SAGUARO HAPPENINGS

 
February 23, 2014
Saguaro Office

This newsletter is provided as a service by 
Saguaro SaberLinks

   

Capable Appropriate Trustworthy Supportive

   
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: 

 

   
IMPORTANT DATES 

FEBRUARY 24  
AIMS Writing Test (ALL Sophomores, plus juniors and seniors who have not passed and/or exceeded previously)
Early Bell Schedule - see below
PTO providing breakfast for test takers - see below

FEBRUARY 25  
AIMS Reading Test (ALL Sophomores, plus juniors and seniors who have not passed and/or exceeded previously)
Early Bell Schedule - see below
PTO providing breakfast for test takers - see below

MARCH 5 
General PTO Meeting
6:00 pm, Media Center

MARCH 10-14 
Spring Break    

SPRING SPORTS 
BASEBALL
Pre-Season Scottsdale Invitational:  Varsity
February 27:  at Home vs. Skyline, 3:45 pm
February 28:  at Skyline, 3:45 pm
March 1:  at Thunderbird, 6:30 pm
March 3:  at Home vs. Thunderbird, 3:45 pm 
 
SAT and ACT TESTING INFORMATION 

Upcoming SAT Test Dates:
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:
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!

 
EVENTS & INFORMATION:
 
 
AIMS TESTING
February 24 (Writing) and February 25 (Reading)
For ALL Sophomores, plus juniors and seniors who have not passed/exceeded previously.

All non-test takers begin school at 11:37 am.

AIMS BELL SCHEDULE
TEST TAKERS ARRIVE BY 7:45 am BOTH DAYS.
NON-TEST TAKERS ARRIVE BY 11:37 am (CLASS START TIME) BOTH DAYS.

TEST TAKERS:   PTO will be providing bagels, water and fruit on both days of the AIMS testing. Make sure you stop by the PTO table outside the office to get some breakfast.

Writing -
Monday, February 24, 2014 
7:45 am-10:45 am:  Testing
10:45 am-11:30 am:  Lunch for Test Takers
11:37 am-12:26 pm:  Period 1 for ALL students
12:33 pm-1:22 pm:  Period 2 for ALL students
1:29 pm-2:20 pm:  Period 3 for ALL students

Reading - Tuesday, February 25, 2014
7:45 am-10:45 am:  Testing
10:45 am-11:30 am:  Lunch for Test Takers
11:37 am-12:26 pm:  Period 4 for ALL students
12:33 pm-1:22 pm:  Period 5 for ALL students
1:29 pm-2:20 pm:  Period 6 for ALL students
 

 

 
SAGUARO GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM ADVANCES TO QUARTERFINALS
Tuesday, February 25, 2:30 pm at Jobing.com Arena
Sabercats Girls Basketball Team won their game Friday night, so let's cheer them on in the quarterfinals game Tuesday afternoon!
 
SCOTTSDALE PARENT COUNCIL MEETING
February 26, 9:30 am, SUSD Ed Center
Questions about next years budget?  Dr. Peterson and Dan O'Brien will be on hand with an update.As always, we will end with a Q&A with Dr. Peterson. Everyone is welcome.
 
SPC GENERAL MEETING AGENDA:
Welcome 9:30 am
~ Cindy Bitcon, SPC President

Inflation Funding Lawsuit 9:35-10:05 am
~ Tim Hogan, Executive Director of the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest

Legislative Update 10:05-10:15 am
~Kim Hartman and Lisa Hoberg, SPC Co-VP Legislation

Budget Update 10:15-11:00 am
 ~ Dr. David Peterson, SUSD Superintendent
~Daniel O'Brien, SUSD Chief Finance Officer

Q & A with Dr. Peterson 11:00- 11:30 am
Adjourn 11:30 am
 
SABERLINKS PTO GENERAL MEETING
March 5, 6:00 pm, Media Center
Please mark your calendars to join us at our next general meeting.  We will post the agenda at a later date. 
 
2014-2015 SABERLINKS PTO OFFICERS
Below is the potential slate of PTO officers for the next school year.  If you are interested in running for any of these positions, please contact Mary Shangraw at mary@shangraw.com. 

President:  Holly Tyler
Vice President:  Martina Alexander
Secretary:  Kate Strohmeyer
Treasurer:  Cheryl White
 
2014-2015 SABERLINKS PTO COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Below is a list of PTO Committee Chair positions for next year.  In order to support our students, parents, teachers and staff, we depend on our wonderful parents to volunteer for these positions.  If you are interested in chairing any of these committees, or if you have any questions about these positions, please contact Mary Shangraw at mary@shangraw.com.

Communications/Saguaro Happenings:  Laura Jones
Hospitality:  OPEN
Teacher Appreciation:  OPEN
Copy Room:  OPEN
Student Directory:  OPEN
Scottsdale Parent Council Representative:  OPEN
 
 
PROJECT GRADUATION

THANKS TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD ALBERTSONS STORE!
The Albertsons store at Hayden and Indian Bend Rd. has generously donated $1000 to Project Grad!  We want to thank Albertsons and ask our families to support them by shopping in their store.  Saguaro families can pick up their own Albertsons Community card in the Saguaro front office. For questions please contact Cheryl White:  602-505-8247.



IMPORTANT PAYMENT REMINDER FOR SENIORS:
PLEASE PAY YOUR $100 PROJECT GRAD FEE
Why is there a fee?
* The $100 fee includes transportation, food, games, entertainment, and gifts for all attendees.
What happens if a student can't pay the $100 fee? 
There are two options:
* Your family may "earn" the fee by selling an envelope of 20 raffle tickets for $10 each for the Project Grad 2014 50/50 raffle.  Please contact Kate Strohmeyer for raffle tickets at katestrohmeyer@yahoo.com
OR
* There are scholarships available to students.  If you need an application for a scholarship, CLICK HERE FOR SCHOLARSHIP FORM.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN WAIVERS
Put in the Secure Event Code: 2014

Both are necessary for your graduate to participate in Project Graduation 2014!

