January
As we all come nearer to adulthood, we thought it would be a good idea to talk to some of the graduates from DHS and see how life has been for them after high school:
Christina Chance graduated in 2020 and is currently attending Polk State College with a major in Nursing. So far, the biggest change she has noticed is the extra amount of reading she has had to do. Her favorite memories are the ones she made with her friends during flex. She wants to remind high schoolers to prioritize school and to not spend so much time on your phone.
Magelee (Maggie) Delgado graduated from DHS in 2019 and is now attending Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, FL. She is majoring in Business Analytics with a concentration in logistics and supply chain management. Maggie was the inaugural valedictorian for the 2019 class, that’s a big accomplishment!
When she went off to college, she believed that the biggest difference from high school was the ample amount of freedom as well as the heavy workload.
She had a few words of wisdom for those still in high school:
Have more confidence in yourself
Don't be afraid of speaking up
Never doubt yourself, you're just as great as everyone else.
High school can be stressful and hard and these graduates know that better than anybody.
Important news
A reminder as well that for the second semester, we will only have two options for learning: a virtual or traditional option and no hybrid. The survey to switch was to be completed during November!
- Deadlines:
- Registration deadline for the ACT is January 8th
- FAFSA is still open! The deadline for the 2021-2022 school year is June 30th, 2021. If you plan to attend college, check with your individual college choices to see when their deadlines are for both their applications and the FAFSA.
- To register for the SAT/ACT, please email your guidance counselor for more information. Some colleges and universities have gone test-optional!
- For more information on when college applications are due for specific colleges, visit:https://www.collegesimply.com/guides/application-deadlines/florida/
- If you’d like to email a teacher or administrator, please visit the ‘Staff’ section of the DHS’s website.
- Seniors, make sure to check out the DHS Senior Class of 2021 Google Classroom for frequent updates about scholarships, volunteer opportunities, and reminders.
Upcoming Testing:
- There is no SAT testing for the month of January. Next testing date is March 13, 2021.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the DHS Testing Coordinator, Erica Hudson, at 863-268-7799 or at Erica.hudson@discoveryfl.org.
- Grades:
- End of the 1st Semester/Last Day of Second Grading Period is January 15th
- Grades are due January 22nd
Welcome to a new year Spartans! Way to finish the second semester!
We’re entering a new quarter, a new semester, and a new year. Below are important reminders and information about upcoming events, grading periods, and more activities. For more information on anything DHS related, please visit http://discoveryhighschool.org/
- Clubs going on in January:
- French w/ Ms.Londagin Mondays 2nd half of Flex
- PMA w/ Coach Smith Tuesdays 12-12:30
- Key Club w/ Ms.Emilcar Wednesdays (Zoom 12:20)
- Spanish Club w/ Mrs.Kothenbeutel Wednesdays & Fridays 2nd half of Flex
- FFA w/ Mrs.Bracewell Tuesday Dec. 12th 3-5pm
- Mock Trial/Debate w/ Ms.Kincaid Wednesdays & Fridays Dec. 13,14, 27,28 12:30
- Performing Arts Club w/ Ms.Hess & Ms. O’ Donell Tuesday & Friday Dec. 12th & 15th 12:15
- Chess Club w/ Mr. Herrera (see him for details)
Check the Calendar down below to see when the clubs will be available:
Club Spotlight: GSA
- What’s it about? Why is it here? What is the purpose?
Many students are wondering what the Gay-Straight Alliance Club has to offer. So, we went and asked Ms. McCormick, the teacher sponsor for the club, about what they have going on in this club.
- What is the purpose of GSA?
“The primary purpose of GSA is to create a safe, welcoming, accepting school environment regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We also discuss a variety of things including social issues and how they pertain to LGBTQ+ youth, advocacy, history, etc.”
- Why do you say that having a GSA is important in school?
“It is important for all students to feel safe and accepted. Research has shown that having a GSA on campus improves overall student health, wellness, and academics as well as a decrease in bullying. In fact, it has been identified as having a positive effect on the school environment for ALL students, not just the club members. Furthermore, LGBTQ+ students generally have some of the most difficult high school experiences. This organization provides social support for students through difficult times and gives straight allies the opportunity to be that support and advocate for their peers.”
