MCMILLAN PANTHERS AT WORK "a place where every child matters"

LAST DAY OF TRAINING FOR THIS TEACHER-RANGER-TEACHER

2010-06-18T17:09:00.000-07:00

Today was informative and eye-opening as we engaged in Basic First Aid and CPR training. We went though everything we need to know in case there is a visitor or visitors that need medical attention. The training was pretty simple, but it is the real scenario that counts. After five hours of training, we took a test to become certified in CPR. It is a requirement to work as a ranger in the Everglades. I am no ready to begin my first day on the front-line, Monday, June 21 at 8:00am in the morning. I am very proud to be a ranger and be a part of this beautiful park.

DAY FOUR FOR THE TEACHER-RANGER-TEACHER

2010-06-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

Thursday was an interpretive training day led my Ranger Allyson and Nate. They were teaching us the ways in which they connect to the visitors and give them the experience they are looking for. In my opinion, they are teachers like myself, only they are all about nature and the Everglades, and I am about teaching reading and writing skills. Working with children who have special needs, I have always found it important to introduce nature to my students. Autistic children tend to cling to animals and nature, thus making my job so much more fulfilling.

After a lovely pot luck lunch, we spoke about which projects we would work on as part of the Teacher-Ranger-Teacher program. I will be working on the Don't Let it Loose curriculum with Jenny Guerra and compiling a list of Special Education acronyms along with their definitions. There is much to be done and to explore. After today's session, I am beginning to come up with ideas for my future programs. Its getting closer to the day I put my ranger uniform on.

I'm very excited!!!!!

DAY THREE TEACHER-RANGER-TEACHER TRAINING

2010-06-16T18:17:00.000-07:00

Day three was another fun and exciting day for the rangers in training. We started off at the Ernest Coe Visitor Center and then to Anhinga Trail for an interpretive training tour. There is sooooo much information to learn. I felt overwhelmed and in awe at the same time of how much Ranger Allyson knows. I learned about the gators and what they mean to the Everglades. They are the protectors and do much good for the Everglades. I saw plants such as the fig, which has a milky white and sticky sap. I saw birds such as the gray heron, the Anhinga and the Egret. I learned about sawgrass of the Everglades, and how the leaves of the sawgrass contain a very high proportion of silicon; creating a tough, resilient and hard-edged fiber.

I'd love to get to the point where I can give my own program and feel confident. It is very important to know about nature, like the human body, because we are connected to it. We are alive because of nature and without it, we would not be here.

Nature is the CENTER of life. When you learn about nature, you are learning about your place in the planet.

DAY TWO TEACHER-RANGER TRAINING FOR MS. DRESSLER

2010-06-15T17:25:00.000-07:00

DAY TWO STARTED OF WITH SHARK VALLEY....DID YOU KNOW?

What's Shark Valley? How did it get its name?

Shark Valley is a small section of the Everglades National Park with a 15 mile loop road. It is a fine aria to see the wide expansion of the sawgrass prairies, what we like to call the 'true' Everglades. It is dotted with smaller tree islands throughout the prairies along the long loop road. It is a fantastic place to see alligators, birds, possibly white-tailed deer, and much more! Halfway through the road loop, there is a tower approximately 65' high, giving a very nice view over the sawgrass prairie.

Shark Valley IS in a valley. The elevation to the east and west is slightly higher. When I say slightly, I mean a few inches. In the everglades, a few inches is a lot.

The everglades is a river. A very wide, very shallow, and very slow moving river. It used to be the width of the State of Florida, before it was drained to make room for people. All along the edges of this one large river are smaller "mini-rivers". These mini rivers are deeper than the rest of the everglades, and usually have a tide. Often they are brackish or even salt water. You find these rivers along the area where the everglades meets the sea. One of these rivers is named the Shark River. There are many sloughs in the everglades, each one eventually feeding into or becoming a river. Before the system was screwed up, the Shark River Slough was the primary flow path for the everglades.

That is where it got its name!!!!

