Admissions MS Magazine 2023

TERRAPIN TAG ALONG

EXPERIENCE A TYPICAL DAY AT TAMPA PREP AS WE TAG ALONG WITH 6TH GRADERS REESE AND NIAM!

PLUS

“TAKE IT FROM US”

LUNCHTIME FAVS AND MUCH MORE!

what does it mean to be earnest?

Meet Earnest, Tampa Prep’s Terrapin mascot. Earnest is fiercely loyal, he’s brave, competitive and kind. Earnest embodies all the qualities of our diverse Tampa Prep student body. What does it mean to be Earnest? It means coming to school every day, ready to learn, grow and make new friends. Welcome to our inaugural issue of Being Earnest - a magazine just for students. We hope you enjoy it!

Kevin M. Plummer Head of School

terrapin tagalong

At Tampa Prep, class schedules rotate, so each day you will skip one period, which may be an academic class or it could be an elective. Let’s tag along with Reese and Niam to get the playby-play on a day in the life of these Class of 2029 Terrapins!

9:50 AM

SECOND PERIOD

For second period, Niam heads to World Geography where students display and share their designs of a flag that could represent the European Union.

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

8:50 AM

FIRST PERIOD

The Tampa Prep school day starts a little later than some schools to make sure that you get a good night’s sleep and arrive rested & ready to learn! Here, Reese and a partner work on problems during a group activity in Math class.

THIRD PERIOD

In Science, both Niam and Reese work on their human body systems project, creating a 3D model with an accompanying book. All work is done in the classroom (no help from mom or dad at home!) and projects are then presented to family and friends.

Can you guess what human body system Reese is working on?

10:55 AM 11:50 AM

FOURTH PERIOD/MIDDLE SCHOOL LUNCH

Lunch time! Whether you bring a sandwich from home, heat up mac & cheese in one of the provided microwaves, hit the vending machines or order in from one of the approved restaurants, it’s time for a re-charge. Reese loves to eat & connect with friends in the Student Center or courtyard while Niam usually ends lunch with a quick game of basketball or kickball

12:30 PM

FIFTH PERIOD

All 6th graders get to experience “the wheel” of subjects, including Art, Band, Chorus and Robotics - the perfect way to experience something new. In fourth period, Niam enjoys making new creations in Art while Reese sings her heart out in Chorus. Check out pages 19 & 20 for more on the 6th grade wheel.

1:30 PM

SIXTH PERIOD

Next up is English and independent reading, a great way to decompress and have a little quiet time as the end of the school day quickly approaches!

Tampa Prep’s library has a giant selection of books and a full-time Media Specialist (Ms. Rendina) who is always happy to help you find the perfect book, for whatever mood you’re in.

2:30 PM

ATHLETICS PERIOD

At Tampa Prep, we know how important physical activity is for a healthy mind & body, so every 6th grader’s school day ends with Athletics. Here, Reese learns the rules of volleyball while Niam is in perfect tennis form. Game. Set. Match!

terps give back

Terrapin Days help Prep students live their mission of “A Higher Purpose Than Self” by volunteering in their community

At Tampa Prep, you’ll quickly learn all about Terrapin Days: one day a month when all middle schoolers get to help make our neighborhoods a nicer & better place to live, while helping others. You might get to help prep meals at Metropolitan Ministries, sort & organize donations at Feeding Tampa Bay or pick up litter & clean up our parks, playgrounds & beaches.

Terrapin Days are a great way to give back to our community while having fun and building bonds with your classmates!

“IN 6TH GRADE, WE HAD A CAR WASH TO RAISE MONEY FOR A DAYCARE CENTER AND IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! PLUS, IT FELT GREAT TO KNOW THAT WE WERE HELPING OTHER KIDS.”

PHOEBE ‘28

take it from us!

What advice would you give a new Tampa Prep student?

Sophie ‘28

Don’t be afraid to go to teachers for extra help. If you’re struggling with something in a class, going to the teacher can only benefit you and give you a better understanding of the lesson.

Brianna ‘25

Use all the resources that Prep offers and advocate for yourself! Teachers stay after school every day to give extra help and the teachers really do care about your success in school, so make sure that you put in the effort. If you communicate with your teachers about anything that might affect your ability to complete assignments, they are almost always flexible. And, use the peer tutoring or writing center if you’d prefer to get help from another student.

