Bear Essentials
February 12-16
Welcome to the Somerset Academy Collegiate Newsletter
The Bear Essentials is your one-stop shop for all things BEAR related. Each week a new issue highlighting upcoming events and activities, athletic game schedules, student and staff spotlights, academic achievements, good news stories and more will be shared via Remind and Social Media. Please take a moment to catch up on the Bear Essentials!
Black History Month
"Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.” Each day throughout the month of February, students will learn about historical and current figures that have shaped our nation and their accomplishments
A "Sticky" Situation
This week's iReady challenge (if 50 or more middle school students met their iReady goal this week, Coach Freeman would be taped to the wall) may not have "stuck" but it sure was fun trying! Nearly 80 students met or exceeded their goal. Next week's challenge- if one hundred or more students make it, Coach Schmit will dye his hair!
Somerset Academy Collegiate Athletics Announcements
SAC Athletics Game Tickets
All home game athletic entry tickets must be purchased through Ticket Spicket. In season athletes attend home games free. Please use the link provided for all in season tickets. https://events.ticketspicket.com/agency/05b56ab7-2108-49b2-9c46-e18112d6a416
Come cheer on our Bears!
Watch Remind for Playoff Updates!
Buy your official Somerset Academy Collegiate hat in the front Upper Office for only $20. This year's snapback hat is available in either blue or white! They are snapback. Show off your SAC team spirit in style. Go Bears!
SAC Booster Club News
Booster Club Clinics
Soccer
https://forms.gle/AEbxtbgxqgocsnSB6
Soccer Volunteer
https://forms.gle/SWrL7Ep172uuEJFKA
Wrestling
https://forms.gle/iVPDN22hHJXeTqUZA
Wrestling Volunteer
https://forms.gle/h2UHPhTFK5dnPZPi7
Cheer
https://forms.gle/CdA1zAEBYwFJqPuD7
Cheer Volunteer
https://forms.gle/hpR5968fFKMUpCrm8
Track & Field
https://forms.gle/fNuTAW3fjTZeJnDNA
Track & Field Volunteer
https://forms.gle/tYQj89YG7UCe3iDbA
Softball
https://forms.gle/Td6Dn9Zt7fXSrY8z8
Softball Volunteer
https://forms.gle/hFtcBdosa6WQLLQX8
Baseball
https://forms.gle/LoM8G3KctXDj8AKg7
Baseball Volunteer
Save the Date for SY 23/24 Athletics Banquets!
Elementary Banquet
https://forms.gle/f2FaSpKwoWQM2uVT6
Middle School Winter/ Spring Banquet
https://forms.gle/5UnLubKtiT2U7eHV6
High School Winter/ Spring Banquet
Congratulations on a GREAT Season Bears!
Athletics Updates:
MSS Basketball, Coach Olivarez, won the Championship in an undefeated season
MSP Girls, Coach Kemper, are moving onto the third round of playoffs, game information pending
MSP Boys, Coach Hurt, play on Monday, February 5th at home at 5:30pm for their next round of playoffs
JV Boys advance, playing on Monday, February 5th at Anne Frank Inspire
Cheer attended State last weekend.
Our wrestlers came back from State with a 1st place win from MS Boys (back to back champs), a 2nd place win for Varsity Girls and a 3rd place win for Varsity Boys.
1st Place:
Isaiah Fingerhut AND MVP!!!!
Jasmine More
Ernesto Torres
Braden Johnston
Vince Champagne
UPDATE****Congratulations to Coach Kemper and Coach Hurts middle school basketball teams for advancing to the SA area championships on Saturday!!!
Bears at the Stock Show and Rodeo
Exciting News! Our amazing 4H Robotics Team is getting ready for the San Antonio Rodeo Ag Robotics Competition, and we have some big news to share!
We are thrilled to announce that KSAT 12 joined us a couple of weeks ago to interview our talented team! They captured all the behind-the-scenes action as students prepared to showcase our robot's skills and innovation at the competition!
