SPHS Volunteer Opportunities

We have several events coming up in December that could use your help! Please contact Kris Kelly-Whitewood if you are interested in helping out!

December 5th – Drama Club “Holiday Happenings” Cabaret Performance – The SPHS Drama Club will be presenting their own unique cabaret style Holiday Performance on Friday, December 5th at 7:00 pm.  We currently need the following for this event:

·        2-3 Volunteers to help set-up coffee and pastries
·        Donations of pastries and desserts
·        Bottled water donations

Even if you are not able to help volunteer for the event, please be sure to attend! How often do you get to see dancing penguins and Biker’s singing! Not to mention a dance performance of “The Nutcracker” like you haven’t seen before.  There is no charge for the evening, but there will be an opportunity for you to make a donation if you wish to cover the cost of the performance.

December 9th – We are in need of a couple more volunteers to help with the poinsettia sales on December 9th.  This will involve sorting and distributing the plant orders.

December 12th – The Winter Dance. To help make this a fun, festive, and safe event for the students, we are in need of the following:

Volunteers for:

• After-school set-up and decorating (approximately 2:30pm to 6:00 pm)
• Ticket takers/check-in (3-4 people needed, approximately 6:15 to 8:15 pm)
• Chaperones to guard doors (4 people needed, approximately 6:15 to 10:00)
• Helpers to assist with the food and drink tables (4 people needed, approximately 6:15 to 9:00)
• Clean-up help afterwards (4-6 people needed, approximately 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm)

We also need:

• Food:
• Gift cards or monetary donations to order pizza & Chick-Fil-A platters
• Vegetable or fruit platters
• Other finger foods
• Cookies or other small desserts
• Monetary donations to help cover the costs for the DJ, security personnel and items not donated

• Drinks:
• Liter bottles of drinks
• Water bottles (5-6 cases)

Poinsettia Sales - Orders Due This Week!

Remember to place your poinsettia orders by this Tuesday, December 2nd.

This year we are also able to offer a unique style of Poinsettia called the Winter Rose. This poinsettia has beautifully curled leaves which give it a more delicate look.  It is available in all sizes at the same price as the "regular" poinsettia, but does only come in red. Samples of the winter rose poinsettias and sizes are on display in the front office.

Orders can be picked up Tuesday, December 9th. Large orders of 20 or more plants will qualify for free delivery!

Parents - want to channel your inner elf and get some volunteer time? Tuesday, December 9th we will need help sorting plants and arranging orders in the morning and then handing them out or delivering them. Email Kris Kelly-Whitewood and let her know if you want to join in on the fun! 

Please encourage your students to sell! The plants are beautiful and it really is an easy thing to do.  This fundraiser helps us in providing the activities the students want and need throughout the year.

GET YOUR ORDER FORMS HERE!

Individual Orders - for orders from families, friends, individual businesses, churches, doctor's offices; anyone you think might like a little holiday cheer and to help out SPHS at the same time. 
Click to Download Form

Students - For students to ask their friends, family, neighbors, businesses to keep their orders on a tally type form.
Click to Download Form

Holiday Baskets

UPDATE: We'll put the baskets together on Tuesday, December 16th - starting at around 7:30 a.m. until completion.
  
VOLUNTEERS ARE STILL NEEDED - Contact Patty to let her know if you can help on the 16th.
 
A message from Patty Hill-Ferraro, coordinator of Holiday Baskets:

It’s that time again - time to show our appreciation to the teachers and staff that work hard throughout the year to provide our children a wonderful education here at SPHS and STC.  Each year this program gets bigger and better - this year we have over 60 staff members! Our largest by far, but with your help we can make this another excellent year for the staff members.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Donate and/or volunteer.

WHAT WE DO:  Gather all the cash, gifts, and goodies to create beautiful, personalized gift baskets for each and every staff member involved in the running of the school.

WHAT YOU WILL GET:  Volunteer Hours & Warm Fuzzies -  Lots and Lots of Warm Fuzzies!

We will accept donations of medium to large baskets, gifts, gift cards, cash, and anything else you wish to give. In mid December, volunteers will meet to fill the baskets and the student council will distribute them to the staff.

