Howard Beat Newsletter Sections - Home - Howard Ms
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February 7, 2021 Check out and “Like” the Official Howard Facebook page to see posts on the many activities taking place at Howard. Bookmark the Howard Web Page to keep up to date on the school calendar and other important information. Follow us on Instagram! Howard Beat Newsletter Sections Howard News and Updates Howard Supporters/Partners in Education Artists of the Week Virtual Clubs Instagram:hmsacaarts Howard Web Page Howard Haven Howard Facebook Page
Transcript of Howard Beat Newsletter Sections - Home - Howard Ms
February 7, 2021
Check out and “Like” the Official Howard Facebook page to see posts on the many activities taking place at Howard. Bookmark the Howard Web Page to keep up to date on the school calendar and other important information. Follow us on Instagram!
Howard Beat Newsletter Sections Howard News and Updates
Howard Supporters/Partners in Education Artists of the Week
Virtual Clubs
Instagram:hmsacaarts
Howard Web Page
Howard Haven
Howard Facebook Page
Progress Report 3-New
Progress Report 3 will be available on Thursday, February 11 and will be viewable on Skyward. Face to Face students will receive a copy during class.
Top Talent 2021-New The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools proudly announces Top Talent 2021 (click the event title to see more)! This extraordinary event showcases students’ amazing abilities in the visual and performing arts! Proceeds will benefit the Foundation and provide arts enrichment for students experiencing poverty or homelessness. If you know a student who is a singer, dancer, comedian, visual artist, or has another talent, this is the time to let them shine! Visit www.foundationforocps.org to submit an application today! Applications, including a link to the student’s audition video, must be received by Friday, February 19, 2021. A selection panel will choose visual and performing arts finalists by March 5. Performing arts finalists will participate onstage for a virtual “LIVE” event on Friday, May 7, at 6 p.m. Visual arts finalists will also appear in interview segments. A panel of celebrity judges will choose the winners at this event. ALL winning students AND their schools receive cash prizes – at least $6,000 will be awarded. Once the finalists are selected for the show, everyone can vote for their Fan Favorite performers and visual artists before and during the event! Please follow us on Facebook at Foundation for Orange County Public Schools and on Twitter @Fdn4OCPS to get all the event updates. Don’t delay! Apply today at www.FoundationforOCPS.org!
HMS Drive-By Picture Day RETAKE Sign-up-Tuesday, 2/16/2021-New
Link to Signup for LaunchED students
Students may only take retakes if (this applies to LaunchED or F2F):
#1- They were absent for the original picture day
#2- They purchased pictures from the original picture day, and do not like them (bring packet with them and give to photographer).
#3- They purchase pictures for retakes- purchase HERE We are ID: EVTK3BC44
Please Keep in mind of the following:
- It is very important that you stay within your slot as much as possible to maintain safety guidelines and social distancing practices.
-Do not sign up slots for any students you are not personally bringing. -Do not sign up for more than one slot for each child (this is imperative for our counts) -If you are flexible with your arrival hours, please either wait to sign up (though time frames are limited, there are more than enough total slots for all Launch ED students). -If you must change your time slot, or cannot come, please make sure to fix that accordingly. There will be HMS approved adults in place to help guide students/families through these steps: Families will drive up to the back of the school (Jefferson Street) and there will be signs, keeping vehicles in a single file line.
● All adults must stay in their vehicles. ● Students will exit the vehicle when directed to (with a mask on) and head towards the ramp
on the cafeteria side along the back of the school. ● They will wait in line maintaining 6 feet per child. ● Once they enter, they may remove their mask when the photographer has cleared them to. ● After the photo is taken, they must put the mask back on, and follow the exit route directions
and get right back into their vehicles (we will have sanitizers on the way out for their use if they choose).
● Once back on vehicles, please exit expeditiously from Jefferson St. onto Summerlin or the closest adjacent street.
Purchase your Picture Day Photos HERE
We are ID: EVTK3BC44
Something exciting is happening at Howard!-New Something involving this yucky wall! The Howard Foundation and local arts community is looking to bring some beauty to our school. Get involved and donate to this exciting project. Watch the Howard Beat for more details and progress.
