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HAWKS' NEST Explore. Dream. Discover!

Volume 1, Issue 6

February/March 2015

What's Happening on the Ridge

THANK YOU!!! To all of our VRA families near and far for supporting our Boosterthon Fun Run! The Valley Ridge Academy PTO kicked off our first Boosterthon Fun Run with a pep rally on January 27th. The students and staff were introduced to the Boosterthon team as well as the theme for our Fun Run, Rock’n Town Live. Over the course of 9 days, students were encouraged to gather pledges to raise money for school enhancements including teacher and resource department grants. In addition to getting the kids excited about the fun run, the Boosterthon team also taught a series of character lessons. On February 6th students from Pre-K to 7th grade took their turns on the track which was approximately 1/16th of a mile. We were so fortunate to have had wonderful weather and many spectators were there to cheer the students on. Each class started their run with the national anthem and ran to some of their favorite music. Most students ran 30-35 laps. The school set a goal of $25,000 and because of YOU we were able to surpass our goal. Pledges were collected from 47 states and 11 countries. VRA has profited nearly $33,000, with 91% of the pledges collected!!!! A special THANK YOU to The Brace Place for sponsoring this event!

Calendar of Events

A Letter from Principal King: 3/2

Basketball Playoffs (Location:TBA)

3/3

Band Booster's Meeting 7pm

3/4

Early Dismissal 1:50pm

3/5

Spring Band Concert 7pm

3/6

Character Counts Celebration (Invitation Only, Lunch times)

Dear Parents & Students, What excites me most when I look back over the past seven months is the realization that this community is incredible. I’ve watch as an engaged PTO formed and bought into the vision. As we've just concluded the Boosterthon, I’m amazed at their dedication and effort. A K8 PTO is much more involved and requires a deeper approach and I can honestly say I couldn't have done this without them. The community involvement aspect was foremost in our minds when making the decision to establish a Middle Years IB program in order to bring learning to the global level. The district pilot digital 1:1 program allows our school community to flow seamlessly from the classroom to the home engaging both students and families in incredibly creative ways. It is only now that we are starting to see the compounded impact of all the planning and vision and I’m excited to see the results. As a member of the PV Beach Rotary I'm also excited to announce that we will form a Middle Act Group here. This will be designed with outreach to our growing community. Finally, I wanted to thank all of you for coming to our FSA (Florida State Assessment) night/s. It is rewarding to hear such depth in your questions as we enter into the Exam Season. We have been working hard and are confident that our students will show how much they have learned. Sincerely, Wayne King

3/11 Early Dismissal 1:50pm 3/12 End of 3rd Quater Kindergarten Registration 1pm-5pm Character Matters Play 6:30pm 3/13

Planning Day/Student Holiday

3/16 - 3/20

Spring Break

3/23

Classes Resume

3/25

Early Dismissal 1:50pm

3/27

Report Cards Issued

Follow us @VRAHAWKS Use #vrahawks Like us valleyridgeacademypto

Hawks' Nest

www-vra.stjohns.k12.fl.us

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Kindergarten registrations for the 2015-2016 school year have begun! Registration dates are: March 12th - 1:00pm - 5:00pm April 15th - 9:00am - 1:00pm May 8th - 1:00pm - 5:00pm Please have all of the necessary documents below in order to facilitate a smooth registration process:

* Proof of Age - Original Birth Certificate * Immunization Records - HRS Form 680 * Physical Examination - must be within the last 12 months * Proof of Residency - TWO proofs are required: - Copy of mortgage or executed lease agreement - Utility bill (JEA, FP&L, TECO Gas)

Our VRA PTO will be selling Spirit Wear so you can outfit your new Kindergartener in Valley Ridge Academy wear! Our Extended Day coordinator will also be onsite to pre-register your Kindergartener for after school care. Please visit the VRA webiste for more information on Kindergarten Registrations.

Increase Your Face Value with a Healthy Smile Call today! 904.285.8407

Looking for something fun and exciting to do this summer?

Join the Marine Science Program! The St. Johns County School District's hands-on marine science program is designed for students who wish to expand their knowledge of local coastal environments and stimulate an interest in the sciences through a variety of fun and engaging activities. It is being offered to all students across the school district in rising sixth through eighth graders. Applications are due by April 15 and can be downloaded from the Gamble Rodger Middle School website. Click on the Marine Science link for the application and more information. If you have any questions, email the Marine Science Coordinator, John Gordon, at [email protected].

