Last Week of the Regular Year!!!

Hi Everyone,

Wow! That is the word for both Hollingers as we can hardly believe that this is the last week of the year. Every year seems to go by faster and faster.

It has been both an honor and a privilege to work with you and your wonderful children this year. It was a great experience and an amazing year.

Please email me if you need to know your time for your end of the year parent meeting this week. Days are listed below. Thank you!

Here is what we have going on this week:

Monday:

• MS students have their social studies wrap up day with Mr. Randy
• HS FLVS day
• MP: Regular day
  
• End of year family meetings starting at 9:00am with Cloutier, Cox, Johnston, Jorden, Smartt, and Adams

Tuesday:

• HS/MS FLVS day
• MP: Regular day
• End of year family meetings starting at 9:30am: Mullins, Reed, Steele, Syed and Corchis

Wednesday:

• HS/MS FLVS day
• MP: Regular day
• End of year family meetings starting at 8:30am: LaPlante, Saltiel, Burgtorf, Weldon and Ruder

Thursday:

• Project presentations starting at 8:45am-I will send an email with names of students presenting.
• HS/MS FLVS day
• MP: Regular day

Friday:

• 9:00am REP theater improve performance-parents should plan to attend.
• 10:00am Mysterious Package presents their final project/MS and HS present Costa Rica project.
• EOY party-Lunch/Big Kahuna Water Park/Dinner

Announcements/Reminders:

• Please pay $20 for the EOY party.
• Please pay $20 for a memory book if you would like one.

Attitudes of Gratitude:

• Thank you to Jonathan and Kelly for their help with the concert!
• Thank you Faisal for helping transport Instruments for the show!

"Every end is a new beginning."

Have a safe and happy summer!
Amy

Week of May 16th

Hi Everybody!

It was great to have everyone back at Ohana last week. I look forward to opening to door every day and seeing the students, they are awesome!

Please remember to help us get the students to school in the next ten days. There is a lot going on and we need them to be present. If there is a reason that they are going to be out please drop me an email to allow us to plan for their absence. Thank you.

Also, Sunday students need to be at the Hibiscus cafe at 3:00pm for rehearsal. The show will be at 6:00pm with light snacks available for purchase. I will send you a more details on food etc. in a few days.

Monday:

• HS/MS: Morning is RRA/FLVS-Afternoon is Costa Rica Trip wrap up with Lettye.
  

• Mysterious Package: Regular day with afternoon spent on prep for their trip to present their projects at the Montessori school Tuesday.
  

Tuesday:

• MS/HS: RRA/FLVS
  

• Mysterious Package: In the morning this group will travel to South Walton Montessori Academy to present some information to the students there. They are excited to be taking their learning on the road!
  

Wednesday:

• RRA all groups/concert prep (rock and roll academy)
  

• All groups will be working on their electronic portfolios and getting ready for their conferences with parents next week

Thursday:

• All groups RRA/concert prep
  

• Mysterious Package: Regular work day

• MS/HS FLVS
  

Friday:

• Mysterious Package: Regular work day

• MS/HS FLVS

• REP theatre class
  

Announcements/Coming Soon:

• RRA concert may 22 6:00pm at the Hibiscus Cafe in Grayton Beach

• Final Parent check in meetings and class registration meetings for next year week of 5/23.

• May 27th Project palooza open house for parents (9:00am-11:00am)-Last day of the regular Ohana schedule.

• May 30-June 3 Ohana closed

• June 6th Ohana's first annual June intensive learning institute begins.

• June 11th Parent Advisory Board meeting 9:00am Ohana administrative office.
  

Attitudes of Gratitude:

• Mr. Ken for coming to visit and help our Juniors and Sophomores get ready for college.
• Ms. Nancy for being back and helping Ohana get to the next level.
• Ms. Jennifer for the great cupcakes-yummy!!!!
  

"Moderation. Small helpings. Sample a little bit of everything. These are the secrets of happiness and good health."

- Julia Child

I am looking forward to some awesome days with the students this week!
Amy

Week of May 9th

Beautiful view from our Costa Rica travelers!

Hi Everybody!

You should have received an email form me already but I really want to stress the importance of attendance for all students from now until the and of the year. We have so many amazing things going on and it is next to impossible to get it all done when the students are not at Ohana every day. Please help us by having them at Ohana for the next three weeks.

Monday:

• HS/MS: Costa Rica
  

• Mysterious Package: Marianna caverns trip

• Parent Advisory meeting 5:15pm
  

Tuesday:

• MS/HS: Return from Costa Rica late in the evening.
  

