OIAIS HS Weekly Newsletter
2024-2025
At The Odyssey Family of Schools, we believe in fostering a culture of community that values connection, inclusivity, and shared purpose. We are dedicated to creating an environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute. By nurturing a sense of belonging and mutual respect, we strive to build stronger, more resilient communities that work together to achieve common goals and create positive, lasting impacts for all.
Today is PICTURE DAY!
If you have not ordered prints yet, it is not too late!
First, portraits can be ordered electronically by the link below:
https://v2.myproimages.com/az-schools-and-sports-2228/code/20GAP
The preorder link will close on September 12th. Simply input your scholar's first and last name, along with their current grade and you'll be presented with the package options.
If you prefer to order in person, you can pick up an order form from the front office and pay via cash/check. These will also need to be completed by September 12th.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the customer support email for AZ Schools and Sports Photography at Carrie@AZSchoolsAndSports.com
Thank you!
INTERESTED IN HOSTING AN EXCHANGE STUDENT?!
Host a Foreign Exchange Student – Make a Global Impact from Home!
Are you ready to make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life while enriching your own? Join our community of host families and welcome a foreign exchange student into your home for one academic year!
What’s in it for You?
- Cultural Exchange: Experience the world without leaving your home by learning about a new culture, language, and traditions.
- $600 Monthly Stipend: Receive a $600 stipend each month to help cover the costs associated with hosting.
- Lasting Connections: Build lifelong friendships and become a second family to a young student eager to explore American life.
What You’ll Provide:
- A Safe and Supportive Environment: Open your heart and home to a student who will become part of your family.
- Room and Board: Offer a comfortable space for your student to live and thrive.
- Guidance and Support: Help your student navigate the school year and enjoy the local culture.
Why Host?
- Enrich Your Family Life: Share your traditions and learn new ones, bringing a global perspective into your home.
- Empower Global Understanding: Contribute to international friendship and understanding by fostering cross-cultural connections.
- Be Part of a Bigger Story: Join thousands of families across the country making a positive impact on the world, one student at a time.
Ready to Open Your Home?
If you’re interested in this rewarding experience, please contact us today! Don’t miss the opportunity to make a difference and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Contact Us: Annette Metzger-Goehlert
IB WEEKLY HIGHLIGHT with Mrs. Hurley
How does IB help my scholar develop real world skills?
IB believes in developing the whole child. One aspect of that is developing what are called Approaches to Learning Skills. These skills are designed to help students manage their own learning and work effectively with others.
The ATL skills are divided into five broad categories:
- Thinking
- Self-Management
- Communication
- Social
- Research
For the next few weeks, we will focus on one ATL a week so you can see how this skill might be taught in the classroom.
This week our focus is self management. Self management focuses on organization, managing your state of mind and reflection.
Self Management In the Classroom
In Mrs. T's Fitness class, her students practice organization by tracking their fitness progression and sleep patterns, and reflecting on their fitness progress. This helps students develop good habits and be aware of how those good habits impact their overall health.
Calendar Events
9/4 - HS Picture Day - 9th-12th Grade
9/5 - Blood Drive - High School
9/6- Senior Parking Spot Painting Day
9/6 - Senior Sunrise - 5am (HS Athletic Field)
9/7 - Produce on Wheels, HS Parking Lot
9/11 - Informational Meeting for Science Trip to Belize - 2026 Trip - 6pm-7pm Lecture Hall
9/26 - Kimball Clark Day - Wear Superman or Red/Blue
9/27 - Clark Memorial Hike - Skyline 6:30am
9/30 - 10/6 - Homecoming Week
10/1 - Scholar NAU College Visit
10/5 - Produce on Wheels, HS Parking Lot
10/29 - West-Mec Parent Information Night - Lecture Hall A 6pm-7pm
11/7 - Scholar ASU Tempe College Visit
12/4 - Scholar ASU West College Visit
PLEASE REMIND YOUR SCHOLARS!
Dress Code and Electronics
AirPods and Headphones are not allowed on campus, even before school.
Uniform bottoms must be khaki or black. White and Brown are not allowed.
