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
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Hunter's Creek Middle School
Thursday, March 11, 2021
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HCMS Community Member,
It is so hard to believe that we completed three nine-weeks of school. Only nine more weeks remain of this school year.
Everyone worked very hard this year to minimize the barriers that hindered the teaching and the learning. I am so proud of our HCMS family for keeping a sharp focus on the Eagle’s well being while protecting the instructional time to benefit our students and ensure their success. Testing season is fast approaching with the first FSA exam scheduled for April 8th. Our Eagles are ready!
Parents! Please keep logging-in to your Skyward account to keep monitoring your child's grades and academic progress. Tutoring and small group interventions will continue throughout the next nine-weeks in order to support our students’ efforts. If you have any concerns, please contact the school.
Spring Break starts on Friday, March 12th and ends on Sunday, March 21st. Please make sure that our Eagles are ready to come back to school on March 22nd to finish the year strong!
Thank you for your continued support.
In Eagle Pride,
Joumana Moukaddam
Proud Principal
Hunter's Creek Middle School
Pictured very top: Our All County Band members - Sydney Peraza - French Horn, Tom Chen - Alto Sax, and Charlie Martin - Bassoon
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Dates to Watch For
March is Women's History Month!
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March 12th-March 21st: Spring Break for Students |
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March 12th, 10am to 12pm - Spring Break meal pick-up (select sites) |
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March 15th: Last day to pre-order the yearbook! |
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March 22nd: Students return to school & 4th nine weeks begin
March 22nd: Soccer intramurals begin
April 6th: HCMS Virtual Incoming 6th Grade Night
April 7th: Long Wednesday (dismissal at 3:57pm)
April 8th: FSA Writing Face-to-Face students & all ESE/ELL/504 students
April 9th: FSA Writing LaunchEd students
April 12th: SAC Meeting 5pm
April 19th-20th: Eagle Bucks Cashin In from last school year
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1) Every Monday 4:30-6pm: Free Curbside Meal Pick Up (in the bus loop)
** The USDA has extended the deadline to allow all children aged 18 years and younger to receive meals at no charge until August 2021!**
2) Every Thursday 8-8:30am, 10-11am, 2-3pm: LaunchEd Curbside Library Pick Up (View Procedures for more information)
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Spring Break is a great time for some quality down time and relaxation! |
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Did you know that music, especially relaxing music, has great cognitive, emotional, and neurological benefits? So listen to some music that makes you happy! |
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Also, use this time to read for pleasure! HCMS students have choice over what they read; if you don’t like what you are reading, find something else! There is something out there for everyone! |
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Upcoming Testing Calendar
For planning purposes, we wanted to share the tentative state test dates. State testing will take place on campus:
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FSA Writing Face-to-Face & ALL ESE/ELL/504 Students: Apr 8th AM
FSA Writing Rest of LaunchEd: Apr 9th AM
FSA Reading Day 1 All Face-to-Face & All ESE/ELL/504 Students: May 3rd AM
FSA Reading Day 1 Rest of LaunchEd: May 3rd PM
FSA Reading Day 2 All Face-to-Face & All ESE/ELL/504 Students: May 4th AM
FSA Reading Day 2 Rest of LaunchEd: May 4th PM
FSA Math Day 1 All Face-to-Face & All ESE/ELL/504 Students: May 6th AM
FSA Math Day 1 Rest of LaunchEd: May 6th PM
EOC Algebra & Geometry Day 1 Face-to-Face (only Face-to-Face): May 6th AM
FSA Math Day 2 All Face-to-Face & All ESE/ELL/504 Students: May 7th AM
FSA Math Day 2 Rest of LaunchEd: May 7th PM
FSA Algebra & Geometry Day 2 Face-to-Face (only Face-to-Face): May 7th AM
Civics (7th grade only, more information to come!): May 10th
Science (8th grade only, more information to come!): May 10th
FSA Algebra & Geometry Day 1 ALL LaunchEd: May 11th AM
FSA Algebra & Geometry Day 2 ALL LaunchEd: May 12th AM
Make Up for ALL Tests: May 13th - 14th
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On testing days, it is important that your student is on time to school and remains in school for the entire day. Although most tests should be done by lunch, technology issues can occur to extend testing times.
Here are some tips on what to bring on testing days:
- Make sure you charge your laptop each night! And remember to bring your charger (labeled with your name!) on each testing day.
- All students should have plug-in, wired headphones to use on every testing day.
- You are welcome to bring your own #2 pencil though one will be provided if you do not.
- Face-to-Face ESOL students: Make sure to bring your translation dictionary to all testing days.
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LaunchEd ESOL students: If you own a translation dictionary, feel free to bring it on testing days; if not, one will be supplied.
