Orlando Science High School
issue 7
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: September 23, 2021
Principal's Corner
Greetings Orcas,
We have a lot of exciting recognitions this week! First, I am pleased to share that Orlando Science School has yet again received the “A” school designation. This is only possible due to the hard work and focus of our students, staff, and their family support. Thank you all for your contribution to this achievement!
This year, our senior class has 13 students who have been deemed National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists as a result of their NMSQT results. We congratulate these students on making it to this level of the program.
I would also like to recognize the 63 middle/high students who achieved Perfect Scores on their EOC/FSA exam(s) during the 2020-2021 school year. Regardless of the learning environment, our students continue to go above and beyond and we admire you for your resilience and dedication to excellence.
I hope you all have a nice weekend and look forward to updating you on our students’ continued success next week.
Dr. Yalcin Akin
Executive Director/Principal
Orlando Science School – Middle/High
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OSS High School Current COVID numbers
covid policy update
Parents and Guardians,
I wanted to take a moment to go over the new COVID policy sent from the DOE and the new Surgeon General. Effective immediately upon being notified of a positive case at our school, we will continue to do contact tracing and notifying parents that their student was exposed to COVID. Instead of having 3 options you will have 2. If your student has no symptoms, they can return to school the next day, monitor them for the next 14 days and report if any symptoms appear. Your next option is to keep them home for up to 7 days in quarantine, while in quarantine they will be required to do live lessons on teams following the same schedule as the students in school. They may return if they have no symptoms.
COVID positive students will follow the same protocol as before, they will quarantine for 10 days, do live lessons on Teams, and can return on their designated date or earlier with a doctors note or clearance from the department of health. We ask that you report any positive results as soon as possible, including those in your household. If your student is exposed to someone at home, we will keep record in case symptoms start with them as well.
We encourage every parent to keep their student home if they are having COVID like symptoms, runny nose, congestion, cough, headaches with nausea, high fever, or sore throat and let the school know right away if this happens.
The OSS face mask policy has not changed. Masks are required and parents may opt out with a signed note or email.
We thank you all for working with us during this time when things are changing and adapting. If you have any questions, please reach out to me by email or phone.
Sincerely,
Jenna Foley
COVID Coordinator – Lynx and High School Campuses
Facilities and Assistant Admin Coordinator
PSAT/NMSQT Semi-Finalists
Congratulations to these SENIORS for becoming 2021-2022 National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists! This achievement puts them one step closer to becoming National Merit Scholars.
To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.
This OSS Class of 2022 has the most National Merit Semi-Finalists in OSS history! Best of luck in taking your next steps to become Finalists. Go Orcas!
International Day of Peace 9.21.21
The OSS Model UN club organized a moment of reflection on peace day and students wrote down what peace means to them. The results are shown in this beautiful poster on the 3rd floor wall for everyone to read and reflect upon.
PSAT/NMSQT OCtober 13th
All 10th and 11th graders, please see the Assessment Corner below for details and resources for the upcoming PSAT/NMSQT on Wednesday, October 13th.
OSS Middle High PVO first meeting minutes
PVO Meeting Minutes
Technology High School & Lynx Campuses
Thursday, September 23, 2021
• 15 in attendance for AM Session – Started at 9:30am / Ended at 10:33am
• 21 in attendance for PM Session – Started at 6:27pm /Ended at 7:25pm
• Updates on current fundraising efforts:
- Mrs. Foley gave an update in the morning session as to the current number of tables and umbrellas we have at both campuses. We are still raising funds to order at least 3-5 more.
- The Air Purifiers we still are in need of . She did inform us that school installed an filtration system in the ventilation so we are getting some cleaner air to the classrooms and buildings already. The additional individual air purifiers in each room will give our kids that extra layer of protection.
• Our dreams for the school year – Jayme Gottschall and Lisa Proto brainstormed some ideas then brought these to the PVO group to get a few more ideas generated.
- End of year party – It is too late to plan for a full festival. We are looking for some out-of-the-box style ideas for an event at the end of the school year. Please email any ideas to the PVO email.
- Monthly teacher appreciation (stock the breakroom) – There is a link set up on the schoolpay site. We accept any amount you are willing to donate. The teachers loved this last year and it would be nice to continue with this again.
- Greater sense of Community examples: Seniors Tea / Informational sessions ect – Everyone liked the idea, just have to wait and see when we can host in person events.
- School Dances and social events. Same with dances, once we get an all clear to host this style of events, we will reach out and be in touch. Mrs. Foley did say the Senior Prom will be a go this year for at least now, hopefully nothing changes that. The PVO will oversee decorations. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Prom Coordinator.
