Eglin Elementary ChronicleMr. Dennis Samac, Principal

Visit our website: www.okaloosaschools.com/eglinQuestions? Call 833-4320

EGLIN ELEMENTARY VISION STATEMENT:Eglin Elementary School will be a community of learners where everyone is responsible and committed to preparing our students for tomorrow’s challenges.

Hello from Third Grade,

When you receive this, the students and teachers here at Eglin Elementary and throughout Okaloosa County will have almost completed their work preparing for the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA). Once Spring Break is over, we’ll come back and have one day to get our serious scholar hats on again, and we’ll plunge right into the Reading portion the next day.

The teachers, administration, and support staff have worked tirelessly to prepare themselves to teach in a manner that would give students the absolute best chance to show what they know on FSA. Then we helped the students prepare with an increased focus on close readings of the text, on not just solving a Math problem – but being able to solve it several ways and explain how they did, and by writing, writing, writing.

We have gone over the practice tests available and every single piece of information we could get of the type of questions used to create the FSA. We believe that we have prepared them with every tool and with all the skill we possess to  be ready to excel. This third grade has done work at a higher level than any of its predecessors. This third grade has more skills that they can apply to any problem than many before. This third grade is as ready as any in Okaloosa County for the FSA.

So what can you do to help? First, do not raise the stakes of the test any more than necessary. Yes it is important. Very important.  But if each student does their best, we believe that’s exactly what is needed to achieve their best results. Second, make sure they get lots of rest and make no sudden routine changes. Just like us, third graders like routine, so sticking to usual patterns will help. Finally, let your child know that you and we here at Eglin, believe in them. They can soar!

Thanks for all you do,

David WilsonThird Grade Team Leader

Character Trait Word for February

Self-Respect & Respect for Others: Our key to Success!

Remember the 3 B’sBe SafeBe ResponsibleBe Respectful

Lunch MenuLunch menus are online @www.okaloosa.k12.fl.us/foodservices/index.htm

To create a payment account, please go to schoolpaymentsolutions.com.

Reminder: If you have not already done so, you may go to applyforlunch.com to fill out free/reduced lunch applications.

If you have any questions about your child’s account, please contact Ms. Judy Terry @ 833-4322.

Parents:For the safety of our students and to help increase traffic flow, please observe the following when picking up or dropping off children on the car ramp:1. Pull all the way to the end of the ramp before dropping off or picking up students.2. Children should exit from the right side of the vehicle only.3. Please do not block the car ramp crosswalk.4. Please use the car ramp cross walk when walking.5. Please put the card with your child’s name on it in the right side window of your car.

For the safety of our students, please watch out for them as they walk to and from the school age program each day. Please be especially cautious as they walk alongside Gaffney Road and cross the street at May Ave..

Tutoring Dates:

Third grade:Mar. 7, 9, &14Fourth grade:Mar. 8, 10, &15

School Office Hours:7:15 am -3:15 pm

Coming Soon!! Individual and class pictures on April 5.

Eglin ElementaryHome of the Eagles

Set your AR Goal!Feb. 29, 2016

Important Dates/ HolidaysFeb. 29-Mar. 4, 2016 Spirit WeekMar. 1, 2016 Jr. Minority Council meeting @ 3:00 pmMar. 3, 2016 1st grade “Dr. Seuss, We Love You!” Play @ 8:45 am & 5:30 pmMar. 7, 2016 PTO meeting @ 3:30 pm in the cafeteriaMar. 8, 2016 GEMS meeting @ 3:00 pmMar. 8, 2016 Jr. Minority Council meeting @ 3:00 pmMar. 15, 2016 Volunteer Orientation @ 1:45 pm in the Media CenterMar. 15, 2016 Jr. Minority Council meeting @ 3:00 pmMar. 15, 16, & 17, 2016 St. Patrick’s Day RunMar. 17 End of 3rd grading periodMar. 18, 2016 Teacher work day/student holidayMar. 21-25, 2016 Spring Break holidaysMar. 29, 2016 1st grade Lady Liberty Live program @ 9:00 amMar. 29, 2016 Jr. Minority Council meeting @ 3:00 pmApr. 4, 2016 Report cardsApr. 4, 2016 PTO meeting @ 3:30 pm in the cafeteriaApr. 5, 2016 Picture Day (individual and class pictures)Apr. 5, 2016 Jr. Minority Council meeting @ 3:00 pmApr. 12, 2016 Jr. Minority Council meeting @ 3:00 pmApr. 19, 2016 Volunteer orientation @ 1:45 pm in the Media CenterApr. 19, 2016 Jr. Minority Council meeting @ 3:00 pmApr. 22, 2016 Kindergarten field trip to the strawberry patch @ 9:30 amApr. 26, 2016 Jr. Minority Council meeting @ 3:00 pmApr. 28-May 6, 2016 Book Fair Apr. 28, 2016 3rd grade Link Up

Attendance Reminder:Students will have five school days,

including the day they return, to bring in written verification for an

excused absence. The absence will be considered unexcused if the school does not receive written

verification for the excused absence in that time frame.

