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IMPORTANT DATES IN THE NEWS THE PRINCIPAL'S CORNER PASTA NEEDS YOUR VOTE CALLING ALL PARENTS – SHOW TEACHERS/STAFF YOUR THANKS TRI-M MUSIC HONORARY SUPPORTS ZIMBABWE MUSICIANS LOVE OF MUSIC AND MUSIC OF LOVE UNITE AT SPRING CONCERT SENIOR SLIDE SHOW SET END-OF-COURSE PROCTORS STILL NEEDED CARPOOLING NEXT YEAR? ACT NOW SUMMER SCHOOL OFFERS HEALTHFUL LIVING COURSE LUAU LOOKING FOR CHAPERONES WHERE'S MY HOODIE? STILL LOOKING FOR CHEAP DIGS SENIORS TO PICNIC POST GRADUATION REHEARSAL THE SPORTS PAGE PHOENIX BOOSTERS SET FINALE DINNER PHOENIX ATHLETES TO BE HONORED WEEKLY SPORTS CALENDAR LINKS OF INTEREST PUBLICATION INFORMATION IMPORTANT DATES MAY 5–14 Advanced Placement (AP) Exams 5–16 Voting for PASTA Officers, Amendments 8 PASTA Board Meeting, 8:30 a.m., Room 305 13 RCHS Board of Directors Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Room 300 14 Academic Awards Night, 7:00 p.m., Kenan Recital Hall, Peace College 16 Luau Dance, 7:30–11:30 p.m., Optimist Community Center 20 Strings Ensemble Spring Concert, 7:30 p.m., Museum of Natural Sciences 21–29 End-of-Course Testing 23 RCHS Athletic Awards Night, 7:00 p.m., Kenan Recital Hall, Peace College 29 Senior Class Slide Show, RCHS Patio, 8:00 p.m. 30 Graduation Practice, 9:00 a.m.    Senior Picnic, Lake Wheeler Park 31 RCHS Graduation, Meymandi Hall, 3:00 p.m. IN THE NEWS THE PRINCIPAL'S CORNER On May 1, Raleigh Charter High School was honored by the City of Raleigh's Parks and Recreation Department as the 2008 Outstanding Volunteer Group. The prestigious Fred Fletcher Outstanding Volunteer Awards were videographed and can be seen on the RTN cable channel in the near future. Each year our students are involved in 27 different citizenship service activities. We think enough about this component of citizenship education that we devote four hours during regular school days and two entire school days to this innovative initiative. All students are engaged in citizenship activity—learning and contributing. The 45 students who work for Raleigh Parks install walkways and steps, build fences, plant flowers and trees, among many other projects to enhance the aesthetics, functionality, and usability of park facilities. Since 2005, we have been contributing at about 12 different sites. Teachers Mike Rios, John Kleinhenz, and Lindsey Scherer work with our students under the guidance of Carolyn Jackson. We also acknowledge the cooperative and friendly spirit of the Parks and Recreation staff, particularly Cindy Trumbower. I am particularly impressed by all of our students' citizenship activities. Our students are practicing, implementing, and defining the vision our School's founders had of their becoming "citizens of the world." Thomas E. Humble thumble@raleighcharterhs.org  PASTA NEEDS YOUR VOTE! We are asking all PASTA members to take five minutes and vote on the proposed slate of officers for 2008-09 and the proposed amendments to the PASTA bylaws. To look over the proposed nominees and their positions, go to http://www.rchspasta.org/officerslate0809.htm  To review changes to the by-laws, go to http://www.rchspasta.org/pastabylawsproposed.htm  and review the proposed amendments. Voting begins today, May 5 at http://www.rchspasta.org/poll/2008_Bylaws_0.php  and will end Friday, May 16. Results will be published in the May 19 Phoenix News. A huge thanks to all those who volunteered to run for office next year---your hard work will benefit the entire RCHS community! Kathy Schultz, PASTA President, 2007-08 k2jschultz@msn.com  CALLING ALL PARENTS – SHOW OUR RCHS TEACHERS/STAFF YOUR THANKS! Teacher Appreciation Fridays started last week with a Spring luncheon for all. Over the next three Fridays, we are asking parents to step to the plate and let your teachers know we appreciate them. For Friday, May 9, we are asking FRESHMAN and SENIOR parents to provide simple foods – breakfast (bagels, muffins, fruit) or snack food (cheese and crackers, veggies and dip), desserts and drinks – waters, juices and sodas. We always try to have some healthy stuff; fruit and juices are particularly appreciated. For May 16, we are asking SOPHOMORE and JUNIOR parents to do the same thing. For May 23, the PASTA Board will provide the treats. Thank you notes from the students and parents are always encouraged and enjoyed – either to the school as a whole or to a teacher who has had a positive impact on your student. It would be nice to have a couple of parents from each class help with set-up and clean-up on the 9th and 16th. If you can help, please let Terryn Owens know. We set up food in both the workroom off the office and the 300 Building workroom/kitchen. Please drop off all food donations in the 200 hall on the table marked "TEACHER APPRECIATION DONATIONS" during morning carpool on your assigned Friday. You do not have to let us know what you are sending. Just send in whatever you want as we always have a great variety. Please send in disposable containers, if possible. If you have any questions or would like to help out during the week please contact us. THANK YOU SO MUCH. Terryn Owens and Nancy Williams, PASTA Teacher Appreciation Coordinators terryndo@nc.rr.com  and fractal@mindspring.com  TRI-M MUSIC HONORARY SUPPORTS ZIMBABWE MUSICIANS The Raleigh Charter Tri-M chapter is raising money this year to help support Jonathan Daniel, who not only serves as a guest artist at Raleigh Charter but also is founder of the Dare2Share Zimbabwe mission. Tri-M is raising money to help a band in Zimbabwe that needs instruments and recording equipment. If you would like to learn more and hear a track from the band, see Jonathan's website: http://www.daretosharezimbabwe.org/news/raleighcharter.htm   Please consider donating either at the Strings Concert at 7:30 p.m. on May 20th at the Museum of Natural Sciences or by contacting Dr. Cynthia Brown. Please make checks out to Dare2Share Zimbabwe with "Tri-M Fundraiser" in the memo line. You may also choose to buy a CD of the band's awesome music for $10! A. Gwynn and C. Diepenbrock, Tri-M Officers Dr. Cynthia Brown, RCHS Music Teacher cbrown@raleighcharterhs.org  LOVE OF MUSIC AND MUSIC OF LOVE UNITE AT SPRING CONCERT On Monday night, April 28, the magic of love found a voice in the choral concert led by Dr. Cynthia Clark Brown as the RCHS Women's Ensemble, Chorus, and Mixed Ensemble filled Kenan Recital Hall with wonderful and mesmerizing music. The students outdid previous performances and amazed the audience with song after song, proving that they truly were, as Dr. Brown said, using Arthur O'Shaughnessy's words, "the movers and shakers, the dreamers of dreams, the music-makers." The Women's Ensemble started with an "Alleluja" from Mozart and Clements' "There Is Sweet Music Here." There truly was sweet music here and it only got better. They were steady, following Dr. Brown's direction, and they lifted all our hearts with Haydn's "Dona Nobis Pacem" and touched us deeply with the "Prayer of the Children." It was that piece, with the line "help me to see the mornin' light of one more day" that gave me goose bumps on my neck. Their voices were so high and clear and true – their a capella was simply spectacular. The music continued to be playful and fun as the Chorus delighted us with Foster's "The Glendy Burk" and an um-pa lightness of an arrangement of "Je Danse La Polka." And what a surprise when Dr. Brown herself took to the organ and played a Choral Song by Wesley (can a huge organ sound light?), followed by an amazing solo by Justine Benjamin beautifully singing "Caged Bird." Sarah Chappuis and Megan Whitt did "In His Eyes" with only piano accompaniment, and the A Capella Group charmed us with "Over the Rainbow." I thought nothing could match this imaginative and wonderful selection, but then it was the Mixed Ensemble's turn. From