VCS e-News An Electronic Newsletter from Volusia County Schools April 12, 2013

In this issue… Be There FCAT Testing Schedule Early Release Days Volusia 2013 Graduation Schedule Announced National Bike to School Day Teachers Take Part in Professional Learning Institutes Register Kindergartners in May News of Note Check Out ITV Launchpad

Be There

While eating dinner, ask your teen a question to stretch his/her imagination, such as “If you were the smartest person on earth, what would you use your intelligence to do?”

FCAT Testing Schedule

Below is the state-wide testing schedule for FCAT, which starts on Monday, April 15.

Test Grades Dates April 15-19, 2013 FCAT 2.0 Reading 3, 4, 5, 7*, 8 and 10*

FCAT 2.0 Mathematics 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 FCAT 2.0 Science 5 and 8

April 22 – 26, 2013 FCAT 2.0 Mathematics 5*

FCAT 2.0 Reading 6* and 9*

Those grades denoted with an asterisk will be computer-based tests.

Early Release Days

Due to testing, there are no early release days scheduled for the remainder of April and most of May. Only two early release days remain this school year. They are May 29 and the last day of school, which is a Tuesday, June 4.

Volusia 2013 Graduation Schedule Announced

Graduation ceremonies will be held for area high schools beginning May 30 and ending June 2. Admission will be $3 per person. Parking will be $5 for ceremonies held at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center. Tickets will be presold at each of the high schools. Below is a list of the district's graduation ceremonies and information related to the graduating classes of 2013.

Atlantic High School Graduation: Friday, May 31, 7:30 p.m., Daytona Beach Ocean Center Approximate number of graduates: 225 Senior Awards: Tuesday, May 28, 6:30 p.m., Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church Baccalaureate: Monday, May 20, 7 p.m., Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Port Orange Class Motto: “There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called Yesterday and the other is called Tomorrow. Today is the right day to Love, Believe, Do and mostly Live.” – Dalai Lama XIV Class Song: “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey Class Colors: teal, silver and black Class Flower: Tiger Lily

DeLand High School Graduation: Sunday, June 2, 7:30 p.m., Daytona Beach Ocean Center Approximate number of graduates: 535 Senior Awards: Wednesday, May 1, 7 p.m., DeLand High School Auditorium Baccalaureate: Tuesday, May 28, Time/Place: TBA Class Motto: “Best you have ever seen” Class Song: “We Are Young” by Fun Class Colors: green and gold Class Flower: Forget-Me-Not

Deltona High School Graduation: Friday, May 31, 4 p.m., Daytona Beach Ocean Center Approximate number of graduates: 325 Senior Awards: Thursday, May 23, 6:30 p.m., Deltona High School Auditorium Baccalaureate: Tuesday, May 21, 7 p.m., Deltona Alliance Church Class Motto: “Living the Dream, Class of 2013.” Class Song: “Tattoos on This Town” by Jason Aldean Class Colors: blue and silver Class Flower: Blue Hibiscus

Mainland High School Graduation: Sunday, June 2, noon, Daytona Beach Ocean Center Approximate number of graduates: 365 Senior Awards: Thursday, May 23, 7 p.m., Peabody Auditorium Baccalaureate: Sunday, May 26, 6 p.m. Providence Church Class Motto: “The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.” Class Song: “Walking on a Dream” by Empire of the Sun Class Colors: blue and gold Class Flower: Blue Rose

New Smyrna Beach High School Graduation: Sunday, June 2, 3:30 p.m., Daytona Beach Ocean Center Approximate number of graduates: 420 Senior Awards: Thursday, May 30, 6:30 p.m., New Smyrna Beach High School Auditorium Baccalaureate: Tuesday, May 28, 7 p.m., First Baptist Church, Family Life Center Class Motto: "We may not know where we are going, but we are on our way.” - Unknown Class Song: “How Far We’ve Come” by Matchbox Twenty Class Colors: red, black and white Class Flower: Night Blooming Cereus

Pine Ridge High School Graduation: Saturday, June 1, 1 p.m., Daytona Beach Ocean Center Approximate number of graduates: 375 Senior Awards: Thursday, May 23, 7 p.m., Pine Ridge High School Auditorium Baccalaureate: Tuesday, May 21, 6 p.m., Deltona Lakes Baptist Church Class Motto: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” Class Song: “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day Class Colors: teal, black, and gold Class Flower: White Rose

