UPCOMING:

May 5: Senior College Decision Day, Lunches

May 10: SPED Luncheon, Pinecrest Gardens, 10-12:30

May 13: Prom, University of Miami

May 29: No School (Memorial Day)

June 1: Graduation, 9AM, University of Miami Watsco Center

June 7: Last Day of School

PTSA Email Address

Add this to your contacts! If you ever need to reach PTSA, email Ptsa.mpsh@gmail.com

2023 AP Exam Dates

For a full calendar of when AP exams will be click here.

Great News From MPSH Athletic Director Mr. Batten:

Boys and girls both won district championships. Also, Girls Lacrosse won their District Championship for the first time in school history. 

CAP Announcements:

TO SENIORS WHO RECEIVED SCHOLARSHIPS:

click here

Hi All- Can you please take a moment and do this for me? I'm required to report how much scholarship money your class was offered (not how much your are accepting). In the past, classes have been offered @ $20 million. Is your class the same? I need help getting this data in so pls pls take the time to send me this into. Due May 1. Thank you!!! If you don't know the amount, that’s ok. Ex: 100% bright futures or "full ride are acceptable answers.

Miami-Dade County Council PTA/PTSA Legislative Updates

THE ONE BILL THAT MUST PASS – THE BUDGET BILL The one bill that must pass every Session is the Budget bill. This means the House and Senate bills must be identical for passing. The House and Senate will begin negotiations this week over differing versions of the budget for the current year. The House version comes in at $113 billion, which is $700 million less than the Senate’s submitted proposal. The difference between the two bills relates to education and the recently signed into aw the Universal School Choice Bill (HB 1). The Senate proposed $2.2 billion to fund the program, including $350 million in reserves in case additional families apply for the voucher. The House only set aside an additional $110 million.

YEAR ROUND SCHOOLING PILOT PROGRAM HB 891 and SB 1564 create a year round school pilot program or a period of 4 school years beginning with the 2024-2025 school year.  The bills allow school districts to apply for participation.  The Commissioner of Education will select 5 school districts to participate in the pilot program.  The House Bill was placed on the calendar on 2^nd reading. The Senate bill has 2 additional committee stops before heading to the Senate floor.

CHARTER SCHOOL CAPITAL OUTLAY FUNDING Charter Schools would receive the same type of funding as traditional public schools under legislation HB 1259.  The measure would require public schools to share a portion of their district’s local sales tax revenues for charter school building costs The funding model would happen over a 5-year period and the money would be split between charter schools and traditional public schools based on the number of students.  A Senate companion bill (SB 1328), has one additional committee to clear before heading to the floor.  The House version passed all three of its committee stops and now heads to the House floor.

PARTISAN ELECTIONS OF SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS A proposed Constitutional Amendment (SJR 94) is heading to the full Senate for a vote.  The measure would need three-fifth’s approval in each chamber to move onto the 2024 General Election ballot.  If approved, partisan races would begin with elections in 2026.  The House version (HJR 31) passed through the floor of the House. The Senate resolution has been placed on the calendar on 2^nd reading.

INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLANS HB 19 and SB 636 requires IEP’s for certain students to contain information on legal rights and responsibilities that transfer to students at age 18; requires information to include ways in which student may provide informed consent to allow his or her parent to continue to participate in educational decisions.  House Bill 19 has passed the floor and is now in messages to the Senate.

EXPANSION OF DUBBED “DON’T SAY GAY” LAW House Bill 1069 passed the House floor and has been sent to the Senate in Messages for Senate Bill 1320.  The bill expands the prohibition against gender and sexual orientation instruction to PreK-8^th grade, as well as strictly regulating the use of pronouns in schools that do not correspond to the sex of a student, teacher, or employee as assigned at birth. The measures additionally address same-sex marriage and removal of books in school libraries.

PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENT PROGRESSION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES HB 223 and SB 290 requires comprehensive plans for student progression to provide for specified students with disabilities to be retained in PreK at discretion of student’s parent, etc.  The Senate Bill passed its three committee’s of reference The House Bill is on the calendar on 2^nd Reading.