Safety First! Parents, Please use the car rider ramp and the parking area in front of the school for dropping off and picking up your students. We have staff at these locations to supervise the safe drop- off/pick-up of ALL students. Cars are not allowed to use the areas behind the school for dropping off or picking up as this is a safety concern! We do not have staff in these locations to supervise and to ensure that your students are safe. Please help us make this part of our day as safe as possible. Thank-you for your cooperation in this matter. Mr. Dennis SamacPrincipal

Ice Cream!!!The cafeteria will be selling ice cream ala carte on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The price is $1.00. Students will need to bring additional money. If you do not wish your child to be able to purchase ice cream from his/her lunch account, please contact Ms. Judy Terry @ 833-4322, or send a letter saying that they may not use their lunch account for ice cream.

Parent notification: If you wish to view the School Public Accountability Report (SPAR), it will be available in the front office.

Out of Field Teachers:In compliance with Section 101.42 Florida Statues, the following teachers, Mrs. June Whiting-Cobb, Ms. Vaneesa Harrington, Mrs. Jones-Urena, Mrs. Heather Pinckard, and Mrs. Carol Kotulan are out of field because they do not have an ESOL endorsement, and they have an ESOL child in their classroom. They all hold a valid teaching certificate issued by the State of Florida and are working on courses to satisfy the requirements for an ESOL endorsement.

Eglin Parents: Please join us at Coffee Talk!

Wednesday, March 9th at 8:15am

Music classes include experiences with singing, playing instruments, moving, listening and creating. The musical concepts that are studied include rhythm, melody, harmony, form, expressive qualities and style. Children will experience traditional American folk songs in addition to a variety of world music, and pieces in many styles. Lessons will lead toward note reading and music literacy.

Music lessons are fast-paced and fun, and students will need to wear comfortable clothing in order to participate fully. Primary students do a lot of moving in order to internalize the steady beat and the intermediate students will need to sit on the

floor to perform on the mallet percussion instruments.February: Song of the Month: Fifty Nifty United StatesValentine’s Day, Presidents Day, and Black History Month songsUnit:Tone Color/TimbreMusician-Ella FitzgeraldLink-up program for 3rd grade –Orchestra MovesLink-up program for 4th grade-Orchestra RocksAsk your student what they are doing in Music Class!

Mrs. DayMusic Specialist

P.E.  Notes Tennis shoes are required each day for P.E.. Some students are stilling wearing flip flops to P.E. Flip flops are not safe for any P.E. activities. Students will need to have jackets during the cooler weather as P.E. activities are held outside. Please remind your child to wear the proper attire to P.E. for both their safety and their comfort. Parents are always welcomed and encouraged to come out and participate during your child’s designated P.E. time!

Coming Soon!!St. Patrick’s Day Fun

Run

Mar. 15, 16, and 17

Valentine’s Day Fun Run

Results:Kindergarten:Josiah Razeeq-9:47Alana Johnson-10:051 st Grade: Jovani Veras-9:06Chasitie Bowers-9:062 nd Grade: Brendan Cutler-8:08Danielle Fick-9:253 rd Grade: Aydin Ozdogru-7:02Adrianna Lumbreras-9:124 th Grade: Robert Leggett-8:14Kylie Robinson-8:57

Coaches will be selling Freeze Pops for 50 cents each on Fridays. Proceeds will go to purchase fitness equipment for the gym.

.

Our 2015-2016 school year, marks a milestone for Okaloosa County Schools as they celebrate 100 years of educating the students of Okaloosa County. On Feb. 1, 2016, the 100th day of the 100th year of Okaloosa County Schools, each school raised a flag from Congressman Jeff Miller, which was flown over our nation’s Capitol.

Pictured here: Eglin Elementary Safety Patrol members prepare to raise our special flag.

Pictured here: Eglin Safety Patrol members salute our newly raised flag.

Eglin students had a great time on the 100th Day of School!! They dressed up to look as though they were 100 years

old.

Pictured here: 100 year old buddies.

Eglin Elementary’s Media Center

Refreshments Provided

Pictured here: Alana

Pictured here: Carter

Pictured here: Reagan, Addison, Mahogany, and Quintavious really got into the spirit of being 100

years old. They were overheard talking about going to the chiropractor and visiting the Senior

Center.

Pictured here: Ms. Starnes’ first graders made 100 day crowns and strung 100 item

necklaces.

George Washington Visits Eglin Elementary!

The Second Graders enjoyed a visit from a very old President on Monday, Feb. 22, George Washington!  We learned a lot about the life of George Washington and even his mother, Mary Washington.  George had served in the American Revolution and become the first President.  He had a lot of dogs in his life and his trusty steed, Nelson, by his side the whole way!  George Washington was a very important person in our nation’s history!

Pictured here: George Washington and Ms. Fuller’s class

Spirit Week!!Feb. 29-Mar. 5

Monday: Hat DayTuesday: Silly Socks Day

Wednesday: Wacky WednesdayThursday: Career DayFriday: Pajama Day