Miami Beach Senior High PTSA E-Newsletter 
 
                December 12, 2016 - Issue # 14                       
Happy Holidays from Your PTSA!        
                                

 
DASHBOARD
December - January Calendar
 
  • December 5 - 15, Grad Bash first deposit due. See article below in the Senior section.
  • December 13, PTSA Board meeting. 7:30 - 9 am, Media Center. Everybody is welcome!
  • December 14-15, Academy Fair in the Media Center. 9th and 10th grade students will have the opportunity to explore Beach High's Academies and courses, in preparation for their Subject Selection (coming soon). 
  • December 14, EESAC meeting, Media Center, 2:30 pm.
  • December 14, UTD meeting, 2:30 pm, room 709.
  • December 14, Band concert, auditorium, 7 pm.
  • December 15, Rock Ensemble Concert, 6:30 pm.
  • December 16, Per Rally for Winter Sports.
  • December 17, AOHT Flea Market, 11 am - 3 pm. See flyer below.
  • December 20, Holiday Teacher Luncheon, 3 pm, Yard House, Lenox Ave.
  • December 21, Ring Payment - Herff Jones.
  • December 21 - 22, SHARE Rehearsal.
  • December 21, registration deadline for January 21 SAT.
  • December 23, last day of school.
  • December 23, SHARE Program.
  • December 24 - January 8, Winter Break.
  • January 9, 2017, First Day of School after Winter Break.  
  • January 12, Senior meeting for Cap and Gown.
  • January 16, No school, Martin Luther King Day.
  • January 17-28, Cap and Gown sale.
  • January 17, Miami Beach Youth Commission meeting.
  • January 18, Herff Jones Ring payment.
  • January 18, EESAC meeting, Media Center, 2:30 pm.
  • January 20, last day of the Second Marking Period.
  • January 21, SAT test. Registered students.
  • January 21, AOHT Flea Market.
  • January 23, No school, Teacher Planning Day.
  • January 24, first day of the Third Marking Period.
  • January 24, Ring Ceremony for Juniors.
  • January 25, Herff Jones Ring servicing.
Please note: all dates are tentative and may change.



2016-2017 School Calendar (click to download) 
 
SAT - ACT Calendars
Click on the following links to see the testing dates released by the College Board and ACT for the 2016-2017 PSAT, SAT, and ACT:

The easiest way to register for the SAT is online at
www.collegeboard.org and for ACT online at www.actstudent.org 
Miami Beach Senior High School Code is 101140 for both tests.
 
A & B Day Calendar
Is tomorrow a 1-3-5-7 period day or a 2-4-6-8?
 
Testing Calendar:

 
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
   
PSAT Scores will be available starting today, December 12.
 
Attention all Hispanic Honor Society members: there will be a mandatory meeting today, Monday, December 12 in room 176. Please plan to attend. Membership fees will be collected.
 
There will be a Women's Empowerment Club meeting today at 2:30 pm in room 289.
 
Attention Hi Tides, our last SHARE collection will be tomorrow, Tuesday, December 13. Please consider donating money to the program. See article below.
 
Calling on all UTD members and non-members: please calendar our last UTD Unit meeting of 2016. It will be on Wednesday, the December 14 in room 709 from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. We will have refreshments and guests from UTD, as well as VALIC. Members and nonmembers are invited to our last unit meeting. We ask that you join us to ensure that your concerns are being heard and collectively our voices will resonate.

Join Rock Ensemble on December 15 for our Winter Music Experience in the auditorium. Ticket sale have already started. We hope to see you there!
 
Attention Seniors: Grad Bash sales will take place today for the April 21 trip. The first payment is $87 and the full payment is $173. You must meet all graduation criteria. We will be by the concession stands by the cafeteria or you can pay online. Friday is the last day to buy tickets and you can online buy through your portal tomorrow. See article below.
 
The Holiday Season is finally here. Are you looking for an affordable gift? The College Club is selling inexpensive cosmetic jewelry until December 16 during lunch and after school.  Please support the College Club with your purchase. See Ms. Justilien in 240 if you have questions.
 