Seabreeze High School Graduation: Saturday, June 1, 4:30 p.m., Daytona Beach Ocean Center Approximate number of graduates: 380 Senior Awards: Monday, May 20, 6 p.m., Seabreeze High School Auditorium Baccalaureate: Thursday, May 23, 6 p.m., St Brendan Catholic Church Class Motto: “You can’t discover new oceans without leaving the shore.” Class Song: "Home” by Phillip Phillips Class Colors: red and white Class Flower: Hibiscus

Spruce Creek High School Graduation: Saturday, June 1, 8 p.m., Daytona Beach Ocean Center Approximate number of graduates: 678 Senior Awards: Thursday, May 30, 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach Baccalaureate: Tuesday, May 28, 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach Class Motto: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." – Eleanor Roosevelt Class Song: “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey Class Colors: black and gold Class Flower: Tiger Lily

Taylor Middle-High School Graduation: Thursday, May 30, 7 p.m., Edmunds Center, Stetson University Approximate number of graduates: 124 Senior Awards: Wednesday, May 15, 6:30 p.m., Taylor Middle-High School Auditorium Baccalaureate: Wednesday, May 29, 6:30 p.m., Taylor Middle-High School Auditorium Class Motto: “I’m so glad we had this time together, just to have a laugh or sing a song, seems we just get started and before you know it, comes the time we have to say so-long.” Class Song: "Laughed Until We Cried” by Jason Aldean Class Colors: black and silver Class Flower: Stargazer

University High School Graduation: Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m., Daytona Beach Ocean Center Approximate number of graduates: 512 Senior Awards: Wednesday, May 22, 6:30 p.m., Volusia County Baptist Church Baccalaureate: Wednesday, May 15, 6 p.m., Volusia County Baptist Church, Orange City Class Motto: “Living the Dream, Class of 2013” Class Song: "Hall of Fame” by The Script Class Colors: orange and white Class Flower: Lily

National Bike to School Day

There have been 25 pedestrian accidents this school year with 17 of those accidents involving students riding their bikes to or from school. National Bike to School Day will take place on May 8, as part of National Bike Month. This event encourages children to safely bicycle or walk to school and provides an opportunity for schools across the country to join together to celebrate. Kids are encouraged to bike (or walk) to school for three main reasons: • To enhance the health of kids - Increased physical activity can combat a host of health problems facing kids today. • To improve air quality and the environment - Replacing car trips to school with walking or bicycling can help reduce air pollution and traffic. • To create safer routes for walking and bicycling - Sidewalks, education programs and traffic calming measures are some of the ways to improve conditions.

Whatever the reason may be, we want students to do it safely. Listed below are a few of the top Bike Safety Tips: • Make sure the helmet fits and your child knows how to put it on correctly. A helmet should sit on top of the head in a level position, and should not rock forward, backward or side to side. The helmet straps must always be buckled. • Adult supervision of child cyclists is essential until a child has good traffic skills and judgment. o Cycling should be restricted to sidewalks and paths until age 10. o Children should be able to demonstrate riding competence and knowledge of the rules of the road before cycling with traffic. • Children should not ride a bicycle when it’s dark, in the fog or in other low-visibility conditions. o If riding at dusk, dawn or in the evening is unavoidable, use a light on the bike and make sure it has reflectors as well. o Wear light-colored clothes and accessories that have retro-reflective materials to improve biker visibility to motorists.

Teachers Take Part in Professional Learning Institutes

More than 200 teachers in Volusia’s beginning teacher program, Empowering Educators for Excellence (E3), attended the second Professional Learning Institute (PLI) at Daytona State College. Meg Roa, professional development specialist, created the series of events to provide teachers new to Volusia County Schools opportunities to develop their expertise in specific instructional best practices. Coordinating the arrangements at Daytona State College was Dr. Les Potter, the Faculty/Academic chair of the College of Education. The PLI event was supported by district content specialists, Instructional Services Teachers on Assignment and VTO trainers.

