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Golden Hawk’s Eye View
TOGETHER, WE
RISE
One voice. One heart. One MMS.
Maitland Middle School Community Brief
Monday, February 5, 2024
Maitland Middle Community Member
Welcome to Day 107 of 180 Days of Being One. We continue to learn and grow as the year progresses. We continue to foster an attitude of excellence. We have “A” focus on soaring to new heights. Our student body has bought in. Our teachers continue to find ways to help our scholars master content all while utilizing different instructional strategies to support student achievement. Literacy has been a huge focus. It’s always incredible seeing our teachers use literacy strategies as they teach their content. We have made some tremendous steps towards our goals, yet there is still work to be done.

 On Tuesdays and Thursdays we still offer after school tutoring and homework help. We are excited to partner with former MMS students from Edgewater High who are devoting time to support math tutoring. These young men and women will provide support with all our math courses.

In addition, we have started our school day instructional support time. We meet with small groups of students to support their learning with specific concepts in math and language arts support. This time will be spent on reteaching B. E. S. T. standards and providing support to master the standards. We are looking forward to the success of this. Click HERE for tutoring information.

We continue to impress upon our students on what it means to be a Golden Hawk and to L. E. A. D.

Learning to lead.
Engaging in an appropriate manner.
Accelerating our potential.
Delivering our best selves daily.

The 3rd quarter is crucial to all that we are working towards. Continue to encourage our students to be on time for classes. Remind them of our cell phone policy. Most of all, remember the golden rule – Treat others as you’d like to be treated. We thank you for your continued support as we work together for the success of our students.
Thank you to our PTA, with input from our SGA, on our new school signs.
Reflection for the Week
“Manners will take you where money can’t.” It’s no secret that I will jump at the opportunity to talk about my Geechee Gullah Grandmother or my little barrier sea island in South Carolina. My grandmother along with all the elders would constantly remind us that manners will take us where money can’t. This simple statement embodies how we are to conduct ourselves. In essence showing kindness and being respectful is what people will remember most. Being a middle school student is the most challenging time in the 0-18 years of life. Helping our scholars show kindness in everything they do will be remembered. This lesson is not only for our Golden Hawks, but us adults as well. Show kindness and respect. It goes a long way. Let’s continue to be the example.

Together We Rise. One Voice. One Heart. One MMS!

#theyearofone

Principal Brown

Pictured very top: Asst. Principal Thompson, Mrs. FitzPatrick, Mr. Paul (Agent 007), and Principal Brown at the annual OCPS Stellar Awards. On Friday evening, we honored these three amazing people for all their hard work and support to our Golden Hawk Family: Asst. Principal of the Year, Mr. Thompson; Teacher of the Year, Mrs. FitzPatrick; and Support Person of the Year Mr. Paul. You guys truly go above and beyond the call of duty in ways that make a difference. Our Golden Hawk Family is proud of you!
Yearbook for Sale
Click HERE to purchase your 2023-2024 yearbook. 
Media Center
Maitland Middle School is hosting a Love My Library Book Fair this year that will run until February the 9th. This is a fundraiser to get more books at school and in your home. MMS receives ½ of the donation and your student receives the other ½ to spend in their online store. All purchases will be shipped to the school and delivered at the conclusion of the book fair.

Prizes!

● If you send 10 texts, 10 emails or post on Facebook students will receive bonus prizes for each!
● The ELA class in each grade with highest in donations will receive a donut party!
● The top 5 student fundraisers will receive an ice cream party!