Key Club is partnering with the Miami Rescue Mission to establish a "Pack the Pantry" food drive here at Beach High. This drive serves to provide food for those in desperate need this holiday season. Students can earn one hour per can donated, after donating at least 5 cans. Donation boxes will be set up throughout the school in classrooms.
  
New Dual Enrollment opportunity for 9th and 10th grade s tudents is available for the second semester. See article
below. Talk to Ms.Taylor in Room 108 for information.    
 
Attention Class of 2020! Class T-Shirts are finally here and they are only $10. T-shirts can be purchased before or after school, or during lunch in Room 240. Class Shirts are required for Class of 2020 field trips. See Ms. Justilien, your class sponsor, if you have any questions.
 

           
Questions regarding student clubs or activities? Email our Student Government at [email protected]
 
 
FROM YOUR PTSA
 
Teachers, Apply for Grants Today! Deadline Is This Week - December 16 
  The Beach High PTSA is proud to offer grant awards to teachers. Our goal is to assist our educators in enriching and enhancing the academic environment for all students at the school. We invite all teachers to apply for a grant of up to $1,000 per classroom. Items/projects should be innovative and creative, impacting the greatest number of students possible.
 
Please download and complete the application and submit by December 16. All applications must be typed and submitted by email to [email protected]. We would like to distribute awards upon return from Winter Break.
 
A valid MDCPS email address must be provided since notification of award will be sent via email. Please include projected shipping and handling expenses, if applicable, in your request.
 
In order to apply you must be a current member of the Beach High PTSA.

Carmen Barcenas & Paula Sohn
PTSA Grants Chairs 


   

   Next PTSA Meeting:
   Tuesday, December 13, 7:30 - 9 am
   in the Media Center. 


 
SUPPORT YOUR PTSA - JOIN OUR FUNDRAISERS!

SHARE the Joy


Our students have collected almost $1100 towards our SHARE fundraising goal of $2,000.  We need a big finish tomorrow, Tuesday, December 13, last day of our collection. 

Here are the leading classes:

Li- $80.00 
Haselmann- $73.50 
Gallagher- $72.00 
Spiegelman- $64.61 
Zananiri- $52.85

Top finisher gets the trophy.  Top three classes get breakfast party.  It's close. It's anyone's to win.


Start With a Smile

Planning to shop with Amazon.com? Sign up for Amazon Smile with the designation of our organization, and Amazon will donate a portion of the proceeds right back to us!   

With the holidays approaching and online shopping sales expected to hit record highs, this is the perfect time to use Amazon Smile to support MBSH PTSA fundraising efforts.
Amazon Smile is a feature of Amazon.com that allows shoppers to shop online throughout the year, not just during the holiday season, and select a charitable organization to receive a donation from eligible purchases at no additional cost to the shopper.

The products, prices, and shipping options (including Amazon Prime) are the same as shopping at Amazon.com, plus shoppers can use existing Amazon.com accounts, including saved shipping and billing information. To use Amazon Smile, shoppers must visit smile.amazon.com and select a charitable organization. Amazon will remember the organization selection, which can be changed at any time. Currently, Amazon Smile has over one million eligible organizations to choose from and will donate 0.5% of each price of qualifying purchases.

You shop, Amazon gives!

For a step-by-step guide on how to set up Amazon Smile to donate to Beach High PTSA, check out our list below.
Step 1: Go to: smile.amazon.com 
Step 2: Log-in using your existing Amazon credentials (or create an account if you're new to Amazon).
Step 3: Type "Miami Beach Sr. High PTA" when prompted to Pick your own charitable organization, then click 'Search'.
Step 4: Click 'Select' next to our name.
Step 5: Start shopping.


Remember to use smile.amazon.com  each time you shop online through Amazon so eligible purchases will be logged for donation.

Thank you for your support!

 
Link to Amazon Smile: click here

  
Take a (Stand) Seat for Education

This is an opportunity to make a donation, leave a legacy and take a seat for education in support of Miami Beach Senior High School's academic, enrichment and athletic programs.  As a token of our gratitude for your support, you will receive a plaque on the back of one of the Miami Beach Senior High School auditorium seats.  The plaques will be dedicated at a Visual and Performing Arts Academy Showcase to be held in the spring of 2017.
 