DONATE HERE https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mural-art-the-artification-of-howard-a-virtual-fundraiser-tickets-139978681003
Follow the Progress Instagram @HowardMiddleSchoolFoundation Facebook @HowardMiddleSchoolFoundation https://hmsfoundation.net/
Message from SAFE Office-New Just a reminder Thursday February 18th will be the 4th mental health school wide
lesson. It will cover substance abuse prevention and suicide awareness/prevention. If you do not want your student to participate please sign the opt out form and return it to the front desk or send to [email protected] Opt Out Parent Form The SAFE office
8th Graders! Youth Preparedness Council Recruitment-New
It is that time of year again when FEMA is recruiting young leaders for our national Youth Preparedness Council (YPC)! Students in 8th through 11th grade from communities across the Southeast may now apply for FEMA’s national YPC. The Council provides an opportunity for young leaders to share their perspectives, feedback and opinions related to disaster preparedness with FEMA and grow their leadership skills.
Interested teens may apply online at community.fema.gov/ApplytoYPC. Youth who apply must submit a completed written or video application, two letters of recommendation, academic records, and a list of extracurricular activities. All applications and supporting materials must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. PST, on March 7. Students who apply for the national YPC also will be considered for Region IV’s YPC.
University High School Performing Fine Arts Magnet Program -New
Visit: tinyurl.com/uhs-magnet to learn more. To apply visit http://schoolchoicemagnet.ocps.net/ The application window closes February 15, 2021
Interested in Checking Out Library Books?-New
If you are interested in checking out library books please follow these steps:
1) Go to your launchpad and look for the Library Research Tools folder.
2) Go to Follett Destiny 3) Search for the book you would like and click on the book. 4) Find the HOLD key! 5) Wait for Mrs. Douglas to HOLD the book for you! :)
There are many eBooks available for students who are at home. If you are a LaunchEd student and you would like to put a book on HOLD, you can too! Mrs. Douglas will hold those books in the media center for you. Students can let their language arts teacher know if they have a book reserved in order to arrange a time to pick the book up in the media center.
Please contact Mrs. Douglas at [email protected] if you have any questions.
A Message from the Media Center-New Device Refusal Form The district requires that each family formally refuse a district to ensure we have adequate resources for all students using the Device Refusal Form. The Device Refusal Form is available in the Online Forms modules in Skyward Family Access. All devices brought from home must be registered prior to use on the OCPS network. The Device Refusal Form has a section which allows families to provide the details of the device they are requesting to use instead of the district provided device. Once completed, the Device Refusal Form will be kept on file in Skyward for your child for one school year. The Device Refusal Form is accessible by school staff to confirm registration. Click here to view Section B. Online in the Skyward User Guide for directions on how to complete
the Device Refusal Form.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Option The LaunchED Digital Learning program provided one device for every child in Orange County Public Schools. However, the district acknowledges the parents right to refuse the use a district provided device. As a result, OCPS Board Policy on Digital Learning (IHAR) allows for the Bring Your Own Device option in schools. What is BYOD? For BYOD, a "device" is a privately owned laptop, notebook, or tablet computing device that meets district specifications. For the purposes of this program, the term "device" also includes any similar owned by OCPS that is provided for student use when a student is not able to bring one from home. How do I BYOD?
1. Decide to refuse a district device and complete the Device Refusal Form. See the tab below for more details.
2. Review the BYOD Buying Guide below to ensure the device you are considering meets district specifications.
3. Install the district provided LanSchool App Package below before bringing the device on campus.
4. Login to the Chrome browser and Google Drive with the OCPS student email address before bringing the device on campus. The OCPS student email address is [email protected]. Student passwords can be reset by contacting the school.
5. Check in with the school TSR on the first day the device is brought on campus to ensure that it is properly connected to the OCPS network and that LanSchool is installed properly.
Intramural Sports Update
Our rosters are currently full for both intramural soccer and volleyball. If you have interest in basketball or track, both of those sports will start during the 4th nine weeks. Please submit your physical packets for basketball and track no later than Thursday March 11 to be eligible. The physical packet can be located on the front page of our school website. If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Wallen – [email protected]
Van Gogh Sunflower Collaborative Artwork Unveiled Howard students, faculty, staff, parents, School Board members, and other members in the community including several Elementary Schools came together to create sunflower drawings as an homage to Vincent Van Gogh. This project was started during the Thanksgiving holiday as the sunflower represented gratitude to Van Gogh. We are thrilled to unveil this beautiful collaboration! Even during a very difficult time in our world we can still be thankful for the good things in our lives and for the beauty around us. We hope you enjoy this artwork and are grateful for our creative community. This work is printed on a large canvas displayed at our front desk and we are in the process of combining the original drawings submitted into a mural at the school.
