Volume 12
Number 3
April 2013
Visit online for updates, letters, activities and updated schedules.
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Dear Falcon Community, ongratulations Mrs. Beth Morucci (Teacher of the Year), Mrs. Desiree Deflacon and Mrs. Sarah Page (Volunteer of the Year), Ms. Danielle Marhanka Mrs. Karla Wilson (Support Employee of the Year) and Mr. Cofield (Rookie Teacher of the Year). They characterize what is great about being a Pedro Menendez Falcon – hardworking, positive, innovative thinking, with no job being above or below them – they are a role model for us all! It is the time of year the student’s hard work will pay dividends on the “End of Course” Exams (EOC’s). All of our courses/classes have either a county-made or state-made EOC exam. Additionally, FCAT exams will occur during the month of April. Students must pass the Algebra 1, Geometry, and Biology Exams in order to receive credit for the course – all of these courses are required for a high school diploma. How can I help prepare my student for the EOC exam? • Make sure they attend school each and every day – make being here the #1 priority. • You and your student, together, check the teacher’s website, edmodo link or email the teacher (once a week) to obtain pertinent assignment information. • Have your student stay after school for tutoring Monday or Wednesday afternoon with a specific assignment in which they need help. The information and strategies that your teachers are using in the classroom are highly effective in facilitating a passing score on the EOC exam. Students who are in class every day, study consistently in the evenings, and ask questions (especially when they hit points of confusion) will pass the exams the very first administration. Our goal is for every student to pass the EOC exam the very first time. Encourage your student to embrace the example set by our role models. Thank you for your continued support. Educationally yours, Dr. Clay Carmichael Principal 600 S.R. 206 West • St. Augustine, FL 32086 • Phone: 904-547-8660 • www.menendezhs.com
Pedro Menendez High School PMHS Administration Principal Dr. Clay Carmichael Executive Secretary Lea Price Assistant Principals Jill Lee Nigel Pillay Deans Holli Winter Keith Cromwell Attendance Office Scarlet Carter Registrar Bruce Allie Guidance Department Yanetta Arnold, A-G Meredith Masiak, H-O Heidi Deaton, P-Z Christine Danner, Academies Vicki Murphy, IB Coordinator Secretary to Guidance Pat Giuliani Front Desk Teresa Cleary Administrative Bookkeeper Melinda Ponce Media Specialist Kate Neff Athletic Director Terry Sapp Maintenance Coordinator Joedy Ashton Cafeteria Manager Tracey Pacetti Youth Resource Officer Anthony Coleman Transcripts Rae P. Shumaker School Nurse Nancy Seyler
Graduation 2013
Senior Perks
Preferred Seating and Additional Seats
Yearbook Staff reserved several pages and endsheets for signatures. We are planning a Senior Signing Day, during Mod 04 for yearbook distribution when seniors are issued their yearbooks first, when paid in full. Details will follow. We have silver and gold metallic Sharpies on sale so you can sign impressively! ____ Customized Gold Sharpie or Silver Sharpie. Purchase one for $1.50, two for $3.00. ____ Photo CD of all the Yearbook Images, including Prom. $8.00 @ ____ DVD of the Talent Show, $10.00@ ____ DVD of Graduation, $10.00@ ____ Former Yearbooks from 2002-2009, $50.00@
Want reserved seating or need more seats? Each year as a fundraiser for the Athletic Department, our PMHS Athletic Booster Club has a limited number of “Reserved Seating Available”. You will get six (6 ) additional for just $150. You pick your special location at the Amphitheatre where you want your reserved seats designated for you and your family. (Just an FYI, I purchased this last year at our Annual Gala and it was the best money I spent my son’s senior year!) (Each student gets 10 tickets…This reserved seating in 6 additional reserved seats) Call Dez DeFalco (Gino Daniele’s mom) for more information. Cell: 631-680-5096 or email: defalcodez@gmail.com Daytime work # 461-3428
Pre-order by bringing payment to Room 925 or visit the Pedro Menendez homepage site for an order form. www.menendezhs.com, look on the left for the Yearbook link. Yearbooks Yearbooks arrive for distribution in early May. We are planning a Senior Signing Day; details will made available as the day draws closer. Plan for early May, during mod 04. Yearbook is also selling metallic Sharpies, either in gold or silver, to use on Signing Day. Cost is $1.50 each or 2 for $3.00. Yearbook Memory CD Yearbook is selling DVD copies of all the photographs we captured for yearbook during 2012-2013. They will be $8.00 each, and sold when yearbooks arrive. The actual CD will ship after Prom because we want to include images from prom for you. Senior Dedications Senior Dedication materials will be returned to you during graduation rehearsal. Payments for Yearbook and Senior Dedications All dedications and yearbooks need to be paid in full prior to obtaining your yearbook. Once the yearbook arrives, we can only accept cash or a money order. We are no longer able to accept personal checks. Yearbooks can still be purchased online by visiting www. yearbook.biz, and enter code #15723. Current price is $85.00. This site accepts credit cards. Alumni Yearbooks from 2002-2009 Copies of earlier yearbooks are available in limited quantities for $50. each. Visit the Yearbook link on the Menendez home page for ordering details.
