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LOWER SCHOOL
Dear Parents:
By now, your children had a chance to share their summer reading work with their classmates. While it is important for the students to continue reading over the summer to maintain their reading progress, it is equally as important for teachers to keep reading to stay current on what is considered best practice in the classroom. This summer, the WPS faculty read "Making Thinking Visible" by Ritchhart, Church, and Morrison. As a school, we are refining our focus on developing individuals who can think, plan, create, question, and engage independently as learners. Visible Thinking is a systematic research-based approach to integrate the development of students' thinking within the content across all curriculum areas. These routines help cultivate students' thinking skills in an effort to deepen content learning. We hope to spark their curiosity, develop a concern for truth and knowledge and ignite creativity. You will see these short, easy-to-learn, mini strategies integrated into our daily lessons as we strive to create a culture of thinking across the Lower School campus and beyond.
New Teachers
We are very excited to welcome four new classroom teachers to the Lower School family. Each is an expert in her field, with significant classroom experience. Mrs. Barbara Mikhael, Mrs. Karen Sikorski, Mrs. Sarah Gatenby, and Ms. Linsay Salazar are already making a noticeable impact on our WPS family.
 Open House
Thank you to all of the families who were able to join us on Monday night for our Open House. We believe this will be a positive and productive year for all of our students, and we look forward to working in partnership with you to help them achieve their fullest potential. If you were not able to attend Open House, please contact your child's teacher and he/she will be happy to share the information covered with you.
Traffic Reminder
Please remember to post your child's ID card in the windshield. This helps us make sure your child is ready to go by the time you reach the pick-up location.
Important Dates:
August 31- WPVA Fundraiser Kick-off Assembly
September 3- No School, Labor Day
September 18-21- ERB testing for new students in grades 2-5
September 21- Parent Conference Day
Sincerely,
Melissa Fagan
Director of Lower School
Theresa Nabavi
Associate Director of Lower School
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HIGH SCHOOL
 Senior Taco Night with Jostens
On Tuesday evening, the Senior Class gathered for the second annual Taco Night. After dinner, the Jostens representative showed the students options for class rings, senior clothing, and announcements. As the evening came to a close, seniors filled out paperwork for their caps and gowns.
Seniors and parents, please bear in mind that the Senior Portrait deadline is November 1. Seniors should have visited the studio by that date. Also, click to view the information on senior yearbook pages.
SGA Class Representatives 2012-2013
The High School SGA officers are pleased to announce the appointment of the following Class Representatives:
Seniors:
Alyssa Autiello, Reed Barry, Mark Estorino, Shujan Valiani
Juniors:
Rapolas Binkys, Stephanie Haidukewych, MacKenzie Meyer, Sahil Patel
Sophomores:
Bronte Balon, Marianna Casas, Ran (Anna) Gao, Michael Wisler
Freshmen:
Robbie DeVarona, Gregory Person, Alex Schwartz, Zahria TIms
Getting Connected
Along with the weekly e-news, the high school uses several software applications to manage student information. Please click here to view a "getting connected" sheet that summarizes these various options and their uses.
IB Diploma Candidates need to be aware of their CAS responsibilities. Mr. Raimondi has prepared an overview of CAS requirements that you can review by clicking here. If you have any questions regarding CAS requirements, please feel free to contact Mr. Raimondi directly at Jason.Raimondi@Windermereprep.com.
All senior IB science students will be carrying out the "Group 4 Project" (G4P) on September 27. The G4P is a collaborative experience where students from different group 4 subjects (Experimental Sciences) work together on a scientific topic to encourage an understanding between the different disciplines and the overreaching nature of the scientific method. This yearʼs topic "The Environmental Impact of Renewable Energy" will require students to design, build and race a model solar car according to defined parameters. The G4P is a mandatory Internal Assessment (IA) activity for both diploma and certificate science students. Click here for important information for parents as well as the instructions provided to students.
Guidance News
We are excited to implement the S4S (Strengths 4 Success) program in homerooms! Two days per week, students will learn strategies for study skills, test taking, organization, time management and college preparation. Our theme for August and September is "Setting the Tone: Goal Setting, Mission Statements & Vision Boards". We encourage parents to have conversations at home to discuss how your teen is progressing and support their efforts in creating a vision board (i.e. a bulletin board to display their dreams and goals in their rooms at home).
Drop/Add Deadline
The drop/add deadline for courses is Friday, August 31. To add or drop courses, students are to get forms in the High School office, attain a parent signature, and meet with their guidance counselor during lunch, study hall or after school.
Assemblies
On Weds. Aug. 29, each grade level attended assemblies. The ninth grade heard from a student panel of tenth graders on the topic, "What I Wish I'd Known in Freshman Year"; Tenth graders learned about ManageBac and community service expectations; Eleveth graders learned "Junior Timelines for the Academic Year; and twelfth graders learned how to use Naviance for the college application process.
COLLEGE CORNER
This year many of the top tier colleges will not be coming to the Orlando area. If you are interested in learning more about these colleges, note the info below:
Duke, Harvard, Georgetown, Penn and Stanford are not coming to Orlando. Families will need to go to:
Jacksonville, FL
Wednesday, September 12, 7:30 p.m.
