February 5: Auction Closes, Noon

February 11: Palmetto Baseball Season Kickoff, Coral Reef Park, 10AM

February 15: MPSH Alumni Hall of Fame Nominations Deadline

February 16: General PTSA Meeting

February 21: Teen Talk Round Table, 2:30-3:30, Media Center

March 3: Senior Picnic, Zoo Miami

March 7: Pinecrest Special Election Ballot Deadline

March 14: Freshman/Sophomore Parent Night, 6:30PM, ZOOM

March 31: Grad Bash for Seniors, Universal Studios, Orlando

April 4: Prom Tickets on Sale on OSP in Portal, 2:30PM

May 13: Prom, University of Miami

PTSA Email Address

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

Nom Com Volunteers Needed

Love Our Panthers Online Auction

Bid now! Open until 2/5 at noon.

Freshman & Sophomore Parent Night

Support Panther Baseball!

WANTED: Students to volunteer at Pinecrest Elementary's Carnival!

Sign up here.

Florida PTA Press Release on AP African American Studies

AP African American Studies

ORLANDO FLORIDA, JANUARY 31, 2023 - Florida PTA looks forward to reviewing the College Board’s just-released AP African American Studies curriculum as a potentially valuable new college-level elective for high school students intent upon broadening their knowledge of America and sharpening their critical thinking skills.

Our 165,000-member association, due to celebrate its 100th anniversary this April, has long been a proponent of a rich and inclusive curriculum that celebrates the achievements of all of our nation’s diverse peoples and cultures. In recent years, it has stood behind legislative efforts to provide K-12 instruction in Holocaust Studies, in African American history, and in the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. We back testing in the native language for English Learners in subjects other than English Language Arts so that students have the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and affirm their worth.

During the 2022 Legislative Session, in alignment with National PTA’s position statements on Inclusive Curricula in K-12 Education, Libraries and Educational Material, and Say Their Names: Addressing Systematic or Institutional Racism, Florida PTA firmly opposed HB 7 (Individual Freedom), HB 1557 (Parental Rights in Education), and HB 1467 (K-12 Education).

We raised concerns that the ambiguous wording of these bills held the potential to privilege subjective judgments, and hence to trigger attempts to impose school-site censorship.

“The values of PTA, collaboration, commitment, diversity, respect, and accountability hold our members to a standard which acknowledges the contributions of all people”, said Carolyn Nelson-Goedert, President of Florida PTA. “We accomplish this is by recognizing lived experiences and ensuring that the history of those experiences is neither lost nor diluted.”

Florida PTA is the oldest and largest child advocacy association in Florida. Founded in 1923, it has successfully advocated for universal kindergarten, school lunches, bicycle helmets,

elementary school recess, support for dyslexic students, parental notification of school site

Baker Act implementation, equitable learning environments, and juvenile justice reform. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children. More information is available by contacting Florida PTA at 407.855.7604 or

info@floridapta.org.

Navigating Mental Health

Volunteer at Palmetto Elementary’s Funfest!

Palmetto Elementary's Funfest is on Saturday, February 11th from 11-4pm (at the elementary school). This is a great opportunity for high school students in need of service hours. Sign up here.

Community News- Village of Pinecrest Special Election

Pinecrest residents, find out more about the upcoming special election here.

The Village will be hosting 5 Town Halls to educate residents about the referendum. Please attend one if you would like to receive more information.

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

UPDATED 2/15 Deadline! MPSH Alumni Association’s Hall of Fame Nominations



Nominations are now being accepted for the MPSH Alumni Association's Hall of Fame program. The updated deadline to submit nominations is February 15th. 

CONGRATULATIONS to MPSH alumna Ketanji Brown Jackson, who is the Association's "Committee Choice" as the first Hall of Fame Inductee.

Consider nominating a deserving Palmetto alumna or alumnus or a Palmetto faculty member. Note there are two different forms for each. More program information and links to the form here: https://www.palmettohighalumni.org/fame

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

Teen Talk Roundtable

NEW DATES! 1/21 and 2/21 in the Media Center, 2:30-3:30

All students are invited to “Teen Talk Round Table” discussions. Some of the topics we will discuss are school climate, generation gaps with families, peer pressure and body positivity.

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!

American Legion Auxiliary Opportunity

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