The Hornets Buzz
Friday, Jan. 26, 2024
Horizon West Middle School
HWMS Community Member,

I hope everyone has had a wonderful start to the new school year! Just last week report cards were sent home for quarter 2 and are currently available on Skyward. Please take some time and review your child’s grades with them. 

A reminder that we are offering Homework Help Sessions from 8:00-9:00 in the HWMS cafeteria:

  • Mondays: Language Arts
  • Tuesdays: Social Studies
  • Wednesdays: Science & Spanish
  • Thursdays: Math

Join us in February, in celebrating Black History Month with participating with our Spirit Days each Friday during the month, see flier in this edition.
There will be a second parent meeting on Thursday, February 1st at 4:30 pm in the Media Center for parents interested in helping out with the 8th grade dance- “Hollywood Glam Night."

Also, a reminder that Monday, February 19th there is no school in honor of Presidents Day.

Your Proud Principal,

Michelle Thomas
Proud Principal

Pictured very top of this issue: Several of Ms. Martinez's 8th grade science students engaged in a lab experiment. Please see this Hornet success story below. 
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Orlando, FL 37486
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Dates to Watch For
Jan. 22: OCPS Top Talent 2024 audition applications opened (run through Feb. 23)
Jan. 29: Start of Crush Can sales ahead of Valentine's Day (details below)
Jan. 29: Rising Freshman Night at Windermere High School (details below)
Jan. 29: School Spirit Wednesday
Jan. 31: Hornets School Spirit Store open from 10:54am to 12:48pm
Feb. 1: Parent meeting #2 for the 8th grade dance - "Hollywood Glam Night" (Info. on the dance may be found below)
Feb. 2: Black History Month Friday (1st of 4 special Fridays this month)
Feb. 2: Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
Feb. 5: Basketball teams at HOME vs. Lakeview
Feb. 5: NJHS Fundraiser evening held at Chipotle (3317 Daniels Road)
Feb. 7: Basketball teams at HOME vs. Bridgewater
Feb. 10: Green Schools Expo
Feb. 12: Basketball teams at HOME vs. Sun Ridge
Feb. 15: Student Progress Reports for Quarter 3
Feb. 19: Presidents Day - No School
Feb. 26: Track & Field team tryouts (details below)
Special Events
Yearbook Reminder:
Crush Can sales begin Monday, Jan. 29 for Valentine's Day:
Windermere High School Rising Freshman Night (Jan. 29):
Black History Month at Horizon West begins Friday, Feb. 2:
National Junior Honor Society Fundraiser (Feb. 5):
Green Schools Expo (Feb. 10):
Hornets Nest Store
Hornet Spotlight
HWMS Spelling Bee:
We held our annual HWMS Spelling Bee on January 17th. Congratulations to the following students who were selected to participate (pictured from left to right):
(Back Row) - Audrey Slota, Gabriella Bejar, Darien Amirtharajah, Vidushi Venya, Beau Griffin, Carter Fehring, Brayden Atkins, Mrs. Aulerich- Spelling Bee Coordinator
(Front Row) - Madeline Bondorowsky, Kendall Juarez, Nora Giani, Anthony Wiggs, David Valdovinos
1st Place Winner- Anthony Wiggs; 2nd Place- Nora Giani;
3rd Place- Kendall Juarez
Spanish Spelling Bee Champs represented HWMS in District competition:
Laurymar Daniela Bastidas (left) and Ximena Angelucci (right) represented our school in the 2023-2024 District Spanish Spelling Bee. Both girls worked hard to earn this spot and we are very proud of them!
Students of the Week
Congratulations to the following “Student of the Week” recipients!
6th Grade- 
Fizzah Khalidi
6th Grade-
Misael Gonzalez
Nominated by Ms. Kelly-
“Fizzah is a great kid! She starts her day with a smile and she loves to learn.”
Nominated by Ms. Kelly- 
“Misael is such a hard-working student. He sets high standards for himself and works hard to achieve greatness. Misael is also a kind and compassionate student who is always willing to help out.”
7th Grade-
Chemiese Hall
7th Grade-
Robert Bilobrk
Nominated by Ms. Duarte-
“Chemiese came back ready to learn and is prepared for class! She is participating in class and taking notes. I am really proud of her!”
Nominated by Mr. Hurn-
“Robert is always on task, does his best on all of his assignments and is helpful to his classmates and teachers.”
8th Grade- 
Danika Phaneuf
8th Grade-
Madison Hixon
Nominated by Ms. Lawless-
“Every day, Danika brings positivity, creativity, and kindness to our ELA class community. She places her academics first and has a wonderful growth mindset!”
Nominated by Mr. Hurn-
“Madison is always on task and does her best on everything she does!”
Hornet of the Week
Nominated by Ms. Ale- 

