news lineStallionA Publication for American Heritage School of Boca/Delray Parents

February 2013

Heritage Alumna at Cornell Will Dedicate Career to Children

Jasmine LaCoursiere, an American Heritage graduate of the class of 2010 was a scholar-athlete representing Heritage at Florida State Championships in women’s swimming; her victories maintained top rankings in Florida. On land, she dedicated herself to the National Honor Society and Key Club organizations, serving in leadership roles of Vice President and Program Manager respectively. Jasmine graduated Heritage with honors in Community Service and in Art. In art, she was a Scholastic Gold Key Award winner two consecutive years in ceramics. In her senior year at Heritage, she founded a non- profit organization http://www.wishingcup.org benefiting children.

Jasmine is creating her own major in Interdisciplinary Studies at Cornell, focusing in Psychology and Communications. A consistent Dean’s List student, she is a top Research Assistant in the Psychology Attachment and Control Lab researching the effects of exclusion in relationships. She hopes to become lab manager senior year and conduct her own research on attachment and relationships. After Cornell University, she looks to earn a PhD in Psychology to specialize in low birth weight infant developmental health. Ultimately, Jasmine’s vision includes leading a children’s hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit’s psychology and infant development needs, create a private practice, author books and keep an open mind to a professorship.

Jasmine attributes her academic success to work ethics learned in the pool through her sport and dedication to humanities learned through her roles in the National Honor Society and Key Clubs. She remarks that her writing skills earn her top marks in papers and believes entering college as a high achieving well-rounded scholar athlete gave her an edge she didn’t fully grasp until her sophomore year..

SAVE THE DATE

Grandparents Day for Grades PK through five will be held on February 8. Classes are preparing special activities for grandparents and “special someones.”

Students Show Off Skills in Math League Competitions

In the second of six Math League contests, American Heritage School tied Suncoast Community High School for first place among all schools in Palm Beach County, both public and private. On a cumulative basis after two contests, AHS trails only Suncoast in Palm Beach County. Among all schools in Florida competing in the Math league contests, AHS is in a fifth place tie with Pine Crest Prep School. On an individual basis, Nilay Kumar has a cumulative score of ten which places him in a third place tie statewide. Great job to all the participating students and subject area teachers. Keep up the good work!

Palm Beach County (Cumulative)1. Suncoast Community High School 502. American Heritage School 473. St. Andrews 404. Boca Raton High School 385. Oxbridge Academy 386. Wellington Community High School 307. Pope John Paul II 28

Florida Statewide 1. Bucholz 572. Deerfield Beach 533. Suncoast 504. (Tie) Miami Springs 484. (Tie) Pine View School 485. (Tie) American Heritage (Delray) 475. (Tie) Pine Crest Prep School 475. (Tie) Ransom-Everglades 4715. St. Andrews School 40

Palm Beach County

Science Fair Results

Anthony Coons and Tristin Jones have been invited to compete in the State Science and Engineering Fair in Lakeland, FL, March 26-29 over Spring Break. They will each receive awards, monetary prizes, as well as sponsorships from SCRIPPS and other Palm Beach affiliations.

Congratulations to the following students for their accomplishments in the 2012 Palm Beach County Science Fair!

Middle School4th Place: Lucinda Mills, Botany

High School2nd PlaceAnthony Coons, Botany; American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists Senior AwardTristin Jones, Physics

3rd PlaceEmma Perez, Behavioral SciencePatrick Rizk, Environmental ScienceWilliam Turk, Environmental ScienceMax Himmelrich, General ScienceDaniel Von Sohsten, Medical ScienceJulia Sorensen, Zoology

4th PlaceSarah Kalick, Microbiology

Congratulations to these high-achievers for all of their accomplishments and also for their contribution to the science community!

Science Classes Tag Sharks

In November, 19 Marine Biology and Environmental Science students, along with Miss Wozny and Mrs.Cavallo, embarked on an adventure to Islamorada in the Florida Keys. In the Keys, students met with shark biologists, Austin Gallagher and David Shiffman, from the University of Miami.

Along with these scientists, they spent the day out on a research vessel fishing for sharks. The hope was to catch various species of sharks to take several samples including measurements, fin clippings, and blood. During the process, the shark would also be “tagged.” The students had a chance to bait and set the drumlines which are used to catch the sharks. After several hours they hooked a blacknose shark. The researchers and students jumped into action and were able to collect all the data needed and release the shark back into the water unharmed. Even though the group caught and tagged only one shark everyone had a great time out on the water and learned much about these wonderful creatures, and why they need to be protected.

