H1N1 Town Hall Meetings

Join the Miami-Dade County Health Department and Community Leaders in Town Hall Meetings to discuss preventive measures.

Schedule at http://tinyurl.com/ng8493

Please see www.dadehealth.org for updates.

Florida FLU information Line 1-877-352-3581

www.MyFluSafety.com

Town Hall Meeting

Univision Radio, WQBA 1140 AM, in conjunction with Florida International University, Miami Dade College and Miami-Dade County Public Schools will hold an Education Town Hall on September 30, 2009, entitled: Education in South Florida, Challenges and Solutions. This town hall will be the first of its kind presenting South Florida's education leaders as they interact with students, concerned parents, and members of the media. Educational leaders will share their ideas on how to work together to breach the gap between the needs of our community and the funding available.
Panelists will include:
• Mr. Alberto Carvalho, Superintendent, Miami-Dade County Public Schools
• Dr. Eduardo J. Padron, President of Miami-Dade College
• Dr. Mark Rosenberg, President of Florida International University
The moderator for the event will be WQBA 1140 AM journalist, Mr. Oscar Haza.
• Time: 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 30, 2009
• Place: Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus, Chapman Conference Center,
300 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Miami

• Free Admission
Transportation will be available from Miami Coral Park and Hialeah Adult Centers and the Town Hall will be transmitted simultaneously via WQBA 1140 AM.

Felix Varela Sr. Open House

September 22, 2009
6 pm - Community Fair in the Gym
7 pm - Class Visits


15255 SW 96 st
Miami, Florida

www.varelahs.com



It takes.... community

Job Opportunitites

Please announce to all students ages 17-21 who are actively seeking a job. Adults Mankind Organization a 501c3 nonprofit organization offers assistance to young adults who are having difficulty securing a job. They work with local business and have variety job openings in our area for interested students. Students must be 17-21 years of age and be US citizens, legal residents, or have a valid work permit to apply. Students also need to have a picture ID, resume, and original social security card in order to apply. Interested students need to contact a career advisor at 305-445-6655 to make an appointment.


This is the organization which secures the work grants for the Vet Academy Students every year. To date my students have earned 30,000.00 in internship grants. Encourage your students to take advantage of this opportunity.

Black Venom Pep Rally

September 17 we held our first pep rally. It was called "The Black Venom" Pep Rally. Students had to wear all black and be at school between 6:30 am and 7:20 am to get a wrist band.

It was the best pep rally we have had in a long time. Kudos to Mr. Vinat who organized it and worked so hard to make it a success.

The teams that were introduced were: the varsity football team, the swim team, the bowling team, the cross country team, the golf team and the ladys volleyball team.

Vox Vipera

SIPA is the Southern Interscholastic Press Association. It is made up of journalism publications from states in the Southeast (Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia).

Every year, publications entered into its evaluation process are judged and the highest award is All-Southern.

Vox Vipera, Varela's Literary Magazine won the All-Southern Award.

Congratulations to Kristina Garcia, faculty advisor; Cristina Poschl, Editor-in Chief; Carlos Valdez, Junior Editor-in_chief; Alexa Serrano, Poetry Editor; Kraig Chang, Non-Fiction Editor; Jonathan Cuartas, Fiction Editor; and Sean Cruz, Art Editor.

Swim Team

The boy's and girl's swim team finally had an opportunity to swim last night competitively against our rivals, Killian. The boy's swam to a 134-116 victory with 7 first place wins. Steven Miguel set a new school record in the 500 freestyle breaking the old record from 2004 by over 18 seconds!! Mauricio Gomez took first place in the 200 individual medley and the 100 breaststroke. Gus Rodriquez took first place in the 50 free and Captain Luis Luces took first place in the 100 back.

The girl's were barely defeated with only a two point loss. Jordana Broche took first place in the 200 free and Ariel Figueroa took first place in the 100 fly. We have only 5 returning swimmers from last year so the team swam extremely well for their first time in competition.

Congratulations to both teams who showed a lot of heart.

Lady Viper Volleyball

The Lady Viper Volleyball team crushed the Cudas of Coral Reef last night 25-10, 25-16, 25-12. Leading the way for the Vipers was Barbara Cadet with 15 kills and 7 digs, Mary Medina with 10 kills, and Christina Martinez and Jarelys Archilla combining for 30 assists.

A special thank you goes out to all the students, coaches, and teachers that attended the game and made the crowd electrifying!

The Vipers are now 4-1 and will play in the Viper Pit again next Wednesday against the defending State Qualifiers, the Palmetto Panthers!!

