Harold Osborn, Principal

Marcela Mansur, 6th Grade Administrator

Susan Kincaid, 7th Grade Administrator October 2016

Bruce Greenberg, 8th Grade Administrator

Principal’s Greeting

Greetings parents. We are off to another amazing Young Knights school year. Our many on campus clubs and organizations are convening and our soccer teams are half way through a successful season of competition. We are very happy to introduce our three new Walter C. Young staff members: Welcome to Omari Jackson, ESE Teacher Aide, Farah Hussain, ESE Teacher Aide and Jenny Partagas, Media and Front Office Clerk. Congratulations to our 13 WCY students who earned a perfect score on one or more sections of the Florida Standards Assessment - ELA, Math, or one of the EOC Exams last spring, 2016: Greeshma Avaradi, Zakariyya Aziz, David Barreto, Thomas Fai, Audivon Galliguez, Sarothi Ghosh, Sierra Langford, Sebastian Licona, Ke Ran Lin and David Marty. WCY has received great news! Our school has been identified to be included in the 2016-17 cohort of schools to receive the infrastructure, cabling, wireless access points, and computing devices as part of the technology portion of the District’s SMART Initiative. The Information & Technology Department, along with Innovative Learning and Professional Development Standards and Support, will collaborate with our school on the planning and implementation process. The phases include an initial meeting to cover the scope of work regarding the infrastructure needs at our school, and discuss academic programs, along with devices. Next, we will order the new computer lap tops. District vendors will complete infrastructure and wiring and network upgrades. Finally, our teachers will participate in continued professional development to support technology infusion in the classroom. We would like to congratulate our 2016-17 Teacher of the Year and Employee of the Year! Our Teacher of the Year is Mr. Andrew Caputo and our Employee of the Year is Ms. Larissa Chanzes. They are each well deserving of this outstanding recognition and we wish them both success in the District competition. Walter C. Young Middle school will have a team visit our campus on October 24 as part of our School District’s Advanced ED Accreditation process. Broward County Schools, first accredited in 1962, must participate in an external review every five years in order to retain Advanced ED School System Accreditation. The team visiting our District will review our school system and each school to evaluate our adherence to the Advanced ED Accreditation Standards. The standards are as follows: Standard 1: Purpose and Direction, Standard 2: Governance and Leadership, Standard 3: Teaching and Assessing for Learning, Standard 4: Resources and Support System, Standard 5:

Using Results for Continuous Improvement. The Accreditation Team will develop a report based upon their observations and review that will include: 1. Recognition of Strong Practices 2. Areas for Improvement to the System. In two years, our BCPS district will be required to report to Advanced ED its progress in addressing the team’s improvement priorities. Our school has been preparing for this visit for the last three years and we are confident that the team will agree that we offer a high quality education for all of our WCY students. The Walter C. Young PTSA will be sponsoring our Knight's Festival Event on, November 18, 2016. This is our only PTSA fundraiser for the year. The money raised will directly benefit the students at WCY. The goal of our current PTSA Board is to purchase a new electronic marquee sign for our school. The Knight's Festival is a fun filled day for the entire school. The day kicks off with field day events, games and competitions. Next each grade level class will have their own dance in the big gym. The cost of the event is $30.00. Regards, Harold Osborn, Principal

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

October 11, 2016: SAC/SAF Meeting 3:45 p.m. October 12, 2016: SCHOOLS CLOSED October 27, 2016: Early Release Day – 1:30 p.m. October 28, 2016: Employee Planning – No School November 8, 2016: Employee Planning – No School November 11, 2016: Veteran’s Day – No School November 17, 2016: Report Cards Issued November 18, 2016: Knight’s Festival November 23-25, 2016: Thanksgiving Break

PARENTS – PLEASE NOTE!! Students should not arrive at school before 8:30 a.m. as there is no supervision prior to this time. Your cooperation will create a safe environment for our students. Please use the loop in the front of the school for student drop-off. For safety reasons, please do not drop off students on NW 129th Avenue, or in the parking areas. In the afternoon, please turn your radios down and your phones off. There are adults outside to assist with dismissal, but they are not always able to watch out for cars. For their safety, we are asking that you follow these rules. Any student who arrives after 9:00 a.m. is considered tardy. The student must report to the front office where they will be issued a late pass. Parents are to write a note or accompany the student to the front office to excuse the tardy. All tardies, whether excused or unexcused, will count toward factoring in a pattern of non-attendance. Walter C. Young Middle is committed to ensuring the safety of our students. Prior to any student sign-out the parent, guardian, or designated person listed on the emergency contact card must show a photo I.D.

This must be done with EVERY sign out.

