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The Official Source for Plant High School Information
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February 11, 2015
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 Practice ACT to be Administered to All 9th and 10th Grade Students
All 9th and 10th grade students will take the practice ACT during school hours on February 25th. In order for your student to receive their score along with a detailed score report, $15 was due today in homeroom (cash or check made payable to Plant High School). If you missed today's deadline, please send the $15 to school with your student as soon as possible (attention Ms. Lauren Spinka, Room 101), and be sure to include your student's name. |
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 Academic Foundation
A goal of the Academic Foundation has always been to share important information with our families. Yesterday at our meeting we were honored to have U.S. Representative Kathy Castor speak with parents about school funding and government education programs. We learned about the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind, the distribution of Public Education Capital Outlay funds and the impact of federal student loans in our district. Special thanks to Congresswoman Castor for taking time from her busy schedule to join us.
This month AF approved grants for science, English, math, social studies and World Languages classrooms. We're purchasing laptops, calculators, remote response systems and more. We are also helping to fund ESE's new garden project. Your membership dollars really make a difference at Plant!
The Academic Foundation is currently accepting Willingness to Serve forms from parents interested in serving on our board next year. Forms must be turned in by February 27th. Email our nominating committee chair, Kristy Hall, if you have any questions.
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 Athletic Foundation Offers Scholarships
The Athletic Foundation is proud to sponsor scholarships that will be awarded to athletes who have demonstrated athletic ability and scholastic achievement. Up to 6 one-time scholarships, $1000 each, will be awarded. Interested graduating seniors can pick up the application from Ms. Spinka in the College Resource Room (Room 101). Completed applications are due March 3rd. Scholarships will be awarded in May. |
 Pantherilla
Pantherilla is Plant's Junior/Senior prom and will take place on Saturday, March 28th from 8 to 11 pm at the DoubleTree Hotel. Ticket sales will begin on March 16th during lunches in the cafeteria and are cash only, $50 in advance and $60 at the door. These tickets will only be available for purchase by Juniors and Seniors. Click here for a Guest Information Form. |
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 Senior Updates
Mid-year grades will roll on senior transcripts at midnight on February 13th. Barring any unforeseen issues, and if requested by students, mid-year grades will be sent to universities soon after that. If the college you have applied to is requesting them earlier, we encourage students to email that admissions office to let them know of the delay.
All seniors should complete their Bright Futures application now whether or not you are attending a Florida college. Click here for the instructions.
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 Senior Scholarships
The senior scholarships application period is open and total about $50,000 for Plant students! There are a variety of scholarships with different criteria. Click here to determine which you would like to apply for. Applications are available in Room 101 and are due by March 3rd (no exceptions). |
 Dual Enrollment
Registration for summer dual enrollment at HCC begins on March 20th. The deadline for all paperwork to be submitted is April 7th. Summer classes begin on May 18th. For forms and detailed information, go to the Dual Enrollment link on the guidance page of Plant's website. Note: Students must have a qualifying ACT or SAT score to apply and thus must be sure to schedule testing in time to have scores. |
 Programming Updates
Counselors have been meeting with 9th and 10th graders to review course selections for the 2015-2016 school year. We began meeting with juniors on February 10th. Students are being provided with a "courtesy copy" of their course choices for next year to review with their parents. Academic placement is based upon recommendations from subject area teachers. If you have questions about any academic recommendations, please contact the teacher to discuss your concerns. In April, when students receive a draft schedule with a section to make corrections, we will add to that form a space for academic teachers to update their recommendations based upon the student's performance between now and April. |
 Guidance News
Please welcome our new Plant counselor, Mrs. Randi Litwak! Mrs. Litwak replaces Ms. Brogan who retired at mid-year. She comes to us with several years of experience in our school district at Durant and Sickles. Mrs. Litwak has been on board since January 21st and has been meeting with all of her assigned underclassmen for programming.
We recently hosted a meeting to review PSAT score reports and a meeting focused on college preparation for juniors. If you missed our January 29th meetings, you can review the information on the guidance page of Plant's website. See the links for Junior College Night and PSAT Presentation.
