Olympia High School, along with six other OCPS high schools, was presented with the FDOE Five Star School Award on Friday, November 11th. The award  was created by the Commissioner's Community Involvement Council and is presented annually to those schools that have shown evidence of exemplary community involvement. In order to earn Five Star School recognition, a school must show documentation that it has achieved 100 percent of the established criteria in the following categories. Schools must also earn a grade of "C" or above, or school improvement rating of "maintaining or improving" for the year of nomination.

• Business partnerships
• Family Involvement
• Volunteerism
• Student Community Service
• School Advisory Councils

Click here to find more information on the FDOE Five Star Award.

Olympia High School has a new classroom lab!  You might be thinking a new science lab or a new computer lab. No, it's a Life Skills Lab. In the following paragraphs and photos, we will explain what the Life Skills Lab is and the applied instructional practices.

The Life Skills Lab is a classroom completely designed as a home unit. This real-life style design gives us the opportunity to teach students with Intellectual Disabilities at Olympia High School how to become independent. This classroom has even been given an address: 416 Olympia Lane.

Earlier in the school year the teachers and staff of the Intellectual Disabled or IND unit were given the opportunity to design and purchase the items needed to create this classroom lab. Initial design focus was on selecting the materials necessary to teach the students to become self-sufficient as they transitioned from high school into the real world. Together the IND team worked to prepare the home layout, assemble furniture and decorate the room. Life applicable lessons began even before the lab was completed!
                        
The home has a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, dining room, living room and an office.   In the bedroom the students will learn how to make up a bed and keep their room clean. The living room will utilized to instruct such skills as vacuuming, dusting and keeping pillows fluffed. 
The kitchen and dining room, offer instruction to the students on meal planning, preparation, cooking, cleanup, setting a table, table manners. Laundry is another aspect.


The home office offers the students computer experience. For instance, the students are given instruction to complete online job application and other office jobs that could be placed on their resume.
Another aspect of the curriculum for students with Intellectual Disabilities include the Community Based Vocational Education (CBVE) program. This program offers students an off-campus environment to learn entry level jobs at actual work locations. Currently, the sites include Publix and OCPS Food & Nutritional services.   Students are supervised at these site by our Job Coaches, Mara Wilson and Michael White. Their duties include being a liaison between the students and the business, assisting students with job skills and holding students accountable for their job performance.

The Life Skills Lab held an Open House for Olympia High staff on November 16th.  This occasion afforded our students the opportunity to exercise their hosting skills which included welcoming guests, providing a guided tour through the home's rooms and describing the functional lessons for each area. Light refreshments were also prepared and offered by the student. The lessons and experiences offered to our students in the Life Skills Lab truly provide lifelong applications.

* Very special thanks and appreciation to Principal Swenson for his support and encouragement to help make our vision a reality!

The Olympia Engineering Club proudly presents its first annual Hoodies for the Homeless Fundraiser. This fundraiser will provide high quality Olympia Engineering Club hoodies for those in need of warm clothing but unable to afford it.

Engineering club students will solicit donations of $25.00 through networking with friends, family and neighbors. Each $25.00 donation will provide one high-quality hoodie to one person in need through a charitable organization such as Matthew's Hope Ministries. In addition to providing needed clothing, this fundraising activity provides students with valuable, real-world community service experience. 

Please CLICK HERE to donate online. Thank you for your support!

Healthy Holiday Eating Tips:
The holiday season is a time to celebrate with family and friends. Unfortunately, for many it also becomes a time for overeating and weight gain. Here are 5 healthy eating tips to keep you on track:

1. Be realistic. Don't try to lose pounds during the holidays, instead try to maintain your current weight.

2. Plan time for exercise. Exercise helps relieve holiday stress and prevent weight gain. A moderate and daily increase in exercise can help partially offset increased holiday eating. Try 10- or 15-minute brisk walks twice a day.

3. Don't skip meals. Before leaving for a party, eat a light snack like raw vegetables or a piece of fruit to curb your appetite. You will be less tempted to overindulge.

4. If you overeat at one meal go light on the next. It takes 500 calories per day (or 3,500 calories per week) above your normal/maintenance consumption to gain one pound. It is impossible to gain weight from one piece of pie!

5. Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. Savor your favorite holiday treats while eating small portions. Sit down, get comfortable, and enjoy.

• The deadline is: Friday, January 13, 2017
• The pictures, contract and payment must be turned in.
• Payment plans are available.
• Order and pay at www.smart-pay.com or in Room 427.
• Contracts and other information regarding senior ads can be found on the OHS website 

If you are interested in purchasing a senior ad for your Class of 2017 graduate, please contact Mr. Cacciatore at michael.cacciatore@ocps.net
 
Contracts and other information regarding senior ads can be found on the high school's website.

YEARBOOKS:
SENIOR CAP AND GOWNS:     

Cap and Gown Price

• Cap and Gown Unit with Facility Fee $66.00*

If you are borrowing a Cap and Gown from someone who previously graduated the fee will be $46.00 which includes your tassel, Olympia Medallion and the Facility Fee
* The price will go up to $86.00 on January 1, 2017.

Contact Herff Jones at 407-647-4373 or www.herfforlando.com

Parents, the Olympia chapter of the National Honor Society will host our 7th Annual Rummage for Relay For Life on Saturday, March 11, 2017, from 8 AM to Noon in the Cafeteria. Please save your garage sale items for us.

Our Olympia family is always very generous in donating items such as treadmills, clothing, books, washer and dryers, kitchenware, etc. We can provide tax donation forms as well. NHS members will even pick up large items.  All proceeds are donated to the American Cancer Society. Contact Mrs. Bardoe or Mr. Connell for more information at 407.905.6408.

PTSA Giving Tree '16