TOP 10 LIFE HACKS FOR HOLIDAY BASKETS 2014:

1) We LOVE to reuse, re-purpose, and...yes...re-gift! But it must be NEW & CLEAN.

2) We NEED Baskets. Lots of Baskets! Medium to Large only, and in Good to Great condition please. Also, tissue paper/filling/clear wrap.

3) Talk to your employers. Most companies will gladly donate an item, a gift card, a service. If they say no, perhaps use your employee discount to buy it and then donate it.

4) Feel free to give us your “freebies” from Black Friday or other deals that you get along the way while you do other holiday shopping.

5) We take ca$h, actually we prefer it. I am an excellent negotiator, and last year talked three different restaurant managers into matching some of our funds, but I need ca$h to do it with!

6) Ask family members for donations/gift ideas. Your kids know their teachers and the other staff members. They can give you insight into their likes/dislikes. If you have something specifically for a teacher, please wrap it and label it CLEARLY so we can add it to the correct basket.

7) Bake some goodies. Some of the teachers have requested cookies and brownies. We will take yours, your mom's, or some from the local bakery. However, please make sure they are delivered on the day the baskets will be filled and distributed, are sealed and packaged well, and that they are yummy. That’s all we ask.

8) Make something. EVERYONE loves personal gifts. We would LOVE to have you make things to add to the baskets! Do you can foods? Send some in. Do you bead? Jewelry is always good. Do you knit? Send us some knitted stuff. Do you weave? I mentioned we need baskets. Do you paint? My house needs a touch up…just kidding. You get the point though.

9) Ca$h is king, not to belabor the point, but ca$h gives me buying power too. I can take advantage of promotions that give us extra gift cards for FREE with the purchase of 4 or 5, which I need ca$h to do. Checks are good too!

10) Contact me, Patty, for other ideas. I have more, and I’m not afraid to use them…

Patty Hill-Ferraro
pjs-inc@live.com
941-525-0026

A Holiday Happening - Coming Soon!

A HOLIDAY HAPPENING - An invitation from Dr. Burns:
                                                                                                
The event will be held in the Conference Center at Suncoast Technical College on Friday, December 5th at 7:00 p.m.  It will be a cabaret style evening with coffee and desserts while the drama club puts its best foot forward (literally and figuratively).  There will be dancing penguins, some Bikers singing, a dance performance to a version of “The Nutcracker” like you’ve never heard. There will be living Christmas Trees, as well as Snowmen, some gingerbread men, some really “gutsy” dancing, and some solos and duets all in the best spirit of the holidays - even a visit from a strange old lady. We are celebrating the holiday season with songs and dances to remind you of what you most miss…snow!  Please plan to join us.

No tickets are needed but there will be an opportunity for you to make a donation if you wish to help us cover the costs.

Legal Aspects of Business Students

From Ms. Kuhns, Legal Aspects of Business Instructor: As an extension of the curriculum, Ms. Kuhns and her Legal Aspects class visited the courthouse and witnessed an actual trial!  The students were introduced to the lawyers for the plaintiff and the defense, and were given a brief overview of the trial. During a recess we got to hear from the clerk of court and the court reporter regarding their roles in the courtroom. After lunch in the courthouse garden we returned to school and debriefed from the trial. It was a very enlightening experience for all!

VEX Robotics Competition

SPHS hosted the VEX Robotics Competition over two Saturdays in November. The event was planned and orchestrated by SPHS teacher, Drew Wormington and brought in over 20 middle school and high school teams for a robotics competition.

Evening of Excellence Finalists

Congratulations to the two finalists for the Evening of Excellence invitation designed by SPHS/STC digital design students, Patrick Walsh & Kelly Pardoe.

All design students were involved in designing an invitation for the 2015 Evening of Excellence competition for the Education Foundation, with one being chosen as the final printed invitation to the event.

Flu Vaccine Clinic

Sarasota County Schools & the FL Department of Health in Sarasota County have contracted with Healthy Schools, LLC to provide flu vaccine to students in our schools at no cost to families. The date for the clinic at SPHS is Wed, Dec 10 from 7:45 am to 9:30 am.  Parent permission slips have been given to the students and should be returned to the clinic.

