Weekly Community News for Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr High School
Volume 26 • October 2, 2023
“Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence."
- Vince Lombardi
Oct 2: National School Custodian Day
Oct 4: National Walk to School Day
Oct 5: 5:30 pm College Board and Dual Enrollment Night (Grades 11/12) in Guidance Room 258
Oct 6: National Instructional Coaches’ Day / EARLY RELEASE/FINISH FRIDAY
Oct 7: SUCCESS SATURDAY
Success Saturday - 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr is committed to helping all students succeed and reach their full potential. Success Saturday is designed for students needing assistance and support with their current work in all four core subjects. Teachers may send an email encouraging students to attend; however, ALL students can participate in Success Saturday without a teacher's invitation. There will be an administrator on the campus every Saturday.
Student Expectations for Success Saturday:
Arrive promptly by 9:00 a.m. Doors will be locked at 9:20 a.m., and students will not be permitted to enter the sessions.
Bring the work that must be completed or requires further instruction or explanation.
Attend the entire session from 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Students cannot leave early, as we do not have the manpower to walk students out early.
We hope your child will participate in this wonderful opportunity if he/she requires academic support or assistance. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Assistant Principal Ms. Rebecca Irving at irvingr@odysseycharterschool.com.
Fall Picture Day
Our fall portraits will be taken on Thursday, Oct 19th. If you would like to order your portraits before, click here: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001030980
Your online code is your student ID or use Odyssey's school code: 4979
Masked Singer Talent Show
Have you ever thought about performing in a Masked Singer Talent Show? Odyssey is conducting a survey to see if there is interest in putting on this event. Please fill out the form here if you would consider signing up for a performance spot: https://forms.gle/edVRcQT4HbPe7Db99
PSAT/NMSQT Testing
The PSAT/NMSQT test will be on October 4th to all 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. There are practice test links, as well as an actual practice test on this link here: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt/preparing# . There are helpful tips on what to do before test day, as well as what students need to bring on test day.
Purpose of the test: For 10th and 11th graders, this test is very important for them. If they score in a specific range on this test, it could mean scholarship money for when they attend college, as well as, it could qualify them as national merit scholar which will be a distinction that will be recognized at graduation. For 12th graders, this test is important for you also. It can help with fulfilling a graduation requirement. It will also go on your transcripts and if you score in a specific range, could assist you in being accepted into your college of choice.
College Board and Dual Enrollment Night
This event will held on October 5th. It is for parents of students in grades 11 and 12. Mr. Guevara and the Guidance Department will meet in room 258. They will discuss the College Board scholarship and Dual Enrollment. There will also be a representative from Eastern Florida State College.
Homecoming Dance
Odyssey Jr/ Sr's Homecoming Dance will be held in the gym on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 7:00 p.m.to 10:00 p.m. There will be a music performance. Students should dress to impress! Grades 9-12 only.
Tickets are $20 and will be sold at C Lunch starting Oct 3rd.
Students in grades 9-12 will also have a Spirit Week the first week of November—details to follow.
College and Career Fair
AVID students in grades 7-10 attended the South Area College and Career Fair on September 26. Students were able to speak to representatives from colleges across the nation. Several local businesses and military branches were also present. This experience gave students a new perspective on how their work at Odyssey directly influences their futures.
Several adult guests at the fair complimented our Titans for their attentiveness when speaking to the college representatives, and for the specific, relevant questions they asked. This is evidence that our students believe in AVID and are committed to excellence. It also shows the AVID teachers' and site team's dedication and effectiveness.
Parent as Partners Meeting
The Parent as Partners meeting was a huge success. Thank you to all who attended. Here is a brief overview of what was discussed.
Upon admittance to Odyssey, each family commits to volunteer. Families must work at least 18 hours each school or 25 hours for two or more students enrolled. As OCS prepares to celebrate its 25th year, our theme is “Unity Builds Community.” School-family partnerships help with children’s cognitive, social, and emotional functioning. When parents support the school and are visible, children tend to have increased self-esteem, improved behavior and increased positive attitudes toward school.
