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MAST Mission Statement

MAST Academy provides a marine setting and a nurturing environment for studies leading to academic success, career preparation, an appreciation of the sea, and environmental awareness. Stakeholders work together to instill a commitment to life-long learning and to advance and improve a challenging curriculum integrated with sciences and technology.

Monday, November 9, 2009

MAST Academy's Electric Savings - September 2009

MAST received its first energy conservation report from downtown and it was excellent.  As you can see from the graph below, MAST came in 5.8% below our target.  We saved a total of $1129.18.  As per the email below, the school site will get to keep 75% of the savings - MAST's first month, for September 2009, resulted in a reinvestment of $846.89 for the school.  Congratulations to all the Makos.  We all win when we meet our energy goals.  Let's keep on this path and do even better!


"Attached please find an updated report reflecting the September, 2009 energy 

consumption for your site. As previously noted, each month you will receive similar updates 

so that you may monitor actual consumption vs. the targets, as well as monitor any cumulative rebates.
Remember that your site gets to keep 75% of any savings achieved beyond the targets."

What a great way for us to play to a win-win.  Less impact on our environment and increased funding for MAST!  All well within our control!  Keep it up!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Captain's Blog Update

Some time has passed since I last had the opportunity to write more extensively as to the sailings of MAST and her crew.  It has been an amazing full month with activities ranging from College Night, Principal for a Day, and Homecoming to MAST Expedition, PTSA & ABC meetings, and the completion of the first quarter.

This afternoon I received our first Energy Management Report from plant & facilities.  Congratulations to all as we came in 5.8% below our target.  Our total savings were about $1130.00.  As Mr. Carvalho announced at the Opening of School Meeting, at the end of the year, schools will get to keep 75% of the savings for site use!  That translates to just about $865.00 coming back to MAST for the month of September.  I sure hope this is a trend we can maintain over the course of the year.  I encourage everyone to  do all you can to save electricity when possible.

Congratulations and a huge thank you to Dr. Khalil, her students, and volunteers from TREEmendous - Miami.  This past Friday they planted about 100 new native trees about the MAST campus.  Over the next few years this will help us with more shade on campus and allow us to reduce and finally eliminate the need to use the sprinkler system in the front of the school therefore saving much water.

This year we renamed the internship fair and mock interview activity the MAST Expedition.  Each class had a different set of activities aimed at providing different learning experiences.  Ninth and tenth graders had a MAST Manners review paired with a discussion from representatives from the South Florida Federal Credit Union titled "The True Cost of a College Education."  Eleventh graders had a tripartite schedule that included a Money Matters discussion and presentation with partners from Merrill Lynch, a science research presentation, and a mock interview with one of the volunteer interviewers from local business and community partners.  Finally, the seniors walked to RSMAS for a senior breakfast followed by a keynote by Mr. Evan Forde and a presentation given by the South Florida Federal Credit Union called "How to Use and Build Good Credit."  The feedback from the students, teachers, and community members has been extremely positive.   The MAST Expedition is something that will only grow and get better in the future.

This year's Principal for a Day was MAST Advisory Board member and former MAST parent Mr. Chico Goldsmith.  We began the day with a quick breakfast and meeting with the curriculum council and spent the day working about MAST on different projects and visiting different classes.

Finally, Homecoming was a tremendous success!  Congratulations to everyone for all the work they put into making Poseidon's Adventure such a successful and enjoyable evening.  It was super to see everyone dressed up so sharply and putting their best foot forward.  Mako spirit was strong and everyone seemed to have a really enjoyable time.

As we sail onward, there is much to do.  The quarter has now ended and we are into the second quarter. Keep up all the hard work and make each moment count whether it is in the classroom, in the water, or on the field.  Go MAKOS!!

Monday, October 12, 2009

MAST Mobile Computing Contracts - Availale for Students!

Today MAST launched its Laptop Checkout Program and Wireless Key Contracts for any and all students interested in getting themselves some additional computing power while at school.  Both contracts are available in the media center or under the MAST Academy Links on the left hand side the Captain's Blog.  Before a student is able to access these two programs they must return a completed contract that has been signed by the student and a parent (even students 18 and older must have a parent signature).  Ms. Van Smith, Ms. Iudica, and Ms. Pierce wil be available during lunch periods to help with any questions. 

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

MAST Academy Magnet Open House

MAST Academy's Magnet Open House for Recruitment will be held at MAST on Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 9am until 12:00 noon.  Please take the time to come see what MAST is all about and have any questions you might have answered.  Spread the word!  See you there!

Friday, October 2, 2009

Weekly Calendar for October 5 through 9, 2009

A rundown of the coming week!  Our voyage is well underway and going strong.  All ahead full!  Please see new links and sign up for automatic email updates of new posts!  Go Makos!









Wednesday, September 23, 2009

H1N1 Town Hall Meeting Flyer - MDCPS Notice to Parents!


Please see the flyer below for important information for parents and community members concerned about the H1N1 virus. There will be a series of town hall style community meetings to address concerns. Please see below for the meeting most convenient for you!

Monday, September 21, 2009

USCG Academy Visits MAST!

Cadet Command Master Chief Philip Ordonez gives a tour to CAPT Russel, CAPT Meese, and Mr. Farias. Representatives from MAST and the USCG Academy spent the day looking at how we can develop a stronger relationship to benefit both schools. It was a great day of developing connections and bridges!





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MAST Activities Calendar

The Captain's Bookshelf - by Shelfari

Shelfari: Book reviews on your book blog