November Students of the Month

12th Grade ~ Bao Nguyen

Bao was nominated by Mr. Finger.
When asked why he nominated Bao, Mr. Finger said:
"Bao Nguyen is a wonderful student. He continually strives to deeply understand the material and asks pointed, well thought out questions. He completes all of his work in a timely manner and will even work out extra problems if he thinks he needs extra practice. He is always an active participant in class, works to help other students learn, and is always respectful of his peers and teachers. I'm proud to honor Bao's hard work, effort, and tenacity by presenting him as the senior student of the month."

11th Grade ~ Jared White

Jared was nominated by Mrs. Ferris.
When asked why she nominated Jared, Mrs. Ferris said:
“Jared White is a dedicated, reliable, curious student who quietly and consistently goes above and beyond what is required to demonstrate excellence in the classroom. He is always prepared, respectful, and actively participating in classroom learning activities and discussions. Whenever a peer or staff member needs assistance, Jared is eager to share his knowledge or a helping hand.  It is for these reasons that he has been chosen as the student of the month for the junior class in the month of November.”

10th Grade ~ Sydney White

Sydney was nominated by Mrs. Garrabrant.
When asked why she nominated Sydney, Mrs. Garrabrant said:
“She is an excellent student. She obtained one the highest scores in Spanish due to her good work habits and conscientious effort to learn in my class and the fact that she has earned A's in all of her classes. She completes all her work and turns it in on time and she is very thorough. She follows rules and procedures. She works always with a very positive attitude. She smiles very often as well! She is very respectful of self and others and a team player. It is a real pleasure and an honor to have Sydney in my class.”

9th Grade ~ Skylar Gross

Skylar was nominated by the 9th Grade Team.
When asked why they nominated Skylar, the 9th Grade Team said:
“Skylar Gross is the epitome of the 4 cornerstones of SPHS - Serve Others, Be an Active Participant, Respect All, and Act Responsibly. With an unwavering commitment to her academic success, she quietly conquers and exceeds the expectations of each task placed before her. She is always respectful of her teachers and peers. She is an asset in each of her classes. It is without reservation, the 9th grade team nominated her for Student of the Month for November.”

2015 Parent Workshops from Pupil Support Services

The 2015 Pupil Support Services Parent Workshops are now open for online PARENT REGISTRATION on the Sarasota County School Board Website.

There are several ways to locate the 2015 Parent Workshop information for the 8 workshops listed below.

Go to the Sarasota County Schools website to download the Parent Workshop flyers, register for a workshop session and even childcare. You can also leave information on what topics Parents would be interested in Pupil Support Services presenting next year!

Please go to  www.SarasotaCountySchools.net
Click on Students & Parents at the top of the home page or Parents at the bottom of the Home page or SEARCH Parent Workshops.

2015 Pupil Support Services Parent Workshops:

Monday, January 12, 2015
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973  AM
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973  PM
Click Here to Download Flyer

Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Parenting Skills How To…Pre-School through Middle/High School  AM
Parenting Skills How To…Pre-School through Middle/High School  PM
Click Here to Download Flyer

Monday, March 30, 2015
Instructional Resources for Students with Significant Cognitive and Instructional Delays  AM
Instructional Resources for Students with Significant Cognitive and Instructional Delays  PM
Click Here to Download Flyer

Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Transition Secondary Transition Planning: A Guide for Families  AM
Transition Secondary Transition Planning: A Guide for Families  PM
Click Here to Download Flyer

Veteran's Day Celebration

SPHS will host its Veteran's Day Celebration on Wednesday, November 5th.  This is a great opportunity for our students to honor those who have served in our military!  Veterans from our community come to SPHS and are greeted by the Student Council and are hosted with coffee, juice and pastries.  They are then escorted by the Student Council members to speak to the classes. The Veterans finish their visit with lunch in the SCTI Bistro where they are presented with a gift bag.  During student lunches, the SPHS students are also treated to red, white and blue patriotic cupcakes.