Nikhil ‘23

Enjoy every day of your school years. I still remember my first day in 6th grade. Time flies. Enjoy every second of it and before you know it, you’ll be graduating.

Jessica ‘29

Check your email every day.

If you don’t, you’ll miss out on fun stuff like puppies on campus, ice cream truck visits, candy-grams, etc.

Gabby ‘26 Maddie ‘23

Be kind and make friends with everyone! You’ll most likely be with these same people for the rest of your years at Tampa Prep, so introduce yourself to everyone. Try new thingsthere are fun electives and sports that you might love!

Chloe ‘26

Tampa Prep is one of the most open, happy, supportive environments you’ll ever get to be in so be prepared to make so many new friends! The work load can sometimes feel overwhelming but that’s because you’re getting the best education. Tampa Prep has shown me new sports, clubs and opportunities I never thought that I’d like. Your years at Prep will set you up to be the best version of yourself!

Xavier ‘26

Make the most of all the opportunities - be open to trying new things and having new experiences. Put in effort to make new friends - they don’t have to do the same things you do to be a great friend. Be respectful and have FUN! Give effort in your classes and you’ll have a great year at Tampa Prep.

Robby ‘25

Don’t limit yourself to one group of friends, branch out! Make a smile everywhere you go.

Kaiea ‘29

Grades are important but they’re not everything so don’t stress.

Will ‘25

Be sure to get ahead of your schoolwork. It will always pay off.

Don’t be afraid to try new things. Take a robotics class even if you have no experience. Step out of your comfort zone because you might find a new passion! I have friends who tried chorus for the first time in 6th grade and loved it so much that they stayed in it for their seven years at Prep. So, don’t be afraid of the unknown!

teaching beyond the classroom

Tampa Prep teachers have a lot in common: they love finding new ways to make learning fun, they love helping students discover what they’re passionate about and they love teaching at Florida’s Most Innovative School!

Two of our popular Middle School teachers are Mrs. Sanford (History & the Social Sciences), who always has a smile and a high-five, and Mr. Seary (World & Classical Languages), who’s been known to show up in class dressed for the Roman Empire. Let’s learn a little more about them:

Mrs. Sanford: “As far back as I can remember, I knew I wanted to be in front of the classroom. Today, I get to share my passion for Geography with 6th & 7th graders, whose energy and enthusiasm is infectious, which makes me love coming to work every day.

throughout their lives. Tampa Prep provides a safe, caring environment where children are encouraged to be themselves and with access to the latest technology, we have more freedom to create and innovate. I’m always searching for new stories and experiences to bring back to the classroom.”

In her free time, Mrs. Sanford enjoys traveling with her husband, reading, cooking and is a huge yoga enthusiast.

analysis of the sources and history of Severan Rome. I am an avid bowler but my true love is and always will be ice hockey. I enjoy gaming, travel, soccer and at leisure partaking in the journey to teach myself the Russian language.”

Mr. Seary is also the Pokémon Club Sponsor, Middle School Bowling Head Coach & Varsity Bowling Assistant Coach.

With exciting, interactive lessons, I hope to inspire a thirst for knowledge that stays with students

Mr. Seary: “Having already experienced the benefits of an independent school as a student firsthand, I have developed an appreciation for institutions like Tampa Preparatory School. I graduated from USF in 2013 and received degrees in Classics: Latin/Ancient Greek and History, with focuses in Latin and Ancient History. My senior research included projecting modern psycho-analytics onto the entire works of the Latin poet Catullus, and an in-depth

“

“I feel my classroom is the perfect balance of structure & educational fun.”

follow us

@TPREPATHLETICS

Middle School is the perfect time to try something new! Each season, 6th, 7th & 8th graders get to choose different sports or other athletic activities to try throughout the year, from bowling to tennis, soccer to volleyball, basketball to rowing! You never know what passion or talent you might discover when you get the chance to try something outside of your comfort zone. Our Middle School athletic programs

incorporate conditioning, skill development, strategy and social & cognitive growth to help with the physical & emotional success of all students.

