Wekiva High School
August 2014
Volume 7
Vision
Academic and personal success for every student.
Mission
Each student will reach the highest standards of academic and personal success.
Beliefs
Students • Students are our first and foremost priority. • All students can and will learn in a challenging atmosphere. • Students are entitled to a safe and secure learning environment. Curriculum & Instruction • Rigor and relevance lead all instruction. • Constant self-assessment enriches our programs. • Extracurricular activities are vital to a well-rounded education. • Teamwork is essential. Community • Students, faculty and staff are life-long learners. • Faculty and staff are professional role models. • Respect and accountability are the cornerstones of all relationships. To download a PDF version of this newsletter, go to www.academypublishing.com.
“Prepare for Greatness”
Number 4
August 2014
A Message From the Principal
G
reetings, Mustangs! This is my first opportunity to introduce myself to the students and families of Wekiva High School, and let me begin by telling you how thrilled I am to be here. I have worked with Orange County Public Schools for the past thirty three years where I have served as an English teacher, writing teacher, SAFE Coordinator, Dean, Assistant Principal, and Principal in the middle and high school levels. I have worked with both strong schools and struggling schools, and I value challenges as well as the successes. I met my husband of thirty years while teaching at Walker Jr. High, and our three children have all graduated from OCPS schools and have continued through college and beyond. One of my goals as the principal of Wekiva High School is to strengthen the community engagement to better support the needs of our students and staff. Parents are always encouraged to attend school-sponsored events as well as help with academic and classroom activities. We invite parents to join our PTSA, SAC, and other parent groups including our fine arts and athletic booster programs. We appreciate your choosing Wekiva and OCPS for your child’s education, and I want all parents to know you play an important role in your child’s academic success. We have decided to make some changes to the Mustang Charge in the hopes to better meet the needs of the parents and students by decreasing the numbers of participants and parking issues during a single event. Seniors will be asked to attend the SENIOR STAMPEDE on Monday, August 11, from 2:00 – 4:00 beginning in the gym lobby. Members of the class of 2015 will be able to pick up schedules, get parking passes (if they didn’t get one the previous week), and select lockers. Juniors and sophomores will participate in Mustang Charge on Tuesday. Juniors participate 10:00—12:00 and sophomores come from 2:00 – 4:00 both beginning in the gym lobby. Juniors and licensed sophomores will be able to get parking passes, schedules, and lockers as well as walk their schedules and meet teachers. The freshman Mustang Charge is Thursday from 2:00 – 5:00 beginning in the gym lobby. Freshmen will receive schedules and lockers, and walk the campus to meet teachers during this time. At 4:00, students and parents are invited to an assembly in the auditorium where we will go over graduation requirements including testing and scholarship information. These next four years will go by more quickly than you can imagine, and we want students and parents to have all of the information needed for graduation. Guidance counselors will not be available for conferences or scheduling concerns during the Senior Stampede or Mustang Charge, and any necessary schedule changes will be made the first week of school for students missing classes or repeating courses. All schedules received prior to the first day of school are subject to change depending on enrollment and class size amendment. I’m looking forward to meeting the students and parents during this week and at future events. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns, and enjoy the rest of your summer vacation. I have finished, Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands. Have you?
“...I want all parents to know you play an important role in your child’s academic success.”
Michele Erickson Principal
Inside This Issue: •
Upcoming Events
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Sports
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School Calendar
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Special Mustang Accolades
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Bell Schedule
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Air Force JROTC
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Where to Go for Help
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Honor Roll