As we applaud the remarkable accomplishments of our students, we also celebrate the embodiment of Plato Academy's mission in each and every one of them!

The reenactment of the 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony commenced as each class, symbolizing a different nation, paraded onto the field with students proudly carrying the colors of their respective flags. Following this colorful display, the national anthems of the United States of America and Greece resonated throughout the school yard.

In his opening remarks, Greek language teacher George Patides, highlighted the significance of the event, where teachers and parents united to celebrate the core values of Plato Academy charter schools. Emphasizing the importance of learning the Greek language and culture, he underscored their role in fostering pride within the school community and acknowledged Greek civilization's profound contributions to democracy, philosophy, theater, mathematics, science, and the Olympic Games.

He also shared insights into the ancient Greek tradition of the lighting of the Olympic flame, illustrating its symbolic representation of the human spirit's resilience and the universal pursuit of excellence. He recounted how, in antiquity, extraordinary young women were chosen to ignite the flame, conveying a collective wish for success for athletes and humanity at large.

Subsequently, students and their teachers reenacted the traditional flame relay from the ancient site of Olympia to the venue of the games.

Concluding the ceremony, Assistant Principal Jacquline East recited the oath of the Olympic Games athletes:

"...we promise to take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules and in the spirit of fair play, inclusion, and equality. Together, we stand in solidarity, committing ourselves to sport without doping, cheating, or any form of discrimination. We do this in honor of our teams, in respect for the Fundamental Principles of Olympism, and to contribute to making the world a better place through sport."

(The tradition of the Olympic oath, introduced by Victor Boin at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp, remains a standard part of the Opening Ceremony, with an athlete from the host country pledging on behalf of all participants. This tradition echoes the vows made by ancient Olympic athletes.)

Plato Academy Trinity transported its community back in time with a stunning reenactment of the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, echoing the spirit of unity and competition that defines this event that has its roots in ancient Greece.

Students from every class stepped forward, representing different countries much like the original Olympic procession. Each class proudly waved flags, representing their chosen nations and infusing the atmosphere with vibrant colors and national pride. The National Anthems of the United States of America and Greece were sang by all students (just as they do every morning before the lessons begin).

Students then took center stage, immersing themselves in Greek culture through songs and dance. It was a celebration of sports and tradition, showcasing the rich heritage of Greek culture. Closing out the memorable event, the Plato Academy Trinity cheerleader team gave an impressive performance. Plato Academy Trinity students and staff honored the legacy of the Olympic Games and also celebrated the diversity and unity that defines their own school community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jump for Kids FL and Jeff Pope for their generous donation of 40 soccer balls to the students across our nine Plato Academy schools. Thank you for your generosity and support!

https://www.facebook.com/Jumpforkidsfl

CONGRATULATIONS to 8th grader Cristian A. This past weekend he competed in the Florida Civics and Debate State Championship and he took home the TOP PRIZE for his rendition of Patrick Henry’s famous speech, “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death.” We are proud of our STATE CHAMPION!!

On April 25th, Plato Academy Tampa students stole the spotlight as they impressed the audience with their enthusiasm and love of Greek traditional dances, featuring captivating performances of zeibekiko and syrtaki.

Adding to the event's charm, Ms. Vincini's and Ms. Smith's 5th-grade class took the stage, showcasing their talents in two compelling theatrical productions. Penned by their Greek teacher, Ms. Arianoutsou, these thought-provoking plays were inspired by the timeless themes of Virtues and Wisdom, echoing the philosophical discussions beloved by ancient Greeks.

At the end of the performances viewers were left not only entertained but also enriched by the invaluable life lessons embedded within these performances.

Greek teachers Tina Boulias, Maria Arianoutsou, and Sofia Stathoulia with Plato Academy Tampa Principal Heather Jenkins.

Click on the images below to watch the theatrical plays.

Round one of the competition for Elementary is completed with the “Bookworms” team from Plato Tampa getting the first place, Tarpon Springs’ team “The Dominators” the second, and Pinellas Park “Rizzy Readers” the third place!

The second round of Battle of the Books, this time for middle school students ended with “Cosmic Brownies” team from Plato Palm Harbor winning the first place, Plato Trinity’s “Team Imagine” getting the second place and Tarpon Springs’ “Reading Raptors” the third. It was a phenomenal display of friendly competition, and teamwork.

Congratulations to all students.

On April 23rd, 2024, the 6th-grade students from Plato Academy Tampa along with their Greek teacher Sofia Stathoulias, had a blast exploring Tarpon Springs, a local community where Greek culture is evident in every corner. They got to hop on a boat and learn all about the town's history, especially its famous sponge industry. One lucky student even got to try on a sponge diver's suit! After the cruise, they enjoyed some tasty Greek food and did some shopping. Plus, they practiced speaking a bit of Greek with the locals, saying things like "Καλημέρα" (Good morning) and "Ευχαριστώ" (Thank you). It was an awesome day of fun and learning!

