Miami Beach Senior High PTSA E-Newsletter
September 23, 2016 - Issue # 4
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September/October Calendar
- September 23, Club Fair during both lunches, in the main courtyard by the office. Students will explore the many Clubs offered at Beach High.
- September 23, Pep Rally, 1:30 pm, DJ'ed by Chris. Seniors will wear black shirts; juniors will wear grey; sophomore red; and freshman white (note: you must wear school colors during the day).
- September 24, Family Service Day. See article below.
- September 26-30, Senior Breakfast tickets sale online.
- September 27, Blood Drive. See article below.
- September 27, Open House. Resource Fair 5 pm in the cafeteria, visits to classes start at 6 pm.
- September 29, Early Release, 12:20 pm (after lunch).
- September 29, Safety Committee Meeting, Media Center, 2:30 pm. Everybody is welcome!
- September 29, Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon.
- September 30, late registration deadline for October 22 ACT (late fee required).
- October 1, SAT test. Registered students.
- October 3, No school, Teacher Planning Day
- October 7, registration deadline for November 5 SAT.
- October 10-18, FSA Retake Reading, Writing, and FCAT Retake. Eligible students.
- October 11, PTSA Board meeting. 7:30 - 9 am, Media Center. Everybody is welcome!
- October 12, No school, Teacher Planning Day.
- October 19, PSAT and ASVAB tests. Registered students.
- October 19, EESAC meeting, Media Center, 2:30pm.
- October 20, IB Informational meeting, 6:30 pm in the Auditorium. See article below.
- October 22, ACT test. Registered students.
- October 22, AOHT Flea Market. See flyer below.
- October 24-29, Spirit Week.
- October 25, late registration deadline for November 5 SAT (late fee required).
- October 27, End of First Quarter.
- October 28, Beginning of Second Quarter.
- October 28, Pep Rally.
- October 28, Homecoming Game.
- October 29, Homecoming Dance at the Ronald W. Shane Center.
- October 31 Senior Breakfast.
SAT - ACT Calendars
Click on the following links to see the testing dates released by the College Board and ACT for the 2016-2017 PSAT, SAT, and ACT:
Miami Beach Senior High School Code is 101140 for both tests.
Testing Calendar
Please take a moment to check and download the Testing Calendar and mark important dates on your agenda, such as EOC's, AP's and FSA test dates. Please note: dates are tentative.
October Testing Calendar
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Students, get excited: the MBSH Club Fair will be today, Friday, during both lunches in the main courtyard by the office.
Today, Friday, September 23, the Jewish Student Union will meet in Room 229 for first lunch. Major Simon will be hosting the meeting. During 2nd lunch Mayor Dermer will be hosting the meeting as usual in room 561. Kosher Pizza will be served.
Attention SHAPE Club members, please come to room 270 at 2:30 pm today for a mandatory meeting.
On Saturday, September 24, from 9 am to 1 pm, the City of Miami Beach holds its fifth annual Family Service Day, celebrated in conjunction with the Green Apple Service Day (GADOS). Hundreds of volunteers of all ages will gather for a day of public service at and around North Shore Open Space Park, 8101 Collins Avenue. Please see Ms. Sakowicz in room 103 for more information.
If you are interested in being a part of the Girls Basketball Team this season, tryouts will be held on Monday, September 26 and Wednesday, September 28 at 2:45 pm in the gym. You must attend both tryout days. Please make sure your physical is completed and turned in to coach Botto. If you have any other questions, please see coach Jackson-Yeargin in the gym.
This is a reminder that Boys Soccer tryouts will start on Monday, September 26, at 3 pm at Flamingo Park, located on 12th street & Alton road. See you all there!
Think you can dance? Fusion Dance Team will be holding open auditions, beginning September 27. For more information, visit the school website at Fusion Dance Team or contact Coach Wallace in the Parent Resource Center.
Rock Ensemble continues to peacefully rock the universe on stage and online. Follow us on Instagram @mbshrockensemble to see where we are playing and updates on our band. Visit us on Facebook at Rock Ensemble 2016 - 17. Add us on Snap Chat to stream live feeds of our rehearsals and gigs at mbrockensemble (photo on the right).
