The Odyssey Charter School Board has approved a new cell phone policy for our schools.  Please be aware that this may impact you and your child if your child does not adhere to the new policy.  We recognize there is a place for cell phones, especially in case of a school emergency.  Students are allowed to carry cell phones, but they must be turned off and stored in their backpacks.  Cell phones may not be kept in pockets or any other place except the student’s backpack.  Please review the updated policy below:

To keep the focus on academics and to reduce unnecessary distractions, the school enforces the following regarding personal cell phone use on school campus:

·      Cell phones and all mobile devices shall be turned off when entering school campus.

·      Cell phones and all mobile devices shall be kept in a student’s backpack – not in clothing pockets.

·      Cell phones and all mobile devices are not allowed to be used in a classroom, library, common areas, or restrooms.

·      Cell phones and all mobile devices are not allowed to be used during transition times or between classes.

·      Cell phones and all mobile devices can be turned back on at the end of school day, after the last bell, and used to communicate directly with parents/friends who are assisting in transportation.

·      If a student needs to make an emergency call during the day, they are to ask a teacher permission, get a pass, and come up to the administrative offices.

*Wireless communication devices include but are not limited to, cell phones and/or auxiliary/ancillary devices such as watches and ear buds.

The following actions will be taken if a student violates Odyssey’s cell phone policy:

Consequence #1 – Staff member takes phone for the class period.

Consequence #2 – Staff member takes phone to the Dean to hold for the entire day. Student is responsible to retrieve phone from the Dean at the end of the day.

Consequence #3 – Staff member takes phone and gives it to the Dean. Dean calls parent for pickup. If parent does not pick up, cell phone will be held for 3 days. Student is responsible to retrieve phone from Dean at the end of the 3rd day.

At no time shall Odyssey Charter School, Inc. be responsible for theft, loss or damage of cell phones or other electronic devices brought onto school property. Failure for a student to comply with the cell phone policy may result in suspension.”

The purpose of this policy is twofold.  One is to cut back on the numerous interruptions that negatively impact classroom instruction each day with the many distractions and text messages that students receive on their cell phones.  The other is our commitment to the ultimate health of our students.  Recent studies have shown increasing evidence that smartphones have a number of detrimental effects on our teens, including increased anxiety and depression, a reduction of quality sleep, and a lower satisfaction with life.  This research shows an increased impact particularly upon our young teen girls.  Recommendations from the research include parents considering the protection of their children before and during puberty by not allowing cell phones until high school.  The following are links to a research study and an article that provide more information regarding the impacts of cell phone use on teens:

https://www.afterbabel.com/p/sapien-smartphone-report

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2023-05-22/smartphones-and-social-media-hurt-teens-but-parents-face-a-hard-choice

Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr High School is happy to announce the expansion of its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs for students in grades 7-12. This expansion aims to provide students with valuable skills and certifications that align with local career opportunities, ensuring they are well-prepared for the workforce following graduation.

New Certification Classes for 2024

1.     Business Management & Analysis – Industry certifications are offered in Entrepreneur & Small Business and QuickBooks

2.     Emergency Medical Responder – Industry certifications are offered in First Aid, CPR, Emergency Medical Responder, and Emergency Medical Technician

Existing CTE Classes

1.     Engineering - Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

2.     Commercial Arts

3.     Gaming Design & Simulation

4.     Web Application Development & Programming

5.     Bio-Medical (PLTW)

6.     Robotics (PLTW-Competition Team)

These new and existing programs are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and certifications to pursue careers immediately after high school. For instance, the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification can lead to immediate employment in the medical field. In addition to these CTE courses, the school is offering JROTC, as well as career dual enrollment classes. In the future, when Odyssey Prep moves to its new location, the Jr/Sr plans to build a Culinary Arts CTE program to work in conjunction with its organic farm.

Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr High School remains committed to expanding career development opportunities for its students, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future endeavors. Parents are encouraged to explore these new offerings and support their children in taking advantage of these valuable educational opportunities.

We are excited to announce the AP class offerings for students in grades 9 to 12 for this year, including two new course offerings. Our courses offered this school year include:

• AP 2D Art                           

• AP 3D Art               

• AP Drawing                        

• AP World History                

• AP Statistics           

• AP Environmental Science

• AP Literature                       

• AP Biology              

• AP Seminar

• AP Language                      

•  AP Calculus (new 2024-2025)

• AP Research (new 2024-2025)

Since the pandemic, Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr High School has seen a significant increase in the number of students taking AP courses. The pass rate, which dropped significantly during the pandemic, has also shown improvement. This spring, 54% of the students scored a level 3 or above on their AP tests. Our goal for the future is to increase our pass rate in AP classes to a minimum of 75%.

