The Oval Online - Shaker Heights High School PTO E-Newsletter

Friday, March 1, 2013

In This Week's Issue This Week & Next Notes & News March 2 8-11 p.m. Winter Dance @ SHHS

Band Notes March 4 6:30 p.m. Band Boosters Meeting@SHMS 7 p.m. Turkey Mini-Curriculum Night Sports News by Professor Saritoprak

Community News March 5 National Greek Exam March 6 National Latin Exam PTO Information 7 p.m. PTO Council Meeting @Onaway March 7 National French Exam Submissions to the Oval? March 8 OJCL Convention @ Columbus March 9 7:45 a.m. SAT Quick Links 7 p.m. Night for the Red & White Contact Email @ Tudor Arms

About SHHS PTO Upcoming Morning Announcements March 10 Turn Clocks Ahead 1 Hour March 11-15 Delayed Start for OGT Testing Online School Calendar (Lunch at 10:45 a.m., classes start 11:39 a.m.) Senior Project 7 p.m. SHHS PTO Meeting & Program March 12 6 p.m. State of the Schools Meeting SHHS Web Page March 13-16 7 p.m. New Stages 31 March 15 & 16 9:15 p.m. New Stages 31 City of Shaker Heights March 20 7 p.m. Choir & Orchestra Pre-Trip Concert March 21 3 p.m. Semanteme Coffee House BOE Sunshine Calendar Schools Strategic Plan 3:30 p.m. Hoops for Hunger Shaker School News Feed Staff v. Student Game 7 p.m. Special Ed Comm Meeting@SHMS March 22 7:30 p.m. Band Pre-Trip Preview Concert March 27 End of 3rd Quarter

Nominating Committee

Proposed SHHS 2013-2014 PTO Board

President Marnee Anderson President Caroline Weingart 1st Vice President Robin Eisen 1st Vice President Marisa Maury VP Communication Darlene Collins Grant VP Educational Enrichment Monica Lacks VP Financial Management Lauren Bowen VP Outreach Molly Ritts VP Parent Education & Advocacy Maria Hunter Secretary Molly Markey Treasurer Charles Crowley Assistant Treasurer Betsy Potiker Nominating Chair Patty Kilroy Nominating Chair Eileen McKeon

Nancy Longman & Dorothea Polster SHHS 2012-2013 Nominating Committee Co-Chairs

NOTES & NEWS Tutoring Center The Tutoring Center is now open. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in rooms 155 and 156. Math, Science and English help will be available. Tutoring Center schedule. There is also assistance in study and organizational skills from 5 to 6:30 p.m.Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Math Study Circles for honors and advanced students will be on Tuesdays from 4 to 6 pm in room 204.

Science Study Circles for honors and AP Science students are every Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00, in Room 274.

Yearbook Price $55- TODAY Friday, March 1st last date to pre-order.

Senior Congratulation Ads Senior Ads are SOLD OUT!

SHHS Science Olympiad Team The Shaker Heights High School Science Olympiad team advances to the State Science Olympiad tournament! The team participated in the Case Western Reserve University Regional Science Olympiad Tournament on Saturday February 23rd, which is one of the most competitive regional tournaments in the Nation. Shaker was one of six teams to advance to the State tournament to be held in Columbus at The Ohio State University in April. The Science Olympiad competition is comprised of 23 different science, technology, and engineering events, and Shaker students placed in the top 5, out of 22 teams, in 10 of the 23 events.

First Place: Sameer Apte, Vishie Betapudi, Jacob Gardner, and Mia Wang. Second Place: Leo Izen, Alex Maytin, Kai Smith, Anno van der Akker, and Ezra Zigmond. Third Place: Linda Fan, Kerstin Niedermaier, and Mia Wang Fourth Place: Ryan LaMonica and Alex Maytin. Fifth Place: Alex Cullina and Joshua Schultheiss.

The students who took part in the regional competition this weekend include: Sameer Apte, Vishi Betapudi, Alex Cullina, Linda Fan, Jacob Gardner, Lee Hsu, Anna Hundert, Ryan LaMonica, Alex Maytin, Liam McFadden, Sam McFadden, Kerstin Niedermaier, Marc Reis, Shaun Roy, Joshua Schultheiss, Evan Seballos, Kai Smith, Maggie Steinberg, Brendan Sullivan, Anno van den Akker, Mia Wang, Yixuan Wang, Luke Zhu, and Ezra Zigmond.Coaches are Mr. Cox, Dr. Marencik, Mr. Moore, and Mr. O'Verko.

