LaVilla News
LaVilla is one busy place & there is always something going on! Here are some articles about what's been happening lately in & around school.
A Mix of Arts and Lights
One show, 9 Arts Areas
By Dariana
Inside LASOTA
LaVilla School of the Arts is a unique school full of students who participate in different arts areas. But one of the things that make LaVilla unique is their showcase. In showcase, the arts instructors choose some of their best and talented students to perform on stage in front of an audience, this is not just any show that one arts area decides to hold; every single arts department has the chance to perform in the show.
“I’m very thankful when arts areas get to collaborate and work together. Several drama students added meaningful movements on the opposite side of the stage while the writers performed. It gave the audience something to see and hear at the same time,” Said Cheryl Lemine, the creative writing teacher at LaVilla School of the Arts. “It gives me great pleasure to provide students the opportunity to share their work from the stage. We had three students perform live and three were featured from the recent CD of Spoken Word Poetry recorded by my advanced students.”
At showcase, the students who are chosen for the show have good grades in their arts classes; have performed in at least one of their arts area’s shows, and, of course, talent. From music to acting to writing, LaVilla’s showcase has offered a diverse selection of arts areas and performers who stole the show. This year, Lavilla has decided to let the visual arts kids have their own spotlight by having an art gallery.
“We did it this year by having the ‘Art Happening’ prior to the actual show. It featured an engaging walk-through experience for those coming to the show. It provided small glimpses into our different areas so the public could see our students do what they would do best. It was like a pregame to the Superbowl,” said Lemine.
This year, LaVilla added new interesting things to their show. “Art Happening” was a walkthrough for those who were coming to the show to witness the students do their best. Also, this year, LaVilla has opened V.I.P reservations for $100 per seat for the very first time, and according to LaVilla’s showcase information on their website, there were 66 seats. The general admission for entering showcase was $10.
“I felt really nervous in the beginning but towards the ending you feel like you did really well and all that nervousness starts to leave.” Said Armenay Chakour, a guitar student at LaVilla. “I believe my guitar instructor was my biggest supporter because he taught me everything I needed to know and he tried to help me and teach me everything. He would even teach me stuff for an hour.”
Armenay says that her teacher allowed her to enter showcase because of her improvements, good conduct, practice, and being in an advanced class.
“We had a couple days out of class to run through the show step-by-step and I was the sound manager,” said Kaitlynn Avery, a student in Technical Theatre, who was the stage manager for the play “Myths at the Edge of the World” held by the Drama department at LaVilla. “We did everything like the lighting, sound, and placing things on stage while the others performed.”
Showcase is not only a busy time for performers; it is also a busy time for the students in tech. The tech students have to help set up the lights, test the mics, and place props on and off the stage in time for the show to go smoothly.
LaVilla has been doing this showcase since 2001 and has been successful this April 9th and 10th. Students at school seem to love what they do, and the best of the best have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to show off their talent in an afterschool show. “Showcase is the most unique experience we have since it features the best of our schools best. It’s like having the best ingredients in the world to make the best cake you’ve ever tasted.” Lemine said.
A Test for Music: the MPAs
Vocal, Band, and Orchestra students prepare for their yearly music assessment
By Alice
Inside LASOTA
The only thing that runs through the minds of students of the Vocal, Orchestra, and Band departments is the MPAs, with feelings of nervousness or anxiety as the date gets closer and closer… but, instead of failing horribly as some students thought, this year turned out to be a huge success for these three departments.
“I was nervous about being judged poorly, and I was scared of how the judges would be,” said Jessica Rinosa, a 7th grade Orchestra student. She’d never experienced anything like MPAs, the nerve-wracking and fun feeling all felt new to her. “I felt way more comfortable because the judge’s comments helped us improve a lot. The experience was unique, I’ve never heard or done anything like it before.” When asked who helped her through the experience, she responded clearly with her statement. “Ms. Griffin, my orchestra teacher, encouraged me to practice everyday in preparation for MPAs.”