Beyond the Bell

Miami-Dade County Public Schools is dedicated to providing all students with experiences to enhance their education. The Superintendent has a new initiative for the 2009-2010 school year entitled Beyond the Bell. This initiative will provide students in grades 3-11 with access to instructional programs in the areas of Language Arts, Reading, Mathematics, and Science. Students will be able to access these programs beyond the school day via the Internet.

Beyond the Bell is accessed via the web through the Miami Dade County Public School Student Portal located at http://myportal.dadeschools.net/student/. Once students log into the portal, specific learning paths have been identified and are aligned to FCAT levels.

The content focus of these programs is aligned to the District curriculum plan and is modified each nine weeks.

Access to your child’s specific learning path(s) is available via the web in the M-DCPS Student Portal at http://myportal.dadeschools.net/student/. Once your child has logged into the portal, an individualized learning path is linked to grade-level, appropriate software programs. All curriculum paths were designed to target instruction based on FCAT performance and aligned to District curriculum.

We encourage you to participate with your child to support their learning beyond the bell. Recognizing that all students may not have access to computers with internet connectivity, you are encouraged to visit public libraries and community centers, which may provide internet access free of charge.

The following programs are available:

Compass Learning
Grade Level(s):6-8
Content: Language Arts/Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies

Gizmos
Grade Level(s):4-11
Content: Mathematics and Science

Reading Plus
Grade Level(s):6-12
Content:Reading

Riverdeep
Grade Level(s):3-11
Content: Language Arts/Reading, Mathematics and Science

Ticket To Read
Grade Level(s):3-5
Content:Reading

This supplemental program will not be graded nor will it be assigned for homework. The purpose of Beyond the Bell is to permit students and parents to work together using engaging learning activities.

Vipers in the News

In the most recent Burger King Corporation Newsletter, Chairman and CEO John Chidsey posted a picture of his visit to Varela Senior High.

The students in Ms. Sandra Daire's class enjoyed his candid talk and the question/answer session with him. This is the second year in a row he visits Varela and it is commendable that he takes the time to show his commitment to education.

We look forward to his next visit.

Hispanic Heritage Month 2009 Schedule of Events

1. Felix Varela Foundation Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest

All entries must be in by October 15 to Mr. Vinat room 157
This is open to any Varela student
The essay must cover the following topic:
As Felix Varela Senior turns 10 years old, we celebrate a decade of excellence, which of Father Felix Varela’s achievements do you believe is most evident in our school’s mission.

Con el décimo aniversario de Félix Varela Senior High, celebramos una década de excelencia, qual de los logros del Padre Félix Varela cree usted que es más evidente en la missión de nuestra escuela.

The winning Essay in English and Spanish will win a $100 CASH prize

2. Felix Varela Foundation Hispanic Heritage Art Contest
All entries must be in by October 15 to Mr. Vinat room 157
This is open to any Varela student
Artwork can be in the form of a poster, sculpture, mosaic, picture, original artwork
Entries must include Father Felix Varela in some fashion.
The artwork must pertain to the following theme:
Father Felix Varela: His Mission and Our School

Padre Félix Varela: Su Misión and Nuestra Ecuela

The winning entry in English and Spanish will win a $100 CASH prize

3. Hispanic Heritage Culinary Arts Contest
The event will be October 7 during both lunches
Students must bring in a typical Hispanic dish along with an information card
Students will be judged on taste, presentation and information.
Winners will receive Hispanic themed cookbooks.

4. Media Center Display- All month long
The library will display books by prominent Hispanic authors as well as student work related to Hispanic Heritage
The Library display case will exhibit student work as well as authentic Hispanic artifacts
Teachers will receive a recommended book list of book by Hispanic Authors to share with their students

5. Hispanic Film Festival
Teachers will receive a schedule of movies, along with a synopsis
With each movie, activities related to one of the FCAT Reading benchmarks will be e-mailed to be used as supplemental material.

6. Regional Music- All month long
Will be played on WVHS throughout the month (with commentary)

7. Periodic E-mails
E-mails will highlight important Hispanic Heritage Facts as well as Resources, Miami Events, Contests and Web Sites related to this celebration.

8. Hispanic Heritage Curriculum Guide
Available to all faculty and staff, this interdisciplinary curriculum guide includes guided readings, lesson ideas and reproducible handouts that can be used in any class.

