Dear Parents and Students:

As we quickly approach the end of the school year, I want to thank all of you for your cooperation this year. As a result of parent and school staff working together, our student attendance is much better than last school year. Also, during FCAT Testing, we had 100% attendance in 3rd, 4th and 5th for three consecutive days, which resulted in no make up test being necessary. It goes to show that we can accomplish a great deal when we all work together for the good of our students. Please remember that there is still a great deal of teaching and learning taking place and we need your children here daily for them to take advantage of what our faculty and school have to offer.

The months of April and May will be very busy. Students will be working on their science projects as well as on their multicultural fair projects. Our goal is for our students to become inquisitive learners and critical thinkers. We want our children to learn the scientific method starting at a very young age. Additionally, we feel it is very important to teach cultural awareness here at Palm Lakes, therefore, students will be learning about a new country. These activities will be highlighted during the Science Fair night and the Multicultural Fair. Please note that the last day for the 2007-2008 school year is June 5th.

Parents, please adhere to the following important reminders to ensure a safe and orderly end of the school year:

• Supervision starts at 7:30 a.m. Children should not be dropped off before 7:30 by parents and/or bus drivers. We need your cooperation with this important safety matter. There are two drop off areas- West 16th Avenue Drop off with the security guard and the new drive thru/drop off in the back of the new building (enter at 17th Ave.). Under no circumstances should children be dropped off in the parking lots. We need everyone's cooperation with this matter.
• West 16th Ave. is used as a parent/bus drop off zone in the morning. Please do not park your vehicles in this area, since they will block the drive-thru. Also, vehicles may not be left unattended in the new parent drop off/pick up area behind the new building.
• Children are expected to arrive on time daily, which is by 8:20 a.m. All students will line up on the basketball courts (2nd-5th) or shelter area (Pre- K, K & 1).
• Children should remain in school all day unless they become ill, in which case the parents will be notified. Early dismissals should only take place in case of a family emergency. Please make all appointments for your kids after school hours, whenever possible. This year, we will monitor early dismissals and report extreme cases to the district office.
• Parking in the morning is available along West 74th Street and along the fence on 17th Avenue, Additionally, there are many available spaces in the large parking lot off 16th Avenue. Parent spaces have been painted yellow. We realize that parking is very limited, so please be patient and understanding. The small parking lot behind the two story building is for staff only.
• *PLE is a mandatory uniform school. So far, all the kids look great in their uniforms. Please note that children may not wear sandals to school for their own safety. We appreciate your cooperation. If you need information about uniforms, call the main office at (305) 823-6970.
• If your child is not on free/reduced lunch, we encourage you to pay in advance for your own convenience and peace of mind. Please see our cafeteria manager or assistant manager for more information.
• Children must be picked up promptly at dismissal, which is 2:00 p.m. for K and 1, and 3:00 p.m. for 2nd-5th. Please note that all students are released at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Remember, school is only one component of your child's education. The guidance, nurturing and support you offer your children at home will help build a strong social-emotional foundation, which they need for life. We ask that each of you support us at the school site in preparing our children for life!
• Please remember to visit our website http://palmlakes.dadeschools.net for the latest news and upcoming activities. We will keep you posted on the latest happenings at our school. I want to thank our Palm Lakes faculty and staff, as well as the parents and children of our great, great school. Thank you for your continued support. Together we can make a difference! Please contact me if you have any questions or comments.
  
  Thank you.
  Sincerely,
  Alina Iglesias
  Principal