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The Tiger's Roar!

Respect. Responsibility. Accountability.

Our Algebra teachers and SAGA Algebra tutors have a mini-professional development session on diving deeper into student data, presented by Dr Clark, the Curriculum Resource Teacher. Among Jones High School's most important strategic objectives including campus safety and student achievement, is the ongoing professional development of our amazing teachers throughout the year.

Jones High School Community Brief

Monday, February 17, 2025

While February may be the shortest month of the calendar year, it has certainly been a busy one at the GREAT Jones High School when it comes to both academics and special events. We are already six weeks into the second semester as we pause for the Presidents' Day holiday. 


Please be sure to mark down Saturday, February 22 on your calendar as that is the date of our annual Tiger Pride Day sponsored by the JHS Booster Club. If you have never attended one of our Tiger Pride Days in the past, you really need to make it this year. A highlight of the entire school year, it is an incredible community event that everyone enjoys. 

Mr. Bryan and Mr. Valqui, two of our IB Math teachers, celebrate with one of our Tigers after her very successful test score. Student progress reports are now available online through Skyward for this 3rd quarter. We ask that all of our Tiger parents/guardians please review their student's mid-quarter results and also celebrate any progress made while looking for those areas where a little extra support may be needed. 

As for the latest edition of The Tiger's Roar!, we want to share with the community snapshots of recent Tiger successes, especially on the academic side. At Jones High School our curriculum opportunities are wide and deep, so these are only a few highlights, but enough so you can appreciate the level of student engagement going into the second half of February. And as a last minute reminder, this Monday, February 17 is the deadline for OCPS magnet programs which includes our very successful IB program


Thank you for reading and I look forward to seeing everyone back on campus Tuesday morning. 


Mr. Norwood

Principal

The GREAT Jones High School

Visit the GREAT Jones HS Website

Black History Month Activities:

Tiger Pride Day (Saturday, Feb. 22):

International Baccalaureate (IB) Physics

Mr. Strigel’s Seniors in IB Physics designed and conducted their own Scientific Investigation. Students selected their variables and designed their own procedures. After analyzing their data, students will present their findings to IB Examiners in a 10-page lab report. 

JHS Mock Trial Team

The Jones High School Mock Trial Team has recently partnered with the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association (PCPBA)* to enhance their understanding of the legal system and develop their courtroom skills. This collaboration aims to provide students with valuable mentorship and real-world experience in the field of law.


* African American lawyers serving the Central Florida community since 1981.

Academic Excellence

Jones High School's celebration of 3.0 Honor Roll and higher students highlights the importance of academic achievement and the value of recognizing and rewarding hard work. As the school year continues, these students will undoubtedly continue to excel and inspire their classmates to reach for their own academic goals. Students who scored between 3.0 - 3.9 received free ice cream. 

Our 4.0 students receive a special award signed by Principal Norwood, ice cream and a Chick-fil-A sandwich. 

Our Splash Bash was a Success!

The Spanish Bash was a service project created by five International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Juniors to support well-being and community amongst Jones High School students. The after-school event gave students the opportunity to make new friends through some icebreaker questions, paint to relieve stress, and enjoy snacks. A huge thank you to Mrs. Abdelmalak for hosting the event in her room, Ms. Bango-Cooper and the Community Partnership School for providing supplies, and to the 25 students who were risk-takers and attended. Be on the lookout for future fun events planned by our IB DP students for their CAS Project. 

World Heart Day

World Heart Day was made more impactful at Jones by incorporating CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) training. This initiative aimed to educate our Tigers about the importance of heart health and equip them with life-saving skills. By organizing CPR training sessions, schools like Jones empower students to respond effectively in emergency situations, potentially saving lives. As pictured below, our sessions were led by certified instructors and included hands-on practice with mannequins, ensuring students gain confidence in performing CPR.

Valencia College Visit

Students from Jones High School recently had the opportunity to visit Valencia College, gaining valuable insights into higher education and career pathways. The visit aimed to familiarize students with the college environment, academic programs, and support services available at Valencia.

During the visit, students toured the campus, exploring various facilities including classrooms, laboratories, and the library. They also attended informational sessions where they learned about the diverse range of degree and certificate programs offered at Valencia, spanning fields such as healthcare, engineering, business, and the arts.


Overall, the visit to Valencia College was an eye-opening experience for Jones High School students, inspiring many to consider their future educational and career goals. The event underscored the importance of early exposure to higher education opportunities and the role of community colleges in providing accessible, high-quality education.

