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Academics
Academics
Orange County Public Schools is committed to ensuring every student graduates prepared and inspired for a thriving future. We empower students with a superior academic experience, essential life skills, and boundless opportunities.
On this page, you’ll find information about what our school offers to help lead all of our students to success.
Subject Areas
Electives
ELL
ESE
Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Physical Education
Performing and Fine Arts
English Language Learners
English for the Speakers of Other Languages
Odyssey Middle School offers English Speakers of Other languages (ESOL) services for students that English is not their primary home language. The ESOL program is designed to gain proficiency on English Language skills in the areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing while the students improve their overall academic performance. The goal is to have ELL students succeed in the regular classrooms, as well as meet or exceed the Florida Department of Education grade level content standards. The program is dynamic in that it relies upon ongoing modification and accommodations in order to meet the needs of the students while they develop the academic language. Implied within the program is the continued need to develop new strategies, to identify student activities and the necessary professional development for school personnel, and to use new resources to support children and families who require these services.
If you have any questions about the ODMS ESOL Department, please feel free to contact: Ms. Vijayakumar Ext. 522-2238
Exceptional Student Education
Odyssey Middle’s Exceptional Student Education Program serves students in many ways. Our goal is to provide students with the support they need in order to experience success. We offer support for students in all the core academic areas in either a co-taught classroom setting or in a Varying Exceptionalities class setting. Students are also part of a grade level team and participate in a variety of electives. Students that are in the Gifted Program will receive consultation services through their content area classes.
Staffing Specialist: Nichole Clark
#407-207-3850 x5222224
Email: nichole.clark@ocps.net
Assistant Principal of ESE: Gina Grant
#407-207-3850x5222317
Email: gina.grant@ocps.net
Language Arts and Math Departments
The Language Arts Department is full of reading, writing, and sharing. In each grade, each teacher is dedicated to the education of every child in reading and writing. At Odyssey, our teachers use research-driven reading and writing strategies to bring out the fullest potential in all students. Our curriculum progresses from one grade to another; each year becoming increasingly more challenging. We also offer an advanced language arts class which has a separate curriculum with an elevated academic rigor. It is expected that students will complete much of their reading assignments outside of class, which allows students to spend more time on critical thinking activities.
The Math Department at Odyssey provides every student with a unique opportunity to participate in exciting, motivating, hands-on math activities. These activities include everything from constructing buildings which enforce spatial reasoning to manipulating algebra tiles to solving quadratic equations.
The Department is very proud of its history of maintaining competitive scores on the FSA with both the county and the state. This is the result of a department that works and plans as one unit for the success of all students.
A spiral curriculum is utilized ensure when students reach 8th grade, they are applying math skills to everyday situations and problems. Cooperative problem-solving activities, at all grade levels, enable students to hone their skills necessary to survive in the real world. Odyssey offers a wide range of programs including Standard/Advanced Math at all levels, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Geometry.
Science and Social Studies Departments
The primary goal of the Science Department is to create a hands-on curriculum that meets both the needs of the students and the state benchmarks. Students portray the "typical" scientist. They create, brainstorm, experiment, build, dissect, observe, think, and record through their hands-on laboratories.
It is the goal of the Social Studies Department at Odyssey Middle School that all students acquire the habits necessary to become responsible citizens of our nation and the world.
The Social Studies Teachers at Odyssey Middle School continuously encourage active learning among our students. Our students will be involved learners and we will challenge them to understand the significance of the past and its influence on the present. The students will also read various types of information in order to support reading through Language Arts Classes.
Physical Education
The Odyssey Physical/Wellness Education Department is very excited that your son/daughter is in our class this year. We have a very progressive and innovative curriculum planned for them that will not only challenge them physically but mentally as well. Our state-of-the-art facilities and approach to a healthier body will be part of their daily routine for the entire year. Before we start we need to tell you our expectations and help you understand our policies and procedures.
Students in PE are required to wear a uniform while participating in class. The uniform is a light gray t-shirt and a navy blue pair of shorts. Students are also required to wear white socks, and a pair of rubber-sole, non-marking shoes (No Boots) to class.
Students will be given a locker to use for class. There will be a $10 fee for a lost or misplaced lock. Students should lock up all valuables while in class.
Physical Education Announcements:
Physical Education Uniforms will be available for purchase all year long through school pay. The cost for the P.E. uniform is $20 for the set or $10 for each piece. If purchased through school pay, students will simply need to show the receipt for proof of purchase to any coach for their uniform items.
We strongly encourage purchasing the uniform, but as long as students bring appropriate clothes to dress into, that is okay.
ART
2D Studio Art :
Through this course students will come away with a broader understanding of the arts. This is a discipline-based art curriculum that will include learning about art history and art appreciation in relation to the artwork students create. Furthermore, the curriculum includes educating students about the elements of art and the principles of design as they apply to their art making. This class will advance students’ abilities when discussing art and understanding art history, while encouraging students to be imaginative and creative!
3D Studio Art:
In this course, students will begin an exploration of the structural elements of art used when creating 3-dimensional forms. Students learn to examine the effects of attention to detail, size, position, overlapping, visual pattern, and texture, and these considerations as they are applied in artwork. Student artists use an art criticism process to evaluate, explain, and measure artistic growth. This class will advance students’ abilities when discussing art and understanding art history, while encouraging students to be inventive and innovative!
CHORUS
Odyssey Singers
Odyssey Singers is the Advanced Treble Ensemble and is comprised of 7th - 8th grade female voices who have been in chorus 1-2 years prior and have accomplished all the skills necessary for an advanced ensemble. The chorus will study and perform a variety of advanced treble choral repertoire that represents many genres and styles of music. Odyssey Singers will be expected to represent the school through
community performances and at MPA.
The Serenading Dragons
The Serenading Dragons are comprised of 7th – 8th grade male voices from all backgrounds. No audition is required to join this choir. The chorus will study and perform a variety of choral repertoire that represents many genres and styles of music. There will also be many opportunities to share music with our Odyssey Middle School Community.
Golden Voices
Golden Voices are comprised of 7th – 8th grade female voices from all backgrounds. No audition is required to join this choir. The chorus
will study and perform a variety of choral repertoire that represents many genres and styles of music. There will also be opportunities to share music with our Odyssey Middle School Community.
Champion’s Chorale
Champion Chorale is comprised of 6th grade female voices and there is no required audition to join. Through a variety of fun and meaningful
pieces, students will learn fundamental vocal technique, ensemble skills, basic music literacy, and ear training through the preparation and performance of avariety of appropriate repertoire.
Navy Notes
Navy Notes is comprised of 6th grade male voices and there is no required audition to join. Through a variety of fun and meaningful
pieces, students will learn fundamental vocal technique, ensemble skills, basic music literacy, and ear training through the preparation and performance of a variety of appropriate repertoire.
Theatre Arts
Odyssey offers courses that explore the Theatre Arts. All classes may require a materials donation and participation as an audience member, crew, or actor in a show.
Theatre I
Theatre I is an introduction to Theatre Arts. It explores improvisation, acting, pantomime, and an introduction to Technical Theatre. Students may also have the opportunity to learn puppetry or circus arts skills in class.
Theatre II
Theatre II is a continuation of Theatre I, furthering student knowledge in performance and technical theatre skills. Students will also be introduced to Theatre History and will study in depth a classic work from William Shakespeare.