PrepTalk
Head's Letter
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Sandia Prep Traditions
An important part of what makes every school unique is the traditions that help to define community celebrations. Prep has many of these.Read More >>Dear Parents,
An important part of what makes every school unique is the traditions that help to define community celebrations. Prep has many of these, from Lion and Unicorn Day to Prom, but no time of year has more traditions than the last four weeks of school. I started thinking about this last week, as I watched our senior class complete the “countdown” on their final day on our campus.
The “countdown” concluded a festive day, which included everything from basketball on a makeshift court on the plaza outside of the library to jousting on the Quad with foam swords. The day is lighthearted and fun, but it marks a serious moment – the completion of the seniors’ high school classes. This year, we were joined by a large number of senior parents, making the day a true community celebration.
The next day, the rest of the student body participated in our “moving up ceremony” during Assembly, as each grade moved to a new location on the bleachers (6th graders to the 7th graders spots, 7th graders to the 8th graders spots, etc.). It’s exciting for the 8th graders to march across the Field House as they move to the upper school side, and, this year, the juniors ended the event with a special musical entrance as they asserted their roles as the new student leaders of our school.
The coming weeks are filled with other traditions. Next week, I’ll join the other 6th grade advisors as we travel to the Great Sand Dunes National Monument and introduce our 6th graders to our Outdoor Leadership Program (OLP). This trip is a particularly wonderful experience, not only because of the natural beauty of the area but also because of the friendships that form between the upper school Camping Associates (CAs) and our youngest students. This is yet another unique aspect of our school.
For me, Yearbook Day (which takes place on May 20) is bittersweet. We begin by inducting the Class of 2013 into the Alumni Association, and we continue with the exciting presentations by the seniors regarding their Senior Experience projects. The Awards Assembly allows us to celebrate the academic achievements of our students. Finally, the Yearbook staff presents their retrospective video and hardcopy yearbooks to each student, faculty and staff member. We have a chance to reflect on the year that is ending and to say goodbye to our middle school students for the summer.
No celebration at Sandia Prep is more special than graduation, however. Our approach to commencement honors the individuality of each student, and their personal remarks are read as they receive their diploma. In all that we do, we recognize the uniqueness of each student, and, as we send each senior off to college, we remind ourselves that each is special in his or her own way.
Enjoy the final weeks of school.
Warmest regards,
B. Steven Albert
Head of School
School News
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Supply Store Open During Last Week of School
On Yearbook Day, Monday, May 20, the Supply Store will have table-sales of pens and related items outside in the Quad for students signing each other's yearbooks.Read More >>
The Supply Store will then be open during Finals week, Tuesday, May 21, through Friday, May 24, from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. each day.On Yearbook Day, Monday, May 20, the Supply Store will have table-sales of pens and related items outside in the Quad for students signing each other's yearbooks.
The Supply Store will then be open during Finals week, Tuesday, May 21, through Friday, May 24, from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. each day. -
Graduation Reception
The Parents Association will host the 2013 Graduation Reception on Saturday, May 25, in Sundevil Plaza following the graduation ceremony.Read More >>The Parents Association will host the 2013 Graduation Reception on Saturday, May 25, at approximately 12:00 p.m., following the conclusion of the 10:00 a.m. graduation ceremony. The reception will be held in Sundevil Plaza, under the shade sails outside the Russell Student Center. Join us!
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Alumni Induction Breakfast: Monday, May 20
Seniors: Please join us for our annual Alumni Induction Breakfast on Monday, May 20, 2013 at 7:25 a.m. in the Russell Student Center.Read More >>Dear Seniors,
Please join us for our annual Alumni Induction Breakfast on Monday, May 20, 2013 at 7:25 a.m. in the Russell Student Center.
The Sandia Prep Alumni Association will have a catered breakfast and all attending seniors will receive a special gift.
We’re asking each Senior to bring a $5 donation to the breakfast. Your entry “fee” will be your first gift to Sandia Prep’s Annual Fund and will purchase a card for our Grads Showing Gratitude program.