Seats may be named for:
*         Yourself or your family
*         In honor or memory of a student, parent, teacher or friend
*         Your graduating class
*         An inspirational quote to motivate future students
 
Front Row Seats: $500 (based upon availability)
Lower Orchestra: $250
General Section: $150
 
If this is something you would like to do please reach out to me via email or call me at 305-812-7001 or you can fill out the form attached, including the message you would like on your plaque(s) with up to three lines of text each and email it to me. 
 
You can send a check payable to the MBSH PTSA at Miami Beach Senior High, 2231 Prairie Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139 or you can give it to me the next time we see each other.  All proceeds directly support the programs mentioned above at Miami Beach Senior High School.  
 
It would be appreciated it if you could forward this email to any friends or family that may be interested and cc me @ [email protected].  
     
 


Need Popcorn for a Party? Look No Further!

Order your popcorn at The Popcorn Factory and enter our unique Promotion Code 10MBHS at checkout. You will earn 10% off your order and our PTSA will receive a percentage of the profits. Use it to make delicious gifts and goodies!

  


 
SCHOOL NEWS
 How to Apply for Free or Reduced Price Lunch Benefits

Even if your student does not eat in the school cafeteria, please take a moment to review the requirements to qualify for the program, and if you do, do not hesitate to enroll. Many benefits come with the program, beyond the free or reduced meals at school.
Beach High CAP advisor, Ms. Sahwell, has calculated that students on the Free and Reduced Lunch can save up to $2,000 in tests and applications fee. In fact, SAT, ACT or PSAT waivers will be issued to qualifying students.
The easiest way to apply is online at FreeAndReducedMealApp.dadeschools.net available in English, Spanish or Creole. It is fast and easy. You can even apply on your smart phone. Apply online at FreeAndReducedMealApp.Dadeschools.net or on the school home page. You can also fill up the form that your student brought home, or pick one up at school, in the Parent Resource Center, room 131. If your child was eligible last year, now you need to re-apply.

 
   

2016-2017 FIU & MDC Dual Enrollment Courses

Miami Beach Senior High School new course offerings (11th and 12th grade students eligible):

  • Introduction to Sociology
  • Introduction to Education
  • British Literature since the 18th Century
  • Survey of British Literature
  • Social Problems
  • Teaching Diverse Populations 
 
Additional MDC offering for Spring 2017 (9th and 10th grade students eligible)
  • Music Appreciation
  • Computer Technology
 
Participation in this Dual Enrollment program is open to students who meet the eligibility requirements.
If you are interested in registering for any of these dual enrollment classes, please provide your information below and return to Mrs. Taylor in room 108.
 
Name___________________________ID#_________Current Grade Level______
 
Course of Interest: ___________________________________________________________  
    



IB and Pre-IB Scholars Academy Applications for 2017-2018
   
The applications to the IB program (11th and 12th grade) for the 2017-2018 school year are now available online (link below). The applications must be submitted by February 1, 2017.

The application to the Pre-IB Scholars Academy for the 2017-2018 school year is available online
. A hard copy of the application together with a copy of the 8th grade report card must be submitted by February 1, 2017. If the applicant is currently attending a private or out-of-area school, a transcript must be submitted as well, including 6, 7, and 8 grades.

Tours will start after Winter Break - schedule to be announced.

 


Seniors, Don't Miss out on Grad Bash!
 
 
Beach High Seniors will attend Grad Bash on April 21, 2017 at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Grad Bash tickets will be available for sale until December 15 online through the Parent and Student Portals and during both lunches (with the exceptions of December 13 & 14).  The full cost of Grad Bash is $173, with a first payment of $87 due by December 15.  The second payment will be collected January 3, 2017 - February 10. Seniors must have at least a 2.0 GPA, at least 10 community service hours, less than 10 absences, less than 20 tardies, and zero discipline issues. Students must maintain eligibility throughout the school year or they may lose their seat without a refund. For more information students can speak with Ms. Sakowicz in the main office in room 103. Skip the sales line and purchase tickets online via the Student Portal or Parent Portal now! To pay for tickets online, please go to your Portal, click on upper tab "Apps/Services/Sites" and scroll down to OSP - Online School Payments. Click on the Secondary Schools tab and find Miami Beach Senior High. 
 
