Wednesday, November 3, 2021
AEHS Community Member,

There are certain objects or images that are universally recognized the world over as standing for something specific. In other words, when people see these objects or images, they immediately think the same or very similar thoughts because these things evoke such a strong unifying message. For example, when we see the Statue of Liberty, we think of freedom, opportunity, and the American dream. When we see the steps and pillars of the Supreme Court building, we think of law and justice. Objects and images like these are iconic – they clearly stand for something.
Ms. Smith counseling one of our outstanding students (Nov. 3, 2021).
What does Acceleration East High School stand for? My hope is that as people drive by Acceleration East High School, that the school will be universally recognized as standing for something extremely positive and significant. We want people living in the AEHS community and even beyond, to think one thing when they think of Acceleration East High School – EXCELLENCE! We strive for excellence every day and we want to be known for excellence. Excellence is defined as the quality of being outstanding. We measure Acceleration East High School by the high standard of being outstanding. We want to stand out from all other schools for all of the right reasons.
Ms. Melton providing feedback to a student in her intensive math class earlier today. Teachers like Ms. Melton who give students their very best every day are one of the reasons we hope the public comes to know AEHS as a school of excellence.
Some might say that this is a very big dream for Acceleration East to which I would reply if our dreams are easily attainable then our dreams our too small! A dream is only worthy of being called a dream when the pursuit of it pushes us to levels of commitment beyond our imagination, but the determination to achieve dreams enables us to push through to attain the unimaginable. If being the most outstanding school were easy, there would be one on every corner! However, there will be an excellent school at 2274 S. Semoran Blvd. Dream big with me Acceleration East and then let’s roll up our sleeves and work together to make our dream of making Acceleration East High School the best high school in OCPS a reality! These wonderful Acceleration East kids deserve it!

Douglas K. Loftus, M.S. Ed.
Principal
Student Debate
Students are debating about manned or unmanned space missions. Cost, safety, and practicality were brought forth for discussion.
These students took the position that manned space missions are not as viable vs. the unmanned alternative.
Students who are expressing their position about the benefits of manned space exploration.
Xie Tan is presenting the benefits of space flight.
Javier Williams is taking the position that space exploration should be done away with altogether.
Intensive Math with Ms. Melton
Above and immediately below: Students in Ms. Melton's intensive math class are doing a modified "gallery walk" by answering equations that are located on the walls around the classroom.
This is an example of an algebraic equation where the students have to justify if the answer is correct.
Mrs. Melton helping some of her math students this Wednesday morning.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Weekly Update
Need some fresh air? Smiling Mind’s psychologist Catherine Morey-Nase explains how an occasional hike in the great outdoors won’t only benefit your physical body, but also has significant benefits on our mental health.

Hiking in nature provides an opportunity to tune in — both to our own experience and to the world around us. While it can be easy to get lost in thought or daydreams while hiking, the simple practice of mindfulness can draw us more closely into our experience of the natural world.

Hiking outdoors can also deepen our connection with friends and family.
Hiking while enjoying great conversation and laughter is one of life’s most enjoyable activities, it’s about remembering to stop and smell the roses, or the eucalyptus, as the case may be.

Unlike a traditional gym, the added benefit is that you are getting some fresh air. Hiking exercises both your body and your mind, and the benefits are endless, including:
● stress and anxiety reduction
● increased energy, emotional regulation
● enhanced awareness and creativity
● improved concentration
● increased productivity
While walking, you strengthen and oxygenate all of the major muscle groups including your brain, and rejuvenate your senses while captivating your heart.

Nature truly has a healing and restorative power, being outdoors also helps alleviate stress and anxiety, and assists with recovery from mental fatigue.

While seated meditation practice is important, hiking is also a great opportunity to be more mindful in an informal way.

Our top tips for mindful hiking:
Mindfulness is a simple practice which can reduce stress and increase calmness. Learning how to be mindful while hiking is straightforward, and the benefits can come quickly.
1. Pay attention to each step;
2. Bring awareness to your senses;
  • Stop and look at what is above and below you
  • Pause and listen to the soothing sounds of the outdoors
  • Touch and feel the contact of air against your skin
  • Smell the scents around you
Special Events
Together Towards Tomorrow: Plan for Success

Saturday, November 13, 2021 / 9 - 11:30am  

Social Emotional Learning(SEL) is a foundational pillar of student success. The event will empower families with resources and strategies to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve goals, maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
Food for Thought
1) This one is for all of our students that participated in the space exploration debate featured above. The size of space rockets over time:
Source: Visual Capitalist - Click here for a larger view.
2) November is Native American Heritage Month. Percentage of indigenous persons by country in the Americas (U.S. = 4.3 million or 1.3% of the population):
Source: Statista Read full article
3) Those who went further with their education after high school have found their job opportunities back to pre pandemic levels. Employment for college grads has fully recovered:
Source: TS Lombard
4) Wisdom To Live By:
Maya Angelou On Leadership
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
~ Maya Angelou, poet

J.K. Rowling On Taking Chances
It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all, in which case you have failed by default.
~ J.K. Rowling, author

Marie Curie On Persistence
I was taught that the way of progress was neither swift nor easy.
~ Marie Curie, physicist

Stephen Hawking On Evolving
Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.
~ Stephen Hawking, scientist

Randy Pausch On Strategy
We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.
~ Randy Pausch, computer scientist
Florida flag
Enjoy the rest of your week!
Douglas K. Loftus, Principal
Acceleration East High School
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
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OCPS EEO Non-Discrimination Statement:
The School Board of Orange County, Florida, does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs  and activities, on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other reason prohibited by law. The following individuals at the Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center, 445 West Amelia Street, Orlando, Florida 32801, attend to compliance matters: Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer & Title IX Coordinator:   Keshara Cowans; ADA Coordinator; ADA Coordinator: Jay Cardinali; Section 504 Coordinator: Tajuana Lee-Wenze. (407.317.3200)
Copyright Notice
Reproduction of this material, either written or electronically, including the general layout, graphics, analyses, and content topics without the express approval of Target Performance Systems, Inc., a Florida corporation, and OCPS - Acceleration East High School is forbidden without written consent. Thank you for your support of the Orange County Public Schools and especially Acceleration East High School. Please contact douglas.loftus@ocps.net (principal) with any questions or for further information.
2274 S. Semoran Blvd.,
Orlando, FL 32822-2704
Phone 407-992-0917
Fax 407-207-4961
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