Questions? Please email alumni@sandiaprep.org. -
New SGA Officers
New Student Government Association officers were sworn in on Friday, April 5.Read More >>New Student Government Association officers were sworn in on Friday, April 5:
President Matthew Stanasolovich '14
Vice President Abigail Near-Oriola '14
Treasurer Bryan Morreale '14
Secretary Audrey Allen '14
Congratulations to our newly elected SGA officers! -
Film History for Parents & Alumni
Ron Briley will again offer his renowned film history course for parents and alumni this summer. During the six-week session, participants will gather on Tuesday evenings in the McCall Family Theater from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. to screen and discuss the various films of director Alfred Hitchcock.Read More >>History teacher Ron Briley will again offer his renowned film history course for parents and alumni this summer. During the six-week session, participants will gather on Tuesday evenings in the McCall Family Theater from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. to screen and discuss the various films of director Alfred Hitchcock.
This summer's class will focus on the films of director Alfred Hitchcock. Among the films to be screened are Rope (1948), Rear Window (1954), Vertigo (1958), North by Northwest (1959), Psycho (1960), and The Birds (1963). To reserve a spot please contact Ron Briley at rbriley@sandiaprep.org or 338-3019. Please make checks payable to Sandia Prep School.
Dates: 6/4/13 – 7/9/13, Tuesday nights at 6:30 in the Sandia Prep Theater
Fee: $20 for entire program
For information, contact Ron Briley: rbriley@sandiaprep.org -
2013 Alumni Weekend
Read More >>Attention all Sandia Prep alumni: Mark your calendars and join us on July 13 for 2013 Alumni Weekend.
Get all the details at: http://www.sandiaprep.org/alumni/thomas-ebel-alumni-soccer-games/index.aspx2013 Alumni Weekend: Saturday, July 13, 2013
Alumni Family Picnic / Thomas Ebel Alumni Soccer Games / Happy Hour / Children’s Soccer Clinic
Click here for full details about Alumni Weekend.
Have questions? Want to pass along your alum’s contact info? Please email your Alumni Affairs Office at alumni@sandiaprep.org. -
Please Check Lost & Found
Please remember to check Lost and Found this month – before the end of the school year.Read More >>Please remember to check Lost and Found this month – before the end of the school year. Unclaimed clothing will be taken to local charities at the end of the semester. Lost and Found is located in the West Gym, outside Leonard Garcia’s office. Check with Mr. Garcia for more valuable items, such as cell phones and jewelry, which are held until the end of the school year.
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Annual Fund: We can. Because of You.
Thank you, Sandia Prep parents, for your tremendous support of this year’s Annual Fund. Because of you, we have achieved 92% of our $635,000 goal…so close!Read More >>Thank you, Sandia Prep parents, for your tremendous support of this year’s Annual Fund. Because of you, we have achieved 92% of our $635,000 goal…so close!
Graduation? Make a gift to the Graduation Endowment (click here) in honor of your graduating student.
Favorite teacher? Give in honor of your student’s favorite teacher. (click here)
Special interest? Designate your gift for a class, an activity or a program that is meaningful to you and/or your student (Outdoor Leadership Program, science department, financial aid, sports program, etc. – click here).
The class with the highest level of participation will receive a pizza party on Friday, May 17 to celebrate! Currently, the Class of 2019 is leading with 61% parent participation, but the Classes of 2014 and 2017 are close behind with 58% and 56% respectively. If you haven't made your Annual Fund gift, please do so today.
Thank you, again, to the entire Sandia Prep community!
Sincerely,
Julie Ferguson (Scott McRae ‘17)
Parent Annual Fund Chair
P.S. As a reminder, if you pledged a contribution to the Annual Fund we would appreciate receiving your payment (www.sandiaprep.org/giving/makeagift.aspx ) by July 1.
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SPS Junior Accepted to Iowa Young Writers' Studio
Sandia Prep junior Elena Saavedra Buckley '14 was one of 132 young people accepted to the prestigious Iowa Young Writers' Studio. More than 500 applications were received for this year's program.Read More >>Sandia Prep junior Elena Saavedra Buckley '14 was one of 132 young people accepted to the prestigious Iowa Young Writers' Studio. More than 500 applications were received for this year's program.
At the Iowa Young Writers' Studio, 120 young writers from across the country come together every summer to share their work, practice craft, and improve their writing. Students choose a single course of study as their focus for the duration of the Studio.
"The program is structured and rigorous. I'm excited to have this opportunity. I am hoping to pursue the Poetry track," says Saavedra Buckley.
