DECEMBER 2020 | ISSUE 1
A publicatio n fo r the pare nts, stude nts, and c ommunit y of Park Vista Co mmunit y High School
Mission Statement
Park Vista Community High School is committed to fostering a safe environment, which respects diversity while providing an atmosphere of academic excellence, student involvement, and positive opportunities for all.
C ourteous Be O n Time Be B rilliant Be R esponsible
Be
and Respectful
A Role Model Be S afe Be
Administration Principal Reginald B. Myers Assistant Principals LuAnne Daucanski Marie DiFonte Brent Higley Reginald Lanier Ronn Peteck Dr. Pia Pierre
www.pvchs.com
Welcome to Cobra Country Principal’s Message Hello Cobra Families and Friends: The 2020-21 school year started like no other year and continues in our new reality with some students learning in-person and others learning from home. This is the year of flexibility, change, and endless possibilities. Regardless of where your child is learning, I promise you that we will continue to deliver educational opportunities to ALL students. I am very excited to work collaboratively with you and am committed to each student receiving educational experiences that are designed to help each student meet his/her greatest potential. For the families that are new to Park Vista Community High School, I want you to know that I value open communication. You have been receiving ongoing parent-link phone messages and emailed bi-weekly newsletters because it is critical that we maintain open lines of communication with our Cobra families. I encourage you to listen to and read the messages in their entirety. If you are not receiving these regular communications, please call the school to confirm your correct email and phone information. Our home-school relationship is of utmost importance so that our students, your children, acquire the best education possible. We are so limited in our ability to meet in person right now that today would be a good day for you to join us on social media. We can be found on https://www.facebook.com/ParkVistaCommunityHighSchool, https://twitter.com/pvcobrashs, and our website PVCHS.com. With many of our students learning from home, I encourage you to look at your child’s Google Classrooms with them so that you are aware of the curriculum and assignment expectations. I also encourage you to regularly check grades through SIS, our Student Information System. Please make sure that your child has a dedicated “learning space” near an outlet to keep the Chromebook charged, but away from distractions. Although the Google Meet with the teacher may end early, the students are expected to utilize the entire class period to complete assignments. Teachers remain on Google Meets throughout the period to answer questions. Athletics and activities may look different from previous years, however our athletes and students have opportunities to experience many meaningful extracurricular activities. I assure you that safety is our first priority. We are making every effort to keep our students and our staff as safe as possible each day. Thank you for your support of mandatory masks on District property. Please remind your children that the CDC recommends social distancing to help stop the spread of Covid-19. With the holidays and more unstructured time for our students, we urge you to remind them to continue safety practices in the community. Remember, if a member of your household tests positive for Covid-19, you must contact the school and keep your child home. Likewise, if your child has symptoms of Covid-19, please do not send him or her to school. In addition to initiating health safety practices, throughout the year we review and practice safety protocols with our students and staff. Fire, tornado, and lock-down drills are regularly conducted. We are ALL school safety: the teachers, the students, and the community. As we strive to do our part, I am asking that you have conversations with your child(ren) about the importance of speaking up and sharing with an adult on campus immediately if they hear something or see something disturbing that could negatively impact school. Tell
@pvcobrashs parkvistacommunity highschool pvcobrahs
The School District of Palm Beach County is committed to providing a world-class education with excellence and equity to empower each student to reach his or her highest potential with the most effective staff to foster the knowledge, skills, and ethics required for responsible citizenship and productive careers.
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School News
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE continued...
Semester Exams
them to share this information right away with a trusted adult. This will allow the school the opportunity to immediately investigate the situation and prevent an unsafe situation from occurring. Please stress to them the importance of being mindful and aware of postings on social media, as well as daily conversations that might occur throughout the day, while in or out of school. Please contact your local law enforcement agency should you receive or have information which could adversely impact our school.
National Honor Society CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2020-2021 NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY OFFICERS!
Your child’s social/emotional wellbeing is important to us. We recognize that life during a pandemic is stressful for each of us. Our school behavioral health professional, Claudia Zepeda, recently released a presentation on Mental Health Issues Facing Our Students and Resources for Families. This presentation can be located on our website pvchs.com. Click on the Students & Parents tab and then click on School Counseling Department. The presentation was the November 12 Coffee Talk topic. Our classroom teachers will also be conducting a series of online lessons through Suite 360 in January to support students’ social and emotional well-being.