Please click on the link HERE to activate your reader’s personal page and follow the simple instructions to begin earning money for our media center! If you have any questions you can contact Mrs. Michael at angela.michael@ocps.net.
Mark Your Calendar
Feb. 5 - Start of National School Counselor Week
Feb. 5 - Basketball vs ACE 5:15 (away)
Feb. 6 - OCPS Virtual Parent Academy (1 hour)
Feb. 7 - Basketball vs Glenridge 4:30 (away)
Feb. 8 - SAC meeting @ 6pm, PTA @ 6:45pm in the media center
Feb. 9 - Last day of the Love My Library Online Book Fair
Feb. 12 - Basketball vs Audubon Park @ 5:15 (away)
Feb. 15 - Deadline for 2024-2025 OCPS Magnet applications
Feb. 15 - OCPS Virtual Parent Academy (1 hour)
Feb. 17 - Spirit Fun Run At SeaWorld (details below)
Feb. 19 - Presidents Day (no school)
Special Events
School Spirit Run (Feb. 17):
Come and join our team. Click HERE to register. This is a great time to fellowship with our ONEOCPS Family. When you register, search for Maitland Middle to join our team. Come wearing your MMS spirit gear. Who will challenge Principal Brown this year? 
Golden Hawk of the Week
Lawson Salgado
Our Golden Hawk of the Week is Lawson Salgado. You will always receive a “Good morning,” “How can I make your day better?” and/or “I appreciate what you do,” whenever you come across Lawson. Lawson’s mature attitude on life has brought an optimism. He does not shy away from asking you questions about life that cause you to truly think. We appreciate your contribution to our Golden Hawk Family.
Staffulty Highlights
SOAR Award - Dr. Albright
Dr. Albright and Ms. Rivera Figueroa.

I am delighted to nominate Dr. Anne Albright for the SOAR Award. As a colleague, Dr. Albright stands out as an excellent team member, consistently offering her assistance with a warm smile. Her caring and nurturing approach as a teacher is truly commendable, as she continuously strives for the success and well-being of her students. Dr. Albright's willingness to embrace new strategies demonstrates her dedication to innovation. Her positive impact on both her colleagues and students makes her a deserving candidate for the SOAR Award. 🌟🏆
~ Ms. Rivera Figueroa 
Campus Vibes and Happenings
Classroom Highlights:
Mrs. Michael, our media specialist, shares the joys of the library.
Orchestra students playing a piece and fine tuning as they prepare for MPAs.
Students in Dr. Albright’s class examine and annotate their text on cell structures. 
Mr. Disque listens for key points in student discussions.
Timothy, Gio, and Tanner discuss the 3 Chinese philosophies.
Ms. Rivera Figueroa and Mr. Vecchio listen in on student discussions on Ancient China in World History.
Principal Brown’s small group showing proficiency in number sense after a quick math mini lesson.
Our Musical Theater students are preparing for the spring musical.
Golden Hawk Athletics
Basketball Update
This past week in athletics, we took on Union Park and Arbor Ridge. Our Golden Hawk Men had a 37-29 win over Union Park, but lost to Arbor Ridge in overtime 28-29. Our Lady Hawks DOMINATED. They shared with a few staff members that the goal is not to let the other team score no more than 10 points. The score for the Union Park game was 38-8, and the score against Arbor Ridge 44-5. Way to go!!!! We travel over to ACE on Monday and Glenridge on Wednesday.
Track and Field Intramurals began Tuesday
Track and field intramural started on January 30 and takes place every Tuesday and Thursday until February preseason February 22. These pre-season workouts will help improve your speed and endurance. For more information please pick up the information sheet in the front office or in the locker rooms.
Student Services
Elective Course Request for 2024-2025: 
We are excited to announce our elementary school visits to begin the course registration process. In addition we will be welcoming our high schools on campus as well to begin the course registration process for our rising Freshmen.

Here are the dates:
February 6th - Hungerford Elementary School @ Hungerford
February 9th - Lakemont Elementary School @ Lakemont
February 22nd - Lake Sybelia Elementary School @ Lake Sybelia
February 22nd -23rd Winter Park High School visit @ MMS
Dommerich's visit was postponed. It will be rescheduled.
College and Career:
Horizon Scholars (Application is still open for 8th grade)
The Valencia Horizon Scholars – Take Stock in Children Program is excited to share that our application for eligible 8th & 9th grade students in Orange County is now open for the 2023-2024 school year!
 
The Valencia Horizon Scholars – Take Stock in Children Program is a scholarship, mentoring, and college readiness program designed to provide students with professional, academic, and personal support. This program culminates in students receiving a two-year Florida Prepaid scholarship that can be used at any public university, college, or vocational/technical school in Florida upon high school graduation and successful program completion.
 
Students and families can learn more about the program and access the virtual application via the Valencia Horizon Scholars – Take Stock in Children Program website.
OCPS News
OCPS Top Talent Casting Call
Top Talent LIVE 2024 is May 4, 2024!

Our casting call will run now – February 23. 

What does that mean? It is time to submit auditions.

We are looking for singers, dancers, musicians, novelty acts and more!

