William T. McFatter Technical High

WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE: 9/9/2024 TO 9/13/2024

UPCOMING DATES

September 9-13: BASIC SKILLS TESTING continues (11 & 12 grade)

September 10: After School Tutoring Start Date

September 10: PTSA Meeting

September 11: Homecoming Tickets go on sale.

September 12: FAST PM1 (ELA Reading) – grades 9 and 10 – periods 1 and 2

September 17: Biology 1, Civics, & US History

September 18: BEST Algebra 1 & Geometry

September 19: FAST Grade 10 ELA Reading Retake

September 26: SAC/SAF Meeting

ATTACHMENTS

2024-2025 MTC Catalog (Post-Secondary)

FOCUS Parent Portal

Inner Explorer Flyer 2024-2025

Library Opt-Out Form – English

Library Opt-Out Form – Haitian/Creole

Library Opt-Out Form – Portuguese

Library Opt-Out Form – Spanish

Mindfulness BCPS Community Guidelines

Post-secondary Student Advisement 2024-2025

Senior Portraits Flyer

McFatter Lunch Menu - tba

UPDATES

2024-2025 SCHOOL CALENDAR:

For the High School Calendar, events will be added on the McFatter Calendar as we receive them from various stakeholders.

AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING PROGRAM:

The McFatter After School Tutoring Program is available to students beginning Tuesday, September 10^th.

Parent Permission is required to participate in FALL tutoring. The form is available at https://tinyurl.com/PPFFallAST24. Additionally, Back to School forms must be up to date, and students will bring the district After-School Activity form home to be signed as well.

By 1:00pm on the day of tutoring, students will have to let us know that they are staying by completing the form found at https://tinyurl.com/RSVPFallAST24. (NOTE: Teachers are only authorized to stay if students are signed up for that day. Forgetting to sign-up MAY result in no tutoring available for that session).

Classes currently being tutored on Tuesdays and Thursdays, unless otherwise noted:

• Algebra 1 Honors
• Algebra 2 Honors
• AP Calculus AB
• AP Pre-Calculus
• Biology Honors
• Calculus Honors
• English 1 Honors
• Geometry
• Pre-Calculus Honors
• Marine Science Honors
• Reading (Tuesdays)
• US History Honors

**Additional, AP Classes will have tutoring in the spring for the test review; Also, some subjects have tutoring available at lunch time. Contact the instructor directly for the details.

ATTENDANCE/ REPORT AN ABSENCE

Parents must notify the school of student absences. Any absence is unexcused until the school receives a call, email via the school website or a note to excuse the absence. Per Broward County Public Schools Code of Student Conduct, parents must report the absence the day before, the day of, or within 2 school days or the absence will be considered unexcused.

 A reason for the absence must be provided and absences can only be excused for one of the eight School Board allowed reasons. Allow up to 48 hours for unexcused absences to be updated in the system to excused once notification has been made.

Notification can be done by calling 754-321-5702, going to www.browardschools.com/domain/16505 or sending a written note to the attendance desk located in High School Student Services.

Signing In/Out of School: Parents and students may sign-in and out in High School Student Services. Per McFatter's policy, whoever is picking up the student MUST come into the High School Student Services office with identification. No sign-outs are permitted after 3:40PM per School Board Policy.

BACK TO SCHOOL FORMS:

Student back to school forms were due for the 2024-2025 school year. If you have not yet done so, please follow the directions below under GET FOCUS (ed) PARENTS. Students will not be able to participate in activities unless the forms are submitted. If you need help accessing online, please reach out to the grade level counselor. Thank you to the families who have been able to complete their documents, McFatter staff will be reviewing them for approval in the next week or two.