- You may also bring a bottle of water if you’d like.
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Did you know that a Weekly Update is posted on Canvas every Friday evening? This update is the most current way to get information because it is updated if anything changes. |
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Parents/Guardians: Don’t know how to access Canvas? |
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As we approach spring break, we wanted to reach out about how to care for the iPad or laptop your student has access to through the OCPS LaunchEd Digital Learning program. We want to ensure that students are safely using their devices both at school and at home. Please remind your student of the following best practices:
Do:
- Shut down your laptop when you are not using it.
- Use your laptop only on a hard, flat surface such as a desk or table.
- Carry your laptop in a bag or backpack.
- Unplug your device when it is fully charged.
- Keep your charger out of reach of young children and pets.
- Carry your device with both hands if moving around during classroom instruction.
Don’t:
- Drop your device, even when in a bag or backpack.
- Cover or block your device’s air vents when in use.
- Use your devices near food or drink.
- Pick the device up by the screen.
- Use liquid cleaner to clean the screen or any part of the device.
Manufacturer Provided Cleaning Directions:
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Mr. Gomez shared with us last week that our HCMS application for the WINTER PARK SIDEWALK ART FESTIVAL was approved! This is the first time we’ve ever had students participate in a show of this caliber! The show will be virtual this year, but the rules for entry were just as rigorous as usual.
The following students will have their artwork displayed at the Winter Park Art Festival Student Art Show:
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Additionally, the above painting “Ridin’ Steady” (above right) by Raida Nowreen is a Finalist for OCPS Top Talent - 2021! |
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Students of the Week!
This issue's spotlight: 7th and 8th grade
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7th Grade Students of the Week (Announced 2/26)
Congratulations to our 7th grade students of the week!
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Thaiany Bermudez for Soaring to Greatness: Thaiany has been putting a lot of effort into finishing her assignments. She always pays attention in class. She is very respectful and has been ready to learn while she works with me. -Ms. Perez Rivera
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Nicolas Benevidas for Academic Integrity: He always puts forth his best work. -Ms. Scheerer
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Nicole Moran Meauri for Soaring to Greatness: Nicole is an excellent student. She works very hard to complete her assignments on time and asks for help if she doesn't understand. She is very focused on her studies and earns good grades. She also works very well with other students. Nicole is soaring to greatness. -Ms. Spilker
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Maria Fareeduddin for Leadership: Maria has been opening up more in the classroom and is continuing to maintain good grades in her honors science class. She was very engaged during our last unit and was helping her peers to understand new content. In breakout rooms, she quickly assumed the leadership role and did a great job. Keep up the good work! -Ms. Renuart
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Santiago Gori Mendez for Exemplifying Perseverance: I choose to celebrate Santiago Gori Mendez for Exemplifying Perseverance because he is constantly focused on maintaining his A and B Honor Roll status. He does this by checking Skyward often and completing missing assignments. This young man does not let the fact that he is learning English as a Second Language get in the way of achieving at high levels in his content area classes and special areas. On top of that, he is a joy to interact with and is a role model to the rest of his friends. He is always positive, friendly, and respectful. I honestly could have nominated him for any of our Positive Behavior Support Expectations because he exemplifies them all. I will miss him dearly and wish him nothing but success. He is on his way to Soaring to Greatness! -Ms. Swain
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Cooper Stutler for Soaring to Greatness: Cooper is an excellent reader that visits the HCMS Library everyday. He helps other students find books and also participates in all the library activities. He is always polite and respectful to anyone he meets.
Keep up the amazing work--we are so proud of you!!
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8th Grade Students of the Week (announced 3/5)
Congratulations to our 8th grade students of the week!