In conjunction with the Veteran's Day celebration, SPHS will also host it's annual “Armed Forces Week.”  Representatives from each of the service branches will be in attendance and accessible to students beginning on Monday, November 3rd and concluding on Friday, November 7th.

The Boosters are still in need of volunteers to help with the Veteran's Day Celebration on Wednesday.  We are currently in need of the following:

Donations:

• Monetary donations for purchase of coffee, juice, doughnut holes, pastries, items for gift bags for the veterans. (We need approximately $50 for the morning reception and $150 for the gift bags)
• We are looking for sponsors to purchase 15 $10 gift cards for Dunkin Donuts for the Veteran's gift bags. (If you can sponsor 1, 2 or even more that would be great! Remember monetary donations count towards volunteer hours!)
• Large red, white and blue cupcakes for all of the Veterans (we are expecting 10-15)
• Red, white and blue cupcakes for all of the students (approximately 600 or 50 dozen)

Volunteers:

• We need 4-6 volunteers between 9 am and approximately 11:30 am to help set-up, greet the Veterans, put together gift bags, decorate Bistro tables and hand out cupcakes to students.

If you are able to help, contact the Boosters Volunteer Coordinator, Kris Kelly-Whitewood.

Important Graduation Information for Seniors

Attention Parents of Seniors: A large number of students did not take advantage of the three separate photo shoot opportunities that were at SPHS for their senior portrait. Seniors wishing to appear in the yearbook must have their portrait taken by LifeTouch / Prestige Portraits. Please contact http://prestigeportraits.com/fa OR 1-800-361-8694 to schedule an appointment at their Tampa or Port Charlotte office.

Graduating seniors are required to wear a cap and gown in order to participate in commencement proceedings at the end of their senior year. Please refer to http://gradproinc.com for ordering. Herff Jones packets are located in the front office. Orders for your cap and gown go directly to Herff Jones, as the school office cannot accept an order. All orders must be placed no later than January 5th, 2015. For your convenience, order forms can be submitted in one of three ways:

• Hand the form and payment to the Herff Jones representative in the lunchroom this Wednesday, November 5th
• Mail your order form and payment to the address provided on the packet
• Place your order online

SPHS - SCTI Open House

SPHS will host its Curriculum Night in conjunction with SCTI on Thursday, November 6th. This is a great opportunity for parents to meet their student's teachers.

Each grade level will operate a bit differently this year, so parents will report to specific grade level quads for presentations.  Parents of juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to visit SCTI and SCTI staff members as the evening progresses.  Parents should look for clarification of the evening upon arrival in the quads at SPHS.

The evening will begin at 5:00 p.m. and conclude at 7:30 p.m. 

Brick Kick-Off! Thursday, November 6th!

You will be able to see samples and order your Brick at this Thursday's Open House.  Click here to learn more and to get your order form.

Honor your student, your family, your business, a club, or a teacher!  

A 4" x 8" brick is $60 and an 8"x 8" brick $120.

October Students of the Month

12th Grade ~ Clarissa Choi

Clarissa was nominated by Mrs. McNellis.
When asked why she nominated Clarissa, Mrs. McNellis said:
"It is a pleasure to name Clarissa Choi as October's Senior Student of the Month.
When asked for a nomination, her name literally “popped” into my head. Clarissa is a feminine version of Clark Kent. Quiet, mild-mannered, and unassuming on the outside, she demonstrates confidence, strength and ability from within. Faster than a conditioned response, more powerful than a flashbulb memory, able to leap tall FRQs in a single bound, she is a role model for her peers, both in and out of the classroom. Intrinsically motivated, Clarissa sets the bar high for herself and soars over it easily, all the while helping others over the bar with her. You don't need x-ray vision to see that Clarissa has a bright future ahead of her."

11th Grade ~ Jessica Schwab

Jessica was nominated by Mr. Miller.
When asked by he nominated Jessica, Mr. Miller said:
“Jessica Schwab is an extremely hard worker, willing to help others, and always has her assignments done.  With her volunteering work, she serves others and takes responsibility for her classwork.  She is one of those students that as a teacher you look so forward to teaching everyday.  It is a pleasure to nominate Jessica as the student of the month.”

