NOTAM 043012

AVIATION HIGH SCHOOL
30 April 2012

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK:

Monday:
Another excellent day of learning

Tuesday:
Aviation PTSA Ultimate Frisbee Team Practice 3:40 – 5:30 PM on Campus

Wednesday: Senior Class Photo during Advisory
Spring Youth Venture after school in room 6
Film Club after school in Mr. Savishinsky’s room
Aviation PTSA Ultimate Frisbee Team Practice 3:40 – 5:30 PM on Campus

Thursday: Aviation Careers Field Trip – SeaTac Airport
Phoenix Flyer Lunch room 21- sees new announcements for details
Culture Club in Room 24 3:45 – 4:45
Aviation PTSA Ultimate Frisbee Team Practice 3:40 – 5:30 PM on Campus

Friday: Highline Community College Engineering Program Field Trip
Murder Mystery Dinner and dessert dash 5:30-9:15PM
Dismissal at 2:00 PM; Staff Professional Development 2:15-3:45 PM


PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE:
Our new school at the Museum of Flight is going to be grand! I was in the neighborhood this past weekend so had an opportunity to view the progress, which is spectacular. The curved roof is just the coolest design feature ever and blends so well with the Museum’s architecture. I’m eager to don a hard hat and walk through the building when given permission (probably in June), and I’m even more eager to see it all completed and ready for occupancy in August 2013. When the Museum completes its Westside campus (several years in the future) with expansion of the AirPark to include a 787 Dreamliner and other artifacts not currently displayed, and Raisbeck Aviation HS is book-ended to the south by the amazing Simonyi Space Gallery and surrounded by a space dedicated to sharing the Boeing story, a new theater and archives and possibly even a classy restaurant, it will be an historical day of celebration in Seattle. I am so very proud to be joined with the Museum of Flight and all the fine people associated with it who believe that together we can truly inspire each generation to dream, discover, soar…to believe that the sky is really NOT the limit…and to know that they are the hope for keeping our country safe and strong in a very competitive global market.

Speaking of competitive…Another thing I did this past weekend was stay tuned to the FIRST Robotics World Championships in St. Louis, MO where our Skunks were competing for top awards alongside hundreds of other teams from across the globe. AHS alum Navid Shafa kept me informed for the three days of competition, so I asked him to be a guest writer for this edition of the NOTAM, summarizing the amazing journey of our beloved Skunks: The 400 teams who qualify for World Champs are split up into 4 different fields: Archimedes, Curie, Galileo and Newton. We were on Newton where we were competing with 100 teams on that field. Each field or division is essentially a regional of its own. All four divisions play a total of 150 qualification matches simultaneously and entirely separately. Qualification matches start Thursday and finish Saturday morning. At that point, each division's top 8 teams pick their alliance partners and play to win their division. After each division finishes eliminations, one alliance (of three robots), goes on to compete on the final field "Einstein" to be crowned the World Champions of 2012.

The Skunks went undefeated on Thursday and continued through to lunch on Friday, at which point we were ranked 3rd overall. We had a few tough matches where we knew our chances of winning were slim, but regardless of those defeats we had a great finish. We were clearly a strong robot and we were asked to join an alliance. We won with our alliance in the quarterfinals and broke our personal high-score at 103 points in a match. We played the best we ever have in the final match of the Semis. We did the majority of the scoring and managed a triple balance, losing 121-94. What a way to go!

To put things in perspective, the furthest we have ever been at World Champs before is the Quarter-Finals (once in 2008 and again last year). No matter how strong of a robot you have, or how well you play, there is always a lot of luck riding on every match. All that we can do is build a strong robot and play with it to the best of our ability, and that's what they did this weekend. They continued to build on our team's past successes and have upheld our legacy as a premier team. I am proud to call myself a Skunk Alumn. Congratulations on another great season Skunkworks!"

