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Hunter's Creek Middle School
21st Century Digital Learners
Florida 'A' Rated School
13400 Town Loop Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32837
(407) 858-4620
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*** February 3rd to February 7th was National School Counselor Week! We love celebrating our amazing school counselors: Ms. Santiago (Mental Health Counselor), Ms. Fonseca (Social Worker), Ms. Merritt (Grade 6 & Grade 7 M-Z School Counselor), and Ms. Armstrong (Grade 8 & Grade 7 A-L School Counselor)! Thank you for all that you do! *** | |
Hunter's Creek Middle School Community Brief Monday, February 10, 2025 | |
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Hunter’s Middle School students and teachers celebrated National Literacy Week in late January (Jan. 27th-Jan. 31st). Our students, teachers, administration and staff participated in academically engaging and fun daily activities. Literacy is at best at HCMS every day of the school year!
As we enter the middle of February this week, we will continue to celebrate Black History Month through various lessons and activities highlighting the contributions of African-Americans and Black Americans to our country and to the world.
The third nine weeks progress reports will be available via Skyward on Thursday, February 13. Please review the grades with your student and contact their teachers with any questions or concerns. This is the time to take advantage of the tutoring opportunities and extra help to bring those grades up.
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Nearby pictures: OCPS Deputy Superintendent Dr. Armbruster visited HCMS on January 24th and was so happy with how well behaved and educationally focused our students are as well as how our students and staff seem to be so happy to be at HCMS and love our school. He also was impressed with how literacy rich HCMS was! | |
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Thank you for your continued support and have a wonderful week!
Joumana Moukaddam
Principal
Hunter's Creek Middle School
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Month of February Themes: | |
Monday, February 10th to Friday, February 14th: Valentine’s Day Spirit Week (No Charge) & Valentine’s Gram Sales (Fundraiser) | |
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Monday, February 10th:
Community SAC Meeting 5:50pm, Freedom High School Library (School Advisory Council)
Home Basketball Game vs Walker, 5:30pm
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Tuesday, February 11th: Resiliency Day (Modified Schedule) | |
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Wednesday, February 12th:
House Spirit Day 🧡🤍💚💜💙💛❤️ OR Valentine’s Color War!
Away Volleyball Game at Luminary, 5:00pm
OCPS Virtual Workshop Registration - "Testing Season with your ELL in mind" (5:30pm-7:00pm)
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Thursday, February 13th: Jazz Band MPA | |
Saturday, February 15th: Band Solo & Ensemble | |
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Monday, February 17th:
Presidents Day (No School)
Deadline for OCPS 2025-2026 Magnet Applications - Information
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Wednesday, February 19th:
Future Problem Solvers Regional Competition
Orchestra Pre-MPA
House Spirit Day! 🧡🤍💚💜💙💛❤️
Home Basketball Game vs. Freedom 5pm
Friday, February 21st:
House Meeting (Staff vs. Student Basketball)
Deadline for OCPS 2025 Top Talent Audition Applications - Information
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Tuesday, February 25th: Olympians Community Night 5-7pm | |
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Wednesday, February 26th:
House Spirit Day! 🧡🤍💚💜💙💛❤️
PTSA Dance 3pm, Cafeteria
Thursday, February 27th: GEORGE O’CONNOR VISIT!
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8th Grade Students of the Week (announced 1/31) | |
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Congratulations to our 8th Grade Students of the Week!
