Miami Beach Senior High PTSA E-Newsletter 
 
                January 8, 2018 - Volume # 20                       
             Happy New Year at Beach High!                       
                                


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DASHBOARD

January - February Calendar  
 
  • January 8, Back to School.
  • January 9, PTSA Board Meeting, Media Center, 7:30-9 am. Everybody is welcome!
  • January 12, Registration deadline for February 10 ACT test.
  • January 13 -19, Late registration deadline for February 10 ACT test (late fee required).
  • January 15, Martin Luther King Day, no school.
  • January 16, 2018 Cap & Gown meeting, 8 am.
  • January 17, Grad Bash 2nd payment collection starts.
  • January 17, Herff Jones Class Ring sales, all lunches - outside the cafeteria.
  • January 19, End of the Second Grading Period.
  • January 22, Beginning of the Third Grading Period.
  • January 22 - February 2, Mid-Year Assessment: Biology and US History EOC's.
  • January 22-24, Cap and Gown sales.
  • January 23, Committee for Quality Education meeting, 9-11am, City Hall.
  • January 24, Cap & Gown evening meeting, 5 pm.
  • January 26, Rudra Bhatt Memorial and Ceremony.
  • January 27, Team Run for Education.
  • January 30, Junior Ring Ceremony, 7 pm, Auditorium.
  • January 31, Herff Jones Ring service - all lunches, outside cafeteria.
  • February 1, Scholars and IB applications due. See articles below. 
  • February 9, Registration deadline for March 10 SAT test.
  • February 10, ACT test, registered students.
  • February 13, PTSA Board Meeting, Media Center, 7:30-9 am. Everybody is welcome!
  • February 19, Presidents' Day, no school.
  • February 22, PTSA General Meeting, "Get into College!" - see article below.
  • February 23, Black History Month Celebration, 1 pm.
  • February 25, Miami National College Fair. See article below. 
  • February 26-28, FSA Writing Retake, eligible students.
  • February 27, Committee for Quality Education meeting, 9-11am, City Hall.
  • February 28, Late registration deadline for March 10 SAT test (late fee required).
  
      
Please note: all dates are tentative. 
 
 
 
 
2017-2018 NEW REVISED School Calendar
 
New school dates: 
January 19, 2018 (previously a teacher planning day);
February 15, 2018 (previously a secondary early release day);
April 19, 2018 (previously a secondary early release day);
April 20, 2018 (previously a teacher planning day); and
May 17, 2018 (previously a secondary early release day)
   
 
Please download your updated AB Calendar from here.  

Miami Beach Senior High School Code is 101140 for both tests.  
 
 
 
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
There will be a Women's Empowerment meeting on Thursday, January 11 in Ms. Baez's Room 289.
 
There will be a drive for feminine hygiene products (boxes of tampons, pads, diva cups, wipes, etc.), and general women's clothing for 1 hour of community service per item. The drive will last through the month of January 8 and all products will be given to the Lotus House Shelter.

 
 
  
Questions regarding student clubs or activities? Email our Student Government at
    
 
FROM YOUR PTSA
 
Art Basel Parking Fundraiser - December 7-10
 
On behalf of the PTSA, teachers and students at Beach High we would like to thank everyone who came out and volunteered a shift at the Art Basel Parking Fundraiser! Everyone made this a success. For our first year, we parked over 450 cars, made new friends, collected money, flagged in cars, held up signs, flashed many smiles, laughed, sang, danced, got wet in the rain, drove in golf carts and just had a great time while raising much needed money for our school. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you! It takes a village and none of this would have been possible without your contribution.  
 
  
 
   
   
The PTSA Grants Committee is wrapping up the grants award process with over $26,000 in grants (both PTSA and Special Needs) to be awarded to our teachers. Thanks to all the donors and volunteers who made this possible through our fundraisers, such as the Art Basel Parking, the Give Miami Day, and the Painting with a Twist event. This is where your donations go, to directly benefit the school.
The grants will be approved and voted in by the Board on Tuesday, January 9, at the PTSA Board meeting. A list of items will be posted after the meeting.
 
