2021-2022 NEW PARENT GUIDE
2021-2022
New Parent Guide
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PARENT INVOLVEMENT Parents are an integral part of the Tampa Prep community. Through the Tampa Prep Parents Alliance (TPPA), parents partner with the school to volunteer and provide support for activities, events, and programs. The partnership between Prep and our families is vital for student success.
We encourage you to engage in committees and special interest groups on the following pages, and please feel free to reach out to your grade-level or division representatives if you have any questions or need guidance this first year! To stay current on all TPPA events, parents are welcome to attend monthly TPPA meetings. Information for these meetings will be in the weekly newsletter, on the school calendar, and in the TPPA section of the parent portal on the Tampa Prep website.
GRADE-LEVEL EVENTS COURTESY OF TPPA Grade-Level Parent Socials and Coffees
for each grade on-campus. For more
(Various Dates - Check School
Thursday newsletter and check the
Calendar) Parent social gatherings
TPPA Upcoming Events page in the
for each grade level are planned
parent portal.
information, keep an eye on the
periodically throughout the year. Typically, attendees gather
Grade-Level Student Lunches
off-campus for an evening
(Various Dates) TPPA provides a
together with light hors d’oeuvres.
special lunch and/or treat once per
Additionally, the TPPA hosts coffees
semester during the regular lunch
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hour.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT TPPA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT Tiffany DeMarcay
PRESIDENT ELECT Allison Mook
tpdemarcay@gmail.com | 813-731-5151
hrleygrl883@aol.com | 813-810-8059
TREASURER
RECORDING SECRETARY Laurie Winters
Heather Curtis
tppatreasurer@tampaprep.org | 813-727-5317
lwinters1118@gmail.com | 813-210-0248
UPPER SCHOOL COORDINATOR Melissa Renninger
MIDDLE SCHOOL COORDINATOR Gianna Rendina-Gobioff
melrenny@tampabay.rr.com | 404-317-2510
giannarg@gmail.com |813-786-1284
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Dee Dee Bland deedee.bland@gmail.com | 813-732-2889
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COMMITTEE CHAIRS HOSPITALITY CHAIRS Tara Runkle Deb Dille
taralee22@outlook.com deborah.dille@gmail.com
FACULTY APPRECIATION Sandi Santos Katherine Cosmas
sandi@sandisantos.com kathcosmas@gmail.com
813-505-4772 813-727-0674
813-777-1033 813-335-7349
PARENT EDUCATION COMMITTEE (PEC)
The PEC is responsible for bringing in outside guest speakers to educate parents on current topics relating to education, college guidance, parenting, and more. Past topics include: * A Beginners Guide To Mindfulness: Helping You and Your Teenager Manage Stress and Anxiety * What Every Parent Should Know * Real World 101: What Colleges Want Your Kids To Know * How To Get a Job and Keep It (for students) * Teaching Teens How to Feed Themselves: Food Culture * When Your Good Kid Makes a Bad Choice Tien Tien Shein Jeannine Williams
tienshein@gmail.com 813-833-2497 jeanninesmithwilliams@gmail.com 727-459-5449
SPRING FAMILY JAMBOREE Jennifer Plummer Christiana Thompson
plummerj1@mac.com christiana.thompson@gmail.com
215-262-1228 678-662-5939
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Kim Osborne ozmom11@yahoo.com 813-546-6002 Kimberly Wilson lwilson1@me.com 813-810-0042
END-OF-YEAR BBQ Stephanie Tannenbaum Megan Proulx-Dempsey
stephtannen@gmail.com dempsey0421@yahoo.com
813-833-4256 813-541-4270
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS BOOK CLUB