Attention all students: Quill and Scroll Honor Society (an honor society for writers and artists who love the written and spoken word) will have its first interest meeting on Wednesday, September 28, at 2:30 pm in Room 557 - all officer positions are available. Please see Mr. Boldon for any further questions - refreshments will be served.
If you have missed the first Brazilian Club meeting last week, no worries. The club will host another meeting on Friday, September 30, at 2:30 pm. On that day, take $5.00 for registration to Ms. Arslanian, room #181, and a copy of your GPA. This club is one of the most popular on the Beach. It includes fun field trips, production of an amazing carnival show, and opportunities for community service hours. All nationalities are welcome. See you there!
All students who eat breakfast at school each day of the week will be entered in a drawing to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card. During the months of September and October, each week, if you eat school breakfast every day, you will have a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card! Remember, Breakfast is FREE to all students every day. So stop by the cafeteria for a healthy and nutritious breakfast every day and you may be a winner.
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GET READY FOR THE OPEN HOUSE
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We will have our Open House on Tuesday, September 27. We will kick it off with a community and club expo in the cafeteria at 5:15 pm and then move to classrooms at 6:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to see your child's school and meet his/her teachers. Looking forward to seeing you all there!
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Meet Your PTSA at the Open House
The PTSA will have a table at the Expo and Resource Fair, starting at 5 pm. Stop by and meet us at the PTSA table. Only $5 for students and $10 for parents! 
Not a Member yet?
(you don't need to be a member of PayPal).
Download a PTSA Membership Form
and drop off the completed form and membership dues - cash or checks payable to "Miami Beach Sr. High PTSA" - at the Parent Resource Center in the Beach High office, Attn: PTSA.
Students, Parents and Teachers - We Need your Support!
During the Open House, the PTSA will be holding its Annual
Paper Drive. We encourage parents, students and the
Beach High community to bring in at least one ream of paper and drop it off at the PTSA table. Please reach out to employers and neighbors to also contribute paper to the school.
Beach High has a great need for copy paper - far beyond what is budgeted for the school. The donation of copy paper is a simple way to contribute to the success of Beach High, which translates into the success of our children. Please stop by the PTSA table, say "Hello," and drop off a ream or two of paper. Your efforts really do make a difference!
Bake for Our Teachers
The PTSA is once again organizing a dessert table for the Teachers' dinner on Open House night, Tuesday, September 27. We need volunteers to bake or bring store-bought desserts, to be dropped off before 3:30 pm at Ms. Sakowitz's room (main office). If you live in the Bay Harbor area, you can also drop them off at Hillary Frankel's house (text her at 305- 244-9911 to let her know). We will start setting up at 3:30. Help would be very much appreciated!
Photo above: the latest PTSA meeting on September 13.
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Meet Our Assistant Principals
This year we welcome and congratulate Ms. Taylor as Assistant Principal; Dr. Cespedes, who just joined our community this summer; and welcome back returning AP's Mr. Barker and Mr. Lafrance. We would like to thank Ms. Larkin and Mr. Gonzalez, who left the school this summer, for their dedicated work at our school, and to wish them best of luck as they continue their career at MDCPS.
Here are our AP's photos, contact info, and some of the responsibilities of the Administrative Team:
Ms. Taylor: Curriculum, Master Schedule, Silver Knight, & Dual Enrollment
Pamela Taylor (photo on the right)
Dr.Cespedes: 12th grade, IB - Scholars Academy, and Special Education
Blanca Correa - Cespedes
Assistant Principal
(305) 532-4515 ext. 2065
Mr. Barker: 11th grade, Safety and Discipline
James Barker
Assistant Principal
jjbarker@dadeschools.net
(305) 532-4515 ext. 2314
Mr. Lafrance: 9th & 10th grade, Attendance
Bertholly Lafrance
Assistant Principal
(305) 532-4515 ext. 2114
Are you interested in finding out how the International Baccalaureate Program can help provide the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship for your child? Bright Futures can save tens of thousands of dollars in college tuition costs! The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Beach High invites you to a short, informational meeting on Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 pm in the Auditorium. Find out how the IB program can prepare your child for university acceptance - with the possibility of earning the highest level of the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship in the process.
