Barracuda News
September 4-17th
College Board National Recognition
We’re celebrating our own, 18 of 72,000 students from across the country who earned academic honors from College Board’s National Recognition Programs! The National Recognition Programs honor the strong academic achievements of underrepresented students. They’re an easy way for students to showcase their hard work in high school. The programs not only benefit students. They also benefit colleges looking to recruit diverse, talented students. Awardees (as of August 17) at Don Soffer Aventura High School are:
• Andre Bentes: National Hispanic Recognition Award
• Andres Fernandez: National Hispanic Recognition Award
• Ashley Valarezo: National Hispanic Recognition Award
• Camila Collana: National Hispanic Recognition Award
• Chiara Lopez Nowotny: National Hispanic Recognition Award
• Giuliano Diodati: National Hispanic Recognition Award
• Liev Martinez-Zolotor: National Hispanic Recognition Award
• Lorenzo Caffarena: National Hispanic Recognition Award
• Lucas Szydlowski: National Hispanic Recognition Award
• Lucia Jacobs: National Hispanic Recognition Award
• Maria Barva: National Hispanic Recognition Award
• Mariana Paramo: National Hispanic Recognition Award
• Maya Alvarez: National Hispanic Recognition Award
• Michelle Hecker: National Hispanic Recognition Award
• Ori Blank: National Hispanic Recognition Award
• Sofia Ceballos: National Hispanic Recognition Award
• Sofia Montero-Dokser: National Hispanic Recognition Award
• Stella Duran: National Hispanic Recognition Award
Eligible students apply on BigFuture. They have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. They’re the top 10% of PSAT/NMSQT® or PSAT™ 10 assessment takers in each state for each program or have earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP® Exams. They either attend school in a rural area or small town, or identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, or Indigenous/Native. They’re invited to apply during their sophomore or junior year. Students who are awarded recognition will be notified at the beginning of the next school year.
Congratulations, BARRACUDAS!
Attendance Updates
Please email Attendance@AventuraCharterHS.Org for all attendance matters. Don Soffer Aventura High School has developed the following attendance policy to comply with Miami-Dade County Public Schools. One of the most significant factors impacting achievement is punctual attendance. It is our obligation to record attendance accurately and ensure that it is taken and recorded for each period, inform parents/guardians of student absences, and to see that the compulsory attendance laws are enforced as mandated by Florida Statutes. We encourage the commitment of students, parents, and staff to work together to accomplish this. Students are responsible to be present and on time to school, turn in proper documentation explaining all absences, make-up missed assignments, and turn in assigned work on time. Documentation regarding an absence must be received within 48-hours following the student’s return to school. If documentation is not received within that timeframe, the absence will not be excused.
Emergency Data Card Info
Please use the PowerSchool parent portal to update your child's emergency contact information. If you need assistance, please contact the school office at 786-481-3032.
Fall Testing
BEST and EOC Algebra 1 for the Week of 9/10/2023
- Tuesday, September 12th: BEST Algebra 1 for Retake Students Only
- Wednesday, September 13th and 14th: FSA EOC Algebra 1 (sessions 1 and 2)
* These test sessions are for select students only.
FAST Testing for the Week of 9/18/2023:
- Tuesday, September 19th: Grades 9 and 10 Periods 4, 6, 8
- Wednesday, September 20th: Grades 9 and 10 Periods 3,5,7
- Thursday, September 21st: Grades 9 and 10 Period 2, Retakers, and *extended time
*Block Schedule Tuesday and Wednesday 9/19-9/20
FSA ELA for the Week of 9/25/2023
Wednesday, September 26th; FSA Writes for Retake Students Only
Thursday, September 27th -28th: FSA Reading (sessions 1 and 2)
* These test sessions are for select students only.
BEST Algebra 1 for the Week of 10/2/2023
Tuesday, October 3rd: BEST Algebra 1 for Summer School Students Only
Alternate Student Name Consent Form
Pursuant to Fla. Admin, Code R. 6A-1.0955: Education Records, each school district must develop provisions for parents to specify the use of any deviation from their child's legal name in school.