Justin Hsu for Excellence: Justin is nominated for student of the week for demonstrating excellence! Justin continues to excel in Algebra and make gains on his assessments! I'm very proud of his hard work and know he will be successful in May on the Algebra EOC! Way to go, Justin! -Mrs. Lebron
Juliet DePriest for Excellence: Juliet's work ethics are leading her to academic excellence in Physical Science Honors. I am very proud of her hard work and dedication. Keep up the excellent job Juliet! Love, Mrs. Frontanez
Andres Solivan for Excellence: Andres earned 100% on the last test even though he was absent for many days. He took time during his time off to learn independently and made sure to get caught up when he got back. Andres takes the time to read the questions and answers after eliminating a few of the answers. He listens to all advice and learns from it as well. Andres participates in class and helps others. -Ms. Jarque
Marisol Tapia for Exemplifying Perseverance: Marisol struggled at the beginning of the school year, but she has shown how determination and effort are an important part of performance. Marisol is more focused during class, and she also asks questions if needed. -Ms. Jarque
Alejandra Rodriguez for Leadership: Alejandra is such a gift to my lunch book club. She is always on task and helps lead her peers in discussion of the reading. Not only does she bring unique, creative, and thoughtful commentary to our discussions, but she always makes sure everyone's voice is heard. I deeply appreciate her focus and leadership. -Ms. H
Zoey Overberger for Excellence: Zoey is a wonderful assistant to have in my class and her work each week helps our classroom run smoothly! She preps materials, makes deliveries, cleans, organizes, and keeps our class leaderboards up to date. I truly appreciate her hard work and how she always helps out with a smile on her face. Thank you for your help and excellent attitude so far this year and please keep it up! -Ms. DeLuca
Marihu Zambrano Vivas for Soaring to Greatness: Marihu is such an amazing Math student with tremendous work ethic. That is why I am nominating her for the 8th Grade Student of the Week! Marihu always comes to class prepared with her work completed to perfection and is ready for assessments. SHe sets personal goals for herself and doesn't let anything stand in her way. I am so prod of you, Marihu! Keep SOARING TO GREATNESS! -Mrs. Daniel
Aaliyah Grodzienski and Alejandra Rodriguez Echenique: Aaliyah & Alejandra have been invaluable to me this year in my classroom. They both work hard in science, but also spend time as my students assistants. They are always positive and up for any task. They help to prepare labs, test new projects and keep our class routines running smoothly- even giving us a laugh with a weekly science joke. Thank you to both of you! -Ms. Bullock
Paola Diaz Espinoza for Giving Respect: Paola is not only a Student Literacy Leader during the day, but she also stays after school often with her friends and is always willing to help in the library if I need it. She always does it with an "OF COURSE" and a smile. -Ms. Moye
Keep up the amazing work!
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Teacher of the Month
Congratulations to our Teacher of the Month: Ms. Khan, 7th grade language arts!
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Here are some of the kind things students said about her:
● She always answers my questions very good and explains what we are learning well.
● She's really nice and always finds a way to help everyone
● Ms. Khan understands me or students and she is a calm teacher, and if she understands what you are doing she will help you.
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Support Faculty/Staff of the Month
Congratulations to our Support Staff of the Month: Mr. Delgado, Technical Support!
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Here are some of the nice things students said about him:
● I am nominating him because he is very helpful and saved my laptop.
● He helped me when my computer was broken.
● He is helpful with students.
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Literacy Week Updates:
Reading Battle, Bookmarks, Door Decorating, HCMS Favorite Book Hall of Fame
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Reading Battle
Congratulations, Eagles!!! We won the battle!!!
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School Leaderboard based on Student Reading Minutes Logged:
#1 HUNTER'S CREEK MIDDLE, 430,893 minutes
#2 Southwest Middle, 411,749 minutes
#3 Bay Meadows Middle Elementary, 359,281 minutes
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Literacy Week Bookmark Contest | |
Congratulations to all students who had their bookmark in the top 26 bookmarks! | |
Here are the top 4 based on your votes: | |
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1st place: Julia Ferreira Belo
2nd place: Samanta Ferre
3rd place: Maya Dragiou
4th place: Melanie Luzardo
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Literacy Week Door Decorating Contest
Thank you to all students and faculty/staff who took part in Door Decorating!
