May 2021
We Are Almost There
We Are Almost There
This month marks the final few weeks of the school year, and though it has not been a traditional year, we have still seen our students take charge of their learning. We have seen new sports, clubs, and classes grow this year through the students’ dedication to make DHS a better place.
This month marks the final few weeks of the school year, and though it has not been a traditional year, we have still seen our students take charge of their learning. We have seen new sports, clubs, and classes grow this year through the students’ dedication to make DHS a better place.
We want to give a special shout-out to Earth Carter for going above and beyond for the Senior Class this year. She was instrumental in planning the Senior Field Day last month and has advocated for her peers throughout her last year here at DHS.
We want to give a special shout-out to Earth Carter for going above and beyond for the Senior Class this year. She was instrumental in planning the Senior Field Day last month and has advocated for her peers throughout her last year here at DHS.
We hope that everyone has a wonderful rest of the school year.
We hope that everyone has a wonderful rest of the school year.
Last month we heard from a handful graduates who stayed close to home for their college studies.
Last month we heard from a handful graduates who stayed close to home for their college studies.
Yadiel Rosario, a 2019 graduate, is attending the University of Central Florida and is majoring in Environmental Science. For Yadiel the biggest change from High School to College is staying on track with everything you have to do. His fondest high school memory was when the school went on a field trip to theme parks on the last days of school. Some advice Yadiel wished he had in High School was to get realistic advice about the real world like paying bills, learning about credit, or anything “adults” do.
Jared Rivera-Cayetano, a 2020 graduate, is attending the University of Florida. Jared is currently majoring in Architecture although he is not sure if he will continue to pursue that career. He believes that the biggest change from sigh School to college is the increase in discipline. His fondest high school memory is the time he spent with friends inside and outside of class. The advice he wished he could have had in high school was to search for more scholarships and to improve his time management skills.
Important Updates/Reminders/Information:
Important Updates/Reminders/Information:
DHS will be offering peer tutors to help students succeed!
Fill out this form if interested in being tutored
Fill out this form if interested in tutoring others:
Seniors! Make sure to frequently check the Senior Google Classroom page for scholarships, volunteering opportunities, and updates for graduation!
If you have not completed the FAFSA form, now is the time to do so! (Even if you are not sure of your post high school plans)
If you need help signing up for the SAT/ACT please contact/email Mrs.Stevens at megan.stevens@discoveryfl.org or you can also see her during FLEX.
This month is filled with different testing schedules, make sure you know what classrooms you need to report to for which days and what days you’ll be testing!
Calendar:
Calendar:
June 3rd is the last day for students!
June 3rd is the last day for students!
The Tuesday of the first full week of May marks National Teacher Day, a day in which the United States honors teachers and recognizes their contributions to our lives.
The Tuesday of the first full week of May marks National Teacher Day, a day in which the United States honors teachers and recognizes their contributions to our lives.
This year it will be May 4th during National Teacher Appreciation Week. Teachers play an extremely important role in our society: they educate and shape the future leaders of our country. They are hardworking, patient, dedicated, and understanding professionals who help guide us in life. Remember to thank your teachers on this special day!
This year it will be May 4th during National Teacher Appreciation Week. Teachers play an extremely important role in our society: they educate and shape the future leaders of our country. They are hardworking, patient, dedicated, and understanding professionals who help guide us in life. Remember to thank your teachers on this special day!
To all Star Wars fans out there, May 4th also highlights and commemorates the Star Wars franchise and its impact it has had on the lives of many fans! “May the Fourth Be With You!”
To all Star Wars fans out there, May 4th also highlights and commemorates the Star Wars franchise and its impact it has had on the lives of many fans! “May the Fourth Be With You!”
Club Spotlight:
Club Spotlight:
All club times and dates are posted on the club calendar provided. Feel free to join any clubs across campus. Students of all grade levels, you are welcome to join!
All club times and dates are posted on the club calendar provided. Feel free to join any clubs across campus. Students of all grade levels, you are welcome to join!
Elective Spotlight:
Elective Spotlight:
One of the things that make our school special is the fact that you choose the way you grow here. If you want something, we do our best to get it, these electives are some examples;
One of the things that make our school special is the fact that you choose the way you grow here. If you want something, we do our best to get it, these electives are some examples;
Creative Writing and Journalism are two classes that have been added for the betterment of our students. Both are led by the teacher of the Year, Ms. Hess. Creative Writing and Journalism allow the students to truly show what they’re made of. Here are some words from Ms. Hess explaining the classes and how they work:
Creative Writing and Journalism are two classes that have been added for the betterment of our students. Both are led by the teacher of the Year, Ms. Hess. Creative Writing and Journalism allow the students to truly show what they’re made of. Here are some words from Ms. Hess explaining the classes and how they work:
Creative Writing 1,2, and 3 Honors
Creative Writing 1,2, and 3 Honors
“We have two levels of Creative Writing classes that are available to all grade levels.