Literary Magazine Earns First PlaceEquus, the Heritage literary magazine has been awarded a first place by the American Scholastic Press Association (ASPA) for its 2012 Spring issue. American Scholastic Press judges magazines from across the country. This represents the fourth award Equus has received for this issue.

The Equus, Spring 2012 issue has also received two bronze level awards (Florida Scholastic Press Association/FSPA and National Scholastic Press Association/NSPA) as well as a Silver Medal from Columbia Scholastic Press Association/CSPA. Congratulations to Advisor Mrs. Twink Wilkinson and Jackie Miller, Editor-in-Chief, and the entire staff of the magazine.

Lucky Seven for Yearbook Staff

Is seven your lucky number? It is for the yearbook staff who are happy to announce that the Stampede recently won first place from American Press Association (ASPA) for the seventh consecutive year.

Mrs. Gheorge, Mrs. Roginski and staff are hard at work producing what they hope to be another award- winning yearbook for this school year.

Host Families Needed!Open the doors of your home, mind and heart to cultural exchange and immersion by offering in-home lodging to our international students. Compensation is provided. For more information and to be considered, contact American Heritage School, ext. 323 or Diane Winepol at 561-239-0174.

Yale Rep Presents to StudentsOn November 21, a representative from Yale University visited campus as part of the college visit program. They spoke to twenty-six Heritage students in grades 10 through 12 about life and opportunities at Yale. Students were excited to hear the presentation which not only included the academic programs available at the college, but also, the tremendous amount of activities, internships and special programs available to students there.

Yale University, which has 5300 undergraduate students, offers over 2000 courses in 78 majors. To get an idea of what all of those classes are about, students have a unique registration period called “shopping,” wherein they can sample classes for a two-week period prior to officially registering. Yale also happens to be one of the most highly-endowed colleges in America, and that affords their students tremendous learning advantages. With one billion dollars in STEM funding, Yale’s science majors have a world of year-round and summer research opportunities at their fingertips. Students also have the luxury of small classes, with 75% of all classes having fewer than 30 students and the remaining containing fewer than 10. And unlike typical institutions, Yale’s dormitories are 12 distinct “residential colleges,” essentially self-contained learning communities complete with their own libraries, gyms, residential halls, dining facilities, student centers, and social events. A tradition that dates back to Oxford and Cambridge, these colleges foster student “families” and strong campus community.

Students took full advantage of the opportunity to speak with the Yale representative and asked many questions. Seniors who have applied to Yale introduced themselves and personally expressed their interest in Yale.

The Guidance Department welcomes many university representatives throughout the year to the campus to visit with students in grades 10 through 12. Dates and times of visits are listed in Naviance/Family Connections in the College tab. We encourage students to attend these informational sessions as part of the college planning process.

Upcoming Guidance EventsJan. 16-18: Florida College T our

Jan. 17: Evening with an Expert

Jan. 23: Local College Tour: Lynn University

Jan. 24: Moving Forward: A Program for fifth grade parents to learn about the curriculum, activities and opportunities in Heritage Upper School

Jan. 29: 10th grade Athletic Recruiting Meeting with Mr. Steve Kahn

Feb. 13: A financial aid presentation (Plantation Campus) from the College Perspective presented by Dave Gelinas of Davidson College

Feb. 28-Mar.2: Georgia College Tour: Oglethorpe University, Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, Emory University, Oxford College at Emory. Open to students grade 10-12.

Mar. 14-15: Florida Private School Tour

April 12: Local College Tour : University of Miami/ Florida International University

April 18-20: Northeast College Tour: University of Pennsylvania, Villanova, Princeton

Speech Contest Winners Announced

Congratulations to this year’s speech contest winners and finalists. This year’s high school speech contest winners are 1st place: Samantha Torres; 2nd place: Dylan Cahill; 3rd place: Ben Sundook.

Nicholas Aquilino, Ariana Bagherian, Jake Becker, Julia Leonoff, Jamie Marzano, Alexandra Ramirez, Danielle Soto, and Isabella Wright were other finalists in the contest.

Attention, Please!The new report card provides more information regarding absences. Previously, Heritage was able to provide only a total number of absences; currently, it is possible to break missed classes into “Absences” and “School Activities.” This is important because school activities do not count against exam exemption.

For an absence to be excused, a parent must phone the school or provide a written note within 48 hours of the student’s return to school. There will be no late acceptance of excuses (verbal or written) for exam exemptions.