Students in the program build a community of peers while working with experienced writing teachers, primarily students and graduates of the University's renowned M.F.A. program in creative writing. -
SPS 8th Graders Win First Place in Film Festival
Alexander (Xan) Smith and Owen Holmes took first place in the Middle School Drama/Comedy category of the Desert Light Film Festival for their short film entitled, "Chrononaut."Read More >>Alexander (Xan) Smith and Owen Holmes took first place in the Middle School Drama/Comedy category of the Desert Light Film Festival for their short film entitled, "Chrononaut." The Desert Light Film Festival is held annually in Alamogordo, NM and is open to all NM mid and high school filmmakers.
Xan and Owen won $100 for their first place finish.
Their video can be viewed at www.sandiaprepfreestyle.org or www.schooltube.com. -
Summer 2014: Travel to Turkey, Greece and Rome
Experience Istanbul, Turkey’s largest and most fascinating city; visit the historical cities of Troy and Pergamon; take a cruise to the islands of Crete and Santorini; and explore Athens and Rome. This exciting 14-day trip trip will be offered to SPS upper school students and parents alike. The trip is set for June 2014 with an all-inclusive price of $4,565. Led by Sandia Prep history teachers Tina Gibson and Paul Ryder, this historical tour is poised to be the experience of a lifetime.Read More >>Experience Istanbul, Turkey’s largest and most fascinating city; visit the historical cities of Troy and Pergamon; take a cruise to the islands of Crete and Santorini; and explore Athens and Rome. This exciting 14-day trip trip will be offered to SPS upper school students and parents alike. The trip is set for June 2014 with an all-inclusive price of $4,565. Led by Sandia Prep history teachers Tina Gibson and Paul Ryder, this historical tour is poised to be the experience of a lifetime.
For information, contact Tina Gibson at tgibson@sandiaprep.org or Paul Ryder at pryder@sandiaprep.org. -
SPS Teacher Chosen for Prestigious Klingenstein Institute
SPS science teacher Joelle (Jones) Shaw ’03 has been chosen as a participant in Columbia University’s Klingenstein Institute 2013 summer program. Dedicated to affirming beginning teachers and encouraging their continued growth, the Klingenstein Summer Institute gathers 75 teachers from around the world for an exploration of teaching styles, educational philosophies, educational issues and personal development.Read More >>SPS science teacher Joelle (Jones) Shaw ’03 has been chosen as a participant in Columbia University’s Klingenstein Institute 2013 summer program. Dedicated to affirming beginning teachers and encouraging their continued growth, the Klingenstein Summer Institute gathers 75 teachers from around the world for an exploration of teaching styles, educational philosophies, educational issues and personal development. Meeting for two weeks in late June, the Institute challenges these participants to embrace the complexities of the classroom and to explore the art of teaching and the delicate balance of subject mastery, judgment, intuition and creativity.
Joelle teaches two sections of 6th grade introductory lab science and three 7th grade life science classes. She is also a member of Sandia Prep’s Outdoor Leadership Program faculty; each year, Joelle spends approximately 26 days and nights on backpacking, kayaking, caving and leadership training trips with SPS students. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts from the University of New Mexico.
Of note is the fact that Joelle is the second Sandia Prep teacher in two consecutive years to be chosen for this prestigious honor. Fellow Sandia Prep alum and SPS teacher and coach, Stevie Olson ’05, was a Klingenstein Institute 2012 participant.
Teachers with two to five years of full-time head teaching experience are eligible to apply to receive the two-week fully funded Klingenstein fellowship. Participants are chosen each year from a competitive pool of applicants, with consideration for a candidate's teaching promise, ability to work collaboratively and leadership potential. This intensive program is especially designed to make teachers more effective leaders in the classroom and throughout the school. Participants come together in a variety of workshops, seminars, and collaborative exercises, and are guided by prominent education experts, talented Teachers College professors, and master teachers.
Her colleagues in the Science Department and the OLP thank Joelle for all of her hard work. We congratulate her on this opportunity!
Parent News
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An Update from Your Parents Association President
The weather is getting warmer, the flowers are blooming, and summer plans are beginning to come together. We are almost at the end of the 2012/2013 school year — and a memorable one it has been.Read More >>Dear Sandia Prep Parents,
The weather is getting warmer, the flowers are blooming, and summer plans are beginning to come together. We are almost at the end of the 2012/2013 school year — and a memorable one it has been.
