21st Century Digital Learners
OCPS School of Innovation
Florida 'A' Rated School
5 Star School

13400 Town Loop Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32837
(407) 858-4620
Hunter's Creek Middle School
Monday, August 3, 2020
     

Hunter's Creek Middle School teachers and staff are eager to start the new school year! The upcoming academic year is going to be different, VERY different ... We will think differently, act differently and adapt to a new way of doing school. We at HCMS very well know that the 2020-2021 school year represents opportunities for new beginnings.

I would like to thank our Eagles' parents and HCMS family for your patience, trust and understanding as we make all these decisions and arrangements to do what is in the best interest of each and every one of our Eagles. I can't ask for better staff, parents, students and community!

All HCMS students, regardless of their instructional model choice (whether it is LaunchEd or Face-to-Face), will begin LaunchEd@home on August 10th. The Digital Learning via LaunchEd@Home for all students will continue for nine days (August 10th-August 20th). Teachers and students will follow the regular daily bell schedule throughout.  

On Friday, August 21st we will welcome back to campus the students who chose Face-to-Face instruction only. The students who chose LaunchEd for an instructional model will continue with LaunchEd@Home.

Parents! Digital device checkout is scheduled for this week. Sixth grade and new student parents! We are holding a digital meeting on Monday, August 3rd, especially for you. Please see additional information below.

If you have not registered for Skyward, please do so as soon as possible. Skyward Family Access will be available to parents and students on Friday, August 7th. You will be able to view the schedules on Monday, August 10th. If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Hernandez at Liesl.Hernandez@ocps.net

This is our current information. We will certainly keep you posted of the latest updates. I kindly ask that you regularly check our website and social media.

All the best!
 
Joumana Moukaddam
Proud Principal
Hunter's Creek Middle School  
 
Pictured very top: Thank you to our custodial crew, Mr. Alvin Mallard, Mr. Jose Chang, and Mr. Ken Nauth, for everything they have and are doing to keep our campus clean and safe!


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Content & Upcoming Events

In This Issue (Click link to access)  
Digital Meeting - Parents 6th & New
Device Distribution
Student Schedules
School Reopening Choices
7th Grade Immunizations
Summer Assignments
School Supply List
Fall Sports Postponed
Technology
Updates to Code of Conduct
New Teachers
Spreading Literacy Love
Closing Images - Spreading Kindness 
Dates to Watch For: 
July 30-Aug. 8: Free immunizations! Please click here for details.
Aug. 3:
Digital meeting for 6th grade and new parents (please see below for times)
Aug. 7-9: Florida Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday
Aug. 10:
First day of school for ALL students
Aug. 10:
Student Schedules may be viewed starting this morning
Aug. 21:
Welcome back to all students who chose Face-to-Face instruction

 
Digital 6th Grade and New Student Parent Meetingdigitalparentmeetingnew
Monday, August 3  

5:30 pm (Last Names that begin with letters A-M)
6:30 pm (Last Names that begin with letters N-Z)
7:30 pm ELLs in Spanish/Portuguese 
 
** Link to join the meeting will be shared via Facebook and our website on Monday.  
Device Distributiondevicedistribution  
 
Devices for new HCMS students can be picked up on the following days alphabetically by last name. If you are unable to come during your assigned time or have a question, please contact Ms. Liesl Hernandez at Liesl.Hernandez@ocps.net or at 4078584620 x5102236.  
 