• Mysterious Package: Back on campus debriefing Florida Adventures trips.
  

Wednesday:

• RRA all groups/concert prep (rock and roll academy0
  

• Mysterious Package: Regular work day

• HS/MS: Student choice project number 2 wrap up & FLVS work time
  

Thursday:

• All groups RRA/concert prep
  

• Mysterious Package: Regular work day

• MS/HS FLVS
  

• Parent advisory board meeting 5:15pm at Ohana.
  

Friday:

• All groups RRA/concert prep
  

• Mysterious Package: Regular work day

• MS/HS FLVS

• REP theatre class
  

Announcements/Coming Soon:

• May 14th HS guidance counselor visit for all juniors and sophomores.

• RRA concert may 22 6:00pm at the Hibiscus Cafe in Grayton Beach

• Final Parent check in meetings and class registration meetings for next year week of 5/23.

• May 27th Project palooza open house for parents (time TBA)-Last day of the regular Ohana schedule.

• May 30-June 3 Ohana closed

• June 6th Ohana's first annual June intensive learning institute begins.
  

Attitudes of Gratitude:

• Costa Rica Chaperones you rock!!!
  
• Amy C. for keeping the parent advisory group on task and moving forward.
• Donnie Weldon for chaperoning our trip to Marianna Caverns.
  

"Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. "
William Shakespeare

I am looking forward to having the Ohana family all back together this week!
Amy

Costa Rica/Florida Adventures and Beyond!!!!

Costa Rica: Parrot with volcano in the background

Hi Everybody!

We are ready for two amazing experiential learning trips for our older and younger students!! Whether the students are traveling far (Cost Rica baby!) or near (Marianna Caverns here we come!) this next ten days promises to be packed with authentic learning and the highlight of the year for many students.

Monday:

• HS and MS students need to come to Ohana at 1:00pm with their suitcases for a "packing check. " Please note that these students do not have a regular schedule this day and are only expected to be at Ohana at 1:00pm.
  

• Mysterious Package: There will be a brief parent meeting to go over the Florid Adventures trip itinerary at 3:30pm. Please plan to stay a few minutes when you come to pick up your child.
  

Tuesday:

• MS/HS: Leave for Costa Rica!!!!!
  

• Mysterious Package: Beach clean up/African Cats.
  

Wednesday:

• Mysterious Package:Emerald Coast Science Center-Ft. Walton Beach
  

Thursday:

• Mysterious Package: Marianna Caverns Trip-Marianna
• Parent advisory board meeting 5:15pm at Ohana.
  

Friday:

• Mysterious Package-To be announced

Announcements/Coming Soon:

• May 14th HS guidance counselor visit for all juniors and sophomores.

• RRA concert may 22 6:00pm at the Hibiscus Cafe in Grayton Beach

• Final Parent check in meetings and class registration meetings for next year week of 5/23.

• May 27th Last day of the regular Ohana schedule.

• May 30-June 3 Ohana closed

• June 6th Ohana's first annual June intensive learning institute begins.
  

Attitudes of Gratitude:

• Lettye, Jonathan and Kelly thank you for the great Costa Rica kick off unit!!
  
• Thank you Costa Rica chaperones: Denise, Jon, Lettye, Allen, Tim, Paige, Jonathan and Kelly-have a fabulous time!
  
• Thank you to everyone for taking time to be involved in everything that we have going on (parent advisory board, project presentations, trips, scheduling etc.)!

"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."
~ St. Augustine

Safe travels everyone!
Amy

Week of April 18th

Hi Everybody!

We are ready for another amazing week for our students!!

Here is what is going on this week:

Due this week:

• All HS students need to come prepared to write their resumes on Tuesday. I sent an email to both parents and students about the things that they will need to compile prior to coming to school on Tuesday. Please help your child get their things together.

• Student choice project #2 needs to be sent to experts for review this week. Their will be formal check ins Thursday to make sure that all groups have sent their projects to their experts.
  

Monday/PBL day:

• MS/HS: Kick off to Costa Rica!!!!! They will start with a trip to yolo board and then start a mini project on Costa Rica.
  
• Mysterious Package: Kick off of their Florida Adventures trip!!!
  