In April we had two events that could not have been as successful without our wonderful parent volunteers: Passport to the Future for newly admitted middle school students, and the 8th Grade Dinner Dance. Thank you to our chairs and all the volunteers who participated.
This month, on May 25, we have Graduation for the Class of 2013, an event that celebrates the culmination of our seniors’ high school years and the beginning of their future as they enter college. Graduation is a big undertaking and our chairs and volunteers do an incredible job hosting the reception year after year. Thank you!!
Our last Parents Association meeting for the current school year will be held on Tuesday, May 14 at 5:00 p.m. in the Heath Board Room. Please join us and, if you are not yet involved, I hope you will consider becoming involved in the Sandia Prep Parents Association. It is a great way to meet other parents and help make Sandia Prep the special place it is to our children.
Regards,
Traci Cadigan
SPSPA President 2012/2013
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News From Your Sundevil Athletics Organization
Kudos to our Sandia Prep Teams!Read More >>Kudos to our Sandia Prep Teams!
Dance Team - Placed 3rd in State
Boys Basketball - Placed 3rd in Tournament
Girls Basketball - Played in the Tournament for the 1st time in 6 years
Softball - Placed 2nd in Tournament
The Softball Field Improvements are almost complete. Trees are still to come!
Apparel will be available online next year! We are looking forward to having our new spirit wear to show our support for our school.
The Sundevil Athletic Organization reinvests thousands of dollars in Sundevil Athletics every year. We encourage you to check out sandiaprep.org where this information and more can be found. Click on Athletics and then Sundevil Athletics Organization.
Please contact any SAO officer if you are interested in helping with the SAO. We appreciate your commitment to Sundevil Athletics and look forward to working with you.Erica Stell, SAO President
Jessica Pupiales, SAO Treasurer
Kathleen Lucero, SAO Concessions Chair
Jenny Williams, SAO Apparel Chair
Heather Summers, SAO Secretary/Marketing Chair -
Parents of Seniors: Last Parent Planning Meeting for Senior Week
All parents interested in helping to finalize plans for the upcoming parent-sponsored Senior Week activities are invited to attend our last planning meeting on Tuesday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m. in the Commons.Read More >>All parents interested in helping to finalize plans for the upcoming parent-sponsored Senior Week activities are invited to attend our last planning meeting on Tuesday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m. in the Commons. We will discuss all of the scheduled activities and projects. All parents of graduating seniors are invited to attend.
If you are interested in volunteering for a particular activity, let us know at the meeting or contact Laurie Hall at halllk@hotmail.com or 980-0275.
If you have any Class of 2013 photos from this semester, please make arrangements to get them to Kenneth Hall at khall64@comcast.net or 980-3137.
If you have not made a contribution toward Senior Week activities, please send your contribution to Viji Pillai at PO Box 66720, Albuquerque NM, 87193-6720.
We look forward to seeing you at the meeting! -
Let's Feed Our Faculty - and Say Thanks!
Help us celebrate our faculty and staff!Read More >>Help us celebrate our fantastic faculty and staff! Faculty Appreciation Luncheon May 13, 2013 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. If you would like to help with the luncheon, please contact Kathleen Atkin, kathleenatkin@msn.com. We also need desserts. If you would like to bring a dessert, please leave it in the Faculty Lounge by 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 13. Thank you for your help!
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Time To Schedule Your Student's Physical
Schedule your child's physical exam now. All medical forms for next school year are due by July 15.Read More >>- Medical information for all students should be submitted online at swol123.net by July 15, 2013.
- The Medical Evaluation should be submitted by hard copy to Cathy Martinez by July 15, 2013.
- Questions? Contact Cathy Martinez at cmartinez@sandiaprep.org.
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Used Book Sale Aug. 2 & 3: Call For Volunteers
The Used Book Sale, which will be held on August 2 and 3 this year, is a service provided by the Sandia Prep School Parents Association (SPSPA) to benefit the entire Sandia Prep Community. The 2013 Used Book Sale is in need of volunteers.Read More >>The Used Book Sale, which will be held on August 2 and 3 this year, is a volunteer service provided by the Sandia Prep School Parents Association (SPSPA) to benefit the entire Sandia Prep Community. It is a great way to recycle your books, earn back some money, and save on the cost of buying your books new. All the money raised goes directly back to you, the books' consigner (unless you have asked that they be donated to the SPSPA).
