Miami Beach Senior High PTSA E-Newsletter 
 
                October 22, 2017 - Volume # 9                       
            Mark Your Calendar! Many Events Are Coming up!                     
                                


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DASHBOARD

October - November Calendar  
 
  • October 24, Committee for Quality Education meeting, 9-11 am, City Hall.
  • October 24, Amnesty International Immigrant Pride Day. Students can wear a shirt representing their country of origin. See announcements.
  • October 25, PTSA General Meeting, 6 pm, Auditorium. See flyer below.
  • October 26, End of the First Grading Period.
  • October 26, FAFSA workshops, Media Center, 6-8 pm. See article below.
  • October 26, Scholars-IB orientation, 6 pm, Auditorium. See flyer below.
  • October 27, Teacher Planning Day, no school.
  • October 28, ACT test. Registered students.
  • October 30, Beginning of the Second Grading Period.
  • November 1, Dr. Karp' Town Hall Meeting, "Opioid Crisis", North Miami Beach Sr. High, 6:30 pm. See flyer below.
  • November 2, Registration deadline for December 2 SAT test.
  • November 3, Registration deadline for December 9 ACT test.
  • November 4, SAT test. Registered students.
  • November 9, FAFSA workshops, Media Center, 6-8 pm. See article below.
  • November 10, Veterans' Day, no school.
  • November 14, PTSA Board Meeting, Media Center, 7:30-9 am. Everybody is welcome!
  • November 15, EESAC meeting, 2:30 pm.
  • November 16, Give Miami Day. Please consider a donation to our PTSA! See article below.
  • November 17, Late registration deadline for December 2 SAT test.
  • November 17, Alumni Association 19th Annual Hall of Fame Induction, Temple Israel of Greater Miami, 11:30 am - 2 pm. See flyer below.
  • November 17, AOHT Silent Auction. Culinary Class. Schedule to be announced.
  • November 22, Teacher Planning Day, no school.
  • November 23-26, Thanksgiving days.
  • November 28, Committee for Quality Education meeting, 9-11am, City Hall.
  • November 30, FAFSA workshops, Media Center, 6-8 pm. See article below.

      
Please note: all dates are tentative. 
 
 
 
 
2017-2018 NEW REVISED School Calendar
 
As a result of Hurricane Irma, Miami-Dade County Public Schools had to cancel seven days of school last month. The School Board decided that the loss of instructional time impacted students' learning and therefore adjusted the school calendar by converting two Teacher Planning Days and three Early Release Days into regular school days. The impacted dates are:
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)
   
 
 

Miami Beach Senior High School Code is 101140 for both tests.  
 
 
 
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
Free November SAT registration and CSS Profile fee waiver for Hurricane Irma-impacted students: to support students and families affected by Hurricane Irma, the College Board will offer a free November SAT registration and a CSS Profile fee waiver.
 
ACT waivers have arrived. See Ms. Sahwell if you are registering for the ACT and are in the Free or Reduced Lunch program.
 
Tuesday, October 24 is Amnesty International Immigrant Pride Day. Students can wear a shirt representing their country of origin. Amnesty International and other clubs will have booths set up during lunch celebrating immigrants as well as providing resources for immigrant students.     
 
CRES Club will be meeting in the Media Center this and every Wednesday after school at 2:20 pm. CRES Club's main purpose is to prepare and help ESOL students to graduate and get a post-secondary education.
 
Thursday, October 26 will be a Jersey Day. For just a $2 donation to United Way, you may wear a jersey or sports t-shirt to school. You may buy the wristband at the SGA tables during lunch on October 25 or at the front gate on October 26. All students that participate in Jersey Day will be invited to the Teacher vs. Student Basketball Game during 8th period on October 26. If anyone is interested in playing in the Teacher Vs Student Basketball Game, please see Coach Moore.
 
Students of Beach High, come spend your Friday lunches learning more about JSU, holidays, traditions, and fun events planned in Miami! The Jewish Student Union has begun their Friday lunches last week. On Fridays, come during 1st or 3rd lunch to Room 247 to learn more. Food will be provided.
 