The Ohio Graduation Test Each student in Ohio is required to pass the Ohio Graduation Test to earn a High School diploma. The test is administered in five subject areas: Reading, Mathematics, Writing, Science and Social Studies and will be given the week of March 11. Additional information can be found at http://www.shaker.org/TestingState.aspx. If you have specific questions, please contact Karen Slovikovski at [email protected] or 295-4068. Shaker Heights High School provides students with opportunities to prepare for the tests. Here is this week's schedule:

Monday, March 4 During the day, Social Studies review for students recommended by their teachers in the 216 conference room 3:15 - 4:30pm Math in the Small Auditorium for any student taking the test in March

Tuesday, March 5 During the day, Math review for upperclassmen in Upper Cafeteria During the day, Social Studies review for students recommended by their teachers in the 216 conference room

Wednesday, March 6 During the day, Social Studies review for students recommended by their teachers in the 216 conference room 3:30 - 5:00pm Science in room 253B for any student taking the test in March

Thursday, March 7 During the day, Math review for upperclassmen in rooms 14, 18 or 20 During the day, Social Studies review for students recommended by their teachers in the 216 conference room 3:15 - 4:30pm Math in the Small Auditorium for any student taking the test in March

Friday, March 8 During the day, Social Studies review for students recommended by their teachers in the 216 conference room

Advanced Placement Exam Registration DEADLINE THIS WEEK Advanced Placement Exams will be administered May 6 - 16. Registration continues this week. Each student needs to submit a registration form with the signature of each of their AP teachers to Mrs. Neil in the main office. The fee per exam is $89 through this Wednesday, March 6. After March 6, the fee increases to $100 per exam! Payment and registration details can be found on the attachment. Please contact Mrs. Slovikovski at [email protected] or 295-4068 with any questions.

Financial Aid for Advanced Placement Exam Fees PAST DUE Financial Aid is available to students who qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch and others who meet federal income guidelines or have special circumstances. Please contact Mrs. Slovikovski in room 19 or email her at [email protected] IMMEDIATELY. The deadline had been February 27. All information is strictly confidential.

OGT Preparation Calendar AP Registration Form

Shaker Teacher and Students Raise Funds for Leukemia Research

Walker to Run Half Marathon for Leukemia Research was the headline of a recent article in the Shakerite. Jason Walker is a passionate science teacher at Shaker High School training and fundraising to help beat cancer. He is getting great support from three high school students, Tia Morrison, Hannah Harris and Kyra Hall, who are doing community service and their senior project with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS.)

How can we help him with his goal and the Society's mission to beat cancer? * It's easy! You can donate directly to LLS.

* Or come out to a fundraiser (and bring your friends) to Brennan's Colony the evening of Tuesday, March 12th at 2299 Lee Road in Cleveland Heights. Click here for details.

* If neither works for you, please consider donating a silent auction item or gift basket for the March 12th fundraising event. Email Mr. Walker with your donation item.

As you can see our staff and students are making a positive impact in the community and beyond. For more information, you can also contact Holly at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society directly at 216 264-5721.

Hoops for Hunger The annual Staff vs. Student Basketball Game is on Thursday, March 21st, so mark your calendars. The game takes place in the North Gym of the high school right after school (usually starting by 3:30 or 3:45).

For spectators: Admission is $1 or 3 cans with all the money going to the Harvest for Hunger Food Drive. If you can't make the game but would like to make a contribution, click here to donate online or you can send it to Mr. Scanlon at the High School.

Videos of SHHS PTO and Your Teen "The College Event" If you missed "The College Event" in January, videos of the presentations are available online . Find out more about the college process. Topics are: College Sports Recruiting; Teaching Teens Financial Independence; A Parent's Role; The Admissions Process; Finding the Right Fit; and 529 Savings Plans.

AfterProm Raider Earrings - AfterProm 2013 Fundraiser The first order sold out quickly so get yours soon! Earrings are $10 a pair and are being sold to help support the Shaker Heights After Prom.

If you are interested in purchasing a pair or two (or ten), click here to place an order and you will be contacted to arrange delivery/pick up (earrings are available now). (Check, payable to SHHS After Prom 2013 or Cash). Earrings will also be available for sale at some High School Events. Thank you.

Donations: AfterProm is a parent volunteer/funded event, you can donate on Payforit; or send a check, payable to SHHS After Prom 2013, care of Angie Hartman 21111 Sydenham, Shaker Heights, OH 44122. Thank you for your support!