Hats are not allowed in buildings.
Outer wear should be solid colored (Black, White, Gray, Maroon) or Odyssey Approved Spirit Wear
Zero Tolerance Policy Per Our Parent/Scholar Handbook
Attention Odyssey Institute Community,
At Odyssey Institute, we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment where every scholar can thrive. To ensure this, we maintain a zero tolerance policy for fighting, illegal substances or paraphernalia, and hate speech or bullying on our campus.
We believe in the power of choice and accountability. Unfortunately, actions such as fighting or possession of illegal substances will result in an immediate recommendation for expulsion. It’s essential that we work together to make responsible choices and treat one another with kindness and respect.
To further support this commitment, administration will be visiting our independent studies classes over the next two weeks to emphasize the importance of appropriate school behaviors. We want to ensure that all scholars are aware of these expectations and the consequences of unsafe, inappropriate or illegal actions.
We want every scholar to succeed, and part of that is understanding the importance of a safe and supportive community. Let's work together to create a positive atmosphere where all can feel safe, valued, and respected.
Thank you for helping us uphold these standards.
ATTENDANCE ISSUES?
WANT TO BE PROACTIVE WITH ATTENDANCE?! Or just get help making up work on a Friday?
September 6th will be our first Friday Attendance Compliance Day.
The Session will be held on 9/6/2024 in Mrs. Thunhorst's Classroom. Check in with the front office before proceeding to the classroom. If you will be attending, please complete the following form.
Mr. Clark Memorial Hike!
Please consider making donations for this event. You can sign up to donate at THIS link.
If you would like to contribute to the Senior Sunrise please use the following link.
Class of 2025 Senior Trip to Portugal & Spain!
INFORMATIONAL MEETING 9/11 6-7pm
September 11th, Wednesday - Lecture Hall, High School Campus 6pm-7pm.
As we move into this next phase in your education, we are already planning for the Class of 2025 Senior Trip, which departs for Portugal and Spain on May 27, 2025! To learn more about the trip and view the full itinerary please visit https://my.passports.com/my/tour. (if this link doesn't take you directly to the tour/itinerary page, visit passports.com, click on enroll, and enter kcaraway2025-4)
You can use your 2023 AZ Tax Credit! By planning so far in advance you have the opportunity to use tax credits for 2024, and 2025. If you have any questions, please reach out to Kristin Caraway (kcaraway@topamail.com)
2026 Science Trip to Belize!
For Current Sophomores, Freshmen and 8th Grade Scholars at OIAIS
Come Join the Adventure
Odyssey 2026 Science Trip to Belize~
Departing From: Phoenix
March 14, 2026 - March 21, 2026
TourCenter ID: Sabo-9084
For more information visit the following LINK and use TourCenter ID: Sabo-9084
Day 1 Hello Belize City- Meet your tour director and check into hotel
Day 2 Belize City landmarks - Lamanai Maya ruins full-day excursion
Boat ride along the New River Lagoon, Lamanai ruins guided visit
Day 3 Belize--San Ignacio - Travel to San Ignacio
Maya ruins, canopy zipline & cave tubing excursion
Day 4 Cayo District landmarks - Xunantunich Ruins guided visit
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve excursion
Day 5 San Ignacio--Ambergris Caye
Belize zoo visit and Travel by water taxi to Ambergris Caye
Day 6 Ambergris Caye
Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Alley snorkeling tour and Secret Beach visit
Optional Mexico Rocks snorkeling tour $95
Day 7 Ambergris Caye - Free time
Day 8 End tour - Travel by water taxi to Belize City
TOUR INCLUDES:
- Round-trip airfare
- 6 overnight stays (7 with extension) in hotels with private bathrooms
- Breakfast & dinner daily
- Lunch daily
- Full-time services of a professional tour director
- Visits to select attractions as per itinerary
- Tour Diary™
- Local Guide and Local Bus Driver tips; see note regarding other important tips
- Note: On arrival day only dinner is provided; on departure day, only breakfast is provided
- Note: Tour cost does not include airline-imposed baggage fees, or fees for any required passport or visa. Optional excursions, optional pre-paid Tour Director and multi-day bus driver tipping, among other individual and group customizations will be listed as separate line items in the total trip cost, if included.