Next, to Loop Road where the Educational Environment Center is. The Loop Road Environmental Education Center is located 12 miles west of Shark Valley on the Old Loop Road, inside Big Cypress National Preserve. This center's facilities consist of an Indian chickee (shelter) with picnic tables and food storage box, five platform tents, barbecue grills, restrooms, campfire circle, pond, nature trails, and a butterfly garden.
Study habitats within walking distance include: pinelands, sawgrass marsh, cypress slough, hardwood hammock, and freshwater pond.

Then, off to lunch at Miller's Oyster House where I ate a wonderful seafood sandwich. In conclusion, Nate saved the BEST for Last with our Gulf Coast boat tour. It was very inspirational. All real blast!! I never realized how much there is to do in the Everglades. It is a wonderful place for family fun and education. I was so exhausted by the end of the day, but woke up excited on day three to continue my journey...... STAY TUNED....

MS. DRESSLER IS OFF TO THE FLORIDA EVERGLADES

2010-06-14T18:01:00.000-07:00

Dear students, parents and fellow teachers,

Ms. Dressler was chosen to be a Teacher-Ranger-Teacher at the Florida Everglades this summer. My mission is to educate everyone about the importance and beauty of our Everglades. It is imperative that children embrace nature into their lives, and it is our duty to ensure that they are afforded the opportunities we did as children. We must all work together to save our Everglades National Parks, so that our children and many generations to come can experience as we all did.

For the next eight weeks, I will be giving programs and working on projects to ensure that our guests and students connect and receive the ultimate experience of the Florida Everglades. Did you know??

Everglades National Park protects the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. It is made up of 1.5 million acres. The area boasts rare and endangered species, such as the American Crocodile, Florida Panther, and West Indian Manatee. It has been designated an International Biosphere reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Wetland of International Importance, in recognition of its significance to all the people of the world.

It is up to us to make a difference. I'm VERY excited about sharing my experience with you. I hope that you will all see what I see and join us in saving our Everglades.

ANOTHER YEAR COMPLETED!!

2010-06-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

I'D LIKE TO TAKE THIS MOMENT IN TIME TO THANK ALL OF THE FACULTY AND STAFF MEMBERS WHO ASSISTED ME IN REACHING OUR DEPARTMENTAL GOALS. OUR 8TH GRADE STUDENTS WHO ARE OFF TO HIGH SCHOOL WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. WE WISH THEM THE BEST WITH THEIR FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

BEST WISHES TO OUR PARAPROFESSIONALS WHO LEFT TO HIGH SCHOOL, LURY ARIAS, NICOLE WINKFIELD AND MIRIAM OLIVERA. YOU WILL ALL BE MISSED.

HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER,

MS. DRESSLER

Ms DeGuzman's Social Studies Class

2010-02-18T12:08:00.000-08:00

Community Based Instruction 2009-2010

2010-02-18T12:00:00.001-08:00

Our students are preparing for the world through community based instruction. This program enables our students to experience a different world other than the classroom. Skills enhanced include social, community awareness, meal etiiquette and preparation for future employment.

Special Olympics Softball 2009

2010-02-18T11:35:00.001-08:00

H.D. McMillan Middle School Panthers were off to state competition in Orlando. Along with the baby Panthers are Mr. Cardenas, Ms. DeGuzman and Ms. Perez to assist our athletes with their competition. Our Panthers work hard in their adaptive P.E. class to perfect skills in basketball, volleyball and soccer. We are proud of our athletes who brought home gold metals.

Current Event Day using the Panther Prowl

2010-02-12T07:11:00.000-08:00

Ms. Dressler's 2nd period class reads the Panther Prowl and shares their favorite stories with the remainder of the class.

Special Olympics Basketball 2009

2010-02-05T09:08:00.000-08:00

Our CBI trip to Pinecrest Gardens

2010-02-05T08:16:00.002-08:00

Ms. DeMoss's Math Class

2010-02-05T08:12:00.001-08:00

Ms. Dressler's Language Arts Class

2010-02-03T12:21:00.001-08:00

Students learn to read while Shopping at the classroom Store.

Students learn about safety signs on the Promethean Board.