Wednesday, August 5th 
  • A 8:00am-9:00am  
  • B 9:00 am-10:00 am 
  • C 10:00 am-11:00 pm 
  • D 12:00 pm-1:00 pm 
  • E-F 1:00 pm-2:00 pm 
  • G 2:00 pm-3:00 pm 
  • H-I 3:00 pm-4:00 pm 
  • J-K 4:00 pm-5:00 pm 
  • L 5:00pm - 6:00 pm
Thursday, August 6th 
  • M 12:00pm-1:00 pm 
  • N-O 1:00 pm- 2:00pm  
  • P 2:00 pm-3:00 pm  
  • Q-R 3:00 pm -4:00 pm
Friday, August 7th  
  • S 10:00 am-11:00 am 
  • T 11:00 am-12:00 pm 
  • U-W 1:00 pm-2:00 pm 
  • X-Z 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
--------------
"Rigor in the Classroom" snapshot:
These pictures were taken last fall of "close reading" and writing in Ms. Gooden's 6th grade Language Arts class. On this day, her students were making annotations from their reading as they had been studying the positive and negative effects of caffeine.
Student Schedulesstudentschedules  

Schedules will not be physically picked up this year. Schedules can be accessed on Skyward via Launchpad. Please note: Schedules are not official until the morning of August 10th. Please make sure to access your schedule then to check for your classes. Any schedule questions may be sent to the grade level counselor:  
 
OCPS School Reopening Choicesschoolreopeningchoices



* Please note that some teachers may be teaching classes from home during OCPSLaunchED@Home.

** Also, please note that when a student participates in OCPS LaunchEd@Home or Orange County Virtual School they can still participate in athletics and activities at their assigned school, as they are rescheduled.

*** The district has been receiving many questions about the reopening choices and we are posting new answers to our FAQ Page daily, sometimes even hourly! There is a great deal of information listed, so please read through it all here: Frequently Asked Questions

7th Grade Immunizationsseventhgradeimmunizations 

HCMS parents of rising 7th grade students: the state of Florida requires that all students entering 7th grade must have the Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) immunization. Your child MUST have this immunization in order to start the 7th grade. We want to let you know the Florida Department of Health in Orange County is offering a special session for 7th grade students to receive their required Tdap vaccine at no charge starting May 18. To schedule an appointment please call 407.723.5004 and press 2. For information you can visit orange.floridahealth.gov

Your child's immunization will be documented on the updated form you will need to submit to your child's school before they can attend class for the 2020-21 school year. This is also an excellent opportunity to have your child's immunization records reviewed by a health care provider to ensure your child's vaccines are up-to-date.

Please send a copy of your updated records to our Registrar, Michelle Flynn, via email at 126137@ocps.net
Summer Assignments Reminder!summerassignments  

Summer Reading and Math information can be found on the school website hunterscreekms.ocps.net under the "Students" tab.

The reading assignment includes reading two books of the student's choice. Information, requirements, and resources are available on the "Students: Summer Reading" page on the website - https://hunterscreekms.ocps.net/students/summer_reading

The math assignment depends on the class your student will be taking during the 2020-2021 school year. If you are not sure, please contact your student's counselor. The packets are available on the "Students: Summer Math" page on the website - https://hunterscreekms.ocps.net/students/summer_math
 
HCMS Supply Listhcmssupplylist 
 
pencils.jpg
At Hunter's Creek Middle our blended classrooms will feature mixed use of digital and traditional resources. Please refer to the supply list below to begin making purchases for the upcoming school year. Students taking part in LaunchEd@Home and Face-to-Face have the same supply list.
 
Required Supplies:
  • Loose leaf paper (recommended: Folder to keep loose leaf paper)
  • Blue or black pens
  • Pencils
  • Highlighter
  • 2 composition notebooks (additional notebooks may be required based on students' schedule)
  • Earphones for laptops (Laptops do not require high-end headphones, and we strongly discourage students from bringing these to school. Example: Beats Headphones. Also, AirPods are not allowed on campus, including using with students' laptops. HCMS will not be responsible for lost or stolen high-end headphones brought on campus.)
  • Laptop Protector Sleeve
  • Planner
** Masks will be required to be worn. If a student does not have a mask, one will be supplied.
 