The MPA stands for Music Performance Assessments. These are sanctioned outlets for quality feedback on a variety of musical formats. Each FVA district manages two MPA events per year: Solo and Ensemble, which took place in late February and early March, and then the regular MPA for Vocal, Orchestra, and Band students. The MPAs are graded on a scale of A-F; but instead of receiving a letter grade, the students receive grades on a scale of Superior-Poor: Superior (A), Excellent (B), Good (C), Fair (D), and Poor (F). This year, compared to the 2013-2014 session last year when the advanced Bel Canto choir and Sinfonia Orchestra received merely Excellents, each choir, orchestra, and band set received superiors!
This year, the Vocal department went to St. John’s Country Day School, the Band department went to Mandarin High School, and the Orchestra Department went to Douglas Anderson, where many future students will be attending. Most MPAs took place in March, while Solo and Ensemble took place in around late February.
Maya Miller, a 7th grade Band Student, commented that she felt more comfortable with the way things ran and how they performed. “My band teacher, Mr. Banks, helped me through it a lot because he was just so encouraging and helpful when I had a question or was just confused.” She commented that the feeling of MPAs was competitive, “Even though it wasn’t a competition, a lot of other bands made it seem like it was. They would look at us like we were aliens. I just think it was because we were the best dressed, but hey! They must’ve been jealous!”
The National Junior Honor Society
By Elizabeth
Inside LASOTA
On May 6th some of LaVilla’s outstanding students will be inducted to join the National Junior Honor Society. The National Junior Honor Society is a nationwide organization that recognizes superlative middle school students. The NJHS does not only recognize students on the honor roll, but students who indicate supremacy in certain characteristics. Students are considered for the National Junior Honor Society on the basis of service, citizenship, leadership, and character.
The NJHS helps students in developing these characteristics even more. In the National Junior Honor Society everyone works together to come up with ideas on how to help better the community. The NJHS creates a whole new experience for these students. “The National Junior Honor society does not only benefit your résumé or college application, but it also helps you strengthen friendships and make new friends,” says Tatiana King, a member of the NJHS at LaVilla.
When in the NJHS there are certain requirements that need to be fulfilled. These requirements include maintaining a certain GPA, attending meetings regularly, completing certain hours of service, and having good conduct behavior.
The National Junior Honor Society was established by the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1929, a few years after they established the National Honor Society for students in high school. The NJHS organization quickly developed into one of the nation’s leading educational groups. “Five main purposes have guided chapters of NJHS from the beginning: to create enthusiasm for scholarship; to stimulate a desire to render service; to promote leadership; to encourage responsible citizenship; and to develop character in the students of secondary schools,” as stated by the official NJHS website (www.njhs.us).
Overall the NJHS is a wonderful organization that comes with many benefits that can help you in the future. It gives you an opportunity to help you develop certain skills that will be useful and essential in the “real world”. At the National Junior Honor Society induction for incoming students joining the NJHS they’ll surely have an amazing time receiving their certificates and officially becoming a part of the National Junior Honor Society.
Remembering Titania
By Sierra
Inside LASOTA
Two years ago on April 13, LaVilla and the rest of the world lost a talented young girl, Titania Mitchell, from a tragic accident. A few kids, one gun, and a life lost. Every day we mourn and remember Titania, but this year LaVilla is taking a step farther. The dance department is dedicating a piece in her honor.
This piece is student choreographed and guided by a dance teacher at LASOTA, Ms.Jennings. It tells the story of everyone’s morning process. “It takes us through all the feelings that we felt… the anger, the hurt, the sorrow, the pain, the yearning to have her back,” said Gaviel Dallas, a friend of Titania’s who was chosen to dance as her.
The piece starts with everyone feeling angry and sad, pounding fists and sharp movements. They aren’t accepting her death. Titiana (Gaviel) dances around the other dancers throughout the whole dance, but the dancers don’t see it. Everything gets chaotic and then finally the dancers see her and realize she has been with them this whole time. She will always be with them. The dance ends with the dancers accepting her lose and letting her go, as she goes up the stairs to heaven.
This piece is a very important piece this year, taking that it was almost more than just a dance piece. It was a way of coping with the loss of a loved one. The dancers choreographed what they felt and danced their hearts out to Titania, while healing in the process. Not only was it a healing process for the dancers it was also a healing process for the ones around watching. “As I walked Titanias mother out to her car she was smiling and laughing and I think this piece has shown her that Titania is still with us and that we will never forget her,” said Ms. Jennings after the dancers showed Titiana’s mom what they were working on.
