Orlando Science High School
issue 8
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: October 1, 2021
Principal's Corner
Greetings Orcas,
Happy October! I hope you are all enjoying the somewhat cooler weather and looking forward to the activities in the coming weeks and months as we head into the second quarter of the school year. We are so excited to have our students back on campus and participating in events such as Hispanic Heritage Month, food drives, clubs, competitions, and more.
I would also like to thank our wonderful PVO for arranging the Taco Truck for staff lunch this Thursday. Our staff truly enjoyed the gesture as well as the delicious food!
We appreciate everyone’s continued efforts to make smart choices with regards to protecting one another from the spread of COVID. To continue to keep you informed, please take a moment to review the latest update to our policies and procedures below which has been based on the Florida Surgeon General’s latest recommendations.
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
Testing scores coming home today
2020-2021 testing scores
The following FSA and EOC score reports will be sent home today:
- Biology EOC
- U.S. History EOC
- FSA ELA 8-10
- Algebra 1
- Geometry
- Grade 8 Science Assessment
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 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.
PSAT 8/9 opportunity
The PSAT 8/9 will be offered to 9th graders at Orlando Science High School on Monday, January 17th. This assessment tests the same skills and knowledge as the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT in a way that makes sense for eighth and ninth graders. It measures what they are already learning, shows them whether they are on track for college, and lets them know where they need the most improvement. A sign-up information will be shared in the coming weeks.
thank you pvo!
pvo taco truck thursday
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!
OSS OUtreach club collections for Ronald McDonald House
OSHS Halloween Social, Thursday, October 28th
Mr. Hennessey's AP Human Geography
These population pyramids inform demographers of the development of a country and the pressures they will face. The pyramid representing Nigeria depicts it as a country with high crude birth rates, low death rates, and a rapid expansion of population resulting in greater economic challenges and eventual emigration. The United States and China, however, have pyramids that represent stable populations with low birth rates and low death rates depicting economic growth, an aging population, and inevitable immigration from less developed countries.
Biomedical Innovations
Last week, Ms. Bright's Biomedical Innovations students practiced suturing with all of the proper tools used in the field.
Medical Interventions
Principles of Biomedical Science
PLTW Human Body Systems
Last week, Ms.Balci's PLTW Human Body Systems students took the role of DNA Analyst and completed a gel electrophoresis lab. They used their micro pipetting skills to compare the DNA that was extracted from a bone with DNA from "missing persons."
Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest
“There are thousands of Hispanic-American community leaders and champions across Florida, and I’m proud that as a state we will honor them this month,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “This Hispanic Heritage Month, I encourage every student in our state to take the time to recognize and thank the Hispanic-American leaders in their community and take part in these contests. Governor DeSantis and I are proud to offer this opportunity to recognize outstanding students and educators for their unique efforts and talents.”
First Lady DeSantis invited students to participate in academic and creative contests based on this year’s theme. Students in grades K-3 are invited to participate in an art contest while students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate in an essay contest. Additionally, students, parents, teachers and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.
About the Student Essay Contest
First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest is open to all 4-12 grade students in Florida. Each student will submit one essay no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school student (grades 4-5), one middle school student (grades 6-8) and one high school student (grades 9-12). Each winner will receive a 4-Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
About the Excellence in Education Award
First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle, or high school in Florida. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school teacher (grades K-5), one middle school teacher (grades 6-8) and one high school teacher (grades 9-12). Nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent/guardian or student.
Contest Entries and Nominating Forms and Guidelines
Student contest forms and educator nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
Volunteer Florida
Hispanic Heritage Month Committee
1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
All entries must be received by 5 pm (ET) on Monday, October 11, 2021.
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.
October 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
Hello Friends!
Welcome back to Counseling Corner! This week we’ll be discussing the concept and practice of gratitude. One simple word, usually used once a year in public (November), yet has significant benefits to our lives overall. Let’s get into it!
Gratitude is a practice. It is considered as such because it is most helpful and effective when practiced daily/weekly (like training for a sport, dance, gymnastics, drawing, singing, acting etc.).
