Tuacahn High School For the Performing Arts

THS Instrumental Music State Solo and Ensemble Scores

2011-05-04T08:06:00.000-07:00

State Solo and Ensemble Report:

The Tuacahn High School for the Performing Arts showed this weekend why it is quickly becoming the finest music program in the state: Its fantastic students.

THS Instrumental Music received almost complete superiors across the board, with only the guitar ensemble being half a notch away, yet far surpassing the other guitar ensemble at state who received a 3-. For the record, the guitar ensembles judge was unusually tough, handing out only two "1" scores out of nearly 40 ensembles judged. Not too mention, under that incredible guidance of Dave Andersen, the Guitar ensemble came from a loose band of students with varying abilities, to the highest scoring Guitar ensemble at state, and one of two ensemble who actually qualified for state. Congratulations Guitar Ensemble, and thank you David Andersen.

The following is the list of all scores received at State Solo and Ensemble:

Violin
Sabrina Parry I
Larrea Cottingham I-
Kathryn Porter I

Viola
Ashley Pittario I

Cello
David Edmunds I

Bass
Jeffery Chapman I-

Guitar
David Edmunds I

Piano
Keely Schmerber I

Ensembles
String Choir I-
Guitar Ensemble II+

Congratulations to our students on their outstanding performances! A special thanks to Heather Carroll for her fine piano accompanying and dedication to your students.

THS Art Student Takes Best of Show

2011-04-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

Local High School students currently have their work on display at Zions Bank in downtown St. George. Schools participating in the Washington County All High School Show are Desert Hills, Hurricane, Millcreek, Dixie, Snow Canyon, Pine View, Tuacahn and Enterprise.

The art exhibit was judged by Richard Rose, artist and president of the Watercolor Society. Rose has been painting for approximately 35 years, and has won many awards for his artwork.

Tuacahn's own James Valentine took Best of Show for his piece titled "The Yellow Rose." James is currently a Junior at THS. He received a cash award of $50 from Zions Bank for his entry. Honorable Mention was received by Kinei Clugg for her entry, "The Water Lily."

This High School Exhibit will be on display through May 10, 2011.

Article details from the The Spectrum.

Stage Door Opens March 31, 2011

2011-03-30T15:23:00.001-07:00

The production of the play, Stage Door, begins Thursday March 31, 2011 at THS in the Hafen Theatre at 7:30 pm. The play is about a group of actresses trying to find work in NYC in 1936. It is a wonderful play, sure to delight the audience! The show runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday (March 31, April 1 and 2), Monday April 4th, and again Thursday, Friday and Saturday (April 7, 8 and 9). Don't miss it!

THS Dancers Earn Top Marks at UDEO's Dance Festival

2011-03-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

THS Dance Company at Utah Dance Education Organization's 9th annual High School Dance Festival in 2010.

THS Dance students attended the Utah High School Dance Festival at Weber State University on March 19, 2011. Students were able to attend master classes, had an adjudication session, and performed in the gala showcase at the end of the festival.

According to event organizers, seventeen schools (400-600 students) participated this year, from as far away as St. George and as near as Weber County. The dance companies that are invited are made up of students who attend dance classes requiring an audition.

The festival is not a competition, but each company performs two pieces and judges give them a rating and feedback. At least one of the pieces is choreographed by students.

THS received the highest rating, Superior, on both pieces. The adjudicators pick 5 student's pieces from all of the entries at the festival to receive a meritorious award in choreography. THS Shelby Ogden's piece, Hazy Milk, was one of the five chosen for this award.

Some of the information for this post was from the Standard-Examiner.

Dance Classes Participate in Joffrey Ballet Master Classes

2011-03-24T13:53:00.000-07:00

THS Dance III and Dance Company classes had the privilege of being taught from master teachers from the Joffrey Ballet School. Students attended two master classes in classical ballet and modern/contemporary dance. This class also served as an audition for placement and scholarship to the Joffrey school summer intensive. According to Mrs. Dail, THS Dance Academy head, students will find out if they were selected for these scholarships in the coming months.

