2019 Spring Palm Lakes Elementary Magazine

SPRING 2019 PALM LAKES Elementary Magazine Mrs. Iglesias, Principal Retires COMMUNITY ISSUE So Realistic! A Parent is a Painter Palm Lakes is the Place to Be Former Student Protects Our School

Table of Contents SCHOOL LIFE MOMENTS Pages 26-28 FUN IN THE SUN DAY Pages 4 and 5 FAMILY FUN NIGHT Pages 29-31 Community Members Police Officer Hernandez Pages 6 and 7 Parents PTA President, Rick Rodriguez Pages 8 and 9 Parent and Artist. Mr. Ermus Pages 10 and 11 Jasmine interviewed her mother Pages 12 and 13 Taiyon Interviewed his mother Page 14 Students Ready, Set, Patrol Pages 15 to 17 Story Writer and Illustrator Pages 32 to 35 Teachers Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Ricardo Pages 22 and 23 A Step Ahead of the Rest, Mrs. Conseillant Pages 24 and 25 2 Palm Lakes Elementary Magazine Spring 2019

SPRING 2019 PALM LAKES Elementary Magazine Note from the editor. It has been yet another amazing year. This year was all about having fun and relaxing. Now I know what you might be thinking, “What about learning!” Well at Palm Lakes, we know that a happy student who is having fun learns faster. We feel that is the vital key to why we are an “A” school. Building community is important to us at Palm Lakes, too. Everyone contributes to our success. We are happy that you are a part of our community. Ms. Borrero Principal Mrs. Iglesias Retires Pages 18 and 19 Assistant Principal HML (Hialeah - Miami Lakes) Feeder Pattern Assistant Principal of the Year Pages 20 and 21

on the cover: Kindergarten, Fun in the Sun Day, end of the year activities. 4 Palm Lakes Elementary Magazine Spring 2019

Fun in the Sun Day

Officer Hernandez Interview by Davier, 5th grade. Officer Hernandez is a former student of Palm Lakes Elementary. He now helps protect our school. 6 Palm Lakes Elementary Magazine Spring 2019

How long have you been serving our community as a Hialeah Police Officer? I’ve been an officer less than a year. How do you feel about serving the community you live in? Officer Hernandez and Mrs. Gomez It feels really good, because I’m giving back to the community. Do you think the changes that have happened in this community and /or in our school are positive or negative? Our community has gone through positive changes. I see the negative things that happen as a teaching point to get better. Did you enjoy going to Palm Lakes Elementary School as a student? Yes. Are any of the teachers that taught you still here? If so, who? What do you remember about them? Mrs. Gomez. She was very helpful.

PTA President, Rick Rodriguez Interview by Davier, 5th grade. How many parents volunteer to join the PTA? This year, we had a low turnout of parents overall. We have an estimated 60 parents that paid the membership dues. In years past, the PTA has reached 10% of the student enrollment, which is about 80 parents. Why did you decide to run for PTA President? Do you enjoy this role? I joined the PTA to give back to the elementary school . I at- tended in 1976. Also, I joined primarily to be more engaged in my son’s life. I love my role as PTA President! How long have you been PTA President? Three years. What kinds of things does the PTA do to support our school? The PTA organizes fundraisers like Chuck E. Cheese night, Family Fun Night, the school dances, and the sales of the school tee shirts. Do you hope more parents will join the PTA in the future and would they help? I would hope that more parents join the PTA because their help would be very useful in all areas of the PTA, especially PTA attendance. 8 Palm Lakes Elementary Magazine Spring 2019



