SAGUARO HAPPENINGS

 
September 29,  2013
Saguaro Office

This newsletter is provided as a service by 
Saguaro SaberLinks
The Parent-Teacher Organization of Saguaro High School
   
   

Capable Appropriate Trustworthy Supportive

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: 

IMPORTANT DATES 

OCTOBER 2nd
Early Release

OCTOBER 9th-12th
Coffee House

OCTOBER 10th
- Picture Re-Takes
- Grading Practices Informational Meeting
5:00-5:45 pm, Saguaro

OCTOBER 19th
PSAT Testing
(Details to come)

 
SAT and ACT TESTING INFORMATION 

Upcoming SAT Test Dates:
November 2, 2013 (Registration deadline October 3rd!)
December 7, 2013
January 25, 2014
March 8, 2014
May 3, 2014
June 7, 2014

Register for SAT tests online at www.collegeboard.com

Registration Deadlines are 4 to 5 weeks prior to the test date; register early to secure your spot!

  

Upcoming ACT Test Dates:
October 26, 2013 (Registration deadline September 27th!)
December 14, 2013
February 8, 2014
April 12, 2014
June 14, 2014

Register for ACT tests online at www.actstudent.org 

Registration Deadlines are 4 to 5 weeks prior to the test date; register early to secure your spot!

FREE ONLINE TEST PREP HELP FOR
PSAT, SAT and ACT! 
NEW INFO!

Saguaro students, we are pleased to let you know that Kaplan has given up the following promotional codes for you to access online help:
 
Visit www.kaptest.com/kas

Click on one of the "On-Demand" choices, and use these codes at check-out instead of payment:

PSAT/NMSQT On Demand Prep:  KAS2013PSAT
 
SAT On Demand Prep:  KAS2013SAT

ACT On Demand Prep:  KAS2013ACT

SAGUARO ATHLETICS  
BADMINTON
October 1 vs. Mesa, HOME, 3:30 pm
October 2 vs. Shadow Mountain, HOME, 4:00 pm
October 3 at Xavier, 3:30 pm

CROSS COUNTRY
October 2, 4:00-6:00 pm, at Horizon

FOOTBALL
FROSH:  October 2 vs. Queen Creek, HOME, 6:00 pm
JV:  October 3 vs. Queen Creek, AWAY, 6:00 pm
VARSITY:  October 4 vs. Queen Creek, HOME, 7:00 pm

GOLF
BOYS GOLF:
October 1 at Desert Mountain, 3:00 pm
October 3, McCormick Ranch GC, 3:00 pm
GIRLS GOLF:
October 2 at Cactus Shadows, 3:30 pm

SWIM AND DIVE
October 3 vs. Tempe, 3:30 pm

VOLLEYBALL
October 1 vs. Coolidge, HOME
October 3 vs. Combs, AWAY


GO, CATS! 
 
Sabercat
 
EVENTS & INFORMATION:
 
 
SAGUARO BASEBALL
Saguaro has hired long-time Varsity Assistant Coach Joe Muecke to be our new Varsity baseball coach.  Coach Muecke has been with the program since 2003 and helped lead the team to the state championships in 2010 and 2011.  Coach Muecke is in his seventh year of teaching students with disabilities and his fourth year as Learning Resource teacher at Supai Middle School.  In 2012-2013, he was awarded the prestigious honor of Scottsdale Middle School Teacher of the Year of people with disabilities. Coach Muecke brings his commitment of quality work ethic and determined efficiency to the Saguaro Baseball program.

Coach Muecke has named Tony Strazzara as his Assistant Coach.  Coach Strazzara was a three-year starter for Brophy's Varsity baseball team and helped lead the Broncos to their first State championship.  At University of San Diego, he was a four-year starter, helping lead his team to two NCAA regional appearances and two WCC championships.  Coach Strazzara joined the Saguaro Baseball program last year, coaching the JV team and assisting with Varsity. 

