

Odyssey Observer
Volume VIII | April 2025
A Message from Principal Ninah
Dearest Dragon Families,
We've cherished numerous memorable moments of LEADing and LEARNing throughout this third quarter, beautifully captured in the snapshots featured in this issue of the Odyssey Observer. As we aim to conclude the 2024-2025 school year on a high note, we seek your continued partnership to ensure your Dragon consistently puts forth their best effort in both academic and behavioral excellence.
π² Championship Games (End-of-Year Testing)
Our end-of-year testing is just around the corner, and we are striving to come out as champions! This is a crucial time for our students to showcase their hard work and dedication. Let's encourage them to give their best effort and finish strong. See our testing schedule below.
π Attendance is Critical
Attendance is vital during this period of review and preparation for our Championship Games (testing). Please make every effort to schedule doctor's appointments and other commitments after school hours. Every day counts, and we want our students to be fully prepared.
πHow to Best Prepare for Testing
To help your child succeed, ensure they get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time. Students should come to school equipped with essential tools, including a fully charged device and charger, to ensure they are ready for learning each day, including testing days. Reviewing study materials and practicing test-taking strategies can also make a big difference. Let's work together to support our students in achieving their best.
π Super Bowl Bash
We are excited to announce our Super Bowl Bash, a mega field day event reward for our students' hard work throughout the year. It's going to be a fun-filled day with various activities and games. We can't wait to celebrate their achievements! See event details below, including eligibility criteria and an opportunity to volunteer.
π° Foundation Fund Donations
Consider donating to our Foundation Fund to support school programs and initiatives. Your contributions make a significant impact on our students' educational experiences. Additionally, you can help us raise funds by depositing items in our recycling bin. Every little bit helps! See the link to our schoolβs Foundation page below.
π ODMS families are invited to join me for "Coffee Convos with Principal Ninah" (RSVP - here) this Wednesday, April 2nd (9:30 - 10:30 a.m.).
π€ We invite families to join our last School Advisory Council (SAC) meeting of the school year at 5:00 p.m., followed by our Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8th. Both meetings will be held at the McDonaldβs located at 5785 S. Econlockhatchee Trail (across from the school by the Wawa). We hope to see you there!
As a reminder, follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) for updates and events.
π» Social Media Links
Odyssey Middle School (ODMS) Website - https://odysseyms.ocps.net/
ODMS Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/odysseyms/
ODMS Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/odysseymiddle_dragons/
ODMS Twitter - https://twitter.com/OdysseyMS_OCPS
Thank you for your commitment to student success and for empowering our Dragons! We are Odyssey! We empower, endeavor, and excel. π²ππ
In Leadership and Service,
Your Proud Principal, Ms. Ninah π
βIndividuals play the game, but teams win championships.β John Maxwell
You're invited!
Please RSVP by April 1st!
OCPS Vision
To ensure that every student has a promising and successful future
OCPS Mission
With the support of families and the community, we create enriching and diverse pathways that lead our students to success
ODMS Mantra
We are Odyssey! We empower, endeavor, and excel.
Principal, Charisse M. Ninah, charisse.ninah@ocps.net
Assistant Principal, Gina Grant, gina.grant@ocps.net
Assistant Principal, Sean Roper, sean.roper@ocps.net
Instructional Coach/Testing, natalie.kitts@ocps.net
Literacy Coach/ESOL Compliance Specialist, hema.vijayakumar@ocps.net
School Counselor (Grades 6 & 7 A-L), daylin.saavedra@ocps.net
School Counselor (Grades 8 & 7 M-Z), lucia.aloyo-cruz@ocps.net
Media Specialist, tracy.finnin@ocps.net
Staffing Specialist, nichole.clark@ocps.net
S.A.F.E. Coordinator, dalia.alarnick@ocps.net
Dean (Grades 8 & 7 M-Z), javier.maldonado@ocps.net
April 01 B.E.S.T. Writing Assessment | Grades 6, 7, 8
April 02 Paraprofessionals (and Program Assistants) Day | You rock! π
April 02 Coffee Convos with Principal Ninah | 9:30-10:30a.m. | Media Center - RSVP today!
April 04 Astro Skate Night/6-8 p.m. and Junior Achievement Field Trip (8th Grade)
April 7-11 Assistant Principals Week | We π You, Ms. Grant & Mr. Roper!
April 08 McDonald's Spirit Night 4-8 p.m./Econ Location (across from the school)
April 08 SAC (5:00 p.m.)/ PTSA (5:30 p.m.) | Location: McDonald's Econ Location (near Wawa)
April 22 Dairy Queen Spirit Night with the ODMS Band/5:30-8:00 p.m.
April 23 Administrative Professionals Day | We π our Front Office Team!
April 25 and 26 Addams Family Play by our Drama Dragons (see flyer below)
Dear Dragon Families,
Iβd like to remind you that the OCPS Stakeholder Survey is happening now and will end Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Your input is valuable to us, so we ask that you please answer 2 questions about your satisfaction with our school as well as providing your opinions on ThoughtExchange. It will take approximately two minutes, and is available in multiple languages.
Your personal responses will never be shared with anyone, so please provide honest, thoughtful feedback. Your responses will only be reported in combination with other employeesβ responses. The results will be used as we work to ensure our school aligns with our core values.