A huge thank you to KSAT 12 for recognizing our team's efforts and for bringing attention to this exciting event! We appreciate the support as we represent our school and community at the San Antonio Rodeo Ag Robotics Competition!
Mark Your Calendars!
American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge is February 5-23 at SAC
February is Heart Health Month. Ready for a life-changing mission Somerset Academy Collegiate? Grab your family and join us in learning Hands-Only CPR through the Kids Heart Challenge and crush our goal for the American Heart Association!
How to get started: Download the app for iPhone or Android, or register online http://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=9733&pg=company&company_id=438270! From there, AHA Ambassador Finn will be your guide. Conquer Finn's Mission with your family!
Exciting news: NFL and AHA have teamed up, offering a chance to WIN TICKETS TO SUPERBOWL 2025! EVERY STUDENT who completes Finn's Mission will be entered into a regional sweepstakes to win TWO SUPERBOWL 2025 TICKETS! Click here to learn more (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r3qsVxvL2Y). If 50% of our students register online our school will receive a $500 bonus for fitness and well-being equipment.
Why does it matter?
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in America and is 80% preventable. We want to empower families to take charge of their heart health.
Do you like helping kids with special hearts? Dream of attending the Super Bowl? Students, get entered to win a pair of Super Bowl LIX tickets in 2025, along with Super Bowl Experience tickets, by completing Finn’s Mission. You’ll learn Hands-Only CPR, save lives, and have the opportunity for the experience of a lifetime! www.heart.org/schools #KidsHeartChallenge
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¿Te gusta ayudar a niños con corazones especiales? ¿Sueñas con asistir al Super Bowl? Estudiantes, participen para ganar un par de boletos para el Super Bowl LIX en 2025, junto con boletos para la Experiencia del Super Bowl, al completar la Misión de Finn. ¡Aprenderás RCP solo con las manos, salvaras vidas y tendrás la oportunidad de vivir la experiencia de tu vida! www.heart.org/schools
Valentine's Family Dance Party Friday, February 16th
Mark your calendar for one of our most popular events of the year, the Valentine's family Dance Party! grab your entire crew and join us in the Arena this year for what is sure to be a great time. Family ticket is $20 payable in the Front Lower Office or $25 at the door. We are extending the dance to families of both lower and middle school students as well this year. Please note, this is a family activity and parents/guardians must remain on campus with students throughout the duration of the event. Concessions and photo opportunities will be available for sale as well. See you there!
Early Release Day Wednesday, February 14th
As a friendly reminder. no deliveries of balloons, flowers, food items, etc...allowed.
Student and Staff Holiday Monday, February 19th
NO SCHOOL Tuesday, February 20th
Please note, Tuesday, February 20th there is NO SCHOOL for students (Staff Professional Development Day). Enjoy the four day weekend!
Curriculum Fair and Kindergarten Roundup
Spring Book Fair is February 26- March 1
Parent Volunteers Needed
If you have a current background check on file and would like to volunteer at Book Fair, please contact Hannah.Fuller@somersetacademytx.org to sign-up!
School Year 23/24 Instructional Calendar
News You Can Use
Uniforms Required Daily
A couple of friendly reminders as the weather cools off. Students are not permitted to wear sweatpants or other non-uniform pants unless notified by the school. Additionally, students may not bring blankets to use as jackets. If your student is in need of a jacket, please reach out to our school so we can help find a solution. It is imperative that students are in full uniform daily. Students not in uniform will be subject to consequences such as detention, calling home for parents to bring proper clothing, ISS, etc...Guidelines for uniforms as well as a link to our uniform vendor may be found on our website. Please help us maintain rules by ensuring your student is dressed appropriately for school each day. On another note, we understand some families may have not yet been able to purchase the new uniform shirts from French Toast. Students will continue to be permitted to wear the Brooks polo throughout the remainder of the school year.
Our school nurse is always in need of donations of gently used uniforms, particularly bottoms as well as new undergarments and socks. Donations may be marked "nurse" and brought to either office.