Senior Project Sponsors If you are interested in acting as a Sponsor for Shaker Heights High School's Senior Project, please complete the contact form online and we will add you to our database.

If you have questions or would like to sponsor a student this spring, please contact Judy Malone, [email protected], or 295-8420, or email [email protected]

BAND NOTES Important Turkey Band Trip information:

1. The Shaker Band Boosters invite student and shadow trip goers to an evening with Dr. Zeki Saritoprak on Monday, March 4th at 7:00 pm at the SHAKER MIDDLE SCHOOL Auditorium for a free optional "mini-curriculum night" to hear about the culture, history, and religion of Turkey. Dr. Saritoprak, a native of Turkey, is the Professor of Islamic Studies at John Carroll University.

2. Get informed on trip plans: Please join the trip feedblitz group by going to shakerbandtrip.blogspot.com and typing in your email address. The band department will use this to help send out information regarding the trip. In addition, you can join the facebook group: Shaker Bands International Trip as well as follow the band twitter feed at Theshakerbands

3. Mark your calendars: important trip meeting with Jeff Goldsmith of GrandTours will be held Tuesday, March 19th at 7 pm in the high school large auditorium! All trip goers should plan on attending. Also the pre-trip concert is Friday, March 22 at 7:30 pm in the North Gym. The band students will perform wearing their marching band uniforms and afterwards will meet their chaperones.

4. UPDATE: All trip goers are ENCOURAGED to get an Influenza shot as well as the first Hepatitis A shot - at least get the first one (in a series of two) a month before departure. Note - you can also contact your own physicians to arrange to get this shot.

5. Students and chaperones can start turning in their passports to the High OFFICE. The passports will be copied and stored until the trip.

6. TURN in forms (Extended Travel Permission and Medical Form; School Medication/Asthma form; and the District Release Form) to Lisa Gibson at the Administration Building by Feb 27th

7. Uniform thoughts: Students need to get their marching band uniforms dry cleaned! Raincoats and hats of student trip goers will be collected at the trip meeting, March 19.

8. FAQ # 1 and FAQ # 2 , click to view.

Note: shadow trip goers should be getting specific information from GrandTours regarding its requirements on the passports, etc.

Turkey Travel Information Turkey Trip Health Requirements

The Shaker Schools Foundation cordially invites you to a Special Percussion Concert

March 5, 2013, 7:30 p.m. in theLarge Auditorium, Shaker Heights High School

The concert features music for the keyboard-percussion instruments, marimba and vibraphone. Professional musician Luke Rinderknecht (SHHS 2001) is organizing a performance of pieces for one, two, three, and four percussionists. Guest musicians are Dinesh Joseph (SHHS 1998), Jacob Nissly (Cleveland Orchestra, principal percussion), and Jeff DeRoche.

Concert proceeds will benefit the Charlotte Braverman Music Enrichment Fund of the Shaker Schools Foundation.

Ticket Prices $30 center orchestra seat and inclusion in program book $15 side and balcony seat $10 Shaker faculty and staff $5, student with ID at the door ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED

For more information, call 216-295-4329 or visit http://shaker.org/ssfEvents.aspx

A Night for the Red & White Presented by The Friends of the Shaker Schools Foundation Saturday, March 9, 2013; 7:00 pm Tudor Arms Hotel - DoubleTree by Hilton (10660 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, OH)

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no tickets available at the door. Tickets may be purchased at the Admin Building until 4 p.m. on Friday, March 8.

What is A Night for the Red & White? A Night for the Red & White is a celebration of our community and our schools working together to raise funds for enrichment activities focusing on the arts, humanities, technology, health and fitness in the Shaker Heights City School District. The event is hosted by the Friends of the Shaker Schools Foundation, a large and diverse group of volunteers who work closely with the Shaker Schools Foundation. Click here for more information.

SPORTS NEWS -- GO RAIDERS!! [vs.= home game and @=away game] Athletic events are listed online at Digital Sports. For Shaker Heights High School athletic information and news visit the athletic department's web page on shaker.org.