It can be completed using any electronic device with internet access by clicking on the anonymous link, https://bit.ly/FamiliesSpring25, or using the QR code below with your mobile phone. You will receive reminder emails during the survey dates.
Families with children at more than one school will see survey questions for each school. If you have multiple children at the same school, you should think about the experiences of your older child in that school.
For additional questions or information, please email Ms. Gina Grant at gina.grant@ocps.net.
We thank you for your time.
Thank you for being a wonderful support to our teachers and students!
Ms. Manna - ESE Para
Ms. Pagan - ELL Para
Mr. Robinson - ESE Program Assistant
Ms. Rosario - ESE Para
Mr. Santos - ESE Para
Thank you for being our ray of sunshine at Odyssey Middle! We π you!
Ms. Cabrera - School Health Assistant
Ms. Dergosits - Bookkeeper
Ms. Guzman - Registrar
Ms. Rodriguez - Front Office Clerk
Ms. Santos - Secretary
Ms. Troche - Attendance Clerk
Students Log Reading Minutes via Launchpad > Beanstack
Follow us on social media: Instagram - @odysseymiddleschoolptsa; Facebook - ODMS PTSA
π» Email: odysseyptsaorlando@gmail.com
π Shop + Become a PTSA Member: https://odmsdragons.memberhub.com/store
Follow us on social media: Instagram - @odysseymiddleschoolptsa; Facebook - ODMS PTSA
π» Email: odysseyptsaorlando@gmail.com
π Shop + Become a PTSA Member: https://odmsdragons.memberhub.com/store
Let's Raise Some Dough!
Helps Us Celebrate our 8th Grade Dragons!
Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
Become a PTSA Volunteer
You're invited to our SAC and PTSA meetings!
π Date: Tuesday, April 8th
β²οΈ Time: 5:00 p.m. (SAC) | 5:30 p.m. (PTSA)
π« Location: Media Center
We are excited to reward our students with an end-of-year mega field day event (Super Bowl Bash). This day will be a fun-filled field day experience with inflatables, music, dunk tanks, obstacle courses, and more. An invitation to participate in this event will be based on the following criteria: 1) making gains or maintaining proficiency on the F.A.S.T. assessment, 2) completing all work in all classes during the 4th quarter, 3) demonstrating consistent positive behavior (no referrals) during the 4th quarter. Would you like to help us celebrate by volunteering to monitor stations on this day? If so, please complete this Super Bowl Bash Volunteer Form.
π’ Free AM & PM Tutoring Available - Register Your Dragon Today! π’
Dragon families, we are currently offering math morning tutoring sessions (see image for details).
Additionally, we are offering afternoon tutoring sessions for various content areas through
All Stars. Afternoon tutoring sessions through All Stars will be provided by our very own teachers. Your child must be registered for All Stars to take advantage of this FREE after school tutoring opportunity. Scan the QR code to register your child.
Thank you for supporting your child in this endeavor!
All Stars Program
After School Offerings
Support our ODMS Student-athletes! β½πππ₯
The (cash only) admission for home games is $5 per adult and $2 per student. Please visit our athletics page on our school website for important information, including game schedules: https://odysseyms.ocps.net/athletics. If you have additional questions, email our Athletic Director, Coach Loristin (fabiola.loristin@ocps.net).
2024-2025 Dragon Athletics Schedule
Sports Physical Procedure
Support our Work to Lead our Dragons to Success
Thank you for investing in the life-changing initiatives taking place at Odyssey Middle School. We appreciate your contribution to our mission of ensuring that every student has a promising and successful future. Please share with parents, community members, Facebook friends.
1. School Fund: π± Click here to donate to the Odyssey Fund
2. Recycling Bin: You can also help Odyssey Middle by donating used clothing and shoes. We earn cash for every pound of clothing donated.
π Our Dynamic Dragon, Aiden W., makes it to Nationals π
Justin J. was the winner of a gift card for logging his Beanstack Minutes π
Ms. Santos | HERO Support Person for ODMS π
Ms. Flanagan wins a grant to purchase new instruments for the band programπ΅
Our DIT students looking good for their field trip π»
8th graders who will attend University High School were able to visit the campus
π Student focus group | Topic: School Lunches π
π² EmPOWER Hour for March π²
ππ»ββοΈFirst Home Track Meet of the Season ππ»ββοΈ
8th grade ELA students enjoyed a guest speaker from the Holocaust Center
Alesandra F.'s book report on "Night" by Elie Wiesel, was chosen to be displayed at the Holocaust Center.
Jessieris D.'s book report on "Diary of Anne Frank", was chosen to be displayed at the Holocaust Center.
Ms. Reynaldo & Mr. O'Neill from the Holocaust Center, with Jessieris and Alesandra, whose reports will be displayed at the Holocaust Center
Stay connected!
Opt in for text messages from the district and our school.
OCPS & ODMS Text Messages
TalkingPoints
2024-2025 OCPS School Calendar
OCPS Severe Weather Makeup Days
OCPS Vision | To ensure that every student has a promising and successful future
OCPS Mission | With the support of families and the community, we create enriching and diverse pathways to lead our students to success
ODMS Mantra | We are Odyssey! We empower, endeavor, and excel.