Parent & Artist, Mr. Ermus Interview by Keren How did you come to love painting? I think I’ve been painting since I was a child. I have had a passion for painting ever since I can remember. When I was little, I spent many hours drawing and painting everything I saw. Drawing was my favorite pastime. With colored pencil and paper, I was happy. I participated in all the art events, even from a young age. I’m sure I was born with the passion for painting. How did you learn to paint professionally? At eleven years old, I finished the sixth grade. I auditioned to get into the Academy of Plastic Arts. I was accepted and started my studies there at the age of twelve. I finished three years at the Elementary Level and four years at the Middle Professional Level. I graduated with excellent marks. After which, I studied to receive my license in Art Education. What is the main inspiration for your painting? My inspiration comes from life; it’s essence, it’s beauty, and the humanity. The landscapes that I recreate are important to me. I suppose that is where my surreal subconscious lives. Is there anything in your community that inspires you? How? Why? I have lived in three different countries and I’ve painted in all of them. Personally, I think the power behind my inspiration comes from my heart, even though logically, nature, trees, parks, river et cetera are an excellent means of inspiration. I must mention my wife as an indispensable part in my life for inspiration and encouragement throughout my career. Where is it that you feel most inspired to paint? It is not so much a physical place, but a spiritual place, where I feel inspired to paint. When I find my true self, when I take a journey to my core, my inner self, and it is that far off place where inspiration runs through my mind. And when that inspiration goes through my heart, it moves my hands towards a new creation. 10 Palm Lakes Elementary Magazine Spring 2019 photo courtesy of Mr. Ermus



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Parent Interview Jasmine, 5th grade, interviewed her mother. Did you find out about Palm Lakes Elementary on your own or did someone else tell you about this school? Both. We would see the school in our neighborhood, but also our cousins went to the same school. What mostly caught your attention when you saw Palm Lakes Elementary? Safety. The school is all gated, and there is security in every entrance. When I go to middle school, will you miss Palm Lakes Elementary as much as I will and why? Yes. I feel like everyone knows who you are, and they care about you and your success. They are like a little family away from home. What event have you participated in at Palm Lakes? Do you think they should continue this event and why? Family Fun Night! It’s great to see all the kids and teachers together and it also gives me the opportunity to meet other parents. From gardens, to music, to art; what experiences do you think would really influence kids? Gardening. I think it’s important for kids to know how to nurture things, and it also teaches them patience. Do you think Palm Lakes Elementary was a good influence and choice for your child? Yes. I think she has become a little woman. She has really developed her social skills and is very intelligent.

Parent Interview Taiyon, 5th grade, interviewed his mother What do you think of the principal Mrs. Iglesias? I love and appreciate Mrs. Iglesias. She is so welcoming to all parents but more importantly to the students. She knows every student by their first name. That really impressed me. I thought “Wow! She is very engaged with her students.” She greets parents in the morning as well as in the afternoon. Not even the rain stops her. She puts on her rain boots and helps her staff with making sure the students go home safe. Can you communicate with the teachers about your child? Yes. I can communicate with the teachers about my child. The teachers are also welcoming and caring and very easy to talk to. I can email them, see them at parent pick up or just make a parent teacher conference. Do you believe your child is learning to their full potential? Yes. I believe my child is learning to his full potential. The teacher sends home a sign-in sheet to show what their score is on i-Ready. My son is always telling me something new that he learned at school. The teachers will also call if my child is falling behind on any class assignments. Is Palm Lakes a safe place to learn? Yes. Palm Lakes is a safe place to learn. The 2013-2104 school year was my sons’ first year as a kindergartener. I was shocked that I couldn’t walk him to his class, but I was assured that he was in good hands. His teacher walked him in. They had a system and it worked. I haven’t had any complaints. How do you feel about the office staff? The front office staff is very attentive to parents. As soon as we walk through the doors they ask “How can we help?” for an early pick-up, sick child in the clinic or appointments with teachers. 14 Palm Lakes Elementary Magazine Spring 2019

