OIAIS HS Weekly Newsletter

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IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:

2/6/2025 - Application for DP course and full Diploma Program due

2/7/2025 - CPR Hand On Training Sessions w/Ken Olson 8am-12pm

2/7/2025 - Friday, Attendance Make up in Lecture Hall B

2/11/2025 - Parent Meeting for Dual Enrollment 6-7pm on Zoom

2/13/2025 - $1.00 Shirt Day - Wear Pink or Red - Uniform Bottoms Apply

2/14/2025 - StuGo Disney Trip

2/15/2025 - Senior Ad Design Submissions Due to Yearbook - See Mr. Loving - sloving@topamail.com

2/17/2025 - No School

2/19/2025 - Embry Riddle College Visit (Mrs. Burden)

2/24/2025 - Coffee Chat 8am and 7pm

2/25/2026 - Fire Drill

2/27/2025 - $1.00 T-shirt Day - Dress Like You're 100 Years Old

2/27/2025 - Honors & DP teachers class lists due for 2025-2026

2/28/2025 - CPR Hands on Training w/Ken Olson 8am-12pm

3/1/2025 - Produce on Wheels - HS Parking Lot

3/4/2025 - GCU College Visit (Ms. Williams)

4/17/2025 - University of Arizona (Mr.Yanke)

Subject: 2025-2026 Class Schedules

Dear Minotaur Families,

As we begin to build schedules for our 2025-2026 school year, please confirm your child’s learning preference regarding Odyssey Global Academy.

If your scholar will be a fully in-person student, please DO NOT complete the form.

Online or Blended Schedule Request

The completed form must be submitted no later than February 21st, 2025.

Thank you for your prompt response!

We are organizing a special lunch for our amazing staff on Thursday, February 13th, and would greatly appreciate any help you can provide! If you’d like to contribute, you can sign up through the link below or send a contribution via Venmo to Kristy Aceves. We will take care of the shopping, so no need to worry about picking anything up!

Sign up link: Sign Up Here

Venmo: @Kristy-Aceves

Thank you so much for your support and generosity!

Caregiver Workshop Day – Saturday, February 8th

Join us for an exciting Caregiver Workshop Day on Saturday, February 8th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Agua Fria High School (530 E. Riley Dr., Avondale, AZ). This FREE event is open to all parents and caregivers!

Enjoy expert-led workshops on topics like mental health, senior year preparation, career education, and more. Breakfast, lunch, and a free book are included for all attendees! Plus, take advantage of our resource fair, giveaways, free childcare (crawling age - 8 years), and Spanish translation services.

Only 100 spots available—register now!
Register Here

We hope to see you there for this amazing opportunity to learn, connect, and grow as a community!

Odyssey High School's Will Power Dance Troupe proudly presents Much Ado in '42, our 1940s dance and music rendition of William Shakespeare's most beloved comedy! We will once again be representing the United States and Odyssey at the Shakespeare Schools Festival, performing at the George Bernard Shaw Theater in the center of London this March, but you can see us before we go!

Much Ado is a tale of romance, deception, and an unexpected relationship filled with pranks and mischief. It has been an audience favorite since its debut performance by Lord Chamberlain's Men in 1598. Tickets are now available for our performances on March 6, 7, and 8 on the OI High School stage at https://our.show/willpower25 . Your ticket includes a specially made Union Jack cupcake and water during intermission to celebrate our upcoming London performance.

The scholars have all worked very hard, and they are super excited to see you there!

Mrs. Caraway, Mrs. "T", Mrs. Cassidy, & Mrs. Autrey

Scholars and Families,

In compliance with Arizona Revised Statutes § 15-718.01, all high schoolers must successfully complete a certified cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training program that is valid upon graduation. This essential requirement aims to prepare students for emergency situations and equip them with the ability to potentially save lives.

Scholars who have completed their training externally may access the form for submission HERE.

Junior and senior scholars may obtain certification through OI by following the steps below:

1. Scholars will take an online test in their science class in which they must earn a score of at least 80%. This test is a prerequisite for the hands-on skill evaluation and must be completed by January 31st.