Tuesday/FLVS day/Check ins with AmyPresentations starting at 8:45am please join us if you can! Tuesday's presenters: Nathan, Leah and Taylor.
Wednesday/PBL day:

• MS/HS: continue/complete their Costa Rica project
• Mysteriuos package: Continue work on their Florida Adventures project
  

Thursday/FLVS day/Check ins with Amy

Friday Start Spring Break-OH is closed

Announcements/Coming Soon:

• Parent Advisory Board Meetings: Monday 5:30pm topic-financial information AND Wednesday 5:15pm topic-mission statement and 2011-12 calendar. Both meetings will be at OH.

• Spring break-OH will be closed 4/22-5/1.

• May 14th HS guidance counselor visit for all juniors and sophomores.
  

Things to ask your student about:

• HS/MS-What are you working on for the Costa Rica Project?
• Elem-Where are you going on your Florida Adventures?
  

Attitudes of Gratitude:

• Whu hu great job students on your fabulous presentations last week!!!
  
• Amy C. thank you for stepping up and leading our parent advisory group!
• Thank you wonderful cleaning people for making our environment so nice and clean!!!
• Thank you Mr. mark for an amazing week of rock and roll last week!!!
• Thank you Claire for coordinating the efforts of the calendar committee and creating a wonderful presentation to share at the advisory meeting this week!!
• Thank you Mr. David for making the Internet work so well!!
  

"Play is the beginning of knowledge"
Author unknown

Have a super week!

Amy

Week of April 11th

Hi There Everybody!

Welcome back Mr Mark!!! We are so happy to have him and his family here this week.

Here is what is going on this week:

Monday/PBL day:

• student choice project one presentation practice
  
• student choice project two work day
  

Tuesday/ITBS testing/FLVS day/Check ins with Amy

• Presentations starting at 8:45am please join us if you can! Tuesday's presenters: Nathan, Leah and Taylor.
  

Wednesday/ITBS testing/PBL day:

• Presentations starting at 8:45am. Please join us if you can! Wednesday's presenters: Alex, Cale/Mason and McKenzie.
  

• Student choice project two work day
  

• Parent Advisory Board Meeting Wednesday 5:00pm at OH.

Thursday/ITBS testing/FLVS day/Check ins with Amy

• Presentations starting at 8:45am please join us if you can! Thursday's presenters: Connor, Mitchell, Davis and Alyssa.

Friday/FLVS day/REP day:

• Presentations starting at 8:45am please join us if you can! Friday's presenters: Hunter, Hannah, Kylie ,Chase and Jojo

• Bring your bikes, scooters, boards...it is cruising Friday!
  

Announcements/Coming Soon:

• Parent Advisory Board Meeting Wednesday April 13th 5:00pm at OH.

• Spring break has been extended to include Friday April 22. OH will be closed 4/22-5/1.
  

Things to ask your student about:

• HS/MS-What day is your presentation?
• Elem-What project are you working on?

Due this week:

• MS and HS: Student Choice Project #2 sent to experts by end of day 4/13. Student choice project #1 formal presentations this week.
  

Celebrations:

• Happy Birthday Jack!!!!4/11/11

Attitudes of Gratitude:

• Yay and thank you Jennifer Steele for sending the Shadowboxers our way for our own private concert last Friday afternoon. They were amazing!!!
  
• Thank you Kelly for getting our students ready for their presentations!!!
• Thank you Mr. Jonathan for helping our with RRA and elementary math!!!
• Thank you Ms. Nancy for organizing our first parent advisory meeting and so much more!!!
  

Have a great week!

Amy

Week of April 4th

"Cruising Friday" fun

Hi There Everybody!

Welcome back Telluride Crew!!! We are so happy to have the "family" back together this week.

Here is what is going on this week:

Monday/PBL day:

• student choice project one revision continues
• student choice project one presentation prep
• student choice project two work day (four work days total)

Tuesday/FLVS day/Check ins with Amy

Wednesday/PBL day:

• Welcome back Nancy Barba (HMH consultant/retired Broward county educator). Nancy is visiting for a week and a half to work with all of us on helping to make the OH model the best it can be. Randy and I enjoyed her last visit and are looking forward to working with her again.
• student choice project one revision continues
• student choice project one presentation prep
• student choice project two work day (three work days left)

Thursday/FLVS day/Check ins with Amy

Friday/FLVS day/REP day:

• Bring your bikes, scooters, boards...it is cruising Friday!
  

Announcements/Coming Soon:

• Parent meeting about next year with Tim week of April 11th (time and date TBA)
  

• If you are having your student take the elementary or 10th grade FCAT the week of April 11th don't forget to contact the school where they will be going to take it.

