Author: Marsh Family (Dell)

The Shooting STAR

Sarasota Academy of the Arts

September 7, 2015

2015 - 2016, Volume 3, Issue 3

Principal’s Corner

I hope you have been able to enjoy this long weekend holiday. It was interesting and enlightening to listen to a lesson in the fourth and fifth grades on the meaning of the holiday. We tend to forget why these special days are recognized instead only enjoy the day off. One video ended with a reminder that in many parts of the world there are still children working long hours in extremely poor and dangerous working conditions which surprised the students. We are fortunate to be in the United States. Did you check with your child about the vocabulary for the week? The root word was "port" meaning to carry. I heard many teachers and students using the vocabulary words derived from it. We will be deliberately using these words to build vocabulary throughout the year in all subject areas. Please ask about them so all of us - teachers, students, and parents - are involved in building reading and comprehension skills. Don't forget to read at least twenty minutes per night. Students are currently being screened for strengths and weaknesses in reading and math. All Kindergarten through fifth graders as well as many of the middle school students are participating in the i-Ready diagnostic tests. We will use these results to better individualize lessons for students throughout the school year. Since we do not have student FSA scores, we need a baseline so we can measure the growth we expect students to show this year. September is "National Attendance Awareness" month. Please visit this YouTube link to watch the video that six of our students took part in to raise awareness of the importance of being in school on a regular basis. The SAA students you will see are Avery C. (1st grade), Olivia S. (3rd grade), the whole group in our new computer lab, Malachi J. (6th grade), Brianna H. (8th grade), Kennedy C. (1st grade), and Jose D. (8th grade). Our art teachers have been encouraging the students to submit their best ideas in the poster contest. Thanks to all of the students who participated. Fall picture envelopes will go home tomorrow. All students will have their pictures taken on September 15 for the yearbook but you only need to send the envelope back if you wish to purchase the pictures. I hope to see you at our first PTO meeting tomorrow night. Don't forget to check out the SAA calendar for upcoming events! Have a wonderful week. Cecilia Blankenship,, Principal

Upcoming Dates:
Be sure to check the SAA Calendar on the school website frequently as that has the most current information!
Tuesday - 9/8/15 - PTO Meeting at 6:00pm, hot dogs served at 5:30pm Friday - 9/11/15 - Mixed Bag Fundraiser Due Saturday - 9/12/15 - Volleyball Car Wash Fundraiser at SAA @10:00am Tuesday - 9/15/15 - School Picture Day - Girls Volleyball SAA vs. Imagine of North Manatee @ 4:45pm - 4/5 Back to School Night 6:00pm - 8:00pm Wednesday - 9/16/15 - Jason's Deli Fundraiser 4:00pm - 8:00pm Wednesday - 9/16/15 - SAC Meeting @ 4:15pm Thursday - 9/17/15 - SAC Meeting @ 4:15pm - Girls Volleyball SAA vs. Manatee Charter @ 4:45pm K - 3 Back to School Night 6:00pm - 8:00pm

If you are on Facebook and you want to stay up to date with what's happening at school, then "Like" us on Facebook!

Mixed Bag Fundraiser
Mixed Bag Fundraiser due Friday, September 11th
Please note that the flyer that went home last week gave an incorrect date for it to be turned in. It said Sept 12 (which is a Saturday) but it should be Friday, Sept. 11th.

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2015 - 2016
Volume 3, Issue 3
September 7, 2015

Jason’s Deli
5231 University Pkwy Wednesday September 16, 2015 4:00pm - 8:00pm
The music department will be having their first fundraiser at Jason's Deli on University Parkway on Wednesday, September 16th. The fundraiser will help fund bus transportation for our music department to go to retirement centers and nursing homes to perform as our community service project. SAA will get a portion of the proceeds so we are hoping to see a ton of our SAA families and friends there. We need a minimum of 20 RSVPs to make it happen otherwise it will be canceled. Please click the link below to RSVP and share with family and friends. See you on the 16th!

Student Council - Beach Cleanup
The Student Council at Sarasota Academy of the Arts will be participating in the 2015 Coastal Cleanup on September 19th (rain date September 26th). Our group will be cleaning up Ted Sperling Park at South Lido at 9:00am. Please be sure to have your student there on time. Pick up will be at 11:00am. Supply kits (T-shirt, gloves and trash bags) will be provided on-site when you check in. Please remember to wear closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops).

Picture Day
Picture Day is next Tuesday, September 15th. Be sure to fill out the order form that is going home today week, and return it with your student that day if you wish to order photos.

Sarasota Academy of the Arts

THE Shooting Star

Thank you!
A big thank you goes out to the Scofield family for all their hard work at trimming the trees along Tree Road. This helps to make it a little easier for cars to move during the morning and afternoon car line. We are so appreciative of our SAA families volunteering their time to make our school the best it can be!

T-Shirts
Thank you to all the families who ordered the new SAA T-Shirts. They have been ordered and we hope to have them available for pickup during Spirit Week (September 21st). Stay tuned!

Car Magnets
Available for sale for $10. Show your SAA pride . . . stop in the office anytime and pick one up!