Toucan Trubune

Dear Toucan Families,

What an incredible start to the 2026–2027 school year! As we enter the month of September, I want to thank our students, families, and staff for helping make the beginning of the school year so positive and successful. It has been wonderful seeing our students arrive each morning excited to learn, build relationships, and grow as leaders.

At Golden Terrace Elementary, we are continuing to Dive into Learning as we focus on creating engaging learning experiences, building strong relationships, and ensuring that every student feels safe, supported, and valued. Our teachers and staff are working hard each day to provide high-quality instruction while encouraging our students to set goals, take ownership of their learning, and demonstrate the leadership qualities that make Golden Terrace such a special place.

September is also an important month for establishing strong routines and habits for success. Families can help by ensuring students arrive at school on time each morning by 8:20 a.m., ready for a full day of learning. Regular attendance and punctuality make a tremendous difference in helping students stay connected to classroom instruction and make consistent academic progress.

As a nationally recognized Leader in Me Lighthouse School, we are proud to continue helping our students develop leadership skills through the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. We encourage families to ask their children about the habits they are learning and how they are using them at school, at home, and in their community.

We also know that strong schools are built through strong partnerships with families. Thank you for staying connected, communicating with your child's teacher, attending school events, and supporting learning at home. Your involvement is an important part of our students' success, and we are grateful to have you as our partners.

I am incredibly proud of the energy, enthusiasm, and sense of community I see throughout Golden Terrace each day. I look forward to all that September will bring as we continue Diving into Learning together!

Thank you for your continued support and for being an important part of our Toucan family.

Together, we will continue to make Golden Terrace a place where relationships matter, learning comes alive, and every child belongs.

Warmly,

Rachael Cordeiro

Principal

Golden Terrace Elementary School

September 7th: No school for students and staff- Labor Day

September 8th- 11th: ELA PM1 Testing for Pk-5th Grade

September 8th: PTO (3:00pm) and SAC Meetings(4:00pm)

September 14th: Fall Photos- School Uniform Required

September 14th- 18th: Math PM1 Testing Kindergarten- 5th grade

September 15th: Moes Spirit Night

September 18th: Buddy Classrooms 8:30-9am

September 18th: Kinder virtual Experience ZooCon 10-11am

September 21st: No school for students- Professional Learning Day

September 25th: Volunteer Round up

September 25th: Student Leadership Clubs 8:25-9:05am

683.1455 American Founders’ Month.—

(1) The month of September of each year is designated as “American Founders’ Month.”

(2) The Governor may annually issue a proclamation designating the month of September as “American Founders’ Month” and urging all civic, fraternal, and religious organizations and public and private educational institutions to recognize and observe this occasion through appropriate programs, meetings, services, or celebrations in which state, county, and local governmental officials are invited to participate.

9/11 Heroes’ Day

House Bill 1537, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, created section (s.) 683.335, Florida Statutes (F.S.), to declare 9/11 Heroes’ Day.

683.335 9/11 Heroes’ Day.—

(1) The Governor shall proclaim September 11 of each year as “9/11 Heroes’ Day,” which shall be suitably observed in the public schools of the state as a day honoring those who perished in the September 11, 2001, attacks, including 2,763 people at the World Trade Center, 189 people at the Pentagon, and 44 people on United Airlines Flight 93, and the 25,000 people maimed or fatally injured on or after that date, and which shall be suitably observed by public exercise in the State Capitol and elsewhere as the Governor may designate.

(2) If September 11 falls on a day that is not a school day, “9/11 Heroes’ Day” shall be observed in the public schools in the state on the preceding school day or on such school day as may be designated by local school authorities.

Constitution Day

United States Public Law (PDF) requires that public educational institutions

receiving federal funds teach about the Constitution on September 17 each year.

§ 106. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

(a) DESIGNATION.—September 17 is designated as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.

(b) PURPOSE.—Constitution Day and Citizenship Day commemorate the formation and signing on September 17, 1787, of the Constitution and recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.

(c) PROCLAMATION.—The President may issue each year a proclamation calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and inviting the people of the United States to observe Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies.

(d) STATE AND LOCAL OBSERVANCES.—The civil and educational authorities of States, counties, cities, and towns are urged to make plans for the proper observance of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and for the complete instruction of citizens in their responsibilities and opportunities as citizens of the United States and of the State and locality in which they reside.