We hope to see you and your child on Thursday, October 20 at 6:30 pm in the auditorium.
The meeting is open to parents and students in middle and high school:
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To 9th and 10th graders who are interested in learn more about the IB Programme (offered in 11th and 12th grade), whether they are currently attending Beach High or would like to transer from another high school.
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To 8th graders who are interested in applying to Pre IB- Scholars in high school
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To 6th and 7th graders - to learn which courses they should take in middle school in order to meet the requirements of the Pre IB - Scholars in 9th grade and to be at an advantage when enrolling in IB. Requirements are Algebra 1 Honors and Physical Science, but some schools such as Nautilus Middle offer more Honor classes (= high school credits).
Get Rewarded for Perfect Attendance
Students, attend school every day for a chance to win unique prizes.
Assistant Principal Mr. Lafrance will be tabulating the attendance records at the end of the week for each group ( Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors) for our contest.
Posters will be posted throughout the building
for bragging rights towards our
"Students of the Month". As a reminder, our Hi Tides must also cut back on tardies. Let's see which class will top the contest. 
Photo above: power-bank/extra charger that will be awarded during our Attendance Contest.
Juniors
Corner
- If you missed the Junior Parent Night, on September 14, please click here to download the Power Point Presentation by CAP Advisor Ms.Sahwell. Ms.Sahwell provided valuable information for college planning.
Seniors
Corner
- The Senior Parent Night was held on Wednesday, September 21, in the Auditorium.
If you missed the Senior Parent Night, on September 16, please click here to download the Power Point Presentation by CAP Advisor Ms.Sahwell.
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Mark your calendar:
September 26-30, Senior Breakfast tickets available for purchase online - Portal.
October 24-29, Spirit Week
October 28, Homecoming Game
October 29, Homecoming Dance at the Ronald W. Shane Center
October 31, Senior Breakfast
April 21, Grad Bash
May 20, Prom
June 8, Last day of school.
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Universities Visiting Beach High:
The following is a list of universities which will be visiting Beach High. Please check Ms. Sahwell webpage for updates and to register for the visit and get a pass:
Print out your pass. Only your teacher can allow you to participate.
The Safety Committee met on September 15. The Committee stresses the importance for parents to keep their emergency contact information updated. You can list more than one contact info: home number, work number, cell phone, or email. Please consider carefully which telephone number should be your primary contact info. Next meeting: September 29, at 2:30 pm in the Media Center. Open to everybody!
Beach High Film News Is Back!
Please click on the link to watch the first 4 episodes that the Beach High crew, under the direction of Ms. Pierce, has produced so far.
Attention all students! The T.A.L.L. (Teens Are Lifelong Learners) program is welcoming all students to join their afterschool program. T.A.L.L. provides free snacks, free homework assistance, a safe place to talk about important topics/issues, and never misses an opportunity to give back to the community, all while having fun. Students in the past have gain as much as 136 community service hours throughout the year, so come and bring all your friends to the T.A.L.L. program Mondays and Wednesdays at 2:30 pm in room 245. All grades are welcome to join. See you there!
Gina Solorzano, MSW Ayuda & T.A.L.L. Counselor
Now that all students finished their summer reading and writing projects, let's do something productive with their books! Please donate summer novels and books back to MBSH, so that they can be given to other students for next summer. 
This is a great way to promote literacy, recycle, and provide students with the reading materials that they need during the summer months.
Please participate as we recycle and support the students of our school.
Donations can be given to Mrs. Haselmann in Room #506.
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Uniform Policy Enforced!
Uniforms are mandatory at Beach High. Students are to wear red or white crew or collared shirts. They must be plain or carry the MBSH logo. Have your student ready for this school year! Click here for the full Uniform Policy at Beach High: miamibeachhigh.schoolwires
Congress at Beach High
The MBSH Hi Tide Speech and Debate Team hosted its 2nd Annual Congressional Debate Tournament on Saturday, September 17.