2026 SENIOR TRIP INFORMATION
For more information - Please reach out to LIsa Autrey at lautrey@topamail.com
IB INFORMATION
What is the IB Learner Profile? The International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile outlines a set of traits that will help scholars become responsible, life long learners and significant contributors to their community. You can read about each of the traits here. We highlight scholars and teachers on a weekly basis who have embraced one or more of these traits. In the classroom, we use the traits to encourage students in their process of acquiring knowledge. This week, Ms. Hodson, who teaches 6th grade Individuals and Societies was encouraging her scholars to practice the traits communication and reflection as they worked as groups to discover the experience of hunter and gatherer societies.
IB LEARNER PROFILE AWARDS FOR AUGUST
My second hour class is a perfect example of a culture of community at Odyssey. Every day they come in happy to see each other, encouraging each other, and hyping each other up. They work as a unit to complete assignments and work through new and unusual tasks. It might only be the third week of school, but they already hold each other accountable. I am proud to be apart of this classes community!
I feel my fellow scholar fits the indicated IB profile trait as I constantly see her going out of her way to excel at multiple subjects and keeping her duties to her extracurriculars. I am constantly amazed at her ability and I feel she truly deserves recognition like an IB award for her balance.
Emily is a consummate scholar. She is tasked and thrives as a highly exceptional scholar amongst her peers in the category of culture of community. She is always ready to go with learning immediately upon entering the class, and assists others who may need some guidance. She is a leader among her peers in class. I look forward to hearing her analysis and questions regarding tough topics in forensics. If only one scholar should be selected for this award, it should, unequivocally be give to Ms. Gama.
Thank you for your consideration.
She is always so open to ask questions when the rest of the class is silent and afraid to.
Kaeden is a risk taker by challenger herself to conduct a difficult practical for her science IA. She is taking risks by exploring a topic she is unfamiliar in and diving deep into her research to conduct a thorough lab. This is admirable because she could have chosen a topic related to something she is already familiar with, but instead she pushed herself outside her comfort zone and took a risk.
She always talks speaks in class and answers the questions.
She consistently challenges herself in her DP classes to further her education as well as participating in class discussions
Everyday she is brave to speak in class and participate in the academic pursuit of knowledge.
Lilly is very knowledgeable she's’ always willing to help someone if there not understanding
she also thinks about every possible way to achieve something even if it’s hard to get too
she's very open minded about everything especial criticism and she uses the criticism to improve her work
She’s very caring if someone needs help she’s always willing to help and if someone’s hungry she always gives her food away to other that need it
she takes lots of risks at things she may not know she loves to try new things
COFFEE CHAT - 2024-2025 School Goals
If you missed our previous coffee chat, you can find the recording HERE!
Coffee chat is via zoom every other Monday at 8:00am and at 7:00pm via the following link! ZOOM LINK
COFFEE CHAT DATES
8/19 - 2024-2025 School Year Goals
9/9 - OI Mission Highlights
9/23 - Discussion of Survey Results (#1) & IB Visit Feedback
10/21 - Upcoming District Carnival Event, Parent opportunities for Involvement
11/4 - Love and Logic w/Megan Olson
11/18 - Core Values & Vision
12/2 - Break Blues (preparing for winter break)
1/13 - Glows and Grows
1/27 - Discussion of Survey Results (#2)
2/10 - IB Update w/Kari Hurley - Program Coordinator
2/24 - Preparing for State Testing
3/10 - Teens and Mental Health / Counselors
3/24 - Teacher Talk
4/7 - Glows and Grows from Semester 2
4/21 - Athletic Glows w/ Marylu Lopez & Chris McNelley
5/5 - Goals for 2025-2026 School Year
OIAIS and our FOCUS on ATTENDANCE
This year, we have many goals at the high school to make our school the best that it can be. One goal is our increased focus on attendance. Please review the state statute, our school attendance policy and the new processes we have put into place to increase scholar attendance and success.