PowerSchool
Modified Schedule: September 5-6th
September 5, LTM schedule, periods 1, 3, 5, 7
3rd period, 10:05-11:50 (10:05-10:20, Success block in 3rd period class)
- 5A (2nd and 4th floor), 11:55-1:25; Lunch B, 1:25-1:55
Lunch A (1st and 3rd floor), 11:50-12:20; 5B, 12:25-1:55
- 2nd period, 8:30-10:15 (8:30-8:45, Success block in 2nd period class)
- 4th period, 10:20-11:50
- 6A (2nd and 4rd floor), 11:55-1:25; Lunch B, 1:25-1:55
Lunch A (1st and 3rd floor), 11:50-12:20, 6B, 12:25-1:55
- 8th period, 2:00-3:30
MySchoolBucks
Student Okta Sign-in
Student Accident & Health Insurance Plans
Advisory Board
For the 2023-2024 school year, a parent representative seat is open on our school’s Advisory Board. Any parent interested in running for this open seat may send an email to Dr. Andrea Beck at afloydbeck@aventuracharterhs.org by 3:25 pm on Friday, September 8. Those parents who have submitted their names for consideration will be listed on a ballot that will be emailed to all parents for an e-vote Wednesday, September 13. Voting will end Thursday, September 14.
Candidates will be notified of the elected representative via email. That person will be voted into their position on our Advisory Board at the next meeting scheduled to take place Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 4:30 pm. Once confirmed, the new parent representative’s name will be shared in the next Parent Newsletter. Michael Yavner, DSAHS parent, will continue to serve as the Chair of the Advisory Board. Advisory Board meetings are open to all students and parents.
Edgenuity
Student Parking 2023-2024
We have additional slots available, if you qualify and would like to apply, email Ms. Norris.
Below, please find parking eligibility criteria below:
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative unweighted GPA
- No more than 10 unexcused absences or unexcused tardies per class based on grades/attendance from the current semester (Q3 and Q4 from THIS school year). Moving forward, eligibility will be based on the previous Quarter’s information.
Questions or concerns can be directed to Ms. Norris at enorris@aventuracharterhs.org.
Creating a Parent Portal for MDPS
September Lunch Menu
Volunteer Hour Opportunity
The first homeroom class with 100% participation will win a prize!
Cafeteria Prices
Milk is going up to $ .75
Breakfast: $2.00/ $ .30 (reduced)
Lunch: $3.95 / $ .40 (reduced)
School Calendar
Contact: Ms. Nicholson (onicholson@aventuracharterhs.org)
Seniors are in peak application season! They know that now-Nov. 1 is when they should be in high gear and working on college related tasks daily. ALL Florida schools need to be submitted by October 20th with the exception of FSU, which needs to be submitted by October 9th. ALL seniors should submit a draft of their Common App essay to me by Tuesday (9/5). They should also be working on their Common Application and supplemental essays. If they did not ask you to help them fill out the Net Price Calculator for the schools on their list, please help them do that to ensure that their college list is realistic.
ALL families should complete the Free and Reduced lunch Form. We need the percentage of students who qualify on our school profile for colleges, so even if you know you will not qualify, please complete it. If you do qualify, all SAT/ACT fees, application fees, and score send fees will be waived!
There are more than 5,000 universities in the US and it is difficult to know which schools would be a great fit. Touring colleges will help students figure out what they are looking for in a university. Grand College Tours will take 60 students on two tours this year. A 1-day south FL tour to see UM, FIU, FAU, and Lynn on October 27th and a 3-day tour to see UF, FSU, UCF, Stetson, USF, U Tampa, FGCU, and Rollins from Nov 9-Nov 11. Seniors and juniors have priority, but sophomores can register on 9/8 if there are spots still available. Please view the slides and complete the interest form through this link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1DUEUKQtuuHzYOoX9IIyckSl1GyMxRop4Ve8QjMI5o9A/edit?usp=sharing
A lot of seniors last year did not have the test scores they needed to get into the universities they hoped to attend. Test scores are CRITICAL in FL admissions. Please view this guide (p.12-13) for the GPA and SAT/ACT range for the 12 FL public universities: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YmIV7M0RovaSPfgnYPTK0M1tcUyd_IZ9/view?usp=sharing
Please read the College Counseling Handbook here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YmIV7M0RovaSPfgnYPTK0M1tcUyd_IZ9/view?usp=sharing
Our UF admissions counselor will be here on 9/11 during lunch and our UM admissions counselor will be here on 9/14 during lunch. This will be the only time they visit this year so students who are interested in applying to UM or UF should attend. These counselors are the ones who will be reading all DSHS applications.
