Welcome to this week's edition of the Olympia High School Weekly Update. I am excited to share the latest happenings and updates from our school community to keep you informed and engaged. |
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Upcoming Testing- Monday 9/29 through Wednesday 10/1 we will be on an alternate bell schedule for PMAs. Students in Algebra 1, Biology, Geometry, and US History will take their Progress Monitoring Assessments during their scheduled block period. The SAT/PSAT School day is coming up! All 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students are automatically registered to take the PSAT and all 12th grade students are registered for the SAT. Testing is during the school day on October 9th. Students will be completing a digital readiness check next week to make sure they are prepared for testing.
Student Connectivity Day- Student Connectivity Day is happening on Thursday, October 3. Students will rotate through an interest-based expo during the school day to explore activities and opportunities that align with who they are and what they care about. After the expo, students will complete a short survey to share their interests and help us create meaningful ways for every student to feel connected. This day is about belonging, voice, and choice.
Cap and Gown Orders for Seniors- Students graduating in 2026 must order their cap and gown from Herff Jones. You can buy from their website HJProud.com, over the phone at (407) 647-4373, or in their store at 6416 Old Winter Garden Rd., Orlando, FL 32835.
National Honor Society- Over 275 new members were tapped this week and are looking forward to the Induction Ceremony on October 9.
Here’s what is happening at Olympia next week:
Monday, 9/29 (Modified Bell Schedule)
PMAs
Tuesday, 9/30 (Modified Bell Schedule)
PMAs
GVB v. LKBH 4:30-6:30 pm
Wednesday, 10/1 (Modified Bell Schedule)
PMAs
Thursday, 10/2
Friday, 10/3 (Modified Bell Schedule)
Spirit Day! Wear your Titan gear!
Student Connectivity Day
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10/7 SAC Meeting 6pm
10/9 PSAT/SAT School Day
10/9 NHS Induction
10/13 Teacher Work Day/ Student Holiday
10/17 Fall Sports Pep Rally
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Student Safety - Once students are on campus, they are required to stay on campus unless signed out by a parent or guardian. This is to ensure that all of our Olympia students are safe and supervised at all times.
Morning Student Drop Off - Cars must follow the designated traffic pattern when dropping off students in the morning. Please pull all the way forward to the front of the auditorium. Stopping at the curve causes unnecessary backups and delays in the drop-off line. Your cooperation helps keep our car line safe and efficient for everyone.
Student Parking - To ensure safety and maintain smooth traffic flow during morning drop-off, students are not permitted to back into parking spaces in the Junior lot. Backing in creates visibility issues and disrupts the drop-off process for families. All student drivers must pull forward into their parking spot and check for clear pathways before crossing.
Cell Phones & iPads/tablets & Headphones - From first to last bell, students may not use cell phones, iPads, tablets, smartwatches, earbuds, or headphones. Per OCPS policy, all devices must be silenced and stored in a backpack or purse for the entire school day, including during class changes and lunch. If a student is found using a device, they will be required to turn it in. After the first offense, progressive discipline will follow. For more information, visit www.ocps.net to view the Code of Student Conduct.
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We recognize that our students balance rigorous academic demands with intense extracurricular schedules. Your support at home is the most critical factor in their success. Here are key strategies from the Student Services Department on how you can help your Titan thrive, not just survive, this busy year.
1. Model, Don't Manage: Fostering Independence
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Establish a System, Not the Schedule: Help your student find the organizational tool that works for them (a digital calendar, a physical planner, or an app). Instead of dictating their schedule, sit with them weekly to look at the "big picture" of the week ahead—exams, projects, and practices—and ask, "What's your plan for this?"
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Encourage "Chunking": When a massive task looms (like a research paper), help them break it into three smaller, manageable steps with their own mini-deadlines. This prevents procrastination and overwhelm.
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The Power of Natural Consequences: While it’s tempting to swoop in, allowing them to experience the minor consequences of mismanaging time (like a lower grade on a late assignment) is a crucial way they learn accountability and self-correction.
2. Prioritize Rest and Downtime
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The Sleep Contract: In a world of over-scheduling, sleep is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Work with your Titan to set a consistent, non-negotiable bedtime, even on weekends (within reason). Encourage them to put devices away at least 30 minutes before bed.
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Schedule Unstructured Time: Help them block out time in their week for genuine "downtime"—activities done purely for enjoyment, not for a resume. This reduces stress and prevents burnout. A mind that is rested is a mind that focuses better.
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Be the Gatekeeper: Don't be afraid to help your student evaluate their commitments. If they are stressed and constantly exhausted, guide them through the process of deciding which activities they may need to temporarily set aside to restore balance.