Things to ask your student about:

• HS/MS-What is your new PBL essential question?
• Elem-What project are you working on?

Due this week:

• HS: Final Draft Literary Analysis 4/8
  

Celebrations:

• Happy Birthday Anastasia!!!!4/4/11

Attitudes of Gratitude:

• Thank you Alyssa for cooking us some amazing pancakes this morning!!!
• Thank you Ms. Lettye for sending the cleaning crew!!!

Have a super weekend!
Amy

Week of 3/28/11

Cale and Mason with their successful Jacob's Ladder

Hi There Everybody!

This past week I had the privilege to review some really amazing totally student produced projects! I have to say that even though I am a bit biased that they are wonderful. It is amazing to see what students can do on their own when given the freedom to construct their own learning. I know that the students are really looking forward to presenting these projects to you the week of April 11th after the projects have been through the expert review and revise process.

The other really exciting thing is all the visitors that we have had come our way this spring. The majority are potential new students for the 2011-12 year. We have three more families visiting this week as well as the Deputy Superintendent of Alachua County (Mr. Randy's mom). I want to personally thank all of you because the majority of the people coming through have been sent our way via word of mouth.

Here is what is going on this week:

Things to ask your student about:

• HS/MS-What are your current expected completion dates for your FLVS coursework?
• Elem-What do you know about schools in Japan?

Due this week:

• MS/HS: Project Planning forms for final project of the year.

Announcements/Coming Soon:

• If you are having your student take the elementary or 10th grade FCAT the week of April 11th don't forget to contact the school where they will be going to take it.

• Please check out our sidebar calendar on the right of this blog. It has been updated to reflect April dates.

• Please visit our PBL page to see new projects that have recently been added: http://ohpbl.blogspot.com/
  

Attitudes of Gratitude:

• Thank you sweet Jeni's for all the cupcakes!!
• Thank you students for doing some "spring cleaning" this past week!!

"I trust that everything happens for a reason, even when we are not wise enough to see it."
-Oprah

It is going to be another great week at OH Institute and we hope to see some of you at school. Stop by anytime!

Amy

Week of 3/21

Hi Everyone,

Here is this week's update:

Things to ask your student about:

• * High School and Middle School: What day do you plan to meet with Ms. Amy to check off your project to be sent to experts?
  

• * Elementary: Do bigger things weigh more than smaller things? What schools around the world did you contact this week?
  

Due this week:

• HS literary Analysis #3 posted to blog 3/21 Visit http://ohlanguagearts.pbworks.com/w/page/31350641/Literary-Responses to see a frame for your literary reflection

• Rough draft of your literary analysis due Friday-Visit http://ohlanguagearts.pbworks.com/w/page/31167841/Literary-Analysis-Paper for guidelines on writing the paper and prompts.
  

• MS and HS Project formal check in by 3/25 (project needs to be finished and ready to sent to experts. This check in happens before sending project to experts)

Celebrations:

• Happy Birthday Nicole 3/26!!!
  

attitudes of gratitude

• Thank you to Ms. Rooney's class for sending Mysterious package some snow!!!Thank you Sweet Jeni's for the cupcakes!!!YUM!
  

"All great achievements require time. "
Maya Angelou

Have a great week!

Amy

Week of 3/14

Hi Everyone,


Here is this week's update:

Things to ask your student about:

• * High School and Middle School: What are you working on this week with your student choice project?

• * Elementary: What is your new project topic?

PBL update:

Due this week:

• MS final draft of standards paper due 3/17
• HS literary analysis #2 posted to blog by 3/18 M

Mysterious package is starting a new project about schools around the world this week.
Attitudes of gratitude

• Thank you to all the RB students for being gracious hosts to all of our visitors coming through these past few weeks.
  

"Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment. "

-Oprah

Have a great week!
Amy

Week of 3/7

Hi Everyone,

Please remember that we are out of school for a mini two day break this week on Thursday and Friday (3/10 and 3/11).

Here is this week's update:

Things to ask your student about:

• High School and Middle School: What is your first student choice project?
  

• Elementary: Please share your big writing.
  

PBL update:

• OHpedia projects are done and our final two projects will be student choice.

• HS Due this week: Student choice project planning form, Final draft of standard paper (3/9), Book selected and started for literary analysis (3/7-3/11), Literary reflection #1 posted to blog (3/11).

