Golden Hawk’s Eye View
Maitland Middle School, where we are soaring to new heights!
Maitland Middle School
Monday, September 19, 2022
Maitland Middle Community Member
We are in week 7 of 180 Days of Soaring Together, and we encourage you to continue to be involved. Monitoring your child’s academic progress is crucial. Visit Skyward one to two times a week to check for completed assignments, grades, attendance, and any comments from teachers. This will allow you to stay up to date as you encourage and celebrate your child’s success.

We are looking forward to this week’s Open House Event! You will see what a day in your scholar’s campus life is like. The event starts Thursday at 6:00 p.m. in the Hawk’s Nest Cafe. Prior to that, the Scholastic Book Fair will be from 4:30-6:00 p.m. (possibly later to 7:30 p.m.) on that day. Also on this night, we will solidify our School Advisory Council, (SAC). If you would like to participate on our SAC please reach out to Ms. Simasek at Kendra.Simasek@ocps.net
Start with Hello Week at MMS
Sandy Hook Promise is a national nonprofit organization founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. The Intent is to honor all victims of gun violence by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation. By empowering youth to “know the signs” and by uniting all people who value the protection of children, we can take meaningful actions in schools, homes, and communities to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life. This week is Hello Week. This is a great opportunity to continue our focus on building community on campus, and honor the victims of gun violence.

Monday - My Name Is Monday - students will introduce themselves to classmates they do not know during lunch. They will receive name tags as they meet new people.
Tuesday - Hi-Chew Tuesday - students will be given an opportunity to learn 3 interesting things about their classmates and will be able to share a treat with each other.
Wednesday - Wear Green Wednesday in honor of the Sandy Hook Promise.
Thursday - Thankful Thursday - students will write a Thankful Thursday note to a classmate.
Friday - Find A Friend Friday - students will be given a Tic Tac Toe card and will find a new friend during lunch.

Hawk Haven Houses
We have begun the challenges for our Hawk Haven House. All students have been placed in their Hawk Haven House. Our houses are as follows:
Each House will be working towards quarterly small incentives, bragging rights, a ‘House Party,’ and the coveted, Hawk Haven Spirit Award.
We are looking forward to seeing each House show why they are Golden!
The 2022 Hispanic Heritage Month national theme is Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation. The theme is to encourage all voices to be represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation.

“At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” ~ Albert Schweitzer, philosopher

As we continue to grow in our unity on campus, we must remember that we need each other. Let us continue to demonstrate what that looks like to spark the flame within: supporting one another, seeing the good in each other, working together, listening to understand, speaking to encourage, and being kind.

#soaringtogether
Principal Brown
Maitland Middle School

Pictured above right: Principal Brown and Sebastian Garcia Ayala having a moment with their Hawaiian shirts.

Pictured very top: Asst. Principal Thompson, Principal Brown, and Asst. Principal Pavlonnis continue to set the example of supporting one another and soaring together!
Dates to Watch For
September 19th – Soccer Game (Away at College Park, 5:15pm)
September 19th - 23rd – Scholastic Book Fair
September 19th - 23rd – Start With Hello Week
September 21st – Soccer Game (Home vs. Glenridge 4:30pm, Cross the Park Rivals)
September 21st – Last day for the Mega Blast Fundraiser to benefit Maitland Middle Athletics & PE
September 22nd – Open House 6:00pm
September 26th – Algebra 1 Honors and Geometry Honors STAR Testing (PMA1)
September 28th – Civics PMA1
September 29th – All Sciences PMA1
September 30th – Last day of the OCLS Library Card Drive
October 3rd - 6th – It’s a Florida ‘Thang’ Spirit Week
October 6th – End of the Quarter 1
October 7th – Teacher Workday/Student Holiday
Yearbook Pre-Sale
Volunteering at Maitland Middle
ADDitions Volunteers - Now that the school year is in full swing there will be plenty of opportunities to volunteer your time on campus. In order to do so, you must be ADDitions approved (a quick & easy security step). Volunteers that are new and those that were active last year need to complete the application. You can go to the Volunteer Portal and sign up for the desired opportunity – Click here.

If you have any questions, you may reach out to Mrs. Angela Michael at Angela.Michael@ocps.net.
Please join our 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.

Thank you!

