Saturday, January 17, 2015

Maeser Updates: January 17, 2015

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In This Edition of
Maeser Updates
Upcoming Events
at Maeser Prep

Monday, January 19
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, January 20
Girls HS Basketball vs. Rockwell and Orem Jr. High @ Maeser
Frosh/Soph 4:00 JV 5:30 Varsity 7:00

Wednesday, January 21
Boys HS Basketball @ Rockwell
Frosh/Soph 4:00 JV 5:30 Varsity 7:00
Bus Departure: 3:00

MS Basketball vs. Mountainville @ Maeser
Girls 4:30 Boys 5:30

Thursday, January 22
Girls HS Basketball vs. Waterford @ Maeser
JV 5:30 Varsity 7:00

Friday, January 23
DEADLINE to Register for Spring CE Classes
If you are taking a concurrent enrollment class next semester, please see your counselor THIS WEEK!

Boys HS Basketball @ Waterford
Frosh/Soph 4:00 JV 5:30 Varsity 7:00
Bus Departure: 2:45

Saturday, January 24
Winterfest
11:00am-1:00pm at Maeser
All students should attend and wear Full Dress

Tuesday, January 27
SAGE Information Night &
ACT Explore/Plan Score Interpretation Session

6:30pm at Maeser

Quick Links
About Maeser

Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy is a college preparatory public charter school serving students in grades 7-12. Parents may request and receive information on Maeser teacher qualifications by contacting the Director at robyn.ellis@maeserprep.org.

     
    Winterfest

    Saturday, January 24 from 11:00am to 1:00pm
    Winterfest is an annual special event at Maeser where our students have an opportunity to showcase the amazing projects they’ve worked on during Winterim and MSI. This year’s Winterfest will be on Saturday, January 24th. Students can come set up their Winterfest projects at 9:00am and Winterfest will run from 11:00am-1:00pm. All students (including middle school) should attend and wear Full Dress uniforms. We hope you will come to see the wonderful things our students have accomplished!

    Fundraising Made Easy
    There will be an informational booth set up during Winterfest for parents and students who want to learn more about raising money for future Winterims, sports fees, or overall general fees. Parents, check this out during Winterfest! Sarah Sharp will help you kick off your student’s personal fundraising.

    Intent to Enroll for 2015-2016

    Application window: now through February 1, 2015
    Contact: registrar@maeserprep.org

    It’s that time again! All returning students and new students need to register on our website for enrollment for our 2015-16 year. It’s quick, easy, and painless! Reserve your spot now.

    Assessment Announcements

    SAGE Information Night
    Tuesday, January 27 at 6:30pm at Maeser
    Contact: Mrs. Myers
    Do you have questions about state-required tests and other assessments given at Maeser?
    We will be holding a SAGE Information Night on Tuesday, January 27, at 6:30pm, for all interested parents and students. Please join us to learn more about annual SAGE testing, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the Junior ACT, and other assessments taken by our Maeser students.

    ACT Explore/ACT Plan Score Interpretation Session for Parents of Students in 7th, 8th, and 9th Grades
    Immediately following our SAGE Info session on January 27, we will hold a special session to go over this year’s ACT Explore and ACT Plan results and show you how to interpret your Student Score Report, which will be available that night. Please plan to arrive early so you can pick up your Student Score Report before the SAGE Info session begins.

    Fee Statements

    Did you know you can pay all your student fees online?
    We are currently mailing out fee statements to families who have not paid their students’ fees in full. PLEASE check your accounts and take care of these fees now. Thank you!

    • To pay fees online, click the following link: Maeser Online Fee Payment. You will need your PowerSchool parent account login information to access your student’s fees using this system. If you need assistance with your PowerSchool username or password, please email us at info@maeserprep.org.