Coach Muecke also has named a new pitching coach/Varsity assistant.  Jeff Huber played baseball at Chaparral High School.  He is a member of the Firebird Baseball Hall of Fame and was named baseball co-player of the year in Scottsdale in 1989.  After playing at Miami Dade South Community College, he was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 1989 and also played with the Brewers, Orioles, and Angels organizations.  He worked for the MLB and Arizona Fall League and was with the Diamondbacks organization for a year.  Previously, he was pitching coach at Shadow Mountain High School, as well as Varsity head coach at Phoenix Country Day.

Congratulations to these coaches!
 

 
 
ADVERTISE IN THE STUDENT DIRECTORY
Attract new customers to your business by advertising in the Saguaro Student Directory!  For more information or to place an ad, click here.  If you have questions, contact Joann Sears:  joann.sears@gmail.com
 
 
GRADING PRACTICES INFORMATIONAL MEETING
October 10, 5:00-5:45 pm
Saguaro High School
Followed by Dr. David Peterson's Evening Office Hours
In our quest to deliver a world-class education, Scottsdale Unified School District will implement grading practices designed to promote the highest level of academic achievement and personal growth for our students beginning in the 2013-14 school year. Click here for an overview. Mark your calendars, and please attend this informational meeting to learn more.
 
SUSD M&O OVERRIDE
Election Day:  Tuesday, November 5
SaberLinks PTO encourages you to vote YES on the M&O Override, which is a renewal of a budget override that has been in place since 1989.    
 
Override funds will support our students and schools in the following ways:
- Lower student/teacher ratios
- Maintain All-Day Kindergarten
- Provide opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of the Arts and World Languages
- Provide opportunities for our students to participate in athletic and co-curricular activities
- Allow students to broaden their knowledge of academics using technology as a learning tool
- Provide for Staff professional learning
- Restore Assistant Principal positions
- Provide competitive teacher compensation

To learn more about how renewal of the override will help continue providing a world-class education, please take a few moments to review the Override fact sheet.

Please share this information with your neighbors, especially those who don't have students in SUSD schools.  Let them know that their "yes" vote benefits them because strong schools are a key element in maintaining strong neighborhoods: 

"Good schools provide stability for a community, and that's good for the property values of everyone who lives nearby." - Sam DeBord, Realtor.com
 

 
YEARBOOK INFORMATION
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ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK NOW
Yearbooks are on sale in the Bookstore now.  Order before Winter Break for the early-bird price of $70.  Prices will increase after Winter Break.

UNDERCLASS PICTURE RE-TAKES
October 10th

SENIOR PORTRAITS INFORMATION
Take photos by October 21st
Seniors must have their senior portraits done by October 21st.  Please contact Cameo at 480-483-6700.

SENIOR ADS
Submit by October 25th
(Discount if submitted by September 27th)

The Saguaro High School yearbook staff is preparing for the 2014 yearbook.  It is a tradition for senior parents to purchase an ad for their son or daughter, congratulating them on the special occasion of their graduation.  If you are interested in purchasing space in the 2014 Saguaro Sentinel yearbook, please complete the second page of the attached Senior Ad document and return it to Mr. Matt Bohnert as soon as possible. Payment, pictures and message for all ads are due Friday October 25, 2012.  Please adhere to the due date, as we need to plan how many pages are needed for the yearbook.

Discount: If payment for the senior ad is received prior September 27th (no exceptions), you can save approximately 11%. Please see the breakdown on the second page.

 
SCOTTSDALE TEEN EMPLOYMENT SYMPOSIUM
October 15-16, 9:00 am-4:00 pm, ASU Skysong
Teens 14-18 years old are invited to learn more about college/careers, employment, and building money management skills.  The event consists of an inspiring keynote speaker; professionals/employers as educators and mock interviewers; 6 educational/interactive teen-oriented workshop sessions; continental breakfast, lunch and snacks; "Symposiuim Fair" with employers and college/career exhibitors; mock interviews; door prizes and gift cards.  There are only 75 spots, so register asap! 
 
