Golden Hawk’s Eye View
Maitland Middle School, where we are soaring to new heights!
Maitland Middle School
Monday, August 29, 2022
Maitland Middle Community Member
One of my favorite radio personalities is a woman called Ms. Dupree from the former Tom Joyner Morning Show. She had a segment where she coined the phrase, “I got the gift; I got to use it.”

I believe that each of us has a special talent that we all bring to the table that supports all of our efforts here at Maitland. I get to witness the style and finesse of our teachers in action. I get to watch how they think of creative ways to make sure their students master the content that is presented. In addition, I also get to see our students find themselves and develop their voice. I get to see those hidden talents come to life. I am so amazed by this.
Principal Brown working with Musical Theater student, Avery Gerlin, on projecting the voice.
As we move into week 4 of 180 Days of Soaring Together, let us continue to harness our natural gifts to continue building our legacy here at Maitland Middle School. Please continue to encourage our students to be the best version of themselves!

Mr. Brown
Proud Principal
Maitland Middle School

Pictured above right: Principal Brown performed at a convention this summer in front of an audience of 10,000. He’s got the gift; He’s got to use it.

Pictured very top: Dr. Albright fueling the curiosity of our young scientists!
Dates to Watch For
August 29th – Soccer exhibition game (away vs Glenridge) 5:15pm girls and 6:15 boys
August 31st – Faith Based Partner in Education Event, (Prayer and Blessing of MMS) 7:30am
August 31st – Soccer Game (Home vs Audubon Park)
September 2nd – Spirit Friday, WHITE OUT Day. We dress in all white to observe Labor Day.
Let's celebrate Labor Day by dressing in all white! Students can participate in the spirit day known as "White Out Day" by wearing white clothing from head to toe!

September 5th – Labor Day
September 7th – Soccer Game (Away vs Union Park)
September 8th – School Advisory Committee (SAC) 6pm Media Center
September 8th – PTA Meeting 7pm
JOIN PTA!!!
The membership drive is the PTA's primary fundraiser and supports important educational programs, school events, school improvement initiatives, Heroic Hawks and much more. You can find registration information online through MemberHub and additional information can be found on the Maitland Middle School PTA Instagram and Facebook page. Thank you for your partnership and for joining PTA.

Become a member of MMS PTA today! Click here: https://maitland.new.memberhub.store/store

Thank you!

Elise Breth, PTA President
Around the campus . . .
Ms. Mojica, welcoming our Golden Hawk Family. 
Choose to be Golden!!!!
Meet Our Amazing Student Services Team!
These incredible people work to meet the social emotional needs of our students.
Ms. Ruth Pender, School Counselor
My name is Ruth Pender. I am one of the school counselors here at MMS. Although I serve 7th grade students, whose last name begins with the letter M through letter Z and all 8th grade students, it is my honor to serve every student here on campus. I am proud to say I received my undergraduate degree from UCF and my masters degree for Nova Southeastern. GO Knights! GO Sharks!

I am a parent of two, a boy 10, a girl 19 and I have a grandbaby who is 1. I love to spend time with my kids and when I am not spending time with them, I like to relax and binge watch shows (currently binge-watching Blacklist). My first official job was working at a daycare. I started volunteering at my church's daycare in Feb 2005 and was eventually hired when I was of age. I started babysitting at the age of 15 but working to have a positive impact on kids' lives started when I became a big sister in 1990.

Showing love and providing support, showing tough love is something that is innate. I love every child that I have come in contact with; from the daycare to those I served as a case manager to 6th and 7th graders who I taught, to now those I provide guidance. As a school counselor, I provided a listening ear, a voice of reason, reassurance, support, care, and understanding. I became a counselor because it allows me to give to every child the things I know are needed to be successful.
Ms. TaCorria Richardson, Social Worker
Greetings MMS,

I am TaCorria Richardson. I am our school-based Social Worker. This year will be my 2nd year being a part of Maitland Middle School. I graduated from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University receiving my bachelor's degree in Social Work and I received my master's degree in Social Work (Clinical) from Florida State University.