President
Adam Akel
Senior V. P.
Emaad Khan
Jr. Vice President
Tristan Guillaume
Secretary
Katie Turner
Treasurer
Lily Pham
Historian
Emma Carruthers
Sergeant-at-Arms
Gabriela Zigler
Public Relations Officer
Aidan Cawley
Parliamentarian
Skylar Williams
1st Semester Exams are canceled and the school Odd/Even Calendar has been adjusted for the change. The week of Jan. 25 is now 7, O, E, O, E. A printable version of the calendar is on our website. http://www.pvchs.com Note: That changes how semester grades are calculated. 1st 9 wks = 50% 2nd 9 wks = 50% Courses with EOC's 1st 9 wks = 17.5% 2nd 9 wks = 17.5% 3rd 9 wks =17.5% 4th 9 wks = 17.5% EOC Exam = 30%
Special Olympics Our PVHS Special Olympics team just completed their 9 week virtual challenge! These athletes participated in timed weekly strength and cardio exercises! They had registered volunteers work out right along with them as well! They are looking forward to (hopefully) participating in a team sport in the spring!
During this special holiday season, on behalf of the entire Cobra family, we extend our heartfelt holiday wishes for peace, health and joy. May 2021 ring in with gladness and prosperity! Educationally Yours, Reginald B. Myers Principal
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School News Spanish Honor Society
The Cobra Chronicle Our journalism students have been continuing to work hard to bring the news that’s important to students to our community. Each issue is published quarterly and is online this year. The most recent issue was posted in October. Read it here: https://bit.ly/35EPuao
The Granada Chapter held its induction ceremony of 21 new members on Wednesday Nov. 11. The ceremony was conducted by officers Rydon Budney - President, Alexandra Escalera - Vice President, Kristina Boutros - Treasurer, Kaycee Hoelzel- Secretary and Mariah Elizondo - Historian. The new members applied for membership and were accepted as candidates based upon teacher recommendations and fulfillment of the requirements of the national organization, The American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. The national qualifications for membership include three semesters of Spanish, an overall GPA of 3.0 and a 3.5 GPA in Spanish. The new members will continue to fulfill the goals of the society, which are to promote the Spanish language and culture and to foster better communication and understanding in our global community through community outreach programs and the after school tutoring program within Park Vista. Felicidades or congratulations to all! David Bedrin
Jahmelia Phoenix
Xhila Benniefield
Jessica Reason
Avraelle Brodsky
Nataly Rodriguez
Alan Corona
Jacob Rothman
Zoe Garber
Joseph Semmelmeier
Alexandra Hernandez
Gabriella Tone
MPower: Out of Darkness Walk
Ashlyn Kelly
Connor Tubbs
Sofia Koves
Trinity Vaughan
Arianna Lang
Marissa Veeravagu
Park Vista's MPower Club and Psi Alpha (Psychology Club and National Psychology Honor Society) for the 4th year in a row participated in the "Out of Darkness" walk to raise suicide awareness. This year it was held virtually on Nov. 14th. Many members held their own walk. Colored beads were worn to commemorate how suicide has impacted people's lives.
Natalie Lima
Anyah Whilby
Cameron Martinez
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Counseling News Community Service Hour Requirements All Park Vista Students need a minimum of 20 documented hours of community service in order to graduate. Students interested in certain scholarships or special programs may need more hours. For example, students interested in Florida Bright Futures need either 100 (Florida Academic Scholar Award), 75 (Florida Medallion Scholar Award) or 30 hours (Gold Seal Vocational Award). Community Service is defined as non-paid volunteer work with a non-profit agency (an organization that is established to achieve an objective or a purpose, not to make money).
WHAT ARE THE PROCEDURES FOR COMPLETING AND DOCUMENTING COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS?