• MS Due this week: Student choice project planning form, Final draft of Jamestown standard paper (3/7), social studies American Government Standards (next two weeks) see this link for details: http://middleschoolohpedia.wikispaces.com/Social+Studies+Outline
  

• Mysterious package is moving on to a project on weather with Ms. Rooney's class in Wisconsin and Ms. Carey's class South Carolina.
  

Happy Birthday to Jordin 3/3!!! Apologize for missing you last week!!!

Attitudes of gratitude:

• Thank you to Ben Sung visiting violinist for two great lessons last in Rosemary Beach week! It was fun to have Sydney join us for the lesson!!!
  

"As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others."
Bill Gates"

Have a fabulous week!

Amy

Week of 2/28

Hi Everyone,

I really love having the opportunity to meet with everyone for five week check ins. It is always so nice to be able to spend time connecting and working together to make OH the best possible place for your child.

Here is this week's update:

Welcome to OH!

• Sydney Senior is our newest addition to the OH family. We are so excited to have her as our first full time virtual student!!
  

Things to ask your student about:

• High School and Middle School: How are you doing with completing your OHpedia lessons? Also, ask them to show you their shared google doc that is a calendar of their monthly PBL work. This will help give you an overview of what their PBL work schedule looks like.
  

• Elementary: What did you learn about carnivorous plants this week?
  

PBL update:

• OHpedia projects were due Friday 2/18 and we are presenting them Monday of this week.

• The OHpedia lesson plan presentations are not formal. The purpose of these is to allow students to go over their lesson plan to show their peers what they need to do to complete the lesson. Parents are welcome to attend and we would love to see some of you! Here is the presentation schedule:
  
  • 8:45-9:15 Prep time/7:45-8:15 (Telluride time)
    
  • 9:15-9:25 HS Mira&Taylor/MS Mason
  • 9:30-9:40 HS McKenzie&Kylie/MS Alyssa
  • 9:45-9:55 HS Chase&Joanna/MS Hannah B.(8:45 Telluride time)
    
  • 10:00-10:10 HS Connor&Alex/Davis (9:00am Telluride time)
    
  • 10:15-10:25 HS Hunter&Nathan/Mitchell (9:15 Telluride time)
    

• Mysterious package is finishing their recycling project with their feedback from experts. They are also continuing their work with Ms. Rooney's class in Wisconsin and Ms. Carey's class in South Carolina on a carnivorous plants project. Ask them about their plant dissection.

Alabama Field Experience:

• The trip was a huge success. A special shout out goes to the Telluride crew for their awesome Bear Dance!!

Other things going on:

• The students have been brainstorming ideas for our big trip next year. They are thinking about service learning and global issues. They have come up with places such as Alaska and Africa.
  

• Rosemary Beach crew will have a two day mini project led by Ben Sung violinist and visiting artist in residence. The essential question will be "what is creativity?"
  

Happy Birthday to Trae 2/27!!! "What a guy!"

Attitudes of gratitude:

• Thank you to Melanie Ruder and Cindy Weldon for the amazing desserts and breakfast on our trip!! Thank you to the Jorden Family for providing yummy snacks!!Thank you to Mr. Tim and Kelley for coordinating our amazing trip to Alabama!! Thank you to Melanie Jorden for joining me to discuss the Digital Natives article on Friday!!
  

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for how we all should be."
~Gilda Radner

Have a great week!

Amy

Week of 2/21

OH Rosemary Beach at Symphonia

Hi Everyone,

Here is this week's update:

Things to ask your student about:

• High School and Middle School: How is your pace for FLVS coursework?
  

• Elementary: What did you learn about venomous snakes this week?
  

PBL update:

• OHpedia projects were due Friday 2/18 and the lesson plans from these projects will be rolled out for classmates the week of 2/28.
  

• Mysterious package is waiting for responses from experts on the recycling PBL. They are also working on a collaborative project about tarantulas with Ms. Rooney's class in Milwaukee.
  

Alabama Field Experience Update:

• We are set to travel to Cheaha State Park this Tuesday. We will leave at 6:00am and return Wednesday between 10-11pm on Wednesday. It is going to be such a wonderful trip!
  

Happy Birthday to Chase 2/20!!!

Attitudes of gratitude:

• Thank you to the Syed Family for providing a bunch of snacks!!Thank you to Paige for coordinating the Telluride Crew's participation in the Seaside REP's class on Fridays!!Thank you to the Weldon Family, The LaPlante Family, The Adams Family and Alyssaa for all of our yummy Valentine's day treats!!
  

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; the optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
~Winston Churchill

Enjoy your week!