  
Questions regarding student clubs or activities? Email our Student Government at
    
 
FROM YOUR PTSA
 
   
Please Join Us at Our PTSA General Meeting 
 
Meet our new Principal Dr. Maria Rodriguez and Assistant Principals Dr. Blanca Cespedes, Dr. Isolyn Hillhouse, Mr. Daniel Ponkey, and Ms. Pamela Taylor. Hear about their vision and goals for Beach High on Wednesday, October 25 at 6 pm in the Auditorium. All students that attend will receive community service hours.  

 
What Is Give Miami Day?
 
Give Miami Day is the biggest annual online giving event in South Florida. This year, the Miami Foundation will again ignite giving for 24 hours beginning midnight on November 16. 
The Miami Foundation, Knight Foundation and other partners will maximize the community's generosity by making a bonus gift for every donation between $25 and $10,000 received on November 16.
By donating to your PTSA through Give Miami Day, your donation stretches farther!   
Please support the Miami Beach Senior High community by making a charitable gift. 
MBSH PTSA GMA pledge cards will be distributed soon!
Visit  givemiamiday.org for more information and click on Miami Beach Senior High PTSA to make your online donation on November 16.
Your assistance will transform the educational experience of the children at Beach High!
 
 
     
   
 
Paint with a Twist and with a Real Artist
 
Thanks to all for coming out and paint with us, alongside Haitian artist Edouard Duval-Carrie!  
 
 
 
 
 
PTSA Board Meeting Dates
 
All meetings are from 7:30 to 9 am.
November 14, 2017
December 12, 2017
January 9, 2018
February 13, 2018
March 13, 2018
April 10, 2018
May 8, 2018
   
 
   Next PTSA Board Meeting: 
   Tuesday, November 14, 7:30 - 9 am 
   in the Media Center.
   Everybody is welcome!
 
 
 
  

 
SCHOOL NEWS
Please Join Us at the IB - Scholars Information Meeting
 
 
 
Time to Apply to the Scholars Academy
 
The Pre-IB Scholars Academy application process for the 2018-2019 school year will start on November 1, 2017. The application form will be uploaded on the school website in the next few days.
Please click here for information and requirements.
     
  
 
Get Your Copy of the Yearbook  
 
To buy a Yearbook go to: www.yearbookordercenter.com and use code 1985. Don't forget that Yearbooks are now $65 until December 31. After this date, they will be $80.  
If you would like to place an ad in the yearbook, please see the flyer below.
 
 
 
 
Subscribe to Beach Film News on YouTube  
 
 
Tune in to Miami Beach Senior High's weekly broadcast. Uploads every Thursday evening.  
 
 
     
 
   
 
LIFE ON CAMPUS
Don't Miss the First Play of the Year   
 
The Thespians have been putting on a hauntingly beautiful show last Thursday and this Tuesday, October 24 at 7pm. Check with your teachers if they are giving extra credit to students who attend. It's $5 a ticket at the door. Come support your fellow students!
 
   
 
 
School Beautification   
 
During Service Day on Saturday, October 14, students and volunteers expanded the edible garden in the courtyard and helped paint the school. See them in action in the photos below.
 
 
 
          
 
Juniors Families, This Is for You
 
If you missed the Junior Parent Night, you can watch the Power Point Presentation of the meeting here.  
See photos of the meeting below.
 
 
   
 
The Beach High Clinic
 
Where: the Clinic is located in the Attendance office - entrance from the courtyard.
When: Monday to Friday, 7am to 3pm.
Who: Nurses Antonia Suarez-Porro and Darline Metayer work at our Clinic.
What: the nurses will provide basic first aid, address stomachache, small injuries, and will administer hot and cold compresses. They can administer medications only with parents' and physician's consent. No over the counter medications will be dispensed unless a medical consent is on file (it can be obtained at the Clinic). In case of a serious emergency, parents and rescue services will be called.  
The Clinic works with the school psychologist and the Social Worker to address psychological and emotional issues. Social Worker Noria Curia is available every Friday at the Beach High Clinic.
The Beach High Clinic is dedicated to beloved former principal Dr. Solomon S. Lichter, who was Beach High principal from 1967 to 1977.
Info: 305-576.6611 ext. 9002. 
 