10th Grade ~ Sarah Goehring

Sarah was nominated by the Mrs. Calderon.
When asked why she nominated Sarah, Mrs. Calderon said:
“In many ways, Sarah Goehring is the model SPHS student. Without fail, she gives 100% effort, treats others with respect and courtesy, and is highly organized both in mind and in work habits. Her efficiency and focus on learning make her an example for other students. Surely these traits will keep her on the path to success. Congratulations Sarah!”

9th Grade ~ Dylan Cornellier

Dylan was nominated by the 9th Grade Team.
When asked why they nominated Dylan, the 9th Grade Team said:
“With a quiet determination and demeanor, Dylan Cornellier is a model student in his classes.  He is conscientious, asks questions for clarification, and offers personal and academic insight in class discussions.   Beyond his own academic responsibility, and without any prompting or judgment, Dylan often assists other students who benefit from a peer perspective.  Dylan represents all four cornerstones of SPHS.”

SPHS Drama Club Upcoming Performance

On December 5th, the drama club will present a cabaret performance for the holiday season. It will be held in the Atrium at SCTI.

The students have selected songs, prepared dances, and composed much of the script. As there will be dessert served with the performance, the unofficial name is "Christmas Cupcake Cabaret."

Please plan to attend to support our drama students and help open the holiday season with lots of holiday music and celebration.

Florida Polytechnic University Visits

Florida Polytechnic University will be hosting a Poly Premiere at Sarasota Hollywood 20 on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.

This is an opportunity for you to watch a 30 minute film about the newest state university without making the trip to campus.  Complimentary popcorn and drinks will be served.

Florida Polytechnic will also be visiting SPHS on December 3, 2014 during both seminars.

USF Visits to SPHS

The admissions director from the University of South Florida--Sarasota Branch will be visiting Wednesday, Nov. 5 during both seminars in Dr. Burns’ room.

Nov. 12th is USF Sarasota Instant Admissions day during both seminars. Students must sign up in advance at the front desk and have applied to the university prior to attending.


USF will hold an Open House for prospective students on Thursday, November 13th. Students can get more information and register at http://usfsm.edu/event/usfsm-open-house-5/

PSAT on Oct. 15

All SPHS 10th grade students will be taking the PSAT on Wednesday, October 15th.  9th and 11th grade students are invited to take the test as well, but will need to pay $20.  If interested, see Pat Boughman at the front desk.

The PSAT assesses reading, math, and writing skills; provides practice and experience for the SAT; and connects students to scholarships and personalized online tools.  Students in 11th grade who take the PSAT may be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship program and other programs that use PSAT scores.

To find more information and practice questions, you can visit the college board website:  https://www.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt/preparation

SPHS Spirit Week Oct 6th to 10th

Get ready for Spirit Week!

Every day this week has a special dress theme for students to show class spirit...but also remember school dress code!






Monday: Pajama Day

Tuesday: Hat Day

Wednesday: PINK Day

Thursday: Super Hero Day

Friday: Clash of the Classes!


The Spirit Week Dance - Homecoming Dance - is Friday, October 10th at 6:30 to 10:00 in the SCTI Atrium.  Cost is $5.  Permission slips may be picked up in the front office - must be signed and returned by Friday.

College Fair October 8, 2014

Plan to attend this annual event featuring representatives from more than 100 colleges and universities from across the U.S.  Admission is free.

Schools scheduled to send representatives include post-secondary institutions in the State University System of Florida as well as public and private colleges and universities from around the nation.

Robarts Sports Arena is located at 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. More information about the 2013 Fall College Night is available by visiting www.SarasotaCountySchools.net or calling the Student Services department of Sarasota County Schools at 941-927-4036.

September Students of the Month

12th Grade ~ Devin Dixon

Devin was nominated by Dr. Burns.
When asked why he nominated Devin, Dr. Burns said:
“Devin is a superb student, fully attentive and with a delightfully inquiring intellect. For example, we were reading and analyzing some difficult text by a certain writer. I showed the class carefully how the writer achieved her goals which only became recognized through careful critical analysis. I mentioned the symbolism on numbers in scripture in the King James Version of the Bible. She asked for as scholarly work in that arena and actually read it. She also was fascinated by the specific writer and took a book by that author home to study. Going above and beyond is second nature to her because she has a deeply inquiring mind - the kind of student who warms the cockles of every teacher's hear.”

