Howard Middle School Newsletter

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Issue 4 • Volume 2

November 2016 Howard Middle School

Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts An AVID National Demonstration School 800 E. Robinson Street Orlando, Florida || 32801 407-245-1780 Administration: Mr. Michael Martucci- Principal michael.martucci@ocps.net

Ms. April Davis-LaRue, Assistant Principal april.davis-larue@ocps.net Ms. Jill Trimble, Assistant Principal jill.trimble@ocps.net Mr. Chris Roberson- 6th Grade Dean christoper.roberson@ocps.net Ms. Tonia Sykes- 7th Grade Dean tonia.sykes@ocps.net Mr. Henry Kremnitzer “Coach K”8th Grade Dean henry.kremnitzer@ocps.net Guidance: Ms. Sarita Cullen, 6th Grade and 7th Grade - A-L sarita.cullen@ocps.net

Mr. Terrence Hummel, 8th Grade and 7th Grade M-Z terrence.hummel@ocps.net Ms. Erika Sickles, 504 Plan Students erika.sickles@ocps.net Jessica Popov - SAFE jessica.popov@ocps.net

A Message From Our Principal Dear Howard Family, We are all familiar with the opening lines: “From the day we arrive on the planet, And, blinking, step into the sun… There’s more to see, than can ever be seen; More to do than can ever be done…” This gentle song written by Sir Elton John for “The Lion King” reminds us to live our lives with intention, through both times of challenge and times of joy. It is through all of these times that we are able to learn from our experiences, and become the best versions of ourselves. In addition to this wonderful life lesson, our upcoming production of “The Lion King, Jr.” teaches us that you are exactly who you think you are, and that self-respect is a first step to an accomplished life. Just like Simba eventually finds his way in the world and grows through personal moments of despair, learning, strength and confidence, we can dig deep within ourselves to find our sources of inspiration and power. Don’t miss these extraordinary life lessons and exceptional professional-quality entertainment in our evening performances of “The Lion King, Jr.” on November 17, 18, and 19 at 7pm. Our amazing and talented students will be putting on an outstanding production which is sure to bring the house down. In addition to the evening shows, thousands of elementary students will be able to watch this production during the school day as part of our musical outreach program. Sharing the arts with thousands of children across the County is such an honor for our students and staff. This is a busy time of year for Howard. Magnet Fair is Nov. 3rd at 5:30pm, which is the beginning of our application process for attendance next year. We are excited about the many changes on the horizon for our school. The application window is November 1st – February 15th. We will host prospective students to Howard at our Magnet Open House in January. I would like to give a special recognition to our Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year, Mr. Yuhasz and Mrs. ...continued on next page


2 Mr. Michael Martucci, Principal

Principal’s Message continues ... Ramsey. For the first time, Howard has not one, but both of our nominees selected to be Top 5 OCPS finalists! We are grateful for their hard work every day, and pleased that others have recognized their stellar performance. They are valuable members of our amazing Howard family who help to make our campus a rigorous, nurturing, and academically/artistically focused environment. Just like Simba, I encourage our Howard family to reflect on what it is that lights you up, what it is that makes you want to be better, and what it is that will make you feel the most fulfilled. Follow those dreams and those passions, and you will be blessed with a life of joy.

“It’s the circle of life And it moves us all Through despair and hope Through faith and love Till we find our place On the path unwinding In the circle The circle of life”

M-T-T-F School Hours: 9:25 am - 4:00 pm Wed. School Hours: 9:25 am - 3:00 pm M-F Club Zero Period Hours: 8:30 am - 9:15 am School Office Hours: M-F 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Sincerely, Mike Martucci Proud Principal

Kudos Rangers!!!

Howard Middle School creates Success with HEART! Have a Positive Attitude Expect Success Accept Responsibility Respect Everyone Thoughtful Actions

Congratulations to our amazing staff members, Support Person of the Year Mrs. Lee Ramsey, and Teacher of the Year Mr. Yuhasz, who represent our Howard family so well every day!!! BOTH were chosen as Top Five Finalists for OCPS. What an amazing representation of Howard to our community!

