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- Wednesday December 1 through Friday 3 we will be on an alternate bell schedule for PMAs amd CFEs. Students in Algebra 1, Biology, Geometry, and US History will take their Progress Monitoring Assessments during their scheduled block period and students in semester courses will take their common final exams.
Angel Tree- Each year the PTSA collects gift cards for Olympia students for the holidays. Help us give students a special holiday by donating to our Angel Tree fund. You can donate on Square through their gift card drive, or you can drop off $20-$30 physical gift cards to the front office this month marked for the Angel Tree.All proceeds will go to our MVP students in need program through Olympia's SAFE office.
Spirit Wear- Wednesday, November 19th, PTSA will be in the courtyard during lunch selling spirit wear. Be sure to have your students stop by for hoodies, crewnecks, hats, and more!
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. Prices will increase February 1, so order yours today.
Here’s what is happening at Olympia next week:
Monday, 11/17
Girls Basketball v South Lake 6 pm
Tuesday, 11/18
FAFSA Workshop - 4pm - 6pm - Media Center
Boys Basketball v DPHS 4:30/5:30/7:30 pm
Boys Soccer v. BHS 6 pm
Wednesday 11/19
Thursday, 11/20
Senior Student/ Teacher Flip Day
Girls Basketball v. UHS 6 pm
Friday, 11/21
Spirit Day! Wear your Titan gear!
FAMU Educational Fair Field Trip
Boys Basketball v FHS 4:30/5:30/7:30 pm
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11/24-28 Thanksgiving Break
12/3-5 PMA/CFEs (Block Schedules)
12/16 Connectivity Day 2
12/18 Club Picture Day
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National Honor Society Tutoring- Students who need extra help with their classes can take advantage of after school tutoring provided by the National Honor Society. Tutoring will begin on Monday, November 10 in the Titan Café, located in the cafeteria. Sessions will be available Monday through Thursday immediately after school. No sign-up is required. Students are encouraged to attend and get the support they need to stay on track with their studies.
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.
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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As we approach the end of the first semester, it is critical for seniors to remain focused on maintaining stellar academic performance and attendance.
🎓 The Critical Importance of Mid-Year Grades & Rank
- Finalizing Class Rank: Remember that rankings for major distinctions like Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and Top 10 are based on a student's cumulative progress, which includes the final grades from the first semester of their 12th Grade Year. Every grade counts!
- Colleges Check Grades: Colleges and universities request Mid-Year Reports to ensure applicants are maintaining strong grades and consistent attendance after submitting their initial application. A significant drop in performance or attendance can impact admission decisions or lead to conditional acceptance being revoked.
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🗓️ CCRC Availability and FAFSA Help (Week of November 17th)
Monday, November 17th: CCRC is OPEN 3rd Period - Lunch and Afterschool until 3:00 p.m..
Tuesday, November 18th:
- CCRC - CLOSED 1st - 7th Preiod
- CCRC - Open Afterschool (2:20 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.) due to the Tech Expo Field Trip.
- FAFSA Help Session (Final November Session): 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. in the Media Center.
Wednesday, November 19th: CCRC is CLOSED 1st - 5th Period but OPEN 6th - 7th Period.
Thursday, November 20th: CCRC is CLOSED for Valencia College - Future Puma Day.
Friday, November 21st: CCRC is CLOSED.
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I. College Application Deadlines
- UCF Materials Deadline: November 15th
- Students who have applied to the University of Central Florida (UCF) must ensure all supporting materials (transcripts, test scores, etc.) are received by the university by this deadline.
II. Scholarship Deadlines
It is officially scholarship season! Students should be actively checking for new opportunities in Xello and at www.tinyurl.com/OHS-SL-25-26.
- November 15th Deadlines: The 10 Words or Less Scholarship and the Odenza Marketing Group scholarship are due.
- Upcoming December Deadlines:
- Ron Brown Scholarship (Dec 1)
- Science Ambassador (Dec 15)
- Burger King Foundation (Dec 15)
- Coolidge Scholarship (Dec 16)
- Jamaican Women of Florida (JWOF) Scholarship (Dec 31)
How to Access Scholarships
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Please make sure you are checking your EMAIL DAILY—both your OCPS Student Email and your Personal Email.
Please make sure you are adding your PLAN in Xello. Click on Plans at the top and complete your Plan for "What will you do after High School".
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From the Student Services Team
How your student talks to themselves about a challenge—a tough class, a missed opportunity, or a skill they're struggling to learn—makes all the difference. This self-talk is their Mindset.
A Fixed Mindset believes abilities are static ("I'm just not a math person"). A Growth Mindset believes abilities can be developed through hard work, effective strategies, and persistence ("I can't do it yet").
Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck calls the Growth Mindset the key to resilience and achievement. By focusing on the "I can learn" attitude, your student transforms obstacles into opportunities for brain growth.
Here are three ways you can actively help your high school student cultivate a powerful Growth Mindset:
1. Praise the Process, Not the Person
When you focus praise on innate talent, you tie their self-worth to a fixed trait. When you praise the effort and strategy, you encourage them to keep trying, even when the task gets difficult.
- Avoid: "You're so smart!" or "You're a natural." (Fixed mindset praise)
- Instead, praise the action: "I noticed how you stayed late to work through those practice problems. That persistence will make you successful." or "Your decision to ask your teacher for specific feedback was a great strategy for improving your next draft."
- Action Item: Focus 90% of your positive feedback on the effort, strategies, preparation, and focus your teen demonstrates.
2. Teach the Power of "Yet"
The simplest and most powerful tool for shifting mindset is the word "Yet." When your student says, "I can't do this," they are shutting down their learning. Encourage them to complete that sentence with a commitment to growth.
- The Scenario: Your teen says, "I can't get an A in Chemistry."
- The Growth Response: You ask, "What word is missing from the end of that sentence?" Encourage them to say, "I can't get an A in Chemistry yet."
- Action Item: When you hear fixed mindset language ("I'm terrible at this," "What's the point?"), gently interrupt and reframe the statement by adding "yet." This teaches them that their current ability is temporary and changeable.
3. Model Learning from Failure
Students with a Growth Mindset see mistakes as data—information on how to improve—not as a definition of their worth. Your reaction to failure (your own or theirs) is their greatest lesson.
- Embrace the term: Teach your student that FAIL stands for First Attempt In Learning.
- Support, Don't Rescue: If they miss a deadline or get a low grade, don't rush to fix it for them. Instead, help them brainstorm solutions: "What did you learn about your study habits from this test, and what is one new thing you'll try next time?"
- Action Item: Model this yourself. When you struggle with a new technology, a workout, or a recipe, talk about it openly: "I messed up that presentation, but now I know exactly what not to do next time. I’m going to practice that section again." Your vulnerability gives them permission to struggle and grow.
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For more news and information please visit the following links:
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YEARBOOK PRICING - The early bird gets the best deal!
- THIS SATURDAY, November 15th, is the last day for the $75 Early Bird Price
- 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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