Character education is a program aimed at cultivating positive character qualities in students. The primary objective is to establish a school culture that is immersed in attributes like respect, responsibility, honesty, and self-motivation. This emphasis on character traits is intended to enhance student achievement and create a secure learning environment.

In the Commitment to Character program, a fixed curriculum is not used. Instead, a range of strategies is offered to be seamlessly integrated into the regular curriculum. This approach is marked by a deliberate and conscious emphasis on character education. The program employs various methods including a shared vocabulary (common language such as using the same character traits), seizing spontaneous teaching moments (teachable moments), engaging in community service activities (service learning), and setting examples through behavior (modeling). These strategies are applied across all subjects, ensuring that character education is woven into every facet of the curriculum.

Our Kindness Squad took their kindness to Sim's Park last week. The Kindness Squad teamed up with local dog rescue, Dog Gone Home Rescue, to walk one of their adoptable dogs, Jackson who is currently being fostered, awaiting his forever family.

Squad members got to walk Jackson through the park and give him lots of hugs, cuddles and rubs.

What an electrifying showdown at the April 1st All Star Ball Hockey Game! Big shoutout to all the players who brought their A-game and gave it their all. Thank you to the coaches from Clearwater, Palm Harbor, and St. Pete for coaching and inspiring their teams and and to all the supportive parents cheering from the sidelines!

Hello Principal West!

Before the summer, I wanted to take the time to say thank you and to brag on Coach Martinez and Coach Harris once more for going above and beyond supporting your students this year! Below are some amazing Kids Heart Challenge stats for Plato Academy St. Petersburg this year. As always, we are so grateful your school keeps heart health a priority and actively participates in our mission to build longer, healthier lives! We can’t wait to reach 1 million families in Florida next year!

· Number of students that participated in the Heart Challenge: 222

· Number of students that learned Hands-Only CPR: 31

· Number of students that learned the Warning Signs of a Stoke: 26

· Total # of Finn’s Mission Completed: 13

We thank you for your courage and compassion and, on days like these, we are reminded of the amazing work you do every day to ensure the health and safety of your communities. Thank you!

We're truly fortunate to have such amazing class parents!

Recently, one of Mrs. Denor's classroom parents (Plato St. Petersburg) went above and beyond, surprising both her and the entire class with a heartwarming random act of kindness. She shared a touching video message along with a delicious treat of pizza and juice. Click on the photo below to listen to the message.

In a bid to commemorate Earth Day, our 5th Grade teacher Ms. Harrison, has ignited enthusiasm among her students with an engaging project that transcends traditional classroom boundaries.

Inspiration struck Ms. Harrison during her attendance at the Treasure Island City Hall event alongside the Coastal Crusaders on the weekend before Earth Day (April 22). There, she had the privilege of meeting a passionate advocate for native Florida plants and bees. Armed with a plethora of brochures and educational materials, Ms. Harrison seized the opportunity to craft an Earth Day project brimming with educational potential.

Students were set to get on a multi-faceted journey, drawing upon resources such as the Honey Bee Research Center website

https://hbrc.ca/stages-of-bee-growth/

and a variety of printed materials. The project encompasses various subject areas, promising a holistic learning experience for all involved.

Highlights of the project include:

- Garden Design: Each student was assigned a "plot of land" (letter-size paper) and challenged to design their own garden. This exercise not only fosters creativity but also integrates mathematical concepts as students measure distances between plants.

- Native Plant Exploration: Through reading and research, students entered the world of native Florida plants. They articulated their rationale for plant selection, outlined care requirements, and envisioned the future of their gardens.

- Bee Life Cycle Investigation: Learning more about the science of beekeeping, students explored the intricate life cycle of bees. Created detailed diagrams, illustrated the stages of a bee's life and developed timelines for each phase.

- Reflective Writing: Writing skills were sharpened as students selected a section of the website to summarize. From the history of beekeeping to the nuances of bee habitats and food sources, students will craft insightful summaries graded for comprehension and expression.

This Earth Day project beecame an enlightening and enriching experience, offering students a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and the vital role played by bees within ecosystems.

🌱🌿 Our vegetable gardens also serving as living classrooms where students learn, explore, and cultivate a love for nature, 🌿📚 are thriving. From tomatoes, to cabbages, and broccoli, our students witness the magic of seed to sprout!

🌿🌼🌱

Special thanks to commander Shay Williams for being our host during this visit and the exceptional and friendly crews that answered all our questions.