 
 
       
 
CONGRATULATIONS TO
Spotlights on the Debate Team   
 
Congratulations to the MBSH Speech and Debate Team and Coach Russ Rywell who were recognized by the City of Miami Beach Commission last Wednesday at City Hall. The team received the award based on their stellar performance at the 2017 National Speech and Debate Tournament in Birmingham, Alabama. The National Speech and Debate Association named Beach High a 2017 School of Excellence in Debate and recognized Coach Russell Rywell with a Third Diamond Key Award. At Nationals, Guido Dominguez and Alexander Sherer tied for 5th place in the Nation in Public Forum Debate. Miami Beach's other Public Forum Debate Team, Jared Stein and Tali Peretz, also made it to the elimination rounds.
In the speech events, Darlene Adirika made the elimination rounds in both Program of Oral Interpretation and Prose, and Ely Martinez advanced in Story Telling. In addition, Abby Gualda, Anna-Maria Nuryasin, Ely Martinez, and Amanda Collado-Mesa competed in Duo Interpretation. The Debate Team would like to thank the Miami Beach Commission for the recognition and especially Commissioner Micky Steinberg who nominated the Team.  
 
 
Photo above: the Debate Team with Commissioner Steinberg and Mr. Rywell at the City Hall. Photo below: Assistant Principal Mr. Ponkey attended the recognition ceremony and congratulated the students for their achievements.  
 
 
 
 
Last weekend our Debate Team traveled to New York to participate in a tournament at the Bronx High School of Science.
 
It was a fantastic learning experience.
 
Congratulations to Abby Gualda and Anna-Maria Nuryasin for scoring 2nd place in Duo!  
 
See them in the photo on the right with Mr. Rywell.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Congratulations to the MBSH Speech and Debate Team and Coach Russ Rywell for another outstanding performance at the SFCFL 1 hosted by West Broward High School this past Saturday, October 21.  
 
 
  • Scott Kauffman and Guido Dominguez won 1st place in Varsity Public Forum Debate.
  • Matteo Bombicci-Ponte won 1st place in Novice Congress Chamber B.
  • Sofia Iacobacci won 2nd place in Novice Congress Chamber A.
  • Sarina Samuel and Amanda Mayer won 6th place in Novice Public Forum Debate.
The team showed a strong presence in anticipation to the trip to the Blue Key Debate Tournament to be held at the University of Florida, Gainesville the upcoming weekend.
Keep up with the good work Hi Tide Debaters!  
The Team is pictured in the photos above and below.
 
 
 
 
The NJROTC Place Third at Competition
 
 
 
On September 30, the Academic Team of the NJROTC (photo above) participated in a competition with 16 teams from several schools at the Charles V. Flanagan High School. This competition was about Academic knowledge of Military, History, Science, Math, among other subjects. It was called Cowboy-Falcon Brain Brawl. Our school won 3rd place under the direction of Team Commander Cadet Ensign Kyan Bravo and the supervision of Capt. Paul Gallagher.
In the photo above, from left: Cadets Tatiana Escudero, Moraima Diaz, Kyan Bravo, Michael Spencer, Marcos Gonzalez, and Julien Alonso.
 
We are very proud of our Cadets!  
 
 
 
       
 
SENIOR CORNER
Senior News
 
Free November SAT registration and CSS Profile fee waiver for Hurricane Irma-impacted students: to support students and families affected by Hurricane Irma, the College Board will offer a free November SAT registration and a CSS Profile fee waiver.
 
ACT waivers have arrived. See Ms. Sahwell if you are registering for the ACT and are in the Free or Reduced Lunch program.
    
 
FAFSA Workshop New Dates
 
Ms. Sahwell will hold four workshops for all seniors to help students and families to apply for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA workshops will be held in the Media Center from 6 to 8 pm on the following dates:
October 26
November 9
November 30
For more info and to RSVP (mandatory), please click here: FAFSA workshops RSVP.  
See below a photo of the first FAFSA Workshop.