     

    • To pay fees in person, visit the front desk during business hours -- this week the front office is open Tuesday-Friday from 8:30am to 3:00pm and Saturday during Winterfest.
    Parent Survey

    It is now time for our annual Parent Survey. Please take a few moments to reflect on the opportunities that your students have here at Maeser. We are always earnestly seeking constructive feedback that can help us improve our processes. We encourage your participation in our committees, activities, and classrooms as you are available. Thank you for your help!

    Uniform ALERT

    We are seeing an increase in the following uniform infractions:

    * Unapproved jackets/hoodies (under the polo is still not appropriate)
    * Jeggings or patterned leggings
    * Jeans: even if the same uniform color, jeans are not appropriate
    * Short skirts/shorts: uniform policy states about an inch above the knee
    * Long hair/haircuts

    At this time of year, we account for student growth in height and weight. If you would like to check out our uniform closet to purchase items, please contact our front office. Additionally, we are sensitive to the cold and allow opportunities for students to put their jackets/coats in their lockers without violations. If you are missing uniform items, please check our lost & found as it is gaining quite a collection of items.
    DEADLINE for Spring CE Registration

    Counselors: Mr. Sekaquaptewa and Ms. Sorenson
    Attention: HS Students – Are you taking any of these Semester 2 classes?

    • UVU Chemistry
    • UVU Concurrent Math
    • UVU English 1010: Shakespeare
    • UVU Spanish

    All students taking Concurrent Enrollment classes next semester need to register at UVU at http://www.uvu.edu/concurrent/ by Friday, January 23.

    If you have any questions about registering for your CE classes at UVU, contact your counselor ASAP!

    Donations Needed

    Contact: Mrs. Cannon
    The Pursuit of Happyness Winterim is gathering donations for Community Action in Provo and the Legacy Initiative. Please donate canned goods and new or gently used backpacks to help those in need. Donations can be dropped off at the front office or brought to Mrs. Cannon’s room #146. Thank you!

    After-School Chess Class

    Wednesdays, beginning January 28
    Contact: Mr. Norris

    Maeser Prep will be starting a chess class that will begin on Wednesday, January 28th. The class will be held once a week for 12 weeks on Wednesdays and will be from 3:15-4:15. Cost is yet to be finalized but will be around $40. If you are interested contact Mr. Norris: jared.norris@maeserprep.org.

    Rome and Athens Winterim 2016

    Contact: Mr. Simmons
    Mr. Simmons will be going to Greece and Italy next year for Winterim. If you’re interested in going, come talk to Mr. Simmons. There will be an informational meeting soon. Parents are welcome to come chaperone!

    Music Department Disneyland Tour

    Contact: Mrs. Vincent

    After much consideration of various options, we have finally resolved to continue with the choir and orchestra Disneyland trip during Spring Break (April 6-11). We apologize to those students unable to participate due to the trip occurring during our break, but this has emerged as the most preferred option. We will travel and perform with the music students at Providence Hall, where Mr. Cahoon now teaches.

    Pricing will be as follows:
    Students and chaperone parents wishing to travel in a charter bus: $550

    Students and chaperone parents wishing to travel in our own school bus: $450

    Students and parents wishing to participate should contact Mrs. Vincent (janice.vincent@maeserprep.org) right away for information, and pay a non-refundable deposit of $100 in the front office by February 1. The entire balance is due March 15. There may be limited space available for non-performing students.

     

    Senior Athletes: Scholarship Opportunities

    Application Deadline: Saturday, January 31, 2015
    Contact: Mr. Norris

    The Utah Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (UIAAA) and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) offer scholarships each year to deserving high school seniors who have participated in sports during high school. 76 seniors applied last year and the UIAAA is looking to double that number. There is no limit to the number of students from each high school who can apply! If you are interested in applying for these scholarships, please contact Mr. Norris ASAP!