“In the end of the dance it shows that yes, the dancers are sad and in heart ache about Titania’s death, but they will forever remember her smile.”
New Test, New Standards
By Aaliyah
Inside LASOTA
When some students hear that they are taking a new state test some usually become scared out of their minds and run to the nearest teacher for help with something they don’t understand. It’s true! A new test has been formed, and its name is the FSA’s.
FSA stands for the Florida State Assessments. This test was made to replace the FCAT which stood for the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, which was our old test to decide if kids were making the Sunshine State Standards which were specific standards for students being schooled in Florida. These standards went with the subjects: math, science, reading and writing. But, the FSA’s only testing reading and math. So, 5th-10th grade students begin to prepare.
All of the FSA tests are on the computer except science this year, instead FCAT is still testing science instead of the FSA’s, keep in mind that the FSA’s and FCAT have different standards. Many students may be happy to hear this news of the tests being on the computer others may not be as happy as the others. However, there are some problems that may come with using computers for important tests. Something that could go wrong is the cyber-attacks, crashes or glitches that may occur while students are taking their tests.
If these problems do occur and students are forced out of the middle of the test the computer might think that the student is attempting to cheat and invalidate their test. Before taking these tests students have to perform the practice test in math and reading which takes time away from learning things in the class that your student is in. This practice test is performed so that students know where to find the tools the test gives you.
What might make students more worried about taking these new tests is the Math part. Lianna Knight, LaVilla School of the Art’s Principal stated “The new math FSA is definitely more rigorous than the math FCAT. Students are expected to respond to questions that require a lot of thinking and problem solving. If you know that your student doesn’t understand a certain topic in math it will be better to do everything possible to help them understand it BEFORE the tests come. Knight also stated that the Math FSA will be 3 sessions total….. Day 1, Session 1 for 60 minutes, Day 2, session 2 and 3 for 120 minutes. This test without a doubt will be more challenging than the math FCAT that students have taken before. LaVilla’s overall FCAT score was 74% for the 2013-2014 school year, which is still a passing score.
Knight writes that if she could tell her students some words of advice she would tell them “… to take a deep breath, relax, and recall the information their teachers have shared with them this past school year.” She also states “ … that one test does not define students and their success… so knowing that going to take the test, will hopefully alleviate some of the anxiety a lot of our students face.
If you’re having mental trouble while taking this test somethings to calm you down are:
1. Stay Calm- don’t start freaking out while you’re taking you test
2. Get enough sleep- not getting enough sleep can make you get less sharp mentally
3. Study- doesn’t start taking a test you haven’t studied for
4. Visualize Success- if your aiming to lose you’ll most likely do so
Before you take the FSA tests, gather information about when and how long they give you to take it. Prepare for this test and plan a study group so that you can get stronger in topics that might be on your test. Do whatever it takes for you to get enough studying time into your day, even if it means not texting your friends.
Remember to keep calm and test on!
National Dance Week
By Brooks
Inside LASOTA
“ Dance requires countless hours in a burning hot studio, faces dripping of sweat, and feet that feel they are going to fall off” says Sabrina Hollingsworth, studio owner and former dancer, “but performing the dance that you’ve worked on to be perfect and seeing the crowd enjoying and being moved by the piece makes it all worth it”.
This year the LaVilla Dance Department will perform in the mayor’s annual National Dance Week located at the Jacksonville Landing. National Dance week is celebrated throughout the nation, and Jacksonville is one of many to show their appreciation towards it. According to www.angieslist there are 50+ studios located here in Jacksonville alone.
Kennedy Dartt, 7th grader in the LaVilla dance department said,” Last year, when I was in 6th grade, I thought it was the coolest thing participating in this event. National Dance Week was so fun and the audience was so supportive. I am unable to perform again this year and I’m really disappointed because of how much fun I had Last year, the audience seemed to love the dances being performed and may have had as much fun as the dancers did.”
Many of our very own LaVilla students have been selected by Susan Jennings and Michelle Ottley-Fischer, dance department instructors, to perform at this year’s celebration. The LaVilla dancers will perform Friday, May first 6:00-6:45. LaVilla isn’t the only participants in this celebration, according to www.jacksonvilllelanding.com, local and regional dance groups will be performing.