“We have two levels of Creative Writing classes that are available to all grade levels.
The first level is split between Creative Writing 1 and 2, each lasting a semester. In this class, we concentrate on how to write a story and all of the components that make a good story. We go over nonfiction writing, fiction writing, and poetry.
The first level is split between Creative Writing 1 and 2, each lasting a semester. In this class, we concentrate on how to write a story and all of the components that make a good story. We go over nonfiction writing, fiction writing, and poetry.
Creative Writing 3 Honors is taken after Creative Writing 1 and 2. We do a short review of how to write stories before we jump into fiction writing. At the end of the year, we work on Graphic novels and scriptwriting. During the fiction unit, we participate in National Novel Writing Month where students create a story that is 20,000 words long (instead of the actual 50,000 words that NaNoWriMo calls for).”
Creative Writing 3 Honors is taken after Creative Writing 1 and 2. We do a short review of how to write stories before we jump into fiction writing. At the end of the year, we work on Graphic novels and scriptwriting. During the fiction unit, we participate in National Novel Writing Month where students create a story that is 20,000 words long (instead of the actual 50,000 words that NaNoWriMo calls for).”
Journalism
Journalism
“In Journalism, we are in charge of the DHS Newsletter that is published every month. We talk about how to interview people and how to write different forms of nonfiction that can be found in newspapers and on news websites. We are also in charge of creating the Yearbook during class. This is a self-sufficient class where you are given due dates and a team to work with. Most decisions about content and how you get interviews are up to students. We also take quite a bit of pictures throughout the year and some will be required to go to games (for free) to get sports pictures.”
“In Journalism, we are in charge of the DHS Newsletter that is published every month. We talk about how to interview people and how to write different forms of nonfiction that can be found in newspapers and on news websites. We are also in charge of creating the Yearbook during class. This is a self-sufficient class where you are given due dates and a team to work with. Most decisions about content and how you get interviews are up to students. We also take quite a bit of pictures throughout the year and some will be required to go to games (for free) to get sports pictures.”
One thing about these classes is the fact that the students are put to their creative limit in a nice way. For creative writing, you’re able to write and let your imagination run wild. In journalism, the students quite literally make the yearbook as well as the monthly newsletters. Come and join us, we could all make a difference together.
One thing about these classes is the fact that the students are put to their creative limit in a nice way. For creative writing, you’re able to write and let your imagination run wild. In journalism, the students quite literally make the yearbook as well as the monthly newsletters. Come and join us, we could all make a difference together.
These courses are for the creative minded, and for anyone who thinks they can make art with pictures. They’re led by Ms. Hofer, who will now explain to us what the courses actually teach you.
These courses are for the creative minded, and for anyone who thinks they can make art with pictures. They’re led by Ms. Hofer, who will now explain to us what the courses actually teach you.
“The fundamental purpose of this course is to teach students to think creatively and critically about aesthetic and technical elements of photography; To learn how to visually communicate through the use of composition principles, digital camera elements, editing concepts and creative processes. It is intended to teach how to appropriately evaluate and critique photographic images, according to aesthetic and technical merits. And it is intended to communicate the historical and modern value of photography.”
“The fundamental purpose of this course is to teach students to think creatively and critically about aesthetic and technical elements of photography; To learn how to visually communicate through the use of composition principles, digital camera elements, editing concepts and creative processes. It is intended to teach how to appropriately evaluate and critique photographic images, according to aesthetic and technical merits. And it is intended to communicate the historical and modern value of photography.”
2D Art Course Overview:
2D Art Course Overview:
“The fundamental purpose of this course is to teach students to think creatively and critically about the elements of art and principles of design; To learn about a variety of artists, art genres, and 2D art media. It is intended to teach students how to create and communicate through the use of a variety of 2D media. It is intended to teach how to appropriately evaluate and critique artwork, according to aesthetic and technical merits. And it is intended to communicate the historical and modern value of the visual arts.”
“The fundamental purpose of this course is to teach students to think creatively and critically about the elements of art and principles of design; To learn about a variety of artists, art genres, and 2D art media. It is intended to teach students how to create and communicate through the use of a variety of 2D media. It is intended to teach how to appropriately evaluate and critique artwork, according to aesthetic and technical merits. And it is intended to communicate the historical and modern value of the visual arts.”
Here are some testimonials from students that are currently in the courses. What are they thinking?
Here are some testimonials from students that are currently in the courses. What are they thinking?