“My nomination goes to Ms. McCallister! It was very clear from the beginning that it had to be her! Our Science Teacher, our CTA Area Representative, the person in charge of After School and Summer Camp! All in one teacher! I know firsthand how hard she works to make sure HWMS kids are happy and safe in their after school and that they enjoy Summer Camp. Ms. McCallister, thank you for all your hard work, the kids appreciate it and you know they love you very much!”
Performing Arts News
FMEA Statewide Competition
The Florida Music Educators Association All-State Honor Chorus is an ensemble made up of students from all over the state of Florida. Students are selected to participate in the choir through a series of challenging tests and competitive vocal auditions. This is an outstanding opportunity for students to learn more about music and participate in a very rewarding ensemble. Only a handful of the best musicians from around the state get selected to be a part of this ensemble. Congratulations to our HWMS students who were selected.
Student Names and Choirs:
Josephine Dubiel - 7th Middle School Treble Chorus
Leticia Scarpin - 7th Middle School Treble Chorus
Karelyz Serrano - Rios - 8th Middle School Mixed Chorus
Sarah Kron - 8th Middle School Mixed Chorus
Vaishnavi Mandadapu - 8th Middle School Mixed Chorus
Salvador Novaro - 8th Middle School Mixed Chorus
---------------
Congratulations to Arianna Caswell who performed as a member of the District 8 All County Honors Orchestra. Alianna was selected by Mr. Corneau for this honor through her dedication to the HWMS orchestra program.
Alianna with Orchestra Director Mr. Corneau
Hornet Athletics
Basketball Season is Here!!
Come out and cheer on our basketball teams!

Boys play first and girls play immediately following the conclusion of the boys' game.

  • Wednesday, 1/31 @ Ocoee Middle
  • Monday, 2/5 vs. Lakeview - HOME
  • Wednesday, 2/7 vs. Bridgewater Middle - HOME
  • Monday, 2/12 vs. Sun Ridge Middle - HOME

Reminders:
Monday games start @ 5:30
Wednesday games start @ 5:00
Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for students.
Coach Ryan and the boys’ basketball team working hard practicing for the latest game.
Track & Field Tryouts
Track team tryouts begin Feb. 26th after school. All interested students must have a completed Aktivate account, including Sports Physical, in order to participate. Middle school events include the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m, 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay, long jump and shot put.
HWMS Campus Happenings . . .
Classroom Feature: Science with Ms. Martinez
Ms. Martinez’s 8th grade science students are learning about matter and phase changes. The coolest phase change is sublimation like when dry ice goes from a solid to a liquid. Here are the students investigating properties of dry ice.
Guidance Counselor News
SGA
8th Grade Hollywood Glam Night - Student Picture Request
The Horizon West Middle School Student Government Association is proud to present A Hollywood Glam Night for our 8th Grade 2024 Dance. The event will be held on Friday, May 17th, 2024.