   
Save the Date
 
 
College Advisors, SAT tutors, application essay advisors: please join the College Prep Resource Fair on Thursday, February 22, starting at 5:30 pm. Reserve your space with a suggested donation of $50 to the MBSH PTSA. Contact Tiffany at [email protected].
         
 
PTSA Board Meeting Dates
 
All meetings are from 7:30 to 9 am.
January 9, 2018
February 13, 2018
March 13, 2018
April 10, 2018
May 8, 2018
   
 
   Next PTSA Board Meeting: 
   Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 9,  
   7:30 - 9 am 
   in the Media Center.
   Everybody is welcome!
 
 
 
  

 
SCHOOL NEWS
 
All sophomores interested in applying to the IB Academy for their Junior and Senior years can now apply. Applications are available online on the Scholars-IB webpage  and in Room 708. All applications must be completed and returned to Mr. Rodriguez in room 708 by February 1. You will then be scheduled for a meeting with Mr. Rodriguez regarding your IB curriculum path.
 
 
 
 
The deadline to apply to the Pre-IB Scholars Academy for the 2018-2019 school year has been extended to February 1. The application form is available on the Scholars-IB webpage.
 
 

The Internship applications for the 2018-2019 school year are now available on the school website. Please click here:  
   
   
        
   
 
LIFE ON CAMPUS
The Share Show took place on December 20 in the Auditorium. The theme was Star Wars and the title was "The Empire Gives Back".
 
 
It was a collaborative effort between the Drama, Music and Visual Arts Departments. For those unable to attend, you can enjoy it on the Beach Film News site. Happy New Year to all from your BFN Film Team!   
 
 
 
   
 
 
Dear All,  
 
After nearly 400 competitive rounds, 48 trays of Chinese food, and 120 judges, the South Florida Catholic Forensic League (SFCFL) Speech and Debate Tournament #3 of December 9 at Beach High is in the books. Congratulations to all the students who participated and won, and big thank you to all the adults that made it possible:
  • First, the parents, led by Stella Gelsomino, who came out in droves even on a day with conflicting events.
  • Our team of Beach High students, both Speech and Debate and NJROTC, whose courtesy and professionalism set a high bar for next year.
  • Our teachers for sharing their classrooms with us.
  • Our administration led by Principal Maria Rodriguez, who was outside in the drizzle of Round 1 helping everyone find their way.
  • Our dedicated custodians, Gardy and Mr. Clinch, who were never more than a walkie-talkie click away and maintained the entire school for 12 hours.
  • Mr. Mac who rushed in on a moment's notice to get the Auditorium up and running.
  • And finally, our amazing tabulation staff and judges who ran 5 rounds in 8 hours! I remember when we were happy to have 4 rounds in a day at a CFL.
 
Once again, thanks to everyone, not only for making this a successful event, but for raising much needed funds to help the program give our students the skills they need to succeed.
 
Sincerely,
Russ Rywell
Speech and Debate Coach   
 
 
 
Photos above, from top: Coach Russ Rywell; Dario Camara, Director of the South Florida Catholic Forensic League; the Award Ceremony in the Auditorium.
 
 
The US Grants Committee had their final meeting on December 21.
Our final grants funded uniforms for the Cheerleaders, costumes for the Dance Fusion Team, equipment for the Scuba Club, instruments for the Marine Science classes, uniforms for the Auxiliary and Flag Dancers, lunch meetings for the Safety and Security Committee, and supplies for the Language Arts Department, including a document camera. Thank you to all the students who participated! We would also like to acknowledge and thank our anonymous angel donor for the last five years of generous donations, which funded many wonderful projects, supplies, and resources at our school.  
 
 
 
  
     
On December 14, the Rock Ensemble dedicated their Annual Holiday Concert to Counselor Ms. Lourdes Nunez in honor of her 20 years of service to the Beach High community and to the Rock Ensemble.
 