Open House: I will have a short presentation for families during open house on 9/12 and 9/13.
9th grade presentation: 4:30-5:00 pm on 9/12.
10th grade presentation: 4:30-5:00 pm on 9/13
11th grade presentation: 6:45- 7:15 pm on 9/13
12th grade presentation: 6:45-7:15 pm on 9/12
I will also be available in room 404 during the open house if you have any questions!
Apply to scholarships here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rfbYvAWNLA8TbD3VIjHu6AYjsM6Z99Wb5cKIwlkBEwI/edit?usp=sharing
Keep working on earning your volunteer hours. The Aventura Rec Center is a great place to volunteer as they have afterschool and weekend volunteer opportunities. Email onicholson@aventuracharterhs.org for more information.
Seniors:
Jack Kent Cooke: https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/college-scholarship-program/how-to-apply/
The Coca-Cola Scholarship: https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/
The Gates Scholarship: https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship
Questbridge: https://www.questbridge.org/high-school-students/national-college-match/who-should-apply
September 7th is the deadline to register for the October 7th SAT. This is the LAST test seniors will be able to take before submitting applications. Register here: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration/dates-deadlines
To join the Senior Family Remind Group Chat text @dkc722 to 81010.
10th & 11th
Juniors should be studying for the SAT/ACT daily and should aim to take the SAT on November 4th. Register here: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration/dates-deadlines
Juniors should register to take the PSAT on October 25th. In order to register, they just need to pay $20 on MySchoolBucks. This is the ONLY exam that can give them national merit recognition, which can result in thousands of dollars in scholarships. The PSAT will also give juniors a good sense of their future SAT score and what areas they might need to target before taking the SAT in the fall.
ALL 10th graders are already registered for the PSAT. They will take the PSAT during school on October 25th. Here are some resources students can use to prepare for the digital PSAT in October:
Download Bluebook at bluebook.app.collegeboard.org to practice on the digital platform
PSAT Homepage: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt
Study Resources: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt/preparing/studying-practicing
Student Guide: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/psat-nmsqt-student-guide.pdf
Please view this 11the grade slideshow with information about junior year: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1DAL9Q2n55X8WulW6j-NnO1uukykFA5x1Mnetvf6K2cU/edit?usp=sharing
Students also have the opportunity to purchase a year-long test prep program through Prepscholar for $200. Tutors often charge $60-$100 per hour and this is an adaptive program that will target areas of growth. Please view these slides for more information and to sign up: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1m2v3Tjg-hR2sP2UuvLivOcBjqx2WRciAqjj1WXTOlTY/edit?usp=sharing
Juniors (students) should have joined the Class of 2025 Remind. They need to text @ghg7kc2 to 81010 if they have not done so already. This is how I will send out reminders to the entire class.
Parents of juniors can join the family Class of 2025 Remind. To join, text @ cac4gc to 81010.
It's time to sign up for winter and spring sports (see below). Also make sure to follow the athletic team via Instagram dsahs_athletics for updates, photos and videos. All upcoming games are on Maxpreps.com or can be accessed through the athletic page of the school website.
Note: Parent sign out forms for away games must be turned into me 48 hours prior to game.
If you would like to participate in any sports, please visit our Athletics Page and fill out the required online paperwork.
Athletics Page: https://aventuracharterhs.org/athletics/
Online Paperwork: https://athleticclearance.com/
Senior Merch
Senior Photos- Class of 2024!