Tampa Prep Book Club meets every other month. We will meet from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. We like to read a wide variety of books and are open to new and exciting suggestions. Our discussions are always animated, particularly when we disagree about the merits of a book! People are welcome to come even if they haven’t read the book as long as you don’t mind spoilers. Gina Fair ginafair@aol.com 813-220-6395 Molly Straus molly@mahoebay.com 914-382-1528
INTERNATIONAL PARENTS
Join this informal group of international parents who meet monthly at a Prep family home for coffee. Get acquainted, share cultures, and learn more about what goes on at Tampa Prep. Claudia Pires claudia.pires@inspihred.com 813-566-2585
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TERRAPIN DADS
It’s great to be a Tampa Prep Terrapin Dad! Why let Terrapin Moms have all the fun? Here’s your opportunity to meet other Prep dads for socializing in casual, informal, no-stringsattached gatherings. We meet once per month for social events, and organize tailgates from time to time to coincide with sporting events at Prep. Bill Bland blanbill@gmail.com 813-380-2058
OUTINGS GROUP
Explore the cultural riches and natural beauty of the Tampa Bay area while making new friends. Outing destinations will vary and may include visiting a local museum, biking, kayaking, or exploring the Tampa RiverWalk. Suggestions for activities are always welcome. Outings often end by going out to lunch (optional, of course, if you only have limited time). Lisha Harris Lishaharris@yahoo.com 813-810-1644 Alex Steppacher ast5410@gmail.com 813-957-3028
2021-2022 GRADE LEVEL REPRESENTATIVES 6TH GRADE
10TH GRADE
Afsaneh Dean: 727-359-2217 adean9@gmail.com Lindsay Bomstein: 813-545-7896 Linsfache@hotmail.com Nurdan Johnsingh: 813-944-8165 nozky@hotmail.com
Cindi Herrera: 813-992-5108 jacindafl@gmail.com Julieanna Reuther-Habib: 727-479-9652 oceana613@gmail.com Caroline Stein: 617-306-5488 cmstein@hotmail.com
7TH GRADE
11TH GRADE
Annie Bass: 786-423-5259 avbass9876@gmail.com Heather Fahey: 813-215-5039 heathervfahey@yahoo. com Joanna Segundo: 813-495-5523 Jksegundo@gmail.com
Sharon Lopez: 813-728-7070 slailo@me.com Lakisha Kinsey-Sallis: 312-550-0777 lakisha_laplace@sbcglobal. net Gina Bailey: 813-382-7367 gmbailey@verizon.net
8TH GRADE
12TH GRADE
Kim Murray: 813-892-9090 kimberlymurray@me.com Charity Toth: 813-748-0565 Tothcd25@gmail.com Kristina Isacksen: 813-541-6230 kaisacksen@gmail.com
9TH GRADE
Kasey Kelly: 813-610-0950 bobnkasey@aol.com Lisa Paquin: 314-541-4111 lisapaquin@sbcglobal.net Marie Manthey: 414-803-0030 Mariek1234@aol.com Beth McIntyre: 813-220-5631 bbs7747@aol.com
Susan Heine: 323-697-5496 sdheine@gmail.com Lisa Reins: 813-351-0771 reinsl@verizon.net Kim Alvarez: 813-695-7172 kim@entertek.net
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TERMS TO KNOW Advising
vital 21st century skills such as
Each student is assigned to an advisor
teamwork, curiosity, problem solving,
(a teacher or administrator) who
and resilience.
provides a reliable, communicative link between the student and their
Declamations
family and the student’s teachers. In
Declamations are a unique Tampa
addition, the advisor functions as the
Prep tradition that help students
student’s advocate, monitoring and
build confidence through public
promoting the student’s academic
speaking. All students, grades 6-12,
and personal growth. Students
are required to prepare and deliver an
change advisors each year as they
oral presentation. Students advance
move up through the School. An open,
through rounds performing for their
communicative relationship between
class and their grade, and finalists
parents and advisors is important.
perform in a school-wide assembly.