  
 
Is Your Family the Next MDCPS Family of the Year?

We have a lot of outstanding parents involved at Beach High. Let's get some applications in for the 2016-2017 M-DCPS' School Family of the Year Award Program. Please consider to nominate your family.



Buy or Sell at the Flea Market

Start making room for your new presents. Clean your closet and come sell your items at our AOHT Flea Market on December 17 from 10:30 am to 3 pm. Set a booth with a friend and have fun! Please speak to Ms. Gregory in Room 508 for more information.  



 
 
 
CONGRATULATIONS TO...

Congratulations to the NJROTC's Mighty Seventh Platoon who are the winners of the 1st Semester's  Unarmed Basic Drill Competition, and special recognition, and congratulations to John Akesson who earned the title of Top Drill Instructor for the 1st semester. 


         
Congratulations to Francesca Tobar, 11th Grade, who received an Award of Merit at the 31st Annual Impressions in Watercolor Exhibition. Congratulations also to Creneesha Davis, Alexandra Herreu, Jessie Itzkowitz, and Anthony Sarkiss for their accepted work in this annual show.

 
The 31st Annual Impressions in Watercolor Exhibition takes place at the Dave & Mary Alper JCC, Lisa Ann Watson Children's Museum.
 

Let's congratulate the following FCCLA winners:
  • Jennifer Angel, Katie Mark, Juan Ball, Javier Lopez-Quinn for winning silver medals in Sports Nutrition
  • Carla Avalos and Daniela Cosentino for winning gold medals for Life Event Planning
  • Sarah Berounsky for winning a silver medal in Leadership
  • Essence Butler for winning a silver medal in Recycle & Redesign
  • Omary Camejo, Emily Rivro, & Eleany Faez for winning silver medals in Culinary Arts
  • Yisel Delgado and Heidy Larrazaleta, for winning silver medals and Erika Diaz and Katherine Guzman for winning bronze medals in Focus on Children
  • Ana Hemke for winning a gold medal in Job Interview
  • David Garcia, Adriana Recinos for winning gold medals in Hospitality & Tourism
 
The following students have been invited to compete at the State Level:
  • Amy Lopez, Tiffany Lora for winning gold medals in Illustrated Talk
  • Ashley Lopez, Cassandra Rodrigues for winning silver medals in Environmental Ambassador
  • Sofia Ragatno, Camila Ramirez, Aldana Diaz for winning silver medals in Artistic Reflections
  • Nicole Ochoa for winning a silver medal in FCCLA Writes
 
Great job to Ms. Ruiz and Chef Interiano-Flores for preparing these students.
 
  
 
 
 
SPORT SCENE
 
It's Their Time to Shine

Congratulations to the Hi-Tides Wrestling Team. 
 
The team competed Saturday at the Palmetto Wrestling tournament. All of the wrestlers that competed won at least 1 match. Hi-Tide wrestlers of the tournament were Kalani Gonzalez who won 1st place, Jackson Wenberg who won 1st place, Edwin Emile who won 3rd place, Alessandro Theodoli who won 2nd place, Joshua Laufer who won 2nd place, John Charinos who won 2nd place, Marshal Carroll who won 3rd place, Dylan Pensacola Worthington who won 2nd place, and Luis Hernandez won 2nd place.
 
The Hi-Tide team defeated South Miami 46 to 24 in front of their home crowd during a last period of the day wrestling match. Wrestlers of the day were Daishaun Felton, Kalani Gonzalez, Sam Martinez, Najat Morgan, and Adrian Perez who all pinned their opponents to lead the Hi-Tides to victory.
 
They also wrestled Coral Park and Edison last Thursday.  They beat Edison, but came up a little short against Coral Park. The Wrestlers of the day were Daishaun Felton, Najat Morgan, Kalani Gonzalez, and Adrian Perez who all won both of their matches.
The Hi-Tide Wrestling Team also competed in a 2 day tournament on Friday and Saturday. Out of 30 teams the Hi-Tides placed 12th overall. The Hi-Tides brought home 2 place finishers.  Congratulations to the Hi-Tide wrestlers of the tournament. Daishaun Felton placed 3rd only losing once, and Adrian Perez made it to the finals placing 2nd after losing in an exciting match that went to overtime. 
 
