MSA Parent Update
February 20, 2020
Check out what is going on here at the school:
Mock Trial Competition Students Compete
The MSA Mock Trial Team competed in the 12th Circuit State Mock Trial competition on Feb. 8 at the Judge Lynn Silvertooth Judicial Center in Sarasota. Mock trial is the most hands-on, intensive learning simulation about the trial process available to high school students. Students learn critical thinking skills, legal reasoning, analysis, and professionalism, in addition to the structure and function of the courts and the legal process. Students simulate the roles of both attorneys and witnesses in a fictional trial situation. Students have approximately five months to prepare themselves to fit into the roles of the prosecution and defense of the case. On Saturday MSA students put their skills to the test and competed against Invictus, Booker, and Riverview High School. Final standings are still pending. Our students did an amazing job!! All of the judges and local lawyers who judge these competitions are always impressed by our students.
The courtroom is very similar to a performance stage. We are telling a story and the audience is the jury. Our performance and how well we tell our story, as it relates to the facts and law, determines the final verdict. The arts provide some of the best training for any lawyer. Our students prove this every year and why they are so impressive on the courtroom stage.
A number of our alumni from former mock trial teams are currently pursuing law as a career and a couple of students this year are planning on pursuing law as well. Student lawyer Bella Degenhardt earned a scholarship to attend law school camp at Stanford University this coming June.
From all the mock trial coaches, we are proud of your accomplishments! Job well done! Continue to build upon these experiences as you consider colleges and career paths.
Junior Thespians compete at the State Competition
Attention 6th Grade Parents - Elective Sign-Up Information Night
This is a reminder that you are invited to the 7th grade elective information night program, which is being held on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. Please note that there are two sessions, broken up by last names:
Session 1 - 6:00 PM - Last Names A-L
Session 2 - 7:30 PM - Last Names M-Z
Both sessions will be held in the cafeteria at MSA. Due to space constraints, we ask that only one parent attends the event. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as space is limited at the school.
Students will choose their electives for their 7th Grade year starting March 11th. Please come so you have more information to help your child choose their classes for next school year.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Devine at devinet@msfta.org. See you there!!
Runners Club Competes at the Dolphin Dash 5k
Congratulations to the 13 students who competed in the Dolphin Dash 5k on Anna Maria Island on February 8, 2020. Our students did an outstanding job, placing in their age groups as follows:
Pierce Berardi- placed 1st
Momadou Thiam- placed 2nd
Vidalia Espinal- placed 2nd
Kobe Mykowsky- placed 2nd
Bond Berardi- placed 5th
Angel Roblero- placed 6th
Other participants included:
Fabian Perez
Eli Basinger
Jesus Roblero
Josh Garcia
We are very proud of everyone's hard work and outstanding representation of the school at this event!!
MSA Heat off to National Championships - March 7-8, 2020
Students have worked hard to prepare for this huge event. Anyone who is interested in making the trip to Orlando to support the kids in their quest for the National Championship, here is the info you need to know:
March 7-8, 2020
Carribe Royale Hotel
Orlando, FL
Performance times are yet to be determined. Come out and cheer on the kids as they strive for excellence!!
State Assessments Are Coming!!
If you have any questions related to this test administration, please contact our Director of Testing and Data, Dr. Michael Higley at mhigley@maschool.org or (941) 721-6800, extension 1087. If you or your child would like to learn more about the FSA assessments, and specifically the ELA Writing Component Field Test, writing rubrics and other general information is available on the FSA Portal at www.FSAssessments.org.
Attention 6th Grade Parents - Required Shots BEFORE Entering 7th Grade
The State of Florida requires proof of immunization for all students entering 7th grade each year. This proof must be on the official State of Florida Immunization Form (DH680... the Blue Card) which is obtained from your doctor's office or the Health Department. The following immunizations must be documented on this form:
* Tetanus, Diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) - This is the update shot that you need for 7th Grade.
* Hepatitis B vaccine series
* Varicella vaccine or the year of disease
* Two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
Please see your doctor or the Health Department for more information and to assure that your child has met these requirements. This documentation must be submitted to the school before the first day of school next year (August 10). Students will not be allowed to come to school until these shot requirements are met. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Checking School Announcements
Please be sure to keep up with what is going on here at MSA!
Upcoming Events
February 2020
21 - Writer's Festival - 7:00
28 - 8th Grade School Dance - 6:00-8:00
March 2020
4 - 6th Grade Elective Information Night - 6:00 & 7:30
5 - Oliver! (The Musical) - 7:00
6 - Oliver! (The Musical) - 7:00
7 - Oliver! (The Musical) - 7:00
10 - MS Open House for Prospective Students - 6:00
11 - Piano Concerts - 6:00 and 7:30
12 - School-wide BBQ
13 - No School - Records Day
16-20 - Spring Break
24 - MSA Rocks - 6:00
25 - MSA Rocks - 6:00
25 - HS Open House for Prospective Students - 6:00
26 - NJHS Induction Ceremony - 6:00
28 - Yes We Can Dance - SCF Theatre
31 - April 4 - Dance Showcase Week
Help us get the word out
About Us
Email: devinet@msfta.org
Website: www.msfta.org
Location: 700 Haben Boulevard, Palmetto, FL, United States
Phone: 941-721-6800