This is the first year that the beginning teacher program has offered the Professional Learning Institutes, and based on the feedback from the teachers, the PLIs will become the cornerstone of the program. E3 is a comprehensive two-year professional development program for all teachers new to Volusia County Schools, both novice and veteran teachers. The final PLI of the 2013-14 school year will be held on May 2 and DSC will be the host. For more information contact the Office of Professional Development and Support at 386-734-7190, ext. 20548.

Register Kindergartners in May

Volusia County schools will begin registering students for kindergarten May 6 - 10. Exact dates and times are different for each school. For details, parents should call the elementary school closest to them or visit the district’s website at http://myvolusiaschools.org [Click on the Parents icon, then in the Toolbox click General Information. The information is available under the heading for Kindergarten Registration.]

To register a child for kindergarten, the child must be five years old on or before September 1, 2013. Parents or guardians must provide a birth certificate or other legal evidence of date of birth; immunization records signed by a physician; a record of a recent health examination conducted by a Florida physician; and two proofs of residence.

Families who have a summer 2013 VPK certificate may also register their incoming kindergartner to attend VPK this summer when registering for kindergarten. To obtain a summer 2013 VPK certificate from the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia County, families may call (386) 323-2400 or (386) 736-5010.

When the school year begins on August 19, kindergarten students will have the opportunity to get to know their teacher and new routine in a small group setting on their first day. Each of Volusia’s 46 elementary schools will implement a “staggered start” for kindergartners on the first three days of school. With the staggered start, students will receive individualized attention, enabling them to become familiar with their surroundings and school procedures.

Approximately one-third of the class will attend on Monday, August 19, one-third on Tuesday, August 20, and one-third on Wednesday, August 21. All kindergarten students will begin attending classes together on Thursday, August 22. Parents will be notified by their school regarding which day their student will attend.

For more information, call the support services center of Volusia County Schools at (386) 734- 7190, 255-6475, 427-5223 or 860-3322, extension 20000, or the Elementary Curriculum office at extension 20670.

News of Note

Sally Hall was recently named Demonstration Teacher for Atlantic High Multi VE and for the district. Mrs. Hall provides support to other Multi VE teachers throughout the district. She recently had a teacher from Deltona High who teaches Access English and Biology visiting for the day to observe classroom practices. Mrs. Hall demonstrated small and large group instruction, the use of Unique Learning System to deliver instruction in those CORE areas using hands on activities, core vocabulary pictures, visual supports and voice output devices.

Atlantic High hosted its 2nd Annual Family Night with more than 400 people in attendance. Two lucky students each won $300 scholarships to Daytona State College. Jr. ROTC members parked cars and National Honor Society and Finesse also helped with the event. Staff helped with registration, dinner preparations, served as "Break Out” Session speakers. New York Times Best Selling Author, Dr. Sharon Draper was keynote speaker. Families enjoyed dinner, informational sessions, meeting area business leaders and voting for Best of Show awards for the Student Art Show.

Blue Lake Elementary, together with Publix Supermarkets, hosted a Family Math Night April 10 at the DeLand Publix. Blue Lake students practiced math exercises and were given the opportunity to apply what they learned in school and use it in real-life situations with their families. A special "Thank you!" to Stetson University’s Department of Teacher Education for their help with his event.

In March the students at Champion Elementary had a chance to enjoy seeing beautiful antique cars and some cool hot rod cars. Members from local car clubs came to the school for the day to display their cars and answer questions. Students were given a scavenger hunt full of math questions related to the cars that encouraged them to talk to the owners of the cars. Younger students enjoyed the visit from a guest reader who read “Hot Rod Hamster,” a fun story centered around cars.

Champion Elementary took part in the 2012-2013 Ronald McDonald pop tabs program. In this program students collected the pop tabs to recycle and help raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. Pop tabs from each school will be weighed and the number of pounds collected will be translated into dollars and donated to Ronald McDonald house Charities of Central Florida to help families with sick children. This year the students and staff at Champion Elementary collected 187 lbs of pop tabs. Everyone at the school was excited to help and were thrilled with what they accomplished by working together.