- PVO President at the Lynx Campus – I am very excited to introduce our new PVO President for the Lynx Campus – Teresa Linn. Teresa is a new parent to the OSS family with her son in grade 6. I am looking forward to working with her. Thank you Teresa and WELCOME!
- Lameih, PVO President for the Elementary campus joined the meeting in the evening and we will be joining forces with her as well to create a PVO Community to share ideas, volunteers and simply help each other.
• Immediate PVO Needs:
- TEAMS master to assist with monthly meetings. If anyone is interested in running the technical side of the monthly meetings, please feel free to email me and we can connect.
- Someone to manage the sponsor side of the Fall Festival. I will be announcing the Fall Festival Planning Committee Meetings in the upcoming PVO Monthly meetings. To have a successful Fall Festival for the 2022/2023 school year, we need to start planning and calling on Sponsors in December. More information coming soon.
- Thanksgiving Baskets/Lunch: Some great ideas were shared, and we will investigate all our options and discuss in the October meeting when we have more details to share.
- PVO Social Media page and/or website: The Elementary school has a Facebook page and we will be having one for the HS and Middle School as well. We had a parent volunteer to set this up and help manage it. I will be reaching out to them directly to confirm before announcing their name here. This will help keep parents informed and updated on everything going on with the PVO.
- Mary in the AM session had a fantastic idea that we will start as soon as possible, specially for next year. She recommended we set up parent mentors to partner with new incoming parents. Paring together a new parent with a seasoned parent to help navigate OSS and be a point of contact for questions and begin building that community.
- ADDITIONS – Mrs. Foley reminded all of us to either get approved through ADDITIONS or get renewed before volunteering. When you go onto the website, there is not a separate OSS High School, just select the Orlando Science Middle Charter. Thank you, Mrs. Foley, for the reminder.
• Wonderful turnout in both sessions – Thank you to everyone who attended and I can wait to work with all of you.
Lisa Proto
Hispanic heritage celebration Friday, October 15th
Mark your calendars High School families and join us for an evening of Hispanic Heritage celebration! Ms. Lizarazo and International Club are working hard to make sure this is an enjoyable event for everyone. This event is free for all families with an option to purchase food at the Chikiz Epanaditas Food Truck. Hope to see you there!
IMPORTANT IMMUNIZATION REMINDER
orca accolades
environmental and key clubs unite in community outreach
On September 18th, Key Club and Environmental Club collaborated with Keep Orlando Beautiful at the La Costa Urban Wetlands. Fourteen students participated in a clean up around the wetlands from 9-11 am. They collected approximately 30 trash bags worth of waste, ranging from aluminum cans to clothing to glass. Key Club and Environmental Club have future plans to work with Keep Orlando Beautiful on a monthly basis as a form of community environmental outreach. Make sure you are doing your part to keep Orlando beautiful!
EOC/FSA PErfect scores for the 2020-2021 school year!
PLTW Human Systems
This week, PLTW Human Systems students learned about Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems. They used modeling clay and build a model brain and spinal cord on their Manikins.
Stay tuned for brain dissection lab next week!
donations appreciated
Hello Orca Families!
First, we would like to say THANK YOU to parents and students for their flexibility and commitment during these unprecedented times. There have been challenges for us all, and we hope you’re in good spirits and health! Right now, we’re doing everything possible to sustain daily operations and provide a safe learning environment for students and staff.
We would like to request donations of air purifiers for Lynx and the High School, which can be purchased and brought directly to the campus locations. Air purifiers are a great addition to our school and will provide additional protection for classrooms and walkways.
Preferred Choice for maintenance purposes:
Medify MA-25 Air Purifier with H13 True HEPA Filter
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086T3RJV6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_DRHXDE2ACV1GSBC1BCW7
High School Air Purifier:
https://schoolpay.com/pay/for/High-School-Campus-Air-Purifier-/SbmTiSd
Lynx Air Purifier:
https://schoolpay.com/pay/for/Lynx-Campus-Air-Purifier-/SbyDqQvvvv
picnic tables
We also would like to purchase outdoor picnic tables to help distance our students, and we will be accepting monetary donations to go toward the cost. Please make donations through our SchoolPay links:
Lynx:
https://schoolpay.com/pay/for/Lynx-Campus-Outside-Lunch-Tables/SbP029Q
High School:
https://schoolpay.com/pay/for/High-School-Campus-Outside-Lunch-Tables/Sc132LP
We want to extend our gratitude to all of the parents for helping in any way that you can, and any donations are appreciated!
