wphs.ocps.net

Principal’s Message

April 2016

AdministratorsNote: This list reflects the

assignments as of publication date.MAIN CAMPUS

PrincipalTimothy Smith

timothy.smith@ocps.netAssistant Principals

Michael CarbeniaSaraya Miller

Maureen ScanlanPaul Wilhite

Administrative DeansSamantha JonesMarcia OwensCraig Russell

School Resource OfficersOfficer Bill Branch

Officer Jimmy AngelesAthletic DirectorMichael Brown

FRESHMAN CAMPUSSenior Administrator

Paul MaldonadoAdministrative Deans

Elisa MoraBill Wilson

School Resource OfficerOfficer Murray Daniel

MAIN CAMPUS622-3200 Fax 975-2434

FRESHMAN CAMPUS623-1476 Fax 623-1485

CELEBR

ATIN

G 84 YEARS OF EX

CELLENCE

Volume 34 Issue 4

For the Parents, Students and Community of

Winter Park High School

Wildcats, During our fourth quarter, students will take many tests. I encourage students to prepare for testing sessions by focusing on class reviews, being well rested, arriving to school on time, and eating a good breakfast. The listing below is our testing schedule for the month of April and May. This listing does not include retake exam dates.

TESTING DATES• April 12: SAT for juniors only (www.khanacademy.org is a good preparation resource!)• April 25 and 26: FSA ELA Reading for freshmen and sophomores• April 28 and 29: Algebra 2 EOC (End of Course exam) main campus• Early May: AP and IB exams• May 2 and 3: Algebra 1 EOC main campus• May 2 and 3 or May 5 and 6: Geometry EOC freshman campus• May 5 and 6: Algebra 1 EOC freshman campus• May 5 and 6 or May 9 and 10: Geometry EOC main campus• May 12: Biology EOC main campus• May 13: US History EOC main campus• May 17: Biology EOC freshman campus• May 16 - 20: PERT for MCR main campus• May 16 - 19 and May 23 - 24: Senior final exams• June 2-7: Final exams for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors

We have had many accomplishments recently. Wildcat Cheerleaders won their fifth consecutive State Championship and another World Championship. The boys soccer team won the State Runner-Up trophy, and the boys basketball team reached the State Final Four. Take 7, girls a cappella, earned a Southeast Region Runner-Up prize in their recent competition. Band, orchestra, and chorus represented our school exceedingly well with many superior ratings in their recent music festivals. Drama performed The Hobbit fantastically well, guitar programs continue to thrive, and we look forward to Night on Broadway in the latter part of April! Students continue to receive affirmation of their strong academic learning through grades, college acceptances, scholarships, and more. Students are engaging in high levels of thinking as the number of observed classrooms with rigorous lessons has climbed to a rate just eclipsing 60% for the year. As we work to be the top producers of successful students in the nation, we define success as students graduating and going forth to be helpful and productive citizens. We see that success taking place with students as they learn, develop thinking skills, strengthen academic skills, and increase knowledge. This is also seen through our students’ engagement with community service projects. With our class officers recently leading the Dance Marathon, $10,950 was raised for the Children’s Miracle Network. It is inspiring to see students, staff, and parents working hard to be helpful and productive citizens. Thank you for being an important part of Winter Park High School. I hope you find this edition of the Wildcat Watch to be informative and helpful.

Sincerely,

Timothy A. SmithPrincipal

Administrator’s Email Addresses

Note: This list reflects the assignments as of publication date.