Early in the school year, parents
Parents are welcome to attend this
meet the advisors. When needed,
assembly.
parents may also request to schedule an individual 30-minute conference
First Week
with their student and the student’s
Tampa Prep prides itself on the
advisor.
sense of unity within each class and throughout the School. This focus is
A.L.E.
strengthened through several
(Active Learning Environment)
programs, including day or overnight
The concept behind an Active
retreats, at the start of each school
Learning Environment (ALE) is
year during the first days of school
to provide students with a
before academic classes start.
technologically advanced atmosphere
Students in all grades participate
conducive to collaboration, student
in games, activities, and challenges
engagement, and creativity. Custom
appropriate to their age, always with
components including light, sound,
the goal of getting to know each
comfort, and technology are
other, transitioning to the beginning
incorporated to ensure optimal
of school, and to welcome new
learning within each classroom.
students.
The physical changes combine with innovative teaching methods to enhance the student’s acquisition of page 6
TERMS TO KNOW
TERRAPIN GEAR
Harkness
Terrapin gear and spirit wear is
The Harkness table, Harkness method,
available through:
or Harkness discussion involves
•
The Spirit Store in the main
a teaching and learning method
lobby. Spirit Store items may also
where students are seated in a large,
be viewed (but not purchased)
oval configuration to discuss ideas
at https://tampaprep.org/parent-
in an encouraging, open-minded environment with only occasional or minimal teacher intervention. Humanities classrooms are set up to support the Harkness method, and most teachers employ it.
portal-welcome/school-store/ •
Alternative spirit wear (not found in the Spirit Store) may be purchased via: https://sideline. bsnsports.com/schools/florida/ tampa/tampa-preparatory-school
Freshman Transitions Course Following the trend of Freshmen transition courses at colleges and universities across the country, we have engineered a one-of-a-kind Freshman Transitions curriculum built into our class schedule. Subjects such as time management, ethics and integrity, social relationships, global perspective, executive functioning, exam prep, healthy living (sleep, diet, mindfulness, addiction, technology use), financial literacy, digital citizenship, and more are discussed.
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SUPPORT TAMPA PREP Each year, generous donations from our school community help us maintain our outstanding educational experience. While tuition pays for the essential elements needed for a top-tier learning environment, philanthropy allows us to be agile, innovative thought leaders by providing teachers and students with the resources they need to discover their next passion or talent. There are multiple opportunities to support Tampa Prep, and we are grateful that many of our families contribute in more than one way.
Annual Fund The Annual Fund is the School’s primary fundraising endeavor. It is our hope that as a member of the Tampa Prep Family, you will participate in this fundraising initiative throughout the academic year in ways that are meaningful to you. Some donors choose to set up a monthly donation as a matter of convenience and greater impact. The Annual Fund directly invests in every program, department, student, and faculty member at Prep. We strive to achieve high levels of parent and alumni participation because each gift is an endorsement of our mission and the educational experience we provide. We encourage everyone to make Tampa Prep a philanthropic priority at whatever level they are able, whether that be $5 or $50,000. Our Terrapin Society recognizes those individuals who contribute at the leadership level ($1,000+) with our Terrapin Society Reception in the fall. In the spring, we appreciate our 1974 Society donors ($5,000+). Every gift, regardless of size, makes a difference. Each gift has a profound and immediate impact on the Tampa Prep experience and is truly appreciated.
Gala Our annual Tampa Prep Gala will be March 5, 2022 at Armature Works. Sponsorship opportunities will be available for those who are able to support the event while gaining visibility for your business or special recognition for your family.
Golf Outing Our annual Golf Outing is typically held in February. Traditionally there are multiple sponsorship opportunities, and each level has different perks. For more information on the event as well as sponsorships, and foursome and individual participant packages, email events@tampaprep.org.
