Nova Lakes Insider
Week of April 27th - Volume 1
Late Arrivals/Early Pick Ups
LATE ARRIVAL
Class Start Time is at 7:15am
After 7:15am, Car Loop will be closed. Students will need to enter through the "Guidance" entrance.
EARLY PICK-UP
The exception of pick up from the nurse's station (Administration side) is done through the "Guidance" entrance.
Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications
All students are eligible to receive free breakfast each morning before the start of the school day.
For lunch, students may receive a school lunch through August 10 while families complete the Free and Reduced Price Meal application process.
Beginning after August 10, students who have not submitted a meal application and been approved for free or reduced price meals will be required to pay the regular price for school lunch.
Families who wish to apply for free or reduced price meals may complete an online application through https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/PickDistrict.
Please complete your application as soon as possible to avoid any interruption in meal benefits.
Thank you for helping us ensure all students have access to the meals they need throughout the school year.
School Advisory Council
The School Advisory Council (SAC) is a team of people representing various segments of the community–parents, teachers, students, administrators, support staff, business/ industry people and other interested community members. The purpose of a SAC is to assist in the preparation and evaluation (developing and evaluating) of the results of the school improvement plan and to assist the principal with the annual school budget.
Student Support Hub
Junior Counseling Meetings Next Week
Next week, our school counselors will be meeting one-on-one with all junior students during their English classes. These individual meetings are designed to help students understand their current academic progress and plan for graduation and beyond.
During the meeting, counselors will review each student’s graduation requirements and earned credits, discuss their postsecondary plans and goals, and provide information about Florida Bright Futures Scholarship requirements.
We encourage our juniors to take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions and make sure they understand the requirements and opportunities available to them as they continue working toward graduation.
Valencia Dual Enrollment Application
Please mark your calendars for the upcoming Valencia College Dual Enrollment application period:
Application Opens: August 31
Application Closes: October 1
PERT Testing Sign-Up: Dates to be determined
Qualifications:
Students must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 and meet the required college-readiness PERT scores in Reading, Writing, and Math.
Why Dual Enrollment?
Students can earn high school and college credit at the same time, with credits that may transfer to a university or apply toward a Valencia degree. Tuition and books are covered.
Be on the lookout!
A ParentSquare message will be sent on August 31 with the Valencia Dual Enrollment application link and PERT testing sign-up information.
Stay tuned for more information!
AVID Elective is Looking for Candidates!
We are recruiting 10th & 11th graders! AVID is an academic elective program that aims to prepare students for success in college & career. The curriculum equips students with the necessary tools and skills to succeed in their academic journeys and beyond, fostering a culture of college/career readiness and personal growth. For more information please contact Erika Ide- erika.ide@osceolaschools.net. Candidates must complete an application linked below.
NLHS Apparel
- PE uniforms are available for purchase through MySchoolBucks.
- NLHS hoodies and shirts are available for sale at the front desk of the Administration building.
Parking Pass🚗
Students who have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration may purchase a parking pass from the bookkeeper before school, after school, or during lunch.
Media Center Information
Make reading for fun a habit!
Study after study has shown that reading for fun is beneficial for people of all ages. It improves cognitive function and academic performance, it increases empathy and emotional intelligence, and it has even been found to increase life expectancy. Make reading for fun a daily habit and see all the benefits it can bring to your life. Encourage your students to visit the Media Center at school to check out physical books, use MackinVIA on ClassLink to borrow ebooks and audiobooks any time of day and have them log their reading minutes every day in Beanstack. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Dunham at nicole.dunham@osceolaschools.net.
Apple app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/beanstack-tracker/id1360324277
Android app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beanstack&pcampaignid=web_share
Student Parking Pass Information
Parking passes will be available at the end of next week. Students, please listen to announcements.
Students purchasing a parking pass must bring the following:
- Valid driver's license
- Proof of insurance
- Vehicle registration
- Completed parking permit application (linked below)
To help ensure a smooth and efficient process, please have all required documents completed and ready at the time of purchase.
