast and lunch continue to be available to all students at no cost. Students should also remain at school for the entire day during testing. Leaving early can disrupt testing schedules and impact their performance and could result in a “no score.” To maintain a secure and distraction-free testing environment, our campus will be closed during state testing, and parents and visitors will not be permitted on campus during testing hours.

We are also excited to kick off our annual Read-A-Thon on September 11. This event is a wonderful opportunity to encourage a love of reading while supporting our school community. Funds raised through the Read-A-Thon help provide resources and support a variety of initiatives that directly benefit our students throughout the year. Additional information about participation and fundraising will be shared soon, and we look forward to seeing our readers and supporters make this year's event a great success.

We encourage everyone in our school community to help celebrate the outstanding educators who make a difference in the lives of our students every day. The 37th Annual Golden Apple Awards, presented by Champions For Learning, are now accepting Thank-A-Teacher nominations through September 16, 2026. Parents, students, staff, and community members are invited to recognize exceptional teachers who have made a positive impact. Information on how to submit a nomination will be included in our newsletter. We hope you will take a moment to honor the dedicated educators who inspire, support, and challenge our students to achieve their best.

September serves as an important reminder that regular school attendance plays a critical role in student success. Attendance Awareness Month highlights the connection between being present at school and achieving academic, social, and personal growth.

When students attend school consistently, they benefit from daily instruction, classroom discussions, hands-on learning experiences, and meaningful interactions with their teachers and peers. Each school day builds upon the last, and frequent absences can make it difficult for students to keep pace with learning expectations. Good attendance habits also help students develop responsibility, time management skills, and a strong foundation for future success.

Creating a safe and supportive learning environment is equally important. School safety is everyone's responsibility. Students, parents, staff members, and community partners all play a role in maintaining a secure and positive school climate. Whether it is following school procedures, reporting concerns, being aware of surroundings, or showing kindness and respect to others, every individual contributes to a culture where students can learn and thrive.

Communication is key to a successful school year. Open and timely communication between families and schools helps us work together to support students. If a student is experiencing challenges that may impact attendance, academic performance, or well-being, we encourage families to reach out to teachers, counselors, or administrators. Likewise, staying informed through school newsletters, phone calls, emails, and school events helps families remain connected and engaged in their child's educational journey.

This September, we encourage all members of our school community to focus on three important commitments:

• Be Present – Make school attendance a priority and strive for every day, on time.

• Be Safe – Work together to maintain a positive, respectful, and secure learning environment.

• Stay Connected – Communicate openly and partner with the school to support student success.

By working together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential. Thank you for your partnership and commitment to making this school year a successful one. Every day counts, and every student matters.

At our school, we are fortunate to have dedicated teachers who inspire, support, and make a difference in the lives of students every day. Now is your opportunity to recognize those exceptional educators through the 37th Annual Golden Apple Awards, presented by Champions For Learning.

Parents, students, staff, and community members are invited to submit a Thank-A-Teacher nomination for a teacher who has made a positive impact. These nominations are more than a simple thank you—they help identify outstanding educators who may be selected as Teachers of Distinction and considered for Golden Apple honors.

Nominations are open through September 16, 2026.

If there is a teacher who has inspired your child, gone above and beyond, or made a lasting difference, we encourage you to take a few moments to share your appreciation.

Submit your nomination here: https://educators.championsforlearning.org/form2/entry/entry.asp

You can also learn more about the Golden Apple Awards and see the excitement of past surprise classroom visits by watching the Golden Apple Recognition Video.

Thank you for helping us celebrate the incredible educators who make our school such a special place to learn and grow. Your nomination can help shine a spotlight on the teachers who make a difference every day.

September 15, 2026

Pre-K to 2nd Grade: 5:00-6:00

3rd to 5th Grade: 6:00-7:00

At Poinciana Elementary, we believe that students achieve their greatest success when families and schools work together. As a Title I school, we are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for parents and families to engage in their child's education and help shape the future of our school.

Throughout the 2026-2027 school year, families will have numerous opportunities to participate in events, provide feedback, and collaborate with school staff. Parents are encouraged to share their ideas through the School Advisory Council (SAC), school surveys, family events, and Title I meetings. Family input plays an important role in school improvement efforts and helps guide decisions regarding Title I funding and programs.

To support learning at home, Poinciana Elementary will offer a variety of family engagement activities, including Curriculum Night, the Title I Parent Academy, Kindergarten Round-Up, Pre-K Stars on Tour, and other workshops focused on literacy, mathematics, science, and strategies families can use to support student achievement. These events provide valuable resources and tools that help strengthen the connection between home and school.