There are two classifications of volunteers:
“A” volunteers who are always under our supervision, and “A+” volunteers who may be assigned students for supervision. “A” volunteers can volunteer at dances, help at athletic games, work our concessions, and assist faculty with performances. Only “A+” volunteers are allowed to chaperone students on field trips. All “A+” volunteers must be fingerprinted and background checked by the Brevard County School District. To register as an “A+” volunteer, please visit the parent section on our website at www.odysseycharterschool.com and look for Volunteer Opportunities and the link for the application.
Various volunteer opportunities include assisting with lunch duty, chaperoning field trips, band, musical theater, athletics, and events like the Community 5K and Picnic, Homecoming, Prom, Graduation and Stepping-Up ceremonies, and Teacher Appreciation celebrations.
If you cannot give your time, we also appreciate donations. Different departments need specific items, and gift cards are also welcome. Please be prepared to show your receipt and know we cannot accept checks or cash. Parents may earn one (1) volunteer hour for every $20.00 they donate.
OCS Jr/Sr will use the online platform Sign-Up Genius this year. Links and QR codes will be used for different lists/campaigns called Sign-Ups. Parents may sign up to volunteer at certain events mentioned above. Parents must see a staff member and sign in on Raptor to receive volunteer hours. If the event is off-campus, an attendance sheet will be signed and given to the faculty. Parents may bring donations to the Front Office. Please show your receipt and sign the Donations Log.
We will send links and QR codes for various Sign-Ups in the coming weeks. Please sign up to volunteer or donate items. Our students and teachers count on your partnership and support.
If you are interested in planning events, please click the link below and complete the survey. Specific people will be chosen to spearhead the different subcommittees, and they will contact you as soon as possible.
Attention Senior Class of 2024!
Don't miss out on anything for your Senior year. Please visit our Senior Info page HERE in our Titan Times for important dates, scholarship info, and more. New scholarship info added!
WHAT'S HAPPENING ON THE ODYSSEY JR/SR CAMPUS?
Keeping Our Campus Beautiful
Kudos to these wonderful students in Commercial Art class for taking time out of their day to clean up the trash that others have not disposed of properly. Please do your part and put your garbage in the many recepticles located throughout the campus! Show some pride and care for your environment and pick up anything you see left on the ground like these great students have done.
6th Grade Orchestra
6th grade students in Mr. Hoffman's beginning orchestra class are practicing the C major scale in 2 octaves with the arpeggio. They will be performing for the winter concert on 12/14.
Career Research
Ms. Mora's Career Research & Decision Making class is currently reading "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens." In this section they are learning how to prioritize and manage time.
Spanish Class
Ms. Jimenez is sharing a special activity created in her Spanish class. The title is "My Heart Beats in Two Languages" It represents the 21 Spanish speaking countries in the world.
AVID on the Farm
Avid students had the pleasure of hearing from our very own Mr. Cooper last Friday as a guest speaker for Fun Friday. The topic explored the phrase " adapt, improvise, overcome." Cooper made connections between the AVID philosophies and his own personal struggles. After the event, students reflected on their own personal struggles and how to overcome them. At the conclusion of the presentation the AVID students celebrated Cooper AVID style with a cheer called The Hulk.
E-Sports
E-Sports club meets Wednesdays and Fridays in Mr. Layfield’s room #240 after school. If you have any questions, email Mr. Layfield at layfieldd@odysseycharterschool.com.
Chess Club... coming soon!
Sharpen your chess skills! Learn theory, study openings, socialize, and compete with your friends. MONDAYS in Room 204 from 4:15 pm-5:30 pm. Starts Monday, October 2nd
Farm Club
Farm club meets on Monday-Friday 8:15am-8:50am at the northeast corner of the property. All students grade 6+ are invited to join Mr. Hayden and Mr. Ian out on the farm.
OCS Athletics Pictures
Friday, October 6, 2023, 2:45pm-4:00pm - Band Room
This week's BOWLING SCHEDULE 🎳
Tuesday, October 3, 2023, 4:00pm-7:00pm
Shore Lanes Palm Bay
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 4:00pm-7:00pm
Shore Lanes Palm Bay
The Lady Titan Volleyball Merch Store is open for business! Click the link here and choose from T-shirts, phone cases, notebooks, decals, and more. https://sites.google.com/view/ladytitanvolleyballstore
HEALTHY CAFE