Senior Lock-In

Seniors at Jones High School recently experienced a night to remember at the first ever Senior Lock-In event. Held in the school gymnasium, the lock-in provided a safe and fun environment for students to celebrate their final year together. The night began with the movie Six Triple Eight. Then, the lock-in continued with various activities such as line dances, video games tournaments, karaoke, glow in dark dance party, dodge-ball tournament, and it ended with the classic movie, Lean on Me. 

HBCU Week

Jones High School recently celebrated HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Week, an event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance and opportunities provided by HBCUs. The week-long celebration aimed to inspire students to consider HBCUs for their higher education and to highlight the rich history and contributions of these institutions.

Along with having spirit days, there were activities held during lunch, a HBCU student panel, and to end the week, the Divine Nine strolled for our Tigers at lunch! 

No Excuses Mentoring Program (NEMP)

On Valentine's Day, the gentleman of NEMP handed out roses to our teachers and classmates as a token of our appreciation! Happy Valentine’s Day from the No Excuses Mentoring Program! 🖤💛

Tiger Vital Signs - 2025 Attendance

Credit: Mr. John Albritton, Assistant Principal

College and Career

Spring College and Career Fair this Friday, Feb. 21:

Valencia College Special Events:

Feb. 28 Scholarship Deadlines - OCPS Scholarship Bulletin

1. Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund 2025 - Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund is committed to support Hispanic/Latino students in Central Florida to successfully complete their higher education college career. By providing scholarship funds and addressing gaps in student support, networking, and professional development, the scholarship fund will achieve its overarching goal of ensuring that Central Florida Hispanic/Latino students successfully complete their undergraduate studies

• Deadline: February 28, 2025

• Award: $3,500-$5,000

• https://hhsf.us/scholarships-2/ 


2. I Am Black History: Pioneer Essay Contest - Mold-EN Our Youth for a Brighter Future, Inc. is hosting their annual Black History Month Essay contest. The contest is open to high school student’s grades 9th-12th in the United States of America. Highlighting the Significance of the March on Washington “A Turning Point in Civil Rights” Students are invited to participate in an essay contest focusing on the March on Washington. Essay entries must be compelling and discuss the key outcomes of the march including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Discuss how the March served to unite people of different races, backgrounds and social classes in pursuit of a common goal.

• Deadline: February 28, 2025

• Award: $200-$500

• https://moldenouryouth.com/2025-essay-contest/ 

3. Addition Financial Joseph A. Melbourne Scholarship - Named after Addition Financials’ former President and CEO, the Joseph A. Melbourne Jr. Annual Scholarship Program awards college scholarships to six high school seniors, worth a total of $10,000 each. We also award two master's level scholarships worth $2,500 each.

a. Deadline: February 28, 2025

b. Award: $10,000 to be distributed over 4 years ($2,500 per year)

c. AdditionFi.com/Scholarships

5. Dynamic Fellows Award (DFA) – This is a $1,500.00 financial award that is awarded to ten (10) McKinney-Vento Program (MVP) high school seniors attending an Orange County Public School. Applicants must be preparing to enroll in an accredited college or university or vocational institution.

• Deadline: March 7, 2025

• Award: $1,500

 https://dynamicsolutioninc.org/dynamic-fellows-award/ 


6. Orange County Retired Educators Association Academic Scholarship (OCREA)- is a non-profit organization of retired teachers and university professors affiliated with the Florida Retired Educators Association (FREA) and the National Retired Teachers Association. They offer a variety of scholarships to support students’ educational goals. Each scholarship has its own specific eligibility requirements.


• High School Seniors: Explore our academic scholarship and the Ernst and Ruth Hawk Education Scholarship, specifically designed for those interested in a teaching career.

• Technical Students: Pursue your technical education with the help of our dedicated scholarship program.

• Deadline: March 28, 2025

• Award: $1,000 (Technical Scholarships) and $2,000 (Academic Scholarships) ocreafl.org


7. The new CGCS-Bernard Harris Math & Science Stem Scholarship - Each year, four African-American and Hispanic male and female high school seniors who attend urban public schools are selected to receive $5,000 CGCS-Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarships. The students are chosen from several hundred applicants in urban school districts across the nation for their academic performance, leadership qualities, and community involvement. 

• Deadline: March 31, 2025

• Award: $5,000

• https://www.cgcs.org/awardsscholarships 

8. Trial Pro Academic Scholarship - Trial Pro, P.A. will grant a $5,000 academic scholarship to one exemplary and deserving high school student in the community we serve for this purpose. To be considered, all applicants must carefully examine the eligibility requirements and submit the necessary documents to Trial Pro, P.A. by the designated deadline. The award will be determined based on the applicant's academic performance, and level of community engagement. 