1. Scholars must sign up to complete an in person hands-on skill evaluation. Scholars must pre register for these events and can do so HERE. Successful completion of the hands-on skill evaluation will reward scholars with their CPR certification.

Questions about this process may be directed to lorynautrey@topamail.com.

This week’s IB Focus:

Intercultural understanding and respect

What is Intercultural understanding in relation to IB?

One of the primary aims of the IB program is to encourage scholars to “create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” What is ‘intercultural understanding’? It is the ability to recognize, respect, and appreciate cultural differences and similarities. Culture can mean many things-family values, heritage, country of origin, language, symbols, even the town we are from. Scholars are able to grow in their intercultural understanding through dialogue with their peers. Scholars are offered debatable questions and are then able to share their ideas in a professional and courteous way.

Where can I see Intercultural understanding in my scholar’s classroom?

9th grade Biology, Ms. Rose-Scholars are currently studying the relationship between biological elements and the environment-ecological successions. The recent tragedy in Los Angeles due to wildfires provided the opportunity for scholars to explore the implications of wildfires-an example of secondary succession. Scholars researched the impact of wildfires on the environment and then engaged in a debate about the benefits and drawbacks of wildfires. Scholars had very strong opinions but were able to have a professional dialogue to share their ideas.

12th grade Language and Literature: Scholars are currently reading The Purple Hibiscus. Scholars develop a broader perspective of the human experience as they read a very personal, 1st person POV account of a young girl growing up in a wealthy but dysfunctional family in Nigeria. Scholars are able to explore what they think they know about Africa and specifically Nigeria, in order to challenge the single stories they may have of a place and a people. In reading Kambili's story, scholars discuss the universal struggles, pursuits, experiences, and insecurities that shape all humans as they come of age, regardless of their culture.

7th grade leadership considered the question: Is healthcare a right or a privilege and discussed why the UN added Good Health and Wellbeing as one of its Sustainable Development Goals. The scholars were assigned one or two injuries and traveled to countries (table stations) with various levels of healthcare to learn their treatment, prognosis, recovery plan, and likelihood to live if they received their injury in that country. The countries considered were Germany, USA, Somalia, South Africa, Haiti, and India.

Informational Meeting - RECORDING

Visit the following LINK to obtain more information on our 2025-2026 Odyssey Global Academy online school option. Please reach out to OdyGlobal@topamail.com if you have suggestions or questions. We are excited to add this new program to our rigorous OI school options!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you are interested in learning more please complete the following SURVEY.

Registration time is here and it is an opportunity for our current sophomores to explore the opportunity to participate in our IB Diploma Program Courses or even choose to pursue the Full IB Diploma course of study. Here are some key items to consider when determining if you will take a DP Course or pursue the full Diploma Program:

-All DP courses are college level courses that are rigorous and heighten the opportunity for success in college. To quote a former DP scholar “The extent to which the IB prepares you for University is insane. Not to mention, the critical thinking skills that are constantly reinforced throughout the DP program put you at such an incredible advantage.”

-All DP courses provide the opportunity to earn college credit. Please see equivalency chart here.

-The difference between a DP course and DP Full Diploma. Full DP scholars also take TOK, a course that helps scholars explore the question “How do I know what I know?” In addition, some colleges and universities offer additional scholarship opportunities for full DP Diploma recipients. Explore scholarships here. Full Diploma scholars also receive special recognition at graduation. They become part of a tight knit community that works together to achieve their goals.

2/6-Application for DP course and full Diploma Program is due

Please reach out to khurley@topamail.com if you have any questions.

