Current Sturgis Newsletter
Sturgis Charter Public School
An International Baccalaureate Diploma School
Executive Director’s Newsletter
November 13, 2009
Dear Parents,
We provide parents with this Newsletter as a means of helping you become better informed about events and activities at Sturgis. We hope that this type of communication is helpful. Communication, of course, is a two way street. Please do not hesitate in calling us if you have a question or concern.
IB News: This is the time of year when Sturgis completes IB exam registration. According to the latest count, we are witnessing enormous growth in the Full IB Diploma Program and the IB Certificate program for seniors, and the anticipated exam registrations for juniors. Last year, Sturgis had 25 students attempting the Full IB Diploma Program. These are students that take three Higher Level and three Standard Level classes along with the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Action and Service (CAS). This year, 48 seniors are participating in this program. We also have an increased number of students taking anticipated examinations. When a student sits an anticipated exam, they are selecting to complete that IB course in the Junior year. Sturgis offers a number of one year IB courses including Psychology, Information Technology in a Global Society, and Business and Management. In total, Sturgis has registered 112 students for exams as compared to 93 last year. Students feel prepared to take on the rigors of IB Assessment and are selecting to choose a very different path as compared to their contemporaries on the Cape. Our students will be taking exams for almost the entire month of May. Although May might seem a long way off, our students are very busy finishing up labs, Internal Assessments in Latin and Math, World Literature Essays in English and Extended Essays, all in preparation for the final assessments in the spring.
Athletic Department News: Congratulations to the Boys Varsity Soccer team for qualifying for the State Soccer Tournament for the first time ever! The boys finished with a 7-6-3 regular season record.
The Fall Sports Banquet will take place Tuesday, Nov. 17th at the Greek Orthodox Church in Hyannis at 6 p.m. All Fall athletes and families are welcome for the pot luck celebration of a fun and successful season. Those interested in bringing food and volunteering for cleanup please contact Jim Barrasso at jbarrasso@sturgischarterschool.org.
Winter Concert: The Music Department is busy preparing for the Winter Concert scheduled for Monday, Dec. 21 at 7:00 pm at Pope John Paul H.S. The students will also be required to attend a dress rehearsal on the same day at the PJP from 2:15-4:30.
French Department Trips: It was decided to postpone the trip to Martinique to February 2011. Let’s hope that the economy will improve and high airline prices will go down, allowing us to once again offer this trip to our students.
Therefore, the French Department has decided to go once again, to Quebec City for the Winter Carnival! From February 12th to February 15th, 2010, we will explore the City of Quebec (la Ville de Québec) which, last year, celebrated its 400th anniversary and its 55th edition of the HAPPY WINTER CARNIVAL!
The Québec Winter Carnival will offer an unforgettable winter experience to thousands of visitors from the four corners of the world with lively programming and spectacular cultural activities. Have fun with Bonhomme in a charming European-style city! Last year was a blast for both the students and chaperones. We came back with unforgettable memories and lots of cultural knowledge.
We have chosen to charter a bus which will be at our service for the entire trip. The cost of a 4-day/3-night trip is $450 and includes round-trip bus fare, hotel accommodations, breakfast, The Bonhomme Effigy Carnival pass (to access to most activities on the main sites), and a walking guided tour.
Space is limited as there are still have 10 places left. A down payment of $150 will be appreciated no later than November 16, 2009. A parent meeting will follow shortly after students sign up. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email or call Paula O’Keefe
pokeefe@sturgischarterschool.org
Human Rights Academy: On November 4th, four student representatives from the Human Rights Club, the Gay-Straight Alliance, and the Diversity Awareness Advisory, participated in an all-day Human Rights Academy at Camp Burgess. They joined students from across Cape Cod who presented the Human Rights issues for which they plan on raising awareness and money this year. Topics included poverty, human trafficking, genocide, and hate crime. To raise awareness about poverty on Main Street, Sturgis students will collect clothing donations for the Noah Shelter in Hyannis and will run a paper goods drive for local residents on food stamps. In the spring, students will reconvene at a second Human Rights Academy to share the results of their hard work.
Yearbook: For Parents of Seniors--Senior pictures must be submitted to the yearbook before Winter Break! Photographs can be in paper or digital form (minimum resolution: 300 dpi, 4"x 6" image size, jpg format). Photos may be e-mailed to Ms. Roselander at croselanderginn@ sturgischarterschool.org or sent to the school, c/o Ms. Roselander or Yearbook. Thank you!
Also coming up will be the opportunity to purchase Senior Recognition Ads. Don't miss the chance to create a lasting memory and message for your graduating Senior!
For All Parents--The 2009-2010 "Brainstorm" Yearbook is now on sale! You may order online at jostensyearbook.com. Orders dropped off or mailed to the main office should be labeled c/o Yearbook. Be sure to place your order before January 31st to take advantage of the introductory price of $40