11th Grade ~ Alyssa Krampits

Alyssa was nominated by Mr. Disz.
When asked why he nominated Alyssa, Mr. Disz said:
“It is my pleasure to nominate Alyssa Krampits as the first student of the month. Alyssa has a sly little smile on her face that lets me know that she completely understands what she has to do to be successful. Her homework, essay, and quizzes have been the most thorough and thoughtful of all my students so far. I look forward to seeing what she can accomplish this year.”

10th Grade ~ Carla Lopez

Carla was nominated by Mr. Bellón.
When asked why he nominated Carla, Mr. Bellón said:
“Carla not only meets all the requirements, and attributes for our “Four Building Blocks of Excellence and Success”, but she exceeds them. In the classroom, Carla is always alert, engaged, and inquisitive; she is always quick with a question when needed, an insight when asked, and always goes the extra mile. Carla is prepared, and always helpful to her fellow students, and she manages to do this with a great smile, an outstanding attitude, and a winning personality. Carla displays integrity, leadership, vision, and a desire for excellence. She provides a great role model for her fellow students, and she continually shows her determination, leadership, and commitment to her studies, classmates and school. This is what makes her the amazing student that she is. Carla Lopez is our Outstanding Tenth Grade Student Representative for September, but she is worthy of this honor all year long.”

9th Grade ~ Kierra Henderson

Kierra was nominated by Ms. Argentina.
When asked why she nominated Kierra, Ms. Henderson said:
“Since the first day of the new school year, Kierra has been a ray of sunshine in her classes. She is motivated and dedicated to doing her best. She is friendly and endlessly cheerful. She takes the time and effort to be certain she has and completes her assignments. ”

SPHS Clubs 2014-15

After-school clubs and activities help our students to stretch their creative problem solving skills, hone their social and team-building skills, and develop strong and supportive peer relationships. SPHS offers a wide range of activities for students to choose from.  The following after-school clubs are currently meeting. As this list is in constant motion, with clubs being added and closed often through the year, please watch for updates:

Anime Club
Days:  Tuesdays & Fridays
Time:  2:15 - 3:30 p.m.

Technology Student Association (TSA)
Days: Wednesdays (official officer/member meeting)
           Tues-Friday (competition work times)
Time:  2:15 - 3:30 p.m.

First Robotics
Days:  Wednesdays with Mr. Wormington
Time:  3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
{3:00 - 9:00 p.m., Monday-Friday (during build season) x6 weeks}

Animation Gaming Club
Day:  Thurs
Time:  2:15 - 3:30 p.m.

Project Talos
Days:  Tues-Friday (work times)
Time:  2:15 - 3:30 p.m.
and Wednesdays (work times) - 2:15 - 5:00 p.m.

Drama Club
Day:  Wednesday with Dr. Burns
Time:  2:30 - 3:15 p.m.

Yearbook
Day:  Thursday with Ms. Fulgieri
Time:  2:15 p.m.

Art Club
Day:  Tuesday with Ms. Janssen
Time:  2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Science Clinic - Science help for 9th graders
Day:  Thursday in Ms. Fuller's Rm #229
Time:  2:15

Soaring Eagles Christian Club
Day:  Monday in Ms. Calderon's Room
Time: 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Math Support Clinic
Days:  Wednesday & Thursday in Mr. Bellon's Rm #119
Time:  2:15 - 3:30 p.m.

Academic Olympics
Day: Tuesday in Ms. Lowery's Rm #210
Time: 2:20 - 3:00 p.m.

The New SPHS Booster News

Welcome to the SPHS 2014-15 school year! And welcome to the NEW SPHS Booster News Blog. We hope to offer up-to-the-minute information and announcements here.  You're welcome to leave comments - let us know what you want to read here.  As the Booster Newsletter Editor, I welcome news and information from you as well.

