Junior High Newsletter
October 11th, 2024
This Week's Focus: Understanding IB Key Concepts
This week, we’re introducing families to IB Key Concepts. Each unit your scholar studies will focus on one of these concepts, which are “big ideas” that go beyond specific subjects, places, or time periods (Wiggins and McTighe, 1998). Teaching through concepts allows for broad learning that crosses national and cultural boundaries. These concepts inspire different ways of thinking, encourage varied experiences, and lead to interdisciplinary connections.
There are 16 Key Concepts that apply across all academic areas. For example, the concept of "form" can be explored in both Math and Art, showing how similar ideas can be discussed in different contexts. Here, we’ll show how the Key Concept of "Relationships" is used in both PE and Biology.
6th and 7th Grade PE: Relationships in Football
In PE, our football unit is focused on "Relationships." Scholars are learning how the connections between the quarterback, center, and wide receivers are crucial to the success of each play. When these players are in sync, the plays go smoothly. When they’re not, the offense struggles. Scholars are seeing firsthand how important these relationships are on the field.
9th Grade Biology: Relationships in Organisms
In 9th grade Biology, we’re exploring the classification of organisms in our "Form" unit, with a focus on the Key Concept of "Relationships." Scholars have been learning how to use cladograms, visual tools that show relationships between organisms based on shared characteristics and ancestry. After learning to read them, scholars are now creating their own cladograms to classify organisms. Here’s an example:
Our IB Reflective Awards this Week Go To...
Mr. Jason reflected on what we came up with our community agreements. He had a very boring lesson planed and he saw what we had on our community agreements. At the beginning of the year his 2nd Period said we would have fun everyday. He made that happen. The lesson was very fun and still the lesson. He reflected on his lesson plan and our community agreements and made sure we had fun that day. I respect him.
Aria consistently shows a reflective mindset by carefully evaluating her actions and experiences. She regularly reviews her academic performance, identifies areas for growth, and sets personal goals to improve her learning. Aria also actively seeks feedback from her parents and teachers, using different perspectives to broaden her understanding and improve her skills.
This student is very reflective and always tries his hardest in class to improve and always wants to see what he does wrong and tries again even if it is not for a grade he always works hard. This student deserved this award so much as he always is focused and reflective.
No matter if he gets a bad grade or not, he still keeps his head up and learns from his mistakes. He is always self aware and thinks of his actions and his feelings, and always goes past his limit. This year, during lunch, he is never not on top of the work he needs to do and even boasts about his good grades. He even asks me for an opinion on a topic whenever he needs a second opinion. It seems like every year he keeps getting smarter and always works harder.
Yearbook Pre-Orders !!
October Events!
Get ready for Halloween Fun Night!
Ticket sales start next week, so don’t miss out on the spooky fun!
Join us this season in giving back through community service!
It's the perfect time to make a difference and spread kindness. Let's come together to support those in need and strengthen our community.
October 7th to November 16th!
November Events!
Join us in honoring our veterans!
Register now to be a part of our Veterans Day event. Sign up through the link below:
Registration: https://form.jotform.com/233035927458058
Let's come together to celebrate and show our appreciation!
Join us for the annual Turkey Trot!
It's a fun way to stay active and give back to the community. Sign up today using the registration link below, and check out our promo video for a sneak peek!
Registration: https://www.jotform.com/form/232917901002043
Promo Video: https://tinyurl.com/25k8t7nj
Don't miss out on this exciting event!
December Events
Want to join our PopUp Shop?
The Odyssey Preparatory Academy loves to support our Buckeye community and small businesses. Do you or your family have a hair bow making business or a jewelry business? Are you a baker or a candle stick maker? If so, you might want to be a vendor at our holiday PopUp Shop? Click on the link for more info. Event date-December 13th, 2024.
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
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!
💻Bookmark Our Social Media and Important Websites! 💻
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
Spirit Store for your Uniform Shirts, Skirts, and Spirit Wear!!!
The ONLY APPROVED shirts for boys and girls enrolled in grades 6-8 are the short sleeved or long sleeved gray uniform shirt with the Odyssey logo.
The ONLY APPROVED pants/shorts for scholars grades 6-8 are black dress slacks, Dickie’s uniform line pants; skirts or skorts (purchased at the Odyssey Spirit Store with the Odyssey logo) or any appropriate black pants or capris. NO JEANS
The following are prohibited at all times: spandex shorts, jeans, black jeans, leggings, and athletic pants.
OUTERWEAR
Any appropriate jacket may be worn to school but only the approved Odyssey sweatshirts may be worn in the classroom. Non-Odyssey wear must be removed when scholars enter the school building.
This outerwear shall not be worn at any other time during the school day with the exception of
lunch if the scholar chooses to go outside during inclement weather. Non-Odyssey approved
outwear is not to be worn in the hallways or classrooms at all during the school day.
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