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November 16, 2012
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Mon 11-19
Seniors to UCF
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Tue 11-20
Middle School Service Day
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Wed 11-21
Thanksgiving Holiday
-No School
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Thu 11-22
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Fri 11-23
Thanksgiving Holiday -No School
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 Meritas Games
International Competition Hosted by WPS
Let the GAMES begin!
WPS is gearing up to host the annual Meritas Games, November 28-30.
The campus will be abuzz with student athletes, coaches, and athletic directors from China, Switzerland, Mexico, Arizona, New York, Texas, and Florida who are on a quest for the coveted Meritas Games Cup. Launched seven years ago with 65 athletes, the Meritas Games now feature 650 middle school athletes competing in 18 tournaments including track and field, flag football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, soccer, tennis, and baseball. This event is a remarkable experience for these young athletes as they form friendships through sport with other students from the international Meritas Family of Schools. Attendees will also participate in a variety of evening activities, including trips to Dave and Buster's, Disney's Very Merry Christmas Party, and Universal's Island of Adventure.
WPS is the defending champion of the Meritas Games Cup. You are encouraged to come out and support the Lakers as we defend our title. Click for the itinerary. GO LAKERS!
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Simin Feng Signs to Vanderbilt
Senior Simin Feng signed a National Letter of Intent to Vanderbilt University on November 14. In addition to being academically successful, Simin recently won the Class 1A individual state girls golf title, and helped lead the Lakers to their third straight team state championship.
Congratulations, Simin!
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LOWER SCHOOL
Dear Families,
This week we would like to express our thankfulness to our teachers, extended families, and our WPVA. The outpouring of support and attendance at our school events is truly appreciated. We are thankful for our homeroom moms for tirelessly coordinating holiday and special events to make these days memorable for all involved. We are thankful for our teachers for upholding traditions and making them special and fresh with each new year. We wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving. We hope you have time to spend with those people most dear to you. All of you will be present in our hearts during our Thanksgiving feasts as we cherish those dearest to us.
Outer Wear
Fall weather made a brief stop at Windermere Prep and so did lost jackets! Please make sure to label your child's outerwear with his/her name so we can do our best to return lost items to their rightful owner. If you are currently missing a jacket, please check the lost and found bin located behind the main administration building.
 Honk, Jr.
Our Lower School thespians have been hard at work and are ready to put on a fabulous show for us! "Honk Jr. " is a story that explores diversity, embracing differences, and being empowered individually, and collectively as a community. We hope you will support us in celebrating our differences by coming to see the show on either Nov. 16 or 17 at the Winter Garden Theater. You can purchase your tickets by using this website or by calling 407-877-4736. We hope to see you there!
Important Dates
11/16 PreK3 - PreK4 Thanksgiving Performance/Feast
11/16 Honk Jr. the Musical, Winter Garden Theater; also
performances on 11/17
11/19 Kindergarten Thanksgiving Program
11/21-11/23 No School/Thanksgiving Break
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Lower School office.
Melissa Fagan
Director of Lower School
Theresa Nabavi
Associate Director of Lower School
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HIGH SCHOOL
 National Math Honor Society Inductions
On Thursday November 1, twenty-three full members and two associate members were inducted into Mu Alpha Theta, a national high school and college mathematics honor society. Minimum requirements for induction include a minimum 3.5 GPA in all high school mathematics classes. The inductees were treated to a fascinating talk from Windermere Prep parent and WKMG Channel 6 Meteorologist, Elizabeth Hart. Mrs. Hart discussed her distinguished career, the role mathematics had in shaping her career, and the importance of mathematics in forecasting the weather. Read more, including a list of inductees University Research Workshop for the Class of 2013 On Monday, November 19 and Tuesday, November 20, WPS will be taking all seniors to the UCF library for two days of directed study. These days are designed to engage students in developing an understanding of the research and referencing process, as well as to give them time to finalize individual course work before the Thanksgiving Holidays. High school faculty will be available to provide direct assistance to individual students while mimicking a college style study environment. IB Diploma Candidates will have an opportunity to make progress with their extended essays over the course of these two days. As we approach the event, please keep the following in mind for your planning: view the info packet The Principled Learner The International Baccalaureate program defines a principled learner as one who "act[s] with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities" (IB Learner Profile). One of the various opportunities for students in the World Language department... read more
High School Faculty SpotlightStacey Huryn, a recent addition to the English Department for the 2012-2013 school year, brings both energy and creativity that produces a classroom where she... read more College Corner
Congratulations to Simin Feng, our state champion golfer. Simin signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Vanderbilt University. Tutors Click for the latest list of tutors.