In other words, it’s not whether you win or lose. It’s how you play the game!

TAMPA PREP ATHLETICS CORE PRINCIPLES:

Trust, Team, Toughness

Energy, Effort, Excellence

Respect, Responsibility, Relentless

Present, Process, Productive

Service, Sportsmanship, Success

FALL

Boys & Girls Cross-Country

Boys & Girls Diving

Boys & Girls Golf

Boys & Girls Rowing (Club)

Boys Soccer

Boys & Girls Swimming

Girls Volleyball

WINTER

Boys & Girls Bowling

Boys & Girls Basketball

Girls Middle School Soccer

Boys Wrestling

SPRING

Boys Baseball

Boys Lacrosse

Boys & Girls Rowing

Boys & Girls Tennis

Boys & Girls Track & Field

Girls Beach Volleyball

Boys & Girls Pickleball

“ We use our 15 core principles as a backbone to our athletic department as these are the qualities that lead to success on and off the athletic venues.”

Chris Lavoie Director of Athletics

the case of the missing airpods

GETTING STARTED: FILL IN THE BLANKS HERE BEFORE YOU READ & FILL IN THE STORY!

I _____________________________ to catch up with _______________________________ in the courtyard. “Wait up,” I called. “I’ve got to talk to you!” We spotted a pair of empty swivel chairs in the middle school hub and made a beeline for them. “So what’s up?” __________________________

asked, gesturing for me to sit on the

______________________________. But I was too upset to sit. I took a deep breath. “Mr. Hendrix sent me to deliver a pair of airpods to Ms. Lassacher’s office. I only put them down for _______

____________________s - and now I can’t find them anywhere!”

1. past tense verb

2. Friend’s Name 1

3. something you sit on

4. number

5. unit of time

6. noun

7. school subject

8. plural noun

9. past tense verb

10. Friend’s Name 2

11. favorite author

16. adjective

17. body part

18. noun

19. past tense verb

3. noun (something you sit on) 4. number

. “The bell is about to ring! The student who lost them will need them for _________________ class.” “I know,” I nodded. “That’s why Mr. Hendrix sent me. Ms. Lassacher needs our help and I had volunteered to pitch in.”

“So what do I do now?” I asked. “Let’s retrace your _____________________________!” _____________________________urged.

“That’s the strangest part!” I said. “I hardly _______________________________before they went missing.” “Talk me through it.”

“Well, right after Math, Mr. Hendrix found the airpods on the floor in the Hub. He asked me to run them up to Ms. Lassacher’s office on the third floor but on the way I bumped into ________________________ coming out of the Peifer Library, raving about the copy of the new ____________________________ book. I put the airpods on Ms. Rendina’s desk - but just long enough to flip through ______________ __________________. And when I turned back for the airpods, they were gone.” “Did ___________________________see anything?

I began to ______________________________ but just then, I spotted ____________________.

“Let’s ask,” I said.“______________________!” we hollered, waving our ____________________. _____________________ hurried toward us. “Did you find the airpods?” “No,” I sighed. “You didn’t see anything?” I probed. “No, I didn’t see anyone near us in the Library. Have you talked with Ms. Rendina to see if she noticed anything?”

Just then it hit us! _________________________, _________________________& I ran up to the third floor and into the Peifer Library. “Ms. Rendina! Did you happen to notice any airpods left on your desk earlier?” I asked. Ms. Rendina chuckled. “A good book is a ____________________________ thing,” she said. “And you, my friend, have had your ________________________________buried in a book since 6th grade. I recall worrying you would walk into a ______________________________!”

I smiled remembering how I used to read while I ________________________________. “I found them on my desk shortly after you left and turned them in to Ms. Lassacher. One way or another, missing tech always makes its way to her office.”

a of figure speech

Giving a Declamation is a rite of passage here at Tampa Prep. We know public speaking can be scary, so why do we do this year after year?

Declamations give you the chance to share a story, to hear one another & connect with an audience. This longtime Terrapin tradition gives you confidence in your own voice and the belief that your words are worth sharing!

Ethan, Class of 2029 Grade Level Winner Performed The Nap Taker

by Shel Silverstein

How did you choose your Declamation passage?