Approximately 50 novice debaters participated in a day of Congress rounds that ended with a spirited award ceremony!
More than 10 parents showed their support by spending the day judging and helping with the event. Thank you to all parents, students and Coach Russ Rywell.
This year is off to a great start!
On Saturday, September 17, the Ecology Club celebrated International Coastal Cleanup Day by picking up 154 lbs of trash from the beaches across the street from us. Good job students and Club sponsor Ms. Silveira!
The Legacy Tree Project
The Ecology Club has been striving to increase the number of native trees and plants in our community.
As of now, they have worked on the following projects:
-Organizing dune restorations along the coasts of the city of Miami Beach
-Planting a native garden in the quad that houses many organisms
-Planting a native butterfly garden which serves doubly as an endangered species preserve (the plants are federally protected as are the species that are attracted by the selected plants)
-Removing water intensive grass and planting native groundcover
We are proposing a new project that would serve as a collaborative effort between MBSH PTSA and the Ecology Club to further the endeavor.
This project would serve to motivate students to learn about the value of native plants and the life cycle through a beautification tree legacy project. The seniors have adopted the tagline "17's legendary" and we really want them to reflect on what kind of legacy they'd like to leave behind.
The proposed project would invite groups to select a native tree species and a location throughout school ground on which they would like their tree displayed (provided there are no issues with light received and such). This initiative would help teach the importance of native organisms within their communities to all participants and future generations. They will also help beautify the campus and, hopefully, inspire art, poetry, and science out of our students.
The fundraising tree sponsors would enable the purchase of native trees, soil, fertilizer, and a plaque to put on the tree recognizing the donor or a specific cause or message the donor would like displayed. This on-going project will serve to highlight the initial tree planted in honor of Rudra Bhatt at the Tree Legacy Dedication Ceremony scheduled for Spring 2017.
The Club is also trying to build an orchard and would receive fruit trees as well. We also will be planting our edible garden, so other plants would be accepted there.
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...
Mr. Carlos Rodriguez, IB Coordinator, and the whole IB staff for passing the IB 5
year review! Thanks everybody for all the help and support in completing this year long report. We acknowledge the hard work of the teachers, staff and students. We want to thank everyone who helped build and maintain this successful program at our school! The next review will be in 2021.
...the Beach High students who received scholarships from the Beach High Alumni Association. On Wednesday, May 25, 2016, the Miami Beach Senior High Alumni Association awarded $41,500 in college scholarships to 22 deserving Beach High graduates. This is the most money awarded in a given year by the association. Our school is fortunate to have a network of generous alumni who are willing to give back. We are very happy to have helped these students further their education in today's challenging environment. On behalf of our students and the association, we wholeheartedly want to thank our scholarship donors (listed below), our fabulous Scholarship Committee of Arlene Amarant (Chair), Judi Katzen, Alexa Rossy, Paul Ruthfield, Linda Weitz, and Linda Zilber, and our Hall of Fame Chairs Mickey Berman and Larry Robbins for making this special day possible.
Congratulations to all winners! Here is the list:
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Named Scholarships
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Ruth Gratz Berger
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$1,000
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Emelie Shany
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Fred Singer
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$1,000
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Samantha Garcia
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Skip Bertman
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$1,000
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Konrad Danzer
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Clark D. Burris
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$1,000
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Floriane Needle
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Katzen Family
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$1,000
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Beth Cohen
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Lisa and Amy Ecker
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$1,000
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Nicole Alfonso
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Jerome Yavitz Charitable Foundation
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facilitated by Steve Cypen
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$1,000
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Indya Robinson
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$1,000
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Andrea Nodel
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$1,000
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Samantha Seiglie
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$1,000
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Melana Grimes
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$1,000
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Fabienne Thurston
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Jacqueline Barnett Cohen
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$1,000
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Maria Zalazar
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$1,000
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La'Asia Beavers
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Brad Brafford
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$1,000
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Emily Vainstein
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Hall of Fame Event Scholarships
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Dr. Larry Robbins and Mickey Berman
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$1,250
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x 4 years
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Diana Hernandez
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Paul Ruthfield and Linda Zilber
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$1,250
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x 4 years
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Cristhian Cruz
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Anonymous
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$1,250
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x 4 years
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Angel Arrieta
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Stuart Blumberg
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$1,250
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x 2 years
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Ivan Robles
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Glorai Loring and Rene Langer
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$1,250
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x 2 years
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Melanie Kinderknnacht
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Lenny Bernstein
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$1,250
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x 2 years
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Elizabeth Biswell
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Marilyn and Ed Gadinsky Foundation
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$1,250
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x 2 years
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Lucas Krupkin
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Bercow, Radell and Fernandez LLC
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$1,250
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x 2 years
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Maria Cisneros
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...