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Martin Robinson for Soaring to Greatness: I have had the pleasure of knowing Martin since he was a 6th grader at HCMS, and am very proud to see the student he is becoming. Since returning face to face, Martin has been engaged in class discussions, offered to help out around the classroom, and been on point with his assignments this quarter. I appreciate his sense of humor and effort in my class, and am very lucky to teach him this year! Way to go Martin! -Mr. Solomons
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Lyndsey Murray for Excellence: Lyndsey always goes above and beyond all the expectations. She is constantly participating in class and helping others. She is a great example of excellency! -Ms. Quiles
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Aiden Cox for Soaring to Greatness: Aidan Cox is a respectful hard working student. -Ms. Garcia
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Lou Johnson for Soaring to Greatness: Lou is Soaring to Greatness in the detail they add to their models in PLTW. They have gone above and beyond of instead of just creating labeled mechanical models in 2D and are creating them in 3D instead! This adds a depth to the models that make it easier to understand over all, as well as making it much more like creating mechanical models as required in today's workforce. Fantastic work, Lou! -Ms. Whitmore
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Sebastian Rejon for Exemplifying Perseverance: Sebastian is a very polite and hardworking boy. He is still learning the language but he is improving every day as he is committed to doing all his work. It is a pleasure to work with him! -Ms. Cozzo
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Isabella Hutchinson for Exemplifying Perseverance: Isabella is always willing to participate in her honors science class. She will answer questions and engage in discussion without any prompting. She will also ask questions to better her understanding of subject matter. Isabella continuously works hard and takes pride in her work! -Ms. Renuart
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Ivana Maury for Academic Integrity: I am nominating Maury Ivana for academic integrity. Ivana is such a hardworking student who is always on top of her tasks. Apart from academics, Ivana is always ready to help especially ESOL students. She is a pleasure to have in my class. -Ms. Chiomadzi
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Noah Santos for Soaring to Greatness: I nominate Noah for his strong effort this quarter. Noah has absolutely rocked it in history class, maintaining his best grades so far. His hard work, dedication and effort have all led to his stellar performance. Mr. Solomons is proud of Noah's achievements both in class and on volleyball and basketball courts. Keep up the good work Noah! -Mr. Solomons
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Emma Garcia for Exemplifying Perseverance: Emma ALWAYS participates in class even though she is LaunchEd! In addition, she asks questions and makes sure she understands what she is learning. Her perseverance will pay off! -Ms. Daniels
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Sarah Weate for Giving Respect: Sarah has a sixth sense to ask how I am doing on a day that I need it. Her kindness is so appreciated. ❤ -Ms. Moye
Keep it up! So proud of you all!
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Sora App
Another way to read ebooks and listen to audiobooks is here for OCPS students! (And Destiny Discover isn’t going anywhere—we just now have more options!)
Download the Sora app (code OCPS) or find on LaunchPad to access.
Additionally, you can add Orange County Library System to the app, too!
Happy reading!!!!
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As we announced in the fall, HCMS was the top Middle School for the OCPS Summer Reading Challenge!! Because of this accomplishment, HCMS won $500.00 worth of eBooks that can now be read via Destiny Discover!
These books can be found easily by going to the COLLECTIONS ribbon on the Destiny Discover homepage and scrolling to find the graphic above.
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Author Nathan Hale Visit
We are sad to announce that our 2021 author, Nathan Hale, will have to be postponed because of the COVID pandemic.
Sixth and 7th graders will be able to see him when he visits next year, and we want to make sure 8th graders are invited as well if they'd like to attend. If you are interested in making sure you are invited to a Nathan Hale presentation next year, please fill out Mrs. Moye's Google Form: https://forms.gle/hA8YVWzK2Gr3REvr6. |
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Curriculum Highlight: Eagles Study the Red Planet
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Mars Rover Landing
To celebrate the landing of Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover, Mrs. Perez’s and Mrs. Frontanez did projects about the red planet and got together on Friday, February 19, 2021 to display their project through a "Gallery Walk" and watch the recorded landing.
Below are the details of the Research project that the Earth & Space Honors classes conducted. Mrs. Renuart's students were invited to the celebration, but did not do the project. Ms. Perez’s students did projects in Minecraft (she will be able to give you more details).
"Now that you have learned about the Earth’s interior structure and the movement of the Plate Tectonics, you are ready to compare and contrast these features to Mars."
Steps:
- Describe the layers of the Earth and the movement of the plate tectonics.
- Research and describe Mars's interior structure.
- Compare and contrast your findings between these two planets.
- Create an infographic that enhances this information to educate others.
Projects from Ms. Frontanez’s students:
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Ms. Perez’s students building habitats on Mars through Minecraft after conducting research on the planet and its dangers: |
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Students watching a recording of the Mars landing: |
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Spinoffs from Mars exploration: |
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Classroom Spotlight
Art with Mr. Gomez (Part 2)
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STAR WARS ART!
In a classroom far far away...
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Closing Images of the Week . . .
Digital Learning Day (Part I)
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Above and just below:
Digital Learning in Ms. Rokaw’s Class - Gimkit competition!
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Above and just below: Digital Learning Ms. Daniels’ Class
Ms. Daniels has her students watch pre-made video instruction and monitors the chat for questions from home. Then, students use "Classkick" to answer independent practice, so she can see work live and answer questions directly on each student's slides.
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Hunter's Creek Middle Leadership Team |
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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. |
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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 Mrs. Joumana Moukaddam at [email protected] with any questions related to the program.
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Hunter's Creek Middle | Mrs. Moukaddam, Principal | 407.858.4620 | HCMS Website
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