Orlando Science Schools
free and reduced lunch application
- The names and incomes of every member of your household
- The school, grade, birthdate of every student in your household
- Your social security number and electronic signature
- (Optional) A valid email address or phone number for district communication about the status of the application.
September meal menu
sidleine OSS spirit store
OSS now has its own Spirit Wear store!
**Please note the following:**
- Some Sideline polos and shirts on the site are only being printed with a round OSS logo. Our official school uniform polo, sold by Risse Brothers, is the official school uniform.
- Sideline polos and shirts may only be worn on Fridays as a spirit shirt, during gym class, or on other dress-down days designated by administration. Sideline polos and shirts cannot be worn as a replacement of the Risse Brothers official polo uniform shirts.
- Any sports shorts or pants are to be worn in gym class only.
- Sideline hoodies, jackets, and sweatshirts may only be worn over the official Risse Brothers school uniform polo.
- If students do not act responsibly with the new spirit wear we reserve the right to ask them to discontinue the use of the school spirit wear. No refunds will be provided by OSS.
- All Dress Code requirements apply to Spirit items sold by Sideline. No refunds will be provided by OSS for items that are in violation of the School Dress Code or otherwise.
- For information on Sideline's return and exchange policy please visit Orlando Science Schools Orcas Apparel - Orlando, Florida - Sideline Store - BSN Sports
Counseling Corner
9/23/2021
Welcome Back to Counseling Corner!
In my daily life, I’ve noticed many different situations where the public commentary turned into a hateful one. One where people condemned others for their “attention-seeking behavior,” and that got me thinking. So this week, we’ll be discussing attention-seeking.
I’m sure you can recall many instances of witnessing or engaging in attention-seeking behavior at some point in your life, whether it was watching a child scream in public or posting a photo of your new car, we all have engaged in behavior that can be considered attention-seeking. This is because humans are hard-wired to seek connection, belonging, attention, affection, and support. We all have this desire and deep-rooted need to be heard, understood, recognized, and when we lack that, it can have hard-hitting consequences. Studies have shown us this much throughout the years. One study done just last year found that being ignored at work was more psychologically damaging than being actively harassed (Study found here). Another found that exclusion and rejection that happened socially was linked to an increase in depression, jealousy, anger, and sadness, while also adversely affecting the quality of sleep and the function of our immune systems (study found here).
Additionally, there’s a second side of this type of behavior, one that goes deeper. This is when we find people sharing stories of their pain, emotions, struggles. These are the times when someone posts they’re going through a break-up, that they’ve just lost their job, or that they’re just hurting right now. If they do this often, people may say, “oh here they go again” or some similar sentiment. We may look at these cries for help as just more attention-seeking behavior. Well let me stop you right there, let’s switch out the word “attention” for “support” and see what changes?
You can’t truly say “Wow, she’s so support-seeking” in an annoyed or sarcastic tone and have it feel valid can you? That’s because it changes the view and perception of the behavior. If we stopped and reframed it that way every time we felt that way about someone, it could lead us to realize that the person in question doesn’t really need any judgement, they are simply looking for support.
This behavior can stem from hurtful or traumatic events, such as deaths, break-ups, divorces, failures, struggles, etc. So when the person is already struggling and they hear something like, “oh here they go again,” it may cause them to either reach out harder in the only way they know how, or to retreat and stop looking for support, leading to self-isolation and all its assorted consequences. Essentially, when we see these behaviors, we have the ability to change our perception and offer support if we so choose. In conclusion, I urge you to reframe your thinking regarding “attention-seeking behavior” so that we can support those who are looking for it and be more sensitive and kind to the people who are fighting either very private or very public battles.
And as always, if you need anything, I’m happy to help!
All the best,
Ms. Perez
Ms. Perez quote of the day
Senior corner-class of 2022 updates
September Scholarships
Important 12th grade Teams announcements
See these important messages from Ms. Bolat posted on the 12th grade Teams:
Bolat, Gulistan: Hello, We are excited to announce that we will be having our fi…
posted in 12th Grade / General at Monday, August 30, 2021 2:58:05 PM
Bolat, Gulistan: Rollins College representative will visit our school to meet with ou…
posted in 12th Grade / General at Friday, September 10, 2021 11:30:07 AM
Bolat, Gulistan: September Scholarships and and OCPS's Scholarship Bulletin
posted in 12th Grade / General at Tuesday, September 7, 2021 9:21:44 AM
Bolat, Gulistan: UF Virtual Visit Options
posted in 12th Grade / General at Friday, September 10, 2021 3:44:05 PM
senior portraits
Class of 2022 -- the time to sign up for senior portraits has arrived! Right now, spots are limited but more will be opening up. That being said, please don't wait to register! Once the studio closes for the season, you will not be able to have your senior portraits taken and your photo won't be included in the yearbook.