 
   
 
 
 
     
 
COLLEGE BOUND
 
On January 4, sixty new Scholars from the Miami-Dade and Broward County public school systems joined the Posse Awards Ceremony in the Symphony Ballroom at the Hilton Miami Downtown. These students, selected through a competitive process, collectively earned more than $12 million in four-year, full-tuition merit scholarships from top colleges and universities. Posse Miami receives each year more than 1,300 nominations and only 60 students get selected.
Beach High is thrilled to announce that seniors Cassandra Rodriguez and Guido Dominguez were two of the honorees. Cassandra will attend Syracuse University and Guido will join Pomona College.
Representatives from several colleges awarded the scholarships following a congratulatory welcome from Superintendent of MDCPS Alberto Carvalho.
The Posse Foundation identifies public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential, and extends to these students the opportunity to pursue personal and academic excellence by placing them in supportive, multicultural teams-Posses of 10 students.
Now in the midst of Posse's eight-month Pre-Collegiate Training Program, the new Scholars are preparing for academic success, bonding with their Posses, and exploring how they can become agents of change when they arrive on their respective campuses.
Thanks to our College Advisor Maria Sahwell for her commitment to identifying opportunities for our students and supporting them throughout the long application process.
Congratulations Cassandra and Guido! You make the Hi-Tide family proud.
 
 
 
 
Mrs. Sahwell and the Culinary Club celebrated the seniors already accepted to colleges on December 21. This has been a fabulous year of acceptances at Beach High so far - the best Early College Acceptances ever! Congratulations to all our fantastic seniors.  
Go Class of 2018!
 
   
 
 
 
The 2018 Miami National College Fair will be held on Sunday, February 25, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Miami Airport & Convention Center, 777 NW 72 Avenue, Miami, FL 33126, from 12 to 4 pm.
The College Fair is sponsored by Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Nearly 200 colleges and universities from around the country will have representatives available to answer questions about admissions, courses, and financial aid. An on-site counseling center will provide students and their parents with academic advisement and college planning information.
Information sessions about the value of a college education, the steps needed to prepare for the application process, and the availability of financial aid will be presented. Students planning to attend the College Fair are strongly encouraged to pre-register on-line to avoid long lines.
 
 
 
 
       
 
SENIOR CORNER
 
For Graduating seniors only: Grad bash will be on April 27 and the total cost is $182 (or two payments of $91). The second payment collection will begin January 17. This is only open to graduating seniors with at least a 2.0 GPA, community service on file, less than 20 tardies, and less than 10 absences. Payment can be made through the Parent and Student Portals (see photo below for instructions).
 
 
 
 
 
Seniors at the Graduation Assembly on December 6.
 
       
 
       
 
SPORT SCENE
 
Shout out to the Hi Tide Boys Soccer team. Here are some of the highlights of the season:  
 
Miami Beach 6, Southwest 1
Leonardo Acosta's 2 Goals, Lucas Arellano 1 Goal, Josue Aguilar 1 Goal, Franklin Rivero 1 Goal, Jean-Carlo Lantigua 2 Assists, Julian Enriquez 1 Assist, Kevin Giraldo 1 Assist, José Almanza 1 Assist.
Miami Beach record 12-1-1
 
Miami Beach 4, Hialeah High 0
Alfredo Astaburuaga 1 Goal, Franklin Rivero 1 Goal, Jean-Carlo Lantigua 1 Goal, Kevin Herrera 1 Assist, Dennis Ortega 1 Assist, José Escobar 10th Shout out.
 
Miami Beach 2, Braddock 0
Jean-Carlo Lantigua 1 Goal, Julian Enriquez 1 Goal, José Escobar 8th shout out.
 
Miami Beach 5, American 0
Josue Aguilar 2 Goals, Franklin Rivero 2 Goals, Kevin Giraldo 1 Goal 1 Assist, Lucas Arellano 1 Assist, Julian Enriquez 1 Assist, José Escobar 7th shout out and 1 Assist.
 