3. Open Communication and Emotional Support
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Mind Your Opening Question: Instead of immediately asking, "What grade did you get on the test?" try starting with, "How was your day? Did you learn anything interesting?" This signals that their well-being and genuine learning matter more than just the metric of a grade.
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Validate the Stress: Acknowledge that their rigorous schedule is stressful. Phrases like, "It sounds like you have a lot on your plate, and that would be hard for anyone," can open the door for a productive conversation about coping.
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Connect Them to Resources: If you notice consistent signs of overwhelming stress, social withdrawal, or poor sleep, remind them that our Student Services Department is here. We offer academic support, counseling, and resources to help them navigate these demanding years. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure our Titans achieve their full potential while maintaining their health and well-being.
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This is a critical time for our Titans! We strongly encourage students to utilize our College and Career Resource Center (CCRC), their dedicated on-campus resource for all post-high school planning needs.
High-Stakes Testing: SAT & PSAT on October 9th
All Juniors and Seniors need to be finalizing their preparation for the upcoming School Day tests on Wednesday, October 9th.
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Seniors are taking the SAT: This is a crucial college admissions tool! Senior SAT scores are used by colleges for admission and scholarship consideration. With priority application deadlines for many Florida public universities looming on October 15th and November 1st, a competitive SAT score is vital to their applications.
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Juniors are taking the PSAT/NMSQT: This test is the only route to qualify for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. Achieving a high score on the PSAT/NMSQT as a Junior can lead to recognition and substantial scholarship opportunities, which significantly boosts their college profile and helps fund their education.
Please urge your student to take full-length practice tests and use CCRC resources to hone their skills over the next two weeks.
Crucial College Application Deadlines
Seniors must remember that time is running out. The CCRC is available to provide one-on-one application assistance, essay review, and financial aid guidance to help every Titan submit a high-quality application on time. Utilize this resource now to meet those fast-approaching deadlines!
Don't Miss the Career Fair!
Students across all grades are encouraged to attend our Career Fair on Monday, September 29th, during their lunch period. This is a great opportunity to explore various career paths, network with professionals, and gather insights that can inform their college majors and future plans.
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The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is more than just a test for military entry—it’s a comprehensive multiple-aptitude battery that serves as a powerful career exploration tool for all students.
What the ASVAB Does:
The test measures a student’s developed abilities in various areas, including verbal, math, science, and technical skills. After taking the test, each student receives a detailed score profile, which they can use with the ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP). This program helps students:
- Identify Strengths: Pinpoint specific academic and vocational aptitudes.
- Explore Careers: Match their unique skill set and interests to hundreds of civilian and military occupations.
- Plan Post-Graduation: Make informed decisions about college majors, technical training programs, or military service.
Important Note: Participation in this test is voluntary and comes with no commitment or obligation to the military. The primary goal is career readiness and self-discovery.
Who Needs to Take It?
We highly encourage all students in grades 10, 11, and 12 to take the ASVAB.
- For Career Planning: It is an invaluable, free resource for any student—regardless of their post-graduation path—who wants to clarify their career direction and understand their aptitudes.
- For Military Interest: Students interested in joining any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard) after graduation must take the ASVAB to determine their eligibility for service and to qualify for specific military job specialties.
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YEARBOOK PRICING - The early bird gets the best deal!
- Early Bird Price of $75 until November 15, 2025
- Special Price of $85 from November 16, 2025 to January 17, 2026
- End of Year Price of $95 until supplies run out
How to make your purchase:
- Go to the yearbook website: BuyTheYearbook.com
- Select the “Purchase Yearbooks” icon
- Fill out the form-Use student’s registered name
- Choose grade level
- There are two personalization options available
- Complete purchase and check out
YEARBOOK PERSONALIZATION - Make your book special!
- All personalization needs to be completed by January 17, 2026
- Add your name to the cover of the book for $10
- Add an icon to the cover of the book for $2 per icon
SENIOR PHOTOS – This is your last high school picture!
You must have your photo taken by DSP by November 15th to be included in the senior section of the yearbook.
How to book your session:
- Go online to http://www.dsp-photo.com/
- Choose “Studio Senior Portraits”
- Choose a date
- Book your photo session.
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Take your photo by November 15th
SENIOR YEARBOOK AD (while supplies last) - Create your own lasting memories!
All ads need to be completed in the Pictavo website by January 10, 2026.
You will receive an email link to create your ad after your purchase.
- Full Page Ad: $225
- Half Page Ad: $150
- Quarter Page Ad: $100
- Eighth Page Ad: $50
How to make your purchase:
- Go to the yearbook website: BuyTheYearbook.com
- Select the Buy Ads icon
- Choose and pay for your ad
- Follow emailed link to access design site
- Upload your pictures
- Design your ad
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