• Deadline: April 4, 2025

• Award: $5,000

Application with our CCC


9. Atwood Leadership and Service Scholarship - This scholarship is designed to recognize and support outstanding graduating seniors who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a commitment to service. With a three-stage application process—including an essay and a final interview—it offers students the chance to showcase their achievements, aspirations, and potential to make a meaningful impact as they pursue higher education.

• Deadline: April 9, 2025

• Award: $500

 https://bold.org/scholarships/atwood-leadership-and-service-scholarship/

10. Rotary Club of Orlando Foundation Scholarship - The Rotary Club of Orlando Foundation is pleased to offer two-year full tuition scholarships to Valencia State College beginning for the fall 2025 semester

• Deadline: April 11, 2025

• Award: Two years full tuition at Valencia College: https://www.rotarycluboforlando.org/scholarships


11. The Joe & Chesta Hembrooke “Reach for the STARS” Scholarship- two scholarship opportunities. Please use THIS LINK if you plan on continuing your education after High School.  

• The deadline to apply is Friday, April 12th. Please review the Scholarship Requirements for additional information.

• One scholarship is open to those going to Tech School as well as colleges and focuses in on community service. 

• The second one focuses on those focusing on an Education degree.


12. Chi Tau Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Scholarship - This is a competitive scholarship in the amount of $1,000 or more, available to African-American male candidates

• Deadline: April 25, 2025

• Award: $1,000

• https://www.orlandoques.org/scholarship 


13. CFHLA Hospitality & Culinary Student Scholarship – There are multiple scholarships available for 2025 graduating high school seniors and currently enrolled college students planning to pursue a certificate minor, undergraduate, or graduate degree in a Hospitality Program or Culinary Program by September 2025 

• Deadline: May 2, 2025

• Award: varies

• https://www.cfhla.org/hospitality-student-scholarships/ 

14. Schoolhouse Connection Scholarship - Our program is the nation’s only national scholarship program specifically providing youth who have experienced homelessness with comprehensive support to and through higher education and into the workforce

• Deadline: June 2, 2025

• Award: $2,500, one-on-one support from SchoolHouse Connection staff, (3) All-Expenses-Paid Trips, Support from SchoolHouse Connection Scholars, opportunities to engage in State and Federal Policy Advocacy

https://schoolhouseconnection.org/program/scholarship

Scholarships for JUNIORS including QuestBridge:

Other Scholarship Opportunities:

OCPS News

Weekly Superintendent's Message: 

Feb. 10, 2025


These women are changing the game!


This week on Mondays with Maria presented by Addition Financial, meet the FIVE phenomenal women who earned Stellar Awards as our Principal, Assistant Principal, Support Person, Teacher and District Administrator of the Year.


And hear the extended conversation on the Mondays with Maria Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts!

-------------------

OCPS Top Talent audition application window is open to Feb. 21:

Black History Month Success Stories:

1) Growth in Black and African American share of the U.S. Congress:

Source: Pew Research - Read full article

2) Black men gaining in professional business and banking careers:

Making sense of the chart:

The employment share of Black men in professional & business services and in financial activities, which are two of the highest paying industries, rose. The chart plots each industry's average hourly wage in 2024 (vertical axis) against the percentage point change between 2019 and 2024 in the employment share in each industry's employment of Black men (horizontal axis). The upward sloping line, which is statistically significant, indicates that Black men have generally moved into higher paying industries over the past five years.

Source: Wells Fargo Bank Read full report

3) Unemployment rate for Black teens has fallen to an all time low (January 2025 = 9.5%):

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis - FRED Database


Jones community footnote: With unemployment rates, lower percentages are more favorable. The unemployment rate of Black teens, which fluctuated between 30% and 50% for much of the past few decades, currently stands at 9.5%.

The GREAT Jones High School. Established 1895.

Mr. Orlando Norwood, Principal

Jones High School

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Jones High School Senior Leadership Team

Principal: Mr. Orlando Norwood, 62227@ocps.net

Assistant Principal: Mr. John Albritton, 108875@ocps.net

Assistant Principal: Mr. Frederick Corn, 65584@ocps.net

Assistant Principal: Ms. Karen Diaz, 60072@ocps.net

Assistant Principal: Ms. Demetria Wilson, 95793@ocps.net

Community Engagement: Ms. Bango-Cooper, Tanika.BangoCooper@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 - Jones High School is forbidden without written consent. Thank you for your support of the Orange County Public Schools and especially Jones High School. Please contact Assistant Principal John Albritton at 108875@ocps.net with any questions related to the program.

Jones High School | Mr. Orlando Norwood, Principal | 407.835.2300 | Jones Website
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