Jacksonville Marriott
4670 Salisbury Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Brown, U of Chicago, Columbia, Cornell and Rice Admissions are traveling but not coming to Orlando
Jacksonville, FL - Student Event
Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk
1515 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville FL 32207
Event Type: Student
Event Date Oct 1, 2012
Dartmouth, Northwestern, Princeton, Univ. of Cal, Berkley and Vanderbilt:
Tampa Marriott Airport
Sunday, Oct 7, 7:00 p.m.
Tampa, FL
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Lakers Being Wonderful
High School Students Help at Habitat
 A group of high school students joined Mrs. Stromberg and a crew from West Orange Habitat for Humanity to complete the final touches of laying sod for Lori Dumas, the recipient of this year's Habitat Home in Oakland, Florida.
The students (L-R), Mike Krause (10th grade), Davis Crayner (9th grade), Rafah Chaudhry (11th grade), and Ricardo Cumberbatch (11th grade), worked hard for several hours in the Florida heat but went home with the satisfaction of knowing that they helped make a difference in the life of our community.
WPS Student Initiates Patient Support Group
WPS HS senior Rajan Laddu is organizing a support group meeting for patients who have suffered blood clots in either the lungs or legs (pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis) on September 5, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Hospital in Classrooms 3 and 4 from 7-8:30 p.m.. There is no cost to attend, and each meeting will have a physician present to answer general questions. Rajan is also working with the North American Thrombosis Foundation to organize a future fundraiser and community service opportunities for WPS students. Please contact Rajan Laddu c/o WPS HS for more information. Students can learn more by attending or joining the Pre-Health club sponsored by Ms. Paola Ventura. |
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
Dear Middle School Families,
 Thank you for joining us as you came "back to school" on Tuesday evening. We hope you were able to catch a glimpse of what your child experiences each day as part of the middle school program. No doubt, you learned about the 4 c's - critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration - as you journeyed through the classrooms. Such a mission truly takes teaching and learning "above and beyond." If you haven't done so, please view this film that encapsulates the focus of 21st century education..
Gone are the days of rote memorization or mere recitation of facts. Today's world requires students to think, and think critically. Thus, we are committed to creating this environment of thinking on our campus, inspiring students to thirst for knowledge, to learn for the sake of learning, and ultimately, to own their learning. As Hodding Carter, Jr. believed, "There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is wings."
As we enjoy this journey together, please continue to visit Skyward for messages, grades, and a calendar of events. Of course, this overview gives you a "year at a glance" for planning purposes. Students access Skyward daily in homeroom, as well as Edmodo, our digital classroom, in each class. Such practice gives every student direct and immediate interaction with teachers and the classroom content. Some pillars of daily instruction to familiarize yourself:
Lakers, Look
Every class begins with an essential question for students to ponder, reflect, and compose a response in their journals. Such practice gets them in the mindset of the content area while practicing writing fluency. These journal entries are critical as students begin the class engaged and active.
Words to Watch
Teachers provide important vocabulary words with each unit of study. These words circulate throughout the year as students become versed with using them, applying them, and adopting them as part of their regular vocabulary.
Portfolios
Middle School students maintain portfolios in which to showcase their learning, yet another vehicle in which students are required to own their learning. These products are representative of student progress, highlighting standards achieved throughout the year. Additionally, portfolios prepare students for the demanding and competitive college and career selection process. What better way to platform all a student, and person, has to offer!
Technology Education
Students use their laptops in every class, not only to retrieve agendas and manage calendars, but predominantly to enhance learning. Teachers provide regular exposure to the use of discussion forums, wiki pages, web quests, web research, as well as practice with basic applications.
Be Connected
Click for an easy reference of resources that will help you stay informed.
Finally, in the spirit of our culture of learning, I enjoyed welcoming you at Open House into our new Learning Lab. The purpose of this space is to provide a lab setting for students to explore, build, and create. We're excited for the learning opportunities that lie ahead!
Enjoy your Labor Day weekend,
Mary Beth Davies
Middle School Director
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  WPS SPORTS & ATHLETICS
Time for Laker Football!
After a successful sophomore season of WP Football, the Lakers look to kick off the new season this Friday with a bang! Be sure to come out and support your Lakers as we host Taylor High School for a 4:30 p.m. kick off. We want to see all of you out there! Go Lakers!
New Coaches
WPS welcomed several new coaches this season. Click to learn more.
Residential Life reports that the program's students are active participants in Laker athletics, and the number is growing. Sixteen students are active in four different sports during this fall sports season, including nine students in football, four in swimming, two in volleyball, and one in golf.