MAIN CAMPUSPrincipal

Timothy Smithtimothy.smith@ocps.net

Assistant PrincipalsMichael Carbenia

michael.carbenia@ocps.netSaraya Miller

saraya.miller@ocps.netMaureen Scanlan

maureen.scanlan@ocps.netPaul Wilhite

paul.wilhite@ocps.netAdministrative Deans

Samantha JonesSamantha.jones@ocps.net

Marcia Owensmarcia.owens@ocps.net

Craig Russellcraig.russell@ocps.net

Athletic DirectorMichael Brown

michael.brown@ocps.net

FRESHMAN CAMPUSSenior Administrator

Paul Maldonadopaul.maldonado@ocps.net

Administrative DeansElisa Mora

elisa.mora@ocps.netBill Wilson

william.willson2@ocps.net

VisionTo be the top producer of

successful students in the nation

MissionTo lead our students to success

with the support and involvement of families and the community

GoalsIntense focus on student

achievementHigh performing and

dedicated teamSafe learning and working

environmentEfficient operations

Sustained community engagement

Senior Dates!April 15 ....... Grad Bash at Universal & Islands of AdventureApril 27 ....... Senior Awards and Senior OlympicsMay 16-24 ... Senior ExamsMay 24 ........ Last day for SeniorsMay 24 ........ Senior Exam Make-Up DayMay 20 ........ Graduation Rehearsal, UCF Arena, 7:00 AM; No Exams ScheduledMay 26 ........ Baccalaureate, WPHS Auditorium, 6 PMJune 1 .......... Graduation, UCF Arena, 2:00 PM

Mark Your CalendarMarch 28 ..... Begin 4th Marking PeriodApril 1 ......... Report CardsApril 9 ......... Prom ..............................8:00 PM ...... Buena Vista Palace ResortApril 15 ....... Grad Bash ......................Universal Studios & Islands of AdventureApril 27 ...... Senior Awards & Senior OlympicsMay 6 .......... 4th Quarter Progress ReportsMay 20 ........ Graduation Rehearsal ....7:00 AM ...... UCF ArenaMay 24 ........ Last day for seniorsMay 26 ........ Baccalaureate.................6:00 PM ...... AuditoriumMay 30 ........ Student/Teacher holidayJune 1 .......... Graduation ....................2:00 PM ...... UCF ArenaJune 8 .......... Last day of school for UnderclassmenJune 24 ........ Report Cards available for pick up

Grad Bash at Universal Studios Seniors, this year, due to popular demand we will be participating in Grad Bash at Universal Studios! The event will be held the night of April 15th, 2016. The ticket will include access to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, as well as round trip transportation provided by the school. Buses will leave at 6:00 pm from Winter Park High School and will return by 2:45 am. There is a dress code required by Universal that you must adhere by in order to attend Grad Bash, which can be found at https://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Grad-Bash/Dress-Code.aspx. Tickets will go on sale in February, and will cost $80. Students must be present at school on April 15th in order to attend Grad Bash. Students will be required to ride the buses provided by the school. If there are any further questions, please contact Mrs. Pietkiewicz at Margaret.pietkiewicz@ocps.net.

2015- 16 Winter Park High School PTSA BoardPresident- Johnny Miller Past President- Erika Ben ZeevVice President - Stacey Rodrigues Treasure- Linda LindseyRecording Secretary- Stacey Cox Corresponding Secretary- Amy Samelson

Welcome Back Cats - Joanne Stake Progress to Success - Courtney Leggett Homecoming BBQ- Liz Dowell, Kristin Pilgrim, Anne-Marie Lundequam, Liz StewartMembership- Jenn Adams, Ashley Daniels, Kim Horlander, Lori WhiteheadStaff Appreciation- Carol Hale, Cindy Kidd, Leslie Vicari College and Career Center- Weeze Cullen, Jennifer Finfrock Baccalaureate Reception- Looking for Chair and Co-Chair**Volunteers are ALWAYS needed! Join the PTSA Team!!

‘Wildcat Report’April 2016

Published Four Times Per YearWinter Park High School2100 Summerfield Road

Winter Park, Fl 32792Issue #4

PTSA MessageDear Wildcat PTSA Family, Hard to believe how quickly the 2015-16 school year has gone by! I would like to take this opportunity to say “Thanks” for allowing me the honor to have served as the President or Co-President of the PTSA for the past 10 years. Over that time I have worked with some awesome parent volunteers and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it! But the school year is still not over and your “PTSA Team” still has some fun events in store for our students, teachers and staff!• 2016 Grad signs will be on sale starting March 28th in the front office. $20.00 cash or

check (while they last).• Teacher Appreciation Lunch – Co-Chairs Carol Hale and Cindy Kidd will be sending out

information for food donations during the month of April for this May event!• Baccalaureate Reception – This event is for all 2016 grads and their family and will take

place on May 26th (after Baccalaureate) in the east cafeteria. We will have cake, punch, a photo op area with a professional photographer and more!!!