Registration, Orientation, and our first week of school has come and gone.  I trust that all of our families survived and are ready to settle in to new routines for another school year.

For the first post of the year, I thought it might be helpful to recap some of the most important information we all received at registration and orientation.

Microsoft Office Available

Did you know that Sarasota County students can download Microsoft Office on their personal computers for free?  No need to spend $400 to get the latest Office suite!  To see a video tutorial on how to do this just visit http://o365.sarasotacountyschools.net and click on the 'Quick Start Guides' link at the top of the page.

You can also download simple directions on how students can download Office 2013 on their home computers if they choose Office 365 - How to download office 2013 Student Edition

College Visits

Several colleges will be visiting SPHS during the month of October.

Be sure to encourage your students to visit these presentations to learn more about the schools and what to expect when applying to any college:

• 10/1/14: FL Southern University during both seminars in Dr. Burns room
• 10/7/14: University of FL 12:00 - advanced registration required in the Guidance Office
• 10/8/14: Vanderbilt University during both seminars in Dr. Burns room
• 11/12/14: USF - Sarasota "Instant Admission Day" during both seminars
• Registration is required for the USF visit - see Mrs. White in the Guidance Office

Don't forget the ROBARTS ARENA - COLLEGE FAIR

October 8, 2014

6:00 TO 8:00 p.m.

Little Caesars and Fundraising

What could be better than a hot slice of pizza from Little Caesars? A hot slice of pizza AND knowing that SPHS receives 15 cents every time you either turn in the sticky label off the pizza box or you key in the code and enter it for our school.

I know 15 cents does not seem like a lot of $$, however, I would bet it will add up fast!

Turn in your labels at the SPHS front desk.

Target - Take Charge of Education

Did you know that when you use your Target REDcard at Target or Target.com, you could be contributing 1% of your purchase to SPHS? You have to sign up using SPHS as your school at the following link:

www.target.com

Senior Portraits - Reminder

DON'T FORGET! - Prestige Portraits will be handling our Senior Portraits. All Seniors will have their photo in the Yearbook as a “formal shoot” (drape & tux). These portraits will be taken at SPHS on October 22nd and October 23rd. Students need to call 1-800-361-8694 for scheduling assistance or 813-402-3500 for the local Prestige Customer Service Team. Visit their website to learn more:http://www.prestigeportraits.com/home.html

SPHS Student Council

Do you know a student interested in joining SPHS student council? Mrs. McNellis is looking for 2014-15 class representatives. Have your student talk to her as soon as possible if interested.

Student Announcements Aug 9, 2014

The SPHS/SCTI FFA will conduct its first meeting of the year on Wednesday, September 10th beginning at 2:45 p.m. The FFA will meet in building 4, Room 115 on the SCTI campus. The FFA is open to any student in grades 9-12.

ATTENTION JUNIORS: This is your chance to paint your parking spot for this school year. Any junior interested in painting a parking spot on September 13th must see Mrs. Boughman in the Front Office to pick up your permission slip. Permission slips must be turned in by the end of the school day on Friday, September 12th.

Get Your Child Ready for Work and for Life

As we start a brand new school year, some entering high school for the first time, our role as parents take an interesting new direction. On one hand, we should be gradually releasing our children to independence but also need to maintain a structured place of stability should they need guidance and direction. Our child's goals should be their main focus, and our priority as parents should be in helping them get there successfully. Here are a few reminders to help us parents keep our students on course through their high school years.

Making Computer Security a Habit

Whether your child received a new Surface Tablet as a new SPHS Freshman or your child has a computer at home to use for school work, computer security is something to watch closely. As technology is constantly changing and evolving, so too are the risks associated with it. The security of your computer, phone, and other mobile devices can affect the safety of your online experience - and that of your kids.

If you were issued a tablet from SPHS, the tablet was probably prepared with software and configured to keep it secure. You'll want to first follow the policies given to you with the tablet, but you should also keep in mind the following suggestions to ensure a safe and secure experience for your child.

Free Driver's Education

Coming Soon!
Free Driver's Ed, starting the week of September 8th. Choose from 5 locations: Booker High, Riverview High, Pineview, Venice High, North Port High.