Miami Beach 3, Coral Park 0
José Almanza 1 Goal 1 Assist, Lucas Arellano 1 Goal 1 Assist, Julian Enriquez 1 Goal, José Escobar 6th shout out.
 
 
   
 
     
 
 
FROM OUR COMMUNITY
Have you registered for Miami Beach FREE resident & business coding bootcamp?
The deadline to register is Thursday, January 11. Don't miss this great opportunity!  
 
 
   
 
A Contest for Pet Lovers

The HOPE Contest and Miami-Dade County Animal Services are excited to announce the 2017-2018 Student Art for Animals Contest Create art that shows your love for pets, promotes animal wellness or encourages pet adoptions. This contest is open to all students, K through 12th. Final art work will be displayed at Student Art for Animals Gallery Night. More info can be found on Dr. Karp's website. Or contact Ms. Sakowicz.



 


 
Please register by January 15.


   
 
Save the date of Saturday, April 7, for the next Superintendent's 5K Race. Teachers, parents and all stakeholders, please be part of this special event which provides the opportunity to raise funds for your school. Full details about the Superintendent's 5K Race are forthcoming.


 

 
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
 
Dear Volunteers,
 
The annual 9th grade class field trips to the Miami Beach Holocaust Memorial are coming up in January and our Language Arts Department needs chaperones. There are two field trips each day over the course of six days. You can choose the date(s) and time(s) that you would like to chaperone by emailing David Reese at [email protected].
 
All chaperones must be Level One or Two volunteers. It is easy to become a MDCPS volunteer by visiting the parent portal at www.dadeschools.net. Mr. Reese will need your Volunteer Level (1 or 2), your phone number, and your volunteer number to complete the field trip paper work. 
   
The dates for the trips this year are as follows:
 
Mon Jan 29:  9:30 AM- 11:00 AM  
Mon Jan 29 - 12:30 PM -  2:00 PM
Tue Jan 30: 9:30 AM- 11:00 AM  
Tue Jan 30: 12:30 PM -  2:00 PM
Wed Jan 31: 9:30 AM- 11:00 AM  
Wed Jan 31: 12:30 PM -  2:00 PM
Thu Feb 1:  9:30 AM- 11:00 AM  
Thu Feb 1: 12:30 PM -  2:00 PM
Tue Feb 6:  9:30 AM- 11:00 AM  
Tue Feb 6: 12:30 PM -  2:00 PM
Wed Feb 7:  9:30 AM- 11:00 AM  
Wed Feb 7:  12:30 PM -  2:00 PM  
 
Thank you,
Gabriela Hemmerde,
PTSA Academic Volunteer Coordinator

 

 
PHOTO GALLERY / FLASH NEWS

Congratulations to Alessandro Sabino, recipient of the "Do the Right Thing" award.



 
Beach High Student Government meeting with Superintendent Carvalho - sparking ideas, brainstorming opportunities for improvement and suggesting initiatives to collaborate with schools and students across MDCPS.




 

Hi Tide Thespians and Ms. Loffredo host the District 8 Thespian Festival at MBSH.




Assistant Principal Dr. Hillhouse treated students and teachers to a special breakfast to celebrate 100% attendance students & staff winners.



 


 

The Open Mic event on December 21.




 The Rock Ensemble rocks the school at lunch time.



 

Ms. Lorenceau's students grateful for receiving their gift cards.



 
Winter Break is here!



   
 
 
 

 

 
 
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In This Issue
Calendars
Announcements
From Your PTSA
School News
Life on Campus
College Bound
Seniors Corner
Sport Scene
From Our Community
Volunteering Opportunities
Photo Gallery/Flash News
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MBSH Alumni Association

  
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MBSH PTSA Board
2017-2018

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

President
Hillary Frankel

President in Training
Elisheva Rogoff

VP Advocacy
Jill Swartz

VP Membership
Stella Gelsomino

VP Fundraising
Melissa Delisle  

Treasurer
Sheila Shardlow

Recording Secretary
Dana Grolin
 
Corresponding Secretary
Saskia Raymond

President Emeritus
Amelia Gowdy


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