Families can also stay informed through regular communication sent via emails, newsletters, flyers, social media, the school website, and parent meetings. To ensure accessibility for all families, information and event materials are available in both English and Spanish. The school also provides flexible meeting times and virtual conference opportunities to accommodate busy schedules and increase family participation.

Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where all families feel valued, informed, and empowered to support their children's education. We encourage every Poinciana family to take advantage of the many opportunities available this year to connect, learn, and partner with us.

Together, we can make a lasting difference in the success of every student. We look forward to working with our families throughout the school year!

Each school in the State of Florida must have a School Advisory Council (SAC). By law, each SAC must be composed of the principal and an “appropriately balanced” number of “stakeholders.” These individuals must be representative of the ethnic, racial and economic makeup of the community served by the school. The team of people representing various segments of the community could include parents, teachers, students, administrators, support staff, business/industry people and other interested community members.

The purpose of a SAC is to assist in the preparation and evaluation of the results of the school improvement plan and to assist the principal with the annual school budget. Additionally, SAC receives funds to be used at the discretion of the council. A portion of the money should be used for implementing the school improvement plan. Funding for use by SAC should be allocated directly to the council, should be clearly earmarked for their use and is not subject to override by the principal or interim approvals by school district staff. These funds may be expended only on programs or projects selected by the council, not school capital improvements.

What is a School Advisory Council? The School Advisory Council (SAC) is a school-based group intended to represent the school, the community, and those persons closest to the students. The group shares responsibility for guiding the school toward continuous improvement. The district school board is responsible, by Florida law, for establishing an advisory council for each school in the district and shall develop procedures for the election and appointment of advisory council members. Each SAC shall include in its name the words “school advisory council.” For further information, please see: Section 1001.452(1)(a), Florida Statutes.

What is the role of the School/Parent Advisory Council? The School Advisory Council (SAC) is responsible for final decision making at the school relating to the implementation of the provisions of the annual School Improvement Plan (SIP). The SAC assists in the annual preparation and evaluation of both the SIP and the school’s annual budget. For further information, please see: Section 1001.452(1)(a), Florida Statutes.

Who serves on the School/Parent Advisory Council? Beginning July 1, 2008, it is a requirement that the majority of the members of the School (SAC) are persons who are not employed by the school district. A SAC should be composed of the principal and an appropriately balanced number of teachers, education support employees, students, parents, and other business and community citizens who are representative of the ethnic, racial, and economic community served by the school. Certain members are elected by their peers, while business and community members are appointed, and the principal automatically serves. Only students in secondary schools serve on a SAC. For further information, please see: Section 1001.452(1)(a), Florida Statutes.

The Parent Teacher Organization is a collaborative group of parents, teachers, and school staff working together to support and enrich the educational experience of all students. Whether it's organizing events, fundraising for school improvements, or sharing ideas to strengthen our school community, the PTO is where your voice matters.

Why Attend?

• Learn about upcoming school initiatives
• Share your ideas and feedback
• Connect with other parents and educators
• Get involved in making a difference

As we begin a new school year, students in all grades will participate in the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) Progress Monitoring 1 (PM1) assessments. FAST is administered three times each year to help teachers monitor student progress and ensure that students are developing the skills outlined in Florida's Benchmarks of Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards.

The PM1 assessment window for our primary students is scheduled for September 8-18, 2026. These assessments provide valuable information that helps teachers identify strengths, monitor growth, and plan instruction to best support each student's learning needs. Results from PM1 are intended to establish a beginning-of-year baseline and will be shared with families after testing is completed.

FAST assessments are administered on a computer or tablet and are designed to adapt to each student's responses. As students answer questions, the assessment adjusts to provide questions that are appropriate for their skill level. This approach allows educators to gather accurate information about each child's current understanding while creating a more personalized testing experience.

Families can help students feel confident and prepared for testing by ensuring they get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, arrive at school on time, and maintain regular attendance throughout the testing window. We encourage students to do their best and approach the assessment with a positive attitude.

To help your child become familiar with the testing platform, families may access sample assessments and practice materials at www.FLFAST.org/families. These resources provide students with an opportunity to explore the testing tools and format before assessment day.

