Senior breakfast being captured by senior class representatives, as our seniors danced and celebrated. See story under Senior Class of 2024 section. 
Maynard Evans High School Community Brief
Monday, February 5, 2024
Evans Community Member,

It gives me great pleasure to announce that our very own Rina Santiago has been named the OCPS Support Person of the Year! In addition to overseeing Evans High School's finances, Ms. Santiago is part of the team that makes home visits. Her attempts to cut down on truancy by making weekly home visits and talking to parents have been noticed. Every day, her commitment and kindness have a beneficial effect on our school community.

Trojans! It is Black History Month, let us pay tribute to the pioneers who came before us and who now serve as an inspiration to us. As a diverse and welcoming learning community, Evans High School will continue to create impact and prosper.

Please take a moment to read the Trojan Express and see all the amazing things going on at Evans High School. We are appreciative of your devotion to quality and your continuous support, which helps our school succeed.

We are grateful that you are a member of the Evans High School community! 

Mrs. Nelson-Warren
Principal
Dates in this Issue:
Tuesday, Feb. 13: SAC/PTSA Meeting, 6:00pm
Thursday, Feb. 15: Culture Day Festival, 3:30-5:30pm
Thursday, Feb. 15: OCPS Magnet application deadline for 2024-2025
Monday, Feb. 19: Presidents Day - No School
Wednesday, Feb. 21: 'The Parent Circle' - Session 5 Managing Your Child's Learning Challenges (details at the bottom of this issue)
Thursday, Feb. 29: 'And This Is Black History'
Saturday, May 4: Prom - 'Miami Nights' - Rosen Centre Hotel
Testing
Get Connected with Us
Extended Tutoring
After school on Tuesdays and Thursdays:
Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony
Prom: Miami Nights
Culture Day Festival
OCPS Support Person of the Year: Ms. Rina Santiago
Orange County Public Schools recently awarded Rina Santiago, the external bookkeeper at Evans High School, the OCPS Support Person of the Year. It was fitting that Ms. Santiago get recognized during the Stellar Awards ceremony held at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. Her speech was truly moving as she thanked Principal Kenya Nelson-Warren for being an amazing Principal and friend, and the OCPS administration for their support.
Ms. Santiago also expressed her appreciation to her mentors, Ms. Bohn and Ms. Benefiel. She thanked the clerical staff at Evans High School and across OCPS, and mentioned how important their work is to keeping a school and district running smoothly. She talked about how dedicated and team-oriented the staff is, showing how humble she is and how much she values everyone's contributions to education.
All in all, Ms. Santiago's award as Support Person of the Year is a good reminder of how important it is to recognize and thank the unsung stars who work hard behind the scenes to improve education. Her speech at the Stellar Awards really showed what kind of person she is and what Evans High School stands for.
Celebrating the Trojan Legacy Through The Alumni Spotlight 
Evans High School is honored to present “The Alumni Spotlight” in recognition of its distinguished Trojans, who have lived by the three pillars of success: pride, determination and perseverance. These former Trojans have and continue to exemplify exceptional achievement throughout their lifetimes, thereby serving as role models for our students.

The Trojan Express will highlight the accomplishments of great graduates all through February. The Alumni being honored work in many areas and jobs. Their stories show that anything is possible if you work hard and are dedicated. These former Trojans have set an example for everyone to follow, by being proud of who they are, determined to beat challenges, and persistent in the face of adversity. Students, we want you to continue to have confidence in your own abilities and aspire to accomplish extraordinary things. 

Let's remember and respect the people who have made it possible for others to succeed. May the stories of these Trojans serve as an example for current students, teaching them that if they believe in themselves and work hard, they can also achieve greatness.
Club Rush: Encouraging Students to Take Up New Interests
Club Rush provides a wide variety of clubs that serve a range of passions and interests. A plethora of opportunities exist for students to develop their abilities, interests, and personal development, ranging from creative and cultural clubs like theater and photography, to clubs representing games. Students get the opportunity to discover new interests, gain useful life skills, and create enduring friendships with people who share their interests by taking part in these activities.