Men's Basketball Saturday, March 2 2:30PM @Solon HS/OHSAA Sectional (vs. John Adams) Thursday, March 7 7 p.m. @Solon HS/District Semifinal Saturday, March 9 2:30 p.m. @Solon HS/District Final

Ice Hockey Friday, March 1 7:30 p.m. SHHS vs. US @ District Championship/Kent

Swimming Wednesday, March 6 7 p.m. & Team Awards@SHHS Planetarium

Congratulations to Lauren Vavruska. Lauren finished tied for 13th in the 50 freestyle at the State Swimming and Diving Championships held in Canton, Ohio February 21-23, 2013. Lauren also competed in the 100 free, finishing 23rd. Her 13th place finish earned her All- Ohio honors. Congratulations, Lauren.

Wrestling Friday, March 1 All Day @OSU/State Tournament Saturday, March 2 All Day @OSU/State Tournament

Congratulations to Kevin Agee for becoming the first Shaker wrestler to qualify for the state tournament since 2009. Kevin placed 4th at the district tournament and will compete in Columbus this weekend. Also placing 6th at the district tournament was Andre Lowery.

Track and Field Friday, March 8 4 p.m. @Indoor Meet/Spire Institute

Women's Friday, March 8 5 p.m. vs. Archbishop Hoban High School

Baseball The Shaker Heights HS program is holding its annual Mattress Sale Fundraiser on Sunday, April 14, 2013. This event has grown significantly in the past two years thanks to the support of the Shaker Heights community. If you are in the market for a new mattress, then look no further - this event is your answer for all your mattress needs.

Please click here for specific information on available brands and potential cost savings for this event. Feel free to pass this information and flyer along to any family or friends who may be interested.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, April 14, 2013.

Cheerleaders THE SHHS CHEERLEADERS' "STIRRIN' UP SOME S-P-I-R-I-T" COOKBOOKS ARE HERE!! These cookbooks would make a great gift. Many of the recipes were submitted by our own cheerleaders, parents, teachers and staff members. THEY ARE ONLY $10 each :) They may be purchased at all remaining SHHS BOYS Varsity Home basketball games, from Coach Long at SHHS (295-4200) or from Coach White at SMS (295-4100). Thanks again for your support !!

Crew Calling all Amazon shoppers! Please consider participating in a very easy fundraiser for the Shaker Crew teams. For every transaction you make on Amazon.com, 4% of your purchase value will be donated to the Shaker Crew account. All you have to do is go to www.shakerheightscrew.org and click on the Amazon icon which pops up on the right of your screen. Once you click, you are directed to the Amazon site and you can continue to shop as usual. All your purchases are automatically credited to the Crew account. Easy!

Don't Forget Market Day. Stock up on all your tasty snacks, entrees and desserts by ordering food from www.marketday.com and help us raise money for the Shaker Heights Crew teams. Select your food items, enter the Shaker code (5505) and complete your purchase with a credit card. Order by Tuesday, March 12 for pick-up at Woodbury School on Saturday, March 16, 10-11 a.m. Questions? Call Nancy Jackson 283-6897 or Kerry Rafferty 921-2125.Thank you for your support.

"Hey, where's my team's information?" If you don't see your team's upcoming games listed or results from matches/games it's because nobody sent them to the Oval. To get games/matches listed or results . . . send them to [email protected] before NOON on Thursday.

*Please note: Coaches and the Oval Editor do their best to get the right spellings for athletes' names but there may be mistakes now and then. Feel free to email me at [email protected] with any corrections and I will note corrections forward them on to the appropriate contact. Thank you for your understanding. Stacey Reed, Oval Editor 2012-13 2:30 p.m. vs. Martin Luther King High School (Varsity)

Community News Flu Shots are still available! The Shaker Heights Health Department still has stock of flu vaccine, both injectable and inhaled.

They are adding daily clinics to accommodate people who have not yet had the vaccine. The Health Department is strongly encouraging flu shots for everyone aged 6 months of age and older.

People interested in scheduling should call 216-491-1480. Prices are $30.00 for adults and $12.00 for children 6 months to 18 years.

Please remember to keep your children home from school when they are sick and encourage them to practice good hand and cough hygiene!

Shaker Youth Baseball League - Senior League Registration (March 9) Spring is coming soon! SYBL is a recreational summer program for Shaker Heights School District residents. The Seniors League is for students currently in grades 7-10 (the student must not turn 17 before Aug. 1, 2013). Season runs May through July. Evaluations for team placement are held in April. Phone registration not accepted. Fees are $100 per player / $250 per family; financial assistance is available to qualifying families. Registration is on Saturday, March 9 at Thornton Park between 8:30 and 4. It is a fun league, where you can play baseball with and against your friends. For additional information, please see www.sybl.com.