Amy

Week of 2/14

Hi Everyone,

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Things to ask your student about:

• High School and Middle School: What kind of feedback did your expert provide about your OHpedia entry?
  

• Elementary: How are you working on a collaborative spider project with Ms. Rooney's class in Milwaukee?
  

Reminder:

• We will be doing our five week check ins with families in the next three weeks. Please look for an email from me with a date and time for your check in.
  

PBL update:

• MS/HS: We are in the last stages of the Ohpedia project and should be done in the next few weeks.

• Elementary is in the last stages of their recycling project and should be done in the next few weeks as well.

Things we need:

• Tape

• Healthy Snacks

Coming Soon/Announcements:

• We are traveling to Anniston Alabama 2/22-2/23 to do a project at Cheaha State park and present our PBL in the Oxford county schools.

Attitudes of Gratitude:

• From our Attitudes wall: Thank you Mysterious Package for the awesome presentations, Whu hu Telluride Crew you rock! and Thanks everyone for getting mucho work done.

"Life is like a ten speed bicycle, most people have gears that they never use."
Charles Schulz

Have an amazing week,
Amy

Week of 2/7/11

Hi Everyone,

We had a great experience last week both at our conference and staying in touch virtually with all of the students. Things went relatively smoothly.

Here is what we are up to this week:

Monday:

• Mysterious Package will put together their recycling plan for Rosemary Beach and send it to their expert. They will also be starting Destination Math, continuing their book study with Ms. Rooney's class in Milwaukee and doing a geography project on the most dangerous place to live on the earth.

• It is PBL day for the 7th-11th grade students and they are all at various stages of their OHpedia project. Today they will all have a project check in with one of the facilitators.

• All Rosemary Beach students have rock and roll academy.

Tuesday and Thursday:

• Mysterious Package will continue their recycling project, Prep for their big writing, work in Destination Math/do some math inquiry work, do a book talk Skype with Ms. Rooney's class, continue reading Janitor's Boy, do their reader's response and have some exploration time with all the great things that the parents have been sending in to tinker with.

• 7th-11th-FLVS day-New students will be going over their current pace charts on Tuesday. All students will have a check in either Tuesday or Thursday.

• All Students in Telluride have Rock and Roll Academy with Mr. Mark.
  

Wednesday/Friday:

• Mysterious Package will have their big writing Wednesday. They will also be working on their recycling project, Destination Math/do some math inquiry work, continue reading Janitor's Boy, do their reader's response and have another mini project challenge.
  

• It is PBL day for the 7th-11th grade students and they are all at various stages of their OHpedia project.

• Wednesday all students in Rosemary Beach have rock and roll academy.

• Friday all students have the seaside Rep class at 2:00pm (our Telluride five are being included in this).

Coming Soon/Announcements:

• 2/18 Symphonia with Benjamin Sung-whole school

• The students will be working on looking at where they would like to travel next year for their big service learning trip. We hope to have some ideas to share with you by the end of this week or early next week.

Costa Rica Update:

• Final payment for the trip is due March 1st. Kelley will be contacting you directly to let you know the amount and how to make payments.

Celebrations:

• Happy Belated Birthday to Chase 2/2 and Connor 2/4!!!!!!
  

Attitudes of gratitude:

Thank you for allowing us to have the privilege of working with your children and the amazing OH families! We love OH!

"Living with animals can be a wonderful experience, especially if we choose to learn the valuable lessons animals teach through their natural enthusiasm,
grace, resourcefulness, affection and forgiveness."
— Richard H. Pitcairn

Have a fabulous week!
Amy

Week of January 31

Hi Everyone!

The theme of this week is "business as usual" for all groups elementary, middle and high.

The students will be expected to keep up with their work including their project based assignments. The PBL blog will be updated to reflect their daily work agendas for Monday, Wednesday and Friday work.

Students are expected to be available via skype and cell phone on all days. Facilitators will be on skype and have cell phones ready to receive texts and calls all week.

The nice thing about about technology is that it allows us to stay connected. The nice thing about OH is that a week like this is exactly what our students and facilitators are prepared for. We will continue to learn and communicate even when we are not together face to face. I am looking forward to it.


Welcome to OH:

• Welcome Nicole our new 11th grade student. She started OH officially on Friday!
  

Things to ask your student about:

• High School and Middle School: Have you sent your project to an expert? What are your next steps?

• Elementary: What are you planning to include in your recycling plan? How is your book group with the school in Milwaukee going?
  