Attendance
Regular attendance and being on time are two things that help scholars have a good attitude towards school and which allows for academic excellence. Absences and tardiness disrupt scholars’ schedules, require readjustment to the class routine, and slow down learning. Excessive absences and/or tardies are an unacceptable habit at The Odyssey Institute. Excessive absences resulting in the disruption of a scholar’s academic progress will require a meeting with that scholar’s parents and the site principal. Tardiness and Attendance will be checked weekly. By law, the parent/guardian is responsible for his/her child’s attendance at school.
It is the policy of The Odyssey Institute that scholars missing 10% of the academic semester will result in a loss of credit for course(s) affected. All scholars missing 10% of school days will not be permitted to participate in extracurricular activities. Scholars can make up missed time on Fridays to become eligible and earn credit for the course affected. 1 hour on Fridays is equivalent to 1 class period missed. 4 hours can be accrued on a Friday session *(see calendar for Friday dates). Parents and scholars will be notified when scholars have missed 5% of days in session. The Odyssey Institute is required to report daily attendance to the State, as well as the reasons for the absence.
Excused Absence
A parent or guardian must verify these absences within 24 hours of the absence. The school may require a letter from a hospital or clinic when the parent has not notified the school of an appointment of a medical or dental nature. Full make-up privileges and credit will be given for excused absences. The scholar is given one day of make-up time for each day missed. Teachers will work with scholars upon their return from an absence to either provide make-up work outside of school or, when allowable, work with the scholar during the school day on a hands-on assignment that cannot be replicated outside of the classroom. Please leave a message at 623-327-1757 or email attendanceOIAIS@topamail.com.
Unexcused Absence
Unexcused absences are absences that a parent does not verify/authorize within 24 hours of the absence. The school shall furnish parents or guardians notification of each unexcused absence.
Tardiness
Attendance is a critical factor to the success of scholars at Odyssey and arriving at school on time is an essential part of the high expectations set at Odyssey. Odyssey teachers use every part of the day for critical teaching and learning, including the first minutes of the day. Scholars are considered tardy if they are not in their seats by 7:40; thus, scholars need to arrive on campus by 7:35 to arrive timely to class. A scholar with two or more tardies per quarter will not be eligible for perfect attendance. Scholars with 10 or more tardies (or more than 10% of school days) will not be permitted to participate in extracurricular activities including field trips (1 hour on Friday can make up 2 tardies). Scholars who are tardy will need to report to the office before proceeding to class. If a scholar has 5 or more tardies an email will be sent home and a referral will be given. Written notices will be sent home for every 5 tardies accumulated per period dictating the demerit consequence. Any scholar who arrives to class after the passing period will be considered tardy. Scholars who miss more than 20 minutes of a class period will be marked absent for that period.
Truancy Law/Statement
Arizona State Revised Statutes (A.R.S. 15-803) states that it is unlawful for any child between the ages of six and sixteen to fail to attend school during the hours school is in session, unless there is a valid excuse. The child will be considered truant when there is not a good reason for not attending school. If a parent fails to ensure that the child attends school, the law states that they are guilty of a Class-3 misdemeanor. When the parent does not provide a valid excuse for the child’s absence, the school attendance office may cite the scholar, parent or custodian for violation of the state truancy law. A scholar is truant who has an unexcused absence for at least one (1) class period during the day (without parent approval).
Early Scholar Check-Out
At Odyssey the safety of all scholars is our number one priority and every effort will be made to ensure that scholars that are picked up early from school are done so in the safest manner possible. If an Odyssey scholar is checked out of school at any time before the school day ends, the parent, legal guardian or other adult designated on the emergency form must show ID at the front desk. This procedure will be in effect every time the scholar is checked out early from school regardless of whether or not the office staff “knows” the parent, guardian or designated emergency contact.
Early Scholar Check-Out (And for those Authorized to drive on campus)
Scholars must be signed out by a parent / guardian on file. Requests must be made in person or via written email notification including a copy of the parents identification within the email.