“My favorite poet is Shel Silverstein and I loved his book Where the Sidewalk Ends. So, I started re-reading his poems when I found The Nap Taker. It was the perfect length, I knew I could work good gestures into it and it was kind of funny too.”

How did you feel when you heard what it is like to give a Declamation?

“At first, I was scared to speak in front of my classmates and especially (after I won) in front

of the whole grade and whole school. But, after doing it a few times, it started to get easier and I was definitely less jittery.”

How did your feelings change throughout the process?

“I got less and less nervous, as I went through the process. Once I settled on my poem and started practicing is when I felt more confident.”

How long did it take for you to memorize your Declamation?

“It took about a week and a half to memorize the whole thing. I just worked on it in sections until I could recite it from beginning to end.”

What advice would you give to an incoming 6th grader about Declamations?

“Practice makes perfect. And everybody is super supportive. Once you get going, it’s not scary at all!”

“My favorite elective was band. I liked learning my instrument and performing at the concerts.”

Anna ‘26

“My favorite thing from the 6th Grade Wheel was probably chorus. Even though I’m not much of a singer it was a fun way to spend time with my friends and have a good laugh (especially during solos week), while tying something new!”

Taylor ‘25

What’s the deal with the

6th Grade

“My favorite subject during the 6th Grade Wheel was art. I already enjoyed art a lot before I came to Tampa Prep, but I loved this school’s art class!”

Kira ‘26

“I really enjoyed band, I was in the percussion section and had a lot of fun in the class!”

Will ‘25

“Robotics! I loved the fun and serious aspects of it.”

Sullivan ‘29

“My favorite 6th grade elective was robotics. It was such a fun experience. I got to learn how to code, and problem solve. We coded our robots and built onto them to solve missions! You feel so happy after successfully completing a mission.”

Sonia ‘28

Wheel...

During your 6th grade year, all students get to experience Art, Band, Chorus & Robotics! But which one will win out as your favorite in the end?

“I enjoyed all of the wheel classes, but my favorite was chorus. Mainly because of the project that incorporated our grandparents. It will always be a great memory!”

Xavier ‘26

“My favorite subject was chorus because I loved learning new songs and seeing the outcome. My favorite song we learned was “Go The Distance” from Hercules!”

Haley ‘26

“Art was the best class!”

Tyler ‘29

table talk

Let’s talk lunch. Whether you pack your lunch in the morning or remember to order, Tampa Prep students have plenty of options for their midday feast. Which will you choose?

“I bring lunch from home a lot but when I do order I love to order Subway. It’s delicious and they always get my food right.”

Riley ‘26

“I like bringing my lunch from home: either a PB & J, a turkey sandwich or else I also like to bring in a mac & cheese cup and heat it up in the microwave.”

Sam ‘25

“I mostly bring my own lunch from home. But, I do love to order from Domino’s. It’s really easy to order and it always shows up on time.”

Oliver ‘26

“I usually bring lunch from home but when I do order, I really like Subway.”

Ines ‘26

“My favorite lunch option to order is Papa Johns. I bring lunch from home most days and order about once a week. It’s my favorite because it’s nice to have a fresh pizza and share with my friends.”

Brett ‘27

Let the games Begin!

What’s better than having fun with your friends? How about learning something at the same time (and winning prizes)?!

One of the year’s highlights is the Middle School Games, a two-day event where you get to use logic and teamwork to solve problems and riddles together. Tasks can also include brain-busting academic trivia and fun physical challenges.

“The students love these games! They’re always excited for the challenges and they learn so much about themselves throughout the process.”

Ms. Grosso Science Teacher & Games Coordinator

Every year has a different theme and every year requires you to bring your best effort, a great attitude and competitive spirit!

“ the Middle School Games are a great way to work with your classmates and make new friends while challenging your group to collaborate and solve problems. Plus, you get to play games, have fun and compete!”

practically perfect

in every way

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players” - As You Like It by William Shakespeare

Whether you love performing, long to be on stage, running the spotlights, building sets or working the sound board, Tampa Prep’s theater department gives you the

chance to find your passion! Our Smith Black Box Theater and Technical Theater department are state of the art and allow every student’s talent to shine through.