Girls Soccer Meeting for students in grades 6-12 - informational meeting regarding WPS girls soccer on Wednesday, September 5, in middle school room 116 at 2:30 p.m. Girls in grades 6-12 who are interested in participating in soccer should attend. We are planning on having both a middle school and varsity team this year. The actual soccer season starts in October. If you have questions, email Coach Stone at greg.stone@windermereprep.com. Girls Basketball There will be an informational meeting for girls' basketball on Tuesday, September 4 at 3:15 p.m. in room 124 in the middle school. The meeting is for Windermere Prep girls in grades 6-12. New this year, there will be a middle school team coached by Mrs. Stricker. The middle school team will practice separately from the high school team to increase individual attention and repetitions. The high school schedule is much less rigorous this year, as we are not competing in a league. Newcomers, as well as players of all skill levels, are more than welcome. If there are any questions or concerns, pleases do not hesitate to contact Coach Williams at sharrod.williams@windermereprep.com The Tennis Academy Congratulations to Patty Cohn for winning the 14's Super Series after a tense final match following rain delays, and to Hannah McGee for winning the doubles final. Catalina Burch, Hannah Rosenfield, and Jordi Redelijk fought hard, but fell to tough opponents. Good luck to all players in the super series tournament at Sanlando next weekend. Moms' Teams - The Windermere Prep Racquettes played their first game of the season at Lake Sylvan and lost 1-4. Captain Carmen Ruiz said, "We had a great time, and despite losing, had a great first match experience." The C+ Windermere Laker Ladies had a great start to the new season, with a 3-2 win against Azalea Hot Shots. Welcome to our new Academy coach, Michael Ouvarov. You may have seen Michael on the courts with our Elite players. Michael is originally from Russia, and has been playing tennis since he could walk, as his father was a tennis coach. He moved to the UK at the age of eight, and enjoyed a very successful junior career that included national titles and junior Davis Cup. He played professionally for six years, achieving a career-high ATP world ranking of 668, and a UK ranking of top 10. Michael has been coaching full time since 2006, and has had tremendous success nurturing future professional tennis players, notably Alexis Canter (ranked 19th in Europe age 14 and under), and Ben Smith (U.K. 10 and under clay court champion). Stringing - Warren is very experienced, and is now stringing many of our player's rackets. Drop by and see him in the tennis office if you need good advice. Men's Clinic - Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. A second clinic is opening on Saturday mornings. Contact Warren Watson or Mandy Rosenfield for details. Saturday Tennis now available. Academy and Elite questions 407 928 6666 U.S. Open - Who will win? The person who emails Mandy with the correct mens and ladies winner before Monday, September 3 will win a private lesson with the coach of his/her choice. SouthWest Aquatics Free team evaluation on Tuesday, September 4 at 5:30 p.m. This is great for strong swimmers, ages 8 & up. Coaches will evaluate freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and swimmers' endurance.
To RSVP: call 407-905-0999 or e-mail info@southwestaquatics.com. Click for details.
This Week's Laker Events
Tuesday, September 4 4:00 p.m. - Volleyball (White) vs. The Christ School at The Christ School 5:00 p.m. - Volleyball (White) vs. Trinity Prep at The Christ School 5:00 p.m. - Volleyball (Red) vs. Lake Mary Prep at Windermere Prep 5:30 p.m. - Volleyball (Blue) vs. The Master's Academy at Master's Academy 6:00 p.m. - Volleyball (Varsity) vs. Forest Lake Academy at Forest Lake Academy 6:30 p.m. - Volleyball (Blue) vs. Trinity Prep at Master's Academy Wednesday, September 5 4:00 p.m. - Golf (Boys' JV) vs. Celebration High School at Orange County National 5:00 p.m. - Volleyball (Varsity) vs. New Dimensions at Windermere Prep Thursday, September 6 4:00 p.m. - Golf (Boys' Varsity) vs. Bishop Moore at Dubsdread GC 6:00 p.m. - Football (Middle School) vs. Merritt Island Christian at Merritt Island Christian Friday, September 7 4:00 p.m. - Volleyball (Junior Varsity) vs. Lake Mary Prep at Lake Mary Prep 5:00 p.m. - Volleyball (Varsity) vs. Lake Mary Prep at Lake Mary Prep 7:00 p.m. - Football (Varsity) vs. Lake Mary Prep at Lake Mary Prep Saturday, September 8 8:00 a.m. - Cross Country at Trinity Prep Invitational at Trinity Prep |
Windermere Prep
Parent Volunteers
Welcome Back BBQ - Friday, September 14 Lakers Football vs. Father Lopez starts at 5:00 p.m. Your WPVA will be serving free meals from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. (Meal includes choice of burger, hot dog, or veggie burger, with chips, and bottled water) - Limited Supply! Bounce houses, water slides, DJ, and more! Bring your swimsuit, attractions open until 8:00 p.m. Cafe and School store will be open! Click for info. This Friday we kick off our Middle School and Lower School Magazine Fundraiser with Great American Opportunities (formerly QSP). The Fundraiser will run from Aug. 31 to Sept. 21. Look for information to come home with your student.
Please click to check out the numerous WPVA Fall Sports Spirit Events.
The middle school and high school do not do a direct fundraising campaign to fund the programs supported by the WPVA. Please click to read how we have made an optional one-time contribution easy for you. |
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