Marla DeLoach Griffin, school counselor at Chisholm Elementary, coordinated the school’s annual FCAT Pep Rally complemented by the SGA’s Spirit Week activities. Music teacher, Lisa Lanier, led the crowd in cheers and chants, Extended Day director Ashley Rossi cranked up the crowd with the Wildcat Cheerleaders, and Nikki Dill dazzled the attendees with a performance of her dancing Lady Cats. Principal Carter inspired the students to do their best on the test.

Citrus Grove Elementary is thrilled to announce that two students were chosen as winners of the Walk Safe Statewide Poster Contest for Volusia County. This program is funded through the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. These two students received a pair of sneakers as a prize.

The Daytona Beach Museum of Arts and Sciences provided exciting hands-on activities for Citrus Grove Elementary families during Family Science Night. The students had a chance to explore electric circuits, magnets, robotics and even a mobile Planetarium. Every class in the school performed a science project and created a board. These boards and the fifth grade science projects were displayed in the media center. Seven Citrus Grove students were chosen to represent the school in the county science fair. It was a fabulous night full of science fun.

Veteran soldiers, MSgt Sam Mastrogiacomo and Tech Sgt Ed Safford of the U.S. Army Air Corp, brought history to life as they shared their World War II experiences with 5th grade students at Coronado Beach Elementary School in March. As members of the “Old Soldiers Club” and volunteer speakers for the History In Our Schools program sponsored by Timeless Wings and Wheels Museum of NSB, the veterans told of hair-raising experiences during their service in the U.S. Army Air Corp. Wide-eyed students were bewildered at the thought of being shot at thousands of feet above the earth and living to tell of it as MSgt Mastrogiacomo gave his account of being a gunner on board a B-24 aircraft. Tech Sgt Safford told of learning to communicate in a whole new language as a radio technician when he learned Morse Code to relay coordinates and carry out successful missions aboard his B-17. The gentlemen were accompanied by museum director, Carole Norville, and co-director, Claudia Putney. The veterans patiently answered all of the students’ questions and encouraged the students to continue their fight for freedom and peace in the world.

Mrs. Ling's robotics class and First Lego League team from Creekside Middle demonstrated their robot at the New Smyrna Beach Balloon & Sky Fest last weekend. Sixth graders also demonstrated the balloons that they built in class.

Meryl Liu, 4th grade student at Cypress Creek Elementary, won the 2013 International Cover Contest sponsored by the Music K-8 Magazine. Among thousands of contestants worldwide, her art is featured on the cover of the Vol. 23 No. 5 issue of the magazine. For details visit http://www.musick8.com/contest/winnerslist13.php. For the past several years, students have won numerous music and art awards. These awards are correlated to the dedication and support of the art and music education by the school’s principal, Sandy Russell, who was awarded Principal of the Year for Arts by the Volusia Art Association.

During March, four of the DeBary Elementary Florida Future Problem Solving (FPS) teams attended state competition. Ethan Lasher won 1st place in the junior multi-school division. Matthew Frasco and Coral Estes won the Grand Championship award in the Community Problem Solving division with their after school tutoring project called “A+ and Beyond.” Matthew and Coral will now advance to the International Competition at Indiana University and compete against students from all over the world.

Deltona Lakes Elementary participated in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Pasta for Pennies campaign. Over $2,200 was raised. Each student who donated at least one dollar received a paper penny on display. More than 75 "pennies" adorn the cafeteria wall. Mrs. Castro's third grade class collected the most money and, for their accomplishment, they enjoyed an ice cream party and the traditional Olive Garden pasta party.

Deltona Lakes Elementary enjoyed a fun day of science with the Science Festival hosted by the Orlando Science Center. During the school day, students enjoyed an array of presentations including a digital planet demonstration, the Kaboom! live show and space tech workshop. To culminate the day, students and families were invited to the annual Family Science Night. Families participated in 15 hands-on activities including Discovery Health, astronomy, Human Gross Out (always a favorite!) and physical science.

Deltona Lakes Elementary Student Government Association (SGA) celebrated Friendship Month in February with their Annual Twin Day: Dress Like a Friend. SGA reminded students of the DLE Creed "I treat everyone politely. Showing respect for others shows that I respect myself." Each class was asked to vote for the friendliest student. Under the direction of guidance counselor, Mrs. Bondinell, SGA came up with a list of the Top 10 Friendship Qualities noted in students who had a lot of friends. The list includes: Caring, Share. Respectful, Responsible, Patient, Not Bossy or a Bully, Helpful, Nice to People, Dress Neatly, and Interested in other people.