You can choose between the Basic and the Deluxe sittings, the descriptions are below. Any questions you have about pricing, scheduling, or purchasing should be directed to Prestige Portraits.
Below is the website as well -- you will select the Orlando studio when you register.
Common App Update
As many of you know, many colleges require students to submit written responses such as Common App essay, College-Specific questions, and Writing Supplement. You can see each schools' requirements on your Common App.
This resource below, updated for the 2021-2022 application year, helps students understand what writing questions they can expect to find for each college to which they apply.
Writing Requirements By Colleges
Common App Essay Prompts for 21-22
Account Rollover
Students who created a Common App account prior to August 1 can roll over their accounts. Learn more about how Account Rollover works here: Account Rollover
college and career corner
Virtual Pre-College Conference
community service resources
assessment corner
PSAT/NMSQT
Dear Students and Parents:
Students in 10th and 11th grade will take the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) at Orlando Science High School on Wednesday, October 13th. Students are automatically registered and there is no fee to participate.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and college scholarships that began in 1955. Each year, United States high school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the PSAT/NMSQT, which serves as an initial screen of over 1.5 million entrants each year.
In addition to serving as the entry point to the National Merit Scholarship Program, students benefit from the PSAT/NMSQT in the following ways:
• Preparation for taking the SAT, a college entrance exam. Historically, students who have taken the PSAT score higher on the SAT than those who don’t take the PSAT.
• The PSAT/NMSQT includes reading, mathematics, and writing language components that focus on the knowledge and skills that are most essential for college and career readiness for success; it is also used as a diagnostic tool to measure and follow student performance and pinpoint areas for development.
• Test results provide school guidance counselors with information to help identify students who may be ready to enroll and be successful in Advanced Placement courses or identify students who may need additional instruction to do so.
• Students can also meet the Algebra 1 End-of-Course Assessment graduation requirement if a comparative math score is achieved.
Additional information about the PSAT/NMSQT can be found here:
• PSAT/NMSQT Official Student Guide- here you can find details about test length, content and scoring.
• Scholarships and Recognition
• National Merit Scholarship Corporation
The College Board and Khan Academy have created tools that students can use to practice and prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT. These tools are free and available right now for students review.
• Find out what kinds of questions will be asked, and which skills will be tested inside the test.
• Explore sample questions and take a full-length practice test.
Additional information and test day reminders will be shared with students in early October.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Nicholas Koebe
Admin for Instruction and Assessment
Exceptional Student Education and Assessments
Does your child have an IEP or 504 and receive extra time on tests?
Students who receive accommodations on statewide standardized assessments, such as the FSA, may be eligible to receive accommodations on college entrance assessments. These tests include Advanced Placement, SAT, and ACT exams. There is a separate application process where eligibility is determined by the testing company (not OSS or OCPS).
If your child already receives accommodations on statewide assessments, it is highly recommended that you give permission for OSS to submit an accommodation request for these competitive tests. This is not an automatic process. You must notify the school if you would like an application for accommodations to be submitted on behalf of the student.
To make a request, please email the ESE Coordinator, Mrs. Cervantes at Teresa.Cervantes@orlandoscience.org with the following information:
· Full name of the student
· Assessments the student will be taking (AP Exams, SAT, and/or ACT)
More information about accommodations and eligibility can be found at the following links:
attendance reminder
Attendance is key to the success of your student's learning. If you have any attendance concerns such as daily absences, upcoming absences, extended absences or other additional questions please contact Mrs. Matheny for grades 9 - 12.
Per OSS policy a doctors note must be provided in order for an absence to be excused.
orbit's character corner
citizenship
Citizenship encompasses the rights, privileges, and duties that come with living in a community and country.
"The first requisite of a good citizen in this republic of ours is that he shall be able and willing to pull his own weight." - Theodore Roosevelt
parent resources
Parent skyward access
oss connect parent access
All OSS Middle High parents can create an OSS Connect account to view their students' academic progress, attendance, discipline, upcoming events and more. Multiple students can be added under one parent account for an easy access. Each student has a unique "Parent Access Code". Please use this code to add each of your students.
- Go to the following URL https://ossconnect.orlandoscience.org/radix/portal/signup/index.php
- Enter the parent access code, birth date of the student this code belongs to, Student ID (if asked) and your relationship to the student.