Our lost and found accumulates a large number of hoodies, jackets, coats, mittens, hats, water bottles and even uniform shirts each year. Please remind students to check that they have their belongings before leaving school each day. Our lost and found is located in the Skyline Room and parents may check the table at Parent Night each month or before or after school with a visitor's pass or as staff is available to escort. We strive to reconnect lost items with students, however will donate all leftover items twice a year at the semester mark to help keep our facilities neat and help those less fortunate. Thank you!
Help Wanted
Pictures and short videos work well. We really appreciate your support of our students and helping us celebrate their successes!
Campus Traffic Procedures
In addition:
It has come to our attention that morning drop off procedures continually have not been followed as well. Upper School students must be dropped off in front of the Arena. Only Upper School students arriving AFTER 8am are authorized to use the E building entrance (front office) and must stop by the front office to receive a tardy slip. In the same manner, Lower School students students must be dropped off at the Skyline Room except those arriving AFTER 7:30 who must be accompanied by a parent to the front office for a tardy slip. Due to the continued high number of morning tardies as well as the traffic and safety issues that have arisen, effective immediately the following has been implemented and moving forward Lower School students may only be dropped off at the Skyline entrance until 7:35 at the latest. After 7:35, Lower School students are considered tardy and must be physically accompanied by their parent/guardian to the front office to be signed in for the day. Parents MUST park in a designated parking spot to accompany their student into the office.
Upper School students are considered tardy at 8:05 at the latest. ALL Upper School students arriving after 8:05 must be physically accompanied by their parent/guardian to the front office to be signed in for the day. Parents MUST park in a designated parking spot to accompany their student into the office. Students are not permitted to sign themselves in without a parent/guardian. As always, it is imperative all drop off, pickup and traffic procedures are followed to keep our students, staff and families safe as well as our traffic routine running properly. As a friendly reminder, all posted traffic signs and staff attendant instruction must be obeyed. The speed limit on campus at all times is 5mph. Absolutely no cell phone usage while driving is allowed. Please do not block or go around barriers or cones as this causes extreme safety issues to both traffic attendants, students and staff. Unsafe driving or abusive behavior is not tolerated and reported immediately to administration.
For further clarification if needed about sibling dismissal:
Arrive no earlier than 3:20. Upper School with Siblings will go all the way around the rock pile and then queue up in one lane on the left hand side to the Lower School Pickup area.
Upper School Only will continue in front of the arena. Student athletes will move to red gym. Students for pick up will be in blue.
Lower school students not picked up by 3:20 will be placed in White gym with Lower school sibling pick up. It has come to our attention that students are on campus unaccompanied during unauthorized times. As a friendly reminder, student drop-off is not authorized prior to 7am for their safety. In the same manner, students MUST vacate campus NLT 4pm (30 minutes past dismissal time) unless they are actively in an after school activity such as a current athletic team or club or enrolled in After School Care or Study Hall. Students MAY NOT wait in front of the school or in other areas of campus past 4pm for their safety as there are no monitors or staff on duty after that time. Students that remain on campus after 4pm will be kindly asked to wait outside the campus gates. If ASC or Study Hall is needed, please stop by the front office or contact Gloria.vasquez@somersetacademytx.org to enroll your student. We truly appreciate your assistance in ensuring drop off and pick up protocol is followed every day. Thank you for your continued support of Somerset Academy Collegiate.
College and Career Readiness Information
Lockheed STEM Scholarship Opportunity
Lockheed Martin has established a scholarship program to provide opportunities to students studying select STEM degrees that demonstrate financial need and come from underrepresented or underserved communities. In 2024, up to 100 renewable scholarships of $10,000 each are offered for full-time study at an accredited U.S. institution of the student’s choice.
The program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals. Eligibility for individual programs is determined at the sole discretion of the sponsor, and eligible applications are reviewed by Scholarship America’s evaluation team.
Apply using the link below:
A great opportunity for 6th-11th graders!
UTSA PREP PROGRAM
The Prefreshman Engineering Program (PREP) at UTSA is a pre-college summer program committed to delivering science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) enrichment opportunities for middle and high school students. PREP seeks to contribute to the development of the future generations of STEM professionals, and provide opportunities for high school and middle school students to identify pathways to and through higher education.
