Friday, February 18, 2022
AEHS Community Member,

A small spark can be the catalyst that leads to a massive and destructive blaze. In fact, sparks from downed power lines, unattended campfires, burning debris, or negligently discarded cigarettes set ablaze the vast majority of forest fires. Something as small as a spark can lead to massive destruction and even loss of life. 

In the summer of 2019, the largest wildfire in California history that ravaged 410,203 acres, destroyed 280 structures, and took the life of one firefighter started with a spark. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the catastrophic fire started from a spark, or hot metal fragment, that came from a hammer driving a metal stake into the ground.

As I think about this, I see a very close analogy between sparks and our words. Just as a single spark can be the beginning of great destruction, a thoughtless, careless, or cruel word (spoken or written), can set the wheels of destruction in motion. Words can destroy a relationship and lead to conflict. Words can hurt feelings and destroy hope. I have been thinking a lot about words lately and the power of our words. With our words, we have the power to build up or to tear down others. I see examples of both each day and I am sure that you do too. Some use words powerfully to build others up through encouragement, while others use words to tear others down with cruelty.  

This past Monday was Valentine’s Day, a day set aside to celebrate and cherish love (please see some of our Valentine's Day highlights at the bottom of this edition). Usually when we think of Valentine’s Day, we think in terms of romantic love, but it is also a great time to think about universal kindness and love toward others. This month is perfect for a reset and for us to consider our words and ask the question, are my words building people up or are my words tearing people down?
AEHS loves our guest teachers! Mercedes Morales, Charlene Kennedy, and Laurie Brunner on campus. (Friday, February 18, 2022). 
I said that words are powerful whether the words are spoken or written. This is true. In school settings, we can see the destructive power of written words from time to time through social media. We counsel the students on how to use words appropriately for positive effects and encourage them to avoid negative conversations completely, but we remind our parents the importance of getting their help from home. 

Please monitor your student’s social media presence and make yourself aware of the conversations that are taking place. This will go a long way in helping us to sustain a school environment that is positive and healthy. Just remember that it only takes a spark to start a destructive fire. We really want our Phoenixes speaking words to one another that are kind and positive, building each other up, and never tearing down. Learning this now will pay off large through high school and later through adult life. 

Thank you for reading and please enjoy your Presidents' Day weekend!

Douglas K. Loftus, M.S. Ed.
Principal

Pictured very top: Biology students working on creating a poster that will reflect the type of organism relationship that was selected by their group.

Pictured above right: Students have been speaking over the intercom about famous African Americans this month (student with Principal Loftus).
Student Snapshots
Both pictures above: Mr. Diaz with AEHS AgriScience students.
Josh and Chloe
JJ McCullough and Chris Jean Pierre
As has been the tradition over the years since Principal Loftus' arrival, our seniors have their graduation class t-shirt slammed (delivered with total surprise) by Mr. Loftus in class once they have completed their major requirements for graduation. Pictured above, we see Class of 2022 senior Luis Dos Santos being "slammed" Friday morning while his classmates look on. He is set to graduate in May. Congratulations Luis! 
Staff Recognitions
Above and just below: Ms. Melton delivering candy grams on Valentine's Day!
Josue Maldonado does a marvelous job with security and establishing relationships with students. 
Tish Atehortua. Best school secretary ever!!!
Classroom Spotlights
Astronomy with Mr. Hall:
As part of Black History Month, Mr. Hall's students have been learning about Black scientists and their contributions to space technology and astronomy. 
Abstracts of successful African American scientists and inventors posted along one of our hallways for Black History Month.
Biology with Mrs. Singh:
Students have been studying organism relationships in small groups.
Agriculture Science with Mrs. Dipasquale:
Yaniel is feeding our capybara (also pictured just below by the fence)
Several of our AgriScience students pause from their duties for this photo.
Black History Month
REMINDER . . . City of Orlando Black History Month events:
Source: City of Orlando Commissioner, District 2 Tony Ortiz
Student research for Black History Month - campus wall posters (Part II):
2022 OCPS Family Survey
Parents & Guardians
OCPS virtual parenting skills workshop Wednesday, February 23:
Parenting Skills
Virtual Workshop
Parents will be able to identify better practices for Parenting Skills with their children. Families will have an opportunity to embrace an abundant mindset relationship with their children at home.

February 23, 2022

Closing Images of the Week . . .
Valentine's Day at Acceleration East!
Enjoy your Presidents' Day weekend!
Douglas K. Loftus, Principal
Acceleration East High School
Friday, February 18, 2022
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