Ponte Vedra High School
Shark Bytes
Ponte Vedra High School

December 16, 2013

Important Dates
  • December  17 - 20 - Semester Exams, see below. 
  • January 14 - AP Forum, 6:30 pm.   
  • January 16 - Financial Aid Night, 6-7:30, PVHS Auditorium. 
  • January 21 - High School Showcase, 3 pm - 8 pm, World Golf Village. 
  • January 28 - SAC Meeting, 4:15, Media Center.
  • February 1 - Practice SAT/ACT.  
  • February 6 - PVHS Academy Night, 6 pm. 
  • February 18 - SAC Meeting, 4:15, Media Center.
  • February 18 - PVHS College Fair, 5 - 7 pm. 
  • March 25 - SAC Meeting, 4:15, Media Center.
  • May 3 - Relay for Life, 3 pm. 
School News and Announcements
PSAT Scores 
PSAT scores are in and were given to students during homeroom on Monday, December 16. All 10th grade students will receive their scores as will those 9th and 11th grades students who paid the $15 fee. It's not too late to pay if you would like to receive those scores. Please bring a check made out to PVHS or $15 in cash to Mrs. Hrach anytime after the holiday break.

Seniors and Juniors

We are now accepting applications for Spring Term Dual Enrollment classes. In conjunction with the University of North Florida, we will be offering two courses that will run as a "0" period before school:

    Business Law ( Monday/ Wednesday)
    Speech (Tuesday/Thursday) 

 

All applications are due by Wednesday, December 18  and qualified students will be enrolled on a first come basis.  Please see Mrs. Asplen if you have any questions. 

 

Academy Students 
If you plan to remain in one of our academies, you must complete an INTENT TO RETURN form. Additionally, if you do NOT live in Ponte Vedra High School official zone, you MUST fill out a new OUT OF ZONE WAIVER. If any part of your address has changed, you must notify the school immediately. Failure to complete any of these steps by the deadline will result in denial of re-acceptance into the academy next year. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Mari Ellen Asplen, Academy Coordinator, at the school.

Click here for the link for the application process. Please read the entire page carefully before completing the paperwork.

Interact Club Food Drive  
All this week, the club is collecting canned and boxed goods to support BEAM- helping local families during the holidays.  All donations can be brought to the front office collection boxes.

Toy Drive for Wolfson's Children's Hospital and The Hubbard House Dec 2 - 16 
Our annual Toy Drive is underway with all donations benefiting the children at the Wolfson's Children's Hospital and the children at the Hubbard House domestic violence shelter. Please see the Hubbard_House_Wish_List for appropriate donations. 
Please bring toy donations to the front office or to Ms. Lee's room 560

Seniors 
Seniors, a scholarship program (the Congress-Bundestag Vocational Youth Exchange) administered by Nacel Open Door is requesting schools to nominate 3 graduating seniors to spend one year in Germany exploring their career interests.  All Florida nominees will be considered for the final decision as to how many students will receive this opportunity for the 2014-2015 year.  Speaking German is not a prerequisite. 
The application can be obtained at www.fldoe.org/workforce/programs/cp_bundestag.aspand should be turned in to Guidance by January 20th to be considered as a nominee from our school.  Direct questions to Patrick Wright of the FLDOE at [email protected]

Financial Aid Night 
The Guidance Department will host a financial aid night on Thursday, January 16, 2014 from 6:00-7:30 PM in the PVHS Auditorium. This workshop is for all seniors and parents of seniors. A financial aid representative from UNF will be on hand to explain completing the FAFSA and answer all financial aid questions regardless of your circumstances.

Bright Futures Scholarship 
The Bright Futures Scholarship application is now open. All seniors, regardless of their plans for after high school, should apply before May 30, 2014. The counseling department strongly recommends that students visit the Bright Futures website to become familiar with the program and to make sure they are on track to qualify. 