Jan Shelton Hunsaker Inducted into NETA Hall of Fame

2011-03-24T13:34:00.000-07:00

Jan Shelton Hunsaker, THS Artistic Director, and has been selected by the National Educational Theatre Association as one of five inductees into this year’s National Hall of Fame. Jan’s career accomplishments in educational theater are unmatched in Utah. She has great accomplishments in her 22 year career, and has raised the level of theatrical excellence at Tuacahn High School to a standard that sets the bar of superior performance for all other high schools in the state. Not only has she been an educator teaching drama and debate, she also owned and operated a theatre in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Before coming to Tuacahn High School, she was employed by the Alpine School District. She has led her students in earning 9 State Drama and Shakespearean Championships, and assisted 100's of students in earning college scholarships in the performing arts.

The NETA award ceremony will be held in Chicago in September at the National Convention. The plaque and bio sketch will be on display at the Hall of Fame Home Office In Cincinnati, Ohio.

THS Production of "Stage Door"

2011-03-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

Stage Door, a comedy by Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman, is being performed at Tuacahn High School on March 31, April 1, 2, 4, 7-9. It will be held in the Tuacahn Hafen Theatre at 7:30 pm.

Stage Door Poster...click on picture to enlarge.

Don't miss the opportunity to be entertained by a cast of talented THS students, under the professional direction of Jan and Andy Hunsaker. You won't want to miss it! Tickets are on sale at the school or at the door. Call 435-652-3201.

THS Vocal Music Takes Top Awards at SUPAF

2011-03-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

Sabrina Parry and Mr. Kentros after Sabrina received her award for Solo Vocalist.

Tuacahn High School's Vocal Music students did extremely well at the Southern Utah Performing Arts Festival this year. In his first year of teaching vocal music at THS, Mr. JP Kentros has really helped students excell.

Awards received by THS vocal music groups include:

Madrigals: received a superior rating and won the SUPAF Award for High School Choirs.
Radiante: received a superior rating.

Awards received by THS vocalists include:

Sabrina Parry: superior rating and won a SUPAF Award as a Solo Vocalist.
Taylor Richardson: superior rating and won a Music Works Award.
Kendle Zdunich: superior rating.
Danica Christensen: superior rating.
Aubrey Anderson: superior rating.
Caleigh Venetis: superior rating.
Hunter Kanenwisher: superior rating.
Keira Richardson and Abi Christian: superior rating for their duet.

Congratulations to all of the above THS Vocal Music students for their outstanding accomplishments!

Jason Bonham Presenting at the Primrose International Viola Competition

2011-03-20T14:19:00.001-07:00

THS Instrumental Music Instructor, Jason Bonham, is presenting at the Primrose International Viola Competition in Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 2011. He will be talking about how to make a career as a musician.

Jason has performed as a violist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra in addition to other symphony orchestras. At the age of 34, Jason has earned the reputation of a first-class performer, detailed conductor and a gifted teacher. In addition to his work at Tuacahn High School, he has been a catalyst of growth in the Southern Utah music community. He founded the Southern Utah Music Institute (SUMI), which is a vehicle for helping grow music opportunities for musicians of all levels and abilities. He conducts the Red Cliffs Chamber Orchestra (RCCO), a group that he and several other area professional musicians founded in spring of 2010.

Jason was honored to be nominated to the Executive Board of the American Viola Society. He has recently been published in the Journal of the American Viola Society. He is a member of the American String Teachers Association, Music Teachers National Association and Utah Music Educators Association. Jason has been an adjunct faculty member at both Brigham Young University and Dixie State College.

Grad Night Part 2011

2011-03-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

Grad Night preparations have been in the works for several months now, and we are excited about how well everything is coming together.

This year's theme is "That's Entertainment", and will be held after graduation on May 24, 2011 from 10:30 pm until 5 am or the morning of May 25, 2011. Each graduate in attendance with receive a gift bag which is currently valued over $100. There will be drawings throughout the evening for fantastic prizes as well. Each student will receive at least one additional prize. There are fun activities planned, and delicious food as well.

