Vero Beach High School Newsletter

A Message From The Chief

ADMINISTRATION

PrincipalShawn O’Keefe

Assistant PrincipalsGreg Ahrens

Anne Bieber

Rachel Daulby

David Erickson

David “Chip” Humphrey

Hilary Poole

www.vbhs.org

‘Smoke Signals’Published Five Times Per YearFeb., Apr., Jul., Oct., Dec. 2016

School District of Indian River County

1990 25th StreetVero Beach, FL 32960

Issue #1

1707 16th StreetVero Beach, FL 32960

Main: 564-5400Attendance: 564-5555

Vero BeachHigh School

Home of the Fighting Indians

2 0 1 6

ISSUE 1VOLUME 11

F E B R U A RY

Dear Parents and Friends, The State Board of Education, having accepted the commissioners “cut scores” for the new state tests introduced last year, has officially proclaimed VBHS to be an “A School.” In a year where it was difficult to make this grade as a school in Florida, Vero has done so. I am very proud of our students’ academic performance and our teachers’ instruction in the classroom that make this accomplishment possible. We will be celebrating our “A School” success here this month and look forward to the official press release shortly. February marks a point in our school year where a great deal of progress has been made, and there is still more to come. Last Spring, we were pleased that our school board voted “yes” to name our auditorium in the performing arts center the James M. Sammons Auditorium. This vote followed presentations to the board by numerous community members, community leaders, and myself. The naming ceremony we held was a wonderful tribute to our “Hall of Fame” Director Jim Sammons. Please see the article in this newsletter. This month, our VBHS Band, Orchestra, and Chorus begin their extensive concert seasons. Our VBHS Drama Department has prepared our school musical, “Seussical”, based on Dr. Seuss books and poems, and will begin performances during February here in our James M. Sammons Auditorium. Our Math Team competed at the Lake Brantley Regional competition and placed fourth overall. This is a tremendous accomplishment. The team travels next to Sun Coast Community High School on February 13th. Winter sports seasons are finishing up in Vero tradition with strong seasons by all of our teams. Girls Soccer took a District Championship, a Regional Championship, and is ready to play in the “final four” state tournament! Boys soccer, girls basketball, and boys basketball all claimed the District Championship and have advanced to regional competition. Wrestling is still in the running for a title shot. This month, all of our spring sports get underway, so stay tuned for more sports action. We want our students to realize the tremendous importance of attending school daily, and the terribly negative impact that “non-attendance” has on a student’s academic outcomes. Parents, we ask that you closely monitor your student’s attendance. We find too often that parents of truant students do not realize how much school their child is missing until it is a big problem with irreparable repercussions. Please encourage your child to be in school every day. With so much ahead of us to be accomplished, we can all look forward to a “breather” in the name of Spring Break set for the week of March 21st. Also, an activity letter is being mailed home to seniors as a reminder for all the important events coming their way as they end this school year. It’s great to be A Fighting Indian, as we forge ahead into the renewal of spring, embracing the work at hand with great Indian pride and spirit!

For the VBHS Family,

Shawn O’KeefeShawn O’Keefe

Shawn O’KeefeShawn O’Keefe

2Assistant Principal Anne Bieber

Honored The Commissioner of Education announced VBHS Assistant Principal Anne Bieber as the 2016 State Assistant Principal of the Year during a ceremony at the Commissioner’s Summit for Principals in Orlando. Bieber said, “I was so honored to represent our county. Being at the workshop this morning really hit home how great a team I’m on in Indian River County. What an honor to be recognized.” Over the last 15 years, Anne Bieber has served as assistant principal at VBHS. She developed and shared a district-wide scheduling method that increases preparedness by enabling students to know the classes in which they are enrolled and educators to know which courses they will be teaching before classes end for the summer. Dr. Rendell, School District of Indian River County Superintendent, said, “This is a befitting honor to recognize Anne’s hard work and contributions she makes supporting our students.” We at VBHS are proud to have Ms. Bieber as part of our Indian tribe.