My significant other and I love football and are huge fans of the Florida State Seminoles. I am a mother and bonus mother of 4 beautiful girls 22, 18, 11, & 7. Outside of Maitland Middle Life, I love traveling, shopping, event planning, and family time. I have a huge passion for helping others and advocating for children & families. I am looking forward to a positive and successful school year!
Mr. Randy Singer, School Counselor
Hi, I’m Randy Singer, school counselor here at Maitland Middle School. This is my eleventh year as a school counselor and thirteenth year here on campus. I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky in elementary education. I also have a master’s degree in school counseling from the University of Central Florida. (Go Knights! Charge On!)

Being a school counselor allows me to help students navigate the many bumps in the road that can come about during middle school. Having real conversations with students provides the opportunity to make lasting, positive changes. I am a very family focused man who loves to have adventures and make memories with my wife and two kids. I also enjoy paddle boarding along with playing golf and soccer.
Dr. Cherrie Rauls, SAFE Coordinator
My Name is Dr. Cherrie Rauls. I serve the Maitland Campus as the SAFE Coordinator. The way I describe it to the students is that I help you to be the best version of yourself and support your family in the process. I have served the Maitland Middle Community for the past 11 years . I completed my bachelor’s degree from Stetson University, my master’s degree from Keller (a division of Devry University) and I recently completed my doctoral degree (2020) in Education & Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

I love to spend time with my family and my church, singing, reading and shopping. I went into education as a part of a legacy of life changers. My mom and my grandparents were all educators. I want to help students realize their potential and pour into their lives realizing the return on investment will be great. I look forward to serving your families.
How to email teachers, coaches, and staff:
Spotlight on Teachers!
Fire Hawk Teacher
When we began this year, we gave the charge to our teachers to have F.I.R.E. in their instruction.

  • Fierce - heart felt intensity
  • Intentional - deliberate and purposeful
  • Relevant - connection, bridging, and current
  • Experience - leaves an impression

This week’s Fire Hawk Teacher is Mr. Nicholas DeSantis. It is a joy to walk into Mr. DeSantis’ classes and see how he engages our scholars and builds positive relationships.
My name is Nick DeSantis and I am from Dallas, TX and raised in West Palm Beach, FL. I attended the University of Central Florida, where I received my Bachelor's in Sport and Exercise Science and Master's in Biology Education. I have a passion for sports and I love coaching soccer. I have a wonderful wife and two amazing little boys! When I am not at work, I enjoy working out, playing and coaching sports, playing video games, and hanging out with my family.
Weekly SOAR Award
The SOAR Award has been a tradition here at MMS since 2016. Staff members can recognize each other for their hard work and dedication to our school community.

The SOAR Award flies over to Ms. Seay! Ms. Seay keeps us all together and is a great example of setting the right tone. In fact she’s been here since 1991. Yep, you read that right! 1991!! Sue is here bright and early welcoming students to YMCA. She’s the calm in the sometimes-stormy corridor and office. Last week, she was helping me on the radio with a student while simultaneously redirecting students, watching the hall, collecting forms and generally herding cats. She amazingly keeps us all up to date on the mountains of paperwork. Ms. Seay will be enjoying her much-deserved retirement after this year. I’m not sure how we’ll manage without her. She has definitely made Maitland a better place!
~ Ms. Johnson
Ms. Susan Seay, our 3rd SOAR Award recipient for 2022-2023 school year with Ms. Johnson’s 7th period Musical Theater Class.
Golden Hawks Around Campus: Week #3
Maestro Olsen directing our young musicians.
Ms. Christie is discussing measurements with her 6th grade Comprehensive Advanced Science students. 
Students understanding figurative language in Ms. Neff’s class. 
Mr. Page’s Advanced Comprehensive 8th grade Science class completing their speed lab.
Professora Cordero reiterates certain verb tenses in her Spanish class.
Ms. Klammer’s Geometry class discussing congruent and similarities. 
Algebra 1 Honors students going through their enrichment rotations with Ms. Kempe (top left), Ms. Rivera -Crespo, (top right), Mr. Wayne (bottom left), and Ms. Dowdy (bottom right). 
Local Business Support - Wawa
We give a special thank you to Wawa’s General Manager, Erven Nelson, on E. Altamonte Dr. and Anchor Rd. for showing appreciation to our staff this past week. We are looking forward to partnering with them this school year. 
MMS Contacts / OCPS Student Information Systems
Maitland Middle School main number – 407-623-1462
Parent/Teacher conferences Sue Seay, ext. 5172231 or susan.seay@ocps.net
Guidance 6th grade and 7th grade last names A-L – Randon Singer, ext. 5172251 or randon.singer@ocps.net
Guidance 8th grade and 7th grade last names M-Z – Ruth Pender, ext. 5172240 or ruth.pender@ocps.net
6th Grade Dean/Transportation/Instructional Support – Kendra Simasek ext. 5172224 or kendra.simasek@ocps.net
7th Grade Dean/Facilities – Brian Himschoot, ext. 5172329 or brian.himschoot@ocps.net
8th Grade Dean/MTSS – Carla Thomas ext. 5172328 or carla.thomas@ocps.net