Tickets will go on sale after spring break on Wednesdays and Fridays at lunch. Cost of ticket is only $20 if purchased prior to April 24, 2011. We will hold weekly prize drawings for those who have purchased their tickets. So, get ready for fun! And get your ticket early for Grad night, graduating seniors!

Thanks to Jennifer Guter for our fantastic posters! Jennifer owns Reflections Printing Inc. http://www.relectionsprintinginc.com/ .

Special thanks to Karen and Mark Jackson who have been soliciting for our grad night prizes and swag bag goods. Please send an email to Karen if you have items to contribute or if you know a business who would like to make a donation, kamjpg@yahoo.com

THS Instrumental Music Solo and Ensemble Results

2011-03-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

The following entries at Solo and Ensemble received State Qualification:

Guitar Ensemble (I)
Kyralisa Richardsen
Bridger Kanenwisher
Bryan Clarkson
Josh Draper
Gabrielle Servati
David Edmunds
Jeremy Peck
Megan Huard

String Choir (I)
Sabrina Parry, Violin
Larrea Cottingham, Violin
Summer Morris, Violin
Aubrey Kelton, Violin
Ashley PItarrio, Viola
Allie Tonks, Viola
David Edmunds, Cello
Taylor Blake, Cello
Jeffery Chapman, Bass

Solo Performances
Jeffery Chapman, Bass (I)
Taylor Blake, Cello (I)
David Edmunds, Cello (I)
David Edmunds, Guitar (I)
Ashley Pittario, Viola (I)
Sabrina Parry, Violin (I)
Larrea Cottingham Violin (I)
Katheryn Porter, Violin (I)

In addition to the state qualifiers above, the following entries at Solo and Ensemble received a "Superior" Rating:

Aubrey Kelton, Violin (I-)
Adam Garceau, Trumpet (1-)

Juilliard Jazz Orchestra coaches THS Jazz Combo

2011-03-13T16:42:00.000-07:00

Jazz Band Students at Tuacahn High School for the Performing Arts had the privilege of having a clinic with The Juilliard Jazz Orchestra, and their director, Carl Allen.

On Thursday March 3, 2011 , the talented Juilliard Jazz Orchestra was in town and performed for a packed audience that evening at Tuacahn High School's Hafen Theatre. While Juilliard has its campus in New York, it also has an affiliation with Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. Always wanting to expose local student musicians to a variety of high caliber performers, Jason Bonham, Director of Instrumental Music at Tuacahn High School for the Performing Arts, arranged for Juilliard to perform at Tuacahn. In addition, he also arranged for local school's music students to have clinics with this elite group. The students really enjoyed working with the Juilliard coaches, and many stayed for the outstanding concert that night as well.

Juilliard and Snow College awarded two full scholarships to the Juilliard Jazz Summer Workshop at Snow College to THS students, Jeffry Chapman,bass (4th from left) and David Edmunds, guitar (3rd from left).

This is part of an article that was originally published in Alive! Utah South Area, an online magazine.

THS Instrumental Music Students Excel at SUPAF

2011-03-13T16:23:00.001-07:00

Tuacahn Titans Instrumental Music students did very well this year at Southern Utah Performing Arts Festival.

Four of our THS students were recognized as outstanding musicians in their category at this year's SUPAF Festival. Sabrina Parry (violin), Keely Schmerber (piano), Jeffry Chapman (bass), and Adam Garceau (trumpet) were all recognized for outstanding solo performances

Jeffry Chapman and Adam Garceau show their certificates at SUPAF awards night.

Keely Schmerber and Sabrina Parry show their certificates at the SUPAF Awards Night

Keely Schmerber winner of Dixie's Got Talent!