    The minimum requirements for each scholarship are found below (notice the different set of criteria, one for the NIAAA and another for the UIAAA):

    Minimum Requirements for the NIAAA Scholarship
    • Applicant must have achieved at least two (2) of the following: (a) minimum of B+ average; (b) ranked in the top 25% of class; (c) ACT score of 24 or an SAT score of 1100 (Verbal and Math only)
    • Applicant must have participated in two sports for at least two years in each sport
    • Applicant must have earned at least one varsity letter in each of two sports
    • Applicant must complete the scholar application
    • Applicant must have a letter of recommendation from the high school athletic administrator/director
    • School athletic administrator/director must be an NIAAA member and a member of their respective state athletic administrators association
    • The principal or athletic administrator/director must sign the application to ensure that the academic information submitted is accurate

    Minimum Requirements for the UIAAA Scholarship
    • Applicant must have achieved the following: (a) minimum of B average (b) ACT score of 20 or an SAT score of 900 (Verbal and Math only)
    • Applicant must have participated in two sports each year for at least 3 years
    • Applicant must have earned at least one varsity letter in each of two sports
    • Applicant must complete the scholar application
    • Applicant must have a letter of recommendation from the high school athletic administrator/director
    • The principal or athletic administrator/director must sign the application to ensure that the academic information submitted is accurate

    The UIAAA will select 5 students to receive $1,000 scholarships. The top-ranked male and female will be forwarded to the NIAAA for consideration. For more information, please visit the NIAAA scholarship site: http://www.niaaa.org/niaaa-awards/niaaa-student-athlete-scholarship/.

    Please note that the UIAAA uses the NIAAA scholarship form to identify all scholarship winners. All materials must be postmarked to the UIAAA/NIAAA scholarship program by no later than January 31, 2015: 199 East 7200 South, Midvale, Utah 84047.

    Yearbooks

    Contact: Ms. Gerber or Mr. Olsen
    Time is running out to buy your yearbook at the regular $55 price! Buy your yearbook online through the end of Winterim for $55. The front desk will also be open during Winterfest on Saturday, January 24, which is the last day to get your yearbook at the $55 price. At the start of Quarter 3 (January 26th) the price will go up to $65, so get your yearbook order in now!

    Current Volunteer Opportunities

    Parent Volunteer with Accounting Experience Wanted
    The Maeser finances committee is looking for a parent who is a CPA or accountant to assist for a few hours monthly with school finances. If qualified and interested, please contact Steve Whitehouse at steve.whitehouse@maeserprep.org.

    Ongoing Maeser Volunteer Opportunities
    Get a head start on your 40 hours of volunteer service for 2014-15! Our current volunteer needs are posted online through Sign-Up Genius, which can be accessed by clicking the Volunteer box on our website (http://www.maeserprep.org) or directly by clicking here: Sign Up Genius.

    Interested in serving on a Volunteer Committee?
    Please fill out our Volunteer Committee Interest Form online: Maeser Volunteer Committees: Sign Up/Update Info.

    Counselors’ Corner

    Counselors: Mr. Sekaquaptewa and Ms. Sorenson

    8th Grade Students: Course Requests for 2015-16
    Last week, our 8th grade students reviewed High School graduation requirements and made 9th grade course requests with the counselors during their MSI classes. Counselors will be available during Winterfest for any parents who want to speak with them regarding graduation requirements and course requests.

    SENIORS: Transcripts and Letters of Recommendation for College Applications
    College application deadlines are coming up quickly! If you need a transcript or letter of recommendation for your college applications, please be sure to request those at least two weeks before the deadline. Our counselors and teachers get multiple requests each year and they need time to write you a great letter. In addition, requesting your transcript early gives you a chance to look it over and make sure everything is correct before you send it in with your application.

    Scholarship Center

    Counselors: Mr. Sekaquaptewa and Ms. Sorenson

    UHEAA 2015 FAFSA Completion Open Houses and “Easiest Scholarship Ever” Contest

    The Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority (UHEAA) will be holding 65+ FAFSA Completion Open Houses this year at schools around the state. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the key to receiving federal financial aid (like grants, work-study, and student loans) to help you pay for college. If your student is applying for college this year, plan to attend the open house nearest you for free professional assistance completing and submitting your 2015 FAFSA and apply to win some scholarship money while you’re there.