We will be collecting back (elementary) then and current photos (middle school) of your 8th grader to be shared at the event. If you would like to submit your past and present pictures of your student, please send them to Hwms8gradedance@gmail.com. Make sure to include your student's first and last name. Stay tuned for ticket sales information.
PTSO
OCPS News
Tracking school bus delays:
HWMS families: For information on your child's bus, please click the link below. Please know that busing is handled via OCPS Transportation and they will always have the best information on your child's bus times.
Superintendent's Weekly Message (Monday, Jan. 22):
January is National Mentoring Month! This week on "Mondays with Maria," Dr. Vazquez talks to a student from Sally Ride Elementary School about the amazing volunteer mentor who has made an impact on her life.
Horizon West parents make submit suggestions for future superintendent weekly topics (Mondays with Maria) using the QR code above.
REMINDER: OCPS magnet program applications for the 2024-2025 school year need to be submitted by February 15th. 
The Family Engagement team is excited to announce the Parent Academies for February 2024.
There will also be six virtual mini-academies this month. All virtual mini-academies are on WebEx Webinars from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the dates listed below. Click here to register.

Building Resilience in Stressful Times
● Date: 2/1/24
● Audience: Parents/guardians of students in grades K-12
● Description: Parents will learn how to recognize when stress is concerning and how to help your child cope in times of stress.
● Language/accessibility options: Bilingual session live presented in English and Spanish. Closed captioning is also available in over 100 languages.

Rigorous and Advanced Course Options for Middle and High School Students
● Date: 2/6/24
● Audience: Parents/guardians of students in grades 5-11
● Description: Parents of middle and high school students will gain important information about Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, International Baccalaureate and Cambridge course options just in time to turn in course enrollment forms for next school year! Join us as we have our partners share the opportunities available to OCPS students. We will share the types of programs, the process for students to participate, and keys to success.
● Language/accessibility options: Closed captioning is available in over 100 languages.

Enrolling at Valencia College
● Date: 2/7/24
● Audience: Parents/guardians of students in grades 11-12
● Description: High school students and their parents will meet admissions representatives and gain information from The Valencia College Outreach Department about the opportunities available at Valencia College and detail the steps to enroll.
● Language/accessibility options: There will be two separate sessions provided. One session will be provided in English and one session will be provided in Spanish. Both sessions have closed captioning available in over 100 languages.

Parents as Leaders
● Date: 2/15/24
● Audience: Parents/guardians of students in grades K-12
● Description: Parents will learn about how schools keep a safe and secure learning environment Strategies related to physical and psychological safety will be reviewed and information to help parents understand safety drills will be shared.
● Language/accessibility options: Closed captioning is available in over 100 languages.

College Disability Services and Accommodations: What to Expect
● Date: 2/22/24
● Audience: Parents/guardians of students in grades 11-12
● Description: The transition to college for some students with disabilities can be tough. The transition without the appropriate support and accommodations can make it even tougher. Join us as we explore common college disability services and accommodations.
● Language/accessibility options: Closed captioning is available in over 100 languages.

Advocate for YOUR Child | The Question Formulation Technique
● Date: 2/29/24
● Audience: Parents/guardians of students in grades K-12
● Description: Parents will learn about the Question Formulation Technique which helps generate questions and participate effectively in decisions. This can be used by all parents to enhance their ability to partner with educators to support, monitor, and advocate for their children.
● Language/accessibility options: Closed captioning is available in over 100 languages.

Parents and families can register for all Parent Academy events online at https://ParentAcademy.ocps.net
Florida flag
Have a great weekend!
Ms. Thomas, Principal
Horizon West Middle School
Friday, January 26, 2024
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Horizon West Leadership Team
Michelle Thomas - Principal - michelle.thomas@ocps.net
Nicole Hargrett - Assistant Principal - nicole.hargrett@ocps.net
Kevin Flanagan - Assistant Principal - kevin.flanagan@ocps.net
Bradford Boland - Dean 6th & 8th (A-L) - bradford.boland@ocps.net
Dylan Cassidy - Dean 7th & 8th (M-Z) - dylan.cassidy@ocps.net
Judy Logan - Administrative Dean - judy.logan@ocps.net
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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-Horizon West Middle School is forbidden without written consent. Thank you for your support of the Orange County Public Schools and OCPS-Horizon West Middle School. Please contact Ms. Tiffany Stanley at tiffany.stanley@ocps.net with any questions.