2011-02-18T20:58:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Keely Schmerber, Instrumental Music student at THS for winning the youth division of the 2011 Dixie's Got Talent! Keely is an accomplished pianist, and wowed the audience with her beautiful music! She performed "Concert Etude #3 'Unsospiro' in D flat major" by Franz Liszt. Keely said that winning was the happiest moment of her life, and thanked her parents, grandparents and God.

Keely is in the Chamber Orchestra at THS, a member of THS's women's concert choir, Radiante, and maintains a 4.0 GPA. Keely is studying piano with Dr. Nancy Allred of Dixie State College. Prior to moving to Southern Utah, she and her family lived in New Jersey. She has won many piano competitions, and was awarded a solo performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City. This summer, she will be studying music and art in Tolentino, Italy at the Instituto Musicale.

You can read more about Dixie's Got Talent on the KCSG Television website here.

THS's All Shook Up in the Press

2011-02-18T20:24:00.000-08:00

Our production of All Shook Up, was written up and posted on the Theatrical Rights blog. You can read the article here. The THS run of All Shook Up ran Jan 22-29 at Dixie State College in St. George, Utah. The production start coincided with Utah Theatre Association's 2011 conference, and played to sold out crowds during its run.

It was the first time Tuacahn High School held a production outside of the Tuacahn campus. Jan and Andy Hunsaker felt that in holding the production at Dixie State College, they were able to attract new audience members. Additionally, the students in the production were able to get exposure to drama/MDT departments throughout the state. There was national exposure as well.

The production was a huge success. The students did a fantastic job, it was very well received by the audiences, and there were some offers for students to come to College/University scholarship auditions. Congratulations to the Hunsakers, JP Kentros, Joshua Scott and to all of our talented MDT students.

Keely Schmerber prepares for Dixie's Got Talent Finale

2011-01-13T08:58:00.000-08:00

Keely Schmerber

Dixie's Got Talent 2011 Finalist

THS's own Keely Schmerber, a freshman in the Music Academy, is one of the 15 finalists in Dixie's Got Talent for 2011. Last Fall, more than 100 individuals and groups auditioned for this annual competition. Keely, a talented pianist, wowed the judges, and is now in the final competition to be held Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 7:30 pm in the Cox Auditorium at DSC.

Come show your support of Keely in this annual scholarship fundraiser event for DSC!

Student to Perform at Tuacahn Saturday Market

2010-08-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

At THS, we have some amazing talent. Our students excel in music, drama, MDT, art, dance and academically. One of our very talented students is Crystal Jackson.

You may have seen Crystal in Tuacahn productions such as High School Musical and High School Musical 2. She has also been in a variety of THS productions, including Rags, Damn Yankees, White Christmas (Martha Watson) and Once on this Island (Asaka). This summer, Crystal has been a Swing Singer for Tuacahn's production of Disney's Tarzan.

Crystal will be singing at Tuacahn Saturday Market on Saturday September 25, 2010. You will not want to miss her performance!

Students Perform at Saturday Market

2010-07-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

Tuacahn students are enjoying a wonderful summer, and getting some performance opportunities. Summer Morris and David Edmunds are pictured here. Summer sang some patriotic songs, accompanied by David. David also played some classical guitar selections.

At noon, Josh Putnam (not pictured) sang for the crowd.

If you'd like an opportunity to perform at Tuacahn Saturday Market, contact Rosemary in the gift shop!

THS Chamber Orchestra at SUPAF 2010

2010-03-25T10:41:00.000-07:00

Tuacahn Titans can be proud of their Chamber Orchestra! They recently performed at the Southern Utah Performing Arts Festival (SUPAF), and scored a superior plus! The judge claimed that the performance was "phenomenal", and along with the superior plus ranking, the orchestra was given a $100 scholarship and asked to play at the SUPAF awards night. The chamber orchestra played these selections:

Paul Hindemith, "Acht Stucke". No. 1,3,4
Gustav Mahler, "Adagietto" (arranged: Lauren Keiser)
Arcengelo Corelli "Concerto Grosso" No. 2

Congratulations to Mr. Bonham and the Chamber Orchestra!

