Cybercat Robotics Team
Fourth through eighth grade
This is Summit’s official VEX IQ robotics team that will compete in elementary (4-5) and middle school (6-8) categories in the VEX IQ East Valley League and other competitions. There will be at least one elementary team and one middle school team. Students will work through the design, building, and testing phases while learning valuable STEM and 21st century skills. Teams will be required to keep a design log and create a STEM presentation. Additionally, teams could qualify for state championships in February and possibly VEX Worlds later that spring.
Volunteers requested
All competitions require HS or parent volunteers to assist with setup, running, or cleanup. Parents with robotics or engineering backgrounds can contact Mr. Douwstra about helping with this team.
Class Schedule
Starting Aug 31st, through Feb 22 (except “no school” days)
Class Time
Thursdays 3:15-4:30pm
Robotics Competitions:
These will be off site and will require parents to drive students to competition location, most are in Gilbert/QC Area. Definite dates: Fri 9/22 4:30-8:30pm, Sat 10/28 8a-5p, Fri 11/17 4:30-8:30pm, Sat 12/9 8a-5p, League championships Sat 1/20 8a-5p.
Fee
$175 (includes local competitions and team shirt)
How to Register:
Please email Jeremy Douwstra for registration information. Registration for this club will open the week of 8/21.
Contact Information
Enrichment Leader: Mr. Jeremy Douwstra (Summit Tech Coordinator)
Phone: 480-403-9500
Email: Jeremy.Douwstra@summitschoolaz.org
Website: https://www.vexrobotics.com/vexiq
Student Council
leadership, responsibility, school spirit, and community service
Summit School has had an active Student Council since 2001 led by adviser Melissa France. Each August, students are encouraged to run for elected office. Students in sixth through eighth grades are elected through a process outlined by the Student Council bylaws, which requires students to obtain recommendations from three teachers, the Head of School, and five peers. Next the candidates create a poster that demonstrates their strengths for the office they strive to achieve. Finally, students prepare a two to three minute speech to present to the student body on Election Day.
“Student Council at Summit School of Ahwatukee fosters leadership, responsibility, school spirit and promotes community service. Students run for elected positions and not only lead the school in activities and community service, but they are the voice of the student body.” Melissa France, Student Council Advisor
Students may run for the following positions based on grade levels
President:
8th Grade
Vice President:
7th Grade
Treasurer:
8th Grade
Secretary:
6th Grade
Sergeant at Arms:
6th or 7th Grade
Grade Level Representatives:
Two per grade in grades 6th – 8th
COMMUNITY SERVICE IS A KEY COMPONENT OF THE SUMMIT STUDENT COUNCIL AND IS A STUDENT-WIDE FOCUS
Lyndsey, a middle school Summit School student, shares the positive impact that student council has had on her life, 2014
I love to read! Reading is my passion. I believe that opening a book opens the door to many, many things. Reading can improve writing, spelling, and other essential tools, and it can take you to interesting new worlds. You can escape reality in a good book. Because of these reasons and many more, I know that all children should have access to books that they can learn from and enjoy. Unfortunately, many kids don’t have access to books.
In sixth grade, I was elected student council representative for my class. After my school collected and put together tons of Thanksgiving baskets, the student council went to a non- profit organization called Homeward Bound to deliver the baskets. Homeward Bound is such a fantastic charity, helping women and children overcome domestic abuse and homelessness. It teaches them how to live positive lives and get back on track. Homeward Bound houses these women and children in a safe, healthy, happy environment.
This coming February, I am having my Bat Mitzvah. For this Jewish ritual, I will be blessed to work with a charity of my choice. I couldn’t see a more perfect fit then to do a book drive for Homeward Bound. Homeward Bound uses books to not only teach reading skills to young children, but they strive to set a positive example of how reading should be incorporated into their everyday living. Mothers are given books and are encouraged to read to their children daily to help establish this positive connection.
I am most excited about the conclusion of this Mitzvah project. I will be able to visit Homeward Bound with all of the new books and will present them to the children and librarian. I will read several new books to the children on this visit, as well as during several follow up visits throughout the year.
About Student Council
What: Student Council organizes the following events/activities for the school community.
• Spirit Days and Pizza Lunch – Student Council selects the themes and sponsors contests or provides items to enhance the day, such as the Neon Bracelets for Neon Day. Student Council also organizes, orders, and serves pizza during Spirit Day.
• Community Service is an important focus of Student Council. They lead drives at Thanksgiving and the winter holidays to support Homeward Bound, an organization that assists families transition from homelessness to independent living. Student council organizes, advertises, collects and delivers annual Thanksgiving Baskets and diapers for the Diaper Drive.