Reminder:

• We will be doing our five week check ins with families in the next three weeks. Please look for an email from me with a date and time for your check in.
  

PBL update:

• We are completing the OHpedia portion of HS and MS projects and moving on to the lesson module portion.
  

• Elementary is developing their recycling plans this week to present to classmates next week.

Costa Rica Update:

• Final payment for the trip is due March 1st. Kelley will be contacting you directly to let you know the amount and how to make payments.

Announcements:

• Amy Corchis has shared news of a family in Niceville that need help. They have a 14 mo old daughter and both parents have been recently diagnosed with cancer. There is a yard sale to benefit the family on 2/5 and if you would like to donate anything please call 532-9287
  

• If you have a craft and want to sell it at South Walton Montessori Academy's annual yard sale on March 5th they are renting tables to vendors for $30. Please contact Beth Brock: bethbrock@mac.com if you want more information.
  

Attitudes of gratitude:

Thank you to all of our students for working hard this past week!!

"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells."
Dr. Suess

Have a great week!

Amy

Week of January 24th

Davis testing out a sextant (a navigational device used by ships prior to technology) that he made as part of his PBL

Hi Everyone,

This week we start our second semester of the Rock and Roll academy. It is going to be great!

Things to ask your student about:

• Inquiry Group (Elementary): How did you use the math concepts of area and perimeter this week?
  

• MS/HS: Are you on track to complete your FLVS coursework by May 27? HS how are you doing with your first draft of your literary analysis?
  

PBL update:

• Mysterious Package Inquiry Group (elementary): This week we are learning about how to transcribe and organize all the data about recycling that we gathered in the field last week.
  

• MS/HS: OHpedia work continues with most students hoping to be ready to send the OHpedia portion of their project to experts by the end of the week.
  

Coming Soon/Announcements:

• Thursday: We have a songwriter, Carmel Mikol, coming to visit from 2:30-3:30pm
  

• Friday: We will have the REP come in the afternoons on Friday from now on to not interrupt our FLVS days.
  

Attitudes of gratitude:

• Thank you Ruder Family for all the fabulous snacks and supplies!
  

"You see things and you say,"why?" But I dream things that never were and I say, "why not?"
George Bernard Shaw

It is going to be an amazing week!
Amy

Week of January 17th

Congratulations to Elizabeth O' Brien and Cindi Zele winners of the "Chance to Win" drawing!
Elizabeth won the Rosemary Beach Getaway and Cindi won the Bahamas getaway.

Hi Everyone,

What a great rockin' weekend we had! Between the amazing Rock and Roll Academy show and the chance to win drawing OH Institute was in full swing this weekend.

Please help spread the word that we are having an OH Open House for anyone potentially interested in attending OH Institute next year. It is this Tuesday night at 5:30pm at OH.

Things to ask your student about:

• Inquiry Group (Elementary): What is "Inquiry math?"
  

• MS/HS: How is your second semester FLVS coursework going?
  

PBL update:

• Inquiry Group (elementary): This group continues to work hard on their recycling project. They amaze us daily with all of the information that they are uncovering about the positive impact recycling has the potential to carry out for the environment. Ask your child about their experience "out in the field" talking to local restaurants.
  

• MS/HS: Both of these groups are in full swing working on their OHpedia projects and planning online lessons using their sunshine state standards. Ask your student to explain to you what information they are gathering this week for their OHpedia entry.
  

College Night 1/19:

• All HS students and families please plan to attend our college planning night this Wednesday at 6:00pm.

Coming Soon/Announcements:

• Tuesday: We start our theatre class with the Seaside Rep at 2:00pm!

• Marianna Caverns trip-postponed due to cold weather rolling through this Saturday
  

Happy Birthday to Davis and Mitchell 1/20!!!!!

Attitudes of gratitude:

• Thank you Denise for the guitar picks! Thank you Lettye and Allen for providing an amazing venue for our concert!!Thank you students for providing us with some rockin' music Saturday-you are the best!
  

"Hatred and bitterness can never cure the disease of fear; only love can do that. Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it."
Martin Luther King Jr.

Have a super week!
Amy

Week of January 10

Hi Everyone!

It was a great week getting back in to the swing of things.

Here is some information on this week as well as new things coming our way:

Welcome New Students:

• Welcome Chase and welcome Taylor! They are are officially joining us at OH this week. That takes us up to 5 new students this semester-yay for OH!
  

Things to ask your student about:

• MS and HS:did you get your first semester FLVS coursework done? Why or why not?
  