Jacob Ursin, A True Hero When a car plunged into his neighborhood lake on a night when the air temperature was 48 degrees and the wind was blowing at 20mph, junior Jacob Ursin didn’t hesitate. He pulled off his boots and dove in, swimming 150 feet to the car floating in the frigid 57 degree water. A window rolled down after he pounded on the vehicle and he was handed a 2-year-old girl. Jacob took the child and swam for their lives; beneath him was 22 feet of water.

As he neared the shore, Jacob and the baby were lifted out of the water by bystanders. By then, his legs were numb as a result of hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature. He and the little girl were later treated and released from the hospital. Jacob’s father, Deputy Ruben Bermudez, expressed the pride we all feel: “I am very proud of my son…he jumped into a very cold lake and saved a 2-year-old little girl from drowning. ... Jacob’s quick courageous, heroic act saved that little girl.” Jacob, a member of the sheriff’s Explorers youth group and the Junior Air Force ROTC, said “I just wanted to help.”

We Are an “A” School VBHS has been notified that the Florida Department of Education has graded us as an “A” school. Grading is determined through scoring six components. These are English language arts achievement, mathematics achievement, science achievement, social studies achievement, graduation rate, and college and career acceleration. An achievement like this makes us proud to be Fighting Indians.

A

2000 20th Street, Vero Beach, Floridawww.sthelenvero.org 772.567.5129

St. Helen Catholic Church proudly supports

the staff and students of VBHSGO INDIANS!Weekend Masses:

Saturday 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass Sunday 7:15 a.m.; 8:45 a.m.; 10:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m.;

5:00 p.m.; and Spanish Mass 7:00 p.m.

3

James Sammons Celebrated Beautiful music, by talented, dedicated students, soared during Deck the Halls concert in our Performing Arts Center. But the high note of the annual performance was the ceremony naming our PAC auditorium after our director of bands, James M. Sammons. The auditorium was packed with the people whose lives Sammons has touched during his 35 years with the VBHS band program. After listening to the chorus, percussion ensemble, orchestras and jazz combo, there was no question as to why school employees, parents, students and members of the community felt so strongly about naming the auditorium after Sammons. Principal Shawn O’Keefe talked about Sammons’ “energy for the band that he loves. When it comes to this band, these students, the music and the performance, Jim’s energy is passion for the arts embodied.” He was hired by John B. Witt in 1980 and “tasked to create a ‘band for the ages,’” continued O’Keefe. “And so he has.” When Sammons arrived at VBHS, the program had 70 participants. Today there are 235. As a result of his work, the school now has the Fighting Indians Marching Band, Symphonic Bands, Jazz Bands, Percussion Ensembles, Chamber Ensembles, an Orchestral Winds - Percussion, Wind Ensemble and Color Guard. Sammons has taken the band to the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving parade, Pearl Harbor, the Tournament of Roses, the Fiesta and Orange bowls, the Cherry Blossom parade and Carnegie Hall. The band currently holds 35 consecutive “superior” ratings at the Florida Bandmasters Association State Concert Music Performance Assessment, 34 consecutive ratings at the district symphonic musical performance assessments and has hosted the Crown Jewel Marching Band Festival for the past 35 years. During his career, Sammons has been awarded the Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association and the Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic. In 2013, he was inducted into the Florida Bandmasters Hall of Fame. While the plaques bearing his name in the James M. Sammons Auditorium will stand as a concrete testament to his dedication, it’s the music of past, current and future generations of Vero Beach High School band members that will continue his legacy for many years to come.

Indian Idol Junior Jasmine French was the winner in the annual Indian Idol Competi t ion sponsored by the Student Government Association. All of the contestants gave stellar performances, but it was Jasmine’s rendition of Justin Bieber’s hit ‘Sorry’ that won the judges over. Congratulations, Jasmine.

4Media Center News

The Media Center wants to thank all the students who brought in slightly used books during Literacy Week. Vero Beach Elementary students were excited to receive them. Keep reading. Win a laptop computer or cash prizes. Check in the Media Center for details and deadlines.Need help studying for ACT or SAT? It’s FREE.• Go to SDIRC website.• Click on schools and scroll

down to VBHS.• On the right side is VBHS

menu; c l ick on Media Center.

• Go to Testing and Education Reference Center with Careers.

• Password is: Indians.• Click on College Prep Tools

and you’ll find the tests you need to help you succeed.