• Ice Cream Fridays – Student Council purchases, sells, and advertises for the monthly Ice Cream Friday sales.
• School Support – Student Council members also provide support to school in the form of events such as Jump Rope for Heart. Student Council supports Summit’s Character and Respect Education program (CARE) by providing students with an opportunity to be the Sabre Cat, save $5 on school store items, or receive certificates for free ice cream or pizza lunch through the CARE ticket drawing.
When: Student Council is active from August through May of every school year. Summit has had an active Student Council since 2001. Student Council meets weekly with Mrs. France, the faculty adviser, during lunch and recess time on Wednesdays.
Where: Student Council is mainly active on campus.
Why: Student Council provides an opportunity for student leadership, school wide community service projects and spreading school spirit.
How Student Council Supports the Community
How Student Council Supports our School
Student Council spends an average of $250 a year to supply board games, $250 to purchase books and any missing grocery items to complete the Thanksgiving Baskets.
Additionally, Student Council purchases a gift to the school each year. Gifts have included:
- Sabre Cat mascot costume
- Podium used for Morning Meetings
- Sabre Cat rugs outside the offices
- Picnic benches for middle school lunches
- Lifelong Guideline banners hanging in the Multi-Purpose Room
- Stage curtains
- A new set of encyclopedias for the Knowledge Center
- A cart for recess athletic supplies
- During the 2015-16 school year Student Council was proud to sponsor a 7 speaker series for the school in partnership with notMYkid.
Student Council keeps records of all monetary transactions and reports it to the administration and business office quarterly.
Thanksgiving Basket Drive
Summit School of Ahwatukee student council leads school’s 13th annual Thanksgiving drive to help Homeward Bound
November 2015
Summit School’s student council, led by advisor Melissa France, delivered 32 overflowing Thanksgiving baskets to community outreach organization Homeward Bound, a Phoenix-based non-profit helping struggling families. A basket was also given to a local family in need this holiday season for a grand total of 33 baskets this year.
Large, functional laundry or wicker baskets brimmed over with all of the tasty ingredients for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, including gift certificates for perishable items, festive napkins, and a fall table cloth. Student Council added a board game and multiple books to each basket in addition to a letter from Student Council members wishing them a happy holiday filled with good food and family time.
Homeward Bound’s housing and social services has assisted thousands of families rebuild their lives by helping parents develop social skills and professional capabilities they need to live independent, successful and hopeful lives. Services include: transitional housing, case management, employment services, hands-on training by local professionals, education and life skills training, counseling, and nurturing, affordable child C.A.R.E.. Visit www.homewardboundaz.org to learn how to help.
Diaper Drive
Summit School is up to the DIAPER DRIVE CHALLENGE!
Summit School’s student council is in its 11th year of spearheading the school’s diaper drive for families assisted by the non-profit agency, Homeward Bound, Arizona’s largest provider of transitional housing and comprehensive social services for families with children fleeing domestic violence and homelessness. Why diapers? There is a constant demand for basic baby supplies that many families struggle to afford. Diaper sizes 4, 5 & 6 are the most needed. Cash donations are also welcome!
Check out the “Dancing for Diapers” video created by the class of 2011 to see what a big difference kids can make! “This is a great way to foster kids helping kids, and it’s a wonderful school and community-building event to teach philanthropy and leadership in a hands-on way,” says Student Council Advisor Melissa France.
In 2013 students brought in nearly 20,000 diapers and were given the Mighty Hearts Award for bringing in the most diapers per student.
In 2014 students collected more than 35,000 diapers and were given the Super Hero Award for the most diapers from any school and were awarded with a visit from the Phoenix Suns Gorilla and a former Suns player, Steven Hunter.
ABOUT HOMEWARD BOUND:
Homeward Bound is a nationally recognized model of success. It is a 12 to 24 month program that provides comprehensive services to assist families achieve economic independence, secure long-term, safe, decent, affordable housing and break multi-generational cycles of homelessness, welfare dependence and domestic violence.
National Junior Honor Society
The purpose of Summit School’s chapter of National Junior Honor Society is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, to develop character, and to encourage good citizenship in the students here at the Summit School of Ahwatukee. Members are invited to apply through specific requirements that are set by our individual chapter. We have an induction ceremony yearly to celebrate students who exceed the requirements for National Junior Honor Society.
The Sociedad Hispánica de Amistad – is an activities based National Junior Spanish Honor Society for middle school students (Grades 6th-8th) Our chapter is known as the “Amigos Unidos”. The purpose of this Society is to promote cross-cultural acceptance and understanding. Every student who joins commits himself/herself to complete projects/activities to enrich their community, school, and his/her second language experience. All projects must use Spanish and they must be completed on each of the following areas: ambassadorship, school service, and community service.