Recommended Supplies:
  • Water resistant backpack
  • Graph paper
Teachers may have an additional wish list that includes general classroom supplies. While any wish list donation is greatly appreciated, these additional requests are not required. Please see individual teachers' syllabus or Canvas course for specific wish list requests.
2020 Fall Sports Season CancelledFallsportspostponed 
All athletics events have been canceled until second semester
 
Despite the delay, once sports resume the Sports Screening Physical Exam of student athletes is required and the results shall be turned into the school. View the packet and sports eligibility requirements here: https://hunterscreekms.ocps.net/cms/One.aspx?portalId=77490&pageId=156014  
 
When these pictures were taken last season, our Lady Eagles soccer team just became Cluster Champions! In 2019, they finished the regular season with a 7-0 record and advanced to playoff competition.
Technologytechnology
 
 
Having any technology trouble? Use this tip sheet to help you fix your problem: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LVqgrLqdWM1ja8lW4Jzt8n3CFMVUc9xg28466DKoryk/edit?usp=sharing
(You must be signed into your @students.ocps.net Google to access)

Technology Resources:
OCPS Distance Learning Student Resources
Family Technology Handbook 
 
Password:
You may continue using the password for your laptop and Google that you used last year; however, if you are having any trouble and need to reset your password:
1. Passwords must be reset while the student is on OCPS WiFi.
2. This can be done by sitting in an OCPS school parking lot - it doesn't require the student to come inside.
3. OCPS WiFi password is ocpsmeanssuccess
4. Once you are on the WiFi, got to studentid.ocps.net
5. Choose the reset password option. It will ask the student for the answer to their security question.
6. If it asks for a network ID, that is their student ID number.
7. Create the new password.
8. Make sure that computer has been shut down and start it and login with the new password.
9. Go to Launchpad and click auto login.
10. Once you are at the dashboard, click on Google Drive.
11.The student will need to enter their email (studentIDnumber@students.ocps.net) and then enter the new password.
12. Always choose YES to sync information.
13. Everything should work from there.   
Updates to Code of Conductupdatestocodeofconduct  

Two major updates to the Code of Conduct have occurred this summer.

First, students are required to wear masks while on school campuses.

Second, the OCPS Dress Code has been updated. Earlier this summer, the Orlando Sentinel posted a guest piece by School Board Member, Melissa Byrd.
 
Ms, Byrd wrote: "After being frustrated with this code for 11 years, I am proud to have a code no longer objectifying our young girls. The board has held two meetings where revisions were made, and the now the final draft will come before the board to be voted on June 23."
Orlando Sentinel (June 16, 2020) - "Good riddance to Orange County dress code that singles out girls" (Commentary)

Below is the draft of the OCPS School Dress Code in the Student Code of Conduct that was voted on June:


Meet Some of Our New Teachers!newteachers
 
Our new Staffing Specialist, Penelope Epifano

I am entering my 22nd year with OCPS and have had the opportunity to work with students and families from elementary to high school. I am a graduate of Florida International University from my hometown of Miami, although I was born in Jamaica. My area of expertise is in Specific Learning Disabilities. I have been a classroom teacher, instructional coach, mentor and advocate in many roles within OCPS and I look forward to being a part of the Hunter's Creek Middle School community!

Our new 6th Grade ESOL Teacher, Ursula De Witte-Vogt

Hello, my name is Ursula DeWitte-Vogt. I have been a teacher with OCPS since 2003. I have taught 4th grade and middle school grade reading. This year I am excited to teach 6th grade ELL. I am looking forward to joining the Hunter's Creek team!

Our new 8th Grade ESOL Teacher, Maria Rodriguez

My name is María del Carmen Rodríguez-Jiménez. I was born and raised in New York by my beloved Puerto Rican parents. Therefore, I am what you call a Newyorican. I am also a mother of two loving sons and grandmother to two beautiful princesses. My alma mater is the University of Puerto Rico.  It was there where my passion for education and the study of languages open my desire to look for different venues through which I could serve our children, especially our ELLs. It has been more than 25 years since I took that decision.  Today, I continue to be an educator, a teacher and an advocator for our ELL students and education. Following that same line of thought, I would like to add that it is an honor to be part of Hunter's Creek Middle School family.