to the newly elected Youth Commissioners! The Miami Beach Youth Commission is a new City of Miami Beach committee comprising students from the city. Beach High students Benjamin Burstein, Amanda Garcia, and Nicole Leser have all been appointed to serve on the Commission. Benjamin is the elected Chair of the Board.
The next meeting will be on October 18.
...to Francesca Tobar, Celine Hernandez, Janny Perez, Florencia Cardenas, Anthony Sarkiss, Eric Pinto, Jessie Itzkowitz, Kalani Gonzalez, Gabriella Blazzio, Creneesha Davis, and Alexandra Hereu for Visual Art, having their work selected for display in the Art Brazil 2016 Exhibition.
Please also congratulate photographers Jordan Annenberg, Luc Olazabal, Enrique Rayach, and Sofia Conception for having their photographs displayed in the Art Brazil 2016 Exhibition.
Photo above: Florencia Cardenas, "Women's History".
Photo on the right:
Francesca Tobar, "Mean clown"
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...Senior Anthony Sarkiss who was selected winner of Best of Show in the Art Brazil Exhibition on Tuesday, September 13, during a nice cocktail party at the Art & Design Gallery. Anthony and a few other artists from Beach High were invited by Ms. Arslanian to be part of this exhibition, to showcase their talents along side with adult Brazilian artists from all over the country.
Miss Arslanian would like to congratulate Anthony for his victory and also the Art teachers Mr. Virgin, Ms. Money, and Ms. Junqueira for getting their students involved in the event.
From left to right: Anthony Sarkiss, Ms. Arslanian, Gabriella Blazzio, and Alexandra Hereu (photo
by
professional photographer Ronira Fruhstuck).
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An Outstanding Scuba Summer
Over 60 students attended the second Scuba Club meeting on September 7. Most of them were new to diving. So far this year the Scuba Club had 150+ between sign ups and interested students. During the month of September, the first 100 students are scheduled to take the mandatory swim test at the Scott Rakow pool. Upon completion, they will sign up for the Scuba Certification Course through Tarpoon Lagoon Dive Center in Miami Beach.
Last June, several students got their PADI certifications:
- Gemma Sahwell (MBSH alumna) earned both Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver Certifications; she continued her dive education after graduation in preparation for a research project abroad.
- Junior Filippo Gallian got his third PADI Certification, the Rescue Diver.
- Coral Murray, Coral Matos (who graduated in June), Kalhan Raina, Justin Alfonso, Anna-Maria Flores, Caroline Dal-Puppo, Sergio Shapiro, and Spencer Kawachika got their Open Water Certifications.
The Scuba Club also took part in the Wreck Trek Fish Survey ("Fish ID") on August 20. Thanks to all sponsors and surveyor divers who attended (see photos below). 
On Friday, September 16, the Scuba Club held the first swim test of the year at the Scott Rakow Youth Center Pool in which 41 Beach High students were successfully evaluated. On Saturday, September 17, ten beach high students who were previously swim-tested began new certification courses (6 Open Water and 5 Advanced, including Physics Teacher Mr. Li). Those courses were completed on Sunday, September 18 by all participants in their respective courses. Congratulations to:
Open Water Certification:
Barbara Ortiz
Omer Ramati
Leia Villamizar
Saramu "Sonny" Nishida
Laila Johnston
Gabriella Soriano
Advanced Open Water Certification:
Ana-Maria Flores
Coral Murray
Kalhan Raina
Catalina Neme
Mr. Rembo Li (Physics Teacher)
Those students interested in joining the Scuba Club should contact sponsor Mr. Salisbury in room 266 or email him at
salisbury@dadeschools.net
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The Scuba Club will also have a table at the Club fair today and at the Resource Fair at the Open House.