Support Person of the Year Mrs. Lee Ramsey

Teacher of the Year Mr. Yuhasz


CHECK OUT OUR SCHOOL WEBSITE WWW.HOWARD.OCPS.NET FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION ON EVERYTHING HAPPENING AT HOWARD!!! Also, follow us on Facebook! Magnet News OCPS Magnet Fair for Elementary and Middle Schools was held Thursday, November 3, 2016, 5:30 – 8:00pm at Evans High School. High School Magnet Fair will be held Thursday, November 10th, 2016, 5:30 – 8:00pm at Colonial High School. The Magnet application window for the 2017-18 school year runs from November 1, 2016 through February 15, 2017. Applications must be made electronically on the School Choice website at www.schoolchoice.ocps.net. Please encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to apply for a spot at the only Fine Arts Middle School in OCPS! If you are a current magnet student, you do not need to reapply for Howard Magnet.

Visitors ALL VISITORS must have a picture ID when coming on campus. Acceptable forms of ID include Driver’s License, State ID, Military ID card, and Passport ID Card. High School students can show their student ID if they do not have one of the above mentioned forms of ID. High school students may not visit during school hours unless pre-approved by administration. In order to sign a student out, a parent/guardian must be on the pick-up list and present a photo ID to the Attendance Clerk.

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Florida Arts Model School: Dance, Music, Visual Arts Magnet Schools of America School of Excellence

Arts Schools Network Exemplary School AVID National Demonstration School

City of Orlando All Stars Before and After School Care Sign up for All Stars Announcements texting service. Text @howardal to 81010.

PTSA NEWS Howard PTSA is honored to have 450 members! Thank you to everyone who has joined. It’s never too late to join the PTSA, and we welcome memberships all year long. You can find the enrollment form on the Howard website, under Parents, PTSA. So far this year, we have sponsored a Welcome Back Breakfast for teachers and staff, hosted several Spirit Nights and Pizza Fridays, and brought Kona Ice to school. We look forward to assisting with more events throughout the year and working with different school groups on fundraising and other activities. Please feel free to contact the PTSA Board at hmsptsapres@gmail.com and join us on Facebook.

We Love Our Volunteers! In order to volunteer and/or chaperone field trips, you MUST be registered as an OCPS ADDitions volunteer. Please go to www.ocps.net/es/cr/resources/Pages/ADDitions.aspx and update or register for the 2016-2017 school year. If you have any questions, please see Ms. Taylor at the front desk.

NOVEMBER 2016 • ISSUE #4 PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES PER YEAR HOWARD MIDDLE SCHOOL ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS P.O. BOX 271 • ORLANDO, FL 32802-0271


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Testing, testing, 1,2,3… Testing Update By Erika Sickles, Testing Coordinator Dear Parent/Guardian, As we prepare to embark on a new year, I wanted to share a few things to prepare for testing in the spring. The Howard website calendar lists the testing dates, and specific information will be provided to students about their testing day and location as each test approaches. Information about each test will also be on the main page of the Howard website as we near those assessments. Practice tests are provided for FSA and NGSSS (Algebra 1 & Civics EOC) tests. The practice tests are grade and subject specific for students and parents to access. Feel free to use these resources now to prepare. FSA: www.FSAssessments.org/ - click on Practice Tests NGSSS: www.FLAssessments.com/ePat For all statewide assessments, the below security policies will be in effect. Please review the following policies with your student now in preparation for upcoming testing: Electronic Devices—Students are not permitted to have any electronic devices, including, but not limited to, cell phones, smartphones, and smartwatches, at any time during testing OR during breaks (e.g., restroom), even if they are turned off or students do not use them. If your student is found with an electronic device, his or her test will be invalidated. Testing Rules Acknowledgment—All NGSSS & FSA tests include a Testing Rules Acknowledgment that reads: “I understand the testing rules that were just read to me. If I do not follow these rules, my test score may be invalidated.” Prior to testing, test administrators read the rules to students, and students acknowledge that they understand the testing rules by signing below the statement. Discussing Test Content after Testing—The last portion of the testing rules read to students before they sign below the Testing Rules Acknowledgment states: “Because the content in all statewide assessments is secure, you may not discuss or reveal details about the test items after the test. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as texting, emailing, or posting online, for example, on websites like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.” Please make sure your student understands that “discussing” test content includes any kind of electronic communication, such as texting, emailing, or posting to blogs or social media websites, etc. While students may not share information about secure test content after testing, this policy is not intended to prevent students from discussing their testing experiences with their parents/families. Working Independently—Students are responsible for doing their own work during the test and for protecting their answers from being seen by others. If students are caught cheating during testing, their tests will be invalidated. In addition, FDOE employs Caveon Test Security to analyze student test results to detect unusually similar answer patterns. Student tests within a school that are found to have extremely similar answer patterns will be invalidated. Leaving Campus—If your student begins a test session and leaves campus before completing it (for lunch, an appointment or illness, etc.), he or she WILL NOT be allowed to return to that test session. If your student does not feel well on the day of testing, it may be best for him or her to wait and be tested on a makeup day. Please remember not to schedule appointments on testing days. Testing Accommodations—Students who receive accommodations as part of an IEP, Section 504 plan or as an ELL student will be provided with allowable accommodations on statewide assessments. For more information about the statewide assessment program, visit the FDOE website at http://www.fldoe.org/ accountability/assessments/k-12-student-assessment. Contact Mrs. Sickles at Erika.Sickles@ocps.net or (407) 245-1780 x5092290 with any testing related questions.

