USCGC Bertholf Tour

     This past Friday, MAST faculty, staff, parents and students had the opportunity to tour the Coast Guard's newest cutter and first in the new Legend class, the USCGC Bertholf.  The 418 foot cutter was absolutely amazing.  DC3 Russell lead us on a tour that included the flight deck and hangars, crew accommodations, damage control areas, and the bridge.  We even got the chance to meet with the ship's captain, Captain Stadt.  The vessel was truly magnificent.  he view from the bridge and to see the technology involved in running such a ship was impressive.  It was an extraordinary experience for MAST Academy.  In addition, three USCG JROTC cadets and Chief Lasseter had he opportunity to be aboard as the ship left the Port of Miami on Saturday.  I cannot wait to hear about their experience of actually getting underway on the USCGC Bertholf!  (Click on he post title to see the USCGC Bertholf's homepage)

MAST Anchor Program - Summer 2008 Parent Meeting

On Tuesday, June 17, we held a parent meeting to discuss the MAST Anchor Program - the ninth grade summer school course mandatory for incoming MAST ninth graders. We had an amazing turn out of about 200 parent and students. We discussed many details of the summer program including the class structure and activities, water safety, technology, academic performance, transportation, and the expectations and responsibilities of students at MAST Academy.

The summer school curriculum is broken down into four areas in which students will be working cooperatively throughout the school day. The areas include:

• Science Research - Development of Science Fair topics, problem statements, hypotheses, materials and procedures, and research descriptions and plans.


• Engineering and Design - Hull design, Google Sketchup for design plans, boat building (and subsequent racing), and multimedia presentations.


• Critical Thinking - Personality profiles, learning stylers inventories, career research, tools of persuasion, and time management/study skills.


• Mathematics - reinforcement of Algebraic skills, technology infusion with graphing calculators, Logger Pro, and Geometer's Sketchpad

This year we will also begin the process of electronic portfolio development by students with the creation of individual student weblogs on the first day of the program. Studnets will use thier blogs to record reflections on their learning, post questions, and track the personally meaningful learning activities experienced throughout their careers at MAST. Students will be swim tested and begin hands on activites in our unique marine environment beginning immediately. Seine netting form marine organism studies is slated to be one of our first experiments.

This summer promises to be extremely exciting for both students and teachers. If the parent meeting is a foreshadowing of the work to come, this will be one of the best we've ever had. I am looking forward to getting underway! Our voyage is looks promising - tight lines and fair winds!

MAST: A Dream in Green

Last night MAST Academy was recognized at the Dream in Green reception for an 8% decrease in energy consumption during the 2007-2008 school year.  The MAST family saved  144,000 kilowatt hours in electricity, recycled 1000 pounds of beverage containers, 4000 pounds of paper, and 300 pounds of batteries.  In addition, Dr. Khalil's Solar Energy classes have done a detailed energy audit and tracked energy consumption and done comparisons between this and last year over the course of months.  MAST Academy students also received an honorable mention for the Dream in Green Research option at the Fairchild Challenge.

MAST Musical - First Ever!

Emily, Ryan, Rhiannon, and Chris put on a terrific show.  They, along with the stage crew and Mr. Hamilton, did an amazing job in their production of I Love You.  You're Prefect.  Now Change. They played to a packed house in the auditorium.  

Mako Battalion at the MDCPS Pass in Review

Congratulations to the MAST Mako Battalion for representing our school so well at the county-wide Pass in Review.  The Makos looked sharp as they showed off what it means to be the ONLY USCG JROTC in the nation!

Makos at the Scholar-Athlete Luncheon

Danny Kirel and Lizzy Kourtesis represented MAST well at the MDCPS Scholar-Athlete Luncheon.  Pictured here with their families, Danny and Lizzy exemplify dedication to studies and athletics.  Lizzy also won the General "Chappie" James Gold Level Scholarship.

MAST Fishing Tournament

This year we brought the MAST Fishing Tournament.  A good time was had by all both on the water and with the telling of fish tales at the end of the day.  Congratulations to the anglers and a big thank you to the PTSA for al the work they put in to bring the tournament back!