Well stated, Navid! Congratulations to our entire Skunkworks family—team members, Coaches Steele and Wilson, parents, mentors and sponsors! We salute you!
More good news includes:
• Jenny Gao has been selected by the Washington State Legislature as a Washington Scholar for Legislative District #33. Congratulations, Jenny, on earning this prestigious recognition and on your recent decision to attend Harvard University this fall!
• Rahmo Ali, an AHS junior has been selected to receive one of only 26 Emerging Leader Scholarships sponsored by PEMCO Financial Services and the School Employees Credit Union of Washington. The scholarship covers tuition for Rahmo to attend the Washington State Summer Leadership Camp this summer at either Cispus or Chewelah Peak Learning Center. This program is known as being the premier leadership training program in our state. Hearty congratulations, Rahmo!
• The National Merit Scholarship Program has just announced the names of juniors who took the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and met requirements to enter the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program. Our AHS scholars are Alex Cail, Christopher Lu, Reilly Mulligan, Morgen Sellier, Kyra Sutherland, and Dustin Werran. Super congratulations to all!
• Students selected to visit Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University June 17-19 are Cynthia Tran, Anthony Ayson, Noah Palmer, Deaundre Cola, Christopher Gregg, Barrett Estep, Austin Coleman, Cassidy Rourke, Jordan Gardner, and Kirsten Noble. Their expressed interests in ERAU’s programs led to their selection. This is an all-expense paid trip, courtesy of ERAU. Enjoy this opportunity, scholars! And for those who were not selected to attend, please know that there will be additional opportunities. Stay tuned to future announcements in the NOTAM.
• Danica Balsinger has been selected as the South King County Chamber of Commerce’s May Student of the Month. Danica will be honored at the Chamber’s May 11 luncheon meeting and will also have the opportunity to compete for a Chamber scholarship award. Congratulations, Danica!
• Last week, our sophomores went on “the coolest field ever”, according to Mr. Savishinsky, and the Phoenix Flyer began its first experiment in live-blogging, all at the same time. We’re all very proud of both accomplishments, so when you have a free moment, go to www.ahsphoenixflyer.com and check out the article titled “Live Blogging the Sophomore Environmental Challenge” to see what’s happening in collaboration with one of our outstanding partners, the Port of Seattle/Sea-Tac International Airport. As Mr. S. further states, “It’s pretty fun stuff! …And of course, browse the newspaper while you’re there.” (FYI: Keep your eyes on the newspaper website for an upcoming profile gallery on the new school construction and a new round of fresh articles.)
Attention Seniors! Again this year, we have amazing sponsorship from service organizations and our friends in aviation and aerospace for a variety of scholarship awards. The scholarship packet will be posted on the AHS website by this Wednesday May 2nd, and a limited number of print copies will be available in the Counseling Center. I encourage you to review the entire packet and apply for all awards that resonate with your goals for college and career. Plan your schedule during these next three weeks to include some essay writing and completion of a general application. Application packets are due to Ms. Carper by Wednesday, May 23rd.
And so…that’s it for this week. Check out the new announcements in this week’s NOTAM and check for information that may still be relevant for you in the Previous Announcements section. To learning! I am honored to be your principal—Reba G.
NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

Prom: To all upperclassmen, "A Rose by Any Other Name" the 2012 Prom is occurring on May 19th! Prom tickets are AVAILABLE IN MS. SORENSEN'S (KIM’S) OFFICE for $50 from now till May 7th and $60 after May 7th. Tickets available for $60 until May18. Our Junior Class Captains and the Prom Committee have planned a SPECTACULAR Prom and we hope to see everyone there for the last dance of the year!!!

Saint Martin’s University will be presenting at 1 PM on Wednesday, May 9. Sign up in Room 11!

National Honor Society is having their second blood drive of the year on Wednesday May, 23rd. There is a sign-up sheet in the office with permission forms. You must be 16 years or older on the date of the blood drive and must weigh over 110 pounds to give blood. One pint of blood can save up to three lives. Help save lives by signing up to donate blood on May 23rd, and do your part to make a difference.

The Phoenix Flyer is hiring for next year, and we want you! Join us this Thursday, May 3, at lunch in room 21 (Sav) for an informational session on joining the newspaper staff for the 2012-2013 school year. We need writers and editors for all sections and topics, as well as photographers, graphic designers, and technology geeks of all kinds for web design, mobile app design, systems management and more. No prior experience required, just passion and excitement for news, technology and the AHS community. Plus you get access to our iMac lab, and our new iPad lab! Come have lunch with us on Thursday to learn more about life on the newspaper staff – we’ll even provide snacks!
-The staff of the Aviation High School Phoenix Flyer

Attention Girls – Attending Prom? Need a little help? Again this year, Ms. Pappas and Ms. Carper are working with the Highline Foundation for Excellence Project PROMise and stand ready to provide assistance if you need a dress or accessories for the event. Let them know!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“One person with a belief is equal to a force of 99 who have only interests."
--John Stuart Mill, British philosopher and political economist

PREVIOUS ANNOUNCEMENTS BUT STILL RELEVANT

Seniors
The senior class photo will be taken on Wednesday, May 2 at 1:30 PM (during advisory). Weather permitting we will meet on the back field. If it is raining, we will meet in the gym. Questions or comments – see Ms. Juarez.