Great job guys! Keep it up! Congrats on the success and remember that hard work pays off! 
 
 

 Another Victory for the Soccer Girls

Please congratulate the Girls Soccer Team on their win against Braddock with a score of 7-2. Juliana Hontou made 1 goal, Maite Sanchez made 1 goal, Helena Epstein made 1 goal, and Leslie Mendoza made 4 goals.
        
Soccer Boys: Undefeated!

Miami Beach Record: 10-0!   

Boys Soccer - Miami Beach 4, South Miami 0 - Tomas Iglesias (MB) 2 goals 1 assist, Marc Amores (MB) 1 goal 1 assist , Diego Somoza (MB) 1 goal, Gabriel Suarez 4th shoutout.

Boys Soccer - Miami Beach 4, Braddock 1 - Tomas Iglesias (MB) 1 goals 1 assist, Marc Amores (MB) 1 goal , Toby Squire (MB) 1 goal, Luis Munoz (MB) 1 goal, Kevin Herrera (MB) 2 assists - 

     
 
FROM OUR COMMUNITY
Calling All Youth Musicians at Beach High
 
In partnership with The Rhythm Foundation, the City of Miami Beach will be hosting its inaugural Youth Music Festival and is looking for talent to take center stage at the North Beach Bandshell on Saturday, March 18, 2017. This music festival presents a special opportunity to perform live for a large audience on a professional stage.  
Auditions are open for those aged 18 years and younger, and for bands or individuals that perform live music. Performers must play a musical instrument; recorded music is not allowed. Additionally, at least one individual must also be a Miami Beach resident or attend a Miami Beach school.
Those who wish to audition must submit a video recording (YouTube links encouraged) of up to 2 songs via email to [email protected] by Friday, December 16, 2016 at 5 pm, along with a completed application.
Bands and individual performers of any musical genre are encouraged to participate. Performers must be able to perform a minimum 10 minute set. Judges include third generation musician Stephen Gibb, Gloria Gibb, music industry executive Betsy Perez, and Miami Beach Commissioner John Elizabeth Alemán.
Selected youth performers will be announced on or before January 21, 2017. The Miami Beach Youth Music Festival will include a variety of acts, culminating with a well-known headliner to be announced at a later date.
Rock on Miami Beach!
 
Download the application



Run for Our Schools


Superintendent of MDCPS Alberto Carvalho will host the second Superintendent's 5K Challenge - A Race for Education on Saturday, April 1, 2017, 7:30 am to 12 pm, at Museum Park, located at 1075 Biscayne Blvd. (downtown Miami).
The Challenge is part of the Foundation for New Education Initiatives.

School employees, students, and parents are encouraged to participate in this fun and healthy event.

When you register to run/walk, you will be asked to choose a school or administrative site team and run on that team's behalf. Schools will receive 80% of the funds raised by participants who selected to participate on their school's team. All proceeds will fund District initiatives, such as The Parent Academy, Cultural Passport, Project UP-START, and the purchase of portable electronic devices with Internet access for students.

Participants must register individually and must designate a team to represent. Participant fees are $30.00 (plus a $2.64 registration fee) for adults and $10.00 (plus a $1.54 registration fee) for students.
Registration will be available on the Eventbrite website beginning in January.

Please see the attached Superintendent's 5K Challenge fact sheet to learn more.
Questions: Ann de las Pozas,
305 995-7317 or
[email protected]g.

 

 
 
 
 

 
 
hi tides
Teachers, Club Sponsors, Parents and Students,
Please send your news and photos with captions
to newsletter editor [email protected]
In This Issue
Calendars
Announcements
From Your PTSA
PTSA Fundraisers
School News
Congratulations to...
Sport Scene
From Our Community
Join Our PTSA!
Take a Seat for Education
Shop at AmazonSmile
Beach Film News
Join our PTSA today! 
Every new member and every membership renewal helps make our school amazing.  Please click the link below and use PayPal to join and support the PTSA today.  Get involved, get engaged!    
      