First, I’ll share with you some benefits of practicing gratitude.
· Practicing gratitude helps us disconnect from toxic, negative emotions and the ruminating that usually accompanies those emotions.
· Practicing gratitude has been linked with better sleep! It has shown to improve not only the duration of sleep but it’s quality too. This effect is heightened when gratitude is practiced within 15-20 minutes of bedtime (i.e. writing in a gratitude journal among other ideas).
· When someone expresses or receives gratitude, dopamine is released in the brain, thus leading to a connection between the behavior and feeling good! The more people practice gratitude, the more often dopamine is released.
· Practicing gratitude is linked to lower blood pressure.
· Practicing gratitude can increase self-esteem and energy, strengthen interpersonal relationships, and improve our mental and emotional health overall.
· Practicing gratitude has been shown to be a protective factor against suicidal ideation and self-harm thoughts.
· Practicing gratitude helps us even when we don’t share it with someone! We’re happier and more satisfied because we’ve completed the exercise.
· Practicing gratitude can increase feelings of connectedness with others.
· Practicing gratitude has been show to improve overall physical health, so it seems practicing gratitude can lead to practicing healthier choices for ourselves in general.
“Okay okay, we get it Ms. Perez, Gratitude is great, now what?”
I’m going to list a few different ways you can practice gratitude; it’s recommended to use these practices at least twice a week to begin seeing benefits. Obviously the more you practice, the easier it becomes, but at least 2-3 times a week is the sweet spot. You can always practice more than that though!
· Writing in a gratitude journal daily (or at least 2 to 3 times a week)
· Write a gratitude letter weekly (you can mail it if you want, but you don’t have to. Just writing it at all is helpful).
· Meditate on gratitude (you can find guided gratitude meditations on YouTube for free).
· Create visual reminders to practice gratitude (post-it notes on your mirror or wall, art pieces, small notes in your planners).
· Acknowledge yourself: Take some time to express gratitude for the things you’ve done or the things you’re proud of. It can be as simple as, “I’m grateful I made it through the day, it was tough but I did it,” or “I’m proud of myself for finishing my to-do list this week!”
BONUS: expressing gratitude for the qualities you admire about yourself can be a huge boost for your self-esteem. This can mean statements like, “I’m grateful that I’m funny,” “I’m grateful that I’m thoughtful with my family and friends,” or “I’m grateful that I can draw.”
· Practice saying “thank you,” in a meaningful way. Include what exactly you’re saying thank you for and how it makes you feel. Here’s an example: “Thank you so much for sharing my fundraising post with your family. It makes me really happy to know I have your support!”
· Write thank you notes 😊
· Make a list of the things, people, and places you are grateful for and either leave it as is or make a collage out of it. Keep the gratitude list in a place where you can easily access it in case you want to add to it or if you need a pick-me-up.
· Practice giving affirmations to people you care about (bonus points if you give them to yourself too!). An affirmation is a positive, short phrase that provides emotional support or encouragement. Here’s a few examples of affirmations: “You are so thoughtful,” “You always make me laugh,” “You always come up with the best solutions,” and, “I admire how open you are about your feelings.”
Practicing gratitude has a ton of benefits and it’s extremely easy to try. I urge you to practice gratitude in any of the ways listed above for 2 weeks, and notice how it affects your mood, your energy levels, your relationships with others, and your relationship with yourself. Ready, set, go!
And as always, I’m here if you need anything!
All the best,
Ms. Perez, M.S/Ed.S
Ms. Perez quote of the day
Senior corner-class of 2022 updates
Fall Scholarships
Important 12th grade Teams announcements
See these important messages from Ms. Bolat posted on the 12th grade Teams:
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: Special Opportunity with UF for your Seniors!
posted in 12th Grade / General at Tuesday, September 28, 2021 3:13:58 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:
orbit's character corner
initiative
Initiative is the ability to being a plan or task.
"Organization can never be a substitute for initiative and for judgement." Louis D. Brandeis
parent resources
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