STUDENT SIGN-OUT IS NOT PERMITTED AFTER 3:00 P.M. Thank you for following the District rule. Front office staff will not relay messages to students. Please make arrangements with your children in reference to transportation concerns before they leave home for school. Please keep track of all textbooks that are sent home. We will be checking on this on a quarterly basis. Your cooperation is appreciated. Thank you from Administration.

VOLUNTEER NEWS

WCY would like to thank all of our 2015-2016 Volunteers for all your help last year. We would like to give a special recognition to those volunteers who have been with us for several years and have helped out in so many different activities and programs. These volunteers are: Tim Arnwine (Past PTSA President), Tara Issenberg (PTSA President, PTSA Store & More), Susan Lang (Treasurer & More), Michelle Dohring (Book Fair Coordinator), Gina Clark, Kelly Wallace, Gail Levi, Julie Hernandez, Sierra Behring, Fun Fong, Sherry Rini, Kenia Pou-Ortiz, Hilary Metzger, Harry Stevens, Sheryl Shafer. Special thanks to our Music Booster parent volunteers, Athletic Booster parent volunteers, and so many more… Thank you to those who came out to the Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast. Thanks to our Student Volunteers from Student Council, Peer Counselors, NJHS, Garden & Science Club, and to our UTAP Students from Flanagan High School, our past teachers mentors, Paul Bernis, Joan Forrester, and Daniel Zachosky. There are so many volunteers to name we appreciate you all for helping with Book Fairs, Fundraising, Student Community Service Projects, Clubs, Field Trips, Pizza Sales, Banquets, Athletics, Dances, Music Concerts, Mentoring, breakfast, lunches and so much more you have done for the Students, Faculty and Staff of Walter C. Young. We say good-bye and thank you to some of our volunteers who will be moving on with their children and we welcome the new volunteers that will be part of WCY this school year.

CELL PHONES & ELECTRONIC DEVICES Please be aware of District and School policy regarding student possession and use of cell phones/electronic devices.

Sole possession of personal technology is not a violation of the Code for Student Conduct. Personal technology should be turned off and kept out-of-sight during all instructional and class time activities. No cell phones or other personal technology may be used for communication purposes except under the direction of a teacher or administrator for instructional purposes. Using personal technology during all non-instructional or non-class time activities or during class time at the direction of a teacher will not be subject to discipline under this policy. Time before or after school, passing time between classes, or during lunch is not considered instructional time for secondary students. When personal technology is used, headphones, ear buds, or other accessories must be used so that it cannot be heard by others. Violations of this policy will result in confiscation and the device will only be released to the parent. Progressive discipline will apply for repeated violations. The cell phone/electronic device will be secured in the front office safe until a parent/guardian picks it up. Pick-up hours are from 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Consequences will be issued for cell phone violations, including text messaging. Parents who need to reach their child (or vice versa) should communicate via the appropriate Grade Level Center.

Guidance Department

Guidance Director and 6th

Grade Counselor: Victor Calderon

7th

Grade Counselor: Sandrus Mahoney

8th

Grade Counselor: Joy Williams

Peer Counselor Coordinator: Milisa Villanueva

Exceptional Educational Specialist: Dr. Carole Blume-D’Ausilio

School Social Worker: Kathy McCullough

School Psychologist: Robin Taylor

Registrar: Jennifer Roberts

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Welcome to the 2016-2017 school year at Walter C. Young Middle. The Guidance Department has been busy

updating shot records and registering new students. We are looking forward to working with you to insure your

child’s success. Please feel free to call us if a need arises. As a team we can make this a great year.

How Can Parents Stay Involved in their Child’s Education?

Join the parent organizations at Walter C. Young.

Know who to call when you need help and how to get in touch with your child’s teacher (email is best).

Make sure your school knows how to reach you. Be sure the information on the cards you were given are

accurate and up to date.

Look at your child’s agenda each evening and encourage them to fill it out completely.

Homework every evening-no exceptions. Children should read every day.

Plan your vacations and appointments around the school calendar. Statistics show that good attendance is

important to middle school success.

Read our website and find out what the school offers.

Get to know the school rules and expectations. Sit down and go over the student code of conduct.

Check Pinnacle Gradebook Frequently – gb.browardschools.com/pinnacle/gradebook

A Message from our Registrar, Jennifer Roberts:

It is very important that we have your current address and phone numbers on file. Please contact our office if you

move or change your phone number.

Forgotten Items

We will not interrupt classrooms to have students come to the office to pick up homework,

projects, books, etc. It is not fair to the other students in class to have their instruction time

interrupted. One of the Character Traits taught throughout Broward Schools is Responsibility.

Students need to learn to be responsible for their belongings and face consequences if they

forget to bring homework, projects, books, etc. If your child forgets their lunch or lunch money,

they are allowed to charge one time. Thank you for supporting Walter C. Young.

