Mid-Week Sailing Report

This morning Dr. Khalil opened MAST's annual Science Fair in the auditorium. I had the pleasure of spending a short time walking in and among the students' projects.  As I walked through the first two rows there were a number of standouts.  I am looking forward to another opportunity tomorrow afternoon to walk through again and snap some photos and read some more about the experiments.  Dr. Ochatt took time with her classes to visit the fair to allow students to view and share in one another's work.  We will wind up this year's fair on Thursday, March 25, at 6:30 pm.  I invite all MAST family members to come see the work that the students have done and participate in the evening's culmination - the awards ceremony for the best of the projects.

Last night I attended the Community Rally for Education at Miami Northwestern.  Mr. Carvalho and Mr. Woodson presented some daunting figures.  I would encourage those who did not have the opportunity to attend to check the Miami-Dade County Public School's website for a recording of the program.  I wish all of our community members heading off to Tallahassee for the "Rally in Tally" a safe trip and much success. 

From the waterfront, this week is extremely full.  The Lady Makos faced off against Coral Reef this afternoon.  On a perfect water polo afternoon, we lost a tough one 15-11 with many shots just missing the mark.  Tomorrow both the boys and girls take to the pool again to play Miami High at 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm.  Then, again on Thursday, both teams will shoot it out with Miami Springs at 4:00 and 5:30 pm.  We hope to see you there!

Finally, this afternoon MAST's Silver Knight nominees had their interviews with the Silver Knight committes.   Congratulations and good luck to Summiya, Mitchell, David, Andrea, Rhiannon, Tali, Leah, and Charnelle.

Weekly Calendar - March 22 through 26, 2010

Week in Summary - Nearing Shore Leave

It was an another great week for the Makos.  We have finished FCAT completely and I am proud to say that a full 100% of ninth, tenth, and eleventh graders sat the exam.  Now our sights are realigning towards the waters between now and AP exams.  It is difficult to imagine that we are just a week away from the completion of the third quarter.

Last night was the Treasure Island dinner and auction sponsored by the MAST PTSA at the Links at Key Biscayne.  I want to give a huge thank you to the committee for making this such a particularly enjoyable and successful event.  Last night's event truly highlights what a committed group of parents is capable of doing for a school.  Amazing!

Congratulations to Cindy & Chico Goldsmith as our honorees for last night's event.  It is so wonderfully appropriate to be able to recognize such long standing and committed community members for their passion and dedication to a unique school and community in MAST Academy.  We appreciate all you do and have done with and for us much more than we could ever express.  Thank you for everything!

Finally, and not to be left out, the Makos water polo teams dove back into the deep water this week with the completion of FCAT.  The girls' and boys' squads both played tough Hialeah High teams and swan to victory.  The boys' played an excellent match against Belen being edged out at the final buzzer in a tightly fought contest.

This week we are preparing to reach port and our spring break shore leave.  I am looking forward to a great week to include MAST annual science fair and parent night on Thursday, March 22!  Please don't forget the Community Rally for Education on Monday at Miami Northwestern beginning at 6:30 pm.  TIghtlines and fair winds!

MAST USCG JROTC Volunters at the Treasure Island Gala

Here are some of the USCG JROTC cadets from the Mako Batallion volunteering at the MAST PTSA Treasure Island Gala last night. It was a great event. Looking forward to next year already!


-- Post From My iPhone

Census Flyer & Information from the District

There is much talk and debate as to funding many of our neighborhood programs as the ecomony is not at its highest point and I am very aware that I am posting much about finance but below is another extremely important piece of information vital to our community receiving the proper and deserved portion of funding - the 2010 Census.  As, over the next day of two, you begin to receive your census envelopes, please take the time to record the information and return it as soon as possible. Below is a copy of a flyer that was sent home with your children today as requested by the district.  Again, please pay careful atention and complete the census information request sent to you in as timely a manner possible.  Thank you!

FCAT Testing Update

Congratulations and thank you to all MAST crew and families.  We have ended our testing with superb participation numbers - 100% of 9th and 10th graders and 99% of 11th graders.  It was a very smooth administration.  Now that we have finished this part of our journey, we are off once again and looking at AP exams, prom, and graduation on the horizon!  Go Makos - Full speed ahead!

Community Rally for Education

This coming Monday, March 22, 2010, the district will hold a Community Rally for Education at Miami Northwestern Senior High School.  Please talke the time and have your voice be heard as it relates to educating our students.  Please note the flyer below for details!

I hope to see you there in support of

Makos, present and future!

The FCAT has Begun!

FCAT day 1 was a terrific success!  We had 99% of both 9th and 10th graders in attendance and all went very smoothly.  Many thanks to everyone - teachers, students, and parents - for doing what was necessary to make the testing go well.  Tomorrow is day 2 and final day for 9th & 10th graders.  Keep up the good work!  Next Tuesday it is the 11th graders opportunity to show what they can do with the FCAT Science!

More great news, this past weekend two MAST teams went to the National Oceanic Science Bowl regional finals.  MAST teams placed first and fourth at this prestigious competition.  As regional champions, MAST has an earned a berth in the national tournament to be held in St. Petersburg at the end of april.  Congratulations to the MAST NOSB teams for their prowess and showing jst how much they have learned.

As I close for the time, please remember that M-HOP Take 2 will be this Friday beginning at 7:15am.  Be there and make sure you get your pancake breakfast made fresh and served hot by members of the MAST crew.

A Long Sail Without Port

I have been painfully aware that way too much time has passed since I had or taken the time to post to my blog.  Now that I've logged in and realized that over a month has passed, honestly, I'm a bit ashamed.  It is not for lack of occurance that I have faltered in my posting, it has most certainly been an extremely busy time for everyone at MAST.

Over the course of the last month, we have done much.  In fact, tonight and tomorrow during activities is our Spring Showcase.  Other new and terrifically successful events have included Mr. Mako, freshman lock in, the annual USCG JROTC Pass in Review, State semifinal and final robotic competitions, laser tag, and numerous other field trips, classes projects and exams.

In addition to all of these events, two MAST students, Charnelle Bland & Shanique Martin, qualified for the Intel International Science Competition, one student, Tosca Lichtenheld, was nominated for the United States Presidential Scholars program.  Also, Tosca Lichtenheld & Phil Ordonez received notification of their status as finalist for the National Merit Scholarhip program.

The magnet application window closed for the 2010-2011 school year.  MAST's admissions office has completed the review and determination of eligibility for all applicants.  Over the next week or so we are expecting to receive our random selection lists from the district.  Once the lists are received, we will begin the process of extending offers to the students on the list.  Good luck to all applicants!

We have also begun our spring sports season - Water Polo is in full gale!  The Makos opened against Miami Country Day with the lady Makos playing hard but losing a tough opener and the boys handily defeating the Spartans.  This afternoon the boys played a tough Columbus team - a match that always means a lot ot both teams.  Both the boys & girls play Wednesday and Thursday at the Shark Tank.  Hope to see you there!

I will close with a note as to this year's PTSA Gala - Treasure Island.  This is the PTSA's big fund raiser for the year.  Invitations went out and several calls have also been made to invite our entire community to come out and enjoy an evening dedicated to the celebration of MAST.  This year's honorees are Chico and Cindy Goldsmith - long time MAST supporters and friends.  Please put March 19th on your calendar and join us the the Links on Key Biscayne.  If you'd like any additional information, please contact the PTSA.

With that, I will close this entry and try not to try and make up a month of MAST in a single post.  FCAT is upon us and we will be in testing mode for the next two weeks.  Please be ready!  Rest and come prepared!