COMPENSATION OF LOTTERY TICKET RETAILERS (Bright Futures) HB 715 and SB 1488 allow lottery vendors to keep more of lottery winnings, diminishing funds available for Bright Futures Scholarships.  The Florida Lottery primarily funds the Bright Futures Scholarship program.  The Senate bill passed its three committee’s of reference and the House Bill is currently has bee placed on the calendar for its second reading.

STUDENT USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM SB 52 and HB 379 requires that district school board codes of student conduct include a prohibition against students using wireless communications during instructional time and authorizes teachers to withhold a student’s device. Requires each school district to prohibit and prevent students from accessing social media platforms through the use of internet access provided by the school district.  HB 379 passed the House floor and has been sent to the Senate in Messages.

ENFORCEMENT OF SCHOOL BUS PASSING INFRACTIONS HB 741 AND SB 766 authorizes school districts to install and operate school bus infraction detection system; provides for a $225 penalty for each violation.  HB 741 and SB 766 each have one additional committee stop before heading to the floor.

REVISING PANDEMIC-ERA PROHIBITIONS House Bill 1013, revising pandemic-era prohibitions on mask, vaccine, and testing mandates, has cleared its first committee of reference.  Under the proposed legislation, businesses, government entities, and schools would be permanently barred from requiring anyone to wear masks or get vaccinated.   A similar Senate Bill (SB 252) is also moving through the committee process.

VoterVoice – Legislative Alerts Sign up for MDCC PTA/PTSA Take Action Network to learn more about legislative issues affecting families, schools, and communities and to stay informed on the latest updates from Tallahassee. *By registering forMDCC PTA/PTSA Take Action Network, you will be joining over 300,000 child advocates in Florida that support and speak up for children, (REGISTRATION MUST BE UPDATED YEARLY. – If you have signed up previously, please do so again today!)

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

Your Advocacy and Legislation Committees will continue to follow bills filed during the 2022-2023 Legislative Session and will look to keep you updated.

Maria Norton - President

Fatima Chaiken - VP of Advocacy Legislation

Mindy Gould - Legislation

Eileen Segal - Advocacy

Diane Quick - Municipalities

Nancy Lawther - School Board Liaison

Jennifer Solomon - LGBTQ + Chair

Jennifer Lopez - DEI Chair

Carrie Feit - Resolution Chair

Class of 2023 Graduation Date Announcement!

2023-2024 Yearbook Application

Testing Updates

1/9/23 - UPDATED IMPORTANT TESTING INFORMATION

• F.A.S.T PM3 test will be in May 2023. (new version of the old FSA ELA) 
• The test is only for 9th and 10th graders. Starts 2022-2023.
•  Students will be informed by their English teacher. English teachers will also give student testing passes.
• Three F.A.S.T tests throughout the year. The first two F.A.S.T tests will be more of a baseline and it will not count against the student or scored. The last F.A.S.T, which will take place in May 2023, will count as a score and it will be based on the 1-5 level.
• MYA for algebra 1, geometry, biology, and US history will begin on 1/17/23-tTentative. Talk to your teachers who have actual test day information. All teachers have been assigned to a computer lab.
• ACCESS/ELLS/WIDA will start 2/9/23- Tentative
• FSA ELA/Algebra 1 retakes will start 2/21/23- Tentative. Small number of students.
• If student received a PSAT/NMSQT math score of 430 and above, they will not be called to test for the algebra 1 EOC.
• If student received a concordant score via SAT/ACT for the FSA ELA or algebra 1 EOC, they will not be called to test. Please see below for concordant scores needed to satisfy graduation requirements for these exams.
• Some students who are in geometry class this year might not be called to test for algebra 1 in the spring retakes. Remember that geometry EOC is comparative to algebra 1 and if student passes the geometry EOC, then it will serve as "comparative" algebra 1 EOC score.
• SAT for ALL 11^th graders free of charge will take place 3/1/23. ONLY for 11^th graders.
• No registration or payment needed for this exam.  
• Pre-administration will take place on test day.
• Students will be informed on room assignments by their English teacher. Students will also receive testing passes.
• If 11^th grader is taking English 3 via FLVS, they MUST contact Testing Chair, Ms. Valencia asap for room assignment.
• If you have never registered in collegeboard.org, then you must register to be able to check your SAT scores. 
• If you are already registered in collegeboard.org, then you will have access to your scores.
• You DO NOT need to register or pay to take the SAT on 3/1/23 date in collegeboard.org because I will test you for it and the state will pay for it. It is free for all 11^th graders. I will add your name to the list if you are taking English 3 and are an 11^th grader.
• NAEP- 3/30/23 (selected senior students only)
• FCLE- Will start on 4//17/23- tentative.
• ALL EOCs, NGSSS EOC, BEST EOC,FAST PM3, and AP testing will start on May 1, 2023. 
• All EOCs are mandatory. They count 30% of student grade. If student does not take the EOC, it will show as an NG in their final grade for the class. NG means NO GRADE for student which is no credit for class.
• BEST ADVICE. DO NOT BE ABSENT ON TESTING DAYS. If you need to do a makeups, you will need to talk to your teacher or Mrs. Valencia (depending on what type of test). The earlier, the better. Makeup days will be posted for students to know and they will be sent to all faculty.