Oh the Places You Will Go Please do not hesitate to contact the Guidance Department if we may help you in any way. If your child is having any difficulty adjusting to school, please encourage them to reach out to their teachers, guidance counselors, or our SAFE Coordinator. Adjusting to a new environment can take time, so present a positive attitude, ask lots of positively-framed questions, encourage your child to reach out to their peers, and provide them with the tools to make new friends. Remember, almost half of our students are brand new to Howard, and may not know anyone at first either. Sit by someone new at lunch, ask a friend in your class a question, and have fun! So many amazing friendships are ahead of you, and Howard is an amazingly warm and welcoming place to experience middle school! Your Guidance Counselor can also help you prepare for your next steps in high school. Erika Sickles - Testing/504 Plan Students erika.sickles@ocps.net Sarita Cullen - 6th Grade, 7th Grade A-M Guidance sarita.cullen@ocps.net Terrence Hummel - 7th Grade N-Z, 8th Grade Guidance terrence.hummel@ocps.net Jessica Popov - SAFE Coordinator jessica.popov@ocps.net

Progress Book/Parent Access Your student received their Progress Book information within the first weeks of school. Any of their teachers may help them access their Progress Book. Parent Access requires a separate parent login and password, and must be picked up in the front office by a PARENT ONLY with ID. *Tip: You can set alerts so that you are notified any time your child is missing as assignment or receives a grade below a threshold you set. Monitoring your child’s Progress Book closely is highly recommended for your child’s success.

The Wheels On The Bus Go Round And Round All bus transportation questions should be directed to the transportation office at 407-317-3200.


We love our Community Partners!

5 Thank you to Flipper’s Pizzeria at SODO for their kind donation of free cheese pizza coupons for outstanding achievement to be used as positive behavior rewards. Thank you to Publix at Paramount on Lake Eola for donating 7 dozen donuts for our October Student of the Month breakfast. Teach-In 2016 is scheduled for Wednesday, November 16th. Anyone interested in sharing your career with our students, please contact Lee Ramsey at janet.ramsey@ocps.net.

Howard Foundation

Red ribbon week was October 23-31. Thank you to our Visual and Digital Arts students for creating this amazing board!


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Howard has an ART INFESTATION!!!! Visual Arts students are welcome to come to Open Art studio in Room 123 to work on choice projects on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays after school until 6p.m., as well as Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 8:40am-9:15am. Digital Art Open Studio is on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school until 6 p.m. Visual Arts show December 9th. Mandatory attendance required for all Visual and Digital Arts students.

Band

Orchestra

Congratulations to 8th grader Kiran Nwakanma for winning the Fall playbill contest!!! His design will be sent to schools throughout the County as an invitation, made into posters, and of course be the cover of the HMS Lion King Playbill. We love how our visual and performing arts programs work together!