 
     
Like us on Facebook

Follow us on TWITTER: @MBSHPTSA
Follow us on Instagram:
Miami Beach Senior High PTSA
 
 
Visit Miami Beach Senior High School online 

MBSH Alumni Association

  
Online
MBSH PTSA Board
2016-2017

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

President
Amelia Gowdy

President in Training
Hillary Frankel

VP Advocacy
Deryn Cowdy

VP Membership
Chrysta Dwyer-Hammon
Stella Gelsomino

VP Fundraising
Robin Wood

Treasurers
Elizabeth Allocco
Sheila Shardlow

Recording Secretary
Pauline Buck
Elisheva Rogoff

Corresponding Secretary
Marina Gallian (newsletter)
Lauren Radick (Social Media)

President Emeritus
Jill Swartz



MBSH PTSA 2016-17
Standing Committees

Academic/Curriculum Issues
Tracy Jackson
Kayla Rynor

Academic Volunteers
Gabriela Hemmerde-Vecco

Academic Achievements/Awards
Stacy Chopp
   
Fundraising Committee
Mike Gruener (Parking Fundraiser)
Jill Muller
 Joe Vazquez
Nancy Wolff-Diaz

Grants
Carmen Barcenas
 Paula Sohn

Health & Wellness
Kara Burnstine

Hospitality & Teacher Appreciation
 Hillary Frankel  
Sophie Trodjman

Programs
Barbara Gelber
Amanda Kleidermacher

Safety and Security
 Jelena Demetriades
Deryn Cowdy
Beth Edwards
Mike Gruener

SHARE/Student Needs Program
Shirley Dominguez
Jill Swartz

Silver Knight
Amelia Gowdy
Karen Edelstein
 
Team Run for Education
Kim Haber

US Gran
t
 Corey Narson

MBSH PTSA 2016-17
Liaisons

Ada Merritt
Theresa Pinto

Athletic Liaison
Jelena Demetriades

AVID
Beth Edwards

City of Miami Beach
Leslie Rosenfeld

EESAC
Tracy Jackson

IB/Scholars Liaison
Marina Gallian
 
Nautilus Middle School
Carmen Barcenas

Ruth K. Broad K-8
Dalia Blumstein

QEC
Kayla Rynor

Teacher Representative
Ms. Gussie Sakowicz

Student Representatives
Alex Radick (Student Council President)
Jamila Gowdy (Advocacy)
Jalen Shojgreen (Senior Class President)
 
Principal

John Donohue


Leave Your Footprints at Beach High:
Take a Seat for Education

An opportunity to make a donation, leave a legacy and take a seat for education in support of MBSH! You will receive a plaque on the back of one of the auditorium seats. If we sell enough seats we will be able to fund teacher and department grants in 2016-2017

Please download a form, fill it out including the message with up to 3 lines of text, and send it with a check payable to the MBSH PTSA at Miami Beach Senior High, 2231 Prairie Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139.

Contact : [email protected] 
Shopping at Amazon? Start at Amazon Smile and Help Your PTSA

 
What is AmazonSmile? 
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you.

How do I shop at AmazonSmile?
Simply go to smile.amazon.com and search for the following charity: "Miami Beach Sr High School PTA". It's that simple. For every purchase you make, AmazonSmile will make a donation to Beach High.



Can I use my existing Amazon.com account on AmazonSmile?
Yes, you use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile.  

Info and registration: smile.amazon.com
 
Add a bookmark to AmazonSmile to remember to start your shopping there.
The Office Depot Program for Schools

Support your school while shopping for school and office supplies - it doesn't cost you a penny!
Office Depot and Office Max run a charity program to support public schools. It gives 5% of your purchase to the school you designate, without any additional cost to you.

At the register, before paying, please ask the cashier to add Beach High ID to include your purchase in the "Give Back to Schools". Beach High ID is 70022680. If you don't remember this ID number, ask the cashier to check it out for you - they have a book listing all schools' ID's. If the cashier is not familiar with the program, ask for a a supervisor's help.

Thank you for your support of our students and teachers!

The Beach Film News Is Back!
Please click on the link below to watch the first episodes that the Beach High crew, under the direction of Ms. Pierce, has put together so far.