
Junior High Newsletter
March 7th, 2025
This Week's Focus: Social-Emotional Development & Behaviors in Junior High
As scholars between the ages of 11-13 navigate the junior high years, they experience a wide range of social and emotional changes. At this stage, it's common to see behaviors such as mood swings, a desire for independence, and increased sensitivity to peer opinions. For example, a scholar might go from being enthusiastic about a group project to becoming frustrated or withdrawing, especially when faced with social challenges. They may also start to question authority more, testing boundaries while trying to define their own identity.
In schools, we often see scholars forming new friendships, working through conflicts with peers, and experimenting with different social roles. It's important to remember that these behaviors are normal and part of their growth process. While it can sometimes seem like their emotions are unpredictable, these shifts are signs of development as they learn to manage their feelings and relationships. By providing support, encouragement, and understanding, we can help our scholars build emotional resilience and navigate this exciting, yet sometimes challenging, stage of their lives.
Here are our IB Knowledgeable Scholars of the Week
Ariel is a truly deserving recipient of the Knowledgeable Award due to her remarkable ability to learn, understand, and apply information in ways that inspire those around her. Whether tackling academic subjects or solving everyday problems, she approaches every challenge with deep curiosity and an analytical mindset. Ariel doesn’t just memorize facts—she genuinely comprehends concepts and explores their real-world connections. Her insightful questions and thoughtful discussions elevate the understanding of those fortunate enough to engage with her, showcasing her intellectual prowess and dedication to continuous learning.
Beyond her impressive intellect, Ariel is incredibly generous in sharing her knowledge. She actively helps others, whether tutoring classmates or breaking down complex ideas into simpler terms for friends. Her patience and clear communication skills make her an exceptional mentor and a trusted resource for advice in any subject. Ariel’s constant drive to expand her understanding of the world, combined with her willingness to help others grow, makes her the perfect candidate for the Knowledgeable Award.
Jocelyn deserves the Knowledgeable Award because of her dedication to learning, even when she is already familiar with the material. She uses her knowledge to help others and has a strong understanding that allows her to explain concepts in a simple and clear way, making it easier for other students to understand.
Leilani demonstrates knowledgeability because, at the beginning of math, she was unsure how to approach multiple tests and problems, often relying on me for help. Now, she is more focused and has a stronger understanding of math than ever before.
Zayne is always eager to share his thoughts on project execution, and they often revolve around connecting them to the real world. For instance, he sees bridge structures or relates things to football. This week, many scholars were nervous about building a toy automata, but Zayne was excited to jump in because it’s similar to working on a car engine with his dad, sister, and Grandpa!
Urijah, a 7th grader, is an outstanding candidate for the Knowledgeable Award due to his exceptional academic performance, curiosity, and problem-solving skills. He consistently excels in his classes, demonstrating a deep understanding of subjects like science, where he explains complex processes such as photosynthesis using real-world examples.
Beyond the classroom, Urijah’s passion for learning shines as he actively seeks out additional knowledge—for example, researching space exploration beyond what was covered in class, inspiring his peers to think critically. His problem-solving skills are equally impressive; in math, he methodically breaks down complex problems step by step, helping classmates grasp difficult concepts with ease.
One memorable moment in science class showcased his knowledgeability when we needed information about gravity. Without hesitation, Urijah pulled out his notebook and quickly provided the answer. His dedication to learning, eagerness to share knowledge, and willingness to assist others make him a truly deserving recipient of the Knowledgeable Award.
Emma deserves the Knowledgeable Award because of her unwavering dedication to learning and her ability to apply new information in meaningful ways. Her natural curiosity drives her to constantly seek out knowledge, whether through reading, conversations, or personal experiences. Her depth of understanding and insightful perspectives on various topics consistently impress those around her.
Beyond simply acquiring knowledge, Emma excels at sharing what she knows, helping others grow and expand their own understanding. Her commitment to personal growth, combined with her generosity in passing on knowledge, makes her truly deserving of this recognition.
Paisley is incredibly knowledgeable because they have a deep curiosity and a constant desire to learn. Whether it's reading books, staying updated on current events, or engaging in meaningful conversations, they always seek out new information. They have a remarkable ability to connect different ideas, offering insightful perspectives on a wide variety of topics. What truly sets them apart is their willingness to share their knowledge, making it accessible and engaging for others. Their passion for learning, coupled with their ability to communicate clearly and effectively, makes them a true source of wisdom and a constant inspiration to those around them.
I am nominating this scholar for their intelligence and respect. Whenever I'm feeling down, I can always count on her support and trust. She is always there when I need help, offering guidance and kindness without hesitation.