Ponte Vedra High School Semester Exam Schedule 
Semester 1,  2013-14

Tuesday, December 17, 2013
9:15 - 10:45        EXAM  Period 1
10:45 - 10:55      Break
10:55 - 12:25      EXAM  Period 2
12:30 - 1:00        Lunch
  Buses depart at 1:00

Wednesday, December 18, 2013
 9:15- 10:45      EXAM Period 3
4th period:      A lunch:       10:50-11:20
                       A class:       11:25-1:10  (105 minutes)
                       B class:       10:50-11:40  (50 minutes)
                       B lunch:       11:45-12:15
                       B class:       12:20-1:10 (50 minutes)
                       C class:       10:50-12:35  (105 minutes)
                       C lunch:       12:40-1:10           
1:15-2:45         EXAM Period 5

Thursday, December 19, 2013
9:15 - 10:45      EXAM  Period 4
10:45 - 10:55    Break
10:55 - 12:25    EXAM  Period 6
12:30 - 1:00     Lunch
  Buses depart at 1:00

Friday, December 20, 2013
9:15 - 10:45    EXAM  Period 7
10:45 - 2:45    Make up
11:00 -12:00   Lunch - Book Return
  Buses depart at 12:00

Make up exams can be administered by appointment after the winter break. No exams may be taken early.

Early Departure Procedures 
As you plan your activities for the holiday season please be mindful of the front office procedures below:

Students may not leave with other students during school hours - only siblings may leave together as long as each sibling has written permission

Another parent, friend or relative over the age of 18 may pick up your child if they are not on your pick up list as long as the parent has written and signed a note allowing such. Please be sure to include a contact phone number as the front office will verify the note. You may contact the front office if you have questions regarding who is on your pick up list.

Safety of your students is our main goal and we thank you for your cooperation. 
 
Support Our College-Bound Sharks:
College Fair PLUS Tuesday, February 18 5pm -7:00pm
The PTO and SEA (Seeking Excellence in Academics Committee) are working to bring over 70 colleges to PVHS for the College Fair PLUS.

Show your pride for our college-bound Sharks and support College Fair Plus! with a $25 listing in our program.  Your name will appear on our "We Support Our College-Bound Sharks" page, and monies received will help defray the costs associated with the fair including showcasing our great campus.  

To make a payment send a check made payable to PVHS-PTO, in the memo line write "College Fair-family sponsor" and add a note stating how you would like your family to be listed.  Send to: Ponte Vedra High School PTO, Attention: College Fair- 460 Davis Park Road, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081.

Questions?  Want to be a business sponsor? Email Lisa Crouch at [email protected] or Willow Logue at [email protected].
 
PTO Update
SAT Prep Course
There's still time to sign up...the best holiday present for a HS junior is confidence in their standardized test skills!
Be prepared for the March SAT!  The Tutoring Club in conjunction with the PVHS PTO is offering a group class held weekly for 8 sessions AT PVHS.  The deadline to register is December 20, 2013-no late registrations accepted.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the PVHS PTO.  Click here to view a flyer.
Shark Sports 
This Week at Home
  • Monday - Boys Soccer v. Fleming Island, 5:30 pm. 
  • Tuesday - Boys' Soccer v. Bartram Trail, 5:30 pm.   
  • Wednesday - Boys' Basketball v. Clay, 6 pm.   
  • Thursday - Boys' Soccer v. Menendez, 5:30 pm.  

Scorecard

Girls' Basketball:

The Ponte Vedra Lady Sharks faced three tough opponents this week, all on the road, and were able to bring home only one victory, although very pleasing.   

The week began with a long road trip down to Palatka to face the Top 10 Florida team on Tuesday, December 10.  The outcome of the tough game offered a 25-point Ponte Vedra deficit at 58-33.   The game was dominated on the boards at both ends of the court by Palatka's Jonell Williams who accounted for 23 of their points.  The Lady Sharks were led by Megan Piggott and Rachel Aspinwall who collected 14 and 8 points respectively.  Ponte Vedra scoring was rounded out by Mandi Koski with six, Christi Begeman with three, and Brenna Storm with two points.  