End of Course Exams
By Harley
Inside LASOTA
End of Course exams are coming up at Lavilla School of the Arts, and everyone is preparing for them. E.O.C. exams are tests near the end of the school year, to see how well you've done throughout the school year. These computer-based tests for the middle grade levels are Biology 1 Assessment, U.S. History Assessment, Civics Assessment, Algebra 1 Assessment, and Geometry Assessment. Although the assessments are scheduled for two 90-minute sessions on two days, any student who is not finished by the end of each session may continue working through half the length of a typical school day.
“It’s a big part of our grade so I have to pass it. Especially with all the teachers giving us all these different practices for it, it's kind of hard, and it's stressing. But when the test gets here, I just have to take a deep breath and focus," Zoe Lathey, a sixth grader shares.
We also asked her about different kinds to study. "I usually just use flashcards, but when that doesn't work, I sit with my cats and just read the book, or a graded paper, and memorize it and it actually really helps. I hear people make it into a game, but whenever I try to do that, I end up using all my time on making the game instead of studying it."
You don't have to feel stressed about taking the tests because you know more than you think you do. You have to think that you can pass the tests; any other thoughts are going to be negative. Thinking negative brings negative outcomes, so when the day of the test comes just take a deep breath and have trust yourself.
Their last time all together on stage
By Gisselle
Inside LASOTA
Every year 8th graders are always excited about being in another piece at their Spring concert performance. The 8th grade piece is a tradition here at the LaVilla Dance Department. Usually Kendra Daly, from Douglas Anderson and LaVilla Dance Department, would be choreographing this piece but, she will not be able to do it this year. Michelle Ottley, the director of the LaVilla dance department, will be choreographing the 8th grade piece this year. The 8th graders will be performing this piece at the annual Spring Dance Concert located at LaVilla School of the Arts on May 8th & 9th.
Every dancer in the LaVilla Dance Department will be performing in this concert. 8th graders started rehearsing on Friday, April 17th and they will continue to rehearse whenever they can until the day of the spring dance concert. “This piece is a piece that parents will not want to miss “, according to Mrs. Ottley. “ Dancers from all 8 levels in the Dance Department will be performing in the concert. Dancers have worked very hard this whole year to make sure that their dance technique is great for the last concert of the year.” So if you’re not busy on May 8th and 9th, make your way down to the LaVilla Theatre and support the 8th graders in all the hard work they have done in their last 3 years at LaVilla.
Scream and Shout
Let It All Out at Busch Gardens
By Arianna
Inside LASOTA
The 8th grade field trip is almost here, and every eighth grader is ready to go. The end of the school year is here, and we might as well live it to the fullest. Now it’s time for us to go to Tampa Bay. Busch Gardens here we come!
Stephanie Robinson recently went to Busch Gardens. She says she absolutely enjoyed Busch Gardens, and she had a fabulous time, and that she “rode the Falcons Fury and Sheikra; Busch Gardens has so many fun rollercoasters.” Stephanie also said she “would encourage anyone to go to Busch Gardens because the animal shows are great, there are rides for kids and thrill seekers, and the dining is fabulous.”
Reporter interviewed Emily Hill who also went to Busch Gardens. Reporter asked Emily what was your favorite attraction at Busch Gardens? “My favorite attraction was Motor City Groove.” Reporter also asked, did you see any animals? Emily replied “Yes I saw the exhibition, Cheetah run.” Reporter finally asked Are there any water rides at Busch Gardens? Emily said “Yes they have a water ride called the Tanganyika Tidal Wave and it has a 55-foot water drop. “
The final interviewer was Brandy Kaye. Reporter asked her, which thrill ride did you ride? Brandy said “I rode the Scorpion and it has a 360-degree vertical loop”. Reporter also asked, did you enjoy the Madagascar Live Operation: Vacation? Brandy replied “Yes I really enjoyed the performance by Alex and his friends. Reporter finally asked her, are you planning to return to Busch Gardens? Brandy said “Yes I’m planning to return for a Busch Gardens vacation in June.”
Busch Gardens Tampa is a 335-acre 19th century African-themed animal theme park located in the city of Tampa Florida. 8th graders get READY!!!!!!!