She is strong-hearted and deeply caring for others. Whenever someone is left out, she makes sure they never feel lonely. She is always there to support not only her friends but also anyone who may be struggling.
Olivia is a truly deserving recipient of the Knowledgeable Award because of her curiosity and eagerness to learn. She has an incredible ability to grasp new ideas and explore complex subjects with enthusiasm. Whether tackling challenging topics or sharing fascinating facts with friends, Olivia always brings fresh insights to the conversation.
What truly sets her apart is her passion for learning and her generosity in sharing knowledge. She has a gift for explaining even the most difficult concepts in a way that makes them easier to understand, ensuring those around her grow as well. Olivia isn’t just focused on gaining knowledge—she’s dedicated to helping others expand their understanding too. Her drive to continuously improve and her willingness to support and inspire others make her more than deserving of this award!
Donevin is knowledgeable because he consistently thinks critically and makes thoughtful decisions. In class, he carefully considers the best course of action, demonstrating strong judgment. Even outside of school, when we play video games at home, I can hear him helping around the house and offering insightful answers when people ask him questions.
When someone seeks his advice, he gives a well-thought-out and meaningful response, truly considering what was said before providing an answer. A great example of his knowledgeability was during physical education when we played speedminton. I overheard him coaching classmates who didn’t know how to properly hold the racket, patiently teaching them how to serve and hit the speeder. His ability to understand, apply, and share knowledge makes him truly deserving of recognition.
Donny is incredibly knowledgeable, always coming up with creative and unexpected ideas. Whenever he shares something, I often find myself thinking, "Whoa, that was really smart!" He uses his intelligence not only to impress but also to bring laughter and joy to his friends, making every moment more fun and enjoyable.
Donevin Sweeny has consistently demonstrated exceptional helpfulness in class, especially when his peers need support. On several occasions, when I’ve struggled with complex concepts, Donevin has gone out of his way to explain them in a way that makes them easier to understand. His patience and clear communication have made a significant difference in helping me stay on track, and I always feel more confident after receiving his guidance.
March Events
April Events
Upcoming April Event
I hope this message finds you well. As we prepare for our upcoming Science Fair at Odyssey Junior High, we are seeking sponsors to support our students by providing poster boards for their presentations. Your generous contribution would go a long way in helping our scholars succeed in this exciting event!
We have identified two options for the poster boards, and we would appreciate any support in purchasing them:
Walmart Poster Boards: Pen Gear White Tri-Fold Project Presentation Display Boards
Link to WalmartAmazon Poster Boards (for higher-quality options):
Link to Amazon
Thank you for considering supporting our scholars and their learning experiences. We deeply appreciate your involvement in our school community!
Lunches at the Junior High
We do have hot lunches available for purchases each day at the Junior High. Each meal is $5 and comes with a water bottle. There will be a variety of snacks available for purchase as well including chips, cookies, slim jims, and more!
Buy a Yearbook Today!!!
2026 Science Trip to Belize!
For Current Sophomores, Freshmen and 8th Grade Scholars at OIAIS
Come Join the Adventure
Standard Handbook Expectations
- Only water allowed in classrooms (at lunch they can purchase something different but that stays in their backpack after lunch)
- One scholar out of class at a time (must sign out so we know where they are at in case of emergencies)
- Phones in backpacks and off starting at 7:40, ending at 3:49 release time
- Gum, Coffee, Energy drinks are not for scholars at school
đź’»Bookmark Our Social Media and Important Websites! đź’»
OI Jr High Facebook
OI Jr High Instagram
OI Jr High Website
OI Jr High Weekly Newsletter
ParentVue Grades
Website: https://www.odyprep.com/myp
Don't forget PE Uniforms!
During one semester of the school year, scholars will have Physical Education (PE) classes. They will need to bring uniforms for changing and a combination lock for their lockers. Scholars start dressing out Monday!!!
It is a great idea to grab a combination locker this summer and have scholars practice unlocking and locking them!
Scholar Drop Off and Pick Up
Please note that the first week or two of school may not reflect the entire school year as we are all learning and figuring out the best way for 1800 scholars to safely arrive and leave campus daily.
If you are coming to the 8th Grade and High School Campus, come down Verrado Way and turn into the middle lane, which will take you up to the campus. From the middle lane, you will turn left and want to go to the far right lane to continue straight by the football field and then turn left to drop off behind the campus. Follow the same route to pick up scholars at the end of the day.
If you are dropping off a 6th or 7th grade scholar, come up Verrado Way and turn right into the closest lane. You will follow this path around the school and drop off at the back of the school. Scholars will enter through the gym rather than the front office.