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Ms. DeLuca -
TOP THREE FINISHER
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Our top three doors were Ms. DeLuca’s, Ms. Durgin’s, and Ms. Moye & Ms. H’s! | |
Ms. Durgin - TOP THREE FINISHER | |
Ms. Moye & Ms. H -TOP THREE FINISHER | |
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Literacy Week HCMS Favorite Book Hall of Fame
Because of the close race, TWO books have entered the HCMS Favorite Book Hall of Fame: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (series) by Holly Jackson & Dog Man (series) by Dav Pilkey!
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Here is our updated HCMS Favorite Book Hall of Fame (2015-2025): | |
Florida Music Education Association All-State Conference (Tampa) | |
We are so proud of Aniece Helminski, Valiya Taylor, Derek Wallace, and Derrick Oliver for representing Hunter’s Creek at the Florida Music Education Association All-State conference in the All-State Chorus! This is a huge accomplishment! | |
Huge congratulations to Jackson Grassett for representing Hunter's Creek Middle School at the Florida Music Education Association All-State Middle School Band! What an incredible accomplishment and honor. We're so proud of your hard work and dedication to music! | |
Orange County Regional Spelling Bee Qualifier! | |
Congratulations to our HCMS Spelling Bee champion, Ishani Majumdar, who went to the OCPS Spelling Bee today and qualified for the Orange County Regional Spelling Bee next month! Congratulations, Ishani! We're so proud of you! | |
Congratulations to Charlie Bashoura, Emily Rosario, Leilani Sclater, Mia Nomberto Aguilar, Sydney Wertz, Landry Braymer, Cade Erpelding, and Miguel Pinheiro for representing HCMS in the OCPS All County Middle School Chorus! An extra congratulations to Emily Rosario and Landry Braymer who both had descant solo parts at the concert. | |
Bravo to Alexander Bachu, Gavin Dexter, Jackson Grassett, and Myles Kliegl for their amazing performance with the OCPS All-County Middle School Band! Representing Hunter's Creek Middle School with pride! | |
Skating Champion: Reagan Begonia | |
The 2025 Americas Cup Championship of Clubs was held from Jan 19-23 at Semoran Skateway. Sixteen countries like Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Australia, USA, and many more participated in the competition. Artistic skaters ranged from ages 8 thru 19+ and competed in various events such as Figures, Free Skating, Solo Dance, etc. | |
Raegen is a member of Reflections Skating Academy in Kissimmee and competed in Developmental 1 Espoir (12 & 13yr olds) Ladies Figures and won 1st Place! | |
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Ms. Durgin
8th Grade ELA students play Heads Up to review critical language arts vocabulary for unit tests and FAST tests in quarter 2.
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Latinos in Action
Ms. Cozzo’s 8th grade Latinos in Action students are working hard and making a difference!
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One group is creating a video to share with younger students, showing why LIA is such an amazing program. | |
Another group is practicing their dance to perform at this year’s LIA conference. Their hard work, teamwork, and talent are truly amazing! | |
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Ms. Moye
Ms. Moye’s Student Literacy Leaders created George O’Connor posters to be displayed around the school in preparation for his visit. They can be found on bulletin boards throughout the school and on the windows outside of the library.
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Eagle Athletics: Basketball Updates | |
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Basketball at Meadow Woods MS, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025
Coach Shatoya Coogle’s girls basketball team started the season on the right foot, beating the Lady Stallions 19-15 at Meadow Woods on Monday evening. The scoring started out slowly for both teams, and HCMS found themselves behind at halftime. But, Coach Coogle said the right thing to her charges at intermission and they fought back to take the lead in the 4th quarter. 8th grader Tatiana Speights led the Lady Eagles with 11 points, while 7th grader Zoe Velazquez added 6 points. Zoe was the vocal sparkplug for HCMS, particularly during the climactic final quarter, imploring her team to dig deep for the victory.