Closer to home on Thursday evening the Lady Sharks collected a satisfying second in a row triumph over rival Nease.  The game was hard fought and close for much of the game. Nease jumped off to an early lead with Coach Jim Piggott substituting players as quickly as the winds can change.  The first quarter eventually ended with the Lady Sharks on top at 14-9.  Slowly through the second quarter the Lady Sharks built a more balanced offensive attack, going into the locker room with an eight point margin at 30-22.  Nease stayed close through the third, actually narrowing the margin by a single shot at 46-39.  In the fourth quarter the Lady Sharks gained the momentum by tiring the Lady Panthers, outscoring them 22-6 for the final 23-point victory at 68-45.

Three Lady Sharks offered double-digit performances with Piggott collecting 28, Mandi Koski hitting for 13, and Erin Landis adding 12 points.  Christi Begeman offered eight, Rachel Aspinwall hit for a three-pointer, and Brenna Storm and Mirian Grant each added two points.  Nease was lead by Sydney Searcy with 15 points, but she eventually fouled out, and then called for a technical when her frustration surfaced near the end of the game.  Also in double-digits for Nease was Katie Sullivan 13 points.  Alex Romanello hit for nine points.  Kendra McKee had five points and Sarah Gray rounded out their scoring with three.  

On Saturday afternoon the Lady Sharks ventured to Providence for another tough battle.  Providence dominated the first quarter as they rushed to a 20-11 lead.  By the end of the second quarter Providence had doubled the Lady Sharks output 34-17.  The third quarter was played closer, as was the fourth, with the game ending with a victory for Providence at 66-53.  

Again three Lady Sharks offered ten or more points with Piggott producing 22, Koski hitting for 13, and Begeman at 10.  The balance of the Lady Sharks scoring resulted in three points for Michaela Hulihan, two each for Landis and Storm, and a free-throw by Grant.  

The Lady Sharks will have two road games this week before taking the Christmas school break.  Tuesday they travel to Pedro Menendez and Thursday the varsity travels to Clay and the JV team is away at Creekside.     

 

Boys' Basketball:

Sharks bounce back with two home wins

    Ponte Vedra's boy's basketball team has now bounced back from a couple of tough losses to notch their third straight victory, including two decisive victories this past week at home.

    The Sharks welcomed nearby St. Augustine to the Shark tank on Tuesday and posted a solid 52-40 win over the Yellow Jackets.  On Thursday Ridgeview fell to the Sharks 51-37 in a game where coach Bud Beech was able to utilize his entire roster.

    In addition to winning their second district game in the win over Ridgeview, the highlight of the evening came very early in the contest when Jackson Johnson's 3-pointer pushed him over the 1000 barrier in career points scored.

    The game was quickly stopped when his proud coach Bud Beech called a timeout and presented Johnson with a game ball at mid court.  Johnson joins coach Beech's son Beau as the second Ponte Vedra player to accomplish the feat.  

    Fittingly enough, Beau was present to watch his former teammate in action before the current North Florida star will board a plane to play former No. 1 ranked Michigan State in East Lansing next Tuesday.

    The Sharks were a little sluggish in the first two quarters in their game with St. Augustine.  The locals caught fire in the second half after trailing the Yellow Jackets by a point at halftime, outscoring the visitors 31-18 over the final two periods.

    Johnson led the Sharks in scoring with 16 points but had a lot of help from his mates.  James Crowther had his best shooting night of the season by tallying 15 points while Quinn Carey added 11, all of his points coming in the pivotal second half.

    6'4 junior Ross McCarthy had a solid game for the Sharks with a team leading 8 rebounds, as well as 2 blocks, 2 steals and 2 assists.

    On Thursday Ponte Vedra hosted first year district opponent Ridgeview at the Shark Tank and were never threatened in the contest.  The Sharks jumped into a 15-5 first quarter lead and never looked back to improve their season record to 5-2, 2-0 in district competition.