• If you would like to be a PTSA Chair or Co-chair for the 2016 – 17 school year please contact Johnny Miller.

• Next PTSA meeting is April 18th at 12:30pm at the main campus.

For more PTSA happenings and school information check out the PTSA Newsletter or like us on facebook!!

Sincerely,Johnny MillerWPHS PTSA President

Guidance NewsREGISTRATION FOR 2016-2017 The Guidance Office is in the final stages of registering students for next year’s classes. A copy of student requests will be sent home before the end of the school year. Please review course selections carefully. If you feel that changes need to be made to the courses selected, those changes should be made as soon as possible as no schedule change requests will be accepted after July 1, 2016. As you are aware, teachers are hired based on the course requests made during the registration period, this is a particularly salient point to keep in mind during this extremely tight budget year. Please help us make sure that Winter Park is able to offer you the quantity and quality of courses you have become accustomed with your careful and thoughtful selection.

SUMMER REGISTRATION FOR NEW STUDENTS ENTERING WPHS Students new to Winter Park High School planning to enter in the fall of 2016 -2017 are asked to contact Mrs. Wunderlin in the Guidance Office to make an appointment and receive information on forms and documents needed to register. If there are any questions regarding the district area for Winter Park High School, please contact Student Enrollment at the Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center at 407-317-3200.

SENIORS Many of you are sharing with us your excitement and astonishment at being in the final quarter of your senior year. The good news is that you only have two more months. The bad news is that there is going to be a multitude of activities packed into those two months… prom, college acceptances, writing invitations, planning parties, relatives coming in from out of town, final exams and making final decisions for post-secondary plans. Sometimes this stress or “senioritis” can cause you to feel like “shutting down”. The core of the problem, though, is that you have not yet completed high school, and senioritis can sometimes be a key factor in keeping some seniors from graduating. To prevent senioritis from negatively affecting your lives, you need to understand

a few things. First, (though we know you’ve heard this before, it bears repeating) admission to college is contingent on a successful completion of the academic year. College admissions offices will review the final transcripts of the incoming freshman class, and red flags like a dramatic drop in grades or withdrawals from challenging courses will cause the college to ask for an explanation from the student in question. Second, preparation for college is essential, and a significant reduction of interest in academics can sometimes lead a student to be unprepared for the academic rigors of college. And finally, enjoying your senior year does not have to be a matter of slacking off. Stay involved; enjoy special events such as Senior Olympics and Grad Bash, as well as your final classes. After final grades are turned in at WPHS, counselors will be contacting those seniors who have not met graduation requirements. This is very difficult for students, their families and counselors. It is our hope we can announce every name during the graduation ceremony. Seniors keep your goals in sight!

ADDITIONAL REMINDER All graduating seniors who are planning on attending college or a university need to order a FINAL TRANSCRIPT. These are sent out as soon as final grades are posted after Graduation. Thank You!

JUNIORS Juniors planning on applying to colleges next fall aside from taking the school day SAT on April 12th should consider signing up for the SAT or ACT with Writing in May or June. You may register online at www.colllegeboard.com or www.act.org. Grades for the junior year are very important. Stay focused Juniors!!

SOPHOMORES AND FRESHMENWhen to take the SAT or ACT? The experts say that Sophomore and Freshman students who have taken Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry should consider taking the SAT and/or ACT in the spring while the concepts are fresh in their minds. There are administrations of both tests in June. You may register online at www.colllegeboard.com or www.act.org.

...continues on next page

ONLINE COURSE REQUIREMENT: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS!1. What is the online course requirement for graduation?

All students must successfully complete at least one course through online learning.

2. How can students meet this requirement? Students may meet this requirement by completing an online high school course offered through Orange County Virtual School (OCVS).

3. If a student in the middle school took a high school online course does this fulfill this requirement? Yes, as long as it was a high school credit course.