Camp registration for Summer 2013 is off to a great start. Several

camp groups are approaching capacity; so don’t delay in enrolling

your child in one of the four outstanding camp programs available

at American Heritage this summer. The choices for children

coming to camp are explained below.

Traditional Summer/Sports Camp is entering its thirtieth season

in 2013. This program is open to children ages 3 - 13 and offers a

varied curriculum, which includes instruction and play in all major

land sports, swimming, and numerous traditional camp activities.

Children enjoy classes in arts and crafts, computers, nature, arts

and crafts, yoga, cooking, and science to name a few.

Musical Theatre Camp enters its twelfth summer in 2013

and welcomes children ages 5 - 14. This wonderful seven-week

program culminates in a spectacular production in the final week.

This year’s show will be “Kids On Broadway.” Students are

involved in all aspects of producing a musical and participate in

the final production. Instruction is provided by accomplished and

professional actors, directors, dancers and musicians who have

years of experience working with children.

After a sensational ninth summer, Young Artists Camp returns,

giving children ages 5 - 14 the opportunity to let their imaginations

and creativity soar as they become familiar with a variety of visual

arts media. Weekly explorations will include drawing, painting,

collage, ceramics, sculpture, mosaics and more while learning about

specific artists. Professional art teachers and American Heritage

counselors will provide instruction and supervision for Young

Artists Camp. Campers will also participate in Free Period, which

includes swimming, sports and indoor activities as choices.

Robotics Camp is a great introduction to engineering. Classes are

designed to help campers learn skills through fun, dynamic and

engaging programs. Campers will learn to assemble and program

Lego Mindstorm NXT Robots to overcome obstacles and compete

in challenges.

Camp Brochures and enrollment forms are available in the Lower

School and Business Offices as well as the Camp Office. For

more information about the camp programs offered at American

Heritage, stop by the Camp Office or contact Sally or Gail at (561)

637-2440. We look forward to having your child enjoy summer

with us!

Summer Camp 2013 to Offer All Kinds of Fun!

•Day Camp • Musical Theatre Camp • Robotics Camp • Young Artists Camp

NEW for 2013! Summer Robotics Camp!

“I now know what it feels like to stand on the bright stage of a national debate tournament awards ceremony, holding a trophy bigger than I have ever imagined.”

Michael Wu, Debate Team Captain

Instant chemistry, drive, and balance have catapulted Heritage’s Michael Wu and Alyssa Turk into the spotlight of the national debate circuit this year. With different partners last year, both had moderate success. But after a summer of debate, at Heritage Debate Camp and Harvard Debate Institute, Wu and Turk dove into a nonstop year of debate, winning more than any American Heritage Boca Delray team ever has before.

Alyssa attributes their success to their summer dedicated to debate, their constant hard work, and their complimentary roles as a team. Their success is the result of an oddly impressive balance of Alyssa’s passionate, forceful, fast paced rebuttals, Michael’s slow and thought-provoking summaries, and a shared public speaking presence and professionalism nothing short of great.

The year began for Wu and Turk with advancement into elimination rounds at Yale, one of the nation’s toughest and most prestigious debate tournaments. Next, they competed in their first round robin together at Pinecrest in Florida, and then their hot streak began. Competing at University of Florida’s national debate tournament, Wu and Turk came in third place, and they won first place in the Blue Key Round Robin Debates, taking home a $1,000 cash prize with their trophies, and leaping into the national debate rankings, securing a spot in the nation’s top ten public forum debate teams. Next, at the Villiger debates in Philadelphia, they took First Place Speakers. And their biggest victory came at the nationally known Nova Titan Debates. Wu and Turk took home the biggest first place trophies our school’s debate team has ever won, after beating out some of the nation’s other top teams while debating whether or not US foreign policy in the Middle East undermines our national security. After Alyssa and Michael advanced past preliminary rounds, every round was judged by panels of three to five judges, and Alyssa and Michael won every round on unanimous judge decisions.

After this streak of wins, Wu and Turk have now been invited to more exclusive round robins at The Blake in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Laird Lewis in Charlotte, North Carolina. They have already secured a spot at TOC Debate Nationals 2013, and the year is not even half over. As a result of their consistent success, so many teams across the nation now look up to Michael and Alyssa, which Alyssa says is her favorite part of winning: “ Having so many people come up to us, asking how we are doing and what arguments we’ve been using… and hearing how intimidated other students are when they learn they are about to go against Heritage in rounds.” Wu and Turk have definitely made a name for themselves, and we congratulate them on all their success!