Hawks' Nest

www-vra.stjohns.k12.fl.us

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VALLEY RIDGE ACADEMY WOULD LIKE WELCOME TWO NEW PARTNERS IN EDUCATION!!

Visit the newest Dance Studio to the Ponte Vedra / Nocatee area!! en pointe Performing Arts Academy offers classes for students ages 3 years through adults. Classes available include: Pre-Ballet through Advanced Ballet and Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Tumbling and Acro, Hip Hop, Character and Musical Theatre, Lyrical and Contemporary. en pointe offer studio classes as well as a team performing and competing group and a pre-professional training program. They are conveniently located in the Panther Plaza across from Nease High School at the intersection of US-1 and Ray Road. Stop in and tell them that VRA sent you! Registering now for summer classes and intensives. Contact Jan or Mariah at (904) 679-3889 for more information. THANK YOU en pointe FOR PARTNERING WITH VALLEY RIDGE ACADEMY!

Welcome to Bozard Ford Lincoln! Located in St. Augustine, FL, Bozard Ford Lincoln is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in the area. From the moment you walk into our showroom, you'll know our commitment to Customer Service is second to none. We strive to make your experience with Bozard Ford Lincoln a good one – for the life of your vehicle. Whether you need to Purchase, Finance, or Service a New or Pre-Owned Ford, you’ve come to the right place. Call 877-440-4319 for your No-Obligation Internet Price Quote from our Internet Department. Bozard Ford Lincoln is located 540 Outlet Mall Boulevard St. Augustine, FL 32084. THANK YOU BOZARD FORD FOR PARTNERING WITH VALLEY RIDGE ACADEMY!

540 Outlet Mall Boulevard St. Augustine, FL 32084

Hawks' Nest

www-vra.stjohns.k12.fl.us

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Dean Grall will be choosing middle school Student(s) of the month based on qualities such as character, leadership, and citizenship. It is not based necessarily on academics. The student of the month must be a diligent student, completing his/her assignments on time and showing a strong effort to learn. The Student(s) of the Month demonstrates excellent behavior inside and outside of the classroom, is well-mannered, caring, and respectful to both peers and teachers. These traits are aligned with the St. Johns County Character Counts Program.

INTRODUCING FEBRUARY'S STUDENTS: Zuhair Niazi a sixth grader who enjoys playing with his brother, swimming, and playing video

games. His role models are Mahatma Ghandi and his father. One quote that inspires him comes from his role model Mahatma Ghandi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Success is goal related. Zuhair’s short term goal is to get good grades so that he can accomplish his long term goal of becoming a doctor and a veterinarian. When asked is there was anything he wanted people to know about him, he replied, “That if they need a friend I’m here for them and I will help them if they need it.” “Zuhair is a diligent worker. He has excellent class participation. He is kind and always respectful.” –Mrs. Fiske “Zuhair is always kind and respectful to everyone. He is the first to help clean up equipment, always offers to help carry equipment, and holds the door for other students and teachers.” –Coach Lane

Scotland David a seventh grader who enjoys playing sports. She is a member of the Valley

Ridge Volleyball and Basketball teams. Her favorite sport is softball and she plays centerfield. Her role model is her mom. “She has beaten cancer and through her fight, she has shown me how to be strong and face life's challenges" Scotland commented. Having character, to Scotland, means "being passionate about being respectful and a good person". Scotland's short term goal is to focus on her softball skills so that she can achieve her long term goals of playing softball in college. “Scotland is a wonderful student-athlete. She treats her teammates and classmates with respect and kindness. She gives her best effort in and out of the classroom at all times and inspires others to do the same.” –Coach Hallett “Scotland is one of the most well rounded students I have ever had the privilege to teach.” -Mrs. Ellenz

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www-vra.stjohns.k12.fl.us

BAND NOTES A number of VRA students also performed at the Solo & Ensemble Festival at Creekside HS. They got wonderful reviews from the judges. Alex Thomas, Leon Durante, Emma Martinez, Anthony Fondriest, and Juliette Barbush received ratings of “Superior.” Cait Belland, Grace Park, Charlotte Hallam, Nicole Scarborough, Jackson Clark, and Ian Shaffer received the rating, “Excellent.” Congratulations to these wonderful musicians!