4. Can a half-credit online course meet the online course graduation requirement? Yes and No. Yes, a .5 credit course can be used to meet the online requirement if the whole course is a .5 credit (i.e. Drivers Ed, Leadership Skills Development, Law Studies). No, a .5 credit of a course cannot be used to meet the online requirement if the whole course is a full credit course (i.e., HOPE).

5. Can an online course taken for grade forgiveness be used to meet the online graduation requirement? Yes, as long as the whole course was completed.

6. Are students seeking diplomas other than the standard 24-credit high-school diploma required to meet the online graduation requirement (e.g., IB, 18-credit, special diplomas)? No. Only students seeking the standard 24-credit diploma must meet this graduation requirement.

7. Are there any exceptions to students meeting the Online Requirement?Yes. IB students are not required to take an Online Course and Students who have an exception written into their IEP may receive a waiver in lieu of taking the Online Course.

We recommend registering through OCVS before April 15, 2016, to ensure a summer seat in your requested course.

ENROLLING IN A COURSE AND CREATING AN ACCOUNT WITH ORANGE COUNTY VIRTUAL SCHOOL• Go to http://vsa.flvs.net to register today• From the registration welcome page, select the “New Students Start

Here” button.

Step 1: Customize your ResultsA series of questions are given to customize the course catalog results.a. Select “I live in Florida” option.b. Choose Orange County.c. Select student type – public/charter, private, or home school.d. Select Continue button.• A progress screen generates. • Select the Browse Course Catalog button to begin Step 2.

Step 2: Browse your Course CatalogYou will be taken to the FLVS course catalog.a. Search entire catalog by page.b. Use the search box to narrow the results. (Reset the search tab to

go back to first page of catalog.)c. Use the filter options on the left to refine the search by Education

Level and Subject.d. Choose the course.

• Select the Segment (1, 2, or both).• Select the check box to acknowledge the prerequisites(s) for the

course have been met.

MAKE SURE TO SELECT THE DISTRICT FRANCHISE AS ***Orange County Virtual***

Select Orange County Virtual School

• Choose preferred start date: Select the calendar icon and choose a date from the calendar provided.

• Select “Add to Backpack” in the Select a District Franchise.

You are taken to the Backpack each time a course is selected to confirm the choice. Select the “Add More Courses” button to go back into the Course Catalog to select another course. Or select the Continue button to go on and create an account.• A progress screen generates to show the student where they

currently are in the registration process. Select the “Create My Account” button to move on to the next Step.

• Create Account and Sign-up. Fill in the required fields which are indicated by a red asterisk.

• Select the Sign up button.• There will be numerous fields to complete.• Select the Submit button.

***Write down your User Name and Password***

• You will be taken back to the Progress screen. Select the orange “View Course Request Summary” button to move to the next step.

Finish your Sign-up1. Review the courses and the information provided.2. Account creation takes the system approximately five minutes. Wait

a little while before attempting to log in. When you are ready to log into your account, select “Back to FLVS.net” or visit flvs.net.

3. Email your School Counselor at your zoned school and request approval of the course(s) to complete the registration process (counselor emails can be found at www.wphs.ocps.net).

Guidance NewsFrom College Spotlight (College & Career Press, LLC)