Please review these important testing expectations with your child:

• Electronic devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, and wireless earbuds, are not permitted during testing.
• Students must work independently and do their own best work.
• Test questions and passages are secure and may not be shared or discussed after testing.
• Students will receive additional time if needed and are actively working on the assessment.
• Students who receive accommodations through an IEP, Section 504 Plan, or English Language Learner services will receive the appropriate testing supports.

We appreciate your partnership in helping our students feel prepared and confident. Together, we can ensure a positive testing experience and a successful start to the school year. If you have any questions about FAST assessments, please contact your child's teacher or the school office.

Being in school, on time all day, every day is critical to the success of every student!

Students should arrive on campus by 8:15 a.m. to allow time to enjoy a breakfast at no cost, settle into their morning routine, and begin the day ready to learn. Students arriving after the tardy bell must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and signed in through the front office after completing the doorbell check-in procedure.

School Hours

• Earliest Drop-Off: 7:45 a.m.
• 1st Bell: 8:15 a.m.
• Tardy Bell: 8:20 a.m.
• Dismissal: 2:50 p.m.

Parents picking up students after carline has ended need to sign their child out in the front office.

We ask that parents send in a written note when there is a change to their child’s transportation. If emailing the teacher, please copy the front office. Without a written note or phone call from the parent/guardian, the school cannot make a transportation change. Any last minute changes MUST be reported to the front office no later than 2:15 p.m. This allows us time to communicate the change to the teacher and properly document the change in our dismissal records.

***Parents are welcome to send a message to the teacher via Dojo, but the front office must also be notified by phone prior to 2:15pm

Please note that all students attending Poinciana Elementary School will receive breakfast and lunch at no cost during the 2026-2027 school year through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Nutrition Services Department at 239-377-0297 or NutritionServices@collierschools.com.

Please plan birthday celebrations outside of the school day. The purpose of school is

to educate. Therefore, birthday parties are not celebrated at the school. There are

many reasons for this: hurt feelings, loss of education time, and disruptions to the

classroom. Thank you for planning birthday celebrations after school hours. Each classroom teacher recognizes students on their birthday in their own unique

way.

CCPS does not permit homemade foods to be brought to school. Many students have

allergies and cannot be allowed to inadvertently eat something to which he/she may

have an allergic reaction. Commercially prepared items are labeled so that ingredients

are known. Any distribution of food to students must come in individually prepackaged

and sealed products. Treats, pizza and/or other outside items will not be distributed to students in the cafeteria during lunch.

If a parent would like to support a classroom teacher by sending in individually prepackaged

items, they should reach out to the teachers at least 72 hours in advance and

make arrangements. The teacher can then provide information about which items they

can accept due to allergies and ideas of what to send in. The teacher will distribute as

they see fit for class-wide goal achievements. Instead of treats, consider non-food items such as pencils, pen, etc.

To avoid disruption of the school environment, we ask parents to refrain from having

flowers or balloons delivered to their child at school. These items cannot be

transported by bus nor delivered to the classroom during school hours.

Distributing party invitations at school can only happen IF ALL classmates are invited. Otherwise, we ask that you refrain from this practice. Thank you for your support in this matter.

Please label your child’s lunchbox, water bottles, jackets, sweaters, and sweatshirts with their full name. The items marked with a child’s name will be returned to the child and items that are not marked will be placed in the lost & found located on the stage in the cafeteria for a period of 30 days. After 30 days, unclaimed items will be donated to charity.

Girl Scouts helps girls become confident leaders, courageous problem-solvers, and compassionate changemakers. Through new experiences, lasting friendships, and opportunities to serve their communities, girls discover their strengths, find their voice, and learn they can make a difference.

Every adventure builds confidence, every challenge inspires growth, and every accomplishment reminds them of what they're capable of achieving. In Girl Scouts, girls don't just explore the world around them, they learn they have the power to change it!

Girls Scout Sign-Up Website: https://www.gsgcf.org/en/get-involved/join/beagirlscout0.html

The following schools listed below have already scheduled a Girl Scouts Information / Troop Building Night:

1. Corkscrew Elementary School Cafeteria on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 from 6pm until 7pm
2. Avalon Elementary School Cafeteria on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 from 6pm until 7pm
3. Pelican Marsh Elementary School Cafeteria on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 6pm until 7pm
4. Naples Park Elementary School Cafeteria on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 from 6pm until 7pm
5. Bear Creek Elementary School Cafeteria on Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 630pm until 730pm
6. Vineyards Elementary School Multipurpose Room on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 from 6pm until 7pm
7. Tommie Barfield Elementary School Cafeteria on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 from 6pm until 7pm