Weekly Community News for Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr High School
Volume 15 • May 8, 2023
"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
-Aristotle
FRI, 5/12 Staff Meeting
Finish Friday
Little Shop of Horrors Performance 7 pm
SAT, 5/13 Little Shop of Horrors Performance 2 pm
Little Shop of Horrors Performance 7 pm
SUN, 5/14 (Mother’s Day) Little Shop of Horrors Performance 2 pm
Senior Grad Bash
Grad Bash is a once-in-a-lifetime, rite-of-passage celebration where Seniors enjoy an exciting night with their friends and have exclusive, private access to various Orlando theme parks. On Friday, April 28th, the Class of 2023 went on their long-awaited Senior trip to Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.
Odyssey Titans had a terrific time, and a few of them commented about the event.
Elysia Williams remarked, “ I needed coffee at 11:00 pm because it was way past my bedtime.” Wyatt Sandberg noted, “ It was a lot of fun to see all the attractions with my friends.” Kelcey Francois exclaimed, “Being manipulated by my best friend to go on the Mummy ride was terrifying!”
It’s great to see Seniors carrying on the tradition and making lasting memories.
Click HERE for the photo gallery.
AVID Comes to Odyssey Charter Jr./Sr. High School
AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. Odyssey Jr/Sr is excited to announce that we will offer our very own AVID program for the upcoming 2023-24 school year. Its methods align with OCS’s mission and vision and will complement existing programs offering support for college preparatory skills. Beginning in August, AVID methods and practices will be evident in classrooms all over campus using strategies for writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading. There will also be an AVID elective class for select students going into grades 7-10.
The AVID elective is for students who have the desire to attend college, are willing to work hard and choose to be in the AVID elective class each day. In the AVID elective class, students will learn and practice organizational and time management skills, receive support in rigorous academic classes, and learn about colleges and careers. AVID students attend college tours that enable them to envision themselves as college-bound students. As a result, AVID boasts decades of college dreams for students worldwide because this program encourages them to keep their futures in sight and make beneficial decisions.
Students attended informational sessions with Brandy Griswell on May 4, 2023. If they are interested in taking the AVID elective next year, they must complete an application, submit teacher recommendations, and attend an in-person interview.
Applications are available in the Guidance Offices and the Front Office, as well as on our website under the Academics tab. Interviews can be scheduled online through the Calendly links below or by calling Kim Engle at 321-345-4117 ext. 1002.
Rising 7th and 8th graders click HERE to schedule an interview. Rising 9th and 10th graders click HERE to schedule an interview.
To learn more about the AVID program, please go to the Odyssey Jr./Sr. website at https://www.odysseycharterjrsr.com/avid-program. For specific questions, please email Brandy Griswell at griswellb@odysseycharterschool.com.
Color Guard Showcase
The annual Color Guard showcase on April 27th, 2023 in the OCS Gym and featured student-curated ensemble performances as well as solo presentations. The show concluded with a final run of the 2023 Winter Guard show “In My Little Picture Frame” which was awarded a Superior at District Solo & Ensemble in February and qualified the group to compete at State Solo & Ensemble in March, where they received the second highest rating possible.
Middle School District Solo & Ensemble
Solo & Ensemble for our middle school band musicians took place on April 28th and 29th at Kennedy Middle School. Students prepared performance pieces that were scored based on their fundamental music literacy, musicality, and overall musicianship. All Titan musicians worked diligently on their competition pieces in and out of the classroom all year.
Please join Director, Marli Kevelin, in congratulating the following Titan band members on their outstanding performances this weekend at District Solo & Ensemble. All of our students who competed received a Superior rating: Lana Dubee, Leah Jones, Yalisa Mitchell, Shane Shaban, Melina Darby, Jaiden Sullivan, Domani Johnson, Isaac Leslie, Dawentz Charles, Collin Ritter, Kalina Larsen, Gabriella Bazemore, Gavin Manna, Christian Mahurin, Sarah-Ann Greer, Ivor Mitchell, Kyler Adams, Cordelia Brands, Jayden Cushing, and Noemi Columna.
There was one DNA (did not appear) and one student, Jayne Augustin, qualified as Comments Only**
**Usually “comments only” is reserved for a performance that does not meet the qualifications to perform (copyright music issues/incomplete instrumentation/playing music below the required level). Prior to leaving for Solo & Ensemble, half of our clarinet duet became ill, keeping her from competing. The other student participating in the duet, Jayne, chose to attend the performance, instead of going home, even though she would be unable to receive a score. Fortunately, another director played the duet with Jayne, and she received a one-hour private lesson with the director prior to their performance. Jayne and the director performed beautifully, and Jayne received an additional clinic with the adjudicator. We are so proud of the perseverance of this young lady and her determination to perform. Please celebrate Jayne Augustin as well as our other outstanding band musicians.
Teacher Appreciation
Please help show our teachers how much we appreciate them. Some suggestions include the following:
Writing a special note to the teacher
Bringing in school supplies such as pens, pencils, or sticky notes
Providing snacks (please keep in mind our school’s wellness policy)
Please note participation is completely optional, and any appreciation toward our staff is appreciated. Thank you in advance for your support.
Class of 2024 Senior Photos
Attention rising seniors... This summer DSP will be offering a promotion of $5 off any upgraded session for those who are photographed by July 1st. Get your Senior photos done early and save! Visit the DSP website or scan the QR code to schedule your photo session.
Yearbooks Have Arrived!
They are $55 and limited supplies are left. To pay via check or cash, please send it to school with your child for a receipt.
Middle School contact: Valeria Castro. castrov@odysseycharterschool.com
High School contact: Amanda Encarnacion. encarnaciona@odysseycharterschool.com
Performing Arts Fundraiser
Please consider buying a shirt to support our Titan Performing Arts Department. Click the link to order here: www.customink.com/fundraising/ocsperformingartsdept
Class of 2023
Senior Spotlight
Taiya Mills
Taiya Mills attended Odyssey in 1st and 2nd grade and then returned for 9th - 12th grade. She is very crafty and loves knitting, crocheting, sewing, and lace-making. Her favorite class is Leadership with Mr. Carioto. Taiya will be attending the University of Central Florida and plans to major in Biology and Genetics.
Alani Staley
Alani Staley has been part of the Odyssey Jr Sr High community since 8th grade. She loved all her classes and her favorite teacher is Mrs. Mullins. After graduation, she will be going to Eastern Florida then transferring to Texas to become a nurse. She wants to thank Odyssey Jr Sr High for all the memories!
Keith Durham
Keith Durham has attended Odyssey since 9th grade. Being passionate about game and software development, he hopes to pursue this passion for his career. Keith says that his favorite teachers are Ms. Mullins and Ms. Oakes. They both have been very laid back and fun, while still being able to teach efficiently. After graduation, he plans to take summer off to sort life shenanigans out before attending college.
Congrats Titans!
Healthy Café Menu
MONDAY
Jerk Chicken; Cuban Black Beans; Organic Brown Rice; Steamed Carrots; Whole Grain Roll
TUESDAY
Turkey Tacos or Veggie Tacos (V); Whole Grain Tortilla w/ Lettuce and Cheese; Steamed Corn
WEDNESDAY
Hawaiian Pulled Pork or Teriyaki Tofu (V); Organic Brown Rice; Steamed Carrots; Whole Grain Roll
THURSDAY
BBQ Chicken or BBQ Tofu (V) Sandwich on Whole Grain Bun; Fresh Steamed Broccoli
FRIDAY
Assorted Flavors of
Whole Grain Pizza; Steamed Mixed Veggies