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 SAT Prep Course
The SAT will be given to all Juniors at school on Wednesday, February 25th and the next SAT test is March 14th. To get some extra practice in, the 3rd session of the SAT prep course will take place on February 14th, 21st, 28th, and March 7th. The sessions will meet in Rooms 203 and 205 each Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm for a total of 4 classes. Registration forms are available in the Guidance office. The forms are due back to Mrs. Morales in Guidance by February 13th before attending class. This is an excellent opportunity to prepare for the SAT tests coming up. |
 Spring Faculty Dinner
Spring Faculty Dinner will take place on March 5th during Conference Night. We are seeking volunteers to provide dessert, waters, gift card donations for the staff prize drawing, or to help with set up, serving and clean up.
If you have any questions or to volunteer, please email Cecilia Hart or call her at 835-0859.
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 Conference Night
March 5th 3:15-5:00 & 6:00-9:00 pm
Conference Night will be held on Thursday, March 5th. There are two conference periods; the first from 3:15-5:00 pm and the second from 6:00-9:00 pm. Parents may come at any time during these sessions to meet with their student's teachers. Simply join the line at the classroom door of teachers with whom you are interested in meeting. Parents will be seen in turn. Please be mindful of others waiting in line when you are meeting with the teacher. You may visit as many of your student's teachers as you wish. Please note that teachers will not be available from 5:00-6:00 pm so they may enjoy the PTSA Spring Faculty Dinner. |
 Media Center Update
There are some great things happening in our Media Center! Check out our monthly contests, topical displays, book discussions, and support for classroom curriculum. Click here for our most recent newsletter and be sure to  . |
 Volunteer of the Year Award
The Plant Volunteer of the Year award celebrates the dedication and service of the outstanding volunteers in our school community. We need your help in identifying all of these individuals that often work quietly behind the scenes without recognition. Please take time today to nominate that special volunteer. Click here for the nomination form and other important information. Deadline for nominations is March 19th. |
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 Yearbook Staff Applications
The Panther is currently accepting yearbook staff applications for the 2015-2016 school year. Yearbook is right for you if you like taking pictures, you think everyone has a story to tell, you proofread your texts, you bleed black and gold!
Stop by Room 103 to pick up an application. All applications are due by March 6th -- no exceptions.
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 Rick's Caf�
Don't miss the 24th Annual Rick's Caf� production! Rick's Caf� is a variety style show that focuses on Broadway songs. This year the Chorus classes will feature music from The Music Man, Wicked, and Annie Get Your Gun as well as individual acts on February 26th, 27th and 28th at 7 pm in the Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased through showclix.com, by contacting a Chorus student, or at the door the night of the event.
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 Plant Crew Gala and Auction
Plant High Rowing will be dancing the night away at its 2nd Annual Gala on February 21st. The theme is Saturday Night Fever and it will be held at the Sheraton on Cypress from 7 to 11 pm. Silent and live auctions will be held and will include a beach getaway, a week at a vacation home in Maine, and Rays and Gators ticket packages. Gala tickets may be purchased from any rower.
PHRA will also hold a raffle at the Gala. A GoPro Hero4 Black, a UE Boom Wireless Speaker, and a $100 American Express gift card will be given away. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and can be purchased from any rower. Click here for more information. |
 National College Fair
All students and parents are invited to attend the National College Fair which will be held on March 1st from 12:00 to 3:00 pm at the Tampa Convention Center. Hundreds of college representatives will be available to provide information and answer your admissions questions. Click here to register for the event. |
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Administration
Robert M. Nelson, III, Principal
Kimi Hellenberg, AP Curriculum
Lauren Otero, AP Administration
Erin Mellnick, AP Student Affairs A-G
David Webb, AP Student Affairs H-O
Napolean Wade, AP Student Affairs P-Z
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Submission Guidelines
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School Board
MaryEllen Elia, SuperintendentSusan L. Valdes, Chair
Doretha W. Edgecomb, Vice Chair
Sally Harris
Cindy Stuart
Melissa Snively
April Griffin
Carol Kurdell
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PHS Twitter Account
Link here:
Click here for a list of
Plant Twitter Accounts. |
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School Calendar
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- February 11-13 Musical performances each day on the main patio during all lunches. Students are invited to support our talented performers!