THS invited to send band to BOB!

2010-03-19T14:45:00.000-07:00

The State BOB has invited THS to send our band to the State BOB competition tomorrow. It turns out, that along with a wild card entry, there is also a place for the school with the highest increase in PTA membership, and that happens to be Tuacahn!

Raspberry Onslaught band members David Edmunds (guitar), Ian Davenport (bass, and THS grad.) and Dallin Wilson (drums, Snow Canyon student) will be representing the Titans at the BOB. Congratulations and good luck!

Chamber Orchestra Trip to Zion's

2010-03-07T20:54:00.000-08:00

The Chamber Orchestra went on a retreat/clinic to Sprindale, just outside of Zion National Park, at the end of January. Instructors for the retreat perform. Mr. Bonham is on the right.

Larrea, Leah and Jake during an instruction period.

Ashley, Urs, Sabrina, and Larrea....

Daniel on the Viola....

Professional cellist, Alexa Mulhy, instructing the cello section...

The violas in a practice session....

Mr. Bonham seen here working with the violins...

Leah playing her viola...

Dinner at Blondies.... Leah, Mary, Daniel and Brittney..

Ashley, Sabrina, Victoria and Taylor...

Victoria, Taylor, David and Ryan in the cello section....

Group picture......

THS Battle of the Bands

2010-02-03T18:34:00.000-08:00

We've had to change the date on the school BOB to Thursday Feb. 11, 2010. Only one band turned in the application, so we will be having more of a concert, not a battle.

Just a reminder....you can turn in your entries for BOB poster on Feb. 11, 2010. These will be judged for prizes here at the school, then go on to state for that competition.

The multi-region BOB will be held on Feb. 16, 2010 at 6pm in Cedar City at Canyon View High School, 166 West 1925 North. General Admission is $5, Show PTA Membership Card or Student ID $3.

Hygiene Kit Service Project

2010-01-15T09:55:00.000-08:00

In response to the Haiti earthquake, THS students will have a service opportunity, putting together hygiene kits on Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 during T3 and into lunch. A business owner has donated the supplies for approximately 1000 kits. You are welcome to bring any kit donations (see list below). We will make as many kits as we have supplies available. The kits will then be delivered to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints humanitarian offices. They will be using the kits we've made, along with others for the Haiti disaster relief.

Here is a picture of what goes into the kits:

1 gallon freezer ziplock bag
2 hand towels 15x25"
4 tooth brushes
1 tube of toothpaste 6-8 oz, no pumps
2 combs
2 bars of soap, 3.5-5 oz.

THS Battle of the Bands 2010

2010-01-13T12:33:00.000-08:00

For students interested in entering PTSA sponsored Battle of the Bands, here are the deadlines:

Entry packets available in the office. These need to be filled out and turned in by Wednesday January 27, 2010 by 3:15pm.

Our school BOB will be held during T3 on February 4th.

The winning band will go on to the Multi-region BOB on Feb. 16, 2010 at 6 pm. It is possible that the top 2 bands can go on. As soon as we find out, we will let you know.

In the event that one of our bands wins at region, they will go on to BOB at the state level. The date of the State BOB is Saturday March 20, 2010.

BOB art poster contest paperwork is also in the office. Deadline for the art poster is Feb. 4th. These will be judged at the school, and prizes awarded for the top 3 poster entries. All of the entries will be sent on to the region, and they will send them on to the state.

You can find the application packet online here.

Questions? You can leave a comment on this blog post, or leave a message with Mrs. Carroll in the office.

Blog Contributors needed!

2010-01-11T15:43:00.000-08:00

Are you a student at THS, and want to be a contributing writer or photographer for the blog? Fill out the Blog Contributor form (they will be available at the office), and turn it in. PTSA will contact you if you are selected. Your articles and pictures will be identified with your name when they are posted. We are looking for pictures and articles that have to do with our students, classes, activities, awards, etc.