Buses will pick up by the 8th grade drop-off and pick-up area. Scholars will leave campus and follow the path behind the fence to get to their bus if they are a 6th or 7th grade scholar. We will assist them during the first weeks to help them get into their new routine.
You can drop off scholars as early as 7:10 am. They will remain outside until they are released to enter the buildings at 7:35 am. The school day starts at 7:40 am.
If you are running late, please bring your scholar to the front office (after 7:41 am) to check them in so they can get a pass to go to their classes.
Pick-up starts at 3:49 pm. Please do not arrive earlier, as we want to ensure the safety of our PE scholars at the back of the school. Additionally, idling cars produce fumes that can enter the building, causing headaches for our staff and scholars near the doors.
To access your StudentVUE and ParentVUE:
Go to odyprep.com
From the top menu, select “ParentVue”
Select “I am a student” or "I am a Parent" and enter your username and password
If you Google search “StudentVUE,” you will get ANY and ALL StudentVUE links. Google doesn’t know that you are an awesome Odyssey scholar or parent/guardian! So always access the page from Odyprep.com and bookmark it for easier access later.
Link to Odyssey StudentVUE and ParentVue:
https://opa.edupoint.com/Login_Student_PXP.aspx?Logout=1®enerateSessionId=True
If you need an access code, please email sburt@topamail.com
Language and Literature
Wit and Wisdom is our Language and Literature curriculum designed for K-8 scholars, developed by Great Minds. It focuses on building knowledge through the integration of rich content, rigorous reading and writing activities, and thought-provoking discussions. The program emphasizes understanding and analyzing high-quality texts across various genres, encouraging scholars to think deeply and critically. Wit and Wisdom aims to develop scholars' vocabulary, comprehension, and analytical skills.
Math
Great Minds Eureka Math² is an advanced math curriculum designed to provide a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Developed by Great Minds, this program builds on the original Eureka Math curriculum, offering enhanced features such as more engaging problem-solving activities, digital resources, and adaptive learning tools. Eureka Math² emphasizes a coherent and sequential approach to math instruction, ensuring scholars develop a strong foundation and progressively build their skills. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and a genuine appreciation for the beauty of math.
Science
OpenSciEd is an innovative science curriculum designed for middle scholars, providing open-source, high-quality science education resources. Developed through a collaboration of educators, scientists, and curriculum developers, OpenSciEd aims to make science education engaging and accessible to all scholars. The program emphasizes hands-on, inquiry-based learning, encouraging scholars to explore scientific concepts through experiments, real-world problem-solving, and interactive activities. OpenSciEd aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), promoting deep understanding and application of scientific principles across disciplines.
Spanish
SAVVAS Spanish Curriculum offers a comprehensive approach to learning Spanish for scholars at various educational levels. Designed to build language proficiency and cultural awareness, this curriculum includes a variety of engaging resources such as interactive activities, authentic texts, and multimedia content. The program focuses on developing essential skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, while also incorporating cultural insights to enhance scholars' global understanding. SAVVAS Spanish Curriculum is structured to support differentiated learning, making it suitable for diverse classroom needs.
Leadership
IB Design Cycle is a structured method used in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program to guide project development. It includes four stages: inquiring and analyzing, developing ideas, creating the solution, and evaluating. This process promotes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
In a Leadership Class, scholars can use the IB Design Cycle to tackle leadership challenges by:
- Inquiring and Analyzing: Researching leadership issues.
- Developing Ideas: Planning strategies.
- Creating the Solution: Implementing projects.
- Evaluating: Reflecting on results.
This approach helps scholars systematically enhance their leadership skills through real-world applications.
All Classes are MYP
Middle Years Programme (MYP) for 6th-8th Grade provides a challenging and comprehensive framework designed to foster critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and communication skills. It includes eight subject groups: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition(Mandarin/Spanish), Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Physical and Health Education, and Design. The MYP encourages scholars to make practical connections between their studies and the real world, promoting holistic learning, personal development, and preparation for higher education.
Note this is the reason for the certain electives we offer to align with MYP.
i-Ready is an online assessment and instruction program used for benchmark assessments in Language and Literature and Math. It helps educators tailor personalized learning paths for scholars, measuring their progress and identifying areas needing support. This year, we'll administer i-Ready diagnostics twice a week in Leadership Classes to closely monitor scholars' development and adjust our teaching strategies to ensure each scholar receives the necessary support for success.
Junior High Admin Team Emails
Ms. Small, Assistant Principal
This email address goes to the admin team: jhadmin@topamail.com
2024-2025 School Supply Lists
At the end of the year, we polled the teachers to make sure that the correct supplies were purchased. The 1 inch binders will be staying in their classrooms, they won't be carrying them in their backpack.
6th Grade School Supply List for 2024-2025 School Year