SAGUARO HAPPENINGS

 
October 6,  2013
Saguaro Office

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

Please vote "YES" on the M&O Override! 

   

Capable Appropriate Trustworthy Supportive

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: 

IMPORTANT DATES 


OCTOBER 9th-12th
Coffee House
October 9th-11th, 7:00 pm; October 12th, 2:00 pm, Auditorium

OCTOBER 10th

- Picture Re-Takes
- New Grading Policy Informational Meeting & Discussion

Room 211
5:00 pm, followed by Superintendent Dr. David Peterson's Office Hours/discussion at 5:30 pm.

OCTOBER 19th
PSAT Testing
(Details to come)

OCTOBER 26th
Parent University
8:00 am-1:00 pm, Saguaro High School
(See below for details)

 
SAT and ACT TESTING INFORMATION 

Upcoming SAT Test Dates:
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:
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 9 vs. Chaparral, AWAY, 4:00 pm

CROSS COUNTRY
October 9, 4:00-6:00 pm, at Boulder Creek
October 12, 10:00 am, Bradshaw Mountain Invitational

FOOTBALL
FROSH:  October 9 vs. Williams Field, AWAY, 6:00 pm
JV:  October 10 vs. Williams Field, HOME, 6:00 pm
VARSITY:  October 11 vs. Williams Field, AWAY, 7:00 pm

GOLF
BOYS GOLF:
October 8, Silverado, 3:00 pm
October 10, Silverado, 3:00 pm
October 11-12, Coldwater

SWIM AND DIVE
October 10 at Pinnacle, 3:30 pm

VOLLEYBALL
October 8 vs. Coronado, HOME, Frosh 4:00, JV 5:00, Varsity 6:00
(Exciting raffle that evening:  see below!)


GO, CATS! 
 
Sabercat
 
EVENTS & INFORMATION:
 
 
NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED SCHOLARS
Saguaro seniors Jessica Norman and Robert Lee have been named National Merit Commended Students for 2014.  They have received Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise.  Congratulations, Jessica and Robert!
 
 
COFFEE HOUSE
October 9th-11th, 7:00 pm; October 12th, 2:00 pm
Saguaro Auditorium
The annual production of "Coffee House" will take place on October 9-11 at 7 pm and on Saturday,  October 12 at 2 pm in the SHS auditorium.  This annual talent show features a variety of musical, comedic and dance performances by Saguaro Performing Arts students, served with delicious desserts and beverages, including Starbucks coffee.  Stage seats are $10 each, where patrons will be waited on by the SHS choir students.  Balcony seats are $8 each for high school and adults and $5 each for elementary and middle school students.  Balcony ticket holders enjoy self-serve desserts and beverages in the auditorium lobby.  The show is produced by the award-winning Vocal Music program and has been a Saguaro tradition since 1992.  Don't miss it!
 
NEW GRADING POLICY: 
INFORMATIONAL MEETING & DISCUSSION
Room 211
October 10:   presentation at 5:00 pm, followed by Superintendent Dr. David Peterson's Office hours at 5:30 pm
This year, Scottsdale Unified School District has implemented a new grading policy.  Please plan to attend this meeting to ask any questions or voice opinions, whether positive or negative, about the new policy.  Dr. Peterson has generously moved up his office hours start time to 5:30 pm to accommodate the Saguaro parents who wish to discuss the grading policy but also want to attend Coffee House. Click here for an overview of the policy. Please take time to attend this important meeting.
 
VOLLEYBALL TEAM RAFFLE: 
GRAND PRIZE IS A PINK GUITAR AUTOGRAPHED BY
CARLY RAE JEPSEN!
The Volleyball team is raffling off gift baskets this Tuesday, October 8th during our home matches against Coronado, to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness.  One of the items being raffled is a pink guitar autographed by Carly Rae!  Raffle tickets are $1.00 each.  The winner will be announced after the second game of the Varsity match.  
Game times:  Frosh - 4:00 pm, JV - 5:00 pm, Varsity - 6:00 pm.

 
 
SUSD M&O OVERRIDE
Election Day:  Tuesday, November 5
YOUR VOTE COUNTS -
AND OUR SCHOOLS 
COUNT ON YOUR VOTE!
 
SaberLinks PTO encourages you to vote YES on the M&O Override, which renews funding that our schools depend upon.    
 
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE PASS THIS OVERRIDE!
HERE IS HOW FUNDS WILL BE USED:
Reduce class sizes 
Maintain Specials (art, music, PE, athletics, co-curricular) 
Maintain registered nurses 
Restore assistant principals 
Maintain free full-day kindergarten 
Provide professional learning and development

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
 

 
HOST FAMILY NEEDED
Ola is a 16 year old Exchange Student from an island called Bahrain who is in need of a new host family urgently!  She has been a pleasure and it is instead issues the family is facing that requires her to be in a new host family.   She values family and friends, makes beautiful pottery, enjoys photography, cooking, reading, acting and watching movies.  She is regarded by her teachers as reliable, confident, and has an outstanding ability in problem-solving.  She has studied English for 7 years and would be in the 11th grade while she is here as an exchange student.  She is Y.E.S. Program "Ambassador in Training" student under special invitation and provisions by our Federal Government.
 
A host family can be a volunteer single parent, parents with small kids or teens, or even an empty nester with a heart to reach out and extend hospitality for a school year to an International Exchange Student from very unique countries! A host family provides a bed, meals and transportation.  The student covers their other costs such as toiletries, school-related fees and spending money for their activities with you.  They can travel with you and cover their costs and have full medical insurance. They speak English but are anxious to share their culture with you and to experience a true American family - not just what is in the movies!  The YES Program is uniquely designed by our Federal Government to build bridges to these cultures, and they have initiatives for the students to be "Ambassadors in Training" - exposed to democracy, capitalism, civil volunteerism, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, leadership development and educational opportunities. If you are interested in hosting Ola, visit http://www.stsfoundation.org/ and then call Leslie at 480/946-2655 or email to lpianti@yahoo.com
 
 
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
 
 
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 4:  ABODA Performance at Highland High School (Symphonic only) 

 October 22:  FOSO Meeting, 7:00 pm

 

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 and Copy Room. 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