Some of the kids live in shelters, some of them live in hotels, some of them live with other relatives, and some of them move from home to home, just so they have a roof over their head. They’re very proud children. They don’t want to be identified as homeless. They just want to be normal students, like the rest of them.

Lee Middle School teacher Cynthia Whitehead has filled her bookcases with boxes of food to make sure her students can at least have a meal while they’re at school. And it goes fast. The food in Ms. Whitehead’s room is all donated. Staff and fellow students stuff book bags full of it on Friday to make sure others can eat over the weekend.

Journalism teacher Doris Keeler, along with several of her colleagues, have begun collecting donations to help those students. They have received toothbrushes, shampoo, food, clothing, blankets, money and non-perishable items.

Anyone wishing to donate items or money can do so by contacting Lee Middle School. The school is located at 1201 Maury Road, Orlando, FL 32804. The office number is 407-245-1800.

Lee Middle School and O Ambassadors

If you have any questions please contact Jessikah Cook at jessikah.cook@ocps.net.

Oprah is looking to add 1,000 new clubs for the next school year in the United States and Canada.

Twelve teenagers went to Kenya and in three weeks built a school building. There was a lot of social interaction and some emotional bonding between the teens and the Kenyan kids. The kids appeared to be of high school age. One important concern presented in the show was drinking water, which US kids generally take for granted.

She also encouraged teachers and others (such as parents) to start “O Ambassador” projects at their schools.

The Millennium Development Goals are a promise to the world that a better future is possible for everyone. These goals empower millions of people with the opportunity to learn, grow and break out of poverty.

World leaders have promised to meet these goals by 2015, but it’s up to everyone to work together to ensure the goals are met.

Millions of people around the world, young and old, share one dream: to break the cycle of poverty for their children, families and communities.
Today, almost half the world—that’s close to 3 billion people—struggles to survive on less than $2 a day. Their dreams for the future can come true if we all work together to create a better world. With courage, compassion and hope, change is possible.

Everyone agrees that education is a crucial factor in a child’s development. That’s why going to school is a fundamental human right.

But more than 120 million primary school-aged children are not getting the education they deserve. Some are working and some are sick. In many communities, there is no school to begin with. Without a basic education, children don’t develop the confidence and skills they need to break out of poverty. The chance to go to school is a chance at a better life for children, their families and the world we all share.

Community development isn’t about band-aid solutions. It’s about finding answers that are long-lasting. Answers that help communities grow even stronger over time. A project that’s sustainable empowers community members to begin to meet their own needs.
These projects work in ways that protect the local and global environments. This way, our world can continue to thrive for generations to come.

In the developing world, where serious diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria are widespread, health issues put community development on hold.

For people living in extreme poverty, getting sick isn’t as simple as a quick trip to the doctor or pharmacy—these services are unaffordable or even unavailable in rural areas. Good health is an empowering force and a major part of the support people need to develop and build their futures.

For more information visit www.oambassadors.org

Dear Neighbors,
On behalf of CVS, thank you all so very much for helping to make the garage sale on Saturday, November 22, 2008, such a huge success. The sale made $1,400. This money was presented to Lee Middle School Principal, William Pylant, to support the Safe House which assists students in financial need. Many of them are in desperate need of assistance we should be proud that our community pulled together to raise $1,400 for this cause.

Our friends at CVS wanted to be sure that I expressed their sincere thanks to everyone who helped in this effort. Thanks to CVS for orchestrating this sale to support Lee Middle School, and also for supporting Maury Road Neighborhood Watch organization over the past two years.

Please keep in mind that the Safe House also needs canned food, dry goods, and cash donations throughout the year. Feel free to drop your donations off any time during school hours at the front office. This is a wonderful way to build community by supporting children who attend our neighborhood school.

Thank you all for being such great neighbors and best wishes to everyone for a safe and happy holiday season!

Craig M. O’Neil, Block Captain, Maury Road Neighborhood Watch
407-422-4300 • mauryroadwatch@cfl.rr.com

Congratulations Mrs. Rauch and thank you for your dedication!

Lee Middle School just elected it’s first STUDENT COUNCIL!
97 students applied for the council. A school-wide primary election was held before the school-wide final election. Students must have, and maintain, a 2.5 G.P.A. as well as all “1’s “ in conduct in order to be on the council. The students are looking forward to establishing their goals and deciding on the issues they want to tackle this school year.

The following officers were elected by their peers:
President: Kadisha Jones
Vice President: Cody Moore
Secretary: Kayla Watson
8th Grade Representatives: Marcus Mathis and Felicia Jones
7th Grade Representatives: Trenton Erisman and Valentina Vianello
6th Grade Representatives: Bailey Sanford and Destiny Morris

• Letter from Anne Geiger, Orange County Public Schools

If you have driven by the school lately, you know that construction is moving full steam ahead at Lee. If you have not been by, then you will be amazed at how different the school looks from the front. The main hallway, courtyard, cafeteria, locker room, and front office have been demolished, three new buildings have been completed and two have been renovated. Students were so excited on the first day of school to eat lunch in their amazing, new, HUGE cafeteria and were in awe at their state of the art music room. The locker rooms have been renovated and the staff is enjoying the brand new administration building. New technology has also been added to the classrooms, making Lee a great place for learning, in spite of the construction. Please visit www.lee.ocps.net to see pictures the the progress of construction and learn more about what’s to come.

The IB Middle Years Programme at Lee is a HUGE Success! Lee’s IB Program just earned World Status by the International Baccalaureate North America (IBNA). This is quite an honor and much deserved. The IB program at Lee is now offered at every grade level and planning is underway for IB to be offered school wide by 2010-2011. Students in the MYP study all of the major disciplines, including languages (English and Spanish), humanities, the sciences, mathematics, arts, technology, and physical education. These courses approach topics from a variety of points of view, including perspectives from other cultures. Every subject is organized, in part, around a set of perspectives that provide a framework for learning. These perspectives are called Areas of Interaction; they help students link what they learn to the real world, to global issues, and to reflect and act on their learning.

LEE MIDDLE SCHOOL JANUARY 2008 STUDENT OF THE MONTH - Sponsored by the College Park Rotary Club

Rotary Club of College Park Student of the Month - Lee Middle

President Diane Glassman Kish presents Lee Middle School student Jody Shughart with the Rotary Club of College Park Student of the Month for January 2008 award. She is joined by her mother, Tracey Shughart and Carl Kolling, 8th Grade Dean, Lee Middle School.

LEE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT OF THE MONTH FOR FEBRUARY 2007

(click picture to enlarge)
Diane Glassman Kish presents Brianna Johnson with certificate for February 2007 Student of the Month at Lee Middle School.