    Once you’ve completed your 2015-16 FAFSA, visit the UHEAA Facebook Page -- click on the “FAFSA Scholarship” tab and complete the scholarship application to be entered to win a $500 scholarship. In addition, all Utah high schools will be competing against each other to see who can get the highest percentage of seniors to complete their 2015-16 FAFSA by April 20, 2015. Winning schools will receive $500 to use as another scholarship for students! One winner will be selected from 1A-3A schools, and one winner will be selected from 4A-5A.

    T.H. Bell Teaching Incentive Loan
    Seniors: are you planning to become a teacher? Need money for college? The T.H. Bell Teaching Incentive Loan for 2015 graduating high school seniors provides an excellent opportunity for qualified students to receive loan assistance while pursuing a degree in education and a Utah Educator License. The program, which is state-funded and jointly administered by the State Board of Education and State Board of Regents, consists of a waiver of tuition and fees at Utah public institutions (or $995 per semester at Utah private institutions) to be used for a period not to exceed eight semesters. TIL recipients will be required to complete an educator preparation program and teach in Utah public schools for a term equal to the number of years for which the loan was received. The 2015 application and accompanying support materials must arrive at the Utah State Office of Education on or before Friday, March 27, 2015 at 5:00pm. For more information and a copy of the application materials, please see your counselor.

    Scholarship Search
    Looking for scholarships? Follow this link for a list of current scholarships available: http://www.ucacscholarships.blogspot.com/.

    New Scholarship Search Tool
    Learn how to find 100+ scholarships in five minutes. Sign up today at: https://www.scholar-box.com/schools/8988/scholarships.

    SheTech Explorer Day

    The 2nd annual SheTech Explorer Day will be held March 13, 2015 at UVU. SheTech Explorer Day is a conference for high school girls in grades 9-12. This day-long event will include hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The goal of the conference is to expose girls to technology in a fun atmosphere, and to provide STEM role models to help girls learn more about opportunities in these fields. Registration for the FREE SheTech conference closes on March 1. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now! For more information and to register for the conference, visit the SheTech website: http://www.shetechexplorer.com.

    HOBY Summer 2015 Advanced Leadership Academy

    HOBY’s Advanced Leadership Academy (ALA) is a program initially launched in 2013 for any high school junior or senior (ages 16-18 at the time of the program) from the U.S, Canada, and Mexico. Students are not required to have participated in other HOBY programming to be eligible to participate in the ALA. Through the HOBY Advanced Leadership Academy, participants will:
    • Understand and develop themselves along the seven dimensions of the Social Change Model of Leadership (SCM) and how they work together to accomplish the eighth dimension, change;
    • Use Gallup’s Clifton StrengthsFinder ™ assessment to identify and understand their own strengths and capabilities;
    • Create a project action plan to lead and implement a service project or social enterprise in their home communities within one year following the ALA;
    • Meet new people and establish an ongoing network of peers, other leaders and social entrepreneurs; and
    • Earn college credit from George Mason University.

    The summer ALA program is held at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA; ALA students can also sign up for a post-ALA “Highlights” sight-seeing tour of Washington, D.C. For more information, visit the Advanced Leadership Academy website.

    Lands’ End Weekend Sale

    Online at www.landsend.com/school through January 19th
    Lands’ End is holding a Spring Preview event this weekend. Use promo code SPECIAL and PIN 2564 on orders placed through Monday, January 19, and receive 20% off your order.

    Scheduled Maintenance for PowerSchool

    PowerSchool may not be available during scheduled maintenance from 4:00-6:30am on weekdays and from 4:00-10:00am on Saturdays. If you have questions about how to log on to PowerSchool to check your student’s grades and attendance, please contact us at info@maeserprep.org.