The 4th Annual Murder Mystery Dinner and dessert dash hosted by Speech and Debate is here! Come support Speech and Debate while solving a murder case. Feel free to dress in theme, and May the 4th be with you! Tickets are $12 and will be sold in the cafeteria during lunch.

Date: May 4th
Time: 5:30- 9pm
Theme: Star Wars

Anyone interested in joining the Aviation HS chapter of the National Honor Society is welcome to apply. You can locate the application, the criteria for consideration, and specific instructions online in Mr. Ward’s ALL ACCESS folder. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 11.

Aviation High School Students, do you remember the days when your mother/father/guardian would tuck you into bed and read you a story? Or maybe the first book you were able to read all by yourself? I am sure you are all aware that there are children in the greater Seattle area who are not as fortunate as you were to have the time or money to get a hold of these books. Luckily there is something that you can do. For the next few weeks, there will be a large box labeled: “Box for Book Drive” right in front of the Main Office. This is for the purpose of a Children’s Book Drive, conducted by me, Jared Sharp. I know that many (if not most) of you have at least one Children’s book, tucked away somewhere, collecting dust. If everyone can bring at least one book, which I know you can, to school and place it inside the box, each one of you will bring a smile to a child’s face. Of course, if you bring more than one book, you will bring a smile to the faces of multiple children. If you have passed your book down to your aunt and uncle for their growing children, or to your friend for his/her siblings, then that’s totally fine: bring a book that is for older kids as well. All children deserve to have a book in their hands, and it is our job to help them achieve that goal.

If you have any questions, feel free to call/text/email Jared Sharp jareddsharp@gmail.com (just not in class). My info is posted all over the place.

AP Final Payment Extended to May 7! AP Exam balances must be paid in full by May 7 in order to take exams. If needed, please see Kim Sorensen regarding your AP Exam balance.

SPRING Youth Venture will begin meeting Wednesdays after school in room 6 starting April 18. See posted posters for details.

Graduation Information for Seniors (from Ms. Juarez)
 Mark your calendar. The senior reception is scheduled for Sunday, June 3rd 2:00-4:30 PM. More info will come at a later date.
 Graduation Rehearsal will be held Friday, June 8 in the gym.
 Graduation will be at the PAC on Thursday, June 14, at 7:00 PM.

Paying for College Presentation: Wallingford College Planning will be at AHS to answer questions about scholarships, financial aid, and financial planning on April 25 from 7:00 PM-8:15 PM in the cafeteria. Open to all grades!

The Washington State Board of Education is pleased to announce the start of the third-annual student video contest. This year’s contest will focus on the importance of social studies and language arts courses in high schools. The contest due date is Tuesday, May 1, 2012. This is a great opportunity for all secondary students to showcase their appreciation for social studies and language arts, their creativity, and their video skills. Past participants have found the contest rewarding and educational. Plus, the contest is a celebration of what you and your staff are doing every day, helping students grow and learn. More information about the contest, including the winning videos from last year, is available at www.sbe.wa.gov/.

Republic Services is offering a $1000 Environmental Scholarship for students enrolling in a program pertaining to an “Environmental” field. Applications are available in Ms. Carper’s office. Deadline: May 18, 2012

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION FOR SENIORS

www.guidetocareereducation.com/scholarships gives away $4,000 in scholarships each month. Check it out!
Joan Yarberry Scholarship: Scholarships for college/university tuition for students interested in majoring in elementary education. The number and dollar value of the awards will determined by the selection committee. Applications are available from Ms. Carper. Deadline: May 1.
Highline Council PTSA is awarding $6,000 in scholarships to students attending community college, university, or technical school in fall 2012. Applicants will be evaluated on volunteer work and extracurricular activities, GPA, essays, and a letter of recommendation. Applications are available at www.hcptsa.org. Deadline: May 7.

The Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce’s SUCCESS Foundation is pleased to present the AAAA Mini Storage Scholarship of $4,000 ($1,000 awarded annually over a 4-year period). This scholarship will be awarded to one deserving high school senior from a Chamber service area school (which includes Highline Public Schools, Tukwila School District, and Seattle Christian School) pursuing continuing education at an institute for higher learning in fall 2012. Applications are available in Ms. Carper’s office. Deadline: May 18.

Abbot and Fenner Business Consultants are offering $1,000 scholarships. Applications are available at www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm. Deadline: June 15, 2012.
Big Sun is offering an annual scholarship to any young athlete. All students are eligible for this award, it does not matter what sport you are participating in. To learn more visit http://www.bigsunathletics.com. Deadline: June 22, 2012