Teacher of the Year

Walter C. Young Middle School is proud to announce that Mr.

Anthony Caputo is our 2016-2017 teacher of the

year. “Andy has been a part of Walter C. Young for

numerous years. He is fun, energetic, and always

smiling. He is a great teacher.” “He is a team player.

He helps with testing and students love his class.” “He

is fun, loving, and caring.” “Andy is always there to help! He

is fun with the students and strict with his classroom work. He

helps out with testing, technology, and picnic in the

park.” Anthony began his teaching career at Walter C. Young

Middle School in 2004.

Congratulations Mr. Caputo!

Non-Instructional

Employee of the Year

Ms. Larissa Chanzes, Walter C. Young Middle’s Micro

Computer Tech Specialist, has been voted by the staff

as WCY Non-Instructional Employee of the Year for

2016 – 2017. “Larissa is always helpful and gets her

job done.” “When she took over technology at our

school she raised it to the next level! She is always

helping, learning, and trying to keep up with technology and

more.” “She is always going above and beyond for everyone.” “She

also coordinates an ‘Exception Free’ Property and Inventory

Program at our school.” “Larissa is a great worker!” Larissa has

been working at Walter C. Young for nine years.

Congratulations to Ms. Chanzes!

The 2015 – 2016 NCLB/Spar is available to every parent. If you would like to view the report, please visit

www.broward.k12.fl.us/schoolimprove/. The report is located under DOE Reports.

Walter C. Young Families:

Regular student attendance is important for student

learning and progress throughout the school year. The

state's financial support for schools is also directly linked to

student attendance. Absenteeism hurts our students and

hurts our schools. When students are absent they miss out on

learning opportunities, can fall behind academically and

our schools lose funding. To ensure our attendance records

are counted for maximum state funding this school year,

please ensure your child attends school each day October

10 -14, 2016. If you have any questions or concerns, please

do not hesitate to contact us at 754-323-4500.

Thank you for supporting your child’s education.

Walter C. Young Middle School

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION

Please continue to send in your box tops. Walter C. Young earns 10 cents for every box top submitted; some bonus tops earn up to 30 cents. This year the Green Knights Environmental Club will be organizing the collection. Box tops can be found on many items you have in your pantry and refrigerator now. You may turn them in to your child’s first period teacher or bring them to the front office. Money earned from the box tops will go toward student use. Just think, if every student in our school brought in 50 box tops, our school could collect and extra $10,000!!!

TEENS AND HEARING LOSS

The following article was printed on www.connectwithkids.com:

Nearly 1 in 5 American adolescents has some level of hearing loss, a rate that has

climbed substantially over the past two decades, according to a study done by

researchers at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, reported in the Journal of the

American Medical Association. Ipods and other digital music players have skyrocketed

in popularity and sales. One has to wonder, how much of this constant loud music through ear buds or

headphones can lead to hearing loss?

Anti-Bullying Policy 5.9 and Dating Violence Policy 5010 Parents, please visit www.browardprevention.org to review these policies.

Thank you.

Important Notice

Please do not send balloons, flowers, gift baskets, cupcakes, etc., to school to

celebrate your child’s birthday or other achievement. These items cause

classroom disruption and will not be permitted. We appreciate you having

your child celebrate their special occasion outside of school. Thank you.

Walter C. Young acknowledges the following Knights of

Character September 2016- Cooperation Month

Chloe Jean-Baptiste

Isaias Renaud Chaleb Pommells Aaron Principe Christen Pineiro

PARENTAL INPUT FOR INSTRUCTIONAL AND SCHOOL-

BASED ADMINISTRATOR EVALUATIONS

In accord ance w it h Flo r id a St at ut e 1012.34, p aren t s have t he

r igh t t o p rovide inp ut in t o t he p er f o rm ance evaluat ions o f

inst ruct ional and /o r ad m in ist rat ive em p loyees. Paren t s

in t erest ed in p rovid ing inp ut in t o t he p er f o rm ance evaluat ions

o f Walt er C. Young Mid d le Schoo l's inst ruct ional and /o r

ad m in ist rat ive em p loyee evaluat ions m ay con t act our o f f ice at

(754) 323-4500 b y Ap r il 7, 2017.

Thank You to Our Wonderful 2016-2017 Partners in Education

Please frequent our Partners in Education – tell them WCY sent you!