For specific community service hour requirements and how to document the hours, go to: https://bit.ly/2IOYm4e
PSAT Testing GRADE 11 - JANUARY 26, 2021
The PSAT is a standardized examination available to students in the 11th grade. A top PSAT score will qualify you for a National Merit Scholarship, which can provide you with money for college. Taking the PSAT is also a way of practicing for future standardized tests, such as the SAT, that will be important in the college admission process. Park Vista will be administering this exam on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. Interested students must sign up and pay the $18 registration fee no later than December 1, 2020. Because the school is billed for tests that are ordered, students who do not show up for testing WILL NOT receive a refund. See our School Counseling page to register and pay for the PSAT. (If you participate in the free/reduced lunch program, you are eligible for a fee waiver. Do not sign up online. Instead, call 561491-8420 to register.) IMPORTANT! IF YOU PREVIOUSLY TOOK THE PSAT ON OCTOBER 14, 2020 - YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE IT AGAIN SO PLEASE DO NOT PAY.
School Counseling Department RECEIVE THE LATEST UPDATES FROM THE SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
If you are wondering where you can find the latest information from the School Counseling Department go www.pvchs.com and click on the SCHOOL COUNSELING tab. Follow us on TWITTER @PVCHSGuidance and Instagram @PVCobrasHS.
Grade Level Presentations The School Counseling Department has presentations and printable / downloadable packets for each grade level.
TO VIEW THEM, GO TO:
Class of 2021 (Seniors): https://bit.ly/3nB8pJk Class of 2022 (Juniors): https://bit.ly/36MV6if Class of 2023 (Sophomore): https://bit.ly/2UQz1dj Class of 2024 (Freshmen): https://bit.ly/2UCtMh3
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Seniors and parents of seniors! It is strongly recommended that all seniors apply and do so ASAP. It has been proven that students who apply early receive more in federal aid than those who apply later. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov to begin the application.
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship SENIORS NEED TO APPLY NOW
Oct. 1, 2020 was the 1st day for seniors to begin applying for the Bright Futures Scholarship. Apply whether or not you have the test scores, community service hours, and/or GPA/HPA required by Bright Futures. Apply online for Florida Bright Futures Scholarships at: https://bit.ly/32UF6d5
Counseling News 2020-2021 SAT and ACT Tests JUNIORS SHOULD TAKE THE SAT (WITH ESSAY) AND ACT TESTS (WITH WRITING) IN THE SPRING OF THEIR JUNIOR YEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME. *FREE SCHOOL DAY SAT FOR JUNIORS – March 3, 2021*
SAT TEST
REGISTER ONLINE AT www.sat.collegeboard.com Park Vista’s SAT location code is 10-372 $68.00 test fee w/Essay or $52.00 test fee w/o Essay Fee Waivers are available on College Board website if you have FREE/REDUCED LUNCH Practice at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org 2020 / 2021 TEST DATES
ONLINE REGISTRATION DEADLINE
LATE ONLINE REGISTRATION DEADLINE
March 3, 2021
Free School Day SAT for all juniors
March 13, 2021
February 12
February 23
May 8, 2021
April 8
April 20
June 5, 2021
May 6
May 18
ACT TEST
Test Center Code for PVCHS: 235070 $70.00 test fee w/Writing - $55.00 test fee w/o Writing Fee Waivers are available in School Counseling Office if you have FREE/REDUCED LUNCH Practice at www.actstudent.org/testprep/index.html REGISTER ONLINE AT www.actstudent.org 2020 / 2021 TEST DATE
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
LATE FEE REQUIRED
February 6, 2021
January 8
January 9 - 15
April 17, 2021
March 12
March 13 - 26
June 12, 2021
May 7
May 8 - 21
July 17, 2021
June 18
June 19 - 25
PARK VISTA’S CEEB NUMBER IS 101923
SAT/ACT/ College Application Fee Waivers If you participate in the FRL Program, you are eligible to take the SAT and the ACT up to two times each for free. You are also eligible for college application fee waivers.
SAT FEE WAIVERS
These are available directly on your College Board account as long as you took the PSAT in 10th or 11th or the School Day SAT last March. Go to your College Board account and the fee waiver is automatically there. If not, please contact our testing coordinator at alysia.pavilonis@ palmbeachschools.org.
ACT FEE WAIVERS
If you have taken an ACT and used the fee waiver before, you will be able to see this on your ACT account. If you will be taking the ACT for the first time using a fee waiver, please request your waiver at theresa.williams@ palmbeachschools.org.
