SAFARI SPOTLIGHT: MONTHLY EDITION

Welcome to September, everyone! Our year has gotten off to a strong start as we are already deep into content and curriculum, goal setting, leadership activities, and more. You may notice our Barfield Banner is looking a little bit different this year. Many grade level teams reflected that they communicate with you on a constant basis with updates and news- so to lessen their workload a little, we'll be doing more of a HIGHLIGHT section for each grade level as you'll see below. This way we can all still see what's going on schoolwide, but teachers aren't having to do double work. I hope it works out, let me know if you feel like you're lacking information and I will address it, as always!

There are so many events and fun activities coming up, and we need your help- not only for those, but for the day to day things, too! If you want to volunteer with us and missed the orientation today, don't worry. Miss Bigley can work with you directly to get you set up! Don't forget tomorrow morning we also have our PTO general meeting at 8:45- you can come straight to the cafeteria for that (and we'll make sure to leave enough parking space!)

As many of you know already, I take great pride in our school and a huge part of that means transparency and communication with you. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time, with the good things or the not-so-good, and feedback on anything you think can be improved, because I want your partnership in making this school the BEST it can possibly be.

After our 53 point school grade increase this year, we are setting our sights high and are working hard to keep that forward momentum going! As you already know, reading nightly is a huge part of that. As a sports mom myself, I know it's not always easy (or possible). But taking a trip to the library on a weekend just to have a book or two sitting on the nightstand is well worth the trip and will make a difference.

Speaking of which, some of you already know I am actively seeking volunteers who might be willing to commit to one or two weekly morning sessions with a small group of students, to work on unique skills for advanced learners. I am starting small with just first grade, because SO many of our first graders scored level 4 or 5 on their state assessment- we want to give them the enrichment their brains need outside of our existing curriculum. If you know anyone who might be interested, please email me or have them email me- some of the topics we are starting with are:

• Chess
• Crocheting
• Etiquette
• Languages (spanish, french, mandarin, italian,... any!)
• Violin

I have big ideas, let's chat!

Thanks for a great start to 26-27, everyone. We are Safari Strong, Where Leaders Belong!

In Gratitude,

Amanda Kubin

Thanks for your patience! Forms to order your business banner will be coming home soon. I will make sure to send a text on the day it comes home so you know to look for it! :) We can't wait to see them all up again. Please don't forget to spread the word to other local businesses that may want to participate! All are welcome as long as we have the space :)

One of the greatest strengths of Tommie Barfield 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

ID BADGE/LANYARD-

It is CCPS policy that all staff and students wear their CCPS issued ID badge and lanyard every day. If your child’s ID badge and lanyard is lost, please stop by the front office to purchase a replacement for $5.00. After 3 days of violation without an ID badge a detention is assigned. Thank you for helping keep everyone safe!

STAY HYDRATED!

Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle with their name on it to school. ONLY water can be in the water bottles. In addition, TBE does not allow soda or energy drinks during school in lunch boxes.

LUNCH- $$

The cost of student lunches this year is $2.75. Please speak with your child and help us monitor to ensure those going through the line, truly are buyers, and need a lunch. We will never deny a student a lunch but also want to make parents aware that they are being charged. If your child wants to be a buyer, please send money in, labeled with their name and student number. You can also utilize the online app to add money to your child’s account. https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/getmain?requestAction=home

If you would like help navigating the on-line application for reduced price lunches, please contact our front office to make an appointment to come in to get assistance.

LAPTOPS - Please Use Responsibly!

Just a reminder - laptops are still CCPS property and need to be cared for responsibly.

Pursuant to Rule 27 of the District’s Code of Student Conduct, students are responsible for the cost of repair or replacement of District property in their possession such as a laptop or other electronic device. The rule provides the following:

RULE 27. SCHOOL PROPERTY – MATERIALS/BOOKS/INTERNET

• Students are expected to take good care of school property. Students must assume full responsibility for the care of school property available to them. This includes, but is not limited to, textbooks, uniforms, equipment, electronic devices, or library books. These items are issued by school personnel and must be returned to the same person upon completion of the school year or withdrawal from school. Responsibility for the property rests with the student to whom the property is issued. (Refer to the rule in its entirety on pg. 33 in the Student Code of Conduct.)