Exception: If your scholar is authorized to drive on campus and you (Parent / Guardian) authorizes he/she to excuse themselves during the school day for appointments, please email attendanceOIAIS@topamail.com to confirm in writing. This pertains to all scholars, even those who are 18 years of age or older. Additionally, no scholar may ride with, or be signed out by, another scholar for early checkout.
Late Arrival/Early Departure
The Arizona Department of Education has specific reporting procedures for absences. Please note the following time frames for ½ day and full day absences.
Time procedures are as follows:
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Scholars arriving to school between 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. will be counted ½ day absent.
1:01 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Scholars arriving to school after 1:00 p.m. will be counted a full day absent.
8:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Scholars leaving school before 11:00 a.m., and not returning for the rest of the school day, will be
counted a full day absent.
11:01 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Scholars leaving school between 11:00 a.m.12:15 p.m., and not returning for the rest of
the school day, will be counted ½ day absent.
Hello OI Families,
As August comes to a close, so does our special pre-sale yearbook price. This Saturday, 8/31, is your last chance to purchase your 2025 yearbook for the early price of $65. Starting on 9/1, the price will go up to $75. Don't forget to buy yours now from the link below!
Thanks,
OI Yearbook Staff
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
If your family is in need of assistance with paying school fees, please complete the following form and submit to Jessica Sabo - jsabo@topamail.com and/or Becky Quigley - bquigley@topamail.com, to be considered for financial assistance.
The Spirit Store is open and fully stocked! Get your uniforms now!
The Spirit Store is the official uniform vendor for all Odyssey campuses and is located at the High School Campus at 1495 S Verrado Way, Building D. (Towards the football field). The calendar with hours is attached. To view the full uniform policy of your scholar’s campus, please click here.
FINAL EXAM INFORMATION
Final Exams are REQUIRED for all courses at Odyssey Institute.
Note: Any scholar who will miss a final exam must make arrangements with the teacher prior to finals week to complete the final exam. If a scholar misses a final exam and does not make prior arrangements, they will receive a zero for the exam and it will effect their overall score in the class.
Semester 1 - 9th Through 12th FINAL EXAMS - December 16, 17, 18 & 19, 2024.
Day 1 - Finals
1st Period - 7:40 - 9:50
2nd Period - 9:55 - 12:05
LUNCH - Everyone 12:05 - 12:35
3rd Period - 12:40 - 2:50
Early Dismissal (buses run normal time, we hold kids who ride the bus if not picked up early)
Day 2 - Finals
4th Period/5th Period - 7:40 - 9:50
6th Period - 9:55 - 12:05
Early Dismissal (buses run at 12:05pm)
Day 3 - Finals
7th Period - 7:40 - 9:50
8th Period - 9:55 - 12:05
Early Dismissal (buses run at 12:05pm)
Day 4 - ½ day Schedule
1st period - 7:40 - 8:08 (reflections, self analysis, class survey)
2nd period - 8:10 - 8:38 (reflections, self analysis, class survey)
3rd period - 8:40 - 9:08 (reflections, self analysis, class survey)
4th/5th period - 9:10 - 9:38 (reflections, self analysis, class survey)
6th period - 9:40 - 10:08 (reflections, self analysis, class survey)
7th period - 10:10 - 10:38 (reflections, self analysis, class survey)
8th period - 10:40 - 11:08 (reflections, self analysis, class survey)
Early Dismissal (buses run at 11:08am)
TUTORING INFORMATION
All tutoring runs from 4-5pm
-
Math Tutoring (M-Th in Lecture Hall A)
-
Spanish Tutoring (M - Quintero, T - Padilla, W - Bishop)
-
Chemistry Tutoring (M - Dal Rm A116)
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Biology Tutoring (T - Priji Rm A113, Th - Palanisamy Rm A114)
-
ISP/Physics/ESS/Biology Tutoring (W - Autrey - Rm G125)
- Writing Lab (L&L Tutoring) (W - Miller - Rm A120)
OIAIS HIGH SCHOOL EVENT CALENDAR
Jessica Sabo, Co-Principal