Academic Magnet High School Raptor Report
2/18/16
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In this issue...
School News
Community Happenings
News from Parent Boards
News from Guidance
Athletics and Activities
Community Service
In Other News...
Quick Links to:
Parent Volunteer SignUp (PIE)

Parent Volunteer SignUp (Booster)

AMHS Newspaper

Raptor Report Archives


harris teeter
Click on the HT logo above to re-link your card & help AMHS raise funds. AMHS code is 4626.

Target Take Charge of Education Logo
Click on the logo to link your REDcard. AMHS school ID is 118136.

publix
Remember to pick up a Publix keychain card, and give it to the cashier each time you shop at Publix.

Dates to Know:
2/27/16 - AMHS Athletic Booster Club Oyster Roast

3/11/16 - Roaring 20's Gala

4/16/16 - Prom

5/31/16 - Graduation

6/2/16 - Last Day of School
This week at the Academic Magnet:  
new round logo
  • AMHS School Improvement Council Strategic Plan - February 23 & 25
  • Athletic Booster Club Oyster Roast- February 27- Last day to buy tickets is Saturday February 20!
  • AMHS Roarin' 20s Gala - March 11
  • 2015-16 Yearbooks
  • Competitions for STEM-related Theses
  • FAFSA Help and Testing Information
Read below to find out more! 
School News

Academic Magnet Strategic Plan

(This is so important, that we decided to run it a second time. Please come and weigh in!)
The AMHS School Improvement Council (SIC) has been working with Principal Judith Peterson to develop a five year strategic plan for the Academic Magnet. The Plan provides tactics to address: Academic Success, Diversity, Community Engagement, Teacher Excellence, Sustainability, and Action Plans for each tactic.

In order to develop the best plan possible, Ms. Peterson and the SIC are inviting every member of the faculty, parent, and Academic magnet student community to provide input on the DRAFT. We will be meeting with the Faculty on Wednesday, February 17th, and the students will be attending sessions to review the strategic plan and provide comments/suggestions during the school day.

Parents are invited to two drop-in sessions, one in the morning, Tuesday, February 23rd at 7:30 AM - 9 AM and again on Thursday, February 25th at 5 PM - 6:30 PM, both in the Administrative Conference Room at the Academic Magnet. Copies of the Strategic Plan will be posted in large poster format along the walls where parents can post notes on the sections they recommend changes and additions.

Afterwards, the SIC and Ms. Peterson will compile the input received and update the final version of the Strategic Plan and communicate our work to the entire Charleston community.
This is an opportunity for the entire AMHS family to have input on the next steps for the Magnet, your input is important for the continued success of the current and future Academic Magnet students. 

We look forward to your thoughts and are excited about the Academic Magnet's future.

Stacey Lindbergh
SIC Chairman
slindbergh@homesc.com 


2015-2016 Yearbooks
It's time to purchase your 2015-2016 yearbook! Order online at
www.jostensyearbooks.com or call 1-877-767-5217. Purchases can be made with a credit/debit card or PayPal account. Please email larissa_bortz@charleston.k12.sc.us for more information.  Order deadline is February, 26th. After that date, you may still purchase a book, however, personalization and icons will no longer be available for purchase, so make sure to order now. Pre-ordering is the only way to ensure that your child will have a yearbook in the spring as the school only orders a limited number of extra copies. Click http://www.jostens.com/apps/jcom/router.mvc?code=YRBK&affiliateId=1026786
to purchase your yearbook now.


Seniors with STEM Theses!!
If a senior or another student has done a thesis in a STEM field, there are two upcoming competitions for them.  The Lowcountry Science Fair is on April 5, and the South Carolina Junior Academy of Science competition is on April 16.  If a senior received an HHMI grant, they must present their research at one of these competitions.  Both competitions offer cash prizes, scholarships, and trips to Nationals for the winners.  The deadline to submit your materials is February 19.  Please contact Ms. Metzner-Roop (
Community Happenings
 
AMHS Athletic Booster Club Oyster Roast -
February 27, 2016 - 3-6:00 pm

Please join the AMHS Athletic Booster Club to celebrate our annual Oyster Roast. 

Enjoy an afternoon of music, games and fun on the Cooper River! Oysters, Chili, Hot Dogs, and tea and lemonade will be provided.

It will be Saturday, February 27th from 3pm-6pm. Ticket prices are:
$20/Adult         
$5/Child (10 and under)

The link to purchase tickets is:
http://www.amhsboosterclub.org/oyster2016/

Tickets are limited, so buy now!! The deadline to purchase tickets is this Saturday, February 20.
 