‘Falcon Flight Plan’ April 2013 Published Four Times Per Year Pedro Menendez High School 600 SR 206 West St. Augustine, FL 32086 Issue #3
Thanks to our St. Johns County Sponsor The Bailey’s Group.
Important Dates to Remember April 4......................................... Report Cards April 8 – 12................................. FCAT Retakes April 15 – 19............................... FCAT Reading Grade 10 April 22 – 26............................... FCAT Reading Grade 9 April 25....................................... Senior Cap & Gowns During All Lunches April 26....................................... Relay for Life April 27....................................... Free Sport Physicals April 29 – May 3........................ U.S. History EOC April 30....................................... Interims May 6 – 10 ................................ Biology EOC May 13 – 17 .............................. Algebra 1 EOC May 20 – 24 .............................. Geometry EOC May 22 – 23 .............................. Senior Exams May 27 ...................................... Memorial Day – No School May 29 ...................................... Graduation Rehearsals @ St. Augustine Amphitheater 9:30am Sharp! May 30....................................... Graduation @ St. Augustine Amphitheater 7:00pm May 30 – June 4....................... Semester Exams June 4........................................ Last Day for Students/Report Cards
Positive Senior Attendance is incredibly important to our school's academic program. Seniors who have unexcused absences, beginning January 28th, will not be allowed to attend Grad Bash April 12th, Prom May 17th, or the Graduation Ceremony May 30th.
Mr. Menendez Pageant Wed. April 10th 6:30pm Miss Menendez Pageant Wed. April 24th 6:00pm
The faculty and staff of Pedro Menendez High School appreciate all of our wonderful volunteers. Please join us in congratulating our 2012 - 2013 Volunteers of the Year. They, along with other Volunteers of the Year from throughout Saint Johns County, will be honored at a reception on April 4 at the First Coast Technical College
Volunteers Needed Any parents, family members, or friends of our students are encouraged to volunteer in the media center and are especially needed in June for textbook returns. Textbooks are a huge project and Mrs. Neff needs all the help she can get! If you are interested in volunteering and are not already in our system, please make sure to sign up as a volunteer as soon as possible. Textbook return will be during the last few weeks of the school year. Contact Mrs. Neff at neffk@stjohns.k12.fl.us for more information.
Thanks to Our Volunteers
Best Buddies Best Buddies members sign the banner pledging to Spread the Word to End the Word. For more information, go to www.r-word.org.
Senior Volunteer of the Year Sarah Cottingham Page Adult Volunteer of the Year Desiree DeFalco Youth Volunteer of the Year Danielle Marhanka
Senior Exams: All in the PAC!!!! Monday, May 20th: 9:15am English, 11:15am Math, 1:15pm Government Tuesday, May 21st: 9:15am Economics, 11:15am Science, 1:15pm ASL/Electives Wednesday, May 22nd: 9:30am ALL Makeups
Arts Alive Is Looking For Talented Students In St. Johns County! St. Augustine, Fla.— The St. Johns County Education Foundation (SJCEF) is hosting its second annual Performing Arts Alive competition this year. All students, grade K-12, are encouraged to come showcase their talents as singers, dancers, musicians or actors at this year’s competition. Auditions are being held March 19-21 from 4-6 p.m. in the auditorium at the St. Johns County School District Office located at 40 Orange Street in St. Augustine. No registration is necessary prior to auditions, but interested students will need to bring a CD with their music, if applicable. Students auditioning need to dress neatly, modestly, and appropriately for the style of their talent. Both group and individual auditions are encouraged. Students will be judged on presentation, talent and appearance. The panel of judges is made up of professionals from the community including a Grammy-nominated songwriter, a concert pianist and a local television personality. Arts Alive was designed to give students and teachers in St. Johns County a creative outlet while simultaneously raising funds for arts education in our county. With budget cuts being made every year, Arts Alive allows the Foundation to fill in the gaps to keep the arts alive in our schools. What better way to do that, than to show off the potential that students in our county have? ### The St. Johns County Education Foundation is recognized as the direct support organization for the St. Johns County School District. The SJCEF leads efforts to provide funding opportunities, support initiatives that enhance public education and recognize and inspire teachers and students within St. Johns County. For more information, please visit www.sjcef. com or visit our Facebook and Twitter pages.