The 2013 Used Book Sale is in need of volunteers for the days of August 2 and 3. Sale hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on both days. Preference will be given to volunteers who can work on both days. Our beloved Co-Chair Colette Martinez will be leaving after this year, and so we are especially looking for someone who will shadow her and become the next Co-Chair of the sale (for 2014). Please email either Ellen Santistevan, at esantistevan@earthlink.net, or Colette at colettenmartinez@hotmail.com with your information: name, phone number, and email, as well as the days you can work. Ellen will be contacting you over the summer.
This year we are introducing a new payment option for consigners, which is to have the book money deposited directly into your student’s Supply Store account. We are hoping that this will save both time and postage, as the money will available for immediate usage in the Supply Store -- no more waiting for that check in the mail!
We look forward to seeing you all at the sale. Thank you all for participating. We couldn't do it without you!
Ellen Santistevan and Colette Martinez,
Co-Chairs,
2013 Used Book Sale -
Teacher and Staff Appreciation Snack Program
Still Needed: A faculty snack delivered ONE day, during the week of May 20.Read More >>Louis and Ifeoma Achusim, Monica Onefeather, Mona Quraishi, The Robinson and Holden-Rhodes Families, The Spratte Family, and Ian and Glen Moore delivered scrumptious snacks for our FANTASTIC faculty and staff for the weeks of March and April. Mouth-watering thanks go out to you all and all the families who have generously and faithfully provided nourishment for our teachers and staff members each week of this school year!
Still Needed: A faculty snack delivered ONE day during the week of May 20. Please contact Kate Brown at abelylekate@swcp.com or 898-6667 if you'd like to sign up for one of these dates and/or NEXT school year. Thank you! -
Parents Association Volunteers Appreciation Event
All parents are invited to the SPS Parents Association event to thank the Volunteers who have volunteered at school this year. The reception will be held May 14, 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in the Dick Heath Board Room and mezzanine of the Russell Student Center.Read More >>All parents are invited to the SPS Parents Association event to thank the Volunteers who have volunteered at school this year. The reception will be held May 14, 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in the Dick Heath Board Room and mezzanine of the Russell Student Center.
A special recognition will be made of the parents who have served on the SPSPA board as officers or committee chairs, and whose last child will be leaving Sandia Prep this year.
Those parent volunteers are: Kate Brown, Pam Dorner, Ellen Goldstein, Laurie Hall, Carolyn Swift, Martye Womble, Theresa Houser, Andrea Levy, and Tom Billson. -
8th Grade Students Celebrate, Danced & Dined “With the Stars”
Members of Sandia Prep’s 8th Grade class celebrated on April 27 with the traditional 8th Grade Dinner Dance and Celebration, “Dancing with the Stars”.Read More >>Members of Sandia Prep’s 8th Grade class celebrated on April 27 with the traditional 8th Grade Dinner Dance and Celebration, “Dancing with the Stars”. The event is a wonderful way to honor the 8th graders. It marks the end of their middle school journey and the beginning of their Sandia Prep high school adventure. The evening was a success because of the generous donations and parent volunteers. Thank you!
Liz Trainor
Kathleen Atkin (special thank you to Il Vicino for donating the delicious dinner!)
Lynn Burress
Lisa Mitchell
Heidi Rogers
Nadine Miner
Dana Dennis
Shannon Rogers
Julie Coyte
Theresa Castelmain
Tina Valentine
Celia Klaus
Teresa Heard
Teresa Rael
Becca Holmes
Netra Fitzgerald
Joanne Fuller
Yvonne Wood
We apologize if we left anyone off the list; we really do appreciate everyone’s help!
Thanks to the 8th grade advisors for all of their support and time! Thanks to Dr. Ortiz at Rio Grande Dermatology and April Marker with Cambro Construction, Inc. for sponsoring the photo booths- the kids had a blast!
And a special thank-you to Karen Schoepke for coordinating our “Parent Activity”…if you haven’t heard about it, ask the 8th graders!Michelle Vick & Julie Ferguson
Co-Chairs