Students Patrols

Ready, Set, Patrol ! A lot of people have jobs at schools like principals, teachers, and patrols. I am a patrol and being a patrol to me means being responsible, loyal and much more. Being a patrol involves helping others no matter what. We help kids get to their class safely, help teachers, open car doors in the drive -thru, help in the office, and we also help in the cafeteria. What Being a Patrol Means to Me Being a patrol means to me means being responsible for your job. You have to act mature and know how to put on your belt properly once you get it. Having a patrol badge on your belt is an honor. You get to help kids and teachers in so many ways that they respect you more than they used to. How Patrols Help the School Patrols help the school in many ways. We help in the drive-thru to open car doors and if it’s raining, we make sure the kids are not getting wet, dirty or injured. Helping in the drive- thru already helps the kids get to class on time. We never want anyone to be late especially if there’s a test or something important happening. We also help in the office to make sure parents have ID’s. In the office, we also help take our Pre-K students to class. In fact, patrols work in the hallways to make sure kids aren’t running or getting injured. While we do this, we check if our principal is going to make an important announcement in the cafeteria. If there is an announcement, we ask the kids to stand up and take them quietly to the cafeteria. It wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t tell you tell how patrols work in the cafeteria. This job is by far the hardest I’ve worked in. The reason is because sometimes kids, run, skip lines, make noises , and other things. We also direct the children who have to go to the restroom, just in case they don’t know where to go. We never forget about the new kids who come. We always love to greet them nicely so that they can greet others nicely too! Patrols always love to help the new kids. Just because patrols are always working, that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun! For example, in the patrol pictures we like to play around in them. Another way we have fun is to make the younger kid we are talking to laugh or to laugh with them. 16 Palm Lakes Elementary Magazine Spring 2019

Written by Lauren, 4th grade and Nicole, 4th grade How do other Patrols Feel About Helping Our School Community I speak to other patrols every day. We talk about stories that have happened. The thing we mostly talk about is improving our school community by doing small things like picking up trash to help our custodians keep the school clean. It is a little thing that makes a big impact. Being a patrol takes a lot of responsibility and hard work. Patrolling isn’t about having fun. It’s about being accountable of what you are doing. Patrolling to me is mostly about making sure kids get to class safely and that they follow the rules. It’s also about being polite, not mean. When it comes to being a patrol, we can’t start goofing off because it’s our responsibility to make sure that the people around us are protected. Being a patrol is very important because it’s our job to keep everyone safe.

Interview by Lucia Bring What are you going to be doing once you have retired? I plan to spend more of my time with my family, and go off to see the world because you only live once. YOLO! What message would you like students to know? You should know it is extremely important to always keep a heart of gold. How long have you been working in the educational path? I’ve been working for MDCPS for 32 years, but I’ve helped my parents since I was 11. How would you describe this life altering experience? This was a rewarding and an amazing experience. 18 Palm Lakes Elementary Magazine Spring 2019

Principal Mrs. Iglesias Retires Interview by John, 5th grade Mrs. Iglesias is great principal and she is leaving our school at the end of this year in 2019. So the awesome, Palm Lakes Elementary, magazine crew thought up some questions and interviewed her. So here’s why she is sad and all her students are sad for her departure. Her passion for the education of our future masterminds of interviewers runs through the family; her grandmother and many other members of my her family were educators. She did not stray this family tradition because she also thought that this job was a way to make a difference. Her own grandmother was her mentor and her favorite teacher because, in her grandmother’s school, her grandmother taught respect and character. Some of her other mentors were her mom and 2 principals from neighboring schools, Ms. Deleon and Ms. Herns. She sure comes from great places. She gained her true passion in college when she knew that she should go into the field of education. She earned her associate’s degree at M.D.C.C. (Miami Dade Community College) North Campus, and she went to F.I.U. (Florida International University) for bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist degree. She also has spread her greatness by teaching at Meadow Lane Elementary and being an Assistant Principal. Obviously, being a principal comes with responsibilities. She said that she thought being a principal would be different. She claims “ a principal is responsible for all.” Her most memorable moment as a principal was simply signing her retirement papers, and having a big party after. I hoped you enjoyed my interview.

HML Feeder Pattern Assistant Principal of the Year Interview by Davier, 5th grade How does it feel to be Assistant Principal of the Year for our Feeder Pattern? It felt good and made me feel proud of my work. When did you become an assistant principal at Palm Lakes ? Were you an assistant principal before coming here to Palm Lakes? I became assistant principal at Palm Lakes in 2015. Yes, I was assistant principal at North Hiale- ah and Miami Lakes K-8. How long were you a teacher before you were hired as an assistant principal? What grades, subjects did you teach? At Milam, I taught 4th grade for 2 years and 6th grade science and social studies for 3 years. At Hialeah Gardens, I was an administrative assistant for 6 years. I helped the administration with different programs throughout the years, such as the ESOL (English for Speak of Other Languages) program, CST (Child Study Team) process, I also oversaw the Primary Learning Center and organized multiple activities. How do you help the school as assistant principal? I organize all testing, help the students and talk to them. I help the teachers with materials, meet with parents and help them. What is the most difficult task you have done as assistant principal? The most difficult task is seeing students in pain, and not being able to take away the pain and suffering of a student who has been through a difficult time. Do you want to be principal of Palm Lakes next year? Not at this time, my personal children are still young and they still need me. Is staying in the educational field something you see yourself doing until you retire? Yes, I don’t see myself doing anything else (unless I win the lottery). 20 Palm Lakes Elementary Magazine Spring 2019