Rising 9th Jan. 27-28

2025-2026 Freshman Course Descriptions

Interest form for Honors

Rising 10th Jan. 21-22

2025-2026 Sophomore Course Descriptions

2025-2026 Honors English II Application (Sophomores)

2025-2026 - Honors Chemistry Application (Sophomores)

2025-2026 - Honors I&S Application (Sophomore)

Rising 11th. Jan 15-16

2025-2026 Junior Course Descriptions

2025 OIAIS DP Scholar Application

2025-2026 - Early Release or Late Start Parental Permission Form

Rising 12th. Jan 14-15

2025-2026 Senior Course Descriptions

2025 OIAIS DP Scholar Application (IB Psych only)

2025-2026 - Early Release or Late Start Parental Permission Form

2025-2026 FL Exemption Form

If you missed our registration meetings last week, you can watch our video to gain more information.

11th-12th Grade Registration PP

9th-10th Grade Registration PP

11th:12th Registration Video.mp4

Registraion Video 9th:10th.mp4

Hi Odyssey High School parents! We are already halfway through the year! Time is flying by! This is just a quick reminder that some fees are still outstanding. Please take a look at your ParentVUE and see if you owe anything. There are a few different ways to pay:

Online: If you pay online, use a web browser, NOT the app. You will be directed to a secure, 3rd-party website where you can add the selected fees to your cart, and check out. You do not need to create an account with the website even if it prompts you to do so.

In Office: We are open from 7-4:30 Monday-Thursday. We accept cash, debit and credit cards as well as checks and tap/Apple Pay.

Phone: Regular office hours. We accept cards over the phone.

Tax Credits: The Arizona State Tax Credit can be utilized for extracurriculars like sports, trips, theater and clubs. Tax Credits can NOT be used for regular school fees. The Tax Credit is now available online as well just use this link: https://pysly.co/oG9tu

Thank you parents! We appreciate you!

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 affect their overall score in the class.

Semester 2 - 9th Through 11th FINAL EXAMS - May 19th - May 22nd

Day 1 - Finals - May 19th

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 - May 20th

4th Period/5th Period - 7:40 - 9:50

6th Period - 9:55 - 12:05

Early Dismissal (buses run at 12:05pm)

Day 3 - Finals - May 21st

7th Period - 7:40 - 9:50

8th Period - 9:55 - 12:05

Early Dismissal (buses run at 12:05pm)

Day 4 - ½ day Schedule - May 22nd - Last Day of School

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)

Dear K-12 Parents,

We kindly ask for your support in filling out the following Google Form regarding income eligibility if it applies to your household. (Link: Income/Hardship Eligibility Form) This is the least intrusive method permitted by the state of Arizona for collecting this important data.

Completing this form will enable us to qualify for the E-rate program, which provides discounts to schools for costly telecommunications and internet access, therefore optimizing funds available for the classroom. This support is crucial for enhancing our technological resources and ensuring all scholars have access to the digital tools they need for success.

The collection of this data will also allow our high school scholars to qualify for free or reduced testing fees such as ACT and IB tests, which can be very costly.

Moreover, the information collected will help us make informed decisions about our community’s needs and apply for various grants we are currently not eligible for because we have not collected this data previously. Your participation is vital in allowing us to secure resources that benefit our entire school community.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Best regards,
Odyssey Administration

Registration for the 2025 - 2026 school year is now open!

ENROLL TODAY!

Use the following link to DONATE NOW!

WANT TO BE PROACTIVE WITH ATTENDANCE?! Or just get help making up work on a Friday?

Friday Attendance Session RSVP

If you are out of compliance with missing 10% or more of the school days for 1st semester, please complete the following APPEAL form to submit documentation to be considered for reinstating of credit. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Attendance Credit Appeal Form

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.

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 - Global Academy Information

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

Hello OI Families,

Yearbooks can be purchased with the link below for $75 each!

Yearbook Store Link

Thanks,

OI Yearbook Staff

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.

Financial Assistance Application

• Math Tutoring (M-Th in Lecture Hall A)

• Spanish Tutoring (M - Quintero, T - Padilla, W - Bishop)

• Chemistry Tutoring (M - Dal Rm A116)

• 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)

Use the following link to visit our high school events calendar for all upcoming sports and important school dates!

OIAIS OFFICIAL SCHOOL EVENTS CALENDAR

Becky Quigley, Co-Principal

Jessica Sabo, Co-Principal