The cost to repair or replace laptops for irresponsible damage is as follows:

• Keyboard $95.00

• Charging Cords $48.00

• Non-Touch Screen $117.00

• Touch Screen $ 231.00

• Replacement Laptop $586.00

ATTENDANCE-

TBE students strive to be On Time Every Day All Day! Did you know that the WTBE News program starts each morning at 8:15? Our school news program is run by our student TV News Broadcast Leaders! We would love for ALL students to be in their seats listening to these morning announcements, celebrations, and TBE highlights! You never know when your name or class might be called for a special announcement! Thank you for making it a goal to get our kids in their seats by 8:15 each morning! The first bell rings at 8:10 to alert students to get to class to watch the WTBE Morning News by 8:15.

Please refer to the CCPS academic calendar when planning vacations and appointments as much as possible. Vacation days are not excused absences and students miss valuable instruction by the teacher on the days they are not in school. A doctor’s note excusing an absence must be sent to TBEdismissal@collierschools.com, or brought to school office within 24 hours of the student returning to school to be marked excused in the computer.

Parents will receive a letter in the mail when the student has excessive absences whether they are excused or not. Habitual absences are monitored by the County Attendance Officer and may result in Truancy Court. Students who have been approved for Out-of-Zone permission to attend Tommie Barfield may have their permission revoked if they accumulate excessive absences and/or tardies and/or early pick-ups from school. On the sixth tardy and every subsequent tardy your child will be assigned detention. Students are recognized quarterly and annually for perfect attendance.

Please call 377-8500 to report your child’s absence each day, your child is absent. Emailing TBEdismissal@collierschools.com or calling the school will validate the absence and avoid having an UNEXCUSED absence on the students’ record.

Cell Phones and Smart Watches

Students must keep smart watches and cell phones powered off and in their backpack during school hours.

The Testing Year at a Glance! Thank you for planning vacation and doctor appointments around these important testing dates.

State Assessments for Progress Monitoring

PM1

PM2 Testing Windows (more specific dates to be determined)

Grades K-5 ELA Jan 12-15

Grades K-5 Math Jan 19-22

State Writing Test B.E.S.T.

Grades 4 and 5 April 6

PM3 Testing Dates

Kindergarten April 19 ELA

1st Grade-April 20 ELA

2nd Grade-April 22 ELA

3rd Grade-May 4 ELA

4th Grade-May 5 ELA

5th Grade-May 6 ELA

Kindergarten April 27 Math

1st Grade-April 28 Math

2nd Grade-April 29 Math

3rd Grade-May 11 Math

4th Grade-May 12 Math

5th Grade-May 13 Math

5th Grade May 18 Science

TBE Dress Code

Please be reminded that students must follow the Dress Code Monday-Thursday. On Fridays, students are permitted to wear TBE Spirit Shirts. On occasion, students are permitted to earn a dress down pass from their teacher or other staff member. Dress down passes can be redeemed on Mondays and Fridays.

Parents,

Please visit your student portal at https://portal.collierschools.com/ and make sure all Emergency and health information has been updated for the current school year.

It is very important that we have accurate address, phones, and contacts for your student.

• We have learned all about classroom and school expectations and procedures and are becoming experts at following them!
• We read lots of Pete the Cat stories. Pete went missing for a few days, but we finally found him!
• Students are learning about characters, setting and events in the stories that we read.
• In math, we are working on counting, recognizing and representing numbers to 10.

• We have had a wonderful start to first grade, and students are settling into their classroom routines and expectations.

• Thank you for helping your child transition smoothly into the new school year.

• Please continue checking Wednesday Folders and your child's binder each night for important papers, school updates, and homework assignments.

• We are excited for a year of learning, growth, and success as we work together to support your child!

