Breaking News
CRUNCH TIME!
This is when we begin to prepare to “tackle the FCAT”. Students are doing this in a number of ways and teachers are providing the vital information across curricula. As we move through “crunch time” we are asking for parental support. Students can help prepare for the big test at home by going on related websites such as FCAT explorer ( fcatexplorer.com ). We have before school tutoring on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:25-9am in the STEM computer labs. ALL ARE WELCOME!!!
We are also offering extended learning opportunities on Saturday – FCAT Saturday Camp. There will be 8 sessions beginning on February 4. Click here for full details.
ACCELERATED READER
A new option has been added. CLICK HERE
INTERNET ESSENTIALS
Offer to Students on FREE Lunch for reduced Internet access rate and Computers for $149.00.
What is provided as part of this program?
COMCAST is partnering with Broward County Public Schools to offer low-cost, high speed Internet access directly to the homes of students who are eligible for Free Lunch. COMCAST will also make available a computer at a discount and provide free Internet training to get the students and their families started! The cost of $9.95 a month plus tax is being made available for the next three years and include activation fees and installation.
How will this benefit our students?
This program addresses the “digital divide” by addressing two of the barriers to connecting to the Internet – access and computer. These Broward students will be able to access digital textbooks, check on their assignments, access their grades, research information and use instructional learning tools – all available through the Broward Education Enterprise Portal (BEEP) Student system.
How the Program Works:
1. Families with children enrolled in the free lunch program can sign up for low-cost, high-speed Internet service. Cost is $9.95 per month plus tax.
2. These families can also buy a computer at a discount ($149.00). The computer is a NETBOOK with wireless card.
3. Training is provided at no-cost to the families by COMCAST
4. COMCAST will install the service and provide parental control software that addresses online security.
5. This offer is available for three school years to families.
6. Families must live in areas with COMCAST service.
How does a Family show evidence of qualification and sign up for the program?
1. Family member calls and 800 number (1-800-765-6995) and makes arrangements with a COMCAST representative.
2. Letter of eligibility for Free Lunch distributed by food service must be sent to COMCAST by the eligible families.
3. COMCAST provides all installation as part of the offer at no cost to families.
4. Families decide whether they want to purchase the NETBOOK at the reduced cost.
How will information be distributed to eligible families?
1. A flyer will be distributed to eligible families who qualify for free lunch through the Food Services Department in conjunction with the application for free lunch.
2. An Internet-Essentials web site (http://InternetEssentials.com) provides further details on the program. The Broward Schools website will also provide information on the partnership with COMCAST.
3. Parent-Link Message is sent to the families of students who are enrolled in FREE LUNCH as a reminder.
4. Information can also be found at public libraries and community organizations.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Jeanine Gendron, Director of Instructional Technology at 754-321-0475 or the COMCAST Representation Dawn Stagliano, Director of Government Affairs and Community Investment at Dawn_stagliano@cable.comcast.com.
MOTROLA SOLUTIONS FOUNDATION INNOVATION GENERATION GRANT
Margate Middle School Receives Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Grant
Margate, FL– July 28, 2011 – Margate Middle School, a Broward County Public Middle School, today announced it has received $40,000.00 as part of the Innovation Generation grant program from the Motorola Solutions Foundation, the charitable arm of Motorola Solutions Inc. Through the grant, Margate Middle School will supplement our STEM Magnet program with science and math hands on project and field trip opportunities that include local and state competitions. Approximately 400 students will be reached.
The Motorola Solutions Foundation’s Innovation Generation program is designed to inspire students to learn about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Innovation Generation funding equips students with the skills essential to both their lives today and their future success through funding, employee volunteers and intra-grantee collaboration. This year, the program will provide $5.5 million to K-12 programs across the U.S., including Margate Middle School, to support hands-on, innovative after-school programs, science and math clubs, teacher training and mentoring programs.
“This grant will allow us to expose our students to experiences inside and outside of the classroom that would not be possible otherwise,” states Nikia Ragin, Magnet Coordinator”. The grant writing team members include: Assistant Principal, Cara Coletti, Magnet Coordinator, Nikia Ragin, Lead Science Teacher Rod Daniel, and Lead Math Teacher, Patrick Gayle.
“The future of American innovation depends on a diverse pipeline of critical thinkers who are well versed in STEM principles,” said Matt Blakely, director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. “Through the Innovation Generation program, we are thrilled to partner with programs like Margate Middle, to provide students and teachers with the necessary tools to explore their STEM interests and pursue innovation.”