Shaker Heights Youth Center Annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Attention all youth ages 10-18: Enter a team in the Shaker Heights Youth Center 3-on- 3 Basketball Tournament for a fun day of playing basketball with your friends! The games will be held on Saturday, March 9th at 9:00 a.m. at the Shaker Heights Middle School. Put a team of 3 or 4 players together (boys, girls, co-ed) for a chance to win a trophy. Each player will receive a t-shirt. Call 216-752-9292 for an entry form, fee or for more information. Or log on to shakerheightsyouthcenter.org to download an entry form.

NEW Asperger's Adult Group An open forum where adults with Asperger's to meet other adults on the spectrum and discuss pertinent issues in their lives. The meetings will be facilitated by Doug Blecher who has worked with people on the spectrum for 11 years. During the last 3 years he has facilitated an adult support group for the Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati. Meetings hosted at Beachwood Public Library (25501 Shaker Blvd) on the 4th Sunday of each month. The first meeting will take place on: JANUARY 27 (18 -25 years old, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; 26 years and older, 3-4p.m.). RSVP required: [email protected]

Adult English Language Classes: Now Twice a Week The Adult English Language Classes meet on Tuesday AND THURSDAY mornings from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. No children please. You do not have to attend each week. The classes are very informal. Carole Lee teaches the Tuesday class and Angela Bailey- Sundal teaches the Thursday class.

The classes meet at Plymouth Church, 2860 Coventry Road at Drexmore Road in Shaker Heights in room 104. Registration is not required- just come and have fun. There is no fee. Your friends and relatives are welcome to attend the classes, too. Please call Ellen Potter at 216-952-7137 with questions.

Alateen Interested students are welcome to join this group. It meets every Thursday, from 4 to 5 p.m., in Room G (second floor) of the Shaker Heights Public Library, 16500 Van Aken Boulevard. Alateen is a fellowship of young people whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking or substance abuse. During meetings guided by two adult Al-Anon members, teens share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other and learn new ways of coping. For more information, call Pat at 375-4387 or Chris at 295-4232.

Lake Erie Ink LEI Comic Con Saturday! On March 2, from 10-3 pm, LEI is holding our first annual comic con. Learn about comics and create your own, in workshops facilitated by: Derf (My Friend Dahmer & Trashed), Elyria Comic Book Initiative, Molly Durst (Symphony of the Universe), Jay Fife, Martinez E. Garcias & Damien Forshe (Brink City), Jon Hodges (Bad Place Productions), Karen Sandstrom, Ralph Solonitz.. Workshops will include: editorial cartoons, making multi-page and single page comics, keeping a sketchbook, superheroes who change the world,and more. Derf will lead a special all-day workshop for teens ages 13 and up. Register online. Lake Erie Ink's Comic Con is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.

Ballet Jeunesse Ballet Jeunesse in concert: You are invited to watch Shaker High School students Maria Slovikovski, Julia Thome, Anna Seballos and others perform classical ballet, modern and contemporary dance pieces with Ballet Jeunesse on Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16 at 7:30 pm at the Hawken Upper School Auditorium on County Line Road, Gates Mills, Ohio. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. For tickets or more information call 216-464-6681.

Effective Leadership Academy Opportunity for Sophomores and Juniors Effective Leadership Academy is a growing non-profit organization founded in Cleveland. They specialize in highly sought after Youth Leadership Programming. Through their partnership, THE RACE is looking to have your students become the owners of the event. Not only will your student become a change-maker in the battle against breast cancer, but they will also gain Essential 21st Century skills that will enhance their ability to communicate and negotiate in a social setting, build self-confidence and self-empowerment, understand effective team management ä I and drive a team to reach its goals with increased work ethic, grit and perseverance.

We have limited openings available for this FREE opportunity. (25 places) Click here for details and information on how to sign up.

MyComm South Shaker MyCom Youth Initiative presents: Job Development Workshops for Teens 14-19. There will be a series of 4 Saturday sessions beginning March 2 through March 23, 2013. Get an early start on finding a summer job. Space is limited. You must register for this program. Pick up a flyer in the main office.