 
 
 
Everything about the College Application Process
 
If you miss the Senior Parent Night presentation, you can catch up by clicking on this link and read the Power Point Presentation: Senior Parent Night.  
 
 
 
 
 
SPORT SCENE
Golf Star Goes to Regionals
 
Congratulations to Alexandra Delisle and Coach Garcia on a great performance at the Golf District Tournament on Wednesday. Alexandra finished in 2nd place with a score of 87 which qualified her for the Regional Tournament. She is one of 3 girls that qualified for Regionals taking place on Monday, October 23 at Weston Country Club. Go Hi-Tides!
 
 
 
 
   
  Volley Girls Going Strong
 
Congratulations to Coach Rembo Li and the Girls Volleyball Team. Varsity won straight sets in District semifinals against Hialeah HS 3-0. Varsity Team placed 2nd in District Finals against Krop HS on Wednesday evening. Principal Dr. Rodriguez and Coach Botto were there to cheer on the team. Next Wednesday they head to the quarterfinals for Regionals. Go Beach VB!


   
 

Try Outs for Girls Soccer

Any girls interested in playing soccer, please go see Coach Monsalve in Room #271 or Mr. Botto. Try outs are still open.
   
 
 
 
FROM OUR COMMUNITY
Survey on Public Schools

Dear Miami Beach Families,
 
We'd like to hear your feedback on Education in the City of Miami Beach. This survey is aligned to our Education Compact and will be used to prioritize potential educational enhancements.
 
Please help us identify how best the City could assist with Educational Initiatives, by prioritizing the importance of the Compact focus area initiatives. The Compact's main focus areas include: teacher recruitment and retention, enhanced communication of educational and community events, family/parental involvement in education, community/business engagement, enhanced student health and well-being, improved student achievement, school safety, and technology access.
 
To take part in this survey, click on the link below or enter the link in any web browser:
 
 
The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. The deadline to submit has been extended. Please submit by October 25, 2017.
Thank you in advance for your assistance and cooperation.



 
Miami Beach Expands Behavioral Health Access Program
 
 
To download this flyer in Spanish, please click here.
 
Since 2016, the City of Miami Beach has worked collaboratively with The Children's Trust, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Beach Chamber Education Foundation and Borinquen Health Care Center to provide comprehensive on-site services such as social-emotional screenings, behavioral assessments, crisis interventions and counseling to Beach High and all other public school on the Beach.
By virtue of the program's inspiring impact, the State Attorney's Safer and Healthier Community Fund, through The Miami Foundation, has awarded the school-based initiative $50,000 to expand its services.
In an effort to create more opportunities for middle and high school students to receive the help they need to succeed, funds are used to hire a full-time licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) - continuing to make the city the only municipality providing full-time mental health support in public schools throughout Miami-Dade County.
Too often, the biggest obstacle relating to substance abuse involves unattended mental health issues. With grant assistance, the school-based initiative will target behavioral health from this necessary perspective and introduce additional expert help. Nurses, social workers and city staff will work collaboratively to identify high-risk behaviors that lead to substance abuse and impaired driving by providing early assessments and promoting awareness among students, parents and teachers.
 
 The Dual Enrollment Program
 
 
 

To download this flyer in Spanish, please click here.
 
     
Get Ready to Rock during the Second Annual #MBYouthFest
 
In partnership with the Rhythm Foundation, the City of Miami Beach will be hosting its Second Annual Youth Music Festival, and is looking for talent to take center stage at the North Beach Bandshell on Saturday, March 17, 2018. Auditions are now 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. At least one of the musicians must be a Miami Beach resident, attend a Miami Beach school or be a child of a City of Miami Beach employee. Those who wish to audition must submit a video recording (YouTube encouraged) of up to two songs via email to [email protected] by Friday, December 15 at 5 pm along with the completed application that can be found here.
 
 
 
 
Study Abroad in High School - Free
 
 
Apply here. 
 

 

 
 
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In This Issue
Calendars
Announcements
From Your PTSA
School News
Life on Campus
Congratulations to...
Senior Corner
Sport Scene
From Our Community
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MBSH Alumni Association

  
Online
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


Don't Miss Out on the Beach Film News Latest Episodes!

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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.