Students display their knowledge of the rain forest layers by collaboratively putting together flipbooks.

Students are learning to read vocabulary words off the place mat while setting the table.

Ms.DeAngeli's Arts and Crafts Class

2010-01-27T08:55:00.000-08:00

Our students really enjoy art class with

Ms. DeAngeli. She affords them the opportunity to explore their creative side.

Ms. Phelan assists the students with their projects.

These colorful animals are an amazing display of what our students can create!!!

Cheese!!!!

Holiday Bouquet's for mom!!!

Don't you love my project!!!!

Happy Holidays!!!!!!!

Rainforest Unit 2010 Continued........

2010-01-26T10:08:00.000-08:00

Rainforest Unit 2010

2010-01-26T10:05:00.001-08:00

We're back in the year 2010. Ms. Dressler's Language Arts Class is learning about the Rainforest. They topped of the unit by building their own with the assistance of our classroom paraprofessionals. Thanks guys for all your support!!!!

ANOTHER GREAT YEAR!!!

2008-06-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

SORRY FOLKS, THINGS HAVE BEEN VERY BUSY WITH TESTING AND ALL. STUDENTS HAVE BEEN BUSY AND TEACHERS RUNNING AROUND TRYING TO GET THOSE IEPS DONE. WE HAD A WONDERFUL YEAR, BUT LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEW PROGRAM WE ARE IMPLEMENTING NEXT YEAR. MCMILLAN MIDDLE SCHOOL ENSURES THAT OUR STUDENTS AND PARENTS ARE HAPPY AND PROUD TO BE A PART OF OUR PROGRAM! MAKE SURE YOU USE THOSE WEBSITES MS. DEMOSS AND I SENT HOME.

STAY TUNE FOR THE 2008-2009 SCHOOL YEAR.

HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER!!

MS. DRESSLER
XOXOXOXOXO

Our Tropical Park Adventure

2008-01-29T07:03:00.000-08:00

Our students spent the day having fun in the sun and eating hot dogs and burgers. Our day consisted of a nature walk and touring the park. We finished the day with a wonderful barbeque prepared by Mr. Cardenas. Our students learn socialization skills, sharing time with each other and just plan relaxation. After a hard week of academics......community based instruction at Tropical Park is something we all look forward to.

Egypt vs. United States -Ms. Dressler's Class

2007-10-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

Mr. Medina, classroom paraprofessional is currently going to school at FIU for Special Education. He put together this unit for the students based on Ms. Dressler's preference. Students were engaged in a two week unit on Egypt and how they lived years ago compared to the way we do in the US. Students reviewed FCAT skills and related them to the Story of Mummies and Pyramids by DoubleTree House Series Books. Students used higher order thinking skills, writing, drawing, listening and reading during this unit. The students were able to compare and contrast the way in which we live vs. the Egyptians. Our students had a great time and they learned a great deal of valid information. Thank you Mr. Medina.

Welcome Back Panthers "2007-2008"

2007-07-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome back Panthers to the 2007-2008 school year at Howard D. McMillan. Ms. Dressler has planned many enriching and innovating activities for you this year. Hope you had a restful summer and are ready to give it your all!!!! We start off the school year with Special Olympics Bowling on August 29, 2007. Looking forward to another wonderful year with the best students in MDCPS.....................

Ms. Dressler

xoxoxoxoxox

Mayor Carlos Alvarez visits Howard D. McMillan

2007-06-08T17:23:00.001-07:00

Ms. Dressler's class was so proud on the day they were part of receiving the Proclamation naming Howard D. McMillan Middle Day and Dr. Winston Whyte Day. Each student was honored by shaking the hand of the mayor and giving him their names. If only every teacher could be so proud as I was on this day. This truly was the closing of a very fulfilling and innovative school year......Our first year at McMillan was truly GROOVY (as Beatriz Jimenez says)!!!!!!!!!!!! Looking forward to next year!!

HAVE A RESTFUL SUMMER WITH YOUR LOVED ONES!