B.L.A.Z.E. PROGRAM:

The B.L.A.Z.E. Program (Building Leaders, Aspiring to Zeal and Excellence). This program is designed to inspire, educate, and empower high school-aged boys through leadership development, career exploration, and mentorship.
What is the B.L.A.Z.E. Program?
The B.L.A.Z.E. Program is a bi-weekly Saturday meet-up from 10 AM to 2 PM, offering both in-person and virtual sessions. Participants will engage in a variety of activities aimed at equipping them with the skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s world. Here’s what they can expect:
- Leadership Workshops: Build communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Career Exploration: Discover potential career paths and ignite new passions.
- Entrepreneurship Education: Learn the basics of starting and running a successful business.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Connect with professionals in various fields who will provide guidance and support.
- Hands-On Projects and Community Service: Apply skills in real-world settings while giving back to the community.
Why Should You Join?
B.L.A.Z.E. is more than just a program; it’s a brotherhood where young men can grow, lead, and succeed together. By participating, they’ll gain valuable skills, build lifelong connections, and set the foundation for a bright future.
How to Get Involved:
- For High School Students: If you’re ready to take charge of your future, sign up for the B.L.A.Z.E. Program today!
- For Potential Mentors: We’re looking for male mentors who are passionate about guiding the next generation of leaders. If that’s you, we’d love to have you on board!
Sign Up Now:
To register or learn more, click here or visit our Eventbrite page. Space is limited, so don’t miss this transformative experience!
Feel free to share this email with others who might be interested in this life-changing opportunity. Let’s blaze a trail to success together!
P.S. Follow us on Instagram @unmuteyourselfinc for updates and sneak peeks into the B.L.A.Z.E. Program!

BRACE NEWS:

Each week, Ms. Lynn sends out updates on events, scholarships, and much more to students through Xello. If you would like to see the most up-to-date message, it will also be posted on the BrACE site of the high school webpage for your review.

To access it, you will be able to go into SCHOOL COUNSELING at the top of the page and click BRACE on the drop-down menu. Each week the BrACE News will appear on the left side of the page. For the most up to date information, please go to https://www.browardschools.com/Page/80623.

FREE UNIVERSAL LUNCH PILOT PROGRAM:
The Food and Nutrition Service Department is providing all students with breakfast and lunch at no cost under the Universal Free Breakfast and Universal Free Lunch Program Pilot for the 2024-2025 school year.

As this is a Program Pilot, it is vital that households continue to apply online at www.myschoolapps.com  to secure the Universal Free Lunch Program Pilot for the next school year along with additional district opportunities.

To qualify for additional programs, complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal application along with the Disclosure Form. Attached is the list of the district programs your student may qualify for if approved for free or reduced-price meals.

Second Meals will be charged at the adult meal prices.

For more information on Meal Benefits contact Food and Nutrition Services at 754-321-0250.

NOTE: Students wishing to eat the school lunch will still need to order each morning before the deadline. The link opens at 6:00 am and closes at 9:45 each morning.

The site to order lunch is https://tinyurl.com/MTCLunch. Food must be picked up in the cafeteria by 12:30.

GET FOCUS (ed) PARENTS:

If you have not done so already, create an account at Browardschools.com/Focus

To create a new Parent Portal account and then attach each student, parents will need the following:

Parent/Guardian information:

• A valid email address associated on file with the school(s) for the student(s)
• If a parent has multiple students (no matter the school), each student must have the same email address associated with the parent.
• The name must be an exact match to the name on file with the school(s) for the student(s)
• FOR BCPS STAFF ONLY: You cannot use your @browardschools.com email address.
• If that is the email address you have on file for your student(s), please contact your student’s school to update the email address on file to a non-BCPS email address.

Student’s information needed:

1. Student's full name  
2. Student's ID number (begins with ‘06')  
3. Student's date of birth 

If you still need help, please go to https://www.browardschools.com/Page/80578 for step-by-step video help. The Focus Parent Portal account gives families convenient and secure access to their student's school information, including school grades, attendance, interim reports, report cards, and more, anytime, and anywhere. Register for the Focus Parent Portal at browardschools.com/focus.

All parents/guardians of new and/or returning students need to register for the Focus Parent Portal. Follow the directions at browardschools.com/focus. This is also where the annual “Back to School” forms are located.