- February 25 Free SAT administered @ Plant for all junior students
- February 25 Practice ACT administered @ Plant for all freshmen & sophomore students
- March 5 Spring Conference Night, 3:15-5 & 6-9 pm
- March 9-13 Spring Break/Schools and District Offices Closed
- March 16 Students Return to School
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| Fine Arts | |
Band
- 2/14 Gasparilla Knight Parade in Ybor
- 2/20 Solo & Ensemble MPA @ Alonso
- 2/28 Indoor Competition @ Gaither
- 3/2 Pre-Concert MPA Concert @ Plant, 6:30 pm
- 3/3 District Concert MPA @ Wharton
- 3/7 Indoor Competition @ Seminole
Orchestra
- 2/12 Come support the Orchestra at 7pm for a fabulous pre-MPA concert.
- 2/20 Visit Yogurtology from 3 to 8 pm for PHS Spirit Night. Mention PHS Orchestra and we get a portion of the profits!
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Clubs and Activities Calendar
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Danceros
- 2/22 Danceros volunteer @ Gasparilla Classic
- 3/20 10th Annual Dancero Showcase @ 7 pm. Join us for this event that includes performances by local studios, the football team, and the Pantherettes. Drawing to be held for the Epicurean Hotel, flat screen TV, Dance Tampa, and more. $5 admission in the Gymnasium. Tickets for drawing sold separately.
- 3/29 Dancero end of year banquet
- April Dancero auditions (stay tuned for details)
Pantherettes
- 2/14 Gasparilla Knight Parade
- 2/28 Winterguard/Percussion competition @ Gaither
- 3/7 Winterguard/Percussion competition @ Seminole HS
- 3/21 Campus-wide Yard Sale with PHS Band, 8 am to Noon
- 3/28 FFCC State Competition, Daytona Beach
National Honor Society
Click here for the NHS student procedures for the 2014-15 school year.
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Athletic Calendar
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Below you will find a complete listing of current Plant High School athletic events. Click on any highlighted sport to visit the team website. Go Panthers!
Tryouts begin on February 16th. If you are interested in trying out, it's not too late! See Coach Puckett in Room G505.
- 2/13 Plant @ Plant City, 7 pm
- 2/17 Plant vs. Bloomingdale*, 7 pm (home opener)
- 2/20 Plant vs. Riverview*, 7 pm (Breast Cancer Awareness game. Come show your support!)
- 2/24 Plant @ Newsome*, 7 pm
- 2/27 Plant @ Alonso*, 7 pm
*Denotes District opponent
- 2/11 Plant @ Sickles, 3 pm
- 2/17 Plant @ Robinson, 3 pm
- 2/19 Plant vs. Durant, 3 pm
- 2/23 Plant @ Steinbrenner, 3 pm
- 2/26 Plant @ Strawberry Crest, 3 pm
Girls Lacrosse - 2/13 Plant vs. Bloomingdale (@ Robinson) 7:00 pm
- 2/20 Plant vs. Robinson (@ Robinson) 7:00 pm
- 2/25 Plant vs. Berkeley (@ Dad's Stadium) 5:00 pm
- 2/27 Plant vs. Steinbrenner (@ Alonso) 5:00 pm
Come cheer on your Lady Panthers as they head into their 2nd sanctioned season.
Crew PHRA is still taking new rowers of all grades throughout February before we start our major races in March and April. Email Coach Moseley or call him at (813) 708-2558 if you have any interest in trying a new sport. |
| Current Volunteer Needs | |
Plant values its volunteers and we need your help. Click below to send an email to the appropriate chairperson to learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities at Plant High School.
- 3/5 Desserts, waters, gift cards and manpower needed for Spring Faculty Dinner. Email Cecilia Hart or call her at 835-0859.
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Plant High School - Strength Through Unity
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