Pictured: 2023 Middle School Theater musical production of “Mary Poppins Jr.”

now

Max W. ‘22

“Going into 6th grade, I was most looking forward to a sense of independence and individuality while still feeling like I was a part of a welcoming community. Tampa Prep was able to give me that space to explore what I was passionate about with others, which helped me make lifelong friendships and laid the foundation for the rest of my personal and academic career.”

LaPlace S. ‘23

“Two of my goals when I came to Tampa Prep as a 6th grader were to become a straight A student and play on the varsity baseball team. Through a lot of hard work and dedication, I’m happy to say that I was able to achieve both goals in my seven years at Prep. I graduated with one of the highest GPAs in my class, and helped our baseball team win a district championship my junior year.

My years at Tampa Prep have definitely helped me achieve my goals and get into one of the most prestigious universities in the country. And, I have no doubt that I’ll be well equipped when I get there in the fall.”

Maelle ‘23

“I remember, coming in as a 6th grader, being scared that my classmates would already all know each other, because no one from my old school was coming to Prep. So I was worried about having to make all new friends. But everyone was really nice and welcoming,

so making new friends wasn’t a problem, at all. And now, as a graduate, I love that I’m still friends with people that I met as an incoming 6th grader. I feel such a strong connection with not only my classmates but also with the teachers, who watched me grow up at Prep. “

Katarina G. ‘23

“My favorite thing about Tampa Prep is how connected you feel to the school. Every year, I was able to get more involved with clubs and new classes. And, as a 7-year Terrapin, I couldn’t

Maiyah H. ‘23

“I remember being nervous in 6th grade

that I wouldn’t be able to adapt to the workload, but the teachers were so helpful, approachable & are available every day after school. As a senior, I loved being able to do all the traditions I dreamed about when I was in 6th grade: Senior Sunrise, 6-Word Memoir, Yearbook Day, Paint the Rock, etc.

And, it was great to go through my seven years at Prep, watching my peers growing with me.”

Olivia P.

‘23

Throughout your years at Tampa Prep, you will be encouraged to find your passions and learn how to balance academics, athletics, community service & extracurricular activities. Hear from some graduates how their seven years spent at Prep helped them grow, learn & achieve their goals in & out of the classroom. walk through the halls for more than a few minutes before I was greeted by a teacher or seeing a friend. After seven years, it feels like not only did I attend this school, but I am a piece of it and it will always be a part of me.”

“One main goal I had, coming into Tampa Prep, was to be the leader of a club. By the time I graduated, I was a leader in Model UN, president of BSU (Black Student

Union), and a leader in WOKE as well. I just know my 6th grade self would be so happy to see what I’ve achieved.

Prep is a wonderful place to challenge yourself to be the best version of you, in a safe environment where at least one other person can understand your story, or become a part of it.”

Mark your calendars!

upcoming events

August 21

Convocation (students onlythis is a dress up day!)

August 23

New Parent Shindig (parents only)

September 1

Admissions Application

Window Opens

September 13-15

6th Grade Florida Adventures

Trip

October 11

Admissions Open House

november 6-9

8th Grade Boston Trip

January 11-12

Middle School Games

February 1

Admissions Application Deadline

March 2

Gala (parents only)

march 29

Prep Fest

april 19

Middle School ERB Testing/ Field Day

may 3

Middle School End-of-Year Party

may 7-10

7th Grade Florida Keys Trip

may 16

Middle School Awards

know

someone who wants to become a terrapin?

Reach out to our Admissions Team to plan a visit and learn more!

Tammy Honegger Director of Admissions & Financial Aid

Mychael Sumby

Associate Director of Admissions & Director of Summer Programs

Nick Comella

Assistant Director of Admissions

Betsy Zollinger

Assistant to the Director of Admissions

Friendly Faces you should know

Our Middle School Team is here to help with all your needs and answer any questions you may have!

Joe Fenlon

Associate Head of School & Head of the Middle School

KIM SOUZA

Assistant to the Associate Head of School & Head of the Middle School

Kate Mesa Health Coordinator

FLORIDA ADVENTURES

No Tears Here - See Ya, Mom & Dad! You can see how excited this group of 6th grade girls were to leave for their Florida Adventures class trip