Jackson Clark, saxophone; Emma Martinez, flute; Kristin Choma, clarinet; Ben Littleton, percussion; Samuel Coleman, tuba

YOU'RE INVITED! JOIN US FOR THE VRA HAWK BAND CONCERT THURSDAY, MARCH 5th AT 7:00pm

ART CORNER Our school wide collaborative project is under way! Thanks to a generous grant from the Ponte Vedra Public Education Foundation (PVPEF), each VRA student will have an opportunity to add to our commemorative community mural . Students have started to create their clay tiles. The tiles will eventually be combined into a permanent art installation within the school. We will have a tile creation night in the near future for any middle school student who didn’t have art this year and would like to create a tile. For more information, or to volunteer with this project please contact Mrs. Frericks at [email protected]. Interested in seeing what your students have learned in Art Class this year? Visit quizlet.com. You can sign up with a family account. Search Frericks-art and select the appropriate grade levels. Along with seeing this year’s topics, students can create games and reviews for a well-rounded art experience. Parents are encouraged to join in on the fun for a great family activity. Our Valley Ridge fourth graders are in conjunction with the “Compassion Through the Eyes of Children” project with the Compassionate St. Augustine’s Obelisk Art 450. Our students are currently brainstorming how to paint the obelisk that will become a permanent installation once displayed for the event. We are very proud of our fourth graders and their participation in a project that represents democracy, freedom, Human rights, and compassion. Pictures of the finished piece will follow in the our upcoming issue

GUIDANCE Camp I Am Special Camp I Am Special, located in St. Johns County, offers residential summer camps for persons with disabilities. The camp experience helps Campers grow in independence and develop social skills. The deadline to register is March 13. Applications are due online. For more information, go to campiamspecial.com.

Valley Ridge Academy would like to recognize our representative at the 2015 St. John's County District Science Fair on February 10, 2015. AAKARSH MUTHE , a Seventh Grader, displayed his chemistry project entitled, "How Phishes may be Affected by Global Warming". His proect was inspired by his independent research on global warming and ocean acidification. His study investigated the effect that water temperature and pH may have on the strength of beach shells.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Goes out to the students of Valley Ridge Academy who's projects were chosen to be displayed and shared at the St. John's County District History Fair. Individual Exhibit: Mary McLeod Bethune – Elizabeth Meyers Andy Warhol – Zoe Szilagyi John Edward Titscke- Ali Baghalan Walt Disney- Ava Cash Group Exhibit: Jesus Christ- Natalie Lovett, Taylor Weatherly Anne Frank- Anceline Imson, Reanne Zukowski JFK- Amanda Clark, Nina Findley Jackie Robinson- Reis Buresh, Kiley Hurst, Megan Pagana Documentaries: Clara Burton- Isabella Erb Riley Bushman- Harriet Tubman

Aakarsh Muthe February 10, 2015 St. John's County District Science Fair

Hawks' Nest

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It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we welcome you, the VRA families and community members, in joining us in making this an amazing inaugural year at Valley Ridge Academy.

SAVE THE DATE!

Chip in for Youth

MARCH 23rd - MARCH 28th

Chip in for Youth is a fundraising program created by THE PLAYERS Championship for youth-related charities, schools, PTOs, booster clubs, sports teams, youth groups, and youth sports leagues.

Interested in helping out? Please contact Heather @ [email protected] Sponsored by:

PTO Membership

Visit chipinforyouth.com and click on "Purchase Your Tickets Here" on the navigation bar to purchase your PLAYERS tickets through the Chip In for Youth. Don't forget to take note of the organization's code that you would like to support with your purchase. The Valley Ridge Academy code is: VRA

BOX TOPS & MORE

We would like to thank everyone who has attended one of our functions and has already joined the PTO. Valley Ridge Academy currently has more than 700 families enrolled!! Our goal for this inaugural year is to have 350 members.

BUY your favorite Box Tops products. CUT out the Box Top from each package. SEND your Box Tops to school with your child. YOUR SCHOOL GETS CASH for every Box Top collected to help buy the things it needs most. Thank you for supporting the Box Tops program at Valley Ridge Academy. All of your clipping, sorting, and counting has helped us collect over 29,000 Box Tops since the school year began in September! Please continue to send Box Tops in with your child, and log onto BTFE.com for a list With your help, we can reach our of participating products, coupons, and contests. We will use the membership goals and continue to build a money earned to boost the program next year, along with positive partnership between our Valley supporting the programs VRA currently offers. Have suggestions for how to use those funds? Send us your ideas at Ridge Academy students, parents, staff, [email protected].

and administration.

