Mikenna~Yak Attack

Mikenna is playing in a soccer tournament this month called Yak Attack - and the teams get to dress in fun uniforms while they play soccer.  It's a really fun tournament - and this year's theme is "Mardi Gras" and her team's name is "Cotton Candies".  All of the girls are wearing this tulle tutu that we all made on our own and tank top with shorts/soccer socks and their cleats.

My Scando Man!

Jaron~Pasco High School Musical "In the Heights" Artwork

Jaron has been able to help his Language Arts teacher Tiffany Buissink with the play that she is directing at the high school with his artwork for the backdrops and also an art piece that is displayed at the end of the musical.  He has been so happy to use his creative art abilities for the high school musical.

Pasco High School is proud to present “In the Heights,” April 25-27 and May 2-3 at 7 p.m. in the Pasco High School Auditorium. 

The play features an ensemble cast that chronicles three days in the tight-knit and largely Dominican-American community of Washington Heights, NY. Bodega owner Usnavi longs to return to the Domnician Republic, the place he was born but cannot remember. 

“We chose this play largely because of the subject matter,” says Producer Robert Dennis, Pasco High School teacher and director of the 10th Avenue Singers. “The neighborhood where the play is set is populated by first, second and third generation Americans who have strong ties to a place that is far away and that they have never seen. This is the story of bridging cultures; this is the story of many of our students.

Article from the Tri-Cities Herald:

Lin-Manuel Miranda became a hot American composer after his musical, In the Heights, debuted on Broadway in 2008.

Read more here: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2013/04/19/2362154/pasco-high-schools-in-the-heights.html#storylink=cpy

It was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, winning best musical, choreography, orchestration and original score. It also earned a nomination for a Pulitzer Prize for drama in 2009.

The Pasco High School Choir department will give Tri-Citians a taste of that Broadway hit when it presents the musical April 25-27 and May 2-4 in the Gregson Auditorium at the high school. Showtime is 7 p.m.

In the Heights tells the story of life in the mostly Dominican-American barrio of Washington Heights in New York City.

"In the Heights is an authentic and exhilarating journey into one of Manhattan's most vibrant communities," said Rob Dennis, a Pasco High music teacher. "With its universal themes of family, community and self-discovery, it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds."

Dennis is producing the show, and Tiffany Buissink is directing.

"We thought this show was the perfect choice for Pasco High," Dennis said. "It touches on so many themes that are relevant to our kids: coming of age as a child of immigrants in the United States; grappling with issues of self-identity; discovering what it means to belong to a community; finding where you are truly at home.

"And, it's also this incredible Latin and hip-hop music, which makes it exciting for the actors and the audience. Lin-Manuel Miranda is an amazing talent."

Dennis added that the musical was released for amateur production in January, which means Pasco High is one of the first schools in the country to present it. The rights were purchased through Rogers & Hammerstein Theatricals, which licenses performing rights, and has long been an advocate for making great shows accessible, particularly to schools, he added.

There are 35 actors in the show and a 10-person tech crew. Lead actors are senior Franklin Castellanos as Usnavi de la Vega, sophomore Carrie Nolan as Vanessa, senior Daniel Haug as Benny, senior Bianca Navarette as Nina Rosario, junior Anthony Garcia as Kevin Rosario, junior Omar Spindola as Sonny, sophomore Olivia Elizondo as Abuela Claudio, junior Joanna Barajas as Daniela, senior Megan Rocha as Carla, senior Oziel Lopez as Piraguero and junior Na'Shon Hill as Graffiti Pete.

"We've also had countless parents and other adults from the community contribute time and talent for this show, from playing in the pit orchestra to constructing sets to helping with hair and makeup," Dennis said. "Tiffany is directing the show. She is an amazing teacher who is currently a long-term substitute teacher in the English department. She has a degree in theater and a talent for motivating kids."

Advance tickets to the show cost $12 for reserved and $8 for general admission seating. At the door, the prices are $15 and $10. Tickets can be purchased at the high school office, 1108 N. 10th Ave.

Read more here: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2013/04/19/2362154/pasco-high-schools-in-the-heights.html#storylink=cpy

Brielle~Planetarium Field Trip

 Elementary first graders got an up-close look at the sun, moon, and stars during a visit to the Bechtel National Planetarium at Columbia Basin College recently. Students enjoyed presentations on the major constellations—including the animated feature “Legends of the Night Sky: Orion”—and close up images of the sun and moon projected on the 36-foot panoramic viewing dome. The visit enhances the students’ current classroom science unit.   

Brielle isn't in the picture....but her first grade class was able to go on a field trip to the Columbia Basin College and visit the Bechtel National Planetarium. She came home full of information that she had learned and said she loved it.  

Mikenna~Soccer Team Party!

 End of season party!  Prep for GU13 Try-Outs in May now!

Last State Cup game today.....so proud of the whole team and our Mikenna Jo!

Mikenna~Urkel Day!

 Mikenna dressed up for Urkel Day at school!

Brielle~Soccer Goal!

Brielle scored a goal tonight in her game!  She also played really aggressive defense!  We are so proud of her!

Mikenna 80's Day!!

Mikenna dresssed up for 80's day!!  Pretty cute girl!!  She was asking me how I knew what people wore in the 80's and I said it's because I grew up in the 80's!  She researched the internet on my suggestions - and said you are right mom!  Ha, ha....

Brielle Spring Soccer 2013

 Brielle almost had a goal today!  We are proud of you Brielle!  You played hard today!

 Brielle tried a little goal keeping the second half of the game.

Mikenna State Cup Soccer 2013

Mikenna played in State Cup for GU12 this weekend in Tukwila at the Starfire Complex where the Seattle Sounders play and practice.  She also played in Gig Harbor for the other game.  They lost the first game against Pac NW and also lost by one point against Gig Harbor.  It rained during both games. She played very well and played in division one in State Cup.  We are so proud of her!