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FINE ARTS
Lakers Go to State 8th grader, Kate Lucas and freshman, Nick LaFalce have been selected to participate in this year's Florida All-State Middle and High School Honor Bands. They will be representing Windermere Prep and our state at the Florida Music Educator's Conference in Tampa in January. Congratulations to Nick and Kate! Zoe Klumph name to National Choir  Junior Zoe Klumph was recently named to the 2012 National Women's Honor Choir. This Honor Choir will meet as a part of the American Choral Directors Association National Convention held this coming March in Dallas, TX. More than 3,600 singers from across the United States auditioned for just a handful of spots during the extremely competitive selection process. Please congratulate Zoe on this impressive accomplishment!
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 WPS Student Art to Represent Meritas
Artwork creatd by WPS Middle School student, Hallie Martin, was chosen for the official holiday card of Meritas International. Dr. Marcy and Dr. Lyng joined art teacher, Megg Demko, to make the announcement, reading words from Meritas CEO, Mac Gamse, regarding the sixth grader's design.
Congratulations to Hallie on this wonderful honor, as well as her creative talent.
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 Windermere Prep Parent Volunteers 
WPVA's 8th Annual Poinsettia Plant Sale The WPVA is pleased to offer beautiful, high quality Knox Nursey poinsettia plants for the holiday season. We have a variety of plants and sizes, and they are conveniently available for pick up on campus Wednesday, November 28. Please click for information on the assortment of poinsettias available, along with a price list and order form. All orders need to be turned into the WPS office by Monday, November 19. Save the Date - WPVA Holiday Super Spirit Day
December 14 Take a break from exam prep, and come out and support your fellow Lakers. Click for info.  Girls Soccer at 3:30 p.m. - Hot Chocolate and Donuts will be served!  Boys JV at 5:30 p.m., Boys Varsity at 7:00 p.m. Free Pizza Frenzy!
WPVA Holiday Shoppe
We are proud to announce our 2012 Holiday Shoppe will take place December 3 - 7. This is a fun opportunity for our Lower School students to shop for family members and friends. Order forms will be sent home in backpacks. Be certain to look for yours! Volunteers are needed for this event. Please email allidurst@cfl.rr.com if you would like to volunteer.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
Dear Middle School Families,
This annual tribute to our veterans was wonderful as we united the campus to pay our respects to our Armed Forces, and to our country. America is indeed the land of the free, only because it is the home of the brave. View photos.
Empty Bowls for Hunger
Much gratitude is owed to our Art Honor Society for hosting the "Empty Bowls for Hunger" event. Once again, they have used art to make a difference, raising money for the Second Harvest Food Bank. Enjoy these photos.
Q2 Progress Reports
Perhaps not as eventful, but very important...Quarter 2 Progress Reports were posted to Skyward yesterday. These reports are just a snapshot at this midpoint of the quarter. As always, students and parents may view detailed grade and progress information in Skyward.
Tomorrow, all Middle School students are expected to arrive to school prepared with a meaningful lesson as we participate in our third Laker Learning Buddies visit.
Finally, as we look to next week and a celebration of thanks, be reminded of Winston Churchill's words: "You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give." This sentiment is the rationale behind the WPS Middle School Community Service program. Encouraging students to give of themselves puts both the "virtus" and "unitas" elements of our crest into action. Each grade level works on a specific mission so that students are exposed to a variety of community service venues as they progress through their WPS educational career. This offers them a sampling so they are well informed to begin their high school community service hours.
To further cement the learning from community service, students prepare for their excursions with in-depth lessons, and follow up with meaningful reflections. See an overview for 6th, 7th, or 8th grade.
On behalf of the Middle School Faculty, we wish you a time of family, friends, and reflection over the upcoming Thanksgiving Holidays. Get lots of rest so you're ready for the Meritas Games, which begin on Wednesday, November 28.
Much happiness to you and yours,
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WPS SPORTS & ATHLETICS
Varsity Football
The Lakers closed the 2012 season on the short end of a 42-41 shootout against archrival Foundation Academy. Family and friends helped celebrate the dedication and contributions of our 12 seniors in a pregame ceremony. Senior running back Jet Li carried the ball 21 times for 138 yards behind an interior offensive line of Kyle Anderson, Austin Rivers, and Christian Meyer. Captain Garrett Hall led the way on defense, leading the team in tackles. Jimmy Linden provided a spark on both offense and defense and helped Freshman quarterback Parker Davis on his way to 205 passing yards. Kevin Babich and Chris Grangean each were on the receiving end of Davis TD passes. The school community sends a message of gratitude to this year's seniors for their contribution to this program and a promise that their hard work will be remembered.