Club participation helps students' horizons grow while also improving their academic experiences. Club Rush pushes students to participate in activities that are outside of their comfort zones. Students can find untapped abilities, reach their full potential, and learn about exclusive possibilities in their fields of interest by joining a club. Every student can choose a group that fits with their interests and goals, whether it's developing leadership skills through student government, sharpening entrepreneurship skills in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), or encouraging creativity in art clubs.
Celebrating A/B Honor Roll with a Sweet Treat
A/B Honor roll students received a delicious selection of goodies as a token of gratitude and acknowledgment. The front of the Guidance Office had a variety of sweet alternatives such as Chips Ahoy cookies and other delicious treats. The goal of this recognition was to praise A/B honor roll students for their diligence and academic achievement.
January Professional Development Focuses on Empowering Teachers and Enhancing Learning Strategies
Session #1: Semester 2 Reminders & Open Gate Presentation
Led by Mr. Truitt and Dr. Brown, the first session took place in the Café. The session served as a valuable platform for teachers to receive important updates regarding the second semester. It also highlighted the significance of the open gate system that will be implemented at Evans High School within the next couple of months. The session was on the approach to facilitate effective communication and collaboration within the school community.
Session #2: Monitoring, Tracking, and Mastery Learning
The second session, presented by Dr. Duroseau, Verity, and Birdsong in room 7-114, focused on monitoring, tracking, and mastery learning. These crucial aspects of education were explored in detail, providing educators with innovative strategies to assess student progress and ensure mastery of key concepts. By emphasizing these techniques, teachers can actively support their students' academic growth and success.
Session #3: Getting SMART with your Boards!
Recognizing the importance of technology integration in the modern classroom, Evans High School offered breakout sessions to cater to individual interests and needs. Among these options was "Getting SMART with your Boards!" led by Ms. Allen and Mr. Berardi in the media center. This interactive session provided educators with practical tips and techniques for effectively implementing the new smart boards and creating an engaging and interactive learning environment.

By investing in ongoing professional development, Evans High School demonstrates its dedication to providing quality education and support for both students and teachers. These sessions empower educators to create an optimal learning environment, ultimately benefiting the entire school community. As the semester progresses, the knowledge gained during January's PD will undoubtedly contribute to the success and growth of both teachers and students alike. 
Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps 
David Smith, an Evans High School alumni, spoke with NJROTC cadets about his time serving in the US Secret Service. He got students attention by asking them, why they joined NJROTC? They gave him some very interesting answers. Mr. Smith also talked about what people think of when they hear the name Secret Service, which sparked an engaging conversation among our Trojans.
Mr. Smith gave an insightful view of his path from finishing Evans HS in 1993 to starting Valencia College and then finishing and earning his bachelor's degree at the University of Central Florida. He emphasized the difficulties of working two jobs while going to school, stressing the need of perseverance and hard effort in reaching objectives.

Mr. Smith gave the students a lesson on the Secret Service's elite organization, as well as the invaluable experiences that come with working for such a distinguished law enforcement operation. The NJROTC students were definitely inspired to think about a career in service and protection after his visit, which left a lasting impression on them. 
Evans High School would like to thank Mr. David Smith and the secret service for meeting with our students and talking to them. Everyone who had the chance to hear them speak was deeply affected by their amazing experiences and insights. The motivational stories that Mr. Smith and the Secret Service agents told were a good lesson of how important it is to stick with your goals and be dedicated. We're thankful for the things we learned and the motivation they gave us during their stay. Thanks for taking the time to talk to us and share your knowledge. 
Performing Arts
Black History Program Auditions. Sign up on Canvas.
College and Career
A Celebration of Financial Aid and Future Opportunities
Evans High School hosted its annual FAFSA Extravaganza, an informative event, on January 25, 2024. Seniors and their guardians were invited to join us on this momentous occasion, which was designed to help them through the financial aid application process and position them for future academic success. Students arrived and checked in within the cafeteria. Ensuring that every student had an established FAFSA student account with their parents was the first step. This first, very important step would open doors to scholarships and other financial options. Students were then led to the 700 building when their accounts were verified, where they had the opportunity to speak with financial assistance representatives from nearby colleges. These informed experts gave insightful advice on maximizing financial assistance possibilities and correctly completing the FAFSA forms. Their knowledge and commitment greatly influenced students' comprehension of the complex financial aid application procedure.

