Dear Osceola Middle School Community,

I am thrilled to welcome you all to the 2024-2025 school year! I am so honored to be a part of this extraordinary school community. I hope that this newsletter finds you rested and rejuvenated after the summer break, and that you and your children are ready to begin the school year with us. I can assure you that I share in this school community’s commitment to caring for your children each and every day while providing them with a world-class learning environment.

The 2024-2025 school year will mark my 16th year in education. Since graduating from Florida State University, I have served Marion County Public Schools in many capacities in both the elementary and secondary (middle and high school) settings. Although I have always felt at home in the classroom, it is in my position as a principal where I am most fulfilled in my life’s work. Serving as a principal provides me the chance to work collaboratively with teachers on a daily basis, while also remaining connected to students learning and growing in the classroom. I firmly believe that every child can excel and that the partnership between home and school builds confidence in students to use their powers to shape their future and the future of our community and our nation.

To our teachers and staff, you are the backbone of this school. Your commitment to excellence in education and your unwavering support for our students are the pillars on which we build our success. I am eager to work alongside each of you, to learn from your experiences, and to support you in every way possible. Together, we will continue to create a nurturing and stimulating environment where both students and educators can flourish.

To our students, I am here to ensure that Osceola Middle School is a place where you can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. I believe that every one of you has the potential to achieve greatness, and it is our collective responsibility to provide you with the tools, opportunities, and encouragement you need to succeed. I want you to know that my door is always open, and I am here to listen, support, and guide you through your middle school journey.

To the parents and guardians, thank you for entrusting us with the education and development of your children. Your involvement and partnership are crucial to our mission. I look forward to working closely with you to ensure we meet our students' needs and help them reach their full potential.

I am excited about the future we will build together. I heartily welcome your conversation and positive input throughout this year. Let us always keep our students the primary focus of our work and let us strive for excellence, support one another, and continue the great things that are happening at Osceola Middle School.. I look forward to celebrating our collective successes during the 2024-2025 school year.

Sincerely,

Mrs. R. Johnson

Principal

If student is absent from school, absent note should be turned into Guidance Dept upon return to school. If note is not submitted, the absence will be noted as unexcused. We encourage students to email their teachers for any assignments or missing work that needs to be addressed.

Also, absent note from parent or Physician is needed for early check-outs and tardies.

If student fails to abide to cell phone rules, the cell phone may be

confiscated for parent to pick up.

No exceptions.

The Marion County School District does not discriminate on the basis of race (including antisemitism), ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability (including HIV, AIDS, or sickle cell trait), pregnancy, religion, marital status, age (except as authorized by law), military status, ancestry, or genetic information, which are classes protected by State and/or Federal law (collectively, "protected classes") in its educational programs, services or activities, or in its hiring or employment practices as required by Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, Age Discrimination Act of 1967, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Florida Educational Equity Act of 1984. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission or participation. The District also provides equal access to its facilities to the Boy Scouts and other patriotic youth groups, as required by the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act.

Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination which is against the law and School Board Policies 1362, 2266, 3362, 4362, and 5517. The District will not tolerate sexual harassment activity by any of its members of the school district community, including students, employees, and third parties pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX Rules and Regulations.

Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding discrimination or harassment may be sent to the below designated personnel at 1614 E. Fort King Street, Ocala, FL 34471. Retaliation against an individual who files a report is also prohibited.

ADA, Title IX, and Equity Compliance: Dawana Gary, Ed.S., Director, Equity and Compliance Phone: (352) 671-7711; Email address: dawana.gary@marion.k12.fl.us

Section 504 Compliance: Anna Williams-Jones, M.A.Ed., Director, Exceptional Student Education Phone: (352) 671-6832; Email address: anna.williams-jones@marion.k12.fl.us

Student Title IX Complaints: Ann Hembrook, Ed.D., Sr. Executive Director, Student Pathways Phone: (352) 236-0562; Email address: ann.hembrook@marion.k12.fl.us