Our Advanced Dance and Dance Troupe students participated in auditions for the OCPS All-County Dance Team. Over 70 students from 6 different middle schools participated in this event. Out of the 18 students selected for the team, Howard took 9 of those spots! We are so proud of all our students, and congratulate the following All County Dancers: Jordan Bartlett Isabella Crews Gabriel Drummond Julia Gustafson Emmett Higgins Amanda Ortiz Desiree Munoz Isabel Rodriguez Jasmine Thomas Get your reserved seats today for Howard’s Production of “The Lion King, Jr.!!!” Hakuna Matata!

Chorus

Fine Arts Calendar 2016-17 Please note that ALL DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Please stay informed through your child’s arts teachers and the website calendar, and confirm dates as they approach. Thank you!

Show Choir

November 10: High School Magnet Fair - 5:30 - 8:00pm, Colonial H.S. Gymnasium November 17-19: Musical Evening Performances – 7pm, HMS Auditorium November 11: All County Orchestra – TBA December 6: Dance Winter Recital – 7pm, HMS Auditorium December 7: Guitar Winter Concert – 7pm, HMS Auditorium December 8: Band Winter Concert – 7pm, HMS Auditorium December 9: Visual Arts Winter Festival, 5:30 – 7:00pm, HMS campus December 12: Orchestra Winter Concert – 7pm, HMS Auditorium December 13: Chorus Winter Concert – 7pm, HMS Auditorium December 14: Acting Showcase – 7pm, HMS Auditorium December 15: Piano Winter Recital – 7pm, HMS Auditorium January 11-14: FMEA/All-State Conference in Tampa January 19: Magnet Open House - 7pm, Howard Middle School January 24: Band All County Rehearsal – TBA January 26-28: Band All-County Rehearsal/performance – TBA

February 3-4: Chorus Solo & Ensemble – TBA February 16-18: Band Solo & Ensemble – TBA February 23-25: Orchestra Music Performance Assessment – TBA March: 9-11: Band Music Performance Assessment – TBA March 13-15: Chorus Music Performance Assessment – TBA March 18-19: Winter Park Sidewalk Art Fest March 20-24: Spring Break April 8: Orchestra Solo & Ensemble – TBA May 9: Dance Spring Recital – 7pm, HMS Auditorium May 11: Illuminations Showcase – 6-7:30pm May 12: 8th Grade Social May 15: Guitar Spring Concert – 7pm, HMS Auditorium May 16: Piano Spring Recital – 7pm, HMS Auditorium May 17: Acting Spring Showcase – 7pm, HMS Auditorium May 18: Band Spring Concert – 7pm, HMS Auditorium May 22: Orchestra Spring Concert – 7pm, HMS Auditorium May 23: Chorus Spring Concert – 7pm, HMS Auditorium May 31: Last Day of School


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Rangers are brilliant to the CORE!!! Student of the Month

STEM

It’s Ranger Time!

Ranger Time teachers will focus on building relationships with their students and assisting them in beginning their school day prepared and with a positive attitude. This time offers an opportunity for teachers to foster relationships outside the context of grading and assignments. This also allows teachers to have time to implement school wide initiatives without interrupting instructional time. Thank you to Ms. Yelensky for her hard work and dedication in making Ranger Time an important part of the positive Howard culture.

Science Congratulations to September’s Students of the Month and Reading Rangers!!! AlexFernac Ovella Ariail Jerry McFadden Bryn Prosser Madeline Flint Tristyn Blakenship Ambika Ramjawam Riordan Dowrich Robert Jones Jackson Frazier Alexandria Stewart Brian Eitniear Makyla Watkins Eian Evans Christa Ingram Dylan Justice Caroline Whiteman Daniel Mosely Lindsey Eck Nathan Jarman Hecmarie Candelario Robert Adkinson Delroy Ramirez Catoreya Starks Joris Deifel Stephanie Williams Jimmy Alcius

Reading Rangers Tekhia Farlin Gabriella Martinez Leah Meyer Kevin Robles Arielis Santiago Audrie Stafford

Mr. Yuhasz’ STEM students O’Marian and Laura launch their catapult. They not only designed it, but refined it to be extremely accurate!