Friendship Elementary held its first SAC Technology Fair this week. Organizer Jessica Aivazis, Friendship’s SAC Chair and Assistant Principal, planned a fun evening for parents to learn about the school’s technology. SAC business partner, Nilda Acevedo from Best Buy, conducted a session on parental controls using technology. Friendship teachers and the media specialist conducted technology sessions introducing Common Core Standards and iPad technology. Clickers were introduced to parents by using FCAT 2.0 sample questions in an effort to familiarize parents with FCAT questions along with the Student Response System. Friendship’s National Elementary Honor Society members participated as part of their service to the community. Best Buy kindly donated web cams and headphones which were used for parent door prizes and the school donated a $20 Toys R Us gift card, which was a big hit with the students. Parents were introduced to the SAC process and encouraged to become an active part of SAC.

A colossal congratulations to the Heritage Middle School Science Olympiad team and Mr. Cimino for competing against 130 teams in the Science Olympiad State finals in March. Heritage placed 1st among all public schools and finished 3rd in the state. Way to go Heritage! Extra congratulations go out to the teams top winners: Emily Johnson and Jesus Sanchez finished 1st in the rock and minerals competition; Emily Johnson finished 3rd in the disease detectives competition; Taylor Precopio finished 2nd in the boom lever competition; Kim Sapp finished 2nd in the forestry competition; Matthew Hansen finished 3rd in the meteorology competition; and Eddie Lindberg and Jesus Sanchez finished 3rd in the shock value competition.

Heritage Middle received a check for $2,000 from the American Library Association to purchase books and eBooks. Marc Ortiz, an 8th grade Heritage student, entered the WrestleMania challenge by writing a letter to his favorite wrestler, CM Punk, and convincing him to read his favorite book, “Stormbreaker” by Anthony Horowitz. Marc was selected as the regional winner. He spent a weekend in New Jersey meeting all his favorite wrestlers, attended WrestleMania and competed in the Battle of the Book.

Two Ormond Beach Elementary students were selected to show artwork in the 41st Annual Volusia Students Create K-12 Art Show. Student representatives are Robert Pohl, a second grader, and Julian Wood, a fourth grader. The show is being held at the Gateway Center for the Arts through April 12. With over 1,000 artworks entered, judges chose less than 200 for the show. Thank you to art teacher, Mr. Wendell Fuller, for his inspirational teaching and guidance.

Several Osteen Elementary students were selected for Volusia Students Create, as well as to have their artwork displayed in the School Board Chambers in DeLand. A piece by Danielle Henson, third grade, was chosen to be displayed in the Volusia School Board Chamber for a month to help celebrate Youth Art Month. The Osteen students selected to have their work in Volusia Students Create include: Giana Offley, third grade; Kaylee Hollifield, fifth grade; and Luke Ouellette, third grade.

Pathways Elementary first graders receive special help from the "Plant People" with their greenhouse projects. Ms. Vicki Trainer from the “Plant People” has been volunteering her time and supplies to work with the first graders in the greenhouse. On her first visit she brought various grasses, shrubs and plants so the students would be able to identify the differences. On her next visit, she helped them plant vegetables.

Pathways Elementary currently has 60 students in grades 3-5 that have read at least three Sunshine Reading books and passed the reading counts quiz that goes along with the book. The Sunshine State Young Readers voting party will be on April 9. Reading is important to everyone and we are so proud of our students that took the time to read these challenging books on their own.

The Pine Ridge High senior class is hosting a clothing drive to support the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Gently used clothing may be donated through April 15. Contact the school office for more information.

Ashley Dumas, Pine Ridge High junior, won first place for high schools in the Bethune Cookman University 4th Annual Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Women's essay contest. She will receive a $100 scholarship for her essay entitled “Enhancing Character.”