Girls & Boys Grades: 6th - 11th
Cost to Apply: Free
PREP Program Dates: June 12th - July 11th, 2024
Graduation Ceremony for Levels 3,4,5: July 11th, 2024, Times TBD.
Application Form: https://utsaprep.ryzerevents.com/
Upcoming Dates: February 14, 2024 - PREP 24 Application Due
• March 14, 2024 - PREP Student Selections Communicated
• June 4, 2024 - PREP 24 Family Zoom/Orientation
• June 12, 2024 - PREP 24 First Day – face to face
• July 11, 2024 - PREP 24 Closing Day Celebration/Graduation
For more information visit https://klesse.utsa.edu/prep/. Students and Parents can also reach out to Coach Washington and Coach Hale for additional information and assistance.
Write the Next Chapter of Your Story with The McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship
How Success Stories Are Written
To date, more than $33 million in McDonald’s HACER® National Scholarships have been awarded to Hispanic students across the country. The McDonald's HACER® National Scholarship Program offers scholarships up to 30 outstanding Hispanic students from all over the country, and continues to provide educational opportunities to help narrow the gap that exists for Hispanic college-bound students, further reinforcing McDonald’s long-standing commitment to feeding and fostering the diverse communities it serves.
There are three tiers of funds, aimed to help recipients finance their college tuition. Tier 1 recipients are awarded up to $100,000. Tier 2 recipients receive $20,000 or $10,000 and Tier 3 recipients receive $5,000. Recipients are selected based on their academic achievement, community involvement, personal statement and financial need.
SAC Student Spotlight of the Week
Congratulations to Senior Jasmine Femea on receiving multiple college acceptances this week!
Enrollment News
Current Student Re-Enrollment Open Now
Ready…set…go!!! Re-enrollment for SY 24/25 for current students is now OPEN. Secure your student's spot for next year by re-enrolling by 2/23/2024 to reserve your students spot and so that we can begin accurately planning for next year. You may use the QR Code, Parent Portal or the following link: https://portals20.ascendertx.com/ParentPortal/login?distid=015830 (also available year round in the Bear Essentials) for your convenience. Need assistance? Contact Desiree.cortez@somersetacademytx.org for questions or concerns.
New Student Applications Open Now
We still have slots available for the 23/24 School Year in many of our grade levels. We are looking forward to growing and love referrals! We appreciate you sharing about all the great things your students are doing at SAC with friends and family that might be considering Somerset Academy Collegiate for this year or next. Tours available by appointment by emailing our registrar Desiree.cortez@somersetacademytx.org or calling the front office at 210-850-3002.
Open enrollment for NEW incoming students for the 24/25 School Year opened November 1st and lottery selections will be announced in February. Please share with any perspective new Bear families who may be looking for a great fit for their student.
Child Nutrition Information
Please use LINQ Connect https://linqconnect.com/ as a convenient way to access and make payments to your student's meal account.
Please use the following link to access Nutrislice, a convenient way to access the daily menu, nutritional information organized by grade levels, categories and more!
https://brooksacademy.nutrislice.com/menu/brooks-collegiate-academy
For questions or concerns, please contact your student's campus cafeteria staff or Director of Child Nutrition, Mike Jones at mike.jones@somersetacademytx.org .
Community News YOU Can Use!
Opportunity for Students Going into 11th or 12th Grade at Texas Biomedical Research Center
VALERO YOUNG SCIENTIST PROGRAM
The Valero Young Scientist Program is an immersive, multidisciplinary program for high school students to learn from infectious disease researchers at Texas Biomed. Students will explore different career pathways within bioscience research through panel discussions with researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. During the program, students will collaborate with peers and teachers in laboratory experiments to develop foundational lab skills, maintain a laboratory notebook and develop data literacy skills vital to ethical science research. Students will also participate in Prepping for Your Future sessions where they will participate in activities to develop soft skills such as networking, communication and presentation skills.
