Weekly Community News for Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr High School
Volume 19 • August 14, 2023
Aug 16 Parents as Partners Meeting 5 pm in the Cafe
Aug 17 Common App Night Gr 11/12 6-7 pm in Room 258
Aug 18 Early Release 2:45 pm
Welcome Back
Mr. Mike Davis, Site Administrator
I am privileged to continue as Site Administrator of Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr High School for the 2023-2024 school year. I have been an educator for over twenty years and have worked at Odyssey Charter School, in different capacities serving on all three campuses, for the past eleven years. I will continue to dedicate myself to maintaining Odyssey’s mission to work in partnership with family and community to help every student reach their full potential. Supporting our Titan scholars and working collaboratively with teachers and parents is my priority, and I will work diligently to fulfill these roles. As we embark on this new year, our leadership team, teachers, support staff, and Green Apple Management are committed to building partnerships and creating a nurturing environment where students will flourish.
I am also excited to bring the AVID program to Odyssey Jr/Sr. AVID methods are synchronous with Odyssey’s mission and vision and will complement existing programs. AVID-trained teachers will use strategies to enhance college preparatory skills that are needed to reach our goal of having all our Titans college-ready. Along with the AVID program, Odyssey Charter School Jr/Sr High will continue to allow students to participate in accelerated programs. Unlike other middle and high schools in our area, Odyssey Jr/Sr offers honors programs in elective classes like art and band in addition to honors courses in all four core content areas.
On a personal note, my wife and I are proud to have made Brevard County our home for twenty years. We have two sons, one of whom will be in 11th grade this year at Odyssey.
Thank you for choosing Odyssey Charter School Jr/Sr High and entrusting us with your child(ren). If you have any questions, please contact me at davism@odysseycharterschool.com or 321-243-0494.
It is an honor and privilege to serve your family. Working collaboratively, I am confident the 2023-2024 school year will be one of growth and success.
Counselors' Corner
Mr. Michael Guevara, Ed.S - Assistant Principal of Guidance
2023-24 is about to kick off. YAY!!! As we get ready to begin our journey a few things to be mindful of:
Who is your guidance counselor?
Grade 6 & 7: Mrs. Comegys, Room 215
Grade 8 & 9: Mrs. Mitchell, Room 215
Grade 10, 11, 12 & Dual Enrollment: Mrs. Griffith, Room 246
Social Worker: Mrs. Privette
What can the Guidance Department do for me?
Each guidance counselor is available to help you with attendance, behavior, socio-emotional concerns, and scheduling. Schedule changes will occur during the first week of school (8/10-8/16). All other schedule requests will have to wait until Second Semester, which begins in January when we return from winter break.
Please see your guidance counselor if you require assistance. Let’s have a great 23-24 school year.
AVID Advantage
Mrs. Brandy Griswell, Assistant Principal of Curriculum and AVID Director
Look out, Titans, 15 of our faculty have been AVIDized this summer and will infuse their instruction with WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading ) strategies to enhance their lessons. As an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) school, we will have a few noticeable shifts. First, students will be given instructions on how to set up and utilize a mobile office or 3-ring binder to manage their materials. Second, students will be taught the benefit and process of taking Focused notes and how to use them as a study tool. Third, we have a brand new planner design to help students get the most out of their time by writing down and managing their commitments.
BOOM, BOOM, CLAP! Odyssey’s Inaugural Class of AVID students in grades 7-10 attended a special Signing Ceremony on August 2, 2023. Over 250 parents and students participated in Team Building activities. AVID students signed their pledge and made a public commitment to their education. These students are going to be great leaders!
Please click the link below to view photos of this amazing event.
https://laurieyoung.smugmug.com/OdysseyCharterSchool/OCS-2023-2024/OCS-JRSR-AVID/i-BFNhf2D/A
Students' Success
Ms. Rebecca Irving, MASL
Assistant Principal of Student Affairs
Hello, my name is Rebecca L Irving, and I am the Assistant Principal of Student Affairs. This year, I am servicing all students with IEP’s, 504’s, Gifted, Gateway, and Advanced Placement. This will be my 32nd year in education. I am very passionate about working with staff and families to help students meet their fullest potential. I want to welcome each one of you and your family and invite you to stop by and get to know the Student Affairs department. I have four wonderful staff members on my team, and they, too, are ready to assist you.
In my free time, I enjoy refurbishing furniture, making jewelry, and swimming in my pool. I look forward to working with each of you to make this a great school year. Go, Titans!
Rules & Reminders
Ms. Nancy Schuler, Dean of Discipline
Hello! My name is Nancy Schuler and I'm the new Dean of Students at Odyssey! We also have another new member on our discipline team, and that is Troy Stanton, Dean's Assistant. We are excited about this new adventure and look forward to serving you and your child/children this school year!
Here are a few reminders so you start off and finish the school year on a positive note:
1. Please adhere to the dress code policies:
Only hoodies/jackets with the school logo may be worn.
Pants must be kaiki or black. No leggings, sweatpants, or tight jeans down to the ankle!
Collared, school logo shirt only.
Closed-toe shoes. If they have straps, they should be worn around the heel all day.
2. ID Badges must be worn all day.
3. P.E. Uniform - tennis shoes, NO CROCS, school P.E. uniform or black shorts, and a plain white t-shirt.
4. NO hoods, hats, or bandanas on the head are to be worn during school hours.
5. NO headphones, earbuds, or phones are to be visible and/or in use during the school day.
6. Water bottles should be clear but can have color.
7. NO illegal substances and/or items, including e-cigs or vapes, are allowed on campus at any time. This is subject to possible removal from school.
8. Come to the Dean's office for the following matters:
Discipline Issues
Tardies
First stop before the clinic
Before serving lunch detention
Conflict Resolutions
Make a report about a potential incident or event.
PLEASE NOTE: All items that a student possesses on our campus are subject to being searched at any time. Parents will be notified of the search.
Let's make this year the greatest year ever!! If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to call me at 321-345-4117 ext. 1226. I look forward to working with you and your child(ren) this school year!! Go, Titans!!!
Parents As Partners
Odyssey Charter School Jr./Sr. High needs you! This group is intended to explore how parents can volunteer and help support the faculty and students to be successful. Please join the discussion on how parents can become a vibrant part of the Odyssey Jr/Sr High community.
THE FIRST MEETING IS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2023, from 5:00-6:00 in the cafe.
Athletics
Brittany Scardino - High School Athletic Director
Shane Cournia - Middle School Athletic Director
We are pleased to announce that the High School Athletic Director for the 2023-24 school year is Brittany Scardino, and the Middle School Athletic Director is Shane Cournia.
Please click the link below for all the GAME schedules for individual sports.
https://www.odysseycharterjrsr.com/team-schedules
You may also click the calendar link to verify practice dates and times.
https://www.odysseycharterjrsr.com/school-calendar
GO, TITANS!