9. Hispanic Heritage Gala
The annual show will take place on October 12 and 13 during period 1,2, 5,6

Service Academy Day

You are invited to attend a Service Academy Day

Hosted by Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart

Saturday, September 26, 2009
8:30am
Homestead Air Reserve Base
29050 Coral Sea Blvd.
Homestead, Florida 33039

Please contact Gloria Amor at
305-225-6866 by September 21st to reserve your seat!

On this day representatives from the US Naval, Air Force, Military, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard Academies will be there to inform perspective students about the opportunities offered by attending these academies.

Lady Viper Volleyball

The Lady Viper Volleyball team continued their winning ways with a dominating 3 set victory over the Homestead Broncos. Leading the way for the Vipers was Jarelys Archilla with 15 assists and 6 aces, Barbara Cadet with 9 kills, and Mary Medina with 7 kills. The Ladies are now 3-1 and will be in action again next Tuesday with a huge district match-up against Coral Reef in the Viper Pit.

The JV Volleyball team also came out victorious, crushing Homestead in straight sets.

Varela Art Department

The Varela Art department now has a blog. Visit them to see their incredible works of art.

Viper Art

September 2009 Scholarship Bulletin

FREE Cornell Engineering Fall Diversity Hosting Program for Seniors
Saturday October 16 – Monday October 18, 2009

The College of Engineering will cover all travel expenses, on campus meals and accommodation for students who are selected

Received by 9/16/09
· This three-day hosting event offers under-represented minority high school seniors a first hand view of Cornell University’s College of Engineering
· Rigorous high school curriculum with strong academic performance, particularly in Math and Science
completed profile form (application), including the essay question available at http://www.engineering.cornell.edu/fallhosting
Copy of your high school transcript (See Mrs. Pulido in Attendance to order transcript)
Please submit your profile form and transcript to Engineering Admissions at:
Engineering Admissions Office Cornell University 102 Hollister Hall Ithaca, NY 14853-3501
Fax: 607.255.0971
If you have any questions about this program please call the Engineering Admissions Office at (607) 255-5008, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., EST, or e-mail engr_admissions@cornell.edu and put “Fall Diversity Hosting Program” in the subject line.

Wendy’s High School Heisman Award
Varies (up to $10,000)
10/1/09
The online application must be completed no later than 5:00 p.m.
Senior
Male and female students who excel in academic, athletics, and leadership
Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and participate in at least one school-sponsored sport
All Wendy’s High School Heisman applicants will be able to download a printable certificate from the website. Gift cards in quantities ranging from $5 to $50 (randomly drawn) will be sent to the first 41,100 applicants.
Application available at: www.wendysheisman.com. IMPORTANT: Please select Ms. Caryn Cortright as the contact person who will review your online application. Ms. Cortright is available in the Athletic Office room 034.

University of North Florida
Offering a variety of scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 over four years
Deadline 11/13/09
Senior
Planning to attend UNF
Information about all UNF Scholarships available online at www.unf.edu/finaid/scholarships

Florida State University (CARE Program)
Those who qualify for financial aid, and have financial need will have 100% of their need
for the summer term met from non-loan sources
As early as possible (students are encouraged to apply to the first FSU notification deadline 10/14/09) but no later than 01/20/10
Senior
Planning to attend FSU
Student who may have been disadvantaged due to economic, educational, or cultural circumstances
Minimum GPA 2.50 as calculated by FSU
SAT score of 1330 OR a composite score of 19 on the ACT
Two letters of support (one from your guidance counselor)
Essay
The majority of participants selected will be first-generation college students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who have demonstrated a strong desire to succeed. Students are required to apply for financial aid, and those with financial need will have 100% of their need for the summer term met from non-loan sources. Students who do not qualify for financial aid may participate in the program at regular summer-term rates on a limited, first-come, first-served basis.

Students must apply for admission to FSU by the regular notification date at www.admissions.fsu.edu/ but in addition, students need to apply to the CARE program at www.care.fsu.edu

University of South Florida Honors College
$4000 ($500.00 per semester)
Not Stated
Senior
3.7 GPA or higher
Planning to attend the Honors College at USF
1250 (math/verbal) SAT/29 ACT or higher
Students who do not meet the requirements but have extraordinary life experiences might be admitted to the program at the discretion of the program director. You can contact the director to discuss options.
For more information and application go to www.stpt.usf.edu/coas/honors

Horatio Alger Association Scholarship Program
Ranging between $2,500 to $20,000
10/30/09
· Senior
· GPA 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
· A strong commitment to pursuing and completing a bachelor’s degree
· Critical financial need, preferably $50,000 or lower family income, if higher explanation must be provided
· Involvement in co-curricular and community service activities
· Exhibit integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity
· U.S. citizen
· Application available at www.horatioalger.com/scholarship

Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
(50)$20,000
(200)$10,000
10/31/09
Senior
3.0 GPA at the end of junior year
Academic achievement
Demonstrated leadership
Commitment to community
Application available online only at www.coca-colascholars.org
High School’s CEEB Code: 101-004

5000 Role Models of Excellence Project
Varies
Return completed application the first week of November to Mrs. Bennett, English teacher and Site-Director-5000 Role Models at Varela
Seniors
Recipients must have been in the project at least 3 years (consecutive years)
At least 25 hours of community service approved by the 5000 Role Models
Essay
List of extra-curricular activities and community service
SAT and /or ACT scores
Application available at www.5000rolemodels.com
Return completed application the first week of November to Mrs. Bennett, English Teacher and Site-Director 5000 Role Models at Varela

Gates Millennium Scholars
Varies:
GMS program includes scholarship opportunities to cover tuition for undergraduate programs as well as graduate and post-graduate resources and conferences
1/11/10 online application or the paper application postmarked

Seniors who are African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American or Hispanic American
Must be a citizen/legal permanent resident or national of the United States
GPA 3.3 unweighted
Planning to attend a U.S. accredited college or university as a full time, degree-seeking freshman in the Fall of 2010
Demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular or other activities
Meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria (eligibility for the Pell Grant can only be determined through the submission of the FAFSA after 1/1/10)
Application and nomination forms are available at www.gmsp.org. If you have any questions please call 1-877-690-4677 or by email at info@gmsp.org

United States Senate Youth Program

Requirements:
Any high school junior or senior student is eligible for the program, provided he or she has not previously been a delegate to the program, and is currently serving in an elected capacity in any of the following student government, civic, or educational organizations:
A. Student body president, vice-president, secretary, or treasurer.
B. Class president, vice-president, secretary, or treasurer.
C. Student Council representative
D. Student representative to a district, regional or state-level civic education organization.
Permanent residency in the United States and enrollment in a Florida public or private school is required.

Instructions:
To be eligible for consideration for this program, please complete the following:
A. Complete the attached application form (must be typed) (Part I)
B. Attach an official copy of the high school transcript. This must include a listing of the current courses that the student is in enrolled in. (Part II)
C. Provide no more than three letters of recommendation. (Part III)

For more information please contact:

Annette Boyd Pitts ,Executive Director
The Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc.
2874 Remington Green Circle, Suite A
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
ABPflreaED@aol.com
850.386.8223

Vipers vs Cobras

On September 2nd at Tropical Park the Varela Vipers played their first football game of the season against the South Miami Cobras.

The Vipers beat the Cobras with a score of 26-14. It was a great first game for our players and our new Coach Mat Dixion.

CONGRATULATIONS !

Game Pictures

College Visits at Varela

A representative from the following colleges and universities will be visiting Felix Varela Senior High School. Please sign up in the CAP-Office in room #09 during lunch to receive a pass to attend these presentations. This is an excellent opportunity to obtain admission applications, information on scholarships and financial aid.

Amherst College
09-11-09
8:30 a.m.
24
Florida State University
09-16-09
1:30 p.m.
Cafeteria
Florida Atlantic Honors College
09-17-09
9:00 a.m.
24
University of Miami
09-22-09
1:30 p.m.
Cafeteria
Florida Atlantic University
09-24-09
1:30 p.m.
24
Florida International University
09-30-09
1:30 p.m.
Cafeteria
University of Central Florida
10-01-09
1:30 p.m.
Cafeteria
Nova Southeastern University
10-06-09
1:30 p.m.
Cafeteria
Carnegie Mellon University
10-15-09
8:45 a.m.
24
University of Florida
10-21-09
1:30 p.m.
Cafeteria
Washington University in St. Louis
11-04-09
1:30 p.m.
Cafeteria


GREAT OPPORTUNITY!
Students and Parents are Invited!
College Fair at FIU
Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
FIU University Park -Football Stadium 11200 SW 8 Street, Miami, Florida

Ft. Lauderdale National College Fair
Thursday, November 5, 2009
5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Broward County Convention Center
Ft. Lauderdale
For more information visit: https://mail.dadeschools.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.nacacnet.org/NCF

Miami National College Fair
Sunday, February 21, 2010
12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Doubletree Miami Mart/Airport
Hotel & Exhibition Center
Miami, Florida