- If the information is correct, you will be redirected to a page where you can see your student's name. If this is your student, click continue, if not, click cancel and contact the school.
- After the verification is completed, you will be redirected to registration page. On this page, you will create a new parent account by providing the information requested and selecting a password for your account. Click on "Create my new account" when done.
- You will receive a confirmation email that contains a link to click to complete account creation. Once you click on the link in confirmation email, you will be directed to the site and your account will be ready to use.
- Once you logged in to the site, you can add another student by clicking on the "Add new student" link located on your dashboard.
OSS APP available for download
Orlando Science Middle/High has a new mobile app! It is currently available in the App Store® and in Google Play®. You can download the app for free, for access to our school's news, calendars, volunteer opportunities, push notifications and much more!
Download for Free - visit your tablet or smartphone's storefront and search for "Orlando Science Schools"
- For Android, visit Google Play
- For Apple iOS, visit the and App Store or iTunes
If you have any questions or feedback please email info@orlandoscience.org.
PVO and Volunteering
MIDDLE HIGH PARENT VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION (PVO) REGISTRATION
Membership is $25 per family for returning families and $30 for new families. Your membership dues go directly back into the school to provide items and supplies for our teachers. Please use the School Pay link to pay dues upon registration.
We are also asking that PVO members work with specific committees (School Improvement, Fundraising, Volunteer Work, Teacher Appreciation, Events, Etc.) See below for opportunities to get involved.
If you have questions, comments, or requests, you may email Orlando Science PVO at PVO.HSCampus@orlandoscience.org (for the High School) or PVO.LynxCampus@orlandoscience.org (for the Lynx Campus).
The PVO will hold meetings once a month that will inform parents of progress, agendas, and upcoming events. Meetings will be held on campus or Via Zoom and will be done in mornings and/or evenings to accommodate everyone.
We are so excited to connect with our families and create a wonderful environment on and off campus!
OSS High School 2021-2022 Handbook
2021-2022 tutoring schedule
SEE THE IMPORTANT MESSAGE BELOW REGARDING FORTIFY FLORIDA:
Any student, educator, parent or member of the public can report school safety concerns directly to law enforcement and school administrators anonymously and easily through the FortifyFL app or www.getfortifyfl.com. The Florida Legislature directed this tool’s development in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act.
The app, which is available for download on Apple and Android mobile devices, is critical to ensuring all Florida schools are safe environments where students and educators can experience and share the joy of learning without fear.
We hope that you will become familiar with this tool and help us spread the word about it with your students and their families. Please note that the official app’s logo will look exactly as it does in the graphic above.
become familiar with the 30/30 Rule for bad weather dismissal procedures
What is the 30/30 Rule?
The “30/30 Rule" is a Delayed Dismissal Weather procedure that the nationally recognized. It is required that the “30/30 Rule” be enacted by the school if thunder is heard within 30 seconds of a lightning strike. Orlando Science Middle/High follows this rule.
When 30/30 Rule is implemented, students will not be dismissed until 30 minutes has passed from the last sound of thunder. However, parents/guardians who wish to pick up their child/children during delayed dismissal, will be allowed to sign out their child/children at the cafeteria or front office.
In order to pick up your student(s) from the cafeteria or front office during this procedure, parents/guardians must bring their dismissal sign to the front door of the school to sign their child/children out. If you do not have a dismissal sign, you will need to provide a picture ID and be on the school pick-up list to pick-up the child/children. Bus riders will be delivered home when conditions are all safe for dismissal.
An automated telephone and/or email message will be used to notify parents/guardians about delayed dismissals. Always be sure to update the school when your phone or email information changes. Thank you for your cooperation on our students’ safety.
easy ways to give back to oss middle high
Box Tops 2021
Amazon Smile
AmazonSmile donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Orlando Science Schools via Discovery Education Services, Inc. whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
Office Depot
Office Depot provides the school with 5% back in credits for FREE supplies when you make a purchase of qualifying school supplies. Simply provide the school ID at checkout.
OSES School Code: 70228302
OSS School Code: 70218341
OSHS Bell Schedule 2021-2022
OSS report card and Parent TEacher Conference (PTC) schedule
Orange County 2020-2021 School Calendar
all OSS campus Newsletters
ORLANDO SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS
Website: http://orlandoscience.org/highschool/
Location: 2600 Technology Drive, Orlando, FL, USA
Phone: (407)299-6595
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orlandoscience/
Twitter: @OrlandoSciMH