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SUPPORT TAMPA PREP Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why is the Annual Fund necessary? Tampa Prep is a nonprofit organization that operates without financial support from local or federal taxes. The School relies on tuition, annual giving, endowment, and auxiliary income (income from summer camps and facility rentals) to operate and continually improve. Q. Will my gift really make a difference? Absolutely! Every gift plays a part in Tampa Prep’s success. Overall donor participation reveals how the school is valued by its constituents, and your gift is an expression of gratitude to the teachers who guide and mentor our students. The collective generosity of our community allows us to provide additional resources for our classrooms, athletics, arts, and extracurricular programs each year. Your support is truly appreciated. Q. How can I make a gift to Tampa Prep? There are many ways to make a gift to the school. • You may mail or drop off a check, or give with a credit card online at https://www.tampaprep.org/give • Gifts of appreciated securities can have beneficial tax implications for the donor by providing an additional deduction while alleviating your capital gains tax obligation. Talk to your accountant about whether this option makes sense for you. • Ask your HR Department if your company matches charitable gifts and double your support! • Leave your mark by purchasing a special paver inscribed with the message of your choice. Pay tribute to your family, an alum, faculty member, student, athlete or anyone to whom you wish to give a permanent place in Tampa Prep history. • There are a variety of ways to help ensure Tampa Prep’s future through a planned or estate gift such as a bequest, charitable gift annuity, or a charitable trust. • Become a monthly donor by setting up a recurring gift. This allows you to maximize your contribution while having a limited impact on your budget. Q. Is my gift tax deductible? Tampa Prep is a 501(c)(3) organization as determined by the IRS, and all gifts qualify for a charitable deduction as allowable by law. Federal Tax ID #59 1618607 SPECIFIC QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT: Ki Perry, Director of Development | 813-251-8481 x4023 or Maggie Morrison, Director of Donor Engagement | 813-251-8481 x4005 or Shamus Warren, Director of Annual & Leadership Giving | 813-251-8481 x4036 You may also visit the Support section of our website to learn more about how you can make an impact at Tampa Prep. page 9
SPECIAL EVENTS Fall
Opening Convocation (Aug. 23) On the first day of classes, students and faculty gather for Opening Convocation. The community hears from several speakers including the Head of School and the Student Body President.
New Parent Shindig (Aug. 25 for parents whose Middle Schoolers were new in Fall 2020 or Fall 2021; Aug. 26 for parents whose Upper Schoolers were new in Fall 2020 or Fall 2021.) This social event allows parents with students new to the school to meet each other and several key members of the school community. It is usually held in the Smith Black Box Theater.
Parents’ Night (Sept. 14) On Parents’ Night, parents follow their child’s schedule to meet their advisor and each teacher. You can also meet TPPA members, hear about ways to get involved and learn about clubs and activities available to your students.
advisor. Students are encouraged to speak and advocate for themselves, and come up with a plan of action if one is needed.
Thanksgiving Convocation (Nov. 18) Thanksgiving Convocation celebrates the arts in preparation for the holiday season. The concert features performances by our Terrapin bands and choruses, as well as spoken word tributes from students and faculty.
Winter
Holly Dazzle Dance (Dec. 3) Winter dance for students in grades 7 and 8.
Stress Less Week (Dec.) During exam time, faculty members plan daily activities to help with stress related to exam studying and project prep.
Headmasters’ Challenge
Several concerts, plays, musicals, and other arts performances occur throughout the year. Check the calendar for specific dates!
(Jan. 8) Tampa Prep hosted the inaugural Headmasters’ Challenge on January 10, 2004. This is an annual tradition honoring our rivalry with Berkeley Preparatory School. Winter sports teams from middle school, junior varsity and varsity all compete for the highly coveted Headmasters’ Cup.
Grandparents’ Day
Middle School Games
Arts Performances
(Feb. 4) Grandparents are treated to special performances and join their grandchildren in classes to experience Tampa Prep.
Family/Advisor Conference Day (Oct. 20) Parents are invited to sit in on a self-guided academic assessment between student and page 10
(Jan. 13-14) Multi-dimensional, cross-curricular project that encourages 21st-century learning skills and cultivates leadership. This is a 2-day competition amongst grade level teams.
SPECIAL EVENTS Terrapin Day (Jan./Feb. TBD) While Tampa Prep students “go beyond” on a regular basis, the annual Terrapin Day of service exemplifies the school’s mission of “a higher purpose than self.” Students look beyond our campus to volunteer throughout the community. Each grade level takes on a different cause and donates their day to the organization or task.
Declamations (Feb.) All students, grades 6-12, deliver an oral presentation. Students advance through rounds performing for their class and their grade, and finalists perform in a school-wide assembly.