Recent reports have highlighted an emerging scam targeting our community, wherein individuals impersonate law enforcement officers, influencers, and other authority figures to exploit students. These scammers aim to manipulate students into revealing their passwords and login details, subsequently leveraging this information for intimidation and, in some cases, coercing students into sharing inappropriate images.

This alarming development underscores the critical need to educate our children about the importance of maintaining online privacy and security. We strongly encourage you to engage in open discussions with your child regarding the risks associated with sharing personal information online.

Here are some key recommendations:

1. Educate Your Child: Take the time to discuss with your children the significance of safeguarding login information and the potential consequences of sharing it.

2. Monitor Online Activities: Stay vigilant about your children's online interactions and the platforms they frequent.

3. Foster Open Communication: Create an environment where your child feels comfortable sharing any concerns or suspicious encounters they may have online.

4. Report Suspicious Activity: If you or your child encounter any suspicious behavior, please refrain from engaging and promptly report it to the Sheriff's Office by dialing 911. Immediate reporting is crucial in preventing further incidents and safeguarding our community.

We understand that navigating online safety can be daunting, but by working together, we can establish a safer digital environment for our children.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and your ongoing support in fostering a secure and nurturing environment for our students.

...and the link to our careers page: https://platoacademy.net/careers/

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As part of our ongoing commitment to provide the best resources and curriculum for your child's educational environment, we are requiring an annual Technology Fee.

In today's digital age, technology plays an integral role in education, enabling your child to explore, create, and learn in innovative ways. To ensure that this learning experience remains uninterrupted, we are implementing a nominal fee of $25 per student to cover potential damages to the school-issued laptops. This fee will be used exclusively for repairing or replacing damaged hardware, guaranteeing that your child's education continues seamlessly.

This fee ensures seamless replacement of damaged laptops to our students when devices need repair from wear and tear (keys falling off or mousepad not working) or accidental damage (closing screen on pencils, dropping) to the device. Until now, parents were asked to cover the costs of these damages as they occurred.

Parents who do not submit their Technology Fee will be responsible for covering the potentially much higher costs of hardware repair replacement in the event of damage. We strongly recommend opting for this coverage to avoid any undue financial strain in case of accidental damage to the laptop.

To enroll in the program, please fill out the following payment form and submit the $25 (non refundable) for the current school year. Your proactive participation will contribute to a worry-free and productive learning experience for your child.

We appreciate your continued support in creating a nurturing educational environment for our students. Should you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to reach out to your campus administration.

Thank you for entrusting Plato Academy Schools with your child's education.

Price: $25.00

Typical device damage costs:

Click the links below, find your school & leave a review on any of the platforms below then send your rating to your principal to receive a volunteer hour!

Mr. Ethan Ghozali, a Plato Alumni and experienced tutor at Legacy Tutoring will be long-term subbing in the class with the very close support of Mrs. Keller. Together they will be working through the transition and ensuring all of the standards are taught to mastery before the end of the year. They have great plans for project based learning and EOC review!

Please see the introduction from Mr. Ghozali:

Greetings!

My name is Mr. Ghozali and I am pleased to announce that I will be the new long-term substitute for 7th grade Civics and 8th grade World History at Plato Academy Clearwater!

I am especially excited to rejoin the Plato family since I was a student at the Clearwater campus myself between 1st and 8th grade! Plato Academy helped shape me into the person I am today and I’m looking forward to working with our staff, parents, and students through the rest of this school year.

A little about myself: I’m from Palm Harbor and I graduated from the University of Florida honors program with bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Economics. I have 3 years of teaching experience as a professional tutor and logged over 100 hours as a teaching assistant in the UF economics department. I previously worked as a substitute teacher for 7th and 8th grade history at Plato Academy Tarpon. In the fall I plan to attend the University of Florida Levin College of Law.

Sincerely,

Ethan Ghozali

This is an anonymous form (unless you choose to leave your information) for anyone: staff, parents, guardians, or students to share any suggestions, concerns, ideas, or comments on how you think any aspect of our schools could be improved with the Plato Academy Home Office. This will always be available to you and will be reviewed regularly.

If you have a safety-related concern, you may also use the School Safety Survey.

Thank you for your support and dedication to helping Plato Academy get even better!

"...Hermes is the namesake of Hermes the Trismegistus, as the ancient Greeks called the Egyptian god Thoth, who was the inspirer of the arts and sciences, but also a writer.

Until about five years ago, he too lived among an anonymous crowd. But by a quirk of fate, or a fateful choice, or a fateful end because of by fate or fateful coincidence, he suddenly found himself in the disputed mythical world and he took up the duties of a steward in Aeolia and specifically in the palace of Zephyros who is the west wind and mediator between Hades and humans........"

Order the book and read the rest of the story.

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E. Anastasopoulos Family

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