50/50 RAFFLE!
The 50/50 raffle is one way we raise funds.  Support Project Grad by buying some raffle tickets!

Tickets $10 each or 6 for $50!
Winner receives up to $3000!!!
Contact Treasurer Cheryl White for more information at rclbwhite@cox.net


Email katestrohmeyer@yahoo.com for more information.

 
SAT OR ACT TEST PREP OFFER FROM PRINCETON REVIEW

 
JESUIT COLLEGE FAIR
February 25, 6:30-8:30 pm, Hilton Scottsdale Resort

 
TEEN JOB READINESS SERIES
Sponsored by  
City of Scottsdale Teen Employment Program 
Teens 14-18 years old are welcome to attend!   All these classes are designed to prepare teens for a summer or spring employment.
 
To attend, Teens can register at:  
The Job Readiness Series includes the following programs:

"GET A JOB REFRESHER" 
Thursday, March 13, 3:30-5:00pm @ Youth & Family Services 
Located at Indian School/Hayden Rd.

SCOTTSDALE TEEN OPPORTUNITY EXPO
April 15, 2:30-5:30 pm, ASU Skysong

Employment Opportunities:
Majority participating employers are based in Scottsdale and the surrounding areas of Phoenix/Tempe. Most employers will require teens to be 16 or older but teens under 16 are still welcome and encouraged to attend. Volunteer opportunities will be available. High school seniors and college students are also strongly encouraged to attend.
 
Educational/Interactive Work Readiness Exhibits:
Teens and young adults will benefit from our interactive educational exhibits; all designed to empower teens/young adults with job seeking strategies. The educational areas will include laptop computers staffed by volunteers, participants can get assistance completing online applications and writing a professional resume. Professionals will also be available to provide mock interviews.

Volunteer & College/Career Opportunities:
Teen oriented volunteer program representatives will highlight mostly summer opportunities. In addition, college/career exhibitors will be present to give out information and discuss post-secondary education programs.

Location:
SkySong - ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center, 1475 N Scottsdale Rd Scottsdale, 85257
·         Cross streets: South of McDowell Rd/ East of Scottsdale Road
·         Landmark: SkySong consists of 2 tall buildings with large white tent-like structure stretching across both buildings
·         Event is in the North Building on the southeast side of the building.
 
Transportation:
Students who use the Scottsdale Trolley, SkySong is one of the destinations.

CLICK HERE FOR TEEN OPPORTUNITY EXPO FLYER

 
ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK NOW, AND KEEP YOUR MEMORIES FOR A LIFETIME!
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Yearbooks are on sale in the Bookstore now.  Yearbooks are now $80 per book.

 
2014-15 HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING GUIDE

 

 

COLLEGE PLANNING INFORMATION:

 

 

FEBRUARY
COLLEGE PLANNER

Grade 9
Examine your level of involvement in clubs and activities; it is better to do more in fewer organizations than to be marginally involved in everything on campus.  Plan ahead; envision yourself in leadership.
Look at college or scholarship applications that you would like to be eligible for in the future.  Are you building the experience and expertise to make you competitive?

Grade 10
Select courses for junior year.  Keep in mind that the grades/rigor of this course work will impact college options.  Consider taking the ASVAB; whether or not you have interest in the military, this test will give you valuable information regarding your aptitude for certain types of occupations.  Because your course work may be gaining in difficulty, you can seek out Math Lab, House of Tutor, and/or ask your teachers for help.
 
Grade 11
Use online tools such as FAFSA4Caster at www.fafsa.ed.gov or calculators on www.finaid.org to determine your financial boundaries regarding college choices.  Determine how you would pay for education if no scholarships were available. Compare your community college options if money is tight.

Grade 12
Finalize your FAFSA filing as quickly as possible; your financial aid package will not be processed until taxes have been filed and the FAFSA updated and resubmitted as a final filing.  For help with final FAFSA filing, consider attending College Goal Sunday:   www.collegegoalsunday.com.  Most schools require you to use the IRS link to verify your FAFSA; taxes must be complete for this link.  If you are considering community college, become familiar with the transfer process. Visit:  www.aztransfer.com.

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.

FREE ONLINE TEST PREP HELP FOR SAT and ACT! 

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:

SAT On Demand Prep:  KAS2013SAT

ACT On Demand Prep:  KAS2013ACT

 

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.  
 
 
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 BOOSTERS 

 

SAGUARO BASEBALL DIAMOND CLUB BOOSTERS:

Back-to-Back State Champions:  2010 & 2011  

SAGUARO BASEBALL WEBSITE

DIAMOND CLUB WEB PAGE        

 

 

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  

 

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 LACROSSE CLUB:   

SAGUARO LACROSSE CLUB WEBSITE

Lacrosse is the largest growing sport in the country, but because it is not an AIA high school sport, our Saguaro Lacrosse players bear the brunt of the expenses (it is an expensive sport).  The nonprofit Saguaro Lacrosse Club is soliciting the help of local businesses by selling them business card ads for $20 (tax deductible donation) in their souvenir program.  If you would like to support the Saguaro Lacrosse players with a business card ad, please click on the attached form.  LACROSSE BUSINESS CARD AD FORM 

For more information, please contact Cheryl White at 602-505-8247.

 

 

 

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

February 27-March 3:  New York Trip/Carnegie Hall Performance

March 5:  Pops Planning Meeting, 6:00 pm 

March 7-8:  All State Auditions 

 

 

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.
 
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   

Remaining Meeting Dates:
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