- Any extra information, advice you would like to give students about Gay-Straight Alliance?
“We will be voting for officers in January. This is a great opportunity to step into a student leadership position!
The GSA meets on the second Tuesday and fourth Friday of each month. You can join the Google Classroom for meeting reminders and information using the code bv5g2cs.”
Now that you know a bit more about GSA, you should definitely give a visit to these awesome students, spreading positivity around the school campus!
Elective Spotlight:
This is a class that is suitable/interesting for aspiring lawyers, aspiring law enforcement, crime junkies, and more taught by Mr. Bitter. It provides students the opportunity to go in depth into our judicial system and begin understanding its inter-workings. This class provides students the necessary understanding and skills to successfully understand and navigate the judicial system and determine how our constitutional rights protect us every step of the way.
A typical week includes note-taking, role-playing exercises, mock investigations, and real-life applications of content. We are currently going through 11 steps of the criminal judicial process where we study and analyze investigation methods, myths about criminal law, and how to prepare a case that is going to court.
We heard nothing but positive things from the students in this class:
Jeada- 12th
- “This class is fun, the teacher is entertaining and talkative in a good way.”
- Makayla also really enjoys this class.
- “The teacher is enthusiastic and a good teacher.”
There is never a dull moment when you walk into Mr. Bitter’s class. If you have considered going into law enforcement or becoming a lawyer, comprehensive law is the perfect class for you.
Sports
- We would like to congratulate our Spartan athletes of the month of January!
BOYS BASKETBALL:
The coaches have nominated Joshua Duvivier as the athlete of the month. Josh has a 3.86 GPA. He works hard on the court as well as in school. Josh transferred from Haines City High School. As transferring schools it can be hard to fit in but Josh quickly found his family here at Discovery. He has made an immediate impact on the team. Coach B and Coach Thompson both agreed that Josh is an extremely hard worker under any circumstances. They say he is behind the scenes player that does “little things”. The coaches both have agreed that he deserves to be in the spotlight. Great Job to Joshua Dervivier!
GIRLS BASKETBALL:
For the girls basketball, Coach Marriot nominated Makayla Robinson for athlete of the month. Makayla was nominated for making improvements on the off-time over the summer. Coach Marriot said Makayla is a great leader and hustles. She always gives her best effort. Coach Marriot said that she is funny and makes her team laugh. She is a Junior this year and she is working hard in school to keep her grades up. She is a great contributor to the team and is a good defensive player. She leads by example and she is a great role model for other students. Congratulations Makayla Robinson!
BOYS SOCCER:
Mr. Pride has nominated Angel Tapia for athlete of the month. Stating he is an outstanding student with a 3.7 GPA, and has been a very important player on the soccer team this year. Angel is a great leader on the field and provides the coaches with another voice. He has shown great determination and strives to continue leading his fellow players with a positive outlook on games while trying his very best to be a great soccer player as well. Awesome job to Angel Tapia!
GIRLS SOCCER:
Coach Stringfellow and Coach Pride both agreed to give the athlete of the month to Jennifer Ruiz. They have said that so far this season Jennifer has been the driving force for the Lady Spartans. In the first game of the season Jennifer scored 3 goals against Haines City. She is an amazing student athlete with a great work ethic. Continuing to perfect her athletic skills Jennifer has been awarded Student Athlete of the Month, Congratulations Jennifer Ruiz!
E-SPORTS:
Mrs. O'Donnell and Mr. Phillipe, have nominated Braxton Johnson for athlete of the month. They say he has been essential to our team and has helped the team so much. He has contributed to the fundraising efforts and has helped the team grow as well as get equipment other players needed. Braxton was voted to be the team captain as well as the athlete of the month. With the hard work and dedication to the team he is helping the team grow little by little. Congratulations to Braxton Johnson!
BOYS LACROSSE:The 2021 DHS lacrosse season is kicking off soon. The boys have started conditioning after school with coach Stevens. Best of luck this season!
Basketball
The first few minutes we already had the first goal, against Lake religion, second half we had two other goals, some fouls here there and free kicks, second half was a yellow card towards our team, good counter attacks, lake region had close calls but we were able to defend it, goalkeeper did awesome, Friday Dec. 4th 3-0 we won!
Soccer