WCSD All-County & Honors Orchestra

2010-01-11T13:26:00.000-08:00

Washington County School District Students auditioned in November for the Washington County School District Honors Orchestra. Students who auditioned and were selected from THS are:

Larrea Cottingham, violin
Jake Davis, violin
David Edmunds, cello
Sarah Wakefield, violin
Ashley Pittario, viola

Students rehearse on Friday and Saturday, January 15th and 16th, 2010 with a concert on Saturday night. The director is Dr. Paul Abegg from Dixie State College.

Congratulations to our outstanding orchestra students!

First Term Report Cards Mailed...You Made the Grade!

2010-01-11T09:44:00.000-08:00

First semester report cards were sent last Friday. Not only do THS students put on fantastic performances, they also perform very well academically!

Over half the student body has GPA's of 3.5 or better for 1st semester (125 kids out of 246). Out of those on the high honor role, 26 have 4.0.

Congratulations students! Thanks, also, to our incredible faculty and staff for all that you do to make THS the fine College Prep school that it is!

Date set for Multi-region Battle of the Bands 2010

2010-01-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

PTSA Meeting for January 2010

2010-01-11T09:31:00.000-08:00

The PTSA Board will have its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, January 12, 2010 in the conference room at THS. All interested parents are invited to attend. We will be putting together a nominating committee to select the PTSA Board nominees for 2010-2011, and be discussing many other important items. We hope that you can make the time to attend.

5th Annual THS Art Competition

2010-01-11T09:13:00.000-08:00

All entries are due for the 5th Annual THS Art Competition on January 26, 2010. A $3 entry fee will be charged, and will go toward awards to be given to the students. There are five categories:

photography
drawing
painting
mixed media
sculpture

Art must be matted, ready to frame. The school will purchase one entry for their collection. Entries will be judged by 3 local professional artists.

Get your entries ready! Questions? Please contact Mrs. Scott

White Christmas pictures!

2010-01-10T19:45:00.001-08:00

Irving Berlin's White Christmas at THS was an amazing production! We hope that you were all able to attend. So many in attendance said that it rivaled professional productions! It really was that good. The production ran from Dec. 3rd to the 12th, 2009.

Click on the pictures to make them bigger!

Congratulations to Jan and Andy Hunsaker and cast!

Madrigals sing at Barnes & Noble

2009-12-19T22:59:00.000-08:00

The Madrigals performed at the Barnes & Noble at the Red Cliffs Mall last Saturday. It was an excellent performance! The Madrigals were here to raise funds for their Salt Lake City trip this weekend.

It has been a busy couple of weeks for the Madrigals. Hopefully someone has taken some pictures of their SLC Temple Square performance, and we can post them here.

Three THS Students Win Regional Reflections!

2009-12-19T21:01:00.000-08:00

Tuacahn High School did extremely well at the Regional PTA Reflections Contest, with three winners going on to State competition. Our school had the most Regional winners of any school in our region!

Winners at the Regional level are:

Eliza Denton- Film/Video
David Edmunds- Musical Composition
Ashalee Johnson- Photography

Pictured above (left to right) Eliza, David and Ashalee.

Sydne Davies, Regional PTA representative, presented the awards at a special assembly on Friday morning, December 18, 2009. These winners will compete against 19 other regions in the State PTA Reflections competition. We will know how our students did sometime in March or April. Winners at the state level go on to National competition. Congratulations Eliza, David and Ashalee!

Be looking for posters around school with the 2010-2011 Reflections theme. Let's get ready for next year now! Questions? Feel free to post a comment and the answer to your question will be posted.

Battle of the Bands '10 Kick-off

2009-12-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

PTSA had our Battle of the Bands Kick-off during lunch hour. We high-jacked the Plaza Stage and were entertained by Mike Whiteside, Chris Whiteside and David Edmunds. PTSA handed out BOB packets along with BOB poster contest paperwork. In case you didn't get the paperwork, and you want it, go to this link to get the entire packet. Toward the end, you will find the poster contest entry form and rules if you are only interested in that.