Nicola Bouldin, Sunshine State Scholar Congratulations to VBHS student Nicola Bouldin, who was selected as the Indian River County School District’s honoree for the Sunshine State Scholar Award. Each Florida school district selects their top 11th grade student in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) based on established criteria. These Scholars, along with parents and teachers, convene to receive recognition for their achievements. They also have opportunities to meet with representatives from Florida’s

colleges and universities, learn about STEM-related programs of study and internships, and experience why Florida is the best place to learn and pursue an exciting career. The 2016 Sunshine State Scholars program, hosted by the Florida Education Foundation, will be held May 19-20, 2016, at the Doubletree Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando.

Noah Lanier, Presidential Scholar Candidate Congratulations to Noah Lanier, who is representing the Indian River County School District as the Presidential Scholars Program Candidate. The United States Presidential Scholars Program is a program of the Department of Education that recognizes some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. Annually, the presidentially-appointed White House Commission on Presidential Scholars chooses up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth. All Scholars are invited to Washington, DC in June for the National Recognition Program, featuring various events and enrichment activities and culminating in the presentation of the Presidential Scholars Medallion during a White House-sponsored ceremony. We are very proud of Noah and wish him luck.

5Regional Science Fair

VBHS was well represented at the 24th annual Regional Science Fair, VBHS was well represented. Nikki Bouldin placed first, Evan Robinet placed second, and Sydney Tran placed third for a sweep of the Earth and Environmental Sciences category. Brian Mills and Spencer Toll’s team project in Physics and Astronomy came in first place. Noah Lanier placed first in plant sciences. Omar Alkyaly brought home a $1,000 scholarship with the Link award. Sydney Tran also received an award of achievement from the American Meteorology Society. Nikki Bouldin and Yasmin Ortiz both were awarded $60,000 scholarships to Florida Institute of Technology. Brian Mills, Spencer Toll, and Nikki Bouldin will be representing us at the State Science Fair. Brian Mills and Spencer Toll won Best of Show with their team project and will also attend the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Congratulations to our awesome science research students.

Sharing Valentine’s Day The Autism class at VBHS, in partnership with the Military Moms Group, made Valentine’s Day cards to be sent to military personnel serving overseas.

Advertise in the Smoke Signals!

This is a wonderful way for your company to get community recognition and exposure, and at the same time help support

your local schools!

A few spots are left!

We need you!Vero Beach High School

Annette [email protected]

6Notification Of Parents Regarding Out-Of-

Field/Not Highly Qualified Teachers Included in this newsletter is a list of teachers or long-term substitute teachers at Vero Beach High School who have been reported as teaching out-of-field or not highly qualified as required by Section 1012.42 of Florida Statute. Those teaching out-of-field are qualified to teach, however, all or part of their teaching assignment is not covered by their current certification. Individuals teaching out-of-field are required to complete additional coursework or testing until the coverage/endorsement is added to their certificate. Should you have any questions about these requirements, please call William Fritz, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources (772-564-3195) or Laurie Silvia, Certification Analyst (772-564-3116).

Teacher: Out-of-Field for:Kristin Ashcroft ESOLStephen Byrd not HQTApril Cole ESOLLauren Defalco Psychology/SociologyChristopher Fonehouse ESOLJeff Goff not HQTGarry Kelly ESOLDiego Pasca ESOLJennifer Potter Journalism, not HQTJeremy Pohl ESOLLisa Walborn ESOLRonald Worth ESOLKenneth Zeigler ESOL

AVISO PARA LOS PADRES SOBRE MASESTROS “FUERA DEL AREA”/ NO ALTAMENTE CALIFICADOS Incluido en este aviso se encuentra una lista de maestros o maestros substitutos a largo plazo en la escuela Vero Beach High School quienes han sido reportados como “fuera de área” o no están altamente calificados como se requiere en Sección 1012.42 de Estatuto de Florida. Esto significa que los maestros están calificados para enseñar y tienen su certificado sin embargo les hace falta completar algunos requerimientos que solo aplican a su asignado trabajo de enseñanza. Estos individuos que están enseñado “fuera de su área” requieren completar un curso adicional o tomar un examen para cumplir con los requerimientos. Si Ud. tiene preguntas sobre los requerimientos favor de hablar con William Fritz, Asistente de Superintendente de Recursos Humanos (772) 564-3195 o Laurie Silvia, Analista de Certificación (772) 564-3116.