AP Courses Help Students Earn College Credit

Remember, students can earn college credit with a pass rate of 3 or better on a scale from 1 to 5. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to get a head start on their college education.

More Information on AP Courses and Support Available

If you are interested in your student taking an AP course, or if your student needs assistance or tutoring with an AP course that he/she is already enrolled in, please notify Ms. Irving, AP of Student Services at Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr High School at irvingr@odysseycharterschool.com or at 321-345-4117.

Imagine your child graduating not only with a high school diploma but also a career-based industry certification or even a college degree!  Did you know that your student, if not interested in College Dual Enrollment, may qualify for Career Dual Enrollment?  At Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr High, we offer the following range of exciting opportunities for eligible students to participate in Dual Enrollment opportunities at Eastern and FIT :

1. Career Dual Enrollment Program

o   Enroll in postsecondary courses for industry certifications (e.g., medical, fire, police).

o   Gain technical skills while meeting high school requirements.

o   Requirements: 9th-12th graders with a 2.0 GPA

o   Placement Test Scores for EFSC Career Dual Enrollment: Reading 106, Writing 103, Math 480

2. College Dual Enrollment Program

o   Students with a 3.0 GPA can take college-level courses while in high school.

o   Students can earn college credits, save money, and experience university life.

o   Requirements: First-time 9th-12th graders

o   Placement Test Scores for EFSC: Reading 106, Writing 103, Math 480

3. Early College Program

o   Allows students to earn an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree in two- or three-year tracks.

o   Financial benefits: No tuition, textbook, or housing costs

o   Requirements: 11th or 12th graders with a 3.5 GPA

o   Placement Test Scores for EFSC Early College: Reading 106, Writing 103, Math 480

4. Early Admission

o   High school juniors and seniors can earn their diploma at EFSC or FIT.

o   Enjoy extracurricular activities while taking college courses.

o   Requirements: 11th or 12th graders with a 3.7 GPA

o   Placement Test Scores for FIT: Reading 550, Math 550 (if interested in math, science, or engineering)

Our guidance team is ready to provide personalized support and assist with the process. They can provide more information and help your student understand the requirements and benefits of these programs. For more information on Career and Technical Education coursework for your student, please contact the Assistant Principal over the Guidance Department, Mr. Mike Guevara, at guevaram@odysseycharterschool.com or at 321-345-4117.

Exciting building expansion projects are underway for Odyssey Preparatory Academy (OPA) and Montessori Village Green (MVG)! The creation of a new state-of-the-art building for Odyssey Preparatory Academy will also greatly benefit our students at Odyssey Junior/Senior High as it will allow the school to occupy both floors of the Wyoming campus instead of just the second floor. The additional building space will allow the school to enhance course offerings and provide expanded services to our Jr/Sr High students. Architectural plans are currently being developed for OPA’s new K-8 facility and MVG’s new building for Infants through Voluntary Pre-School (VPK). We are anticipating the opening of these new facilities in the fall of 2026.

Odyssey Preparatory Academy

The building for OPA will be a two-story facility that features a clerestory that brings natural light all the way down to the first floor.  It will also include a computer lab as well as additional labs for science, gifted and talented, media, Spanish, and music/band. The field spaces will offer a soccer field, basketball courts, and separate playgrounds for Kindergarten and first grade students, and third through sixth grade students.

As the new OPA facility will expand its services from K-5 to K-8, parents will have the option to allow their children to remain at OPA through grade 8, or they may choose to move their children to Odyssey Jr/Sr High which serves students from grades 6-12. OPA will offer advanced students in grades 6-8 an opportunity to participate in the Cambridge Program.

Odyssey Jr/Sr High Expansion

Upon the opening of the new building for Odyssey Preparatory Academy (OPA), Odyssey Jr/Sr High will increase its College and Technical Education (CTE) offerings with the addition of a Navy ROTC program and the addition of an onsite culinary arts lab (opening in 2027). The first floor of the Wyoming campus will include additional spaces for science labs and innovative course offerings for Jr/Sr high school students.  The school will share its plans as they move closer to the date.  If you have any ideas for additional course offerings that you would like for us to explore and consider, please email Ms. Constance Ortiz, CEO Green Apple and School Founder, at cortiz@greenappleschools.com.