The HCMS boys basketball team ran into a juggernaut of a Meadow Woods team, dropping the first game of the season, 56-25. The Stallions were led by a 6th grader who poured in seven 3-pointers for his 21 points. Meadow Woods had to have a shooting percentage over 50% on the night, because they didn’t miss many. 8th grader Elijah Cole led the Eagles in scoring with 10 points.
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Basketball Vs. South Creek MS, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025
The Lady Eagles won their second game in a row at home versus the South Creek Wildcats. Coach Shatoya Coogle’s team exploded for 44 points en route to a 44-13 victory. 8th grader Tatiana Speights scored an astounding 27 points (61% of her team’s points) to lead HCMS. Rebecca Henen (8th grade) added 8 points, and Makayla Starke (7th grade) recorded 6 points. Coach Coogle’s girls are tied at the top of the cluster with Walker and Innovation MS with 2-0 records.
The HCMS boys basketball game against South Creek was close through the 3rd quarter, but the Eagles were outscored by the Wildcats in the 4th quarter, 15-3. Coach Anthony D’orsa’s team led 18-16 at halftime, and was down by one (26-25) after three quarters. But, South Creek took advantage of an injury to the HCMS starting point guard to break the game open and win 41-28. 8th grader Elijah Cole led the Eagles in scoring with 14 points with two made 3-pointers. Saul Lopez (8th grade) added 6 points.
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Basketball at Innovation MS, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025
Coach Anthony D’orsa guided his Eagles to their first victory on Monday afternoon at Innovation MS. Down by 12 points after three quarters, Coach D’orsa huddled up his team and motivated them to outscore the Phoenix 16-1 in the 4th quarter to win the game, 40-37. 8th grader Elijah Cole scored 7 points in the final quarter, and led the team with 15 points for the game. 6th grader Savian Wilson provided the spark the Eagles needed and added 5 points in the last quarter for the victory. Congratulations to the boys on an exciting game and a great outcome!
The Lady Eagles were not so lucky, dropping their first game of the season to the Lady Phoenix, 31-21. Coach Shatoya Coogle was missing an important piece of her team due to an illness, and that proved to be the difference maker down the stretch. HCMS made a charge during the 3rd quarter, going on a 10-0 run to tie the score at 18. But, Innovation pulled away in the 4th quarter to win by 10. 8th grader Tatiana Speights led the team in points (8) for the third straight game. 7th grader Zoe Velazquez added 6 points.
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Basketball at Lake Nona MS, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025
The 1980 Cleveland Browns were known as the Kardiac Kids due to their penchant for comebacks and winning close games. The HCMS boys basketball team is beginning to wear that moniker. Coach Anthony D’orsa’s boys team has won in exciting fashion the last two games, coming from behind in the 4th quarter to win both games against Innovation and Lake Nona. Down by 11 points (43-32) at the end of the 3rd quarter, HCMS outscored the (previously undefeated) Knights 18-6 in the final period for a one-point 50-49 victory in the waning seconds. 8th grader Elijah Cole was the obvious hero of the night by hitting two clutch free throws with 6 seconds left in the game (and leading the team with 24 points). But the two less so obvious heroes were Juan Navarro (8th grade) and Savian Wilson (6th grade). Juan hit a 3-point shot with less than a minute to play to put Elijah in the position to drive the lane and get fouled in the next possession. Savian scored 11 points, all in the 4th quarter, in a flurry of sharpshooting excellence as the young 6th grader poured in three 3-pointers. The boys basketball team evens their record at 2-2 on the season.
The Lady Eagles ran into a surging Lake Nona girls team who won their second game in a row. The Lady Knights (2-2) beat HCMS (2-2) by a score of 35-13. For the fourth game in a row, 8th grader Tatiana Speights led the Lady Eagles in scoring with 9 points.
Go Eagles!