Innovation Generation is a part of Motorola Solutions’ larger commitment to engaging youth in STEM education. Beyond funding, Margate Middle will receive ongoing support from Motorola Solutions employee volunteers, who will act as mentors, tutors, and experts in STEM careers, which utilizes the expertise of Motorola Solutions’ workforce to inspire the next generation of inventors. Margate Middle also now is part of the Innovation Generation network, where it can create vital connections with hundreds of other organizations with the common vision to make a greater impact on STEM education.
CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT HANDBOOK
Parents and students, beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, the Code of Student Conduct handbook will be distributed electronically. View the handbook in English, Spanish, Kreyol, Portuguese.
STEM NEWS
Did you know that you can still apply for our STEM Magnet program? Go to www.browardschoolsmagnetprograms.com and choose Margate Middle School as your first option. If you don’t, you will surely miss out on this great Magnet program and opportunity! In the SET Lab, students will participate in science based computer simulations and hands-on projects while exploring the career of Biomedical Engineering. In the MET Lab, students will explore Civil Engineering through the use of computer based software. In Technology, students will create rockets, bridges CO2 cars, toothpick roller coasters, rubber band powered airplanes, etc. which emphasizes Civil and Aeronautical Engineering.
For all incoming 6th graders who have been accepted and registered, we will be having summer fun. No new summer applications will be accepted. For those who have already registered, get ready for 4 days of exciting events. There will be many hands-on construction competitions and activities. Also, we will be going to the Museum of Science and Discovery where we will tour the exhibits as well as experience their new “Flight Simulator!” There will be more information on the summer camp coming soon!
For more information about the STEM Magnet Program, please email nikia.ragin@browardschools.com Visit our STEM page http://margatemiddle.org/academics/s-t-e-m-mganet-program/
SCHOOL ZONE SPEED LIMITS
The Florida Legislature approved a change to the School Zone Speed Limit Speeding Fine structure.The School Zone Speed Limit fines have now been changed, to allow the local authorities to Double the Speed Limit Fines for speeding in an active school zone, during the times where the speed limit is posted at 15mph.
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The new Speeding Fines Doubled sign is now being installed at school zones around Broward County. You will start seeing these signs installed at the entrance of the over 900 school zones that have yellow flashing school zone lights.According to our local police departments, many of the school zone speeding tickets that are issued during the first half hour of a school zone in the morning, are issued to teachers and other school district employees going to work and then during the second half hour of the school zone tickets are issued to parents and others who reside in the communities located around our schools |
CLASS SIZE REDUCTION
Due to the state Class Size Reduction law, students may need to be moved between teachers after the start of school to ensure compliance with the required student limits. These limits are 18 students for Pre-Kindergarten to grade 3, 22 students for grades 4 to 8, and 25 students for grades 9 to 12 in core classes. Please know that students’ needs will continue to be met through proper instruction and services. Additional information on core classes or anything else related to Class Size Reduction is available on the Class Size Reduction website at http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/classsize/
Spanish Translation – click here
Florida’s Class Size Amendment – 2010 Legislative Session
In 2010, the Florida Legislature approved a constitutional amendment to be placed on the ballot that will ask voters to change the state constitution’s current maximum class sizes to “school-wide average class sizes.” If the amendment is approved by voters, maximum class size would be calculated based on the school-wide average of the number of students in core classes assigned to each teacher beginning with the 2010-2011 school year and be:
- 18 students in prekindergarten through grade 3;
- 22 students in grades 4 through 8; and
- 25 students in grades 9 through 12.
In addition, the proposed change to the constitution would set the maximum number of students assigned to each teacher, while not exceeding the school-wide average, to be:
- 21 students in prekindergarten through grade 3;
- 27 students in grades 4 through 8; and
- 30 students in grades 9 through 12.
Read more click here
GET YOUR FLU SHOTS NOW
Prevent missed school and missed work. According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, the flu costs American businesses more than $7 billion a year in sick days and lost productivity. Click here for more information.
ONLINE TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks available on Student Portal at http://beep.browardschools.com
Log into Student Portal and enter username and password. Username and password is same as Virtual Counselor Username and Password. Username – 10 digit student ID, Password = student birthdate mm/dd/yyyy (be sure to include ‘/’; also password subject to change by student)
| Online Textbook FlyerTextbook State Statute 1006.28 |  |
Available Textbooks Middle SchoolAvailable Textbooks High School |
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