Regional Cross Country
Congratulations to both Kate Kiely and Franco Martins in their competition at the Regional Cross-Country Meet that took place in Gainesville on November 9. Both runners achieved personal records (PRs) for the season at the Regional Meet. Kate placed 17th, running at 20:53, while Franco placed 10th, running at 16:59 for the 5K distance. Franco will move on to compete in the State Cross-Country Meet in Tallahassee on November 17. Go Lakers!
Boys Basketball Scrimmages
This Saturday, November 17, the boys' basketball program is kicking off the season with the annual inter-squad scrimmages that are open to the public. Teams in the middle and high school will play against each other as they prepare for the upcoming season. The cost is $5 for admission. Included is a bowl of chili/pasta and a drink!
It will be a fantastic environment, and everyone is welcome. The schedule for the games is listed below. So, come on out and get a sneak peak of what's to come this season from the boys' basketball program.
12:00-12:20 6th Grade Developmental Team
12:30-12:50 6TH Grade Team
12:55-1:05 Cheerleaders
1:15-1:35 7th Grade Team
1:45-2:05 8th Grade Team
2:10-2:20 Dance Team
2:20-2:40 JV Team
2:45-2:55 Cheerleaders
3:05-3:30 Varsity Team
In the WPS Pool
Arron Nestor placed 19th in 200 Individual Medley in the Class 1A State Swimming and Diving Championships last weekend at the International Drive YMCA. Nestor swam one of the hardest events in High School swimming - the Individual Medley, swimming 2 laps of each stroke - butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle. Nestor swam a preliminary time of 2:05.33. Congratulations to our own Arron Nestor for ranking in the Top 20 in the State of Florida!
Isabell Gessner, Ashleigh Henry, Danielle Work, Camilla Perez and Samantha Axelrod competed with the SouthWest STARS Club Swim Team at the Patriot Invitational at Lake Brantley High School last weekend. These four swimmers were among 115 SouthWest STARS Club Swimmers who attended the swim meet. Call (407) 905-0999 to schedule your free evaluation to join the swim team at WPS!
Fall SoftballThe Windermere Prep Saints Fall High School Softball team had its best night of the fall softball season by winning its final two games. The Saints beat the Southlake Varsity High School team 8-3 behind Racquel Fournet's 5 strong innings of pitching and offensive contributions from Sydney Pollock, Cassie Parr, Alyssa Odonahoe (two hits each), Katie Grosso and Kendall Kiertan (one hit each).
In the second game, the Windermere Prep softball team pulled off a big upset in beating the East Ridge varsity team, 9-5. East Ridge is one of the strongest teams in the 6A district and is one year out from winning the 6A district championship in 2011. The Saints had a huge offensive game led by Alyssa Odonahoe's first home run of the season and multiple hit performances and RBI's from Racquel Fournet, Sydney Pollock and Cassie Parr along with RBI hits from Kendall Ziertan and Katie Grosso. The Windermere Prep Fall High School Softball team finished the season with a 7-1-2 record and tied for first place with Montverde Academy. It was a great first fall high school softball season for the school, and we are very proud of the girls' effort and on-field performance. If you are interested in playing for the Windermere Prep official Spring Softball Season team, email Coach Pollock, pollockwes@yahoo.com. On the WPS Courts  Congratulations to Freshman Henri Lombard, who won the Boys 16's Super Series at Daytona Beach last weekend. Warren Watson, Assistant Director of Tennis, added, "This was Henri's first Super Series and only the third tournament played here in the US. He was unseeded and went on to beat the first and third seeds to claim the title."
Great job to our 14 and under flight 2 team, defeating the No.1 team and climbing to the top of the league. Also seeing victory were the Ladies teams, as both the C+ and C3 teams scored a win this week. Please note these holiday schedule changes: - Thanksgiving week - Make up lessons only (not part of the 10 week schedule). - Meritas Games Nov 28 - 30 - All courts will be utilized in the games. Only Elite and Junior Elite training late afternoon, and all PE lessons have been rescheduled. Pictured above: Madison Fernandez perfects her forehand.
This Week's Laker Events at Home Nov. 19 3:30 p.m. Soccer Boys MS vs. Orangewood Nov. 20 5:00 p.m. Basketball Boys JV vs. Mount Dora 6:30 p.m. Basketball Boys Varsity vs. Mount Dora |
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CAMPUS STORE
New items have arrived...
- Girls youth spirit shirts
- Youth sweatpants
Please visit soon! Hours: 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. daily.
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 WINDERMERE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Phone: 407-905-7737 Fax: 407-905-7710
A Member of the Meritas Family of Schools |
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