PARENT UNIVERSITY
October 26, 8:00 am-1:00 pm, Saguaro High School
SUSD's Community Education department will host its 2nd Annual Parent University Project from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on October 26 at Saguaro High School. The Parent University Project provides parents with research-based knowledge, skills and resources to support their children's education and increase student achievement. The event is free to attend, and enrichment courses will be provided to students age 3 - 14 at no cost. In addition, vendors will be present to share information on their programs and SUSD food services will offer a free product comparison that will include food sampling and voting.   Event registration information can be found at www.susdcommunityed.org/pup. We hope to see you there!

 
2013-2014 HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING GUIDE

 

 

COLLEGE PLANNING INFORMATION:

 

 
OCTOBER
COLLEGE PLANNER
Saguaro parents and students, welcome to our monthly College Planner section, which summarizes what you should be doing each month in every grade level in order to be on target as you plan for college.

Grade 9
Review your first quarter grades;  make plans for improvement.  Log onto Naviance and complete the interest/personality tests.   Research some careers that match your interests.  Get in the habit of doing your most difficult homework first, when your energy level is high. 

Grade 10
Take the PSAT to prepare for the junior year test and the SAT, which you will take in Spring of junior year.  Log onto Naviance and complete the "Manage my course plans" section.  Use Naviance to explore career options.  Applications are due for Rotary Youth Exchange http://www.scottsdalerotary.org/YouthExchange.html. 
 
Grade 11
Take the PSAT to qualify for scholarships and prepare for SAT.  For service academies, research the steps to nomination and assess areas in need of improvement, such as physical fitness.  Consider your activities; well- developed and clearly-demonstrated leadership skills will serve you well in the nomination process.  Log onto Naviance and answer the "Game Plan" questions.  Become familiar with the "colleges" tab.  Use "Prep Me" on Naviance to prepare for testing.

Grade 12

Complete in-state applications.  Apply to ASU by October 1st if applying to Barrett Honors College.  Complete the Common Application if necessary and begin supplements.  Register for CSS Profile with the College Board if required.  Make sure you know all necessary financial aid forms for your colleges.  Check early application deadlines for scholarship eligibility.  High School Transcript:  www.parchment.com; Community College Transcript:  www.my.maricopa.edu

 

FOR COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ON PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR COLLEGE, INCLUDING MONTHLY PLANNERS FOR EACH GRADE LEVEL AND FINANCIAL PLANNING INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.
 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT COLLEGE TESTING
See Calendar Section Above for Upcoming Testing Dates    

The SAT and ACT are broad based comprehensive tests used to evaluate college bound students. Today, each of these tests is equally accepted although some colleges require ACT testers to submit the optional essay and others do not.

In addition to the SAT and ACT, the College Board administers the SAT Subject Tests. These tests are subject specific (math, physics, chemistry etc.) and are offered on most SAT testing dates. Subject tests give you an opportunity to showcase your strengths in competitive admissions and may be used for course placement by some colleges. You cannot take the SAT and the SAT Subject Test on the same date. You may take up to 3 subject tests on the same testing date; each subject test is one hour in length.

You should take subject tests as close as possible to the completion of the subject matter covered while the material is fresh in your mind.  

For details on the SAT Subject tests, click here. 

Look at the colleges you plan to apply to for specific testing requirements, some schools only require one of the general tests (SAT or ACT), others would like both SAT and ACT and may encourage serious applicants to submit subject tests. A strong test score is always a positive!

When you sign up for testing you will be offered various testing locations, sign up early to give yourself the most convenient options in test location.

 

NAVIANCE COLLEGE AND CAREER PLANNING RESOURCE
 
Naviance is a college and career planning resource that is available to students in SUSD beginning in the 6th grade. This year, Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) began implementing Naviance at the Middle Level. It has been used in the high schools for the past three years. 
 