Spreading Literacy Lovespreadingliteracylove
 
We have added these beautiful ceiling tiles to the library created by our very own students and staff!
Top by Olivia Mistelke, Finley Thomson; Bottom by Samuel Torres
Top by Lucas Fernandez, Ms. Armstrong; Bottom by Taevy Srun
Top by Euna Lim; Bottom by Paola Lopez
Top by Princess St. Lot; Bottom by Mariah Coutinho, Victoria Rocha, Giovanna Ribeiro
Top by Krizia Lopez; Bottom by Maria Segovia
Top by Jade Yap; Bottom by Isabella Martinez
Top by Raida Nowreen; Bottom by Annabella Sykes, Ornella Raffaghelli
Top by Bianca Teixeira; Bottom by Sharanya Chatterjee
Top by Andrea Moreno, Maria Fareeduddin, Eva Schischa, Katie Schscha; Bottom by Amy Gomez, Marisol Herrero, Melissa Crespilho
Top left and bottom right by Ms. Rokaw; Top right by Abrieana Copeland, Naomi Grodzienski, Armani Indomenico, Maria Ramer, Maya Ibrhram
Closing Images . . . "Spreading Kindness" Muralsspreadingkindness
 
Last February, we learned that our 1st period Student Literacy Leaders had won several grants from the Innovation Learning Community. One of the grants had a focus on Spreading Kindness, and the first (of three) objectives was putting up kindness and social justice murals on school campus. These murals were installed over the summer!

 
Florida flag
Thank you for looking over this final summer break issue. We are all greatly looking forward to welcoming back our Eagles on Monday, August 10th!
Principal Moukaddam 
Hunter's Creek Middle School
Sunday, August 2, 2020 
Leadership Team

* Principal: Joumana Moukaddam joumana.moukaddam@ocps.net
* Assistant Principal: Liesl Hernandez liesl.hernandez@ocps.net
* Assistant Principal: Jessica Swain jessica.swain@ocps.net
* 8th Grade Administrative Dean: Shedrick Copeland shedrick.copeland@ocps.net  
* 8th Grade Counselor: Kelly Armstrong kelly.armstrong@ocps.net
* 7th Grade Administrative Dean: Joquetta Carter joquetta.carter@ocps.net
* 7th Grade Counselor: Sejal Shah sejal.shah@ocps.net
* 6th Grade Administrative Dean: Dominic Golia dominic.golia@ocps.net
* 6th Grade Counselor: Joel Anderson joel.anderson@ocps.net
* Librarian: Kellee Moye kellee.moye@ocps.net

 

This communication may contain information that is legally privileged, confidential or exempt from disclosure, and intended only for the use of the addressee(s) named above.  If you are not the intended recipient, please note that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Anyone who receives this message in error should notify the sender immediately by telephone or by return e-mail, and delete the message from their computer and any printout thereof.  Please note that OCPS utilizes spam and junk e-mail filtration applications in its e-mail systems.  That filtering process may prevent or delay delivery of certain e-mail communications. If you do not receive a timely response to an e-mail communication, please contact the intended recipient by phone.

Copyright Notice 
Reproduction of this material, either written or electronically, including the general layout, graphics, analyses, and content topics without the express approval of Target Performance Systems, Inc., a Florida corporation, and OCPS - Hunter's Creek Middle School is forbidden without written consent.  Thank you for your support of the Orange County Public Schools and especially Hunter's Creek Middle School. Please contact Ms. Joumana Moukaddam (principal) at  37895@ocps.net with any questions.  
  Hunter's Creek MS | Joumana Moukaddam, Principal | 407.858.4620 | HCMS Website
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