COLLEGE APPLICATION FEE WAIVERS
If you have taken the SAT using a fee waiver, you are eligible for college application fee waivers. You can obtain these by following the directions at https://bit.ly/2IPZntp. ACT also offers college application fee waivers. They are available at https://bit.ly/38OrqEa
Scholarship Thursdays The School Counseling Department hosts SCHOLARSHIP THURSDAYS on a regular basis to assist students in locating and applying for available scholarships. To see the latest SCHOLARSHIP BULLETIN, go to: http://bit.ly/2E2is5Z
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‘Cobra Bites’ December • Issue # 1 Published Four Times Per Year Palm Beach County Public Schools Park Vista Community High School 3300 Forest Hill Blvd., C-316 West Palm Beach, FL 33406
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Counseling News Coffee Talks The School Counseling Department offers parent meetings to share topics pertinent to high school success. To view materials from our previous Coffee Talks, please click the links below: September 17 State University System of Florida Spotlight & the College Application Process October 7 Career Exploration for High School Students November 12 Mental Health Issues Facing our Students and Resources for Families To view the materials from the coffee talks, visit: www.pvchs.com/students___parents/ counseling_department/coffee_talks/2020-2021_coffee_talk_materials/
UPCOMING COFFEE TALKS February (Date TBA): March 11 April 22
The Registration Process for 2021-2022 Courses ROTC Scholarships & Opportunities The College Application Process
Take Stock in Children
College Planning Workshop for Juniors
The Take Stock in Children Scholarship application is now open for current freshman students. This scholarship provides a two year Florida Pre-paid Scholarship, mentoring, and academic support including college readiness coaching. Criteria:
Our School Counseling Department will be hosting a multi-part college planning workshop for juniors and their parents. Students and parents can attending by joining the invite link: https://bit.ly/32SGcGg The Google Classroom code is 6wnb2rd. •
Intro Meeting – January 26th at 2:45 p.m. - Introduction to the college search and selection process calendar for junior year
•
SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests /ACT - registration and preparation review of Park Vista college handbook
•
The College Search – February 2nd at 2:45 p.m.
•
College Visits and Interviews – February 9th at 2:45 p.m.
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The College Application – February 16th at 2:45 p.m.
http://pvchs.com/UserFiles/Servers/ Server_1933561/File/School Counseling/ Scholarships and Financial Aid/20202021_TSIC Student Application.pdf/
•
The College Application Essay and Resume – February 23rd at 2:45 p.m.
•
Mock Admission Committee – March 2nd at 2:45 p.m.
Questions may be emailed to Mr. Tarini at peter.tarini@palmbeachschools.org.
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Financing Your Education – March 9th at 2:45 p.m.
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Grade 9 student with U.S citizenship or legal status
•
2.5 GPA or better
•
Commitment to stay drug and crime free
•
Students must be eligible for free or reduced priced lunch, SNAP, and family must meet other need based income guidelines
Download a copy of the application at:
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Counseling News Just in Time for Testing, Virtual Stress Management Group! Beginning January 2021, the Park Vista School Counseling Department will be offering a virtual Stress Management Group. This group will allow students to identify and communicate their feelings regarding stress and anxiety and to develop strategies to cope with those feelings. The group will meet virtually twice a week for three weeks for approximately 45 minutes per session. Tentative dates and topics are below, but are subject to change based on the needs of the group. Interested students should email Amy Carlson at amy.carlson@palmbeachschools.org for more information and to sign up. SESSION 1: Tuesday, January 5 at 2:45 p.m. - Introductions Students will introduce themselves and will participate in an icebreaker activity. Group rules and norms will be established. Students will be introduced to the concept and practice of positive affirmations. SESSION 2: Thursday, January 7 at 2:45 p.m. – Deep Breathing Deep breathing for anxiety and stress reduction will be discussed and practiced, and students will be introduced to the MindShift and Clear Fear apps for anxiety and stress management. SESSION 3: Tuesday, January 12 at 2:45 p.m. – Grounding Exercises Students will learn about using the five senses to refocus and stay grounded in the moment. SESSION 4: Thursday, January 14 at 2:45 p.m. – Relaxation Exercises Students will learn about and practice techniques for reducing the physical tension that often accompanies anxiety. SESSION 5: Tuesday, January 19 at 2:45 p.m. – Visualization Students will learn how to create a mental safe space to visit in times of stress. SESSION 6: Thursday, January 21 at 2:45 p.m. – Creating a Worry Jar Students will learn about letting go of worries by writing them down and “letting the jar keep them.” SESSION 7: Monday, January 25 at 2:45 p.m. – What Can I Control? Students will participate in an exercise that will help identify the things they can and cannot control.