The Pine Ridge High Student Government Association is excited to host the 2013-2014 Mr. and Miss Pine Ridge Contest on Friday, April 12. Come watch the fantastic Class of 2014 contestants light up the stage to the "Jungle Fever" themed show. The contest begins at 7:30 p.m. in the school’s auditorium. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Pine Trail Elementary students and families raised $8,000 for their PTA walkathon. Principal Susan Persis agreed to kiss a horse to say thanks for this successful school-wide event.

Pine Trail Elementary students have a wonderful art exhibit at the entrance to the children’s section of the Ormond Beach Library during the entire month of April. Also, in Ms. Rooy’s art classes, kindergarten through 5th grade, students are experimenting with and creating digital art using iPads. See some of the student art on the school’s newly created blog at www.rooyart.weebly.com

Port Orange Elementary invited students and families to the annual Tiger Artists' Trading Card Night which was held April 11. Students created and traded miniature artwork, met and traded with local guest artists, entered door prizes and enjoyed music for an evening of fun. Two Tiger Artists’ works are on display at the DeLand Boardroom. They are Renee Sanders “Windy Night” and Vanessa Christaldi “Artist Trading Card, Tree of Life.” Vanessa Christaldi was able to present her card to School Board Member Ida Wright at a recent school board meeting.

Families of Port Orange Elementary recently attended a K-2 Common Core Family Math Night event. Parents and guardians received information about the new Common Core State Standards, enjoyed a fun-filled evening of hands-on math activities and learned new math practices and strategies to help their children at home. Every family received a free bag of take- home math materials for their child.

Port Orange Elementary recently competed in the Odyssey of the Mind Regional Meet at Seminole High School. The Odyssey of the Mind program promotes creativity by challenging teams to solve divergent problems, that is, those with more than one solution. Each team had to solve a problem and perform a skit to promote it. This year’s problem included: Pet Project, Tumble-wood and Classics ARTchitecture: The Musical.

The River Springs Middle Student Government Association (SGA) is working to raise money to have skateboard racks (similar to bike racks) installed at the school in memory of student Colin Anderson. Colin was tragically struck by a car while riding his skateboard did not survive his injuries. The school is also the recipient of 40 BMX helmets in Colin's memory donated by Ricky Bates BMX Banned Together, Inc. They are a non-profit company whose main goal is to promote bike and skateboard safety.

Recently, the Southwestern Middle ESE department along with the Jr. Council for Exceptional Children group sponsored a fundraiser recognizing Autism Awareness Day. Students/faculty/staff wore blue for “Light It Up Blue” and donated funds collected from $1 Hat Day. Autism Spectrum Disorders are diagnosed in one in 88 children and one in 54 boys in the United States. Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges.

Spirit Elementary promotes physical fitness in the school on a daily basis for example in PE, students participate in Presidential Fitness testing, and other fitness activities, there is also an after school club Girl's on the Run and a Wednesday morning Walking School Bus program. Spirit Elementary PTA and PE department joined together to hold its first 5K run Saturday morning, March 9, raising money in a healthy way for the school's physical education program. The run attracted over 150 runners. Top runners by age group for Saturday's 5K received medals. Youth runners received special awards made some of Spirit's art classes. Jonathon Barawowski finished first at 18.01 in the adult category. Spirit student Paige Boucher, 10, crossed first in her age group in her first 5K at 25.05. The school raised $2,800.

The Orlando Science Center is bringing a Science Festival to Spruce Creek Elementary on April 30. There will be a Kaboom! show for all students during the day and a Family Science Night in the evening. The Kaboom! show is a theatrical performance that introduces experiments and demonstrations about physical science. The Science Festival will generate enthusiasm for science with an array of experiments and demonstrations. Families will participate in hands-on activities that will supplement the science curriculum.

The Southwestern Middle Jr. Beta Club sponsored a Pupils for Pets Food Drive. Students entered the pet picture contest by bringing in pet food to be donated to The Humane Society. It was fun to see pictures of students’ and teachers’ beloved pets and 105 pounds of food was collected for our furry friends.

Atlantic High and Spruce Creek High students will be performing/hosting the annual Lakeside Jazz Festival at the City Center in Port Orange on April 19 and 20. There will be many professional, middle school, high school and college jazz bands present over the two day event including the jazz bands of Atlantic and Spruce Creek high schools.