• MS and HS: What is OHpedia? Ask this after Monday.
  

• Elem: tell me more about recycling.
  

PBL update:

• This week we start two PBL related things:

1. We are starting a PBL called OHpedia with MS and HS. Elementary will continue their recycling PBL.
2. We are starting a new schedule for PBL. Monday, Wednesday and Fridays will be devoted to PBL work-no FLVS allowed. Tuesday and Thursday will be FLVS days wit all blocks devoted to FLVS coursework.
   

Rock and Roll Academy Update:

• Our concert is scheduled for this Saturday 1/15.
  

• Mr. Mark will be visiting from the Rock and Roll Academy to continue his guidance and support in the process of Rock and Roll Academy Rosemary Beach

Fundraising Update:

• Please continue to sell raffle tickets. We are asking for each family to sell as many as they can by the 16th.
  

• The drawing will be held on Sunday 1/16.
  

Coming Soon/Announcements:

• College night all high school families need to mark your calendars for Wednesday 1/19.
  

• Marianna Caverns trip-whole school Saturday 1/22 families and siblings are encouraged to attend.
  

• Seaside REP will start Tuesday 1/18 at 2:00pm.
  

• Please see the side bar of the blog for our January Calendar.
  

Things we need:

• Nothing right now!
  

Attitudes of gratitude:

• Thank you seniors for getting a shopping list and buying groceries for us! Thank you Weldon family for the snacks!!
  

" A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader. a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves."
-Author Unknown

Have a super week!
Amy

Week of January 3, 2011!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR OH Families!!!!

I am so excited to be coming back to OH this week. I have had many great meetings these past two weeks filled with planning an amazing second semester for our students.

Here is some information on this week as well as new things coming our way:

Welcome New Students:

• Wow! Word is out that OH is a great pace to be and we are happy to be welcoming Cale to the OH family this week. He is going to be a wonderful addition to our secondary group both academically and musically.

• William and Anastasia officially start this week. The elementary crew is looking forward to having a two new faces to collaborate with.
  

Things to ask your student about:

• HS: tell me about when you will be done with your FLVS coursework.
  

• MS: tell me about your project work and when your FLVS coursework will be done.

• Elem: tell me about recycling.
  

PBL presentations this week/update:

• Middle School will be presenting their group project on explosions this Friday at 8:35am. To get a sneak peek at one of the exciting explosion videos please visit: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheCookieCake2?feature=mhum
  

• HS will have their final group presentation on the Civil War this Friday morning as well.
  

This week's focus:

• MS/HS students will have an FLVS focus week which means that their entire work blocks will be devoted to finishing their FLVS first semester coursework. They will not be doing any PBL work this week.
  

• Elementary will be starting a group project on recycling in Florida.
  

• New secondary students will be working on learning the PBL process while completing a project with the facilitators.
  

Fundraising Update:

• Please continue to sell raffle tickets. We are asking for each family to sell as many as they can by the 16th.
  

• The next parent meeting is set for this Friday at Amavida right after the PBL presentations.
  

Coming Soon/Announcements:

• College night all high school families need to mark your calendars for Wednesday 1/19. We have a new member of the team Kelley working with us to help keep the HS students on the right track in their college preparation. She will be sharing a timeline of things to do to prepare for college each year. Included on the timeline are things like: creating a resume for college admission, becoming familiar with the college admissions process, when to take tests, and much more. She has recently been through this with two of her own children and is going to be a GREAT resource for our community!
  

• Marianna Caverns trip-whole school. Due to our January schedule rather than take a school day we have decided to change the trip to Saturday 1/22. We would still like as many students as are available to come with their families. More information coming soon!

• Seaside REP has included us on two exciting opportunities this spring. The first is that we will be having Brooks come and work with our students to create their own production. This experience will start Tuesday 1/18 at 2:00pm. The second is they have let us know about an internship experience for students 14 and older. If you are interested in knowing more about the internship please contact me.

• Please see the side bar of the blog for our January Calendar.
  

Things we need:

• Snacks- the healthier the better!
  

Attitudes of gratitude:

• Thank you Santa for a wonderful holiday party with lunch at Applebees followed up by fun for all at Wunderworks! Thank you to the Smartt family for the Chex Mix!!Thank you to the Ruder family for the goody boxes for all of the students!!Thank you to the Corchis family for the yummy cupcakes!!!
  

"Cheers to a new year, another chance for us to get it right."
Oprah Winfrey

I cannot wait to see everyone this week!
Amy