Mustang Messenger
May 2024
🐮 AG Corner 🐷
At AATF, students recently showcased their dedication and talent during the FFA Officer Interviews. With thorough preparation and passion, candidates left a lasting impression on faculty and peers alike.
Their speeches and understanding of agricultural issues reflected their commitment to leadership and community service. As AATF eagerly anticipates the announcement of the new officers, it's evident that these students are ready to lead with excellence, inspiring others along the way.
Academy at the Farm Farmer’s Market🍊
The Farmer’s Market has changed its hours. The new hours are Monday/Wednesday 12:00-4:30 and Tuesday/Thursday/Friday 10:00-4:30. Thank you for continuing to support the market by purchasing our fresh produce and other products! In April we proudly partnered with the Academy at the Farm Agriculture program to sell more than 500 plants grown by some of their students. We also offered several new products including flavored honey spreads, lavender bouquets, flavored sourdough loaves and a balsamic vinaigrette that is amazingly delicious! This month our student helpers will enjoy a lunch as a thank you for all of their hard work at the market since we opened. They are an integral part of the daily operations of our business and they are learning important skills that will help them in future employment opportunities. Our customers play a vital role in their learning when they offer feedback on their experience at the market. We hope you stop by the market soon!
If you enjoy your experience at our Farmer’s Market, tell your friends!
Like and share our pages on social media!
Mustang of the Month 🏇
Mustang of the Month highlights outstanding achievements, positive behavior, academic excellence, and contributions to our school community. Each month, we shine a spotlight on a remarkable student, celebrating their efforts and accomplishments.
Citizens of the Month
👍 Caught doing good
Caring
Cooper helped an upset student to get to her classroom in the morning.
Caring, Responsibility, Citizenship
Darla picked up a plant that another student dropped.
Caring, Citizenship
Audrey voluntarily asked if she could take a fellow students science notes for him due to the fact that she didn’t want him to get behind during his absence.
Honesty, Responsibility
Sofia told the truth even though someone try to tell her not to. Way to go Sofia.
Caring, Citizenship, Respect
Skylar let another student join her team because nobody wanted to team up with that student.
Responsibility, Caring
Cora and Sofia helped students to get safely and on time to their classrooms.
Caring, Citizenship
Braxton picked up a garbage bag that fell off the cart to help the custodians.
Preschool 🏫
I hope you are excited about the upcoming summer break! As we transition into this steamy season, it's a wonderful opportunity to continue fostering a love for learning in our preschoolers through everyday adventures and activities. The beach and park offer fantastic natural classrooms. Encourage your children to explore and ask questions about what they see, from the types of shells found on the shore to the variety of birds that visit the park. These outings are perfect for incorporating counting and basic math, such as counting the number of steps to reach a certain point or tallying up the types of bugs you see. Also, cooking is not always fun, but it can be. It is an excellent way to incorporate counting, measuring, classifying by solid or liquid, and following instructions. Limiting screen time and increasing story time will significantly enhance your preschooler’s learning journey. Help your child to become an author and illustrator. Encourage them to make a book with a title, front, and back cover, and create a setting and characters. Incorporating these simple yet effective activities will reinforce concepts learned. Wishing you a summer filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories.
🍎 Primary
I hope this message finds you and your family in good spirits as we embrace the vibrant spring season. With the arrival of May, our primary grades are gearing up for an exciting and educational month filled with activities, learning themes, and celebrations.
May is a wonderful time of the year when we witness the full bloom of spring, and it offers a perfect backdrop for our learning. This month, our curriculum will integrate topics such as the life cycle of plants, animals, and their environments.
Moreover, we have several special events planned for May. We are also excited to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6th-10th). Lastly, as we approach the end of the school year, we will begin our preparations for the end-of-year celebrations, Field Trips, Water Day, and various other activities recognizing the achievements and growth of all our students.
Thank you for your continued support and collaboration. Together, we can make May a memorable and impactful month for our students. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Intermediate 🎒
As the academic year draws to a close, our intermediate students have made amazing gains in academics and personal character.
In May, they all become testing rock stars as they take on state testing with all the knowledge and confidence needed to show what they know.
In addition to state testing, many of our students are gearing up for an epic showdown in the Sunshine State Readers book battle. With teams vying for victory, the competition promises to be fierce. This is going to be exciting to watch!
Students who have exemplified high-quality respect and responsibility during the fourth quarter have earned the opportunity to show off their awesome character during off-campus field trips. Third-grade students will jump the day away at the Flying Squirrel Jump Park, fourth-grade students will explore the world of space travel at Kennedy Space Center, and our fifth-grade students will interact with the world of science at WonderWorks.
And what better way to conclude the school year than with a splash? On the last day of school, we'll host a water slide extravaganza, providing our students with a fun-filled farewell to the academic year.
Thank you to all our families who have spent countless hours supporting their children, the teachers, and the school.
🎓Middle
Middle School just celebrated the Academy Awards. We had over 100 celebrities dance the night away. Thank you to all the parents who helped make this a fabulous event for our students.
There are lots of events happening in the month of May. Testing for the End of Course Exams as well as State Testing. Afterwards, we have a lot to celebrate with the End of Year trips. 6th and 7th graders are going to Lakewood and the 8th graders are headed to Islands of Adventure.
The 8th Grade Graduation is planned for Thursday, May 23rd followed by Water Day on the 24th.
Time is flying by and soon we will have FRESHMEN in the house!!
Extended Day 😃
The end of the year is quickly approaching! To celebrate how hard the students have worked this school year, we want to have a field day. With the help of the Middle School students we will be planning and hosting Field Day for Primary on May 21st and Intermediate on May 22nd from 3:30PM-6PM. Field day not only is a great way to be active, but it also teaches valuable life skills- like teamwork, communication, problem solving, sharing, and sportsmanship while keeping things fun for all to participate in. We will be providing nutritious snacks and water to keep their energy levels up. Please make sure to have them wear sunscreen, and bring a change of clothes!
*Please reach out to Taylor Thorsen, the Extended Day Manager, if you have any questions or concerns. Tthorsen@academyatthefarm.com or call her at (352)-588-9737 Ext: 606
Clay Shoot
On Saturday, April 6 we hosted our annual “PULL! FOR KIDS” Clay Shoot, presented by Borrell Electric. This year we had record attendance with 160 participants, 3 sold out courses and over 250 for dinner. It was a beautiful day filled with friendly competition, fun, prizes, good food and drinks!
Congratulations to our Top Team: Dade City Realty! They won the “Course Shoot Off” against the other course winners, Bingham Realty and Darby Solutions.
We also want to recognize our overall Top Shooters:
- Top Male - Scott Boise
- Top Female - Kelly Keith
- Top Youth - Caden Pangborn
Thanks to our community for your generous support. Save the date for our next “PULL! FOR KIDS” event: Saturday, March 29, 2025.
Thanks to our Sponsors
Upcoming events & important information 🗓️
If you have questions, please email:
thines@academyatthefarm.com (1-8th Grade)
vsutton@academyatthefarm.com (VPK or Kindergarten)