Creative Photography: Deborah White
Creative Photography: Deborah White
“This class has taught me new skills with cameras and editing software, such as photoshop. I have learned how to properly capture light into images. I have learned new vocabulary and how different pieces of the camera operate. Overall, this class has taught me many new skills and has challenged me and my creativeness.”
“This class has taught me new skills with cameras and editing software, such as photoshop. I have learned how to properly capture light into images. I have learned new vocabulary and how different pieces of the camera operate. Overall, this class has taught me many new skills and has challenged me and my creativeness.”
Creative Photography: Emily Bautista
Creative Photography: Emily Bautista
“Creative Photography is a way for students to expand their horizons and learn new skills they did not know they had to begin with. This class allows you to be creative and have more liberty with the route you take with your photographs.”
“Creative Photography is a way for students to expand their horizons and learn new skills they did not know they had to begin with. This class allows you to be creative and have more liberty with the route you take with your photographs.”
2D Art: Trista Jenkins
2D Art: Trista Jenkins
“I learned a lot this year in 2-D art, I started off the year with no confidence but as we got further in the year I started to see more improvement in myself and had more confidence in myself and my artwork. I learned the seven elements of art as well as the design. Both of these are used in everyday pieces and it is very useful to look at these things to see how you can improve your art. I would say that my most favorite work of art was the grid drawing, that's where I saw the most improvement because it helped me focus on my perspective of the artwork and how to enlarge it. Also the unit that we are working on now is helping me out a lot, it is intuitive gesture line drawing. It helps me out because it is a breaking down of similar shapes and then turning those simple shapes into more look-alikes of the object. This also taught me to continue looking at the object that I am drawing and not my paper because if you are just looking at your paper you are drawing what you think you are seeing while when you are looking at the object it's more accurate. I also loved learning about the history of the art and where it originated from, for example impressionism. I learned about the early artists and when it first got created.”
“I learned a lot this year in 2-D art, I started off the year with no confidence but as we got further in the year I started to see more improvement in myself and had more confidence in myself and my artwork. I learned the seven elements of art as well as the design. Both of these are used in everyday pieces and it is very useful to look at these things to see how you can improve your art. I would say that my most favorite work of art was the grid drawing, that's where I saw the most improvement because it helped me focus on my perspective of the artwork and how to enlarge it. Also the unit that we are working on now is helping me out a lot, it is intuitive gesture line drawing. It helps me out because it is a breaking down of similar shapes and then turning those simple shapes into more look-alikes of the object. This also taught me to continue looking at the object that I am drawing and not my paper because if you are just looking at your paper you are drawing what you think you are seeing while when you are looking at the object it's more accurate. I also loved learning about the history of the art and where it originated from, for example impressionism. I learned about the early artists and when it first got created.”
Now that you understand a little more about what they learn and do, be sure to check them out and see for yourself, what you can accomplish.
Now that you understand a little more about what they learn and do, be sure to check them out and see for yourself, what you can accomplish.
May marks the end of the year for Sports at DHS, but before we end it all, we want to congratulate everyone on a wonderful year. Our athletes worked hard and showed Spartan Spirit on and off the field. Thank you for an amazing year!
May marks the end of the year for Sports at DHS, but before we end it all, we want to congratulate everyone on a wonderful year. Our athletes worked hard and showed Spartan Spirit on and off the field. Thank you for an amazing year!
- We would like to congratulate our Spartan Athletes of the Month of May!
Boys Lacrosse:
Boys Lacrosse:
Colton Johnson always gives 110% effort for games, practices, and other events for the team. Colton is a great athlete and leader on the DHS lacrosse team, and can always be counted on when handling the ball. Overall Colton, has been an amazing athlete this season, and that is why his coach has nominated him as the player of the year.
Colton Johnson always gives 110% effort for games, practices, and other events for the team. Colton is a great athlete and leader on the DHS lacrosse team, and can always be counted on when handling the ball. Overall Colton, has been an amazing athlete this season, and that is why his coach has nominated him as the player of the year.
Girls Lacrosse:
Girls Lacrosse:
We are nominating Makailey as one of our athletes of the month. She has been on the team for two seasons and has shown such improvement and dedication to the team and the sport. When not out on the field scoring goals, Makailey is a great student in school, paying attention to maintaining her high grades and good behavior.
We are nominating Makailey as one of our athletes of the month. She has been on the team for two seasons and has shown such improvement and dedication to the team and the sport. When not out on the field scoring goals, Makailey is a great student in school, paying attention to maintaining her high grades and good behavior.