GRADE LEVEL COUNSELORS 2024-2025:

For the current school year, there are 3 school counselors. They are the place to start with any questions outside of the classroom. Counselors are assigned as follows:

HERE COMES THE BUS:

The BCPS Transportation Services Department is excited to announce that we once again have Here Comes the Bus (HCTB), a free and easy-to-use website and application that allows parents to view the location of their child’s school bus in real-time on a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. 

Here Comes the Bus will make knowing when your child’s school bus is arriving easier. The system uses global positioning system (GPS) technology to locate and track your child’s school bus.

To register, visit the Here Comes the Bus website (https://herecomesthebus.com/) or download the Here Comes the Bus app by visiting the Google Play or Apple Store.

Use school code 87599 to locate Broward County Public Schools.

If you have any questions, please email at herecomesthebus@browardschools.com or call 754-321-4373.

HOMECOMING DANCE

Tickets go on sale for Homecoming on Monday, September 9^th. Tickets bought this coming week will be $35 each CASH in room 370… The price will go up closer to the event. The Dance will take place October 18th… Ticket sales will be available on the e-store on Monday, September 16th for the full price of $45.00. The link is https://www.browardschools.com/mcfattertechhigh/estore

INNER EXPLORER:

Inner Explorer is a plug-and-play mindfulness program available to all Broward educators and families. 

Inner Explorer offers daily, transitional, sound, and school safety mindfulness practices. Research has found that school-based mindfulness programs can help students face high levels of stress or trauma. See the flyers above.

MEAL BENEFIT DISCLOSURE FORM:

Are you aware that qualifying for free and reduced lunch entitles McFatter students to free SAT/ACT testing, free score reports, free college application waivers, free and reduced test preparation, reduced price AP testing, and sometimes discounts in other school activities?

To qualify for these benefits, families must not only apply for free and reduced lunch, but must complete the Meal Benefits Disclosure form (https://scaweb.browardschools.com/otherPrograms), which gives us access to the free and reduced status to pass the additional opportunities to families.

Help us help you save money by completing the meal benefits disclosure form  www.browardschools.com/free-lunch if you qualify for the free/ reduced lunch program. Please note, we can only see the information for the programs that you allow, so review all categories (including special programs, scholarships, and field trips) and check off all that apply.

MEDIA CENTER OPT-OUT FORMS:

As a parent, you always have the right to opt your child out of any library material. Please complete the Opt-Out Form if you wish to do so. The forms are available in multiple languages.

Upon submission of the Opt-Out Form, please discuss this decision with your child to ensure they are aware before visiting the library. Upon the Opt-Out Form submission, your child’s account will be updated in the library checkout system. It is our goal to make this process easy for parents.

Please contact your student’s counselor if you have questions or need additional information.

MRS. JOHNSON ON TWITTER:

Are you looking for a place to stay up to date on happenings at McFatter?

Our Director/Principal at McFatter, Mrs. Celeste Johnson is on Twitter. Follow her @MTCprincipal. This is a great place to stay abreast of information as it is released.

SOCIAL WORKER UPDATE:

Karrah Fort tasked with assisting you and your family through each school year until you graduate from McFatter Technical College and High School. As barriers arise, she hopes to support you in achieving academic and social emotional success by connecting the home, school, and community.

The goal is to work collaboratively with parents, students, and teachers to assist students in reaching their full potential. Through confidential consultation, Ms. Fort is available to assist our students and families in the following:

*Crisis Intervention           

*Mental Health Concerns            

*Grief and Loss Support  

*Family Supports            

*Community Resources referrals

*Support Social Emotional Learning  

*Educational Support           

*Attendance

SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE:

Join Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn as he highlights important updates and initiatives across the district this week. Watch the message by clicking on the image below, or visit: https://www.eduvision.tv/l?ROygRgA

UNDERCLASS PICTURE DAY MAKEUP DAY:

Underclass Picture Day took place in August. The make-up day is September 27th. Students will be who did not get their photo taken will be scheduled through their morning classes.