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Parent Teacher Student Organization     ~~~     March 2019 Newsletter

Suicide Prevention

This Wednesday 3/13 from 3-5pm come to SOTA to hear Hakeem Rahim, an internationally recognized mental health consultant, educator and speaker, talk about suicide prevention.  Read more about Mr. Rahim here.  Note: This event is intended for families.  Students should attend with an adult.



Thank you PTSO for your work in getting funding for food prior to Parent/Teacher conferences!  If you have other ideas for ways that PTSO can help families join us this Tuesday 3/12 from 6-7:30.  We will also be meeting on 4/9 and 5/28.
 

Arts News

Music  
Everyone is invited to the Strings Social, taking place on Wednesday, March 13 6-7pm.  Prior to the Orchestra Concert at 7pm, the Strings Social will feature an instrument petting zoo, mini-lessons taught by SOTA string majors and chamber group performances. There will also be an information session and concessions.

The following instrumental majors were selected for All-County Performances to take place in March:

  • Jahshanti Henry: All-County Symphony Orchestra
  • Felix Schneider: All-County Band
  • Donald Smith: All-County Jazz Band
  • Katherine Traver: All-County Symphony Orchestra


Drama and Dance 
Hearty congratulations to all involved with Dance Concert. Bravo! Senior dance families, save-the-date for the Senior Dance Showcase, set to take place on Thursday, May 30 at 7pm.

Charlotte’s Web auditions – March 18-19

Visual Arts 
The School of the Arts Photography Classes and Club is participating in the annual Image City Photography Gallery Show.  The show opens March 22, 2019, at Image City Gallery, 722 University Avenue. The opening reception is Friday. March 22, 5-8:30pm.  
 
Please congratulate the following students for having their photos selected to represent SOTA in this year’s show:

  • Jagdianis Cuello Alvarez, grade 9
  • Joniah Anderson, grade 11
  • Christina Carleton, grade 8
  • Angelo DeLuca, grade 12
  • Katie Haberberger, grade 12
  • Mariela Hernandez, grade 9
  • Asher Phillips, grade 12 

Three of our student photos were chosen for the poster!  (Do you recognize our students?)


Creative Writing 
This year marks the Twentieth Anniversary of SOTA’s Playwrights’ Festival. Sponsored by Creative Writing Department, this signature event showcases original works written, directed and performed by SOTA students. Save-the-date [March 14-15] and join us when our young writers see their words and stories come alive on stage!

Congratulations to following students that received awards at UR on March 2nd:

  • Tali Beckwith-Cohen: 2nd place in the Rochester Shakespeare Competition
  • Ariel Haak: Runner Up in the Roc the Sonnet competition

Sports News  

The spring sports season is here! Click here to see sports offerings, including baseball, softball, track, tennis, golf & lacrosse.

Look for sign-up sheets for teams posted in the locker rooms, gym and around the school. Interested students need to see the School Nurse to get re-qualified.  JV & Varsity sports practices/tryouts began on March 4th.  Girls & Boys Modified Lacrosse, Softball, Baseball, Tennis, and Track begins March 25th.

Information about spring season coaches and practice schedules can be found in the Spring Coach Roster posted here.

Did you know that SOTA has an Ultimate Frisbee team?  Practices will start as soon as the weather warms up a bit.  Interested in learning more?  Join the Facebook group or email sotaptso@gmail.com and we'll get you connected.

Game results, pictures & video clips are featured in SOTASTREAM news every day…check it out!

Need more info? Visit the SOTA Athletics webpage, or contact Athletic Director Dave Michelsen at david.michelsen@rcsdk12.org or 242-7682 Ext. 2270.

Friends of SOTA  

SAVE THE DATE Please put Class Acts on your calendar for Saturday, April 6th, from 5:00 – 8:00.  It’s our annual Showcase & Fundraising Event that helps provide for student enrichment.  Recent activity:

  • FSOTA has paid for two donated pianos to be moved into the homes of SOTA students.  We know that they are already being put to good use. Thank you to Mr. Gabriele for coordinating these moves.  He is the person to contact if you want to donate a piano for a SOTA student to have one in their home.
  • FSOTA helped four students attend a gospel music workshop and concert at Nazareth College.  Thank you Nazareth for a reduced rate!
  • FSOTA is worked with Jazz teacher Billy Petito to get a new bass guitar for the Modern Music Club.  There was a hold up, but it should be at the school soon.  
  • FSOTA paid for the food for the volunteers and student performers at the Black Lives Matter event.  In addition, we provided funds for the wrist bands that were given to students. 
  • FSOTA will reimburse the Dance Department for the cost of some of the props used in the recent Dance Concert. 

That Class Acts Fundraiser you put on your calendar for April 6th?  It is at Lake Riley Lodge, on the edge of Cobbs Hill Park.  There will entertainment by SOTA students and at least a couple faculty!   You can pre-purchase tickets here.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Attention Juniors!  

Interested in a FREE SAT Prep course?  The course is Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-8pm from 3/18-5/1 at 161 Chestnut St.  Call 585-327-4073 or visit Rochester Educational Opportunity Center for more information and to apply.

Be sure to read the Counselor's Corner newsletter for announcements like this!  Link is in every newsletter.

Seen Around SOTA
RCSD was the 2nd district in the country to recognize Black Lives Matter in schools. The SOTA BLM committee continued this tradition on 2/15 offering a day filled with inspiring messages, sensational performances, and special curricula designed to uplift and enrich our school community.

Upcoming Events

3/12 6pm PTSO meeting

3/13 6pm Strings Social

3/13 7pm Orchestra Concert

3/14-15 7pm Playwright's Festival

3/19 4:15pm SBPT

3/21 Half Day for students

3/21 6:30pm Friends of SOTA

3/22 School Closed

3/26 6pm Senior Art Opening Three

3/27 7pm Piano Recital

3/28 7pm Voice Recital

4/1-4/3 ELA testing grades 7-8

Full calendar of SOTA events

Counselor Corner newsletters

These are a tremendous source of info regarding local opportunities, college visits, scholarships, and more!

Grades 7-9
Grades 10-12

SOTA Handbook

SOTA STREAM

Keep up-to-date with daily announcements, sports updates, staff interviews, and more!  New videos produced daily.

Contact Us

PTSO Team
Allison Bosworth (president)
Michelle Burack (president-elect)
Becca Haak (communications)

School Based Planning Team (SBPT) Parent Reps
Allison Bosworth
Brian Haak
Martin Presberg
LaShunda Leslie-Smith (alternate)
Keisha Seymore (alternate)

Questions or concerns?  Ideas for future PTSO meetings?  We'd love to hear from you!  Simply reply to this email or send us a note at sotaptso@gmail.com 

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Copyright © 2019 SOTA PTSO, All rights reserved.


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