For more information on Heritage’s debate team or classes offered, contact Coach David Childree at david.childree@ahschool.com, or visit our team website www.freewebs.com/americanheritagedebate/.

Debaters Michael Wu and Alyssa Turk Rise to the Top!

Decorate Downtown Delray

Middle school students from the Builders Club volunteered to help set up the Christmas Tree at Old Town Square last December as part of “Decorate Downtown Delray,” organized by the Delray Beach Marketing Cooperative.

Twenty-three students helped out, alongside local volunteers, to fluff out the branches for the hundred foot tree. There were a total of 3086 branch parts to prepare. Students also tested the light bulbs on each branch, and checked the ornaments. They were rewarded with Subway sandwiches and cake for lunch, and stopped by Doc’s for treats at the end of the day.

Eduction Rocks! Update

On Monday, November 19, over 100 AHS students met to receive letters from the children in Bali who they are sponsoring through Education Rocks! Julie Uderitz asked students to share their experiences in raising money.

AHS students have sold lanyards, held bake sales, donated tooth-fairy money, and earned funds through chores to raise $365 to sponsor a child. Along with receiving letters from their Balinese counterparts, some students also received artwork. We are very proud of AHS students who are helping others receive an education.

• PK4 students began 2013 learning about wintertime and how it is different in the North and South! During the month of January, the children will be learning many new things, including wintertime sight words! February brings even more to look forward to... Grandparent’s Day, The 100th Day of School and Valentine’s Day!

• First graders received their new journals! The lines are thinner, they are writing more, and their handwriting is improving every day. They have started learning about time and are experts at telling time to the hour and half hour.

• Second graders went on a field trip to Bedner’s Farm in Delray Beach as a follow up to their plants unit. They enjoyed learning about the different plants, how they grow, and tasting different vegetables.

The children have also enhanced their technology skills by researching Martin Luther King Jr. They have been role-playing and discussing the meaning of good character and compassion. They are thriving using the new skills they have learned. Students are continuing to review the editing process to get a final writing product of which they will be proud.

• The annual Holiday Winter Writing Contest sponsored by the Reading Lab (Mrs. Mehler and Mrs. Yazdi) was held on December 20 in Mrs. Waterman’s fourth grade class. The children had a list

of different categories to choose from so they could create their own holiday, writing project. Participants were given three weeks to complete their projects at home. The judges included: Mrs. Buchalter, Mrs. Waterman, Mrs. Soto, Mrs. Mehler and Mrs. Yazdi. Awards and prizes were presented to reward the children for their effort and creativity. Entries ranged from Original Songs to book reports to poetry and more! Students did a wonderful, creative job with this project.

• The fifh grade had a wonderful winter vacation! Upon their return to school, they celebrated Mrs. Stein’s return from her maternity leave, and Ms. Sabato’s birthday. It has been an exciting start to Third Quarter. In Social Studies, the students have begun to study the causes of the American Revolution. In, math, they are working on interpreting data and how these skills can help in future life situations. Most importantly, they are eagerly looking forward to their upcoming overnight field trip to EPCOT and St. Augustine.

(Top left) Kindergartner Jake Stansbury with his Grandmother Eileen Stansbury (Upper School Principal) and his mother Sophie Stansbury (Heritage’s new Guidance Counselor) and his dad Fireman/Rescue Bill Stansbury. (Top middle) Fireman Casey visits with his nice Kayli Harris. ( Top right) “Fire Chief ” Brandon Hindsley (Bottom left) At the Fire Station: Rodrigo Buniac, Kevin Buzan and Anthony McFarlance (Bottom middle) PK4 student Lexie Stein points out the new year. Mrs Jaimee Sabato, Mrs Ally Stein and fifth grade students Harrison Vapnek and Alex Schwartz prepare brunch.

YOUNG ARTS FESTIVALWhat does Josh Groban and Nicki Minaj have in common with some American Heritage students?

Answer—they are alumni of YOUNG ARTS.

Young Arts is a festival held in Miami where students are invited for a week of master classes, interdisciplinary workshops, performances and exhibitions. The nation’s best young artists in the visual, literary and performing arts participate. Students have the opportunity to perform at various regional events that represent Young Arts and are eligible for scholarships and opportunities to work with Master Clinicians in their field of study.

Congratulations to Madison Spear who received an Honorable Mention, Madeline Swift and Nicholas Aquilino who both received Merit awards. This is a national award and is a huge honor. Congratulations to our American Heritage students.

ORCHESTRA AND BANDCongratulations to Sydney Goldberg who is represented Heritage in Tampa at the All State Music Festival recently. Needless to say, we are all very proud of her.