Sponsor: Mr. Levine
Sponsor: Ms. Sadler
Sponsor Ms. Vara
Volunteer Committees
Excellence at DSAHS is made even more excellent through the support of our school’s families and our Aventura community. Join us in our pursuit of excellence by indicating your interest in joining one of the committees below.
- 1st Annual Community Fundraising Event
- Graduation
- Homecoming
- Honor Rolls and/or Awards Ceremonies
- Prom
- Teacher/Staff Appreciation
Parents are invited to sign up for volunteer committees here. Further information will be sent to each committee individually.
For questions, please reach out to Dr. Andrea Beck at afloydbeck@aventuracharterhs.org.
Volunteer Requirement
- 1 student attending DSAHS- 20 volunteer hours
- 2 or more students attending DSAHS- 30 volunteer hours
Volunteer Opportunities
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040b4daea822ab9-donsoffer#/
PARENT TEACHER COOPERATIVE (PTC)
If you are interested in joining the PTC, please fill out the following link. This will ensure you receive important updates regarding the planning of school events and volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer Safe Schools Training
Charter Schools USA has elected to use the Safe Schools Online Training Program to train both Professional, Support Staff and Volunteers on school-related issues.
All volunteers MUST have ALL the assigned courses completed prior to any interaction with staff and students. The completed certificates must be printed and submitted to the school office you are volunteering.
Here’s how to get STARTED (please follow these instructions):
STEP 1: All VOLUNTEERS-(new and returning) must register to complete safe schools training courses please follow instructions below.
a. Enter or Click on the web address: https://csusavolunteers-fl.safeschools.com/login
b. Click on Register
c. On this page, you will need to enter your Registration Key: 3f1945c9
d. Please only use your email address to create username.
e. Fill in all required fields, including choosing your school location.
f. Click “green” Register button.
g. After completing your Registration, you will automatically be directed to the next screen.
h. You will be able to see your assigned courses on the platform.
STEP 2: Complete Training Modules
A. You should now see your classes:
- Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Prevention
- Fire Extinguisher Safety
- Sexual Harassment: Staff to Staff
- Sexual Harassment: Student Issues & Responses
- Sexual Misconduct: Staff to Student
To complete a course, click on the title then follow the prompts.
STEP 3: Certification
- To earn a certificate of completion, you must complete all sections of the course, no skipping through and pass the quiz with 80%.
- Once you complete the courses and print out the certificates of completion, please provide copies of your certificates to school administration.
- Once your School Administrator receives copies of your certificates, you will be credited 2 hours of volunteer time.
*If you have any questions about the timeline or process, contact SafeSchoolsTraining@charterschoolsusa.com
The Compass Campaign is back!
The Compass Campaign is an amazing opportunity for our families to support the school and honor your student. It consists of an actual plaque, in the shape of our compass logo, customized with your personalized message and hung on the walls of the main entry of our high school. All proceeds will be spent on student-rewards, including graduation medals, honor roll gifts, and year-end award ceremony medals. We invite you participate and be part of marking your child's legacy for years to come.
The Compass Campaign was inspired by our school’s logo. Always pointing in the right direction, a compass symbolizes guidance, recognizing that our children are headed for the future, and that DSAHS will give each of its students the tools needed as they navigate their high school years. Your child’s compass will be enhanced each year with a new directional cardinal point:
- Freshman - East
- Sophomore - South
- Junior - West
- Senior - North, as they graduate and look to the future
STEPS TO PURCHASE OR COMPLETE YOUR COMPASS:
- To add to or purchase your initial compass, please visit MySchoolBucks
- Complete the personalization of your compass using this link: https://forms.office.com/r/1Scdr5YKFh
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE and THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ALREADY HAVE PARTICIPATED! We are grateful for your contributions!
NOTE: Incoming 9th graders will be able to purchase a compass once the new school year begins and you have access to MySchoolBucks.
Club Fair- September 7th
The club fair will take place in the gym during both lunches. A Virtual Club Fair will be posted on school website soon after.