Important Testing Information Howard Students, As we prepare for the testing season, please be sure to have the following with you at all times: a charged laptop/school device, your charger, and a pair of headphones/earbuds. The school is limited on shared headphones for students. Amazon, Target, and Walmart sell headphones at an inexpensive rate. Thanks, Howard Admin Team Wanna see your own photos in the yearbook?
Maybe you can’t pack the stands, but you can still show school spirit! Help us capture every memorable moment of your year. Snap a photo, or share one you have already taken and send it to us: Go to HJeShare.com, use the code HMSPics Support your yearbook by sharing your stories. Make sure you’re included! Go take some pix. eShare them with us.
This week, we are working on the following topics:
● Kids in motion ● Craziest LaunchED learning space
8th Graders Zoned for Boone
8th graders ZONED for Boone HS, please use this link to sign up for your 9th grade classes, now:
https://sites.google.com/ocps.net/bhscourse
8th graders interested in Boone’s magnet programs, check out this link and also their virtual open house.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J63kZeRPDCY#action=share
8th Graders Zoned for Winter Park HS This is ONLY for students ZONED for Winter Park High School, and is also for students who may be interested in their IB Programme. Follow link for information. Deadline to register (if interested) is January 29th. https://winterparkhs.ocps.net/UserFiles/Servers/Server_86100/File/Academics%20and%20Curriculum/IB/IB%20Info%20Night%20Dec%202019-20.pdf https://winterparkhs.ocps.net/academics/international_baccalaureate/wphs_ib_programme_application
Dr. Phillips HS- Center for International Studies Magnet Applications
All 8th graders: Dr. Phillips HS is taking applications for its Center for International Studies magnet. This is a special Advanced Placement Curriculum. Students from this program had a 100% college acceptance rate. See their informational webpage: https://tinyurl.com/ciswebpage
A message from the SAFE office This year OCPS is focusing on Social Emotional Learning. January we will focus on Self-Awareness: 1.Self-awareness: The abilities to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts Self-awareness Video Lesson from PBS Virtual Winter Art Show We are excited to announce our Intermediate and Advanced 2DArt students have created a Winter Art Exhibition. All work shown was created during the 2nd quarter of this year. Please take a moment to check out their amazing work that is displayed on the Howard Haven at: https://sites.google.com/view/howardhaven/visual-arts/winter-2020-art-show
Collaborative Flower Garden Mural Intermediate and Advanced art students have been working hard to develop their drawing skills using oil pastels to create complex colors, color gradations, and value changes. Check out their final mural project for the 2nd 9 weeks recycling an old door headed to a landfill!
Howard Literary and Art Magazine We are thrilled to share the Winter 2020 VOICE Literary and Art Magazine with the Howard community! We will be printing this magazine in late January but are publishing this online version now. This was a collaboration between art students and Ms. Hoffman’s Creative Writing class. It will be the 3rd printed issue of VOICE and is called “Breathe.” Click the HERE to take a look inside!
Florida 4-H Speech Contest Information Updated TOPIC: “A time when volunteers made a difference” Students who signed up to participate in the Speech Contest were invited to a Canvas course on January 28th.The course includes requirements and resources. Students will submit a video recording of their speech in the Canvas course and a panel of 3 judges will score the submission according
to the provided rubric. Video submissions are due by Wednesday, February 10th at 4:00pm. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers will be announced on Friday, February 26th. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
A note from the SAFE Office
This school year has been stressful for many, especially due to the pandemic. Please feel free to utilize and share this awesome Virtual Calming Room resource. Let’s enjoy the break while staying physically and mentally safe.
Virtual Calm Room
Attention 8th Graders! The OCPS Virtual H.S. Magnet Fair is Open!
Click Here to attend the Virtual OCPS High School Magnet Fair. The application window to apply for a High School magnet program is now open and the deadline to apply is February 15, 2021.
To apply for a H.S. magnet program for the 2021-2022 school year please visit the School Choice Services website: www.schoolchoice.ocps.net.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2021
Student Online Safety
Parents- Keeping our students safe online is very important. Please watch this short 2 minute video on how to keep our kids safe online. You can view the video by clicking here.