Assistant Principal Mrs. Del Cristo

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Teacher of the Year Teacher Mrs. Ricardo Interview by Davier, 5th grade How does it feel to be Teacher of the Year at our school? It feels wonderful and I’m very happy to be selected by other teachers that feel fond of me. What are some of the things you do as a teacher that you feel makes you unique? I enjoy trying ideas from other teachers across the nation, for example using the Daily 5 reading system. Why did you become a teacher? I wasn’t sure of what to become until I was inspired to become a teacher at an open house. Is this the first school you have worked in? No, I have worked in five other schools which vary from public to private. The names are Saint Monica, Saint Mary’s, Edison Private School, North Miami Elementary, and last but not least Palm Lakes Elementary. How long have you been teaching at Palm Lakes? I’ve been teaching at Palm Lakes since November 2000 with Mrs. Iglesias as the Principal. What advice do you give students that need encouragement? Do your best, ask for help, never give up, and ask questions.

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Teacher A Step Ahead of the Rest Mrs. Conseillant Interview by Davier, 5th grade Congratulations on your success. What is the name of the program you joined? Well Way and the app is called Walking Spree. Why did the district give you recognition for walking? It was a surprise. I walked 2,433,967 steps. They found out through looking through the Walking Spree app that is connected to my Fit Bit app. What did they give you? A bag filled with helpful things related to fitness, as well as a certificate for having the most steps in MDCPS (Miami-Dade County Public Schools) What was your motivation to start this program? I want to stay young and healthy. Also, I want to have stamina and energy to travel when I retire. What are your future goals? To stay in shape until I die. Are there any unexpected things that have happened since you started walking? It has become easier and easier everyday that I have walked. Is there any advice you would like to give others to help get them started? Don’t wait until you get old to start walking and get fit.

School Life moments Archive of photos that were posted to our website and social media this year. ART - Ms. Borrero 26 Palm Lakes Elementary Magazine Spring 2019

Mrs. Paytuvi’s Pre K class Mrs. Reyes’ Kindergarten class Mrs. A. Soto’s first grade class

School Life moments Mrs. Alonso’s 3rd grade class Mrs. Rose’s 2nd grade class 28 Palm Lakes Elementary Magazine Spring 2019

FAMILY FUN NIGHT written by John, 5th grader When I arrived at Family Fun Night this year, I was amazed at all of the activities there were to do. They had a plethora of food trucks with traditional American, Latin, and even European delicacies! They had music playing from the speakers and the chorus sang under the shelter. There was an art gallery with all of the best masterpieces made by the students this year. I met up with all my friends and played tag on the field. Then we all played the field games that every teacher set up; each with its own theme! Finally my family, friends, and I purchased ice slushies, water, and food to cool down and the end the night. That was the funnest night in fifth grade!

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Story Writer and Illustrator Keren, Writer Jasmine, Illustrator Keren from fifth grade is a creative student. When you speak with her you can tell that she is very thoughtful. I meant to say, she is a avid thinker. Here is story that she is working on. It is a play or a script. Keren wrote the dialogue for the characters. The names of the characters are taken from people she knows in her class. This is just an exerpt of her writing. Keren plans on continuing the story next year when she is in middle school. The premise of the whole story (even the parts she has not written yet) is: Long ago, there was girl, who was very curious. She wanted to unlock the secrets of the world. One day, her father, a most trusted scientist, created a time machine. Or, at least, he tried to. His daughter, intriuged by the light of the machine, stepped closer and closer. Her father didn’t notice. The machine over powered, and blew up. But the girl was gone. No one could find her. And she was never seen again. Alas, she lived. She was lost in time. Traveled every corner of time, every galaxy, every universe, every dimension. She came to know all present, past, and future. She was a timewalker. She was Chronos. Gem Seekers Part 1 Cast of Characters for Part 1(Order of Appearance):Lucia,Taiyon, Sofia, Duviel, Kiara AT THE LIBRARY Lucia: Wow! That sounds like a cool book. Taiyon: Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Sofia: And there he goes again, with his sayings. Duviel: Hey, let Taiyon be Taiyon. Besides the sayings are cool. Lucia: Siblings. What a battle. 32 Palm Lakes Elementary Magazine Spring 2019