We are nominating Hannah as one of our athletes of the month. She has been with the team since the beginning (4 years!) and is a strong force on attack. She has also been a consistent player during our games and practices, and she will be sorely missed by the team when she graduates this year. Outside of lacrosse, she shows great character in all she does, being a great role model for the other players.
We are nominating Hannah as one of our athletes of the month. She has been with the team since the beginning (4 years!) and is a strong force on attack. She has also been a consistent player during our games and practices, and she will be sorely missed by the team when she graduates this year. Outside of lacrosse, she shows great character in all she does, being a great role model for the other players.
Softball:
Softball:
Amber Ramirez is always willing to work hard and help other athletes. She works hard and keeps a positive attitude on and off the field.
Amber Ramirez is always willing to work hard and help other athletes. She works hard and keeps a positive attitude on and off the field.
We interviewed some of the coaches to see how they think this year went.
We interviewed some of the coaches to see how they think this year went.
Softball- Coach Dekle
Softball- Coach Dekle
1) As you work hard with the girls, how are you preparing the girls for winning a game this season?
1) As you work hard with the girls, how are you preparing the girls for winning a game this season?
Practice, practice, practice, and more practice. During practice we break down the game step-by-step to ensure each and every player has the knowledge and skills to do their best.
Practice, practice, practice, and more practice. During practice we break down the game step-by-step to ensure each and every player has the knowledge and skills to do their best.
2) Any players you feel are on top of their game, and why do you think so?
2) Any players you feel are on top of their game, and why do you think so?
Any player is at the top of their game as long as they are working hard and striving to make themselves better.
Any player is at the top of their game as long as they are working hard and striving to make themselves better.
3) Which team were you or are most excited to play, are there any teams you have won against for the first time?
3) Which team were you or are most excited to play, are there any teams you have won against for the first time?
The team was most excited to play Seffner Christian Academy, Tenoroc, and Haines City. There have not been any teams we have won against this season but we have only played 4 games. It looks promising for the rest of the season to pull a win for the first time.
The team was most excited to play Seffner Christian Academy, Tenoroc, and Haines City. There have not been any teams we have won against this season but we have only played 4 games. It looks promising for the rest of the season to pull a win for the first time.
4) Are there any special motivations you have for yourself or you might give the girls before a practice or game?
4) Are there any special motivations you have for yourself or you might give the girls before a practice or game?
I always try to have a great and motivational speech to make sure the girls are motivated and prepared for their game. I always have a saying that goes like, “This is your playground so let’s play on it.” It makes sure the girls know that the ultimate goal is to have fun while always being competitive.
I always try to have a great and motivational speech to make sure the girls are motivated and prepared for their game. I always have a saying that goes like, “This is your playground so let’s play on it.” It makes sure the girls know that the ultimate goal is to have fun while always being competitive.
We also got the perspective of a few of the players from sports this year.
We also got the perspective of a few of the players from sports this year.
What were you most excited about this season?
What were you most excited about this season?
Crystal Walker -I was most excited about playing my last year with my friends and having fun.
Crystal Walker -I was most excited about playing my last year with my friends and having fun.
Alyssa Nobles - I was most excited about getting new coaches to take steps towards a stronger team and making improvements for the coming seasons.
Alyssa Nobles - I was most excited about getting new coaches to take steps towards a stronger team and making improvements for the coming seasons.
What is a good motivation from the other girls on the team?
What is a good motivation from the other girls on the team?
Crystal Walker- A good motivation is when we can make a joke about a mistake that we made in a game and keep going so we don’t get in our heads and get in a bad mood.
Crystal Walker- A good motivation is when we can make a joke about a mistake that we made in a game and keep going so we don’t get in our heads and get in a bad mood.
What is something you look forward to at practice?
What is something you look forward to at practice?
Crystal Walker- I look forward to hanging out with the girls and making good memories.
Crystal Walker- I look forward to hanging out with the girls and making good memories.
Alyssa Nobles - I look forward to jokes with our teammates and coaches, and working on mistakes, and improving.
Alyssa Nobles - I look forward to jokes with our teammates and coaches, and working on mistakes, and improving.
Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?
Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?
Alyssa Nobles - I look up to Coach Hannah Dekle as a role model because she is always encouraging us to become a better person and athlete and to stay positive with ourselves and not to give up.
Alyssa Nobles - I look up to Coach Hannah Dekle as a role model because she is always encouraging us to become a better person and athlete and to stay positive with ourselves and not to give up.
Crystal Walker - Coach Dekle because even though she has not played in years she still has passion for the game when she's on the field coaching us and she still enjoys playing while we're practicing.
Crystal Walker - Coach Dekle because even though she has not played in years she still has passion for the game when she's on the field coaching us and she still enjoys playing while we're practicing.