A Busy Time for All at MAST!

       

It certainly has been extremely busy for everyone at MAST - students and crew members alike - during the month of October.  Just a quick overview of the month includes a huge Ecomedia press conference including visits by Mr. Carvalho and Mayor Manny Diaz, the first of the Fairchild Challenge events, many college admissions visits for seniors, Intel training, visiting professors from around the world, U.S. Coast Guard vessel tours at our dock, parent group meetings, PSAT for 9th, 10th, and 11th graders, a pending PLAN test, and election of MAST's Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year (Mr. Cruz & Ms. Plana - CONGRATULATIONS!), and a very successful magnet open house.

Our sails have been full of strong winds during the past weeks.  Ms. Yancoskie and Ms. Garcia have both completed and passed reviews for renewal of their National Board Certifications.  Mr. Cruz and Ms. Plana, as mentioned above, were chosen as MAST's representatives for the region and district competition for Teacher and Rookie Teacher of the Year, Mr. Tohulka is in the final preparations to become the first "Teacher Under the Sea" with the Aquarius Project, and we held an amazingly successful magnet open house for potential applicants.

Our magnet open house was extremely full as parents and students from around the district came to learn about MAST, tour the campus, and ask questions.  Many thanks to all who made the event so successful but particularly to Dr. Haun for planning the event, the USCG JROTC cadets who truly shined and exemplified what it means to be a MAST student, Dr. Khalil, Ms. Ulman, Ms. Yancoskie, Ms. Fischer, Ms. Posse, Ms. McCrary, Mr. Siegmeister, Ms. Fernandez, Ms. Marquez-Diaz, Ms. Sinkler, Mr. Cherilien, CWO Hawkins, Ms. Layne, and the multitude of PTSA and JROTC Booster Club parents who volunteered their time to support our programs.  We showed all who came to visit who we are and what we are about at MAST Academy!  Mako Pride shone brightly!

Earlier in the month we hosted the Ecomedia "Green My School" competition press conference that included school, civic, and business leaders from across the country.  Once again, MAST students and teachers put their best foot forward and delivered.  I will post a slide show of the event in the weeks to come for all to see.

Other highlights of the past few weeks include guest lecturers in partnership with UM RSMAS from around the world.  Professors Stefan and Vossler met and discussed global climate concerns with MAST students as well as sharing their research from across the world.  Soon, MAST will be able to broadcast these lectures and special presentations to schools around the county live in hopes of sharing the experience and powerful learning with students beyond our school.

Please stay tuned and add your comments about this blog.  More to come ...

MAST Receives 2008 Florida School Recognition Award

CONGRATULATIONS!!! We did it once again. MAST is one of the best in Florida. As Governor Christ's letter says, "Earning this recognition is a distinct honor and demonstrates your proven ability to create a positive learning environment that encourages all studnet s to reach their full potential." Great job teachers, staff, students, parents, and all MAST community members!

MAST Back to School Night - September 23, 2008

Back to School Night is fast approaching!! Just a quick reminder that MAST's Back to School Night is Tuesday, September 23, 2008. The night's schedule is as follows:

• Athletic Booster Club Dinner - Cafeteria 5:30pm - 6:45pm


• Resource Fair - Media Center 6:00pm - 7:00pm


• Auditorium Presentation 7:00pm - 7:30pm


• Classroom Visitations 7:40pm - 9:20pm

Schedules and information will be provided for parents upon arrival.

If you have any questions, please call us at 305-365-6278 for more detailed information.

We hope to see you all!

MAST - Three Weeks at Sea

Despite a very active few weeks in the Atlantic, we have managed to keep our voyage out at sea and sailing along nicely.  We have had a very busy few weeks.  We received word that Mr. Tohulka has been chosen to be the first "Teacher Under the Sea" with the Aquarius Project.  He will have the opportunity to spent eight days living alongside scientists in an underwater habitat.  Mr. Tohulka will have the opportunity to link back with students at MAST through blogs, email, and live streaming video.  

The MAST Makos started off the year strong with both swimming teams and the girls' volleyball teams recording wins during the opening week of the season.  The boys' and girls' swimming teams teams defeated Sunset at the Shark Tank.  The Lady Makos lost a tough opening match to Ransom but came back to avenge the loss by defeating West Hialeah High.

On a more somber note, Mr. Stephens was reassigned and left our MAST family late last week.  We will all miss him very much but we wish him the best on his new shores.  

As a reminder, Back to School Night is quickly approaching.  Our ship will come to port for parents and families to visit on Tuesday, September 23.  Please be on the look out for more information and details in the coming week.  We hope to see all families there!

Out to Sea - The 2008-2009 School Year Begins!

After being delayed by Tropical Storm Fay, our 2008-2009 voyage got underway this past Wednesday.  Our first three days went very smoothly.  It was absolutely great having the ship full of students embarking on the next leg of their learning journey at MAST Academy.  There was much that we did this first week and students were very busy collecting new books and materials for this year's classes.  The MAST crew eased us out into the broad ocean of knowledge quickly and effectively began students' learning experiences right from the start.  Congratulations to all!  All ahead full!

TS Fay - Delayed in Port!

Tropical Storm Fay caused a delay in our setting sail for the 2008-2009 voyage.  It was a blustery event for MAST Academy but we have gotten through without any major damage.  Our ship has weathered the storm and passed inspection!  We are awaiting the go ahead to sail into a new dawn.  As we make plans to open school, please pay careful attention to local news sources and make sure that safety comes first as we begin to return to our normal routines.  I hope to see you all aboard tomorrow.  We sail forth on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 8 AM SHARP!

All Ahead Full!

What an amazing summer we have had at MAST. The Summer Anchor program was terrific and the Class of 2012 is ready to start their new year with energy and excitement. It is hard for me to believe that we ahve just about finished another summer. Time flies by!

Tomorrow the Class of 2009 begins their activities. They will get their crown and their parking stops ready to represent their time as seniors at MAST. The new leadership team has been in touch and is getting things rolling. GO MAKOS!! Seniors, what will you make your time out to be?

The latest Jib Sheet has been mailed out to teachers and parents. It is a great piece that highlights new direction and focus for the coming year. This voyage is full of promise and I feel much anticipation for what the future holds. I believe we can make our ship tighter and faster yet!

I hope that you have each had a restful summer and are ready to begin the next leg of your trek at MAST. I cannot wait to see our staff and teachers beginning with the two opt days on Tuesday, August 12th and then for our opening day on Monday, August 18th. Enjoy the waning days of vacation and prepare to sail on!