It's not to late to join! Memberships start at just $25. Please contact Catherine Whyte at [email protected] to join today!

We also collect Labels for Education and will inform you of that Grand Total so that we may earn a Prepaid Visa card to use at Valley Ridge. Plus, continue to use the hassle-free fundraiser, Shoparoo . All you need to do is take pictures of your grocery receipts with the Shoparoo app made for your smartphone. It doesn’t matter where you shop or what you buy - every receipt submitted results in a donation to our school--over $400 so far! Thanks for supporting Valley Ridge!

Hawks' Nest

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Anderson Pavers installs pavers, fire pits, retaining walls, and driveways in the Jacksonville, FL and surrounding areas. Anderson Pavers installs all pavers to ICPI standards ensuring your home or business will benefit from your newly installed pavers for decades to come. Anderson Pavers serves customers in Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra and surrounding areas and has an A rating from Angie's List. Anderson Pavers look forward to working with you. Larry Anderson (904) 254-2573 [email protected] or Jeannine Anderson (904)254-2570 [email protected]

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Welcome to Kumon, the world’s largest after-school math and reading program. The Kumon Method has helped millions of children achieve more than they ever thought they could. We believe it can help your child, too. At Kumon, your child will build skills that lead to success inside and outside the classroom. Located in St. John's Commons at 2220 CR210 West, Suite #306 Jacksonville, FL 32259 (904) 910-5512 [email protected]

Hawks' Nest

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BEAUTY IS AS BEAUTY DOES Frangipani is an Aveda Lifestyle Salon exclusively using Aveda hair and skin products. Aveda products are 99% plant derived and feature pure flower & plant essences and natural aromas. Our clients come to Frangipani to enjoy our peaceful atmosphere, pampering treatments, and professional stylists and staff. Call for an appointment today— we look forward to giving you the ultimate guest experience. Call today for your appointment 904.241.1411

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Hawks' Nest

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Hawks' Nest

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Once again Valley Ridge Academy would like to thank all of our business partners. We are very fortunate to have so many partners willing to help us meet our goals during our inaugural year.

We truly appreciate your support!

CHARACTER COUNTS JANUARY

FEBRUARY

McKenna Bailey CaitliN Belland Morgan Bondra Emery Brown Legend Camiel Gordon Chen Sasha Cherepanova Ella Clark Megan Collins Grant Collins Jack Czubati Josh Deligero Katherine DeVincentis Drew Dixon Leni Domenick Grady Fernandez Brooke Fitzgerald Savannah Foster Nikhil Gajarawala Jacie Grant Emma Gunther Isla Halman Preston Jones Meyer Kersting Brady Lorch Chloe M. SusaN Mago Emma Martinez Brandon Martinez Sam McConnell Ellison Modansky Liam Norteman Justin Osborne Savannah Osborne Maia Polito Isa Pullen Liam Romosz Parker Stamschror Rahul Sunkara Horace Taylor Isabel Theiner Emersyn Thomforde Marina Torres Katie Townsend Joey Trawick Riley Underwood Andrew Verhovec Nicholas Vernacotola Emma Clare Walker Matthew Wargo Amy Waters Isabella Wheeler Emma Wilson Shelby Young

Kyle Alford Noah Archer Joshitha Balamurugan Wyatt Balger Bryson Bennett Danielle Bright Kestrel Bush Brandon Centeno Sasha Cherepanov Kristin Choma Gabrielle Cotto Jonathan Couturier Drew Czubati John Deligero Cruz Dexter Lila Di Donato Luna Durante Rocco Foster Caden Fowler Taylor Gillette Abigail Hamby Haley Hougland Vivi Hynes Clara Kinney Brianna Kirkwood Andrew Lagos Chandler Little Abby Littleton Sophia Lorch Brenli MacDonald Abdul Mansaray Lauren Marringer Nyla Mayers Daniel McClellan Colin Meyer Rayne Morris David Nebus Zuhair Niazi Ellie Osilka Matty Ostrander Elizabeth Parker Joel Payne Daveed Riffo Giovanna Russo George Scotti Lily Simmer Mialani Soto Lauren Stamschror Joanna Sudderth Olivia Sykes Addison Syme Bethel Tesfaye Mateo Tyrell-Figueroa Isabella Wheeler Wynter Whitehead Noah Williams Anthony Yarbrough

A LOOK INSIDE THE NEST

OUR SINCEREST GRATITUDE TO ALL OF OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS!!!