HEIGHTS YOUTH THEATRE Presents . . . DISNEY's JUNGLE BOOK directed by Treva Offutt music directed by Joanna Li with Branden Augustine from Shaker Heights High School and cast members from the other Shaker Schools

March 1,8 & 15, 7:00 PM March 2,9,10 & 16, 2:00 PM

Wiley Middle School Auditorium (2181 Miramar Blvd.,University Heights, Ohio 44118)

Tickets $10 general admission and $9 children 6 and under/ seniors **cash or check only*

For more details visit our website www.heightsyouththeatre.org

Shaker Heights Public Library Teen Center Hours 3:30-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday

Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio Arts for Learning Nominate the amazing people in your life who have made an impact in the Arts, Education and/or Entrepreneurship. Click here to fill out the application and to submit your one-page narrative. Be creative. Be bold. Be honest. Winners receive:

A commemorative award for display Public acknowledgement for their achievement Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio's 60th Anniversary Gala on Friday, September 27, 2013 Permanent acknowledgement by a fund named in their honor in support of the Young Audiences' Fund for Their Future

We can't wait to hear from you (by March 15 at 5 PM!).

Questions? Phone: 216-561-5005 // Email: [email protected] www.yaneo.org/awards

Project YESS (Youth Empowered to Succeed through Sailing) Project YESS (Youth Empowered to Succeed through Sailing), an award-winning sail training program created by The Rotary Club of Cleveland to serve gap students ages 13 to 17.

Project YESS was developed by The Rotary Club of Cleveland as an extension of their decades of work with under-served children in Cleveland. Rotary Club sees firsthand the challenges many young people face in our community and the positive results that can be achieved when they are provided with strong role models and access to quality educational and leadership programs. Project YESS offers an opportunity for a cadre of youth that may lack the confidence, self-esteem, and drive to set and achieve ambitious goals and helps them chart a path that may lead to greater success and happiness.

Project YESS Application (application, essays and letters of recommendation due Friday, March 23).

All program costs for the land-based and on- board curriculum are covered through the generosity of the Cleveland Rotary Foundation and our sponsors. There is no cost to students or their families to participate in the program. Project YESS is an educational/ leadership development adventure of the highest caliber.

Facebook page.

Project YESS Kids Video

INTERESTED IN JOINING DARE2CARE'S VOLUNTEER TEAM Our volunteers dare to share their knowledge, stories, and skills!

Through the dedication of our volunteers, Dare2Care strives to unite lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and straight (LGBTS) youth in the Greater Cleveland community. With our educational programming and youth leadership development, we hope to inspire meaningful change, creating a world that is free of harassment, brutality, and indifference. Without our volunteer team we would not be able to put on our amazing events and carry out this mission as successfully as we do.

NOW LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR OUR MAIN EVENT We are currently looking for volunteers to help us with our main event, May 1, 2013. The St. Josephats Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral Astrodome 5720 State Road Cleveland 44134

Positions include- back stage aids, hair and make up artist, set up and break down crews, visitor registration, ushers and directors, merchandise sales, and volunteer sign in attendees. To volunteer or for any questions, dare2careusa.org or email.

What If? Live Student Design Challenge from NASA Candy, soda and other everyday items will be the tools of the trade for teenage rocket makers competing in the What If? Live Student Design Challenge. Registration is open through Feb. 28, 2013, for the worldwide contest, in which 14- to 18-year-old students will design experimental propulsion systems using materials that are inexpensive and easy to obtain.

The challenge is designed to excite students about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The goal is to develop students' creative and analytical abilities by learning about the growing need for green fuels and designing a vehicle propulsion system using commonly available materials, including sweet treats and carbonated beverages. Students may work alone or in groups of as many as four. Participants must create a research plan, write a research paper, develop and build the propulsion system, make a video showing the vehicle in action and submit the video to judges via YouTube.com.

A panel of scientists, astronauts and educators will judge the entries and select finalists. There will be one winning design in each age category. Winners will be announced in May and will receive special recognition from NASA and Ahoora.

To register, submit research and learn more about vehicle design, the official rules and other information about the What If? Live Student Design Challenge, including view a two-minute video of the propulsion system in action, visit http://www.whatifprize.org.

Questions about this contest should be emailed to [email protected].

SHAKER HEIGHTS PTO INFORMATION "How do I join the PTO?" You don't. If you have a student in the Shaker Schools you are automatically in the Shaker Heights PTO. "Where do send my dues?" We do not collect dues but do ask for voluntary donations when we send out the calendar at the beginning of the year. It's still not too late to make that donation!!

Mission Statement.....The Shaker Heights Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is dedicated to facilitating the active and informed involvement of all parents and families to achieving the educational success and well being of children.

OVAL CONTACT INFORMATION Deadline for submitting SHHS-related information for the SHHS Weekly OVAL Email is weekly Thursday at noon. Send submissions, subscription requests, comments or questions to [email protected].