MSA Parent Update
December 16, 2020
Para leer este mensaje en español, debe pulsar en el botón “Translate Newsletter” para cambiar el idioma. Este botón se encuentra a la derecha, debajo de “Accessibility”.
As we enter our winter break, we hope that everyone gets some time to relax, rejuvenate, and spend time with family and friends this holiday season. .
Check out what is going on here at the school:
Winter Recess
From everyone at MSA, we hope you have a restful and happy Holiday Season!!
Report Cards - 2nd Quarter
6TH GRADE - 2ND SEMESTER ARTS CLASSES
Also, for students going into the dance program this spring: We are in need of Grade 6 supplies:
Hand Sanitizer/ Kleenex/ Paper towels/ Band Aides/ Hair ties
Homeroom Period - January 6, 2020
SENIORS - Finish Your FAFSA
Is your student going to college next year? Unsure if they are, but maybe going to college? Don't forget to do the FAFSA now!! Winter break is a great opportunity to get this done.
The FAFSA is the means by which you get financial aid for college. It takes about an hour, and you just need your tax returns for last year to complete the form (parents and students if applicable.)
The earlier you get this done, the higher the chance to get more money for next year. As the saying goes "Get 'er done"!!!
Benchmark Assessment
Attention Parents of Seniors and 8th Grade Students
There are two weeks left to get your student a graduation ad in the 2020-2021 yearbook. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase the student's big year. Adds are as low as $25 and there a number of sizes to choose from. December 18th is the last day to take advantage of this memory making experience!
You can make your purchase on Balfour.com today or contact Pam LeBuffe at plebuffe@msaschool.org to purchase in school.
High School Students - what can you do over break to help prepare for college?
Seniors:
If you have not filled out the FAFSA or the FFAA Bright Futures applications you need to ASAP. These apps are the foundation pieces to all financial aid in Florida. If you need help please email me at tquin@msaschool.org.
These are the websites:
FAFSA --> Free Application Federal Student Aid
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
FFAA (Florida Financial Aid App) -->
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/
Juniors:
If you have not signed up to take the SAT or the ACT now is the time to check your calendar and get signed up. If you are able ... getting this box checked helps you a ton in the fall of your senior year.
These are the websites:
Do your receive Free and Reduced Lunch?
Click here to request --> SAT/ACT Fee Waiver
SAT Test Prep --> https://www.khanacademy.org/signup?continue=/mission/sat
Register to take the SAT --> https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register
ACT Test Prep --> https://academy.act.org/
Register for the ACT --> https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html
Freshmen - Juniors
- Schedule an appointment with your College and Career Advisor to discuss classes for next year.
- Get connected to your Google Classroom. Parents make sure you and your student are connected to your student's "Class of" Google Classroom.
- Research Summer Enrichment Programs: This is a little tricky in the age of Covid but it is worth a try. Encourage your student to research schools they are interested in attending for college or programs that help you with arts training. I will be posting the ones I receive on the MSA College and Career Facebook page and in the stream on your Google Classroom.
- Start to practice for the SAT/ACT: SAT Test Prep --> https://www.khanacademy.org/signup?continue=/mission/sat ... ACT Test Prep --> https://academy.act.org/
If you are looking for Virtual Volunteer Opportunities this website might be able to help Volunteer Match --> https://www.volunteermatch.org/virtual-volunteering. Volunteer Match allows you to explore hundreds of virtual volunteer opportunities in cause areas like health and medicine, education, and community building. Many of these can be done remotely from home.
Happy Holidays from the MSA College and Career Center.
Applications for the 2021-2022 School Year
Thanks for all you do to make MSA a GREAT place. It is only with your support and helping us spread the good word about our school and programs that we can be more successful in the future.
Use AMAZON SMILE for your Holiday Shopping
Follow these directions to set up your amazon smile account:
1. Go to smile.amazon.com
2. Log into your account.
3. Choose Manatee School For the Arts as your charitable organization.
4. Shop as you would normally on Amazon.
5. A portion of your total is donated to the school!!
That is it - nothing more to do except direct your browser to a different place and choose the school as the benefactor of your shopping.
Thank you for your support!!
Class Preview for 2021-2022
We will make schedule choices (7-12) starting in February.. 6th grade will hold their schedule selections in March of 2021.
State Assessments Are Coming!!
If you have any questions related to this test administration, please contact our Director of Testing and Data, Mrs McGirr at dmcgirr@msaschool.org or (941) 721-6800, extension 1022. 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 they are available on the FSA Portal at www.FSAssessments.org.
Attention 6th Grade Parents - Shot requirement before the start of 7th grade
All 6th Grade Students must get more shots before 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.
Upcoming Events
December 2020
14-17 - Mid-Term Exams for High School Classes
21 - Jan 5 - Winter Break
January 2021
6 - Return to School
18 - No School - MLK Day
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