This program is a great tool that will help students plan their educational path including their Educational Career and Action Plan (ECAP). Starting in 6th grade, students can complete inventories that will help define their strengths and interests. Within Naviance, your student will begin to participate in activities such as Goal Setting, Career Exploration, Course Planning, and High School Readiness. The following is a brief list of resources and activities used at each of the high school grade levels and how you as a parent can reinforce and build on these activities at home. 
 
Freshman Program 
*       Create and enter a 4 year plan of study. 
*       Complete Personality Type Inventory. 
Parent Tips for Freshman: 
Discuss the 4 year plan of study your child is developing through Naviance and help your child break down goals into actionable, manageable chunks. Discuss the results of the personality type inventory and how it relates to your child's 4 year plan of study. If the results of the inventory don't correspond to the plan you may want to consider adjusting it accordingly. 
 
Sophomore Program: 
*       Complete Career Interest Profiler 
*       Save five careers to your favorites 
 
Junior Program: 
*       Complete College Search 
*       Choose 5 colleges "you are interested in" 
*       Complete Game Plan Survey 
*       Complete Resume (Junior or Senior year) 
 
 
Senior Programs (Students will choose one program): 
*       University Bound 
*       Community College/Technical School 
*       Military 
*       Workforce 
 
Example: University Bound: 
*       Move colleges from "I'm interested in" to "Colleges I'm applying to" 
*       Complete Scholarship Search (apply for at least one scholarship) 
*       Request transcripts 
*      Update resume if needed 
*       Complete FAFSA application in January/February 
*       Complete Senior Survey 
 
Parent Tip for Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors: 
You should meet with your student's counselor (the sooner the better) and work with them to reinforce the goals and action steps your child is developing through Naviance.  
 
 
STUDENT AID DATA BROKEN DOWN BY TYPE OF AID
Collegeboard.com data on trends in student aid
 
HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS
Parchment is the secure and easy way to manage your transcript credentials online.  To order your transcripts, visit http://www.parchment.com/
 

SAGUARO ATHLETICS:

 

SAGUARO BASEBALL DIAMOND CLUB BOOSTERS:

Back-to-Back State Champions:  2010 & 2011  

SAGUARO BASEBALL WEBSITE

DIAMOND CLUB WEB PAGE      

Diamond Club Meeting

October 8th, 6:30 pm, Library

 

3rd Annual Texas Hold'Em Tournament  

Benefiting Saguaro Sabercat Baseball

November 1st, 5:00 pm, K O'Donnells

Limit 75 players, must be 21 and older

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS, TO REGISTER & PRE-PAY 

 

 

SAGUARO SOFTBALL:

SAGUARO SABERCAT SOFTBALL WEBSITE  

 

 

"ABOVE THE RIM" BASKETBALL BOOSTERS:

SAGUARO BASKETBALL WEBSITE

 

 

SAGUARO SABERCATS GIRLS BASKETBALL:
2013 Division II State Champions

SAGUARO GIRLS BASKETBALL WEBSITE  

Advertising Opportunity in 2013-14 Program.
Contact Kitty Rarrick @ karaz5@cox.net for cost.

 

SAGUARO CROSS COUNTRY:

http://www.saguaroxc.com/

 

  

SAGUARO VOLLEYBALL BOOSTERS:
Volleyball Parent Volunteers needed!  
Contact Donna Douglas at 480-209-0663 or Denise Wedepohl at 602-930-5954 to help support our team.


