Weekly Community News for Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr High School
Volume 47 • March 18, 2024
“The most difficult decision is to act. The rest is merely tenacity.”
– Amelia Earhart
March
18 Reports Cards Published on FOCUS
20 MS Band MPA
22 DRESS DOWN DAY / EARLY RELEASE / NO Finish Friday
23 NO SUCCESS SATURDAY
25-29 SPRING BREAK
April
1 Students and Teachers return to school.
1-5 Assistant Principals’ Week
WHAT'S HAPPENING ON THE ODYSSEY JR/SR CAMPUS?
Odyssey’s 25th Anniversary Gala
Congratulations to Ms. Midiam Velez, 2024 Teacher of the Year, and Mr. WIlliam Held, 2024 Employee of the Year for Odyssey Jr/Sr. Both were recognized by Odyssey Charter School’s Founder, Ms. Constance Ortiz, and the Odyssey Board of Directors at the 25th-anniversary celebration on Friday, March 8, 2024. Their ongoing commitment to their students is unwavering.
AVID Recruiting
AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It is a worldwide program that supports students as they build the skills necessary for college and career success. Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr High School will offer the AVID program to grades 6-11 students next year. Prospective students have already been identified and started the application process.
The AVID team went on a recruiting trip to Eldron and OPA last week to share how AVID can help students build the lives of their dreams. Teachers and students shared their AVID stories to make the direct benefits of AVID visible. Fifth-grade students even participated in a team-building activity to feel the AVID effects of challenge and collaboration. Advancing Via Individual Determination is the only prerequisite for application. Students interested should complete their application and interview soon. The deadline is March 22.
Click HERE for photo gallery
AVID Interviews
Congratulations, Titan Scholars, to those of you who have completed and turned in an AVID application for next school year. The next step is to schedule an interview. Interviews are held before and afterschool between March 11-22. On the day of your interview, you should dress in your Sunday best to make the best first impression. If you have not yet applied, go to our web page to learn more. Applications and the link to schedule an interview are here: https://sites.google.com/view/ocs-avid/home
Terrific Titan
Congratulations to 6th-grader Mykel Benson for being selected to play in the Battle of Magic City Showcase in Alabama this past weekend. According to https://basketball.exposureevents.com, it is touted as the “best competitive tournament in the country.” Mykel scored 8 points, had six rebounds, and had two blocks. Although his team did not win, they tried their best and gave it their all. Way to go, Mykel!
Way to Go, Lady Titans!!!
Shout out to the MS Firls’Flag Football team! They played their inaugural game on Saturday, coached by Troy Stanton. They are pumped and ready to show everyone what Lady Titans are made of.
Band Events
March 20th- Concert Band (3rd Period) MPA @ Bayside High School
March 20th- Symphonic Band (2nd Period) MPA @ Bayside High School
April 19th & 20th- Band Spring Trip to Atlanta, GA (Wind Ensemble & Select Students)
April 26th & 27th- Band Solo & Ensemble (Select Students) @ Kennedy Middle School
May 2nd- Spring Concert (all classes, attendance is required)
High Notes
Congratulations to our Advanced Band Wind Ensemble, who participated in MPA’s on March13th. They received a Superior rating for Sight Reading. Also, congratulations to Sarah Brent and Aiden Mirabel for being selected to the High School Honors Orchestra and All State Middle School Orchestra respectively. Way to go Titans!!!
SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS
Titan Senior Class of 2024
Conner Harrell
Conner is a working magician who has won the Florida Magician of the Year award in multiple age divisions. He is also only one of three who won in the adult division at 18.
Conner has attended OCS since seventh grade and is dual enrolled this year, studying Mechanical Engineering. One of his best Senior year memories was getting accepted to the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT).
However, he has not decided exactly where to attend college, as he’s also been accepted at several other schools. Conner has wanted to be a mechanical engineer since 7th grade and plans on eventually getting his doctorate.
His long list of extra-curricular activities includes band, orchestra, marching band, theater chorus, and engineering. He enjoys interacting with like-minded people and will miss having access to various musical instruments and equipment.
Arianna Duncan
Arianna has attended Odyssey since second grade. Her favorite high school teachers are Ms. Lewis and Ms. Encarnacion; they are very supportive and help keep her on task. Arianna is a cancer survivor and loves giving back to others in any way she can. Therefore, she has always held leadership roles and assisted with planning events, fundraisers, school dances, pep rallies, community outreach, and Senior events. Her best memory of Senior year was being named Homecoming Queen. She helped plan and set up the event with her closest friends, which made the win even more special. In the future, she plans to attend cosmetology school and get a real estate license.
Geneen Saleh
Geneen has attended Odyssey since 6th grade. One of her favorite teachers is Ms. Widmer because she is funny and makes class enjoyable. She will miss all her friends after graduation and says her best memory from this year was the art museum field trip because it was calming, and she liked sitting in the park and talking after.
Geneen has always been interested in drawing and doing art. She is currently dual enrolled and halfway to earning her AA degree. After graduation, Geneen plans to finish this degree and attend art school to get an animation or design degree.
YEARBOOKS ON SALE NOW
$55 Order here: https://www.balfour.com/student-info?smi=107864.
Check our school calendar HERE for game schedules!
Titan Merch Store
Click HERE to shop for Titan hoodies, tshirts, tapestries, blankets, bags, and more!
Student Attending After School Events
Attention Students and Parents:
Students attending events after school, such as athletic games, concerts, and dances, must go home at regular dismissal and return to campus no sooner than 30 minutes before the event. There is no supervision for students to remain on campus after dismissal until the event.
HEALTHY CAFE