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Sports News Swimming
The Park Vista Swim Team had another successful season this year with wins over John I. Leonard & Forest Hill. Despite our much shortened season, we had many athletes qualify to compete at our Palm Beach County Championship.
SENIOR CAPTAINS THIS YEAR Jenna Scognamillo Kennedy Weech Kiera Peccia Jonathan Guy Amanda Dennett
OTHER COUNTY QUALIFIERS Chase Foulds-Dykes Daniel Moffett Sarah Allan Taylor Gates Elena Papadopoulos
Congrats to the entire team for a GREAT Season! Jenna Scognamillo and Chase Foulds-Dykes medaled at Counties. Chase earned second and Jenna earned third - both in the 100 meter breaststroke!
Golf Congratulations to Coach James and our Boys' Golf Team for a competitive round at the County Golf Championship! Congratulations also to the Girls’ Golf Team for placing 2nd in the South County Golf Tournament.
Volleyball Senior Night for the Girls, November 11th: London Choice, Tori Gilbert, Taylor Palahunik, Olivia Barney, Hayley St. Martin. Congratulations Girls! Boys Volleyball begins in the winter. Those interested should email Coach Green @ cobravbcoach@ gmail.com and work on eligibility packet which is on our website.
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Sports News Cobra's Signing Day In case you missed it, we congratulated the following student athletes for signing their National Letters of Intent in November. They will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. These young men and young ladies have continued the tradition at Park Vista that hard work, perseverance and dedication in the classroom and on the playing field reap rewards. Their success is due in large part to the discipline, value of commitment and integrity that they display each and every day. They have excelled in the classroom while maximizing their development as an athlete. We are very proud that these student athletes are representing Park Vista Community High School!
Cross Country
Kelsey Ganci, Eastern Florida, Softball
Rylee Kent, University of Maine, Softball
Tyrina Jones, Purdue University, Softball
Emily Konz, College of Central Florida, Softball
Congratulations to Coach Barry, Coach Callahan, Coach Kigel and our entire cross country team for an outstanding performance at the County Meet. Talia Katz: 5th Place Time 20.31- Personal Record, Devon Mack: 12th Place Time 17.11, Jessica Reason: 10th Place Time 12.15 Personal Record.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL! GO COBRAS!
Jacob Hurley, Salem University, Baseball
Fisher Jameson, University of Florida, Baseball
Cameron Clines, Georgia Institute of Technology, Baseball
Bowling Both the boys and girls teams competed for the County Title and the chance to compete at the Tri-County Tournament in December. The girls were ranked 2nd going into the second round and then ranked 3rd going into the third round. Kelsey Ganci had a career high score with a 188. They were able to hold on and won 3rd place in the County and qualified for the Tri-County tournament. Our boys were ranked 2nd going into the second and third rounds. With their high score, they advanced to compete against Jupiter High School in the finals. Despite a hard fought game, the Cobras fell to the Warriors and earned 2nd place in the County but will compete again at the Tri-County tournament. We also celebrated our six graduating seniors who have made a huge impact on our Park Vista Bowling Success. We wish them all the best of luck! Payton Doyle, Kelsey Ganci, Justin Kelleher, Emily Konz, Kevin McKeehan and Ethan Pizzino.
Park Vista Community High School 7900 Jog Road Lake Worth, FL 33467
Non Profit Organization US Postage Paid Orlando, FL Permit #2346
We are an “A” rated school! Hours 7:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. Phone 561-491-8400
10 Student Mental Health Resources For questions regarding student emotional and/or mental health support, parents and students have many resources. Our School Based Team Coordinator is James McDonough (james.mcdonough@ palmbeachschools.org). Our Behavioral Health Professional is Claudia Zepeda (claudia.zepeda@palmbeachschools. org). Our Co-Located Therapist is Scott Rockwell (scott@drugabusetreatment. org). In addition, the Department of Behavioral and Mental Health has implemented a mental health helpline. The Student Mental Health Helpline can be reached at (561) 432-6389 and is available Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. You can also find resources on the district’s Behavioral and Mental Health website at https://bit.ly/36MWDF1/.