Student (Everyone laughs.) Lucia: Come on, we’re going home. THE NEXT DAY Lucia: Hey, I’m heading to the park. Who’s with me? Sofia: I need to finish my science project, so yeah, I’ll come. Duviel: That’s not due for another four weeks. Sofia: So? I’ll just do another science project to keep me busy for the next month. Duviel: Cool, then I should get started on mine! Lucia: Um, hey Taiyon, are you coming? Taiyon: Sure, I guess. Lucia: Alright guys, let me just get my book real quick. *thinks**Now where’d I put that book? Ah, I put it in the book shelf* (Lucia reaches out for the book. The book shelf is high up. She gets on her tippy toes. She still can’t get it! She jumps, and grabs a book, but not the right one. It slips out of her hand and she falls to the floor. The book is still on the shelf, but tilted, it’s appearance as if it were about to fall. She looks up.) Lucia: What?! (There’s a small rumble. The bookshelf splits in two and opens up in the middle, like a door. Lucia’s eyes widen, she doesn’t know what to do. Suddenly, she pops her head out of the little spot where the bookcase is, and sees Sofia, sitting on

the sofa. Lucia signals for Sofia to come. She got up and walked to Lucia.) Sofia: What is it? (Lucia points behind her, and Sofia looks.) Sofia: What... is..... that.....? Lucia: I don’t know, I thought you would know! Sofia: Why would I know!? Lucia: I don’t know! Sofia: I’ll get Taiyon and Duviel. Lucia: Because every adventure together is the best ever? Sofia: No, because this is probably their bro cave or something. Lucia: Um... (Sofia soon returns accompanied by Taiyon and Duviel.) Taiyon: What... is that? Duviel: What ...? Lucia: Ok, none of us actually know what it is. And that’s the only thing we know about it. Duviel: Ho- , how did this happen? Lucia: Well, I was trying to get my new library book. This book shelf is so tall, and I am so short, that I had to jump up there. And can you guess? Duviel: You got the wrong one? Lucia: Uh, yeah. But it didn’t budge. It just stayed tilted, like it was about to fall. Duviel: Ok, well, we got the explanation of how it happened, now let’s go in! Lucia: Hold on, we don’t know anything about- (Before she could even finsh her sentence, everyone was gone.) 34 Palm Lakes Elementary Magazine Spring 2019

Lucia: Um, guys? Sofia: Come on! (They walk inside. Everything is dark and dusty. But in the middle, there is a machine, that seems to give off a faint glow. There are ta- bles and cabinets everywhere, most filled with scientific equipment. The teens apart to explore the place. They soon regroup outside the machine.) Lucia: It has a door. Sofia: What are you waiting for, an invitation? Open it! Our curiousity is waiting for you! (Lucia opens the door. There are controls, and a large panel streching around inside the large square machine. Duviel sees a lever, grabs it, and pulls. The machine rumbles, and everything starts shaking. The machjne floats up, and dissapears into thin air. The machine comes to a stop. Lucia bursts open the door, sick to her stomach. She steps out, along with her siblings. Soon enough, in front of them someone appears.) ???: Well, well, well, look who it is Lucia: No way. Aunt Kiara!? What the... how did you get here? Kiara: Well, it’s a long story Lucia: Well, is mom here? Kiara: Yes, she’s just a little sick to her stomach Lucia: Tell me about it. So how did you get here? Kiara: Well, I can’t say anything out here, but if you come with me, I will answer your every question. (A shrill sound of glass breaking is suddenly heard. They all look behind them, but soon turn back around. Kiara’s gone.) Lucia: Aunt Kiara!? No! Where is she!? End of Part 1

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