All County High School Art Show Congratulations to all the artists who are on exhibit at the All County High School Art Show at the Art Association for the month of March. It is a fabulous show, showcasing the range of talents in our students and the quality of our arts education program. This is the eighth year of the partnership between the St. Augustine Art Association and the SJCSD. We at Pedro Menendez High School would like to congratulate two outstanding artists that placed at this year’s show! The 2013 award winners are: Painting: 3rd- Kensey Berndt/Ms. Modling’s Drawing and Painting Class Sculpture/3D: Honorable Mention: Emily Bostian, Mrs.Estes, 3-D Art Class
Battle of the Books Our school Battle of the Books was on March 13th and was a huge success! Ten teams participated, and the top three are going to the district-wide battle on April 4th. The fourth place team gets to go to watch and serves as an alternate team in case anyone is absent on the day of the battle. The winning teams were as follows: First place: Lydia Williams, Elly Schebesta, Darian Parks, and Brittany Auchmoedy; Second place: Breanna Rushlow, Rebecca Hayes, Keryan Jackson, and Jessica McCloud; Third place: Chelsie Jackson, Tori Cochrane, Adalia Boston, and Nick Fenech; Fourth place/alternate: Robbie Morgen, Darius Waters, Sara Kook, and Sam Morgan. Wish us good luck at the district battle on April 4th!
Media Center Renovation The media center is under renovation for a whole new look next year! In order to adapt the media center to changing times, we are creating a relaxed seating area for a “café” vibe and putting in beautiful new carpet. Some books are going, while new physical and e-books are taking their places. Our new tile will be put in over spring break, while the new carpet will be installed during the summer. Everyone is looking forward to a whole new media center in August!
KEEP YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR LITTLE BROTHER VyStar’s Student-Run
Pedro Menendez High School Branch Joining VyStar gives you the financial independence to make your own deposits, withdrawals and cash members checks. There’s no monthly service charge, no parent signature is required and you can get your own Pedro Menendez High School ATM or debit card*.
Hours: M/Tu/Th/Fr 11:45a - 1:00p Wed 11:10a - 12:30p 904-777-6000 www.vystarcu.org We never forget that it’s your money. Certain conditions and restrictions may apply. *Subject to approval.
GETTING READY TO DRIVE? Sign up for classes at
Enter the promo code PMHS and our school earns 20% back! Thanks for supporting the Academy Programs at Menendez
Invitation for Feedback! The Florida Department of Education is conducting a survey designed to provide the state with information on how well schools are supporting parents’ involvement in their child’s education. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), states must report this information to the federal government on an annual basis. All parents of children with disabilities and a current IEP (PK to 12th grade) are invited to participate in this survey. The survey is opened from February 1, 2013 to June 30, 2013. Please visit www. esesurvey.com to complete the survey.
BELONG Who says you have to leave home to experience college life? At SJR State, you can embark on a journey of enrichment and self-discovery and remain conveniently close to home. • • • • •
Academic Counseling Athletics Career Resources Clubs & Activities Cultural Events
• Phi Theta Kappa • Student Government Association • Student Life & More!
Your life. Your course. Your future.
SJRstate.edu
ORANGE PARK • PALATKA • ST. AUGUSTINE
College Fair PVHS Gymnasium Thursday, April 11, 2013 5:00 – 7:00 pm Breakout Sessions Regarding: Financial Aid, Bright Futures, NCAA Clearing House Information, and Advice from Admissions Counselors
Success doesn’t come to you… You go to it! See you at the PVHS College Fair! A sample of colleges attending: University of South Florida Florida State University Auburn University Princeton University Yale University The University of Alabama Florida Atlantic University Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Flagler College Cornell University Villanova University
Breakfast of Reading Champions Our third Breakfast of Reading Champions took place on March 6th in the media center with special guest Chris Berman. Mr. Berman is a local author who has written four novels. Intensive reading students who were chosen by their teachers for their outstanding work in class attended. The students ate a delicious breakfast and two lucky winners left with backpacks filled with school supplies. Our final Breakfast of the school year will take place on May 22nd. As a reminder, all students who are invited and show up to the breakfast are entered in a contest to win an Amazon Kindle.