Follow Us:
Instagram: maitlandms_ocps
Twitter: @MaitlandMS_OCPS

Helpful Connections:
Skyward Access
OCPS parents and guardians, Orange County Public Schools is excited to announce that we have moved to our new student information system. For parents and guardians, this means that you will no longer use Progress Book and or the former Parent Access to view your student’s information.

Starting now, you will use the Skyward Family Access system. Further details and set-up instructions can be found on the main OCPS website ocps.net and then click on Skyward under quick links. Click on documentation at the bottom of the skyward page and use the “Skyward Family Access through LaunchPad” instructions to register for a LaunchPad account. Launchpad will be your link to “Skyward Family Access.” Skyward will keep you informed on your student such as grades, attendance and much more. If you experience any issues while trying to register for a LaunchPad account or within Skyward Family Access please complete the form that is also included on the webpage. Then provide the form to your student’s school.

Canvas Observer
Parents have the ability to become an observer through Canvas to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the classroom. To become an observer, please follow the directions below:

Students
1. Login to your Canvas by going to Launch.ocps.net
2. Click on “account” in the upper left hand corner of your screen once you are in Canvas.
3. Click “settings.”
4. Once in settings, click “pair with observer” and write down the code that is generated.

Parents
1. Login to canvas.ocps.net and click on “parent login.”
2. Register for a canvas account, and then enter the “student pairing code” from step four from the student section above.
3. You should now have access to view your student’s courses
Monday's Motivational Moment!
In his opening remarks this week, Principal Brown underscores the importance of both students and adults using their natural gifts. This true story supports his reminder message for our community. 

A GIFT LEFT IN THE CASE
Niccolo Paganini is considered one of the greatest violinists of all time. He was a virtuoso, performing his first concert at age eleven. His great technical ability revolutionized violin technique across Europe.

When he died in 1840, he willed his violin to Genoa, Italy, the place of his birth. But he did so on one condition: that no other artist ever play his instrument again. Glad to have the violin come into their possession, the city's fathers agreed to the request, and they put it in a beautiful case for everyone to see.

But wooden instruments have a certain peculiarity. As long as they are handled, they show no wear. But if one lay unused, it begins to decay, which is what happened to Paganini's violin. His once-exquisite instrument became worm-eaten and useless. Other violins of the same vintage have been handed down for generations, from one gifted musician to another, and they continue to bring great music to attentive audiences. But Paganini's violin is a crumbling relic of what it once was.

The lesson for our Golden Hawks? The talent you have been given cannot be set aside like Paganini's violin. If you don't nurture your ability, grow, it will steadily decay until it is useless. But if you consistently work with it, diligently trying to bring out its best, it will bring forth "music" that will not only give you joy, but will also serve others and bring you success.
Florida flag
Prepare to make this another successful week!
Mr. Brown, Principal
Maitland Middle School
Sunday, August 28, 2022
Maitland Middle School Leadership Team
Principal: Mr. Aski Melik Brown - AskiMelik.Brown@ocps.net 
Assistant Principal: Ms. Kimberly Pavlonnis - Kimberly.Pavlonnis@ocps.net
Assistant Principal: Mr. Vaughnsha Thompson - Vaughnsha.Thompson@ocps.net
8th Grade Dean: Carla Thomas - Carla.Thomas@ocps.net
7th Grade Dean: Brian Himschoot - Brian.Himschoot@ocps.net
6th Grade Dean: Kendra Simasek - Kendra.Simasek@ocps.net
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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 - Maitland Middle School is forbidden without written consent. Thank you for your support of the Orange County Public Schools and especially Maitland Middle School. Please contact Mr. Brown, MMS principal, at 43191@ocps.net with any questions.
Maitland Middle School | Mr. Brown, Principal | 407.623.1462 | MMS Website