MS. DRESSLER

XOXOXOXOXO

2007-06-08T17:15:00.000-07:00

CAREER DAY 2007

2007-04-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

Ms. Dressler's class was invited to participate in pizza making with Papa John's General Manager, Ms. Brown. Baby Panthers now know where the pizza comes from and how it is made. They learned a bit about the ingredients and even got to eat some great pizza.....our general ed friends joined us as well....we have Ms. Ellis to thank for the invite....WOW that was delicious!!!!

THE MCMILLAN RAINFOREST.....BY MS. DRESSLER'S CLASS

2007-03-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

Ms. Dressler's students experienced what it would be like to live in a rainforest. They actually obtained the plants from a rainforest that was made my Mr. Greene's class on the school grounds........Each layer is filled with plants and animals that you would find in an actual rainforest. Each layer is labeled and the students are capble of giving a little information on each layer. This unit lasted for 2 weeks and our students really enjoyed this adventure. They will go on a field trip to Fair child Tropical Gardens to broaden their horizons at a later date..... Nice project for the Spring!

Our Little Panthers go on to High School

2007-03-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

Ms. Dressler is so proud of her three 8th graders who will be moving on to Felix Varela Senior High School. They have made leaps and bounds throughout the years and we are wishing them the very best with their future endeavors. We love You!!!! Our little panthers..............

Our visit to Tropical Park

2007-03-05T09:57:00.000-08:00

Going to the park where there are beautiful birds, ducks and lakes is always a joy for our students. We go on nature walks and end it with a most delightful barbeque. We all ate until we couldn't any longer. This trip was very special for a couple of reasons, we have a new student who enjoyed his first CBI trip. The second reason was because Mr. Cardenas taught the kids how to fish......they loved it. Everyone was well behaved and got a long just great!! We have barbeques every nine weeks in order to celebrate the end/beginning of a new quarter.

Ms. Dressler's class unit on the Human Body

2007-02-20T17:06:00.000-08:00

Students from Ms. Dressler's class spent three weeks engaged in learning about the internal organs, muscular, respiratory, digestive and the vascular systems and how they function. There is nothing like hands-on activities to get everyone learning and engaged in the process. We had a wonderful time going through the motions of the human body says " J.C." Each student is able to answer questions about all types of facts on the human body and they are very proud of their work. Every month is a different unit and the students look forward to learning new concepts each month. Visuals are very important and my students enjoy a nice colorful powerpoint presentation in order to learn new concepts. They get to take turns reading off the slides practicing their decoding and fluency skills.................They love to read!!!!

Panthers visit the Downtown Museum and Library for Opening of School CBI

2007-02-18T22:37:00.000-08:00

The first CBI trip of the new school year was to the Downtown Museum and Library. Students were able to read books at the library and see artwork they have never laid their eyes on before. Bright colors everywhere......Students walking with their partners for safety and learning how to work together as a team. Community based Instruction at the middle school level is to teach students various skills such as safety, social and community awareness. After we finished at the museum, it was off to Wendy's for a most delicious lunch. Student's were able to pick and choose their meals and pay for them on their own with assistance from their teachers. Mr. Cardenas, Ms. Deguzman and Ms. Dressler work together to ensure student safety. The weather was wonderful and a good time was had by all....................

Autistic Units New to Howard D. McMillan Middle School

2007-02-18T07:14:00.000-08:00

Howard D. McMillan Middle School opened three new Autistic Units for the 2006-2007 school year. Our units serve children with Autism Spectrum Disorder who are at varioius levels of functioning. The curriculum includes functional academics, communication skills, social/personal skills, electives, community based instruction and participation in the special olympics. In addition, students receive speech therapy and/or occupational therapy as stated on the student's IEP.

Our students are given the opportunity to participate in the inclusion program when they are ready. We currently have two students from the self-contained setting who are in the inclusion program. They are both doing a wonderful job and their teachers are very happy with their progress. We have students involved with the morning announcements who are supported by a classroom paraprofessional and administrator. We are very proud of our new program at Howard D. McMillan Middle School and our mission is to help each child reach their greatest potential.

McMillan Middle School is "a place where every child matters".