Montessori Village Green (MVG)

Plans for the construction of a brand new 12,000 square foot building are underway to open an expanded early childhood center on the Eldron campus. The new facility will serve infants beginning at three months of age through pre-kindergarten students in our Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program.  The new Montessori Village Green (MVG) site will feature classrooms specifically designed and furnished for young children and will incorporate the Montessori Philosophy of education to promote individualized growth and discovery.  MVG will have outdoor learning and play spaces for children.  The facility will feature clerestories for natural lighting to provide a warm, welcoming environment.  Opening of the new MVG facility is projected for July 2026.

Positive Discipline in the Classroom (an approach developed by Jane Nelson) has been a cornerstone of our school model since the first Odyssey school was opened in 1999. School leaders and staff are deeply committed to developing a positive culture at our schools using this philosophical framework.  Nelson’s research shows that a well-developed and positive culture leads to increased student learning.  By using strategies within the Positive Discipline framework, classroom communities develop mutual respect. Through focused activities and daily class meetings, students develop a sense of belonging and are brought into an active role in the school or classroom problem-solving process. 

During the 2024-2025 school year, Odyssey is reaffirming its commitment to the philosophy of Positive Discipline. We believe that building strong relationships with and among students will lead to happier, more connected individuals, while also enhancing the positive learning environment in our schools. By empowering students to solve problems and develop decision-making and communication skills, we foster a sense of community that prepares them for success in life.

Another key aspect of the Positive Discipline initiative this year is to introduce a shared language to parents. We will host Parent Engagement Family Fun Nights and Zoom training sessions to foster relationships with families and disseminate the principles of positive discipline. Our monthly school-wide newsletters will offer tips and resources for teaching students positive life skills essential for their future success. Parents can earn volunteer hours by participating in any of these events, meetings, or training sessions.

For more information and resources on Positive Discipline, please visit www.positivediscipline.com or contact Mrs. Beth Miller, Director of Curriculum, at bmiller@greenappleschools.com.

Charter schools are publicly funded, non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations that provide educational services comparable to those offered by district public schools. They are established by a contract and charter application that details the school’s mission, program, students served, and performance goals.  All charter school employees must pass national criminal background screening and approvals to hire come through the security office of the school district. Florida Statutes require that teachers employed by or under contract with a charter school be certified in the same manner as all other public school teachers in Florida.  Students must take all Florida statewide assessments just like traditional public schools.

Florida has a vibrant and diverse charter school community. In the 2023-2024 school year, 739 public charter schools serving 396,522 students in K-12, operated across 47 Florida counties.  Charter schools remain a valued educational option for parents. 

Green Apple School Management (GA) is a Cognia-accredited charter school support and service organization that works via a performance contract with the Odyssey board of directors.  Begun in 2013 by School Founder, Ms. Constance Ortiz, GA provides the schools some district roots and a wide array of services covering primarily mission/academics, financial management/budgeting, new growth and development, and support to the schools’ Local Education Authority.  Services include but are not limited to financial management (e.g., budgeting, bookkeeping and financial forecasting); human resource coordination and staffing; academic programming (professional development, curriculum development, coaching, and new teacher support); facilities and new facilities growth and development; strategic planning; charter application development; grant writing; and regulatory compliance monitoring.

GA assists the Board and school administrators in the mission specific development of healthy, holistic educational programs and schools, which include “green” building design, healthy school lunch programs, nutrition education, and holistic education programs. Programs are designed to develop “whole” children through healthy lifestyles as well as educational programs that foster the highest levels of academic achievement, problem solving, critical thinking, and the provision of many opportunities for hands-on application.    

According to a recent study conducted by the Center for Research on Educational Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University (2023), schools affiliated with charter management organizations showed greater growth than stand-alone charter schools and the charter school sector as a whole.  According to the study, students in charter schools run by a management organization performed better than their traditional public-school peers. The data indicates that charter management organizations have become skilled at taking what works and replicating it successfully. 

Odyssey Schools are actively recruiting substitutes for all school locations and programs. This initiative aims to support our wonderful children and community by ensuring that we have dedicated and caring individuals ready to step in when needed.

Why Become a Substitute?

·  Paid Training: All substitutes will receive comprehensive paid training to prepare them for their roles.

·  Competitive Daily Rates: Non-Degreed $120 per day, Bachelor’s or Higher $140 per day, Teacher Certified $160 per day, Classroom Assistants or Front Office $120 per day

·  Ongoing Support: Continuous support will be provided to ensure substitutes feel confident and capable in their positions.

·  Community Involvement: This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the community and make a positive impact on the lives of our students.

How to Apply 

If you are interested in becoming a substitute and participating in substitute training, please contact:

·  Susan Harmon, Executive Assistant and Recruiter at 321-479-7131, sharmon@greenappleschools.com