6 hours of classroom instruction & 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.

Students must have a permit to take the course. Pick up a Registration Form at the SPHS front office.

Free SAT Practice Test & Prep

Ready or not, here they come! College preparations, that is. As parents, we put a lot of thought, time, and effort into helping our kids discover what their next steps will be after high school graduation. One option, of course, is college. It is recommended that students begin preparing and taking their SAT and/or ACT tests as Juniors in high school. Besides allowing them time to repeat the test if they should want to try for a better score, taking these tests as Juniors could also eliminate the need for them to take certain other standardized tests.

Selby Library is offering a free SAT practice test and prep workshop this September and October for all students. This is a great opportunity for your child to experience the SAT and gain confidence for when they go to sit for the test in the future.

Registration is mandatory and can be found here: http://bit.ly/1pYpeg7

SPHS Math Support Clinic

This is a great opportunity for Math students! Not only for students needing extra help - these workshops are also great to use for extra practice.

Opportunity for SPHS Juniors

Youth Leadership Sarasota Program

The Guidance Office frequently receives information about community opportunities for our students. Following is one such recent opportunity:

The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is seeking applications for their Youth Leadership Program for the 2014-2015 school year.  The program is designed for High School JUNIORS who have demonstrated leadership qualities and/or leadership potential. Youth Leadership is run by business leader volunteers from our community.

Youth leadership provides an eye-opening experience for Sarasota students by granting them access to tours/places usually closed to the general public, as well as exposing them to the various sectors and opportunities that exist in our great community.

Some of the monthly themes include Health & Human Services Day, Arts & Culture Day, Media Day, Community Service Day, and more. If you and your child are interested in this opportunity, contact the SPHS Guidance Office to talk to a Counselor and receive an application. The deadline for the application is September 12, 2014.

Student Announcements

The Math Support Clinic is starting next Wednesday, but we would like to invite all our students to stop by Room 119 this Thursday, August 28th, for our Math Clinic Open House Preview. We will have snacks, drinks, & prizes. Stop by to meet us and say hello!!!! We look forward to seeing you at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 28th. Everyone have a great week!

Free Driver’s Education starts the week of Sept 8th. Students must have a driving permit to take the course. You may get your Registration Form from the Front Office.

Suncoast Communities Blood Bank will be on campus next Tuesday, Sept 9th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for blood donations. Donors will need to bring in permission slips from parents, so get your forms today from the Front Office.

Suncoast Communities Blood Bank

STUDENT COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

The Suncoast Communities Blood Bank is looking for SPHS Senior Representatives. You’ll earn Community Service hours and will have the opportunity to earn college scholarship funds if you start now. See Guidance for more information as soon as possible if you’re interested.

Senior Orientation Reminders

SENIORS - GET READY TO GRADUATE

The due date for the Diploma Information flyer is August 29, 2014, handed in to the front desk at SPHS.

The deadline for payment of the Senior Fee is January 5, 2015, delivered to the SPHS front desk. Senior Fee funds are used to help support school activities such as spirit week, student recognitions, junior/senior prom, and graduation.

Prestige Portraits will be handling our Senior Portraits. All Seniors will have their photo in the Yearbook as a “formal shoot” (drape & tux). These portraits will be taken at SPHS on September 26th, October 22nd, or October 23rd. Students need to call 1-800-361-8694 for scheduling assistance or 813-402-3500 for the local Prestige Customer Service Team. Visit their website to learn more: http://www.prestigeportraits.com/home.html

Senior Cap & Gown Orders will be handled by Herff Jones. Seniors will order their own cap and gown for a fee of $46. Refer to the flyer you received at Registration/Orientation or visit their website: https://www.herffjones.com

SPHS Boosters Welcome Form

Did you miss the 2014-15 Orientation/Registration? If you didn't fill out this form, now is your chance to tell us about yourself. Click here to download the pdf.

Donate to the Boosters

If you missed the Booster table at Orientation/Registration, you may still donate to the Booster Club to provide exciting events and opportunities for our students.

Click here to download the pdf.