In accordance with s. 1003.421, F.S., the FDOE calls on all public schools to observe

Celebrate Freedom Week in September. During Celebrate Freedom Week, all social studies classes in each school district shall dedicate at least three hours to an in-depth study of the intent, meaning and importance of the Declaration of Independence. Moreover, at the beginning of each school day or in homeroom, during Celebrate Freedom Week, public school principals and teachers shall conduct an oral recitation by students of the following words from the Declaration of Independence:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized and celebrated in Florida from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens who trace their ancestry to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Spanish-speaking countries of Central and South America.

Each year, the Governor and First Lady announce an art and essay contest for Florida students in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. s. 1003.42(2)(q) F.S., The study of Hispanic contributions to the United States.

Golden Terrace is a Nationally Recognized Lighthouse School. Our Toucans are leading their way through the day using the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Read below to learn about the core paradigms that we embrace here at GTE.

Ask your child the question below. This will empower your child to lead their own learning for the next 6 months. Each Toucan has at least 3 WIGs they are working on. Ask them what their WIGs are.

One of the greatest strengths of Golden Terrace is our exceptional educators. We invite parents, students, staff, and community members to recognize outstanding teachers for the 37th Annual Golden Apple Awards, presented by Champions For Learning. Thank-A-Teacher nominations are open through September 16, 2026. These nominations not only provide an opportunity to express appreciation for the remarkable teachers who make a difference every day, but they also play an important role in identifying Teachers of Distinction who are considered for Golden Apple honors. Click here to submit a Thank-A-Teacher nomination: https://educators.championsforlearning.org/form2/entry/entry.asp

Last year's winners: Video Link: Golden Apple Recognitions Video

Thank A Teacher!

Nominations Are Open for The 2026-2027 Golden Apple Program

The Golden Apple Program honors educators for the tremendous impact they have on students every day and celebrates the excellence, dedication, and professionalism they bring to teaching.

The Education Foundation of Collier County - Champions For Learning awards the Golden Apple award to Collier County educators who are nominated and selected by the community.

Any student, parent, colleague, or community member can share their appreciation of an educator by submitting a Thank-A-Teacher nomination. This nomination recommends the educator for the Golden Apple Program.

Here’s how to submit your nomination:

· Click here to complete the virtual nomination form

OR

· Complete a printed nomination card and drop it off at your school’s office, mail or deliver to Champions For Learning’s office (3606 Enterprise Ave, Suite 150, Naples)

Nomination cards are available at school offices and at the Champions For Learning office. We invite you to take the opportunity to Thank-A-Teacher who is making a lasting difference in the lives of Collier County students.

GTE will be providing Power Packs through Feeding Dreams to students and families who need to fill the hunger gap from Friday’s school lunch to Monday’s school breakfast. Power Packs will be provided on Fridays and include kid-friendly and nutritious meals such as chicken, beans, rice, cereal, yogurt, and more.

If your family would benefit from provided weekend meals, please email Ms. Brianna Morgante, GTE’s School Counselor, at morgab1@collierschools.com expressing your interest. A consent form will then be sent home with your child.

For any questions you may have, please call the front office at 239-377-700.

Mention Golden Terrace Elementary when checking out and part of the proceeds will return to our school.

Any student who comes between 5 and 7 will receive a no uniform pass and no homework pass for attending. See flyer below for location information.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Over the next few weeks, your child will participate in the first administration of the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST). FAST progress monitoring is administered three times per year (PM1, PM2, and PM3) to track your child’s progress in learning the Benchmarks of Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards throughout the school year.

Your child will take the Renaissance Star Early Literacy or Reading assessment and the Star Math assessment. Results from PM1 are for informational purposes only. PM1 is an important opportunity for students to demonstrate what they already know about current grade level B.E.S.T. Standards.

FAST assessments are computer-adaptive tests and each child will see different questions from a common item bank that is representative of the standards within the subject or grade level. The questions get easier or more difficult depending on how the child responds. We encourage students to try their best with the item they are working on rather than guessing. For more information about computer-adaptive testing, click here. To view a video about computer-adaptive testing, click here.

Results from FAST PM1 will be available three days after your child tests.