The Spruce Creek High "High Stepping Hawks" band won the Best Overall Band award after performing in Dublin, Ireland's "World Famous St. Patty's Day Parade." The marching Hawks were invited to the southern capital city to perform in the event by Dublin Lord Mayor Andrew Montague a year ago. Band members, their parents, teachers and supporters raised $500,000 to cover the cost of the trip, which included the Spruce Creek symphony and marching bands, three jazz bands, two concert bands and the color guard.

On April 12, all Sunrise Elementary students in grades 3, 4 and 5 will be attending a FCAT Pep Rally. Teachers will be performing skits and singing songs about FCAT to remind students that they are prepared to do their personal best.

On May 1, community members, business partners, elected officials and district personnel will be guest speakers at Sunrise Elementary to launch the school’s One Book, One School program. One novel was selected for all teachers to read to their students. The guest speakers will have the opportunity to dedicate the book to the class they are visiting, where they will read the first chapter. The book will be then be left with the class.

Taylor Middle-High 6th grade student, Alyssa Smith, won 3rd place in an essay contest sponsored by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). Alyssa competed with other middle school girls addressing the prompt, "How do your decisions of today affect your dreams of tomorrow?" Alyssa was recognized at the Women in Aviation Day held at ERAU on April 2. The university, in conjunction with Volusia County Schools, hosted the 24th annual Women in Aviation Day. This program is designed for middle school girls with a 2.5 or higher grade point average that would like to explore careers in math, science or aviation/aerospace related fields. Activities included navigation exercises, flight simulations and a tour of static displays. Embry- Riddle students and volunteers lead various hands-on activities and the day culminated with a guest speaker and lunch. A total of 30 Taylor Middle-High school 6th grade girls attended the event. Alyssa received a gift certificate for two free boat or kayak tours at the Marine Discovery Center and a $75 gift certificate toward a 2013 GEMS or STEM Camp hosted by ERAU.

Artwork created by three Taylor Middle-High students has been selected to be on display at the Gateway Center for the Arts through April 12 for the 41st Volusia Students Create Exhibition. Bryan Noriega won 12th place for watercolor, Alondra Bravo won 11th place for paper mache, and Ana Ruiz won 12th place for painting.

Recently, 28 Taylor Middle-High seniors visited the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank in Jacksonville, Florida. Students from Ms. Beaty's economics classes were presented with the challenge of demonstrating academic excellence, diligent attendance and exemplary behavior in order to meet criteria to participate in this field trip. Students fiercely competed for this privilege and those 28 students selected will deepen their understanding of the role and function of the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank.

Every year, the Very Special Arts Volusia and Florida hold a talent show for students with exceptionalities from Volusia and Flagler County. This year, the VSA arranged for artists, musicians and dancers from the community to work regularly with five Volusia County schools to create a special performance or artwork to present at the Talent Show. Timbercrest Elementary’s separate class students, grades K-5, have been working since January with local jazz musician George Sword on a special ensemble using Boom whackers. Boom whackers are a set of colorful tubes each uniquely tuned to play one note. The students and Mr. Sword will perform at the talent show on Friday, May 3, at 7 p.m. at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center. The students are relying on fundraising through a school wide candy sale and donations to rent a bus and buy matching “costumes” for this performance. To attend or offer assistance, contact Michele Sobol or Kathy Lanicci at Timbercrest.

In March, the University High Culinary Gourmet team and Culinary Marketing team competed at the state level with 60 schools across Florida. The gourmet team, Alex Phillips, Wilber Perez and Garrett Cohen, ranked 6th out of 60 teams. The culinary marketing team, Sarah Blair, Chantal Pacquette, Cassandra Izequidero and Kyle Patterson, ranked 11th out of 60 teams. Their project will also go to the Volusia County Literacy Fair.

Members of University High’s HOSA (Health Occupations Student Association) competed at state competition recently at Disney’s Coronado Springs. Two of the eight teams advanced to the HOSA National Competition. Congratulations to all HOSA members and their sponsor Ms. Clayton. Teams advancing to state are: MRC (Medical Reserve Corp) – Previn Coleman and Lauren Bernosky – 2nd place and Extemporaneous Speaking – Paul Bebee – 2nd place.

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