Author: Marsh Family (Dell)

The Shooting STAR

Sarasota Academy of the Arts

February 6, 2017

2016 - 2017, Volume 4, Issue 23

Principal’s Corner: Hello SAA Families:
Last week was relatively quiet as the middle schoolers finished up their benchmark tests in math and science. We did have a few events to celebrate, however. The second graders made dragon costumes as part of their social studies class and paraded around the school to celebrate the Chinese New Year on Monday. Then on Tuesday the eighth graders traveled to St. Pete to visit the Dali Museum as an extension of the Spanish and art classes. That evening we had a program for families of students in our ESOL program. Speakers from the Sarasota County Library system, the Sheriff's Office, and Suncoast Technical College shared information about programs and child safety. Thursday was group and class picture day followed by a PTO meeting in the evening. We finished off the week with the Applebees pancake breakfast to raise funds for transportation for the music department. Ms. Julie reported they raised $1100. Thank you to all of the families who came out and to the parents and students who served. Tuesday of this week the SunCoast Bloodmobile will be on campus from10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Please email Kelly Marsh to get an appointment! We try to sponsor this once a year to help support the community needs.
Friday afternoon members of the Leadership Class from the Chamber of Commerce will visit SAA. Then Friday evening there is the middle school Valentines' Dance. A flyer is being sent home with students. Please remember to encourage your child to read nightly and to study their math facts. It is important that students know what assignments are and complete them in a timely fashion. Homework is primarily given to reinforce a skill through practice but it can also be in preparation for a lesson which allows the lesson itself to be more effective. I encourage parents to direct students to the fsassessments.org where they can find practice tests for the FSA starting in March for 3rd graders and April for 4th through 8 graders. You will hear more about this from teachers and through newsletters as we get closer to the test time. The writing portion of the language arts test (4th through 8th grades) is the end of February. Like anything else, practice helps the student be more successful. Have a great week. Sincerely,
Cecilia Blankenship

Upcoming Dates:
Be sure to check the SAA Calendar on the school website frequently as that has the most current information!
Monday, 2/6/17 - Give Your Crush a Crush - Pasta for Pennies Starts - 4:15pm Student Council Mtg Tuesday, 2/7/17 - Suncoast Blood Bank Drive 10:00am - 2:00pm (get appt. through Kelly) Friday - 2/10/17 - Spirit Day (Wear your SAA school shirt) - 7pm Valentine's Dance Monday, 2/13/17 - 8:00am SAA Board Meeting Wednesday, 2/15/17 - Show Pictures Thursday, 2/16/17 - Show Pictures - Ice Cream Social 1:00pm - 4:00pm Friday - 2/17/17 - Spirit Day (Wear your SAA school shirt) Saturday - 2/18/17 - 8:00am - 10:00am Applebees Fundraiser

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2016 - 2017
Volume 4, Issue 23
February 6, 2017

Valentine’s Dance
Our Middle School Valentine's school dance is coming up on February 10th from 7:00pm - 10:00pm. The dance will take place in the middle school building and will be supervised by teachers and staff. Students can bring someone from outside the school, but everyone must purchase tickets in advance so we can plan numbers. Only one year above or below age. Admission Cost: $5 each (ticket purchased ahead of time) and a snack or drink to share.

Voice Lessons
Miss Lauren is offering to set up voice lessons on a regular basis if your child is interested. She has a degree in musical theatre and has been singing since she was three years old. She has worked professionally and still works around the community as well. She has been in over 30 musicals and worked with broadway professionals such as Ben Vereen, Liz Callaway, Faith Prince, and Ann Morrison. If you would like to start voice lessons with her, she charges 25 dollars for a half hour and 40 dollars for a 45 minutes lesson. It is recommended for kids in elementary to stay with the 30 minute lesson. She would teach them during the week at the school preferably. You can contact her through her school email Lnielsen@sarasotaacademyofthearts.com

DRAMA DEPARTMENT PICNIC SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 FUN STARTS AT NOON Hey! What time is it? It’s time for the second annual Drama Department Picnic. Yes, I know we skipped a year, but it will be an annual event from now on, so……. BRING A CHAIR AND FOOD TO SHARE! Yes, that’s our motto. Bring a food item to share with the others and a chair to sit on to watch the show. The Acting Classes will present a series of short scenes for you and Miss Vanessa’s Dance Class will perform as well. The SAA PTO will supply the beverages so bring us all one of your favorite dishes. (Fried Chicken, BBQ Pork, Wings, Salads, Cold Cuts, Deserts …. I’m hungry already) We had a wonderful turnout the last time and there is no reason we can’t do it again. So let’s all get together in our lovely Reading Garden on Saturday, February 25 at noon. The entertainment will start around one. Feel free to eat while we perform for you. ENJOY A BIG FAMILY PICNIC AND LET US ENTERTAIN YOU.

Sarasota Academy of the Arts

THE Shooting Star

Give the Gift of Life
SAA is participating in a lifesaving blood drive with SunCoast Blood Bank in honor of one of our students, Hannah Marsh! Hannah, a Sarasota Academy of the Arts 8th grader, was diagnosed with a rare immune disorder, known as Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), when she was 5 years old. She was completely transfusion dependent requiring blood and platelets for four months while waiting on a bone marrow match. This blood drive is being held to celebrate her survivorship and to pay it forward. A Bloodmobile will be on campus on Tuesday February 7th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To date we only have 5 people who have signed up to donate and we need at least 10 more! Can we count on you to help save a life? Please sign up through Kelly Marsh to make an appointment to give the gift of life. Appointments are available from 10:00am through 1:45pmin 15 minute increments. She can be reached via her cell at 941-350-3767 or email at kmarsh@sarasotaacademyofthearts.com.