Applications are open now through February 23.


Check out our tip sheet for recording:


Audition rules and regulations & waivers.


Proceeds from our Top Talent event will help support the Foundation and provide arts enrichment for students experiencing poverty and homelessness.
Monday's Motivational Moment!
A REMINDER ON HABITS
Habits are what allow us to do a thing with difficulty the first time, but soon to do it more and more easily, and finally, with sufficient practice, do it semi-automatically, or with hardly any consciousness at all. Once we choose who we want to be, people grow to the way in which they have been exercised, just as a sheet of paper or a coat, once creased or folded, tends to fall forever afterward into the same identical folds.

If you believe you can change—if you make it a habit—the change becomes real. This is the real power of habit: the insight that your habits are what you choose them to be. Once that choice occurs—and becomes automatic—it's not only real, it starts to seem inevitable. Above all else, the will to believe you can change is the most important ingredient in creating belief that you can change your ways. And if you want to truly believe more in yourself, then work on your habits. 

~ From The Power Of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life And Business
WISDOM TO LIVE BY
Rowling On Self Reliance
We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already.
~ J.K. Rowling, author

Tom Brady On Self Discipline
The more good behaviors you have, the better things turn out. It's just, do people have the discipline to repeat those behaviors? That's the tricky part.
~ Tom Brady, Super Bowl champion

Meyer On Time Management
Time is usually wasted in the same way every day.
~ Paul Meyer, author

Clint Eastwood On Resilience
If you're down, you've got to find your way to get back up. I don't know how to tell a person to do that. But I do know you have to be positive and keep working on it — don't give up early.
~ Clint Eastwood, actor

Emmons On Self Discipline
Habit is either the best of servants or the worst of masters.
~ Nathanael Emmons, theologian
School Tours
Schedule your school tour, Monday through Thursday from 8:15-8:45am and 4:00-4:30pm. Contact us at 407-623-1462, or email Ms. Nan Bressler at Nan.Bressler@ocps.net
Stay Connected
Important Contact Information:
Maitland Middle School main number – 407-623-1462
Parent/Teacher Conferences – Justine Mojica, ext. 5172231 or Justine.Mojica@ocps.net
Guidance 7th grade and 8th grade last names A-L – Randon Singer, ext. 5172251 or randon.singer@ocps.net
Guidance 6th grade and 8th grade last names M-Z – Ruth Pender, ext. 5172240 or ruth.pender@ocps.net
7th & 6th(A-L) Grade Dean/Facilities/Transportation – Brian Himschoot, ext. 5172329 or brian.himschoot@ocps.net
6th (M-Z) & 8th Grade Dean/Emergency Protocols – Lauren Wood ext. 5172328 or lauren.wood2@ocps.net

Follow Us:
Instagram: maitlandms_ocps
Twitter: @MaitlandMS_OCPS
Maitland Middle School Leadership Team
Dean Himschoot, Dean Wood, Principal Brown, Asst. Principal Pavlonnis and Asst. Principal Thompson.
Principal: Mr. Aski Melik Brown - AskiMelik.Brown@ocps.net 
Assistant Principal of Instruction: Ms. Kimberly Pavlonnis - Kimberly.Pavlonnis@ocps.net
Assistant Principal of Operations: Mr. Vaughnsha Thompson - Vaughnsha.Thompson@ocps.net
7th & 6th (A-L) Grade Dean: Brian Himschoot - Brian.Himschoot@ocps.net
6th (M-Z) & 8th Grade Dean: Lauren Wood - Lauren.Wood2@ocps.net
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Florida flag
Have a great week!
Mr. Brown, Principal
Maitland Middle School
Sunday, February 4, 2024
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The School Board of Orange County, Florida, does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities, on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other reason prohibited by law. The following individuals at the Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center, 445 West Amelia Street, Orlando, Florida 32801, attend to compliance matters: Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer & Title IX Coordinator: Keshara Cowans; ADA Coordinator; ADA Coordinator: Jay Cardinali; Section 504 Coordinator: Tajuana Lee-Wenze. (407.317.3200)
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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 - Maitland Middle School is forbidden without written consent. Thank you for your support of the Orange County Public Schools and especially Maitland Middle School. Please contact Mr. Brown, MMS principal, at 43191@ocps.net with any questions.
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