Second grade is off to a fantastic start! Thank you so much for your continued kindness and support as we kick off a new school year. We’ve hit the ground running, learning routines, practicing classroom expectations, and already completing our first iReady Inform! The students did an incredible job, and we’re so proud of their hard work. Thank you to those who attended Curriculum Night, if you missed it, we hope to see you at Student Led Conferences in October! We’re looking forward to a year full of growth, learning, and fun memories!

❤️
The Second-Grade Team

During our first few weeks of school, third graders established classroom routines, reviewed the Seven Habits, created our class mission statement, and participated in team-building activities. In reading, we explored Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match to learn about character traits and celebrated our learning with a fun Mismatch Day!

August Highlights

• We kicked off the school year by building classroom routines, creating a positive learning community, and helping students settle into fourth grade with confidence and excitement.
• Students began engaging in core reading, writing, and math activities while getting to know classmates, setting goals, and practicing the habits needed for a successful year.

Coming Up in September

• Students will dive deeper into grade-level content, including reading comprehension strategies, writing skills, and foundational math concepts through engaging lessons and activities.
• We will continue strengthening classroom independence and responsibility while beginning our first state assessments, and opportunities to celebrate student growth.

Thank you to everyone who attended Curriculum Night! It was wonderful to see so many families and share what we have planned for the year ahead.

Our school year is off to a great start. The students are working hard, learning classroom routines, and settling into 5th grade nicely. We are excited about all the learning and growth that lies ahead.

Please be sure to check Dojo regularly for messages and updates from your 5th grade team.

Thank you for your support. It's going to be a great year!
Your 5th Grade Team

Art:

*Kinder through 2nd grade just are finishing up on their line projects and 3rd-5th are finishing up their Tagging projects (Street Art)>

*Next up, Dot Day projects for everyone!

Media:

* All students in grades 1-5 are now checking out and taking home books. Once checked out the books become your student’s responsibility. Please review book care and plan on where to keep books while at home. Remind your child to keep books away from pets and younger siblings. Our biggest book damage issue is water from lunch boxes or water bottles, remind students to keep water bottles in side pocket of backpack instead of inside.

* Scholastic Book Fair coming in October! See you there!

Music:

*Students in grades 3-5 who would like to be a part of the singing ensemble Soli should see Mrs. White to get an application.

*Students in grade K-2 have been doing introductory activities that are all about moving with the steady beat.

PE:

*In PE class, students have been using locomotor movements to move safely and practice appropriate problem-solving tactics.

*Run Club starts on Tuesday, September 8th. Students must turn in an application to participate. We will meet every Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:45-8:10am.

Teach:

• Students in grades 2, 3, 4, & 5: please practice the typing home row and finger path homework twice each night. It takes less than 2 minutes to do but builds amazing muscle memory for ten- finger touch typing!
• Students in Kindergarten and Grade 1: please practice typing student ID# on the number line for laptop login, and mouse / track pad use because the Tech Lab laptops are not touch screen.
• All grades K-5 learn Digital Citizenship skills throughout Q1 during the Instructional Lessons of Technology Classes through songs, learning games, instructional videos, class discussions, and projects.

Volunteer Orientation is September 1st at 8:45 AM in Cafeteria, please enter through back parking lot not the main office.

Health Screenings will be in September.

Appearance

• All school volunteers should abide by the CCPS dress code policy established

for staff and should be professional and modest in appearance

• Clothing which advertises alcoholic beverages, or contains obscenities or suggestive logos shall not be worn to any school or school sponsored event/field trip
• Clothing that exposes the midriff such as tube tops, crop tops and halter tops are not to be worn
• Undergarments must always be worn and no ill-fitting clothing which exposes those undergarments is permitted

Eat, drink and be scary at our Spooky Potluck & Fun Fest featuring the amazing TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL! Kiddos – come in costume and walk the trick-or-treat trail – you will be sure to leave with sweet treats and meet a couple of goblins along the way! We will have LIVE MUSIC by The No Worries, Band, GOOD FOOD and FALL FUN for ALL AGES! Please bring an entree, side, or salad to share.

POTLUCK DINNER at 6PM, TRICK OR TREAT opens at 6:30PM.