Haydn's "Gloria" to Noble's "Yo Paso Las Noches," the Mixed Ensemble showed they were ready. The songs were light, but not easy; they were about love and delightfully lovely. They left us with such a warm feeling. Even the performance of Mozart's "Lacrymosa" (from "Requiem" and the Latin word for "weeping") conveyed a different emotion than sadness. Their "When I Fall in Love" was not sappy and their "Go, Lovely Rose," which last year's ensemble had practiced but did not perform, was simply superb. Ruth Hafley had her work cut out for her, keeping up with her much appreciated piano accompaniment. There were brief intermissions in which Dr. Brown respectfully introduced the seniors in each choir and we gave each group applause. It was a nice touch. The performance, ending with "We Rise Again," left us wanting more, but the applause and standing ovation at the end could not convince the singers to do an encore. Dr. Humble's initial pantomime with a cell phone and a brief introduction to Dare To Share Zimbabwe (in support of musical instruments for 300 kids in an inflation-rampant country) framed the entertainment. The overall theme of the music seemed to be about love, in many dimensions and directions, but the tone of the evening's performance was light and fun. Congratulations to Dr. Brown on such a wonderful job directing, to the students who proved their talent can truly affect others, and to the RCHS fine arts program for making these performances possible. Billl Albing, Proud RCHS Parent SENIOR SLIDE SHOW SET Seniors, want to spend a special night reminiscing with all of your friends? The senior slide show will be held on Thursday, May 29 on the RCHS patio. While the show will start at 8:00 p.m., feel free to come at 7:30 to sign yearbooks and chat with friends. Parents are welcome to attend. Hope to see you there! C. Rouse, Senior Class Vice President END-OF-COURSE PROCTORS STILL NEEDED Dates for this year's EOCs—End-of Course examinations—have been set, and we are still looking for volunteers to help proctor them. The tests will be given the mornings of May 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, and 29. If you are available, please email me. Susie Rubin, PASTA Proctor Coordinator sqrubin@bellsouth.net  CARPOOLING NEXT YEAR? ACT NOW Do you want to carpool next year? Returning students who want to carpool must submit information to be included in the carpool database each year. Between now and July 1, you can enter your information into the database by clicking on the Students section of the Raleigh Charter website and selecting Transportation; https://www.raleighcharterhs.org/studentlife/carpool.asp  is the direct link Since I will be sending out carpool groupings beginning the week of July 7, please submit information as soon as possible. Thanks. Cathy Hren, Carpool Coordinator SUMMER SCHOOL OFFERS HEALTHFUL LIVING COURSE Raleigh Charter High School will be offering Healthful Living in two summer school sessions for RCHS students. Details and instructions for applying can be found on our website at http://www.raleighcharterhs.org/frontpage/SummerSchoolRegistrationForm.pdf   Thomas Humble, Principal thumble@raleighcharterhs.org  LUAU LOOKING FOR CHAPERONES The Student Government Association is looking for parents to chaperone the Luau dance on Friday, May 16, from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. The dance will be held at Optimist Community Center (near Sanderson High School), and admittance will be free for both the chaperones and their students. If you are interested, please contact me as soon as possible. This should be a fun event to celebrate the end of the school year and the beginning of summer! Robert Hussey, RCHS Teacher and SGA Advisor rhussey@raleighcharterhs.org  WHERE'S MY HOODIE? Several bags of spiritwear were left in the athletic office after the March sale. They are currently being stored at my house. If you