Memorial Day began at the end of the Civil War.  Originally called Decoration Day (the Southern women would decorate the graves of the fallen soldiers) it became a practice to honor soldiers of all wars in 1868.  The holiday was moved to the last Monday in May to allow for a long weekend.  Although the holiday has fallen out of tradition, some towns still have parades and decorate their war cemeteries.  Check your neighborhood to see what activities are scheduled.  Lots of picnics and cook-outs occur in many areas.

Governor Charlie Crist has signed House Bill 483, the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday, at a Target store in the Waterford Lakes Town Center in Orlando.  This bill designates a three day sales-tax holiday from August 13 through 15, 2010, on school supplies, books, clothing, and footwear.  The tax holiday is expected to save Florida families $26 million.

“Our children deserve to have the resources and materials they need to be successful and competitive in the classroom.  I am confident this tax break will help students, families and businesses as they prepare for a new school year,” said Governor Crist.  “It is important that we continue to alleviate the tax burden on Floridians, as well as seek ways to improve the economic future of out state.”

Monday May 31, 2010 is Memorial Day Holiday, School is closed that day. Tuesday June 1, 2010 dismissal will be at the regular time - 3:50. Buses will be running the normal routes this day. There is no afterschool clubs or afterschool care during the last week of school, so students who are not riding the bus will need to be picked up by 3:50 dismissal. Wednesday June 2, 2010 through Friday June 4, 2010 are Early Release Days and Students will be released at 1:20pm.  Buses will be running the normal routes these days and they will leave school at this earlier time.  Students who are not riding the bus must be picked up by 1:20 pm.  Again, please be reminded that there is NO afterschool clubs and NO afterschool care at all during this last week of school. Students must be picked up each day at dismissal.

Stars staff and students had a great Basketball Game on Friday afterschool . Game was very challenging for teachers and students but players and the audience had great fun. Some of the students stayed after school to watch the game. Hot dogs, chips, and soda were being sold during the game. Teachers won the game by 36-26.

 On Saturday 24, STARS Students, teachers and parents gathered at Jackson view park. Students and teachers enjoyed the beautiful weather by playing a soccer; while they were running after the soccer ball excitedly some of the teachers and parent were cooking some delicious food on the Grill.

At the end of the day everyone in the STARS family was happy to be there and they promised to come together and repeat the same since we all had a great fun and joy for being together in an extracurricular activity on a weekend.

 Congratulations to all Earth Day project competition finalists. All projects were wonderful and judges worked hard to select best poster with message. Here are the winners from each grade level

 From 6th grade with message “Go Green” by Cikayah Harrison

7th grade with message “The Earth needs a helping hand” by Dominique Snead, Kayla Grant, Kadahlia Bryant

8th  grade was a close race but the message “Because There is No place Like Home” by Briana Davis, Madison Tate, Chelsea White was the winner.

The winners will have free Fun Station admission on May 15th.

Science Olympiad students went to Orlando to participate State Science Olympiad at University of Central Florida.Students got various placements. STARS team was the best performing school from Leon County. 

Keep up the good work students !