To access FAST PM1 results:

• Access the CCPS Portal at portal.collierschools.com (we recommend using Google Chrome)
• Enter your login credentials. For assistance accessing the CCPS Portal, email helpdesk@collierschools.com or call 239-377-0445
• Click on the FOCUS icon in the Parent/Guardian section
• Once in FOCUS, click on the Florida Statewide Assessments icon
• Click here for directions to access the FLDOE Family Portal

Thank you for supporting your child and encouraging him or her to do his or her best during this test administration.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Over the next few weeks, your child will participate in the first administration of the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST). FAST progress monitoring is administered three times per year (PM1, PM2, and PM3) to track your child’s progress in learning the Benchmarks of Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards throughout this school year.

Your child will participate in the Grade 3-10 FAST ELA Reading PM1 and/or Grades 3-8 Mathematics PM1. Results from PM1 are for informational purposes only. PM1 is an important opportunity for students to demonstrate what they already know about current grade level B.E.S.T. Standards.

FAST assessments are computer-adaptive tests and each child will see different questions from a common item bank that is representative of the standards within the subject or grade level. The questions get easier or more difficult depending on how the child responds. We encourage students to try their best with the item they are working on rather than guessing. For more information about computer-adaptive testing, click here. To view a video about computer-adaptive testing, click here.

Results from FAST PM1 will be available 24-48 hours after your child tests.

To access FAST PM1 results:

• Access the CCPS Portal at portal.collierschools.com (we recommend using Google Chrome)
• Enter your login credentials. For assistance accessing the CCPS Portal, email helpdesk@collierschools.com or call 239-377-0445
• Click on the FOCUS icon in the Parent/Guardian section
• Once in FOCUS, click on the Florida Statewide Assessments icon
• Click here for directions to access the FLDOE Family Portal

Thank you for supporting your child and encouraging him or her to do his or her best during this test administration.

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:

Corkscrew Elementary School Cafeteria on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 from 6pm until 7pm

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

See QR Code below for more information.

The WheresTheBus app provides precise information about the location of your child’s bus. Using GPS technology, the app will show you and your child how many more miles your bus is from the bus stop. WheresTheBus is free to CCPS families whose children ride the bus.

Features include:

• Estimated time of arrival (ETA)
• Bus location and distance to destination
• Bus expected travel path to destination
• Users can only view eligible buses assigned to their child(ren)
• Easy switch between buses (if multiple)

Naples, Fl 34116

Phone (239)377-7000

Fax (239)377-7001

https://www.facebook.com/ccpsgte

https://x.com/GTEtoucans

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.

Las políticas de la Junta Directiva Escolar 2266, 3362, y 5517 – prohíben la discriminación o el acoso basado en la raza, color, religión, país de origen, sexo (incluyendo la orientación sexual y/o la identidad de género), discapacidad o edad en cuanto a la provisión de oportunidades educativas o de empleo y beneficios. Conforme los requisitos del Título IX de las Enmiendas Educativas de 1972, la Junta Directiva del Distrito Escolar no discrimina por motivos de sexo o discapacidad en los programas y actividades educativas que opera.

Para más información o para reportar sobre asuntos del Título IX o cualquier otra inquietud sobre discriminación o acoso, comuníquese con la señora Valerie Wenrich, Primer Oficial de Recursos Humanos/Coordinadora del Título IX, al número (239) 377-0351, wenriv@collierschools.com o a la dirección 5775 Osceola Trail, Naples, Florida 34109.

Règleman Konsèy Administrasyon Lekòl la 2266, 3362, ak 5517 – anpeche diskriminasyon oswa asèlman akoz ras, koulè, relijyon, orijin nasyonal, sèks (ki enkli oryantasyon seksyèl ak/oubyen idantite sèks yon moun), andikap, oubyen laj yon moun nan sa ki konsène opòtinite edikasyonèl oswa opòtinite travay ak benefis. Konsèy Administrasyon Lekòl la pa fè diskriminasyon sou baz sèks oswa pwoblèm andikap nan pwogram edikasyon ansanm avèk aktivite ke li opere, an rapò avèk ekzijans Tit IX nan Amandman Edikasyon 1972 la.

Pou plis enfòmasyon oubyen pou rapòte Tit IX oswa nenpòt sa ki konsène ou apwopo diskriminasyon/asèlman, kontakte Ms. Valerie Wenrich, Ofisye an Chèf Resous Imèn/ Koòdinatris Tit IX, nan (239) 377-0351, wenriv@collierschools.com oubyen nan 5775 Osceola Trail, Naples, Florida 34109.