American Heart Association 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 1-800-242-8721 Any Lab Test NOW 9909 Miramar Parkway, Miramar 954-450-0200 BJ’s Restaurant 12100 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines 954-430-3545 Bright Star Credit Union 12405 Taft Street, Pembroke Pines 954-486-5220 Bushido Karate-DO S.K.I 3440 Red Road, Miramar 305-608-1469 Chick-Fil-A 11401 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines 954-430-5993 Chili’s 13610 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines 954-704-2667 Corner Bakery Café 14810 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines 954-436-2346 Domino’s 1401 N. Palm Ave., Pembroke Pines 954-431-6996 Galaxy Skateway 3737 N. Davie Rd. Extension, Hollywood 954-435-3300 Gentle Teeth 1601 N. Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines 954-437-7077 Jason’s Deli 14351 SW 5

th Street, Pembroke Pines

954-438-1280 Jersey John’s Pizzeria

10460 Taft Street, Pembroke Pines 954-430-8881 Lime Fresh Mexican Grill 601 SW 145

th Terrace, Pembroke Pines

954-770-4479 LSW – National Life Group 2632 SW 140

th Ave., Miami

786-402-3077 Mathnasium 14946 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines 954-441-6284 Memorial Hospital Healthcare System 7031 Taft St., Hollywood 954-985-7000 Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt 11057 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines 954-499-4044 Publix Supermarket 170 S. Flamingo Rd., Pembroke Pines 954-437-9500 Sal’s Italian Restaurant 14535 SW 5

th Street, Pembroke Pines

954-239-0563

The School Board of Broward County, Florida, prohibits any policy or procedure which results in

discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin,

marital status, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation. Individuals who wish to file a discrimination and/or

harassment complaint may call the Executive Director, Benefits & EEO Compliance at (754) 321-2150 or

Teletype Machine TTY (754) 321-2158.

Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, (ADAAA) may call Equal Educational Opportunities (EEO) at 754-321-2150 or Teletype Machine TTY 754-321-2158.

Educating Today’s Students for Tomorrow’s World

Broward County Public Schools Is An Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer

BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Parent Involvement Communications Council SIX TIPS FOR PARENTS

Responsibilities & Attendance

It is important that your child attend school regularly and that he/she has the necessary school supplies.

Provide the school with current personal information (e.g. home address, phone numbers, and emergency contact information).

Be sure your child gets enough sleep and has a healthy breakfast each morning.

Explain that taking responsibility sometimes requires courage. Praise your child’s efforts to be responsible.

Regularly tell your child what your expectations are and support his/her efforts to meet those expectations.

Over-scheduling can cause stress and frustration for both parents and children. Try to limit extracurricular activities.

Communication

Meet and communicate regularly with your child’s teacher(s).

Share information about your child with the teacher(s).

Talk daily with your child about school assignments, homework and other activities.

Be aware of all homework assignments and insist they be completed accurately and on time.

Attend all scheduled parent-teacher conferences and request conferences to address concerns.

Make sure all necessary forms and papers are signed and returned to school on time.

Access the District (www.browardschools.com) or school’s website (www.wcyoungms.org) for information.

Support

Provide a quiet, well-lighted, comfortable place to study and do homework.

Encourage positive feelings about school.

Encourage your child’s efforts and be responsive to questions and requests for help.

Instill in your child a sense of self-discipline and respect for all people.

If needed, request information and assistance from the school in other languages or call the Parent Outreach office at 754-321-2951.

Literacy & Academic Achievement

Help your child understand that success in school, or with anything, involves hard work.

Encourage learning and reading at home.

Provide a wide selection of books and encourage your child to read.

Acquire a library card for your child and make regular trips to the library.

Provide tutorial assistance for your child if needed.

Monitor your child’s progress in school.

Volunteering and Mentoring

Contact the school’s staff liaison for volunteers to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Become involved in planning and conducting school activities, events and fundraisers.

Leadership & Collaboration

Learn about and attend PTSA, SAF, SAC, ESOL Leadership Council, ESE Advisory and Gifted Advisory Councils.

Attend workshops and training programs offered by the school or school district.

Learn about school policies, education funding and legislation.

Monitor the educational support, policies and decisions of elected officials and maintain contact with them.

Attend School Board meetings and learn about the decision making process. This parent information was compiled by the Parent Involvement Communications Council. For more information, contact the Community Involvement Department at 754-321-1970 or visit www.getinvolvedineducation.com.

The School Board of Broward County, Florida, prohibits any policy or procedure which results in discrimination on the basis of age,

color, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Individuals

who wish to file a discrimination and/or harassment complaint may call the Executive Director, Benefits & EEO Compliance at (754)

321-2150 or Teletype Machine TTY (754) 321-2158.

Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may call Equal Educational

Opportunities (EEO) at 754-321-2150 or Teletype Machine TTY 754-321-2158.

Educating Today’s Student for Tomorrow’s World

Broward County Public Schools Is An Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer

Yearbook News!

Yearbooks will cost $10 less for the 2016-2017 school year, $25 for presale, and $30 starting in January. In

order to make this happen, our books will now be in a durable softcover. Same great all color pictures, including clubs, sports, people, student life and

academics. Check the school website for sale dates!