Be A Part of the Howard 2020-2021 Yearbook with
your #virtuallife “Academic” picture submissions What we are looking for: ★ Pictures, Selfies, Screenshots of you:
○ In class working on assignments ○ Doing labs and hands-on activities from home
(recruit family members to help!) ○ Photos of you at your set up “virtual
workstation” at home ★ Must be appropriate ★ Must be high quality (clear) photos
How to submit: ★ Go to the “Howard Student Resources Page” ★ Click on: Modules ★ Go to the Yearbook #virtuallife Academics Photo Submission Module
Then upload as many photos as you want, as often as you want!
News from Howard Middle’s Cafeteria
Face to Face
Breakfast is served M-F starting at 8:40 for all-stars and continuing till 9:30 for all students.
Lunch is served normal times, and we are continuing a 2-week menu rotation. Snack is served alongside supper each day, and now has the availability to be delivered to school-based programs if and when they return in person. Supper is served alongside snack each day, and now has the availability to be delivered to school-based programs if and when they return in person. A frozen Supper is also given daily to students leaving campus after final bell.
Weekend Meals for Breakfast and Lunch are given Friday after last bell in 2 spots where the students are exiting. We have not been given Weekend Snack and Supper availability.
Launch Ed
7 Days of Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, Supper are given out Mondays from 4:30PM-6PM.
USDA Waiver extended until next school year, meaning all meals are now at no charge to any child 18 years or younger. for the entire school year.
All students should complete the Code of Conduct Review located on the HMS Code of Student Conduct canvas course (by grade level).
A Message from HMS Tech Department If anyone is currently using a personal device and happens to have an OCPS device checked out that you no longer need, please feel free to contact our front office to return your device. We currently do not have any devices to swap out for students who are needing repairs, and we are still waiting for damaged devices to be retrieved. Thank you for your patience. We will follow up on Tech Requests as soon as we receive any news or updates!
Parents please complete the Emergency School Form!
Parents it is that time of year again!!! Please click the link below in order to complete the emergency school form for this school year 2020 – 2021. Please complete this as soon as possible so that our records can be updated.
Please note if you have more than one student who attends our school you will need to complete two forms!!
Thank you! HMS Emergency School Form
McKinney-Vento Program
A quick reminder that families must apply to the Mckinney-Vento Program each year even if you were already a part of it the previous year. If your family is eligible, please click this link for more information. MCKINNEY-VENTO PROGRAM The SAFE Office Tech Tip
Are you having technology issues? Submit a tech request at studenttechrequest.ocps.net You can also submit a tech request through your LaunchPad Dashboard.
Howard Email Support Do you have a question that you need answered and not sure who to call? Email [email protected] . We will gladly answer your question or direct you to the person who can.
Parent Resources
Click Here for popular student and parent links from OCPS for LaunchEd@Home!
Howard is lucky to have such generous community support. We would like to thank the following people, organizations, and businesses for all you have done to help make Howard such an amazing school! If you would like to become a Partner in Education with Howard please email [email protected].
Central Florida Community Arts Partnership Howard is thrilled to partner with CFCArts. Central Florida Community Arts exists to serve and build community through the arts. CFCArts is providing a series of workshops for Howard students to exercise their creative visual and performing arts skills.
More information about the various offerings available from Central Florida Community Arts, visit: https://cfcarts.com/ Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Partnership
Once again we are proud to announce Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is partnering with Howard to provide a series of Master Classes for our Orchestra and Band students. Each class will focus on a specific symphonic instrument.
More information about the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra including performance schedules, visit: https://orlandophil.org/
Downtown Baptist Orlando
Downtown Baptist Orlando is Howard’s Faith Based Partner In Education for 2020-2021. Thank you so much for your support of our students and school! https://dbo.church/
Congratulations to Howard artists for working hard to create stunning artwork! Like many things, it takes a lot of practice and hard work to create accomplished artwork. We’re proud of all our students for putting in
the practice time and perseverance to create great things!
Avery Moes, 8th grade
Howard Gay Straight Alliance (Virtual GSA)
The Howard Gay Straight Alliance will provide a social, fun, and safe place for LGBTQ+ students and their allies to support each other and discuss issues facing LGBTQ+ youth. The GSA will also provide educational events and activities for the school community to help create a safer and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ students. This club is open to ALL students including LGBTQ+ allies. Club Sponsor: Mr. McCracken ([email protected])
We will meet virtually once a month from 4:30-5:00 on the following dates. During our first meeting we will determine how students would like to proceed with the club agenda. Meeting Dates are now on third Tuesdays (except in March): 2/16, 4/20, 5/18
Baking Club
Baking Club is a success! If you want to bake along with us, please use this google form to sign up:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14947VzJJe-_rQBRDWQlr_AB9bW2Mj-XjrntEBDpa8Hs/edit Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, December 3rd at 5:00 pm, with a special Holiday-themed meeting on Thursday, December 10th at 5:00 pm. Join us for treats and lots of laughs!