Last year, a band from our school, The Fillmore Odd Generation, took 2nd place in the State competition! WOW...not shabby for our first appearance in BOB. The Fillmore Odd Generation featured current THS students, Mike Whiteside, Chris Whiteside and THS graduates Matt Dumas and Josh Beahm. They were fantastic!

This year we would like to make another good showing at the BOB, so get practicing, get the paperwork, and get ready to play at our BOB at THS sometime at the end of January or very early February. The winner (and possibly 2 winning bands) will go to Regional competition at Enterprise High School. The top 3 bands at Regional will go on to the State competition.

Bands can be Rock, Country or Jazz.

Feel free to post questions, and I will answer them here on the blog. Good Luck!

Five THS Reflections Entries go on to Region Competition

2009-11-18T17:11:00.000-08:00

Of the 12 Reflections winners that went on to the council competition, 5 have now become winners! These entries will now go on to the Regional competition. Winners at the council level are:

Eliza Denton: Film/Video

David Edmunds: Music

Jazzmyn Callis: Visual Art

Ethan Williams: Visual Art

Ashalee Johnson: Photography

These students along with 17 others from the Council will now go on to Region competition. Only one entry in each category will win at Region, and they will go on to State competition.

Council Reflections Reception

2009-11-04T15:08:00.000-08:00

Winners at the Council PTA level of Reflections will be on display at the Washington County School District Offices on November 24, 2009. Hopefully some of our Reflections winners will be represented! Put this date on your calendar just in case. The reception will be held somewhere between 4 and 6pm that day.

PTSA Reflections Contest: Beauty Is.......

2009-10-29T14:52:00.001-07:00

This year PTSA received many fantastic entries for the 2009-2010 Reflections contest. The outstanding entries that will be going on to the PTSA Council level are:

Film/Video: Eliza Denton

Musical Composition: David Edmunds

Dance: Brooke Nally

Literature: Courtney Bohrer, Melinda Nelson, Amber Pittario

Photography: Taylor Holbrook, Jennifer Boyer, Ashalee Johnson

Visual Art: Ethan Williams, Aleah Denton, Jazzmyn Callis

Today the school held an assembly for Reflections, and we were able to see and hear the wonderful work that the students' created. Each student received a certificate and will be receiving a $50 Visa Gift Card. Congratulations, and good luck at the council level!

Small Band Club

2009-09-07T18:44:00.000-07:00

Do you love to sing or play an instrument?

The PTSA is sponsoring a Small Band Club, for all of you that are interested in being in a band. The club will meet Mondays at 3:15 pm beginning on September 14, 2009. Meet in Mr. Bonham's music room. Cliff Oram will be the advisor, and has experience working with jazz bands. You may want to be in a jazz group, rock band or country band, and he can help you out. If you play any type of instrument or sing, you are welcome to join the fun.

If you want to get a group together for this year's Battle of the Bands, sponsored by PTSA, this is a good place to come to form a group.

Questions? Feel free to post them here under comments, and I'll reply.

Gift Card Drawing Winner!

2009-09-02T15:31:00.001-07:00

In an effort to encourage more gift card purchases, I have gotten some goodies from local vendors as give-aways. The give-away works like this: for every $100 of gift cards purchased, your name will go into a drawing. If you purchase $500 in gift cards, then you will have 5 chances in the drawing. I just did a drawing for the first few weeks of gift card purchases, and the winner is......the Troy Gregory family!! You can pick up your gift certificate from Heather in the office.

The Gregory family won a gift certificate for a free sandwich, chips and pickle from The HONEYBAKED HAM Co., on Telegraph St. in Washington. Did you know that HoneyBaked Ham sells delicious sandwiches, salads and soups, in addition to their yummy ham? I had lunch there today and it was fantastic! I got the turkey salad with provolone cheese and the ham and bean soup. They also sell several items that are perfect for gift giving; mango-lime salsa (a best seller product), soup mixes, mustard, chutney, etc. You can also purchase ham bones (with plenty of ham still on them) to make your own delicious soup.

