Sea Gate Scoop

As we enter November, a season that encourages us to pause and reflect on our blessings, we are reminded of how much there is to be grateful for within our Sea Gate family.

First and foremost, we are thankful for our incredible teachers and staff. They are truly among the very best, bringing passion, expertise, and unwavering belief in every child’s potential each day. Their commitment to helping students overcome challenges, discover their strengths, and achieve great things is nothing short of inspiring.

We are equally grateful for our students, whose curiosity, resilience, and determination fill our halls with energy and purpose. Watching them learn, grow, and support one another is the greatest reminder of why our work matters.

Finally, thank you to our families for your continued partnership. Whether volunteering your time, attending school events, communicating with teachers, or encouraging learning at home, your support plays a vital role in the success of our students and school community.

Together, we are creating a culture grounded in kindness, perseverance, and excellence. Thank you for being such an important part of the Sea Gate Elementary family. We are thankful for each and every one of you.

Warmly,
Ms. Kirby

Beginning in November, attendance meetings may be scheduled with families, the District Student Relations Office, and administration based on Florida compulsory attendance laws. Parents may be contacted when a student has:

• 15 unexcused absences within a 90-calendar-day period and is subject to compulsory school attendance (students who are 6 years old by February 1 through age 16).
• Five or more unexcused or unverified absences within a calendar month, particularly when circumstances surrounding the absences are unclear.

Regular attendance is critical for student success. Families are encouraged to communicate with the school regarding student absences and submit appropriate documentation when applicable.

Students attending under an out-of-zone assignment are expected to maintain consistent attendance and attend for the full school day. Attendance contracts may be issued for excessive tardies, early dismissals, or attendance concerns, even if a formal attendance meeting is not required. Continued attendance concerns may result in the revocation of the out-of-zone assignment.

As we approach Fall Break, all unclaimed items in our Lost and Found will be donated after school on November 20. Items are displayed in the cafeteria daily for students to check. Parents are welcome to stop by and search the Lost and Found during school hours with a valid photo ID.

Thank you for your partnership in supporting student attendance and helping us return lost items to their owners. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding attendance, discipline, or any other concerns. I am here to support you and your child throughout the school year.

Mrs. Howard, Assistant Principal
howarm2@collierschools.com

Happy November from Miss Barr and Mrs. Sandy! We had another incredible turnout for this year’s Our Storybook Pumpkin Patch – over 100 pumpkins gave the library an incredibly festive atmosphere! Thank you to all the families that participated. You all brought a lot of joy to the students and staff of the school. Here are just a few of the fabulous pumpkins…There were so many incredible pumpkins this year, but we had a clear winner. Congratulations to William F. for his Nautilus Pumpkin!

Sunshine State Young Readers Award Program

We are about 2 months into the Sunshine State book program for the year. The Sunshine State Young Readers Award (SSYRA) Program is a statewide reading motivational program for students in grades 3 through 8. The purpose of the SSYRA Program is to encourage students to read independently for pleasure and to read books that are on, above, and below their reading level to improve their reading fluency. This program is completely voluntary; it’s just an extra fun program for students to enjoy. This year, I have broken the book lists down into three groups of 10 books. List #1 one is picture books. List #2 includes shorter chapter books and graphic novels. List #3 contains the longer novels.

• 2nd-5th grade students that choose to participate must read and pass the Accelerated Reader test on three books to be eligible to vote for their favorite book at the end of March. If students choose to read all 10 books, I’ll be hanging their picture on the “Soaring to Success” display in the media center and will be invited to a Sunshine Party at the end of the school year. Students have the opportunity this year to vote on multiple lists

• Students in Kindergarten and 1st grade will have the List #1 books read aloud to them. They must have heard 3 books to be eligible to vote for their favorite book at the end of March. Between myself and their classroom teacher, students will have the opportunity to hear all 10 books. Classes that have heard all 10 books will have their class picture posted on the “Soaring to Success” display in the media center.

That’s all for now from the media center. I hope everyone has a wonderful month, and happy Holiday Season!

As the holiday season approaches, we understand that it can be a stressful time for some families. If your family needs support this season, whether it's help with gifts, meals, or other resources please fill out the form below. Miss Brewer (School Counselor) can also be reached at brewee@collierschools.com or 239-377-8306. We encourage families to complete this survey if they could benefit from support during the holiday season. While submitting the survey helps us identify needs, it does not guarantee assistance, as available resources may be limited

As we move into the next quarter, this is a great time to schedule a meeting with your child’s case manager. During your Parent/Case Manager/Teacher Conference, consider discussing:

• Your child’s progress in the classroom and toward their IEP goals
• How accommodations are being implemented both in class and during testing
• Whether your child is continuing to make progress with the current accommodations

As students move into the upper grades, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to involve them in the meeting. This helps build self-advocacy skills and encourages them to take an active role in their learning.

Parent Tip: Self Advocacy at Home:

Help your child become an active participant in their learning by asking three simple questions:

1. What is something you feel proud of accomplishing at school?
2. What is something that has been challenging for you?
3. What is one thing your teachers could do to help you be more successful?

These conversations can help your child recognize their strengths, communicate their needs, and build confidence in asking for support. Encourage your child to share their thoughts during their next conference!

If you have any questions regarding Gifted Plans or Nominations, 504 Accommodation Plans, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), or any other ESE-related concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Wishing you and your family a happy fall season and a warm, joyful Thanksgiving!

Warm regards,
Ashley Ellis
ESE Specialist
(239) 377-8311
Ellisa2@collierschools.com

11/6: Q2 Interim Ends

11/10: SAC Meeting @ 5:00pm

11/11: Veterans' Day: Wear Red, White, and Blue

• 2nd grade Concert @ 8:45am

11/12: Q2 Interims Go Home

11/16 - 11/20: AR And Sight Word Recognition Store during Media Time 📚

11/23-11/27: Fall Break: No School

12/1: Fall Picture Retakes

12/5: CCPS 5K @ MLK Building- 8:00am

12/6: GOTR 5K @ North Collier Park - 8:00am

12/ 7 - 12/18: iReady Inform 2 Window

12/11: Kindergarten Concert @ 8:45am

12/14 - 12/18: AR And Sight Word Recognition Store during Media Time 📚

12/17: 5th grade Q2 Science Benchmark

12/18: PBIS Day

• End of Quarter 2

12/21 - 1/4/2027 Winter Break

1/5/2027: Students Return

School Board Policies 2266, 3362, and 5517 – Prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and/or gender identity), disability, or age in the provision of educational opportunities or employment opportunities and benefits. The District School Board does not discriminate on the basis of sex or disability in the education programs and activities that it operates, pursuant to the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

For additional information or to report Title IX or any other discrimination/harassment concerns, contact Ms. Valerie Wenrich, Chief Human Resources Officer/ Title IX Coordinator, at (239) 377-0351, wenriv@collierschools.com or at 5775 Osceola Trail, Naples, Florida 34109.