SAGUARO LACROSS CLUB:   

SAGUARO LACROSS CLUB WEBSITE

 

  

ATHLETIC PACKET: 

Saguaro students wishing to participate in athletics must complete the Saguaro High School Athletic Packet and return it to Saguaro prior to tryouts.  This packet includes consent forms and athletic physical form.  Please note that you must include a copy of the student's birth certificate and proof of health insurance coverage.  
CLICK HERE FOR ATHLETIC PACKET

 

 

SAGUARO CLUBS AND GROUPS:

 

FRIENDS OF SAGUARO ORCHESTRA  

FOSO Website

October 1:  FOSO Meeting, 7:00 pm

October 4:  ABODA Performance at Highland High School (Symphonic only) 

 

 

If your Saguaro club or group would like to list an event in an upcoming Saguaro Happenings, please send the information to Laura Jones at happenings@saberlinks.org.
 
SABERLINKS PTO:
 
2013-2014 SABERLINKS PTO OFFICERS:
The following is the 2013-14 slate of PTO Officers:
President:  Matt Bitter
Co-Vice Presidents:  Mary Shangraw & Lisa Greguska
Secretary:  Mimosa Bitter
Treasurer:  Cheryl White
If anyone is interested in being a part of the PTO for the 2013-14 school year, please contact Matt Bitter at matthewbitter@gmail.com.
 
PTO COMMITTEE CHAIRS STILL NEEDED!
In order to serve our Saguaro community, we rely on our wonderful volunteer Committee Chairs.  We are still looking for parents to fill the following Committee Chair positions:   Hospitality, Copy Room, and AIMS Breakfast.  If you are interested in volunteering your time and talent, please contact Mary Shangraw at mary@shangraw.com.
 
SUPPORT SAGUARO WITH YOUR FRY'S VIP CARD
This year, our Fry's shopping program is being implemented differently:  In order for our PTO to earn this free money, you must enroll online.  Please go to www.FrysCommunityRewards.com to enroll today!  Saguaro PTO's code is 80628. Click here for detailed instructions.
 

JOIN SABERLINKS PTO

We welcome your membership - we appreciate the strong parent involvement in our Saguaro community. 

 

There are two ways to join:

1) Complete the membership form and mail to the school:   

PARENT PTO Membership Form 

STAFF PTO Membership Form 

 2) Join online:   

ONLINE PTO Membership Form

  

 
 

SUSD AND COMMUNITY NEWS: 

 

SUSD  

For District announcements, click here: SUSD ANNOUNCEMENTS 

CHECK OUT THE ALL-NEW DIGITAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL BACKPACK!

 
"ASK SUSD" FACEBOOK PAGE
Scottsdale Unified School District has launched the new "Ask SUSD" Facebook page and invites you to "like" the page. On this page, you will find up-to-the minute information and facts about what's going on throughout the District. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about important SUSD topics.  Click below to link to SUSD's Facebook page or follow SUSD on Twitter.
Like us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

 
SUSD eLEARNING
Are you interested in taking classes online? Are you self-motivated? Do you want to get ahead?  eLearning online classes can be taken as part of your regular class schedule at school during the day, or as an extra class after school.  Ask your counselor if taking an eLearning class is right for you.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION 
 

SCOTTSDALE PARENT COUNCIL   

2013-14 General Meeting Schedule   

Oct 23, 2013 - Cocopah MS
Nov 27, 2013 - Mohave MS
Dec 11, 2013 - Supai MS
Jan 22, 2014 - Ingleside MS
Feb 26, 2014 - Ed Center
Mar 26, 2014 - Ed Center
Apr 23, 2014 - Ed Center
May 14, 2014 - Ed Center
 
SCHOOL INFORMATION:
 
6250 N. 82nd St
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Office: 480-484-7100
 
 
 OFFICE HOURS:
 7:00-3:30 
  
QUICK LINKS:
 




 

SAGUARO PTO MEMBERSHIP FORM FOR PARENTS


 

ONLINE PTO MEMBERSHIP & PROJECT GRADUATION CONTRIBUTIONS

 

PROJECT GRADUATION WEB PAGE

 

 
 
 
Go Sabercats!

SAGUARO SABERLINKS

The Parent-Teacher Organization of Saguaro High School

Visit our website:  Saguaro SaberLinks PTO