When you shop at The HONEYBAKED HAM Co., please thank owner LeeAnna Ventura for her generous support of THS!

PTSA Fundraiser: Gift Cards!

2009-08-26T21:01:00.000-07:00

By now, hopefully you have seen an order form to purchase gift cards from the school. They have been sent home a couple of times with your student (if you haven't seen one, ask your student to dig it out of their backpack!). You can print one online from the school website: http://www.tuacahnhs.org/ .

PTSA has budgeted $5000 in earnings from gift card sales this year. This money will go toward the school academies to help with purchases that will enhance the students' educational experience. We are very optimistic, but in order to meet our goal, we need your help. If every family just purchased $100 per week in gift cards, we would make about $1000 every week. This translates into storage for music, storage for art supplies, musical instruments, etc. Last year we were able to contribute $5000 toward the new dance floor, and the previous year we were able to donate a substantial sum toward the computer lab. If every family did purchase $100 per week in gift cards, we could probably purchase all of the tuxedos, dresses, costumes for all of the productions. Wouldn't that be amazing?!

Every family buys groceries. Maybe you shop at Albertson's or Smith's, and use your "points" to buy gasoline at these stores. On Friday or Saturday night, you may go out to dinner. Perhaps you enjoy a Starbucks coffee on the way to work, or get your hair cut at Great Clips. When it is time to do some home diy projects, you might head over to Lowe's or Home Depot. Instead of putting these purchases on your credit card, we hope that you'll support our school by purchasing gift cards at the school for all of your needs. We can get just about any gift card that you need, and you get the exact dollar amount that you spent on the card. The school makes anywhere from 1% to 15% on each card. You can even purchase Visa cards which you can use just about anywhere.

Every Monday and Tuesday, you can turn in your order along with a check or cash (no credit cards as they cost us 3% to run your card) in at the office. Jana Houston, THS business manager will place the order for the cards, and you can pick them up (or have them sent home with your student) on Friday afternoon of the same week. If you need a last minute gift, and you forgot to order a card, Jana keeps a few on hand. Please consider gift cards for your holiday gift giving.

This is the easiest fund raiser going. I hope that you will make it a point to go to http://www.tuacahnhs.org/ and print off the order form. If you don't see a gift card that you'd like, just give the office a call. We have more than what is listed. Feel free to post your questions here, and I will do my best to answer them.

We are doing a gift basket giveaway each week. I will post our first winner on Friday. For every $100 in gift cards purchased, you get an entry for the drawing. Good luck!

PTSA Back to School Free Lunch

2009-08-26T17:04:00.000-07:00

PTSA has a tradition of serving a free back to school lunch each year to the student body. It is a fun way to kick off the school year. This year, our back to school lunch was held on Friday August 21, 2009.

Our menu this year included hot dogs on a bun, chili, watermelon, pineapple orange juice and snow cones. Since it was 110*F on Friday, the snow cones were a big hit! There were a lot of blue lips and tongues on both students, faculty and PTSA members.

I'd like to thank both Albertson's on Dixie Drive in St. George and Lin's Market on the same street for their very generous donations of food for this event. We received all of our hot dogs for free, the majority from Lin's, and Albertson's gave us 4 watermelons, hot dogs and a $30 gift card which covered our paper supplies. Please thank manager Steve, at Albertson's and manager Phil, at Lin's for supporting our school. It doesn't hurt to email Albertson's and Lin's regional offices and say thanks! Please support these businesses!

I'd also like to thank faculty, staff, parents and students for all of their help. Student body officers made the snow cones (you guys are awesome!), Andy Hunsaker was the main chef on the barbecue, cooking the hot dogs, and Jan Hunsaker showed her watermelon cutting skills. I noticed all of the faculty and staff helping students get their food in a timely manner. Also, we had several fantastic parents helping prepare and serve the food. Many, many thanks to all of you.