have not yet picked yours up, please email me to arrange to get them. Thanks! Lynn Schultz, Phoenix Sports Booster Parent lynnmakesart@gmail.com  STILL LOOKING FOR CHEAP DIGS If you know of some storage space near the school, please let me know. There is very little storage space at the school and we have a number of desks and file cabinets in the hallways. Some extra storage space will help tidy up our school. Thank you! Pete Cotter, PASTA Co-VP, Building and Grounds 218-5029, pcotter@kintgs.com  SENIORS TO PICNIC POST GRADUATION REHEARSAL The Senior Picnic will be held following graduation rehearsal on Friday, May 30, at Lake Wheeler Park in Raleigh. All seniors are invited to join in the festivities. Classic picnic treats—burgers and hot dogs with all the trimmings—will be served. Come and enjoy an afternoon of fun with your RCHS classmates. Angie Morris, Senior Picnic Committee member ang_morris@bellsouth.net  THE SPORTS PAGE PHOENIX BOOSTERS SET FINALE DINNER The last Phoenix Sports Booster Club meeting of this school year will be tomorrow evening, Tuesday, May 6, at 6:30 p.m. at Bear Rock Café on Crossroads Blvd. in Cary. Please note that this is a venue change from our normal spot. We'd love to see you there! Lynn Schultz, Phoenix Boosters President lynnmakesart@gmail.com PHOENIX ATHLETES TO BE HONORED Hold this date: Friday, May 23. The RCHS Annual Athletic Awards Event will be held at Kenan Recital Hall at Peace College. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. Steve Efird, RCHS Athletic Director sefird@raleighcharterhs.org  WEEKLY SPORTS CALENDAR Wednesday, 5/7 TBA Home Women's Soccer – 1st Round of the State Tournament Friday, 5/9 2:00 Men's Tennis Individual Regional Tournament – (Herman Park, Goldsboro)                                                                                                (map) Saturday, 5/10 10:00 Track Regional Tournament – (Princeton High School) (map)  (directions) TBA Men's Tennis Individual Regional Tournament TBA Women's Soccer: Second Round of the State Tournament The Crew Team will compete in the Southeast Youth Championships in Tampa, FL. The following are quick links: The Phoenix News at http://www.raleighcharterhs.org/pasta/news.asp PASTA Fund-Raising at http://www.raleighcharterhs.org/pasta/simplefund.asp  Join PASTA at http://www.raleighcharterhs.org/pasta/membership.asp PASTA Alumni at http://www.rchspasta.org/alumni/alumni.php  Lunch Vendors at https://www.raleighcharterhs.org/studentlife/lunch.asp  RCHS College Counseling Naviance at                      http://connection.naviance.com/fc/signin.php?hsid=raleighcharter  Calendar at http://www.raleighcharterhs.org/pasta  Helpful Hints at https://www.raleighcharterhs.org/Pasta/hints.asp  The Flame at http://flame.raleighcharterhs.org  Helpful hints at http://www.raleighcharterhs.org/pasta/hints.htm  Extracurricular opportunities at http://rchspasta.org/extracurriculars.htm PUBLICATION INFORMATION The Raleigh Charter High School newsletter, the Phoenix News, is published each week of the school year as a service of Raleigh Charter High School's Parent, Administrator, Student, and Teacher Association (PASTA) and is distributed via an electronic news group. The Phoenix News is also linked each week on the RCHS website at http://www.raleighcharterhs.org and can be found on the PASTA website at http://rchspasta.org . Send articles to phoenixnewseditor@yahoo.com The submission deadline is Friday at 3:00 p.m. prior to Monday's posting. Articles are subject to review. If you would like to receive the Phoenix News automatically each week, please subscribe to the RCHS Yahoo! news group by sending an email to: RaleighCharterHS-subscribe@yahoogroups.com . Please indicate your student's name in the info section so the moderator can verify that you are a member of the RCHS community. Membership is monitored and is available only to RCHS parents, students and personnel.