Disney, a well-known partner of Evans High School, brought their magic to the Extravaganza to bring excitement and entertainment value. As students exited the educational sessions with financial aid professionals, they were met with an inviting picture booth, a DJ, and tempting rewards. Disney's presence gave the students an additional boost of inspiration to aim high and have great dreams. Dinner at the event was tasty in addition to being educational and amusing. There was a delicious array of Mac & Cheese, pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, and coleslaw from the neighborhood caterer. The flavors and smells brought everyone together to enjoy a sense of companionship and shared satisfaction.

The high attendance of 155 seniors at the Extravaganza demonstrated its success. When taking into consideration the parents that attended, the event drew an astounding 400 attendees. In addition, as a way to honor the event and recognize the hard work of the students and their families, 155 sets of Disney tickets were kindly given away as gifts. The FAFSA Extravaganza celebrated the importance of financial aid while showcasing each student's extraordinary talent and goals. Evans High School encourages and develops a generation of students ready to leave their imprint on the world through such programs.
Be A Light Scholarship:
OTC Career Fair (Feb. 28):
Valencia College Prep - March Events:
Rent-Free College Housing:
Importance of utilizing Evans' College and Career Resource Center and applying for available scholarships before the application deadlines:
Source: Wells Fargo Bank Read full article

As shown above in the chart, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the tuition and fee costs associated with obtaining an undergraduate education have greatly outpaced the general cost of living, as measured by the consumer price index, and median household income over the past few decades. 

Trojan footnote: Please take advantage of our College and Career Resource Center while you are still at Evans; especially when it comes to matters of college financial aid.
Senior Class of 2024
A memorable senior breakfast and class picture:
The senior breakfast and class picture event gave seniors an opportunity to talk to each other and make new friends or improve relationships they already had. As the students had lively conversations over breakfast, they took the chance to talk about the things they had done together and looked forward to the fun tasks that were coming up.

The senior breakfast and class picture event at Evans High School was a huge success, thanks in large part to how well it was organized by the senior class officers and Ms. Green. Along with the free breakfast, the fact that grads could buy their class shirts on-site made the event even more fun and brought students together. Seniors showed their class pride by wearing their new shirts with joy. This helped the graduating class feel more united and close as they took their class picture. The senior class is getting ready to start their next steps in life, and this special event will help them remember the close friendships and memories they made at Evans High School.
Trojan Athletics
Trojan Wrestlers with Willpower!
With their exceptional performance, the Evans High School wrestling team has been creating a stir in the high school sports world. The male and female wrestlers have been pushing themselves to the limit in their matches and have high hopes for themselves. Every match the team has competed in has shown their commitment to excellence and their diligence. Boys have demonstrated their skill and willpower on the mat, and females have shown they are powerful opponents in their weight groups.

The team's relentless dedication to greatness has amazed teammates and coaches alike. With their intense training routines and constant encouragement for one another, the Evans wrestling team has grown as an overwhelming force in the sport.Both the boys' and girls' wrestlers are inspirations for their classmates and examples of the school's commitment to sports achievement as they consistently perform well in competition. With their combined enthusiasm and determination for the sport, the Evans High School wrestling team's potential is boundless.
Winter Athletic Schedules
Boys Basketball:
Boys/Girls Wrestling Schedule:
Athletic Clearance (Sports Physicals):
Winter Sports Coaches:
Ticket Information:
Tickets to all athletic events can be purchased in advance through GoFan (https://gofan.co/) and searching for Maynard Evans High School or through the QR Code below:
Now Available: FAMILY-ALL Sport PASS for $100 and the Evans HS (Student) All Season PASS $35.00. Passes are good for Junior Varsity & Varsity games from August 02, 2023 - May 29, 2024
Extended Tutoring for Athletes
Required Extended Tutoring is still occurring for those currently in season who received a D or F on their quarter 2 report card. Evans is committed to pushing our athletes to excel on and off the court. Those required to attend must do so from 2:40- 3:30 with the individual teacher or in the cafeteria Tuesdays and Thursdays until the next grade report is submitted. Tutoring time must be logged in. Once students complete tutoring at 3:30 they can attend practice/ games. If they do not, they risk being pulled off the field/court.
Student Services
SAC/PTSA Meeting
Come out on Tuesday, February 13th, 2024, at 6:00 pm!!
According to a study conducted by the National Education Association (NEA), the academic performance of students whose parents attend PTSA meetings has improved significantly. Compared to pupils whose parents did not attend PTSA meetings, this group's average GPA increased by 0.5 points, according to the study. In addition, they had a higher rate of attendance and were more likely to graduate on schedule. These statistics emphasize the impact of parental participation in PTSA meetings on student achievement and educational success as a whole.
Family Engagement
At Evans High School, we want to make sure that parents and school staff are working together to support and improve the learning, development, and health of children and adolescents. Below is some information provided by our Parent Engagement liaison and all the services she assists with:
Community Resources
FREE Mobile Crisis Services
If your child is having an emotional crisis and/or you feel like they are a threat to themselves or others, you can take immediate action by contacting the resources below:

Call 911 if you need immediate emergency assistance

Devereux Mobile Crisis Unit: The Mobile Crisis Unit is a 24/7 free community resource that will send a Mental Health professional to your home to evaluate and de-escalate a person that is experiencing an emotional crisis. You can contact them by dialing 2-1-1 on your cell phone or dialing 407-839-4357.
OCPS News
February's Virtual Parent Academies:
There will be several virtual mini-academies this month. All virtual mini-academies are on WebEx Webinars from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the dates listed below. Click here to register.

Rigorous and Advanced Course Options for Middle and High School Students
● Date: 2/6/24
● Audience: Parents/guardians of students in grades 5-11
● Description: Parents of middle and high school students will gain important information about Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, International Baccalaureate and Cambridge course options just in time to turn in course enrollment forms for next school year! Join us as we have our partners share the opportunities available to OCPS students. We will share the types of programs, the process for students to participate, and keys to success.
● Language/accessibility options: Closed captioning is available in over 100 languages.

Enrolling at Valencia College
● Date: 2/7/24
● Audience: Parents/guardians of students in grades 11-12
● Description: High school students and their parents will meet admissions representatives and gain information from The Valencia College Outreach Department about the opportunities available at Valencia College and detail the steps to enroll.
● Language/accessibility options: There will be two separate sessions provided. One session will be provided in English and one session will be provided in Spanish. Both sessions have closed captioning available in over 100 languages.

Parents as Leaders
● Date: 2/15/24
● Audience: Parents/guardians of students in grades K-12
● Description: Parents will learn about how schools keep a safe and secure learning environment Strategies related to physical and psychological safety will be reviewed and information to help parents understand safety drills will be shared.
● Language/accessibility options: Closed captioning is available in over 100 languages.

College Disability Services and Accommodations: What to Expect
● Date: 2/22/24
● Audience: Parents/guardians of students in grades 11-12
● Description: The transition to college for some students with disabilities can be tough. The transition without the appropriate support and accommodations can make it even tougher. Join us as we explore common college disability services and accommodations.
● Language/accessibility options: Closed captioning is available in over 100 languages.

Advocate for YOUR Child | The Question Formulation Technique
● Date: 2/29/24
● Audience: Parents/guardians of students in grades K-12
● Description: Parents will learn about the Question Formulation Technique which helps generate questions and participate effectively in decisions. This can be used by all parents to enhance their ability to partner with educators to support, monitor, and advocate for their children.
● Language/accessibility options: Closed captioning is available in over 100 languages.

Parents and families can register for all Parent Academy events online at https://ParentAcademy.ocps.net
Top Talent Casting Call:
Top Talent LIVE 2024 is May 4, 2024!

Our casting call will run now – February 23. 

What does that mean? It is time to submit auditions.

We are looking for singers, dancers, musicians, novelty acts and more!

Applications are open now through February 23:

Check out our tip sheet for recording:

Audition rules and regulations & waivers.

Proceeds from our Top Talent event will help support the Foundation and provide arts enrichment for students experiencing poverty and homelessness. 
Florida flag
Pride. Determination. Perseverance.
Mrs. Nelson Warren, Principal
Evans High School
Sunday, February 4, 2024
Evans High School Leadership Team
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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 - Maynard Evans High School is forbidden without written consent. Thank you for your support of the Orange County Public Schools and especially Maynard Evans High School. Please contact Dr. Priscilla Reyes at [email protected] with any questions related to the program.
Evans High School | Mrs. Nelson Warren, Principal | 407.522.3400 | Evans Website