Summer Learning!

Are you looking for something to keep your youngster busy during the summer? Want to keep their minds sharp and ready for school in August? Well, here's your answer! If you click on the title, "Summer Learning!", it will lead you to a warehouse of summer learning packets that are age appropriate for your child. Please look at all of the offerings which include summer packets for reading, math and science as well as suggested reading lists.

Don't forget to also access the following web tools. You may find these resources on our school's webpage www.duvalschools.org/donbrewer

*Destination Success:

Username: first name + last name + 3 digit school number (217)

Password: 2 digit birth month + 2 digit birthday

**do not add spaces when logging in

*Compass Odyssey

Username: lower case "s" + student number (no spaces)

Password: Capital letter first name + 2 digit birthday + lowercase 1st letter of last name + last 4 digits of social security number

We hope everyone has a wonderful summer break. We look forward to seeing all of our families on Thursday, August 19th at 10:00 for "Meet the Teacher". You will receive in the mail a postcard to let you know your child's teacher for the 2010-2011 school year. Remember, school begins Monday, August 23rd. See you then!

Homework Help!

Have you ever wonder what in the world your child is supposed to do on their homework? Well, if you click on the title of this post, it will take you directly to our district's homework help section. It will help you to:
*ask questions about homework

*access live homework help

*access visual demonstrations for subjects like science and math

*external links for assistance in the core academic areas (reading, math, science)

This site is constantly updated so check back often for changes.

FCAT Tips for Parents

Well.....tomorrow (March 9th) starts our annual testing blitz for our students. So...the question is "How can I help my child now?". Well, that's a great question! You can help your student by:

*Making sure they get a good night's rest EVERY night.

*Provide a healthy breakfast. Protein filled items like peanut butter toast, eggs, and cheese are great "brain food"!

*Encourage your child to do their best every day. We talk about how they can "FOCUS" on each individual question. Use the word, "FOCUS" with them as well.

*Lastly, help them to relax and pace themselves. Did you know the pace of taking a test is critical to their success. Students need to "feel" what 60 minutes of testing feels like. Time them by practicing homework or other practice items.

When the scores come back in May, celebrate your child's accomplishments. Encouragement goes a long way for future success.

It's FCAT Time!

It's FCAT Time again! As we edge closer to FCAT testing dates, there are some important things that PARENTS can do to help their children. Here are some tips:

• Students need to be at school each and every day! Did you know that coming in tardy (even 10 minutes) disrupts learning for EVERY child in that class?
• Review their homework each and every night. As a parent, I realize how tired we must feel at the end of the day. However, when skills are not practiced and reinforced, they are lost. Just doing homework each night helps to reinforce these skills with your child.
• Keep in communication with your child's teacher. By working together as a team, you will see great progress in your child's learning. He/She can suggest ways to prepare for the tests.
• Visit the public library! Go to the library on a regular basis. Find reading material that can help support reading instruction in the classroom. Practice the reading skills and strategies that your child is learning in class. For example, if the class is working on Main Idea, then let's find some books and find the Main Idea together.
• Use the electronic resources at your fingertips. FCAT Explorer is a great tool that students can use. Each student has their own username and password. If you do not know what it is, please contact your child's teacher to get it. Our school's webpage also has a link for "Web Resources" that you can do at home. Just visit: www.duvalschools.org/donbrewer
• Provide a good breakfast. Did you know that protein is BRAIN FOOD? Foods like peanut butter, eggs, and cheese are good for the body and the mind. These are easy foods to put together, but make a big difference. Remember...sound mind, sound body!
• Finally, look forward to the test. That's right! You and your child have worked very hard and now it is "Time to Shine". We encourage our students to 'show what they know'. The children have been exposed to everything they need to be successful. All they have to do know is do their best.

In May, we can look back and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Celebrate the accomplishments of our students. Thank you for ALL that you do to help make our school a place "Where Great Minds Grow and Students Bloom"!

FCAT Explorer

As we march closer towards our FCAT testing time, YOU can support your child's learning through FCAT EXPLORER. FCAT EXPLORER (www.fcatexplorer.com) is an online tool that you can use to help your child work through reading and math problems. Your child was given his/her username and password. If you would like further online tutorials, you can visit our school's webpage at www.duvalschools.org/donbrewer. Destination Reading & Math are also great tools for your child to use on a daily basis. If you have any further questions about these resources, please contact our school's webmaster (Mr. Rush) at 745-4990.

Winter Break Learning Packets

Well...the holiday season break is quickly approaching and I bet you're wondering how are you ever going to keep that youngster(s) of yours busy. Did you know it will be almost 3 weeks that students are not actively learning during the break? Well, Duval County's Academic Programs have coordinated winter break learning packets for students in Kindergarten-8th grade in the areas of reading, math, and science. Just click on the title ("Winter Break Learning Packets") above for the list of all of the packets and resources.

On the last day of school before the break, students will be given these packets. So, look in that backpack and have them bring it out at least for 15-30 minutes each day. It will help them continue and be prepared when they come back to school in January 2010! Have a safe and happy holiday.

Parent Portal Opening Soon!

Calling all parents! If you have ever wanted to access your child's grades and other important information in one quick spot, your wish will be coming true very soon. Duval County Public Schools is proud to announce the Parent Portal. Soon , we will be sending information home how you can access this wonderful tool. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Save the Parent Portal link: https://dcps.mygradeportal.com/




• Make sure the school has your email account. Please call us at 745-4990 so we can update your child's records.




• We will create a system for you to receive the username and password which is required for entry into the portal.

Once the portal is open, we hope this service will be of great help to you and your child.