The address is:
BP Rec Club
Recreation Road
Wando, SC 29492

*Just outside of Mt Pleasant.

Alcohol is welcome but not provided.

Contact Kimberly Otey, kotey@5financial.com, with any questions.


AMHS Talent Show - March 3, 2016

Come one, come all!  See what our Magnet students can do! mic_retro.jpg  The annual AMHS Talent Show will be held on Thursday, March 3rd at 7:00 PM in the Rose Marie Meyers Theater. 

Cost:  $5 at the door, no presale

See you there!


March 11, 2016 - 7-10:00 pm
Founder's Hall at Charlestowne Landing

Grab your dancing shoes and prepare to step out on the town! The Dixieland River City Band (featuring AMHS's own Mr Phillips) will be playing the tunes, and the Hot Jazz Club dancers will be showing their moves... Maybe the rest of us can learn a thing or two as well!  What a great chance to blow off a little steam and have some fun!

Not a dancer? Then prepare to snag one of our incredible auction items........tickets to the Volvo Cup Open, vacation in Croatia or Costa Rica or on a chartered boat on Charleston's waters. Try dinner and theater downtown or get a deal for your child's braces.  Talk about a win-win situation -- help AMHS and get a deal (or a treat!) in the process!

Tickets for the annual gala are on sale NOW! See the link below for details and to purchase yours!!! ( https://amhspe.ejoinme.org/celebrate2016 ) Buyers of sponsorship levels will enjoy a pre-party with a special surprise guest!!!

ALSO - we're currently accepting donations of auction items. Do you have anything that you would like to contribute that you KNOW someone else can't wait to buy? We would love to make it available at our fundraiser! You can submit the item/information following instructions on our donation form (here ).  For more information or questions: Ana Arias-Pandey 843-886-8778 ariaspa@musc.edu or Jana Upshaw 843-327-2863 janaupshaw@gmail.com 


2016 Prom - April 16, 2016

Make sure to mark your calendars! This year's Prom will be held at Founder's Hall at Charlestowne Landing (Free Parking!) The theme is A Midsummer's Night Dream. Tickets will go on sale April 4, and will be $35/single or $65/couple.

News from Parent Boards
 


The AMHS Athletic Booster Club is a non-profit, volunteer based organization committed to supporting the student athletes, coaches and athletic programs of Academic Magnet High School. And we couldn't do it without your support!

The Athletic Booster Club hosts the annual All Sports Athletic Banquet, provides funding for tournament entry fees and team trophies, hosts the football tailgate parties, and so much more! Please visit our website at www.amhsboosterclub.org for additional information and events schedule.
PLEASE CHECK OUT THE INFORMATION ABOVE ABOUT THE UPCOMING OYSTER ROAST!
booster
Please consider joining or renewing your membership for the 2015-2016 school year by completing the attached membership form or you can join online at http://amhsboosterclub.org/membership/.

With the winter sports season upon us, we are in need of
concession stand volunteers
for home basketball games, starting tomorrow.  Please consider volunteering! The link to sign up is:
Also, AMHS Raptor stadium chairs are still for sale. The cost is $50. If you'd like to purchase one, please contact Donna Rose at tarheelsd@comcast.net

Please come out and support the AMHS Raptors at their various sports. Check our website for all winter sports schedules at: www.amhsboosterclub.org
News from Guidance

2016 College Goal South Carolina Events -  
February 2016

One of the most daunting tasks facing anyone applying for college is filling out the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FASFA). But help is available.

The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education is pleased to announce College Goal South Carolina 2016.

Throughout February, 43 post-secondary institutions and high schools across the state will host events to assist students and their families/guardians with the second step of the college application process, filling out the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FASFA).

College Goal South Carolina offers an opportunity for all college bound students and their families/guardians to receive free one-on-one assistance with completing the FAFSA as well as guidance on navigating financial aid.  Dedicated and knowledgeable financial aid personnel from local colleges along with community volunteers and business leaders assist in this state-wide event.

For more information regarding each individual event, including information on how to volunteer at a specific location, and updates, please visit http://sccango.org/college-goal-event-info-and-sign-up/.

Trident Technical College is hosting an event on Saturday, February 27, 2016, from 10 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Trident Technical College 
7000 Rivers Avenue 
Charleston, SC

Contact Wen Bumgardner, 843-574-6495, wen.bumgardner@tridenttech.edu


Updated Testing Information for Juniors:

ACT WorkKeys: March 2

ACT:  April 19 - We finally have confirmation that we will test at AMHS!