Elise Breth, PTA President
Library 411
Help us win the Orange County Library System School Library Card Drive to get a $250.00 gift card for our middle school! Students can get their own cards by using Maitland's unique sign-up link to register online. The school with the highest amount of library card sign-ups by September 30 will be the winner! ocls.info/maitlandmiddlecard @oclslib @ocpsreads
It is Book Fair Time
Our Book Fair opens this Monday!
The Scholastic Book Fair will be at MMS September 19 to September 23. Language Arts teachers will bring their classes to shop during the week. We will also be open before Open House on September 22 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. For more information to sign up for an ewallet and volunteer opportunities, visit our book fair website https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/maitlandmiddleschool
Device Information
Any device that comes to Mr. Pattain for repair that he is not able to fix will be sent to UDT. Whenever the device leaves our campus, a fee is placed on the student account. The first time is $25, the second time is $50 and the third time is the cost of the device which this year is $509. A loaner device will be given to use while the device is being repaired. Students will receive a fee notice as well. Mrs. Michael has been waiting to send this but will start sending these home soon. If you have any questions visit the OCPS Digital Support Page
Testing and Assessments
Progress Monitoring Activity 1 (PMA1) is soon approaching. These tests will be assessing the standards that our students have been taught since we started school. This will allow our teachers to shift their instructional practices to help meet the needs of our students. The courses that will be taking PMA1 are Geometry Honors, Algebra 1 Honors, Civics, and all of Science.
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. Stephen Frankenstein, affectionately known as Mr. Frank. Mr. Frankenstein has been at MMS since 2009 and currently teaches 8th Grade U.S. History. This is his 36th year in education. He served in the Air Force, and afterwards attended Boise State University (the Blue Field!) and later earned his Masters from the University of Central Florida (UCF). He is a long time runner (since high school) – participating in local road races as well as several marathons outside of Florida. Cycling is his new interest and passion and riding the hills of Clermont is his latest challenge. Two of his children are middle school teachers (language arts and science) and another is finishing up her doctorate in psychology. His younger children are in college at Rollins and USF.

Here are some words from Mr. Frank:
“I chose a career in education as I enjoy working with and encouraging others. I want to make a difference in the lives of my students. Making a subject that many find boring, both interesting and meaningful, is a major goal. I work to see that students recognize the connection between the past and their world today.”
Mr. Frank with Principal Brown and in his classroom
Weekly SOAR Award Recipient
I would like to present this week’s SOAR Award to Ms. TaCorria Richardson. Ms. Richardson currently serves as our school-based social worker. This is currently Ms. Richardson’s second year with Maitland. She is always a team player and available for our staff and students who need her. Whenever I need to refer a student to her she jumps right in with no hesitation. She always greets everyone with a smile no matter the situation. Ms. Richardson has a great spirit and is truly a pleasure to work with!
~Toya Thomas
Ms. Richardson (left with the SOAR Award) with Ms. Thomas
Golden Hawks Around Campus: Week #6
Golden Hawk Athletics:
Undefeated Soccer Teams at Homes Wednesday
Despite having a wet start to the soccer season, both teams remain undefeated and are on course for a cluster championship match-up next Wednesday, 9/21 at home vs. Glenridge at 4:30 p.m.

Volleyball Intramurals on Tuesday and Thursday
Volleyball Intramurals are underway with over 40 students participating every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 7:45-9:00 a.m. (below).
** Volleyball tryouts will take place October 10-12. (Boys’ from 7:30-9:00 a.m. & Girls’ from 4:00-5:54 p.m.)
REMINDER: Mega Blast Fundraiser ends this Wednesday
The Mega Blast FUNdraiser for Maitland PE and Athletics has gotten off to an amazing start! The Fundraiser kicked off August 31 and will last until September 21. All money raised will go to help fund both the PE and Athletic programs. Last year’s funds were used to replace all old equipment for PE, purchase new pop-up soccer goals, pickleball nets, and resurface the gym floor.
Classroom Vibes:
Ms.Rivera-Crespo monitoring students for understanding in Algebra 1 Honors. 
Ms. FitzPatrick demonstrates a lab experiment to prepare students for today's lab.
Students practicing their guitar skills in Ms. George’s 7th period Guitar class.
Physical Science Honors students participating in a lab measuring speed with Mrs. Ashcraft. 
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), at their first meeting as they discuss grace and mercy. 
Scenes From Our Marvel Trivia Contest:
OCPS News
"The Slice: Mondays with Maria" - The latest issue at time of production was from this past Monday, September 12, 2022. Dr. Maria Vazquez is our incoming superintendent of schools.
Code of Student Conduct Videos
All 8 videos are only 1 to 2 minutes long.
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!
ATTENDANCE MATTERS!
Attendance matters.
When you miss school, you miss out.
Florida flag
Have a great week!
Mr. Brown, Principal
Maitland Middle School
Sunday, September 18, 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
This communication may contain information that is legally privileged, confidential or exempt from disclosure, and intended only for the use of the addressee(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, please note that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Anyone who receives this message in error should notify the sender immediately by telephone or by return e-mail, and delete the message from their computer and any printout thereof. Please note that OCPS utilizes spam and junk e-mail filtration applications in its e-mail systems. That filtering process may prevent or delay delivery of certain e-mail communications. If you do not receive a timely response to an e-mail communication, please contact the intended recipient by phone.

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