Parents/guardians are involved too! The Valero Young Scientist Program recognizes the important role parents/guardians have in fostering a student’s interest in a STEM career. In addition to an introductory meeting about the program, the program includes virtual sessions for parents to learn about infectious disease research and engage with area university representatives to explore how parents can best support their student as they embark on a STEM career path. At the end of the four-week program, parents are invited to attend the student showcase where students will present their collaborative research project.
**PLEASE NOTE: per institutional policy, Valero Young Scientist students are not permitted in active research labs**
Program Application Information
The Valero Young Scientist Program is a four-week summer program for high school students about to start their junior or senior year. 2024 program dates: June 24 – 28, July 1 – 3, July 8 – 12, and July 15 – 19. The program starts promptly at 9 am and concludes at 4 pm. Successful applicants must be 16 years old by June 24 and attend the full 18-day program. Most days, lunch will be provided; however, students may occasionally need to bring a lunch. To complete the application, two references from teachers/counselors/school administrators are required. A parent/guardian signature is also required.
Applications will be accepted January 8 – February 29, 2024. Student applicants must be 16 years-old by the start date, June 24, 2024. Student applicants may be asked to participate in a virtual interview. All applicants will be notified of their status by March 8, 2024. Successful applicants and their parent/guardian are required to attend an information meeting at Texas Biomed on Saturday, May 11.
Valero Young Scientist Program 2024-2025 Application
Please Note: The program is scheduled for Monday through Friday, starting June 24, 2024. In observance of Independence Day, Texas Biomed is closed July 4th & 5th, Thursday, and Friday. The Valero Young Scientist Program will not meet on those days.
https://www.txbiomed.org/education-outreach/valero-young-scientist-program/
KLRN S.E.E Your Future Career Day
Families, you're invited to the S.E.E. Your Future Career Day, happening Saturday, February 24 from 1PM to 4PM at St. Philip's College.
This free event offers students of all ages the chance to explore careers in S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) fields.
Join us for free hands-on activities, resources, a special visit by Sid the Science Kid, and more!
Winter Weather
As a reminder, full uniform is required all Winter. Students may wear leggings or tights under their uniforms as an added layer of warmth. Sweatpants, jeans, blankets, etc...are not authorized at this time. Please be sure to wear a jacket and cold weather accessories to school when needed!
Check out the Bexar County Office of Emergency Website for some great tips on preparing for extreme weather using the link below:
SAC IS A PROUD COMMUNITY PARTNER OF THE 75th SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW & RODEO
Important Contact Information for our School
Front Office: 210-850-3002
Interim Superintendent: berntero@somersetacademy.com
Deputy Superintendent: Cory.Oliver@somersetacademytx.org
Interim School Leader: Cory.Oliver@somersetacademytx.org
Upper School ASL: Sarah.Riojas@somersetacademytx.org
Lower School ASL: Francisco.Vargas@somersetacademytx.org
Dean of Students: Tanya.Bonillas@somersetacademytx.org
College & Career Counselor: Eric.Washington@somersetacademytx.org
Child Nutrition Coordinator: Mike.Jones@somersetacademytx.org
Director of IT Services: Austin.Morgenroth@somersetacademytx.org
Athletic Director: Joel.Sofet@somersetacademytx.org
Registrar: Desiree.Cortez@somersetacademytx.org
Office Manager: Mimi.Vargas@somersetacademytx.org
Attendance Clerk: Briana.Cruz@somersetacademytx.org
School Nurse: Kathleen.Murphy@somersetacademytx.org
Upper School Counselor: Camille.Rominger@somersetacademytx.org
Lower School Counselor: Caroline.Bennett@somersetacademytx.org
After School Care Director: Gloria.Vasquez@somersetacademytx.org
Parent Liaison/Marketing: Tiffany.Salazar@somersetacademytx.org
Somerset Academy Collegiate
Email: Tiffany.Salazar@brooksacademy.org
Website: bca.brooksacademy.org
Location: 4802 Vance Jackson Road, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 2108503002
Facebook: facebook.com/BrooksCollegiateAcademy