Watch these videos:
Trevon Jackson-Eddie Brill Combo Leads Miami Beach over Coral Park
Congrats to the Hi Tides on their win! Shoutout to Jared Hartley for coming up with a sack. Miami Beach Hi Tides, with rain and lightning delay of over an hour, finally hosted the Coral Park Rams. The weather delay, however, did not slow down the Hi-Tides. Our offense scored and a tough defense put the game out of reach early. Final score: Hi-Tides win 47 and the Coral Park Rams 8. Miami Beach High Tides ((2-1) will be traveling west to Naples to play Golden Gate High School Titans (2-2) on Friday, September, 25 at 7:30 pm.
Still Undefeated!
Girls Volleyball - Go Beach High!
Come and out and support the Girls Volleyball Team at the next game: today, Friday, September 23, Home Game versus Miami HS. Please come out and support your Lady Hi-Tides. As always, admission is free and there will be refreshments sold at the concession during the game.
Join us after the pep rally at 3:30 and 5 pm!
Upcoming home games: Friday, September 30, and Tuesday, October 4.
Miami Beach at North Miami Monday 9/26
Miami Beach at Miami HS Wednesday 9/28
Hialeah at Miami Beach Friday 9/30 Home Game
Over the last few weeks, Varsity and JV have played with winning results.
They won their games against North Miami, Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, American (2 games) and Krop High School (2 games).
In the category of district games Varsity is undefeated 7-0.
ATM and Our Lady of Lourdes defeated our V and JV teams but not without a good fight.
Beach High will also be hosting the District Playoffs Tuesday, October 8, and Thursday, October 10.
Go Hi Tides!
Cheer On
Cheerleaders in Action! This picture was taken at the very first football game of the season, on September 2 at the Miami Beach Memorial Football Stadium - home game.
Welcome our new Captain & Co-Captains: Amani, Caroline and Daniela.
Go check us out on our Instagram page for any upcoming events and more info at @mbshcheerleaders
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More on the Class Size Amendment
On Wednesday, September 14, the City
of Miami Beach Commission unanimously passed a resolution to encourage state lawmakers to restore the class size amendment by closing the schools of choice loophole and adding back to covered classes those classes that may result in college credit. The commission agreed that the resolution should be shared with other cities in the state.
Photo on the right: Kayla Rynor and Beth Edwards address the Commission urging them to pass this resolution.
Survey on City Transport
Attached is a letter explaining the survey that the City of Miami Beach is doing to assess whether it is needed to increase public transportation to school. Please fill it out asap.
Here's the letter.
Link to take the survey:
Survey
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Earn your Community Service Hours, bond with your family and community, and have some fun.
On Saturday, September 24, from 9 am to 1 pm, hundreds of volunteers of all ages will gather for a day of public service at sites throughout Miami Beach. Following the completion of their projects, volunteers will come together for a celebration at North Shore Open Space Park, between Collins Avenue and the beach at 81 Street.
Family Service Day service learning projects include:
-Art Therapy for Children
-Beach Dune Restoration
-Cross-Cultural Engagement Activities
-Non-Native Plant Removal
-Sustainability Projects at local schools
-LED Projects at local schools
-Waterway Restoration
-Art Mural
Volunteers will receive lunch from burger hot spot Shake Shack, a free T-shirt and a free reusable water bottle courtesy of Coca-Cola. There will be giveaways with prizes for all ages.
Students will receive community service hours. Volunteers are asked to bring one or more non-perishable canned goods for our food drive; they will be distributed to the community's most at-risk individuals and families.
The Family Service Day is brought to you by the City of Miami Beach and The Children's Trust.
The next Blood Drive will take place on September 27. Please contact the Leo Club in room 708 if you want to help out. All new and returning members are invited.
 
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