The ABCs of PTSA & EESAC: Happy Holidays, Panthers!

Jasmine Judge

Angelina Astic, Contents/Copy Editor
December 1, 2021

Welcome to the monthly PTSA and EESAC update, holiday season edition. We hope that everyone had a relaxing Thanksgiving break and have been enjoying the holiday season. This month’s blog post covers updates regarding COVID-19 policies, activities, fundraisers and yearbooks.

COVID-19 Policies

  • Miami-Dade County Public Schools have announced that masks are now optional. Should they choose not to wear a mask at school, students do not have to fill out any paperwork. 
  • Guidance regarding quarantine procedures has not changed. To keep up with changes in the protocols, reported cases of COVID-19 and other recommendations, click here. 

Activities

  • On Dec. 15, the Activities Department is hosting their yearly Winter Festival and the Performing and Visual Arts showcase. During this event, there will be activities such as a Christmas tree lighting in the courtyard and performances from the Fine Arts Department.  
  • Paws for Panthers — a PTSA-sponsored initiative — assists underprivileged students and is currently collecting donations for the holidays. For those interested in purchasing items to donate, please click here to visit the signup genius. 

CAP Counselor & Student Services 

  • Students have access to a counselor who can help them throughout their four years to ensure that they have a successful high school career. Panthers can find their designated counselor and corresponding  information below: 
    • Ms. King (works with students who have last names starting with A-Ba, T-Z)
    • Mr. Sanchez (works with students who have last names starting with Bb-D)
    • Ms. Pinero-Trombly (works with students who have last names starting with E-J)
    • Ms. Concepcion (works with students who have last names starting with K-O)
    • Ms. Mallard (works with students who have last names starting with P-S)
  • Palmetto also has a Trust Counselor, School Social Worker and Mental Health Coordinator available on-campus for students. Students are more than welcome to email the social services team or stop by their offices. 
  • The Student Services Department also offers students assistance with the college admissions process through the College Advisory Program. Palmetto’s CAP Advisor, Linda Dwyer, advises all grade levels. Dwyer has started taking freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.  Students can contact her via a message on SCOIR or by email. 
  • At Palmetto, the Activities Director Ms. Valero organizes all student activities. Students can find Valero’s email below and stop by the Activities Office (located next to the Main Office) during their lunch block. 

Fundraisers

  • While Palmetto is not a uniform school, spiritwear is available for purchase this month. SharingWear, an organization started by Palmetto graduate Nicole Markus, is currently operated by her younger sister, Palmetto sophomore Kate Markus. Profits from Palmetto merchandise sales go to the PTSA and SharingWear’s Charity of the Month. Palmetto families can click here to shop the site. 
  • The PTSA encourages Palmetto families to purchase a membership, which helps to fund many of the projects at Palmetto. Families can click here to purchase whichever membership option best suits them. 

Yearbook Updates

  • Seniors must take their pictures with FoxMar by Jan. 8 for their portraits to appear in the yearbook. The yearbook picture is free for all students, but there are additional packages available for purchase. Senior families can click here for more information.

Those are all the updates from PTSA and EESAC for this month! During December, both PTSA and EESAC take the month off from meetings. Therefore, there will not be a December post with updates. We hope Panthers have a happy holiday and a joyous new year. For those with further questions, please contact administration, or visit https://www.palmettopanthers.org.