    Nine Sharks entered the scoring column, as Coach Beech was able to substitute freely throughout the contest.  Once again Johnson, Carey and Crowther were in double figures for the victors, tallying 15, 14, and 10 points respectively.

    McCarthy and 6'4 junior Donovan Garrard each pulled down 7 rebounds while Johnson dished out 5 assists.

    The Sharks will play two games in the upcoming week beginning with another district game at home Wednesday against Clay Co.  The Sharks will then travel down 210 to take on one of the top rated teams in the First Coast area in Bartram Trail, before taking time off for the X-Mas break. 

 

Boys' Soccer:

Varsity - The Boys Varsity Soccer record moves to a solid 12-0-2 overall still remaining undefeated.   On Dec 9th, Ponte Vedra Boys Varsity Soccer played rival Nease finishing with a tie 2-2. Corey Johnson ripped a shot into the net to put Ponte Vedra up 1-0 with 23 minutes on the clock. It was evenly matched possession throughout game.  Nease scored 12 minutes later on a one on one breakaway to even the score 1-1 going into the half. In second half, with 27 minutes on the clock, Munir Adamo took the shot which was deflected by the Nease goalkeeper and Corey Johnson got his foot on the ball to score the second goal. Within seconds though Nease came back and tied the game 2-2. Boys Varsity Soccer played Ridgeview on Thursday Dec 12 and mercy ruled them 8-0 . The team will be traveling to Tallahassee Dec 13 and 14 for a 3 game tournament.  

 

JV - On Dec 12 the JV Boys soccer beat Ridgeview 8-0 also mercy ruling the competition, as did the varsity team. Goals by Alec Schoenguard, Carson King, Conor Brandon, Chris Howard, Ethan Penn (2) and Jack Bingemann (2).  Another strong win was secured with a 6-0 shutout against Nease on Dec 9. Goals by Sam Nicholson, Aidan Kelly , Carson King, David Jones, Ethan Penn, and Jack Bingemann. Will Bomar and Easton Hensley spilt halves in the net.  

In the Community
PONTE VEDRA PUBLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Founded in 1983 by a group of locals interested in enhancing the public school experience, the Ponte Vedra Public Education Foundation raises funds to bring professional programs in the arts and academics to our community schools.

This year of 2013-2014 our in-school performances planned for Ponte Vedra High School are:

Grades 9-12    "Macbeth"        Jan. 23, 2014
Grades 9-12    "Yale Bakers Dozen"    March 2014
Grades 9-12    Chris Beaulieu: "Physical Theatre-Ensemble Building Workshop"   Oct. 2013
Grades 9-12     ArtWorks 2014 at Sawgrass Marriott   May 4, 2014   1:00-2:30PM

The Teacher Mini-Grant Program gave a total of $17,700 to Ponte Vedra teachers for their innovative classroom ideas.  Those receiving grants at Ponte Vedra High School were:
  • Marissa Leonard: "Contagious"...$750.00
  • Jodi Rolison:  "Real World"...$1342.38
  • C. Winrow, T. Fordham, L. Gaul: "Book Clubs"...$1005.00
  • All English I, English II, AP Lit/Language Teachers & Dept. Head:  "How to Read Literature"...$649.25
  • Beth McBride: "Wooden Toy Kits"...$240.00
The Foundation relies on contributions from large and small businesses and from individuals in our community.  Your donations directly fund the programs we offer to our students.  We are an all volunteer organization (501�3) with no paid staff.  Please make your tax deductible gift to:

    Ponte Vedra Public Education Foundation (PVPEF)
    PO BOX 2861
    Ponte Vedra Bch., FL  32004

Thank you,
Marilyn Hoener, President


 

In This Issue
School News and Announcements
PTO Update
Shark Sports
In the Community
PVHS Links


 
Other Useful Links
 
 

 

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Feel free to contact us with information that may interest the PVHS community.  All submissions are subject to approval by the PVHS administration, and must be received by Friday for inclusion in Monday's newsletter.  Please e-mail your information exactly as you would like it to appear to Pat Forsythe, [email protected].