ATHLETICS
Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy for Students
Students in the School District of Osceola County will not be permitted to use any wireless communication devices upon entry to school campus. Wireless communication devices include, but are not limited to, cell phones, smart glasses (including prescription smart glasses), tablets, smart watches, earbuds, cameras and/or other similarly situated wireless devices in development.
Violations of the cell phone policy will be handled in accordance with the Code and may result in confiscation of said device. If the cell phone is used in a criminal act (such as sexting as outlined in Florida Statutes and the Code), the cell phone will be provided to law enforcement and the student may face criminal penalties.
Dress Code Reminder
There will be grade level assemblies with students to review District policies stated in the code of conduct.
Please note NLHS dress code for the year:
TOPS:
- Must be a solid t-shirt or polo.
- No stripped no plaid no writing just solid in color: navy blue black white or grey.
- The proper undergarments should be worn.
- The shirt should be appropriate in length where bra straps are not visible or the stomach.
- Shirt should not be tucked in any way to expose areas.
BOTTOMS:
- Can be denim navy blue or khaki but must be solid in color-no stripes or writing.
- Jeans may have holes from the knees down.
- Only navy blue or black sweatpants/joggers may be worn. Shorts must be to mid thigh.
- No camouflage no spandex/yoga pants.
Thank you for your partnership in helping our students arrive at school dressed for success and ready to learn. We appreciate your continued support!
Return to School Safety
Back-to-School Safety Tips – School District of Osceola County and Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Department
As students return to school, everyone plays a role in keeping our roads, sidewalks, and neighborhoods safe. Whether your students are walking, biking, driving, or riding a scooter, following these simple safety tips can help prevent injuries and keep everyone safe.
Bicycle & Scooter Safety
- Always wear a properly fitted helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals, including stopping completely at stop signs.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic and use designated bike lanes where available.
- Keep both hands on the handlebars and remain alert to your surroundings.
- Never use a cell phone, wear headphones that block surrounding sounds, or interact with electronic devices while riding a bicycle or motorized scooter.
- Ensure your bicycle or scooter has working brakes and lights, especially if riding during low-light conditions.
Pedestrian Safety
- Cross only at marked crosswalks or intersections whenever possible.
- Obey pedestrian crossing signals and wait for traffic to stop before entering the roadway.
- Make yourself visible by wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially during early morning or evening hours.
- Stay alert and keep your head up while walking. Avoid texting, scrolling, or wearing headphones that prevent you from hearing approaching traffic.
- Before crossing, look left, right, and left again, and continue watching for vehicles as you cross.
School Bus Safety
- Arrive at the bus stop early and stand a safe distance from the curb.
- Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before approaching.
- Cross the street only when directed by the bus driver and after making eye contact with the driver.
- Drivers must stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, unless traveling on the opposite side of a divided highway.
Driver Safety
- Slow down in school zones and obey all posted speed limits.
- Watch carefully for children crossing streets, especially near schools, neighborhoods, parks, and bus stops.
- Eliminate distractions by putting your phone away while driving.
- Never pass a stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights and its stop arm.
- Allow extra travel time during the first few weeks of school, when traffic is typically heavier.
Parents & Students
- Plan and practice the safest route to school before the first day.
- Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of vehicles.
- Remind students that being predictable and visible helps drivers see them.
- If walking or biking with friends, stay together but avoid horseplay near roadways.
- Report unsafe traffic conditions or damaged traffic signs near schools to local authorities.
Let's work together to make this school year a safe one for every student, parent, teacher, and member of our Osceola County community. Slow down, stay alert, and help everyone arrive safely.
Preview from the Pit: What's Ahead at Nova Lakes
Looking Ahead to Week Three
Families, thank you for your continued partnership and support. Please remember to check ParentSquare and follow our social media accounts regularly for important school updates and events.
We look forward to another fantastic week as our students continue to learn and STRIKE!
VISION
The Nova Lakes Community of staff, students, and families will encourage and inspire individual excellence for all; fostering dynamic, resilient leaders who adapt with confidence and integrity in a world of constant change.
MISSION
Our mission is to create a safe and rigorous learning environment that cultivates excellence in academics, the arts, and athletics. We will provide all students with the tools and opportunities needed to grow and positively impact their community.