Spring Gala
(March 5) Our annual Tampa Prep Gala will be held at Armature Works. Sponsorship opportunities will be available for those who are able to support the event while gaining visibility for your business or special recognition for your family.
Family Jamboree (April 1) TPPA plans the Family Jamboree, an after-school event packed with fun activities for the whole family! Great food, music, an inflatable obstacle course, pictures with Earnest (our school mascot), and more! This event will be held from 4:30-8pm.
International Food Truck Day (TBD) The World and Classical Language Department invites food trucks with Spanish, French, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine to campus. Each truck sells half size portions to encourage everyone to try different options.
Awards Day (April 29) Students in grades 6-11 receive departmental awards honoring their academic and athletic achievements, as well as their character. Students in grades 9-11 receive book awards. Grade 12 awards are presented at Senior Celebration in May.
Middle & Upper School Arts Showcase (April) Students showcase what they have learned in Band, 2D and 3D Art, Chorus, Theater and Video Production classes during four events in the Smith Black Box Theater.
Prom (April 9) Prom is held for Juniors and Seniors at an off-campus location.
Senior/Yearbook Day (May 20) Everyone dresses in college spirit attire (Seniors dress in gear from their future college/university). There are many fun activities throughout the day all geared toward celebrating the Senior class. This is not an event for parents to attend, there are plenty of those later in the month. This is a final hurrah JUST for Seniors. Parents do not attend, however, there is an all-school BBQ this day as well, and many moms and dads volunteer to cook and serve all 708 students. page 11
LUNCH OPTIONS
Middle School Lunch is from 11:50 - 12:30 p.m. Upper School Lunch is from 12:50 - 1:30 p.m. NOTE: Some days have “special schedules” so lunch times may change.
• •
• •
Lunch may be brought from home. Microwaves are available. You may purchase from our lunch provider, EVOS, and lunch will be delivered. Registration and ordering opens August 11. To register, visit https://evos.boonli.com/login and use password: TP1. Orders must be in by 8am. You may purchase online from any restaurant that delivers to Tampa Prep such as Jimmy John’s, Kelp, Pita Pit, Subway, and Dominos. Orders must be in by 10am. PLEASE NOTE: For security purposes, Uber Eats, Postmates, Bite Squad or any independent delivery services are NOT permitted on campus and will be turned away.
SENIOR YEAR PROJECTS & EVENTS Six-Word Memoir Each Senior writes a six-word memoir on the wall of the Student Center to be displayed throughout the school year.
Paint the Rock Seniors leave their mark on Prep each fall by signing their names on the rock in the parking lot.
Senior Sunrise To kick off the school year, the Senior class comes together to watch the sun rise over the Hillsborough river.
3lb Project Three lbs. is the weight of the human brain. Seniors resolve to learn page 12
something they’ve always wanted to try (playing an instrument, cooking a meal, building a car engine).
Cookie Company Project In Honors Economics, seniors form companies to sell cookies. Students apply and execute what they are learning in class, and present a business plan to a group of experts.
Senior Beach Day In the spring, Seniors head to the beach for a day of fun in the sun.
Senior Moms’ Lunch TPPA Junior moms host a celebratory lunch for Senior moms.
Senior Internships Completion of a 70hour internship is a graduation requirement (minus 10 hours for each AP class taken). Seniors update their resume, network, prepare for an interview, and work.
Senior Celebration Senior Celebration is an opportunity for Seniors and their immediate families to get together one last time to enjoy dinner, entertainment by the Seniors, and receive awards.
Graduation Graduation is held at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.
CLASS TRIPS BY GRADE 6th Grade
9th Grade
6th Grade Class Trip
9th Grade Class Trip
(Sept 22-24) Trip includes Disney’s Youth Education Series Program, Medieval Times, Kennedy Space Center, and more.
(First Week) Freshman will participate in on and off-campus orientation activities to help new and returning students connect.