MORE ADMISSIONS OFFICERS CHECKING APPLICANTS’ SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES If you’re heading to college, what you post on social media matters. Forty percent of college admissions officers (CAOs) visited an applicant’s social media pages in 2015, according to Kaplan Test Prep’s survey of nearly 400 CAOs at top colleges and universities in the United States. This is the highest percentage reported since Kaplan began surveying college admissions officers in 2008, when just under 10 percent reported viewing applicants’ social media sites. Thirty-seven percent of admissions officers who visited applicants’ sites said that what they found positively or negatively impacted applicants’ chances of being accepted to college. Admissions officers identified the following “trigger points”—events, information, or activities—that would prompt them to view an applicant’s social media sites: A Specific Talent: If an applicant mentions a special talent—such as being an artist, musician, writer, or poet—the CAO will visit his or her social media pages to view their work. Forty-two percent of admissions officers surveyed by Kaplan Test Prep reported an increase in the number of students who made such requests from two years ago. Verification of Awards. If an applicant mentions that he or she received a very prestigious award, the CAO will visit their websites, or independent sites, to verify this claim. Scholarships. If an applicant is applying for scholarships— especially large ones—the CAO will visit his or her websites, or contact their school or check with other sources, to perform extra due diligence. Admissions Sabotage. Surprisingly, some admissions officers receive anonymous tips about bad behavior or inappropriate posts of applicants. Criminal Records/Disciplinary Action. Some CAOs say that if the applicant mentions either of these issues, he or she will dig further on the applicant’s social media pages, through independent media sources, and police and school district reports to get the full story. In a separate survey, 35 percent of students believe that positive information on their social media pages will increase their chances of getting into college. While most students are indifferent to the role of social media in the admissions process, approximately 18 percent plan to use social media to increase their chances of admission. Overall, 58 percent of students surveyed by Kaplan TestPrep believe that social networking pages are “fair game” for college admissions officers.

FASTEST-GROWING CAREER FIELDS, 2014-24Health Care Support Occupations: +23 percentHealth Care Practitioners and Technical Occupations: +16.4 percentPersonal Care and Service Occupations: +13.2 percentComputer and Mathematical Occupations: +13.1 percentCommunity and Social Service Occupations: +10.5 percentConstruction and Extraction Occupations: +10.1 percentBusiness and Financial Operations Occupations: +8.4 percentEducation, Training, and Library Occupations: +7.6 percent(Note: The average growth for all industries is 6.5 percent.)

FASTEST-GROWING INDUSTRY SECTORS, 2014-24Home Health Care Services: +48 percentOutpatient Care Centers: +41 percentOffices of Health Practitioners: +38 percentOther Ambulatory Services: +34 percentMedical and Diagnostic Laboratories: +28 percentManagement, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services: +24 percentSoftware Publishers: +23 percentFacilities Support Services: +22 percentComputer Systems Design and Related Services: +21 percentNursing and Residential Care Facilities: +21 percentSource: U.S. Department of Labor

Guidance News continues

FASTEST-GROWING CAREERS, 2014-24 Health care occupations comprise 13 of the top 20 careers identified by the U.S. Department of Labor as the fastest growing in the United States. Growth for the top 20 careers ranges from 108 percent for wind turbine service technicians to 27 percent for optometrists and hearing aid specialists. Employment for all workers, regardless of career, is expected to increase by 6.5 percent from 2014 to 2024. Here are the top 20 fastest-growing careers:

Winter Park407 599-3710

Lake Mary407 206-4500

Winter Park407 599-3710

Lake Mary407 206-4500

YEARBOOK FINANCIAL INFORMATION:• All yearbook orders must be paid in full at the time you place the order. Checks must be made

payable to: Winter Park High School –or- WPHS. Money orders are accepted and should be made payable to Winter Park High School.

• Mail this form*, along with a check or money order, to: WINTER PARK HIGH SCHOOL, YEARBOOK ORDER2100 SUMMERFIELD ROADWINTER PARK, FL 32792*We will use the stamped date on the envelope to determine cutoff dates if in question or received after price increase.

• Should your check be returned to our bank unpaid, you will be contacted by a check collection agency and your order will be suspended until your situation has been cleared.

• Be sure to indicate your child’s name in the memo section on your check, especially if your last name is different!

• Cash is NOT a preferred means of paying for a yearbook and offers you no personal tracking record that may be vital to you at a later date.

• Late forms will not be accepted.• Should a late yearbook form be received (due to a price change difference), the form and check

will be placed in an envelope and returned to your student with a note and the current order form, requesting a new check/form be submitted for the appropriate amount.

YEARBOOK DISTRIBUTION:• Yearbooks are distributed in early May to seniors and then to underclassmen. • Only a few yearbooks are typically left for sale when distribution takes place in May. If a

high number of purchases are made prior to April 15, it could be possible that no yearbooks would be available for sale in May. To ensure being able to have a yearbook, it is important to make a purchase during the sale dates listed at the top of this page.