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Thank you, Orlando Magic! | |
The Orlando Magic is the presenting sponsor of “the 2025 OCPS Middle School Basketball Season powered by the Orlando Magic, and we were so lucky to have them stop by the Wednesday, February 5th game. They gave our Lady Eagles a special recognition on “National Girls’ and Women’s Sports Day.” They also gave our girls’ team a scholarship to their summer basketball camp for 3 weeks AND gave Coach Coogle a coach’s gift with a basketball autographed by each Magic player & other goodies. | |
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It is almost here!!!
George O’Connor Reminders:
● If your student has read any of George O’Connor’s books, please make sure they log them on Beanstack under our George O’Connor challenge. I’ll be using this challenge to see who has read his books.
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● Do you own a George O'Connor book that you'd like signed when he comes here? Please fill out this form if you do (by February 21st).
● Save the date for our Olympians Community Night on Tuesday, February 25th from 5-7pm! This event will have 12 different activities focused on George O'Connor's Olympians books. Come join in on the fun!
- Attendees can earn prizes and HERO points! (Oh, and Bahama Bucks will be here for purchase!)
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Dana Yajure Sequera checked out Clash as our 11,000 check out of the year!
Let’s Read, OCPS!
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Let's embark on a reading journey together! 📖 Our school is excited to be part of the Let's Read OCPS reading challenge to read 20 million minutes across the district! This challenge runs until April 30. Our school goal is 200,000 minutes and so far, our students have logged 183,419 minutes–we’re almost there (Ms. Moye will need to bump up our goal)! Don’t have a book already? Check out an eBook or audiobook on Sora through LaunchPad! We can reach our goal by logging as little as 10 minutes daily! All reading and every minute counts! | |
Weekly Superintendent's Message: | |
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Feb. 3, 2025
Are you keeping up with your New Year's resolutions? On this week's Mondays with Maria presented by Addition Financial, Dr. Vazquez and Nancy Alvarez reveal the one resolution you absolutely should keep (and why!). Plus, find out the resources OCPS offers to help you on your journey.
Listen to more on this topic on the Mondays with Maria Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts.
OCPS Magnet Program Application Deadline is Feb. 17:
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OCPS offers several dynamic and innovative Magnet Programs across our district for students to participate in. Family deadline of February 17, 2025, for consideration in the first lottery. Students must meet the eligibility requirements of the magnet(s) for which they are applying.
Families may apply here: https://schoolchoicemagnet.ocps.net/
If you would like to see additional information on our Magnet Programs, please visit the OCPS Magnet Office on social media at: https://linktr.ee/ocps_Magnets
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FREE immunization events: | |
HCMS Vocabulary Initiative Update! | |
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Our HCMS Vocabulary Initiative is focusing on word parts to work towards being able to break apart words to determine their meaning. Research shows that learning word parts is the most effective way to grow vocabulary in the secondary setting because one word part can help with determining the meaning of many words.
To view all HCMS Word Parts, visit the HCMS Word Parts Quizlet.
Here are the word parts shared since January 11th:
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Graduating Eagles Yard Signs! | |
Construction Update: The slab has been poured! | |
Testing Season with your ELL in Mind - Virtual Session | |
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Collaborating with Parent Academy, the Global Family Welcome Center will host their first VIRTUAL Workshop: Testing Season with your ELL in mind on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Multilingual families will be able to identify OCPS state tests for elementary and secondary-level students, and participants will be able to identify state testing accommodations for English Language Learner (ELL)students.
Registration is needed to receive the link. https://tinyurl.com/ELLTestingSeason21225
Flyers in ENG, SPA, POR, and HAT can be downloaded here
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Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Moukaddam, Principal
Hunter's Creek Middle School
Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025
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Hunter's Creek Middle School Leadership Team | |
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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)
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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 - Hunter's Creek Middle School is forbidden without written consent. Thank you for your support of the Orange County Public Schools and especially Hunter's Creek Middle School. Please contact Mrs. Joumana Moukaddam (Principal) at 37895@ocps.net with any questions related to the program.
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Hunter's Creek Middle | Mrs. Moukaddam, Principal | 407.858.4620 | HCMS Website
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