7th Grade
10th Grade
7th Grade Class Trip
10th Grade Class Trip
(April 25-28) Seventh grade students spend four days exploring wildlife in the Florida Keys. The Keys trip is a culmination of the Science 7 curriculum. Activities include swimming with dolphins at Dolphins Plus, kayaking through the mangroves at John Pennekamp State Park, visiting the Turtle Hospital on Marathon Key, snorkeling in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and taking an airboat ride through the Florida Everglades.
(First Week) Sophomores will participate in group bonding activities.
8th Grade 8th Grade Class Trip (Oct. 4-7) Students spend four days tracing the roots of the American Revolution by walking Boston’s historic Freedom Trail. They visit Lexington and Concord, the Salem Witch Museum, and reflect at Walden Pond. On the last day of the trip, they are transported to the year 1627 and live the life of a pilgrim at Plymouth Plantation.
11th Grade 11th Grade Class Trip (First Week) The Junior Class trip to the picturesque mountains of Pisgah help develop skills not necessarily formed or tested in the classroom, moving Juniors outside of their comfort zones to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. Students work together to cook meals, put up tents, follow trails, build campfires, and rock climb. They begin the school year with new friends and a deeper bond from their shared experience.
8th Grade Lunch Cruise (May TBD) In May, students celebrate their transition from Middle to Upper School on a StarShip lunch cruise.
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ACADEMIC RESOURCES MYTAMPAPREP MyTampaPrep is our new Student Information System. The graphic below also shows how to access the most commonly used features, such as viewing your child’s schedule, grades, and assignments, and updating your profile including your photo and contact info (address, phone, email, etc.). In addition, you can access a quick tutorial at any time by clicking on your name in the top right corner and going to “Getting Started”. We will continue to add content and functionality throughout the year. Eventually, this will be your go-to source for information so we hope you’ll get comfortable using this tool. Need assistance with MyTampa Prep? Email mtpinfo@tampaprep.org
MAGNUS Magnus is the school’s health form portal. It can be accessed via MyTampaPrep.
DIGITAL DIRECTORY The information provided via your profile in MyTampaPrep will be used for the School’s digital directory, which is password-protected and accessible only to parents and faculty. You may change what other parents are able to view at a fairly detailed level, by clicking on your name in the top right corner then choosing settings and going to privacy setup.
Where to Find Information in MyTampaPrep
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SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS E-COMMUNICATIONS WEEKLY UPDATE Every Thursday, the Marketing Office publishes a digital weekly update delivered to you via email. This email is full of information about school events and programs; as well as student, team, faculty, and alumni successes. If you are not receiving this communication, email Abby Stafford at astafford@tampaprep.org.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS The School will call, email, and/or text to communicate emergency information. Your email and mobile phone information must be up to date in your MyTampaPrep profile to ensure you receive emergency notifications. You will also need to opt in to text messages by texting YES to 675-87.
PARENT PORTAL/CALENDAR In order to give parents time to learn where to find things, we will maintain our Parent Portal on our website www.tampaprep.org. There is lots of useful information on this page so please explore! And remember if you can’t find something, you can always utilize the search bar at the top right of the page. The School’s main calendar will continue to be kept within the Parent Portal. On the calendar page, you will also find the Major Dates Calendar and the Academic Daily Schedule. There is a calendar function within MyTampaPrep as well but, at the start of the school year, you will only see
your child’s schedule and assignments there. The MyTampaPrep calendar will NOT be utilized as our main school calendar just yet. The primary source for Athletics schedules and other information will continue to be located under Athletics within the Parent Portal. Although team rosters may be available in MyTampaPrep, the most accurate and up-to-date information will be found on the parent portal NOT MyTampaPrep.
SOCIAL MEDIA & NEWS The main way for parents to see photos and videos of happenings and accomplishments at school is via our social media platforms (which we hope all families will follow and LIKE!) or through the school news on the website home page. The school has multiple accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. School videos can be found on Vimeo at https://vimeo.com/tampaprep Our School blog “Being Earnest” is published on our website and shared on social media. Community members write about educational issues and campus events. Please go to our website to read, subscribe and share!
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