In band, eight of Heritage students are preparing for Solo and Ensemble, we wish them luck! All performing groups are looking forward to another great Spring Fling on April 6. Come and check out all of the great things being accomplished in the arts!

THEATREResults from the Florida State Thespian Competition

Heritage students are very talented as evidenced by results from the recent Florida State Thespian Competition. We congratulate all competitors who received awards ranging from “Excellent” to “ Critics Choice” (highest possible rating). Because of space limitations, here is a summary of awards received and names of Middle School students who earned ratings of Critics Choice or Superior.MS Thespians - 1 Critics Choice Awards 15 Superior Ratings 16 Excellent Ratings

HS Thespians - 3 Critics Choice Awards 28 Superior Ratings 4 Excellent Ratings

Middle SchoolCritics ChoiceDuet Musical—Austin Gladstone (Grade 8) and Brian Inerfeld (Grade 7)

Superior: 6th Grade Large Group Musical—Emerald Khan, Zev Chazin,

Jack Goodkin, Josephine Mazza, Nitya Kumar, Saareen Junaid, Allie Lampert, Brianna Detamore, Bella Diefendorf, Dina Katgara, Eli Chazin, Kailee Blum, Danny Cahill

7/8th Grade Large Group Musical—Austin Gladstone (8), Brian Inerfeld (7), Josh Turner (8), Armando Crespo (7), Chloe Davis (8), Susie Schuster (7), Skyler Ruth (8), Elena Lopez-Belio (7), Kristina Wantman (7), Cat Cole (7), Vincent Gasparri (7), Jasmin Jimenez (8), Julia Larkin (7)

Improvisation—Bella Diefendorf and Andrew Rosenblatt (6)

Duet Musical—Elena Lopez-Belio and Kristina Wantman (7)Duet Musical—Austin Gladstone (8) and Brian Inerfeld (7)

Monologue—Savanna Strickland (7)Monologue—Kristina Wantman (7)Monologue—Juliana Wright (7)Monologue—Matthew Rubenstein (8)Monologue—Julia Larkin (7)Monologue—Armando Crespo (7)

Solo Musical—Saareen Junaid (6)Solo Musical—Brian Inerfeld (7)Solo Musical—Austin Gladstone (8)Solo Musical—Eli Chazin (6)

High School Awards Critics Choice

Solo Musical:Joshua Lerner- (Sophomore)At The Fountain- Sweet Smell of Success

Duet Musical:Joshua Lerner (Sophomore)/Bridget Kelly(Senior) Therapy-Tick Tick Boom

Ensemble Acting:Anthony Coons (Junior) /Taylor Capizola(Senior)Cayley Costello (Senior)Blithe Spirit

MIDDLE SCHOOL ARTSixth graders have been working on a self -portrait in black and white.They have also been creating an oil pastel of a view from a window. They first viewed the work of several artists’ renditions of their views from their studio windows. Seventh graders have been learning about all kinds of ways to stamp and printmake. They are carving rubber plates using Austrailian Aboriginal designs, American Indian petroglyphs and some random individual designs, as well. It is fun and they are doing a great job. Eighth grade painting finished their grid portraits and have been learning about color mixing and perspective for their next project which will be a landscape.

Monday

4Bowtie Pasta

Meatball w/SauceSteamed Broccoli

Roll

11Pasta Shells w/Meatballs

Green BeansRoll

18No School

25Chicken Parmesan

Fresh BroccoliDinner Roll

Friday

1Chili Day

8Grandparents Day

Grilled Cheese SandwichCup of Soup

15No Classes for Students

22Chili Day

Thursday

7Hot Diggity Dog Day

14Build-A-Burger Bar

21Chicken Pattie on a Bun

Cup of SoupMixed Veggies

28Meatball Sub w/Cheese

SauceButtered Pasta

Wednesday

6Macaroni and Cheese

Chicken BitesSweet Baby Peas

13Southern Style Baked

ChickenAu Gratin Potatoes

Carrots

20Homemade Beef Stew

NoodlesCorn Bread

27Baked Chicken Nuggets

Mashed PotatoesGreen Beans

Tuesday

5Philly Cheese Steak

SandwichGrilled Peppers

OnionsCheese

12Taco Tuesday

19Chicken Tenders

Rice PilafGreen Beans

26Taco Tuesday

American Heritage School6200 Linton Blvd.Delray Beach, FL 33484

Home of the StallionsVisit our website at www.ahschool.com

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