• IMPORTANT TEST INFORMATION FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT PASSED THE REQUIRED GRADUATION STATE TESTS: 
• Algebra 1 EOC concordant score information. This information is for those students who have not passed the algebra 1 EOC which is a graduation requirement. 
• If you did not take or pass your algebra 1 EOC, do not despair. There are several options for you to meet the algebra 1 EOC graduation requirements.  
• You can get a 3 and above score in your geometry EOC. For those students who are taking the geometry class this year, you have a good chance at getting a comparative score for the algebra 1 EOC. DO YOUR BEST next May 2023!  
• Score a 430 and above in your Math section of the PSAT/NMSQT exam  
• Score a 420 in the Math section of the SAT. (collegeboard.org)  
• Score a 16 in the Math section of the ACT. (ACT.org) 



• Take the algebra 1 EOC again. I strongly suggest the ACT/SAT/PSAT/NMSQT   
• FSA ELA Retakes concordant score information. For those juniors and seniors who have not passed the FSA ELA which is a graduation requirement.
• If you did not take or pass your 10th grade FSA ELA (graduation requirement), do not despair. There are several options for you to meet the FSA ELA graduation requirement. 
• Score a 480 in the READING section of the SAT. (collegeboard.org) 
• Score an average score of 18 in your English/Reading section of the ACT. Simply, add both scores and divide by 2. (ACT.org). A score of 17.5 rounds up to 18. A score of 17.5 and above will meet the FSA ELA concordant score for graduation. 
• Please note that the FAST PM3 is ONLY for those students who are 9^th and 10^th graders starting 2022-2023 and on...

• ****If you have Free/Reduce lunch, you may qualify for a fee waiver for the SAT and ACT. Please apply for free/reduce lunch. To apply for free/reduce lunch you must go to
• https://www3.dadeschools.net/home
• Go to the search icon and write, FOOD AND NUTRITION
• Click on the "Income Survey"

• https://incomesurvey.dadeschools.net/

• This year, the district is allowing all students to have free lunch.  HOWEVER, this is NOT the same thing as actually qualifying for free lunch. If you qualify, it will allow you to get fee waivers for the SAT and ACT.  Fill out the survey for free lunch!

• Contact Ms. Olga Gonzalez (She is the counselor's secretary). You will find her in the attendance office for the SAT and ACT fee waivers.
• SAT and ACT fee waivers are a first come-first served and there might not be one always available. Waivers are constantly being offered. Best of luck!  
• PLEASE go to collegeboard.org and/or ACT.org for testing dates and deadlines. These tests are given throughout the year.

• If you took the PSAT/NMSQT on 10/12/22 your scores are avalaible. If you have not sign-up to college board to view your PSAT/NMSQT scores, please do so. Go to collegeboard.org and register. This way, you will have access to your PSAT/NMSQT scores. If you have already register, then you do not need to do this again.

BEST OF LUCK EVERYONE!