Maestro (a): Fuera de Área en:Kristin Ashcroft ESOLStephen Byrd not HQTApril Cole ESOLLauren Defalco Psychology/SociologyChristopher Fonehouse ESOLJeff Goff not HQTGarry Kelly ESOLDiego Pasca ESOLJennifer Potter Journalism, not HQTJeremy Pohl ESOLLisa Walborn ESOLRonald Worth ESOLKenneth Zeigler ESOL

Vero Beach High School Athletics

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Athletics The winter sports season at Vero Beach High School continues to reach high standards. Below is a summary of each of our Winter Sports Teams.

Girls Soccer: Under the direction of first year coach Dan Dickens, the VBHS Girls Soccer team has won both the District and Region. The girls have reached the Final Four and will play in the State Semifinals Friday February 5th at 4:00pm.

Boys Soccer: Coach Chris Fonehouse led his team to a District Championship and the program’s first regional win since 2007. The 1-0 regional victory came at the expense of state ranked Osceola High School in front of a great home crowd at the Citrus Bowl. The team was eliminated from the state playoffs in the Regional Semifinals by Haines City High School.

Girls Weightlifting: The VBHS Girls Weightlifting team, guided by veteran Coach Pete Deluke, finished second in the District and had 10 girls advance to the Regional Weightlifting Meet. VBHS has 3 qualifiers for the State Weightlifting Meet.

Girls Basketball: Coach Rahshard Morgan and the VBHS Girls Basketball team won its third consecutive District Championship, and the Regional Quarterfinals and Semifinals. As this goes to print, they are preparing for the Regional Finals. Coach Morgan has his team primed and ready to make a serious run a state championship this season.

Boys Basketball: Earlier this season Coach Chuck Loewendick recorded his 600th career win in a victory over District opponent Centennial High School. The team took the District Championship and, as this goes to print, are preparing for the Regional Semifianls.

Boys Wrestling: With several VBHS wrestlers looking to qualify for States, Coach Chris Zuniga has the VBHS Wrestling Program headed in the right direction. The District Wrestling Tournament will be held at Jupiter High School on Saturday February 20th.

National Signing Day February 3rd was National Signing Day for the sports of football and soccer. Vero Beach High School is proud to announce the 9 student athletes that signed college athletics scholarships. In Girls Soccer, Mackenzie Burton (Florida Atlantic University), Taylor Chapman (Florida Gulf Coast), Tori Dorr (Florida Gulf Coast), Nicole McClain (Florida Tech), and Ali Ritter (Flagler College). In Football, Patrick Bethel (University of Miami), Cameron Hendricks (Florida Tech), MJ McGriff (University of Illinois), and Tyrrell Washington (Bethune Cookman University).

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School District of Indian River CountyVero Beach High School1707 16th StreetVero Beach, FL 32960

AP District Honor Roll We are proud to announce that Indian River County has been honored by being placed on the College Board AP District Honor Roll. The Board recognized only 425 districts across the U.S. and Canada and only three in Florida for increasing access to AP® course work while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP Exams. Reaching these goals indicates that these districts are successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are likely to benefit from rigorous AP course work. Helping more students learn at a higher level and earn higher AP scores is an objective of all members of the AP community, from AP teachers to district and school administrators to college professors. Many districts are experimenting with a variety of initiatives and strategies to determine how to simultaneously expand access and improve student performance. Inclusion on the 6th Annual AP District Honor Roll is based on the examination of three years of AP data, from 2013 to 2015, for the following criteria:• Increased participation/access to AP by at least 4 percent in large districts, at least 6 percent in medium

districts, and at least 11 percent in small districts;• Increased or maintained the percentage of exams taken by African American, Hispanic/Latino, and American

Indian/Alaska Native students, and;• Improved performance levels when comparing the percentage of students in 2015 scoring a 3 or higher to

those in 2013, unless the district has already attained a performance level at which more than 70 percent of its AP students are scoring a 3 or higher.