Mr. Yuhasz’ Design and Modeling students Aly, Ben, Davis and Jaxon prepare to launch their air skimmers. The Class record was held by Aly whose design “skimmed” nearly 90 feet!

The Science department is extremely appreciative of the generous donation of glassware and other lab supplies from Corning Life Sciences. Many thanks to Corning Life Sciences and their Vice President of Commercial Operations, Ms. Lydia Kenton Walsh. Because of you, our students will continue to gain knowledge through authentic lab experiences.

Math All Math classes are using an online tool, IXL. com, this year to help students practice and master the various standards that are taught in our classes. The standards go from Pre-K through Calculus. Students have access to work on all of these standards. They can review previously taught material, and challenge themselves by looking ahead. Students have the opportunity to work on IXL at school, and should also be working on the assigned skills at home. IXL can be used on any device that has access to the internet. Please encourage your student to spend time practicing their math skills by going on IXL at home.

HMS Clubs

Join the HMS Book Club to earn a place on the Battle of the Books team. See Ms. Thoma, Media Specialist, for more information. NJHS will hold our annual food drive to help the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orlando with our partner Zimmerman, Kiser & Sutcliffe from November 14th through November 22nd. Non-perishable food items will be donated through 1st period, and the top class wins a doughnut & juice party. (Ms. Katner)

History Club meets Tuesday, October 25th, after school in Room 210 (Ms. Rich) Student Council Meeting October 27th, 4:10-4:45 in Room 142 (Mr. Seger) Jr. BETA Club, contact Ms. Kipper FCA, contact Ms. Thraillkill Diversity Club, contact Ms. Warskow

Language Arts In 6th grade Language Arts classes, students have completed the assigned independent reading, “Walk Two Moon” and have chosen their own independent book to read. This new assignment began Oct 3rd. Just as with “Walk Two Moons,” this newest independent reading homework assignment is organized into 15 written responses and 15 personal dictionary entries. Students are graded on completion and accuracy of homework throughout the marking period. Independent homework reading and writing assignments will continue all school year. Eighth grade Language Arts students are currently learning about the Hero’s Journey. Students analyzed a heroic film in class, created an original heroic character of their own, and are currently writing an original narrative. Some of the texts students have read to demonstrate the journey of a hero are “Drummer Boy of Shiloh” by Ray Bradbury, “The Odyssey” by Homer, and “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeline L’Engle. For independent reading homework, advanced level ELA students are reading a classic fiction novel of their choice, and standard level ELA students are reading “Holes” by Louis Sachar. Through these activities, students are learning about how we all can overcome challenges in life through determination and compassion to ourselves and others.


Howard Middle School

Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID Orlando, FL Permit #2346

Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts An AVID National Demonstration School

800 E. Robinson Street Orlando, Fl. 32801

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Ranger Athletics: Soccer

Volleyball Schedule

Boys play first followed by girls in all contests. 1st game begins at 4:30 PM, with the next game immediately following. 11/9........................................ Howard vs. Lockhart..............................Away 11/14...................................... Howard vs. Renaissance Charter............Home 11/16...................................... Howard vs. Lee.......................................Home 11/21...................................... Howard vs. Glenridge.............................Away Boys Soccer

Girls Soccer

Congratulations to the HMS Soccer teams on a historical season!!! Our Boys Soccer Team had an amazing winning season, and our Girls Team made it to the 2nd round of the playoffs. Way to go teams and coaches! Come out and support our Volleyball Team this season. Basketball and Track are up next‌Please have your OCPS Sports Physical turned in before you attend ANY sports tryout! Forms are available at the front desk and on the HMS website on the Athletic Main Page.

Volleyball Fest (Top 3 teams from each cluster advance to a single elimination 18 team playoff for girls and 18 team playoff for boys) Round 1 (4 teams) November 30

Round 2 (16 teams) December 5

Championship (2 teams) December 14

Semi-Final (4 teams) December 7

Boys Team Coach: Latisha Lee Girls Team Coach: Kelly Link Athletic Coordinator: Kimberly Wallen


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