Dumbledore’s Army (Virtual)
If you are a fan of the Harry Potter book and/or movie series, this is the club for you. This group meets the 1st Tuesday of every month from 4:15-5:00 in the Room of Requirement (virtually, of course) to dig deep into the books, movies, and fan theories. We will play Potter trivia, talk about favorite characters, (and ships!) meet fellow Potterheads, and make some new friends. Once we are ALL back F2F, we will also have a proper British high tea. Interested?
● Sponsor: Ms. Flores, [email protected] ● Meeting Day: 1st Tuesday of each month ● Meeting Time: 4:30-5:15 ● Meeting Link: Will be emailed to club members
Art Club (Virtual)
Are you interested in spending time each week just creating your own work in company with other students? In the virtual art club we focus our webcams on our artwork and take some time to create. You can see what other people are making and be inspired by their work. You can ask questions and get advice from the art teachers and even watch your art teachers spending time making their own work too! We will also provide an opportunity to create some collaborative virtual work together. Limited to 20 students. Showing your
artwork-in-progress on camera is required.
● Sponsors: Ms. R. Buckley ([email protected]) and Mr. McCracken ([email protected])
● Meeting Day: Every Tuesday ● Meeting Time: 4:30-5:00 ● Meeting Link: Will be emailed to club members
YA Fiction Book Club (Non-competitive, Virtual)
Join us to read and discuss some of the most popular bestselling novels in Young Adult fiction! We will be reading exciting titles from some of YA’s newest and best authors. We’ll meet once a month to discuss our monthly book choice and talk about topics that are important to you as young people. Come read and hang out with us!
● To sign up: Complete this Form ● Sponsor: Ms. Kilpatrick ([email protected]) ● Meeting Day: Second Tuesday of each month starting 9/15 ● Meeting Time: 5:00pm ● Meeting Link: Will be emailed to club members
Chess Club (Virtual)
Howard chess club is a virtual club using the ChessKid app for players of all skill levels where we will learn chess basics, chess strategies and play other students in games to practice our skills.
● To sign up: Email Mr. Westlynn ● Limited to: No limit ● Sponsor: Mr. Westlynn ([email protected]) ● Meeting Day: Thursdays ● Meeting Time: 4pm ● Chess club remind link: https://www.remind.com/join/mrwestlyn
Photography Club (Virtual)
You don’t need expensive cameras or dark room experience to be a photographer in the 21st century! If you want to improve your photography skills or try it out for the first time, come with whatever type of camera you have! We will also cover the digital skills needed to edit your photos and publish them on social media.
● All are welcome! You just need access to a phone camera or some other type of digital camera.
● Sponsor: Mr. Wille ([email protected]) ● Meeting Day: Monday, Beginning September 14th ● Meeting Time: 5:30PM until 6:30PM ● Meeting Link: Will be emailed to club members
Theatre Club (Virtual)
This virtual club was initially geared towards design and technology but has since expanded. Any students interested in theatre are welcome to join! Email Mr.Borish to be added to the Canvas course. Meetings will take place through BBB.
● Sponsor: Mr. Borish ([email protected]) ● Meeting Day: 1st Wednesday of every month ● Meeting Time: 4:30-5:15pm
Dungeons and Dragons Club for Adventurers!
This after school club will meet from 5-6:30 every other Tuesday online for adventure and shenanigans! In short, we will play Dungeons & Dragons and have entirely too much fun. Space is limited so sign up immediately if you are interested! All players will need a copy of the Dungeons and Dragons Player's Handbook 5th edition.
To sign up: EMAIL Mr. Norman ([email protected])
Battle of the Books Club (Competitive, Virtual until further notice)
If you enjoy reading and LOVE competition, The Battle of the Books club may be for you. At HMS, any student in 6th, 7th, or 8th grades may participate. Don’t worry if you have not started reading them yet! We will have our first meeting to discuss what BoB is and what you will need to do! Click on this link to the NEW SSS BOOKS we will be reading!
● Sponsor: Ms. Douglas ([email protected]) ● Meeting Day: Mondays starting September 14th! ● Meeting Time: For now (5:00-5:30) *we will make adjustments as needed ● Meeting Link: Will be emailed to club members