Lunch and Learn Tenth graders who received invitations were a part of Lunch and Learn group which met from January 28 until March 13, 2013. During Lunch and Learn, the students worked on recognizing vocabulary words and parts of speech as well as learning skills that are used on FCAT reading, such as compare/contrast, cause/ effect, facts vs. opinions. About thirty-five students were consistent in their attendance and enjoyed dining on pizza, drinks, chips, and candy while they were learning. To the left is a picture from a February session.
Free Physicals April 27, 2013 This will be the ONLY Free Physical offered for the 2013-14 school year! You will be charged after this date!!! If you are attending PMHS next year and you are interested in playing sports...THIS is your CHANCE!! One Orthopaedic Place, St. Augustine, FL 32086 904.825.0540 8:00-10:30am ALL student athletes MUST have a current physical to participate in sports.
Steve Melgard Basketball Camp at Pedro Menendez High School Gymnasium Ages: Boys and Girls, ages 6-16 (All skill levels welcome)
2013 Steve Melgard Basketball Camp Name: _____________________________________________________________ Age: _____ Circle T-shirt Size : Youth S
M
L Adult
S
M
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XL
Address: City, State, Zip:______________________________________________
Dates and Times: Session 1 – July 15-18, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Session 2 – July 15-18, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Session 3 – July 22-25, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Session 4 – July 22-25, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Campers may attend 1 session or multiple sessions. Discounts apply for campers attending multiple sessions. Campers staying for full days may bring a lunch or may purchase pizza lunch.
Email Address: _____________________________________________________
Location: Pedro Menendez High School Gymnasium 600 SR 206 West, St. Augustine, FL 32086 Cost: 1 Session: $75.00 2 Sessions: $135.00 3 Sessions: $185.00 4 Sessions: $225.00 *Pizza lunch will be available for $4.00 per day. How to Pre-Registration: Send a $25 non-refundable deposit or full payment to: Steve Melgard Basketball Camp 402 Orchis Road St. Augustine, FL 32086 Pre-register today as space is limited to the first 80 campers per session!!!
Home Number: ____________________________________________________ Work/Cell Number: ________________________________________________
School attending: __________________________________________________ I hereby authorize the staff of the Steve Melgard Basketball Camp to act for me according to their best judgment in any emergency requiring medical attention. I hereby waive and release Pedro Menendez High School and the Steve Melgard Basketball Camp staff from any and all liability for any injuries or illness occurred while at the camp. I have no knowledge of any physical impairment that would be affected by the above campers participation in the camp. Please check which sessions the camper will attend: Session 1 – July 15-18 , 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Session 2 – July 15-18, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Session 3 - July 22-25, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m. Session 4 - July 22-25, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Parent or Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________________________________ Date: _______________________
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit # 2346 Orlando, FL
Pedro Menendez High School 600 S.R. 206 West St. Augustine, FL 32086 Phone: 904-547-8660
Reserved Parking/ Personalized Sign/ Parking Sticker “Senior Lot”… 3013-2014
Start the 2013-2014 school year off right …never be late to class because you can’t get a up front spot….Have your spot in the senior lot waiting for you!
2nd Annual PMHS Golf Tournament • • • • • • • • • • •
Proceeds Support ALL Athletic Programs at PMHS Saturday, May 18, 2013 St. Augustine Shores Golf Course 4-Person Team Scramble 8:00 a.m. Checkin, 9:00 a.m. Shotgun Start $45 per player Prizes 1st, 2nd, 3rd, last, and 2nd to last place teams “Beat the Pro” and Putting Contests Mens and Ladies Longest Drive and Closest to Pin Lots of other great prizes and drawings BBQ dinner after the tournament
$200 for the year (Proceeds benefits the Athletic Dept.)
Hole Sponsorships Available for $50 • Sign with your logo will be displayed on the tee box • Donations and gifts are tax deductible
See Ms. Gillian Johns/ Athletic Secretary
For more information, to register your team, or to sponsor a hole contact the St. Augustine Shores Golf Course at 794-4653.
Magic Dance Team Auditions 4/10/13, 3:30-5:30 PMHS Auditorium Please come warmed-up and ready to dance! Please wear appropriate dance attire and bring a copy of your last report card.
There will be two clinics before the audition: 4/4/13 & 4/9/13, 7:30AM-9:00AM PMHS Auditorium Cost: 1 day: $15 or 2 days: $25 This is a great way to prepare for the audition! If you have any questions, please email Jessica.Lengyel@stjohns. k12.fl.us