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.