• Students will be asked to show their school ID or picture ID and sign at the time of pick up. No exceptions!

• If more than one family member desires to purchase a yearbook, there must be separate forms for each student who wants to purchase a book.

If yearbooks are not claimed by the end of the school year in June, the purchaser forfeits the ownership of the 2015 yearbook.

Questions? If you have questions about your yearbook order, please call Ms. Whitney Norton at 407-622-3200 X6182329 or email whitney.norton@ocps.net.

YEARBOOK: ERRORS AND OMISSIONS STATEMENT This yearbook publication is developed by a small working group consisting of a yearbook sponsor and students enrolled in the Yearbook Class at Winter Park High School. We attempt to provide an overview of the activities and student life of Winter Park High School, and in doing so are subject to making errors in the reporting of these activities. For all errors we apologize but acknowledge that this is very much a work in progress and when errors are found prior to publication, they are corrected.

Night on Broadway 2016 - British Invasion For over 15 years, NIGHT ON BROADWAY has been a highlight of the artistic year for Winter Park High School and the Winter Park community. This year’s show, “British Invasion,” will focus on the musical legacy and offerings of England. The cast and crew of over 350 students, parents, volunteers, and industry professionals will bring to life musical selections by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Gilbert & Sullivan, and rock icons like The Beatles, The Who, and Queen! NIGHT ON BROADWAY is a professionally produced musical event performed annually at WPHS. Chorus students engage in intense rehearsals in singing, acting, and dancing under the direction of Broadway Artist-in-Residence Sue Delano as well as WPHS choral directors Matthew Swope and Joseph Kemper. This year’s show takes place Thursday, April 21 through Saturday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the WPHS Ann Derflinger Auditorium. Proceeds benefit the Tyler Rush Memorial Scholarship Fund. Since 1999, over $110,000 in scholarships has been awarded to deserving chorus seniors.

PERFORMANCE DATES• Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.• Friday, April 22, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.• Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. • Winter Park High School Ann Derflinger Auditorium

BOX OFFICE$17.00 Reserved Seating (balcony seating is general admission)Tickets available online (https://www.schoolpay.com/parent/mip/MbWm) and at the door prior to each performance.Email: NOBTICKETS@AOL.COMPhone: (407) 628-3028______Also, join the Choral Department for our final performances of the year:Spring ShowcaseSunday, May 15, 2016 at 3:00 p.m.WPHS Ann Derflinger AuditoriumNaughty Scotty and the Octapella ShowFriday, June 10, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.WPHS Ann Derflinger Auditorium

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There are many fine establishments who advertise in our newsletter so please be sure to patronize these businesses whenever possible.

Support them as they support us!!!!

Winter Sports AccomplishmentsBasketball (B)Metro – 2nd, District, Region Champion, State – 3rdBasketball (G)Metro – 2nd, District – 2nd, Region – 2nd, State – 5thCompetition CheerleadingMetro, Region, State ChampionSoccer (B)Metro – 3rd, District – 2nd, Region Champion, State Runner UpSoccer (G)Metro – 2nd, District Champion, Region – 3rd, State – 9thWeightlifting (G)Metro – 10th, District – 5thWrestlingMetro – 10th, District – 7th, Region – 34th

FINAL SENTINEL RANKINGSBoys’ Soccer – 2nd Girls’ Basketball – 3rd Boys’ Basketball – 6th

FINAL BRIGHT HOUSE RANKINGSGirls’ Basketball – 4thBoys’ Basketball – 7th

SENTINEL ALL AREA TEAMBoys’ Soccer Cutler Coleman – 1st TeamTeague Coleman – 2nd TeamGirls’ BasketballAlexis Pitchford – 1st TeamBoys’ BasketballWyatt Wilkes – 1st TeamKevin Buckley – Honorable MentionDakotah Nicol – Honorable MentionGirls’ SoccerAlli Rost – 1st Team

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Permit #2346Orlando, FL

Winter Park High School2100 Summerfield RoadWinter Park, Fl 32792

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