Author: Marsh Family (Dell)

The Shooting STAR

Sarasota Academy of the Arts

January 23, 2017

2016 - 2017, Volume 4, Issue 21

Principal’s Corner: First of all, congratulations to the students in all of the grades who auditioned for the spring musicals. Although all of the students may not have gotten the parts they sought, all are to be commended for learning the audition lines, songs, and dances. It's not an easy thing to do and the judging is a difficult task. Everyone in a music class is encouraged to participate and Mrs. Julie makes sure that everyone who auditions has a part in the performances. This week we celebrate reading through our Literacy Week activities. You have received the schedule already but to recap...
Monday is "Reading Buddy" Day. The middle schoolers will be sharing a book and reading with the elementary students. We also have parents who have volunteered to be readers this week.
Tuesday is "Stop, Drop, and Read". During the day, teachers will take a break from their planned lessons for everyone to take a reading break. Students should be sure they have a book or something to read throughout the day.
Wednesday is Character Day. Dress as your favorite book character. Two requirements - have the book with you and dress so that you are following the dress code.
Thursday is the BIG DAY! During the day we will have the all-school read where everyone grabs a chair and book and goes outside to read together in silence. It is really quite impressive. That night we have our family event. There will be a speaker, activities for students, the book "sale", and dinner (tacos). Be sure to sign up for the dinner, You can do it on the front page of our website or call the office to reserve a spot. There is no charge so please join us.
Friday is our reading contest where students read a selection of their own choosing and are eligible for Barnes and Noble gift cards.
This week we are also celebrating National School Choice Week. Florida is one of the leading states to provide school choice for parents. We are honored to be an approved school of choice and that you have chosen SAA. We have students preparing a surprise to show what school choice means to them. If you or someone you know would be willing to share a couple of hours a week between 4:00 - 6:00 to tutor students in math or reading, please let me know. You don't have to be a former teacher; however you would need a level 2 background clearance and be willing to come on a regular basis to work with one or two students at a time. (We can help with the background clearance) We could really use your help. The middle school students will go see Hidden Figures this Thursday at the Lakewood Ranch cinema. This is part of a cross-curricular study involving history, math, science, and language arts in which students will be participating in a variety of classroom activities relating to the important themes of the movie. Benchmark tests continue this week in math and science for 5th through 8th graders. 7th and 8th graders are also completing their writing simulation. All of grade levels are finishing the mid-year i-Ready diagnostic assessments. Grades are in so check the parent portal. Hard copies will be sent home when we receive them from the District. The SAC will meet this Wednesday at 4:!5 in the administration building. We will review progress on the School Improvement Plan. Don't forget to send in your registration forms for 2017-18. We also are still missing some "Out of County" travel forms which must be in by Wednesday for the middle schoolers to go to the movie. Have a wonderful week!

Upcoming Dates:
Be sure to check the SAA Calendar on the school website frequently as that has the most current information!
Literacy Week (January 23rd - 27th) Monday, 1/23/17 - Reading Day Tuesday, 1/24/17 - Stop, Drop & Read Wednesday - 1/25/17 - Character Day - 4:15pm SAC Meeting Thursday - 1/26/17 - 9:15am MS to Movies - 6:00pm Literacy Night! Friday - 1/27/17 - Reading Contest - Spirit Day (Wear your SAA school shirt) - YEARBOOK ORDERS & LOVE NOTES DUE! Tuesday, 1/31/17 - 8th Grade Trip to Dali Museum - 5pm ESOL Night Thursday, 2/2/17 - Class/Group Pictures - 6pm - PTO Meeting Friday - 2/3/17 - Spirit Day (Wear your SAA school shirt)

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2016 - 2017
Volume 4, Issue 21
January 23, 2017

Got Crockpots?
We have a great night planned for Literacy Night on the 26th. We will be having a Taco Bar and we are looking for crockpots filled with seasoned and cooked meat (beef or chicken). If you can provide, we will be giving 2 hours of volunteer time for everyone that signs up. We will have 6 sign ups for the crockpots (three chicken and 3 beef). Be sure to drop these off at 5:45pm. To sign up and commit to a spot, please sign up here: http://signup.com/go/FbJkPP Please do not sign up if you are not sure if you can commit, as you would be taking that opportunity away from someone else.
We have a great night planned for Literacy Night on the 26th. We will be having a Taco Bar and we are looking for crockpots filled with seasoned and cooked meat (beef or chicken). If you can provide, we will be giving 2 hours of volunteer time for everyone that signs up. We will have 6 sign ups for the crockpots (three chicken and 3 beef). Be sure to drop these off at 5:45pm. To sign up and commit to a spot, please sign up here: http://signup.com/go/FbJkPP Please do not sign up if you are not sure if you can commit, as you would be taking that opportunity away from someone else.

Volunteer Opportunity
Can you lend some help and some volunteer time on Thursday night for Literacy Night? We need help setting up the 'book sale', and also with food service, and clean up. To sign up and commit to a spot, please sign up here:http://signup.com/go/56MYSy

Yearbooks!
THIS IS YOUR FINAL WEEK TO ORDER YEARBOOKS!! Don't get left out! Stop in the office to pick up an order form or click here. You will also have an opportunity to send a special message to your student by sending in a "Love Note". please click here to download the PDF flyer or go to the Yearbook Information page on the SAA Website. Regular yearbooks will be $34 and then you have the option to add a personalized cover for an additional $6. You will need to add both to the cart to complete your order if you wish to have your student's name imprinted on the yearbook cover. DEADLINE: Yearbook orders must be received by January 27th! Please note that there will NOT be any additional opportunities to purchase a yearbook after the deadline has passed. Last year we made the mistake of ordering additional yearbooks and lost a great deal of money, so please keep that in mind. THIS IS YOUR ONLY OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE A YEARBOOK!

Sarasota Academy of the Arts

THE Shooting Star

Give the Gift of Life
SAA is participating in a lifesaving blood drive with SunCoast Blood Bank in honor of one of our students, Hannah Marsh! Hannah, a Sarasota Academy of the Arts 8th grader, was diagnosed with a rare immune disorder, known as Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), when she was 5 years old. She was completely transfusion dependent requiring blood and platelets for four months while waiting on a bone marrow match. This blood drive is being held to celebrate her survivorship and to pay it forward. A Bloodmobile will be on campus on Tuesday February 7th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please sign up through Kelly Marsh to make an appointment to give the gift of life. Appointments are available from 10:00am through 1:45pmin 15 minute increments. She can be reached via her cell at 941-350-3767 or email at kmarsh@sarasotaacademyofthearts.com.