Seniors/Senior Parents:

You should frequently check the Scholarship List in Naviance. Scholarships are added or updated almost daily.



9th Grade IGP Conference Schedule

We are currently scheduling IGP Conferences for  9th grade students with the last name Q through Z.
 
Please click on the following link to sign up for your IGP with Ms. Bearden.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f094eafac28a2fe3-signup  
 

Enrichment/Summer Programs
 
If you are looking for enrichment or summer programs for your student, please check Naviance. Enrichment programs are listed under the "College" tab. Information is updated as it is received, so you should check the site regularly.
  
Athletics and Activities

Upcoming Athletic Events:

Stay Tuned for Spring Sports!

Check the Booster Club website for all winter sports schedules at:
www.amhsboosterclub.org
 
Community Service Opportunities

Kids Exchange of Greater Charleston - February 14-20, 2016

Kids Exchange of Greater Charleston needs volunteers to help with the family friendly community event at the Armory at 5000 Lackawanna Blvd. (by the Danny Jones Rec. Center) from February 14th to close February 20th, 2016. For more information on the event, please visit http://www.kxcharleston.com/ .

This one week event has many opportunities to help! Flexible hours and dates. Please email kxcharleston@gmail.com or show up at the Armory after school or on weekends.

Ask for Kimberly. Also you can call 919 270 9717. Thank you!

Kimberly
Peace, Love & Recycle!


Walk for Autism Charleston - April 16, 2016

Walk For Autism Charleston is looking for volunteers to assist at our annual walk event held at Hampton Park on Saturday April 16 . Volunteers are needed for many tasks such as supervising jump castles, setting up an auction table and assisting at the table, supervising food stations and game activities. There is also a need for help setting up tables and tents along with breaking down at the end of the event. Volunteers can plan to arrive as early as 7:30 am if assisting with set up and if just planning on working a station arriving between 8 and 8:30 am the day will end with clean up tasks ending between 1:00 and 1:30 pm. Please contact Rose ONeal at 843-553-1316 or walkforautism@outlook.com if interested in volunteering. Our website is www.walkforautismcharleston.org


Ongoing
 
Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
5801 Hwy 17 North, Awendaw, SC 29429

If anyone is looking for ideas for their community service and enjoy the outdoors, the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge has some opportunities for you.

Volunteers are needed to replace and re-plant the butterfly garden.  This will need to take place by early spring.  They also need volunteers to refurbish the benches, picnic tables, and some fences around the refuge.  This would require sanding, replacing boards, and painting.

Students can put in their hours during the weekend, so no need to miss school!

If you are interested, please contact Patricia Midgett, Visitor Services Manager - office (843)928-3264, cell (843) 729-9750.


Reading Partners 
Reading Partners is looking for volunteers with their program.  The minimum age requirement is 14 years old.   Sanders-Clyde Elementary (805 Morrison Drive) has after-school sessions from 3:30-4:15pm, Monday-Thursday.  Orientation and training session must be attended in order to volunteer. The different dates and locations available for the training sessions are: Wednesday, 2/3 downtown Charleston County Library; 10:30am-12:00pm; Monday, 2/10 North Charleston City Hall; 5:30-7:00pm.  If you have any questions, and if you are available for any of the training sessions, please contact Jen at jennifer.hostetler@readingpartners.org.


Greenhill Community Center Mentors

Volunteers needed to provide  homework help and mentoring to elementary and middle school aged children at  Greenhill Community Center, 707 York St. off Mathis Ferry Rd. in Mt. Pleasant.   Hours after school until 5:30 or 6:00 Monday through Thursday. Commitment needed... a minimum of one afternoon per week, or every other week. This center is operated by the Town of Mt. Pleasant and directed by Deborah Middleton.  If interested, please contact Coleman Legerton at colelege@gmail.com or (843) 209-8376. 

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For a more complete list of community service opportunities, click here.   If you know of an opportunity that needs to be added to this list, please forward the information to Becky Dornisch at amhs.volunteer@dornisch.org . 
 

In Other News....
 
 (Stay Tuned for Spring Break 2017 Travel Opportunities!)
The Raptor Report is published weekly on Thursdays during the school year, except for holiday breaks.

Faculty, students, and parents are encouraged to submit articles and/or pictures of AMHS events, honors, and needs.

Please email your information to Liz Boyles  by 5:00 p.m. on the Tuesday preceding the Thursday publication date.