Alejandra Valencia

Testing Chairperson

Co-AP Coordinator

Miami Palmetto High School

(305)235-1360 x2284

avalencia@dadeschools.net

2022-2023 PTSA MEMBERSHIP

THANK YOU SPONSORS! Please see updated sponsor lists below.

The 2022-2023 Annual Love Our Panthers Membership Drive is now OPEN! Please join and support PTSA today. Membership starts at $8. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. This year we are aiming for 100% participation! All proceeds go back to the students and our school. Sponsorships are tax-deductible.

We don’t sell gift wrap or candy. This is our once-a-year fundraiser. Please consider joining giving today!

For more information:Click here

Yearbook Info

GET YOUR PALMETTO SPIRIT WEAR:

NEW DESIGNS! The PTSA's online store, Sharingwear.org, has launched three new designs that are available in several colors and lots of different shirt styles (tshirts, vnecks, long sleeve t's, hoodies, joggers, etc.). Now is the time to order!

Sharingwear.org is a charitable organization founded and operated by Palmetto High students. Designs can be purchased in multiple clothing styles and some designs are available in multiple colors. Orders are custom printed and usually take 2-3 weeks for delivery. All profits from Sharingwear's Palmetto Senior Online Store are shared 50% with the Palmetto Senior PTSA and 50% with Sharingwear's Charity of the Month. Please visit SharingWear.org to stock up on clothes for next year!

FREE Tutoring through Miami-Dade Public Library System

The Miami-Dade Public Library System has two programs to help students academically, and best of all they are FREE. live, and interactive:

1- https://mdpls.org/tutor

“Help your child have a successful school year with the Miami‑Dade Public Library System’s Homework Help & Tutoring Program. Free, 30‑minute one‑on‑one virtual tutoring sessions with certified teachers are available on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. ‑ 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. to all K‑12 students who reside in Miami‑Dade County. Tutoring is available in reading and math. To participate, please submit a tutoring appointment request for your child/ren each week. To maximize learning, a computer or laptop with Internet access and a working camera and microphone is required.”

Very soon, MDPL will be rolling out a program in which we circulate laptops to take home that will include internet access. It’s a CAREs Act grant. 

2-  tutoring.mdpls.org  

Tutoring.com is normally a paid service through The Princeton Review, but is free for students with a library card (easy to get- see below). 

“Experts help you with homework, study for tests and write essays from noon to midnight daily.” The student can have typing or voice chat. They can request a specific tutor that they have worked with before or take a random tutor. The entire interaction is recorded and the student can put the transcript into a personal virtual locker. They can email it to their teacher or refer to it in the future. 

Other Notes: 

If a student doesn’t have a library card, they can get one almost instantly at https://www1.mdpls.org/webservices/ecard/Account/Register.

If they have any issues with logging on to any of the resources, customercare@mdpls.org can resolve problems from M-Th 9am-8pm, Fri & Sat 9am-6pm. 

Public libraries are open for students to study in, with safety measures in place. They also have computer access. For locations and hours: https://www1.mdpls.org/webservices/locator/

https://mdpls.org/mobile-device

https://www.mdpls.org/homedelivery

www.mdpls.org/learning#Teens

Peterson’s Test Prep

Taking a college entrance or licensing exam? Looking for a college or graduate school? Need help finding scholarships? Use this database to search thousands of college and graduate school entries. Identify scholarships that meet their financial needs. Take online practice tests and use test prep eBooks to obtain your education goals.

https://mdpls.driving-tests.org/florida/

Thank You MPSH PTSA Sponsors! Updated 11/1/22

Have Something You Want to Share?

If there is something you would like to share in the MPSH weekly e-blast or on our social media pages, please email KatieLAbbott@comcast.net by the end of the school day every Friday.

Click here https://palmettopanthers.memberhub.com/store to donate to Miami Palmetto PTSA 

PLEASE FORWARD this email to any new parents who may not be receiving it yet.

PTSA Communications

PTSA Website & Resources: https://linktr.ee/ptsampsh

Facebook: Miami Palmetto Senior High School PTSA

Twitter: @MPSHPTSA

Instagram: @MPSHPTSA

Contact PTSA: PTSA.MPSH@gmail.com