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Jets in Action 1/19/25 Vol. 20

Posted Date: 01/19/26 (09:00 AM)


Jets in Action

Legacy Middle School's Community Newsletter

We are a proud B school.
Principal Jimenez

Principal's Message

Greetings, Jets.
We hope everyone enjoyed the long three‑day weekend and found some time to rest, recharge, and spend time together. We are excited to welcome everyone back for another great week of learning and leadership on campus!

This week, our students have the opportunity to shine as auditions for Descendants: The Musical begin. We look forward to seeing their creativity, talent, and confidence on display.
Next week is Literacy Week, and we can’t wait to celebrate our love of reading across the school. We encourage all students to dive into a good book and join in the fun! Please see the details and special events listed later in this newsletter.

We also kick off our first two basketball games of the season next week. We’re looking forward to cheering on our teams as they demonstrate teamwork, sportsmanship, and determination.

As we move forward into the semester, we’d like to remind students to continue focusing on positive behavior and strong academic habits. In addition, we ask for everyone’s help in keeping our campus clean by taking responsibility for cleaning up after themselves in the courtyard, classrooms, and cafeteria.
Thank you for your continued support in helping our students learn, grow, and succeed. We are looking forward to a wonderful couple of weeks ahead!

Jason Jiménez
Principal
 
Map showing proposed school zone consolidations for Union Park MS, with different school districts color-coded.

Important Dates

Upcoming Events and Activities

January 20th - 21st
Disney's Descendants the Musical Auditions

January 23rd - February 6th
Follett Book eFair

January 26th
Basketball Game: Legacy VS Wedgefield

January 26th - 30th
Literacy Week - Read, White, and Blue: Celebrating 250 Chapters of America

January 28th
Basketball Game: Legacy @ Avalon

February 5th
NJHS Induction Ceremony

February 10th
SAC Meeting @ 6pm

February 26th
LMS Open House for Incoming 6th Graders
events
 
Follett Book eFairs for Grades 6-8, featuring popular book titles and a school benefit.
 
Poster for Legacy Middle School Open House on February 26, 2026, from 5 pm to 6:30 pm at Legacy Cafeteria.
 
Poster for 2026 Fire Station Car Seat Checkpoints in Orange County, Florida, with a schedule of dates, stations, addresses, and times.

Beautification Day

We need your help!

We are excited to announce our upcoming Beautification Day on February 21st from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and we’re inviting our entire school community to join us! We need the support of parents, students, families, and community members to help beautify our campus and make it a cleaner, brighter place for everyone.

Volunteers will assist with a variety of projects, including spreading mulch, planting flowers and plants, and helping to clean up the campus. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact, earn service hours, and show pride in our school.

We are also inviting all of our student clubs and organizations to participate—this is a great team‑building activity and a chance to give back.

If you are interested in joining us, please contact Ms. Watson at cheryl.watson@ocps.net.
We hope to see you there as we work together to make our school shine!
Poster for Legacy Middle's Beautification Day on February 21st, inviting community help to improve the campus.

School Volunteer Reminders

OCPS Additions

Text reads 'We ❤️ our Volunteers' in blue and red lettering.

Chaperones and Volunteers

If you plan to volunteer on campus or chaperone a field trip, please make sure you are registered as an OCPS Additions Volunteer with Legacy Middle School.

Important reminders:
  • Your volunteer account must be renewed each year.
  • You must watch the Safety Protocol Video to complete your approval process.
Thank you for helping us keep our students safe and supported!

Cell Phone Policy Reminder

Cell Phone Policy Reminder

Legacy Families,

As we continue working together to maintain a focused and distraction-free learning environment, we want to remind everyone of the Student Cell Phone Policy outlined in state law and the OCPS Code of Student Conduct. Please remind your children that the cell phone policy will be enforced, and that all devices must remain silenced and put away throughout the school day to support a focused and distraction-free learning environment.

Pursuant to the Technology in K-12 Public Schools law (CS/HB 379), which took effect on July 1, 2023, section 1006.07(2)(f), Florida Statutes, now provides that "a student may not use a wireless communications device during the school day." The 2025-2026 Code of Student Conduct requires that wireless communications devices(s)* be silenced and put away (in a backpack or purse) during the school day (from the first morning bell to dismissal, 30 min after the final bell) while on campus, including lunchtime and transitioning between classes.

*Wireless communication devices include, but are not limited to, cell phones, tablets, and/or auxiliary /ancillary devices such as smart glasses, smart watches, and ear buds. Students who use their device(s) to monitor a health condition, as per medical documentation, IEP, 504, or Health Plan, will not be disciplined for using their device.

The following actions will be taken if a student violates OCPS' cell phone policy:
  • Confiscation (Item returned at the end of the day, 30 min after the last bell.)
  • Detention
  • Positive Alternative to School Suspension (PASS)
  • Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)
At no time shall OCPS be responsible for theft, loss, or damage of cell phones or other electronic devices brought onto district property.

Scholarship Opportunity

Orange County Association of School Administrators

Poster for the OCASA Scholarship Scramble golf event on March 5, 2026, at Stoneybrook West Golf Course.

Help Fund a Scholarship for OCPS students

Dear Future Sponsor,

Education is the foundation of our community’s future, but that foundation is only as strong as the teachers we prepare today. At OCASA, we are on a mission to ensure that the next generation of educators has the support they need to succeed.

This year, we have set an ambitious and historic goal for the OCASA Scholarship Scramble: To fund one $1,000 scholarship for a graduating senior at every single one of the 23 Orange County Public School (OCPS) high schools.
To reach this $23,000 goal, we are looking for community partners who believe in the power of local education. By sponsoring this event, you aren't just putting your brand in front of local professionals—you are directly investing in the future of 23 students who will one day lead our classrooms.

We have established several "Academic Tiers" of sponsorship to help us reach this target:
  • The Valedictorian (Event Sponsor) – $5,000: Funds 5 full scholarships. Includes naming rights for the event and Awards Luncheon, plus premier marketing placement, and a player foursome in the scramble.

  • The Magna Cum Laude (Driving Range) – $2,000: Funds 2 full scholarships. Includes exclusive signage at the Driving Range, name on all marketing, and a player foursome in the scramble.

  • The Honor Society (Hole + Foursome) – $1,500: Funds 1.5 scholarships. Includes a player foursome and a custom Tee Box sign.

  • The Dean’s List (Hole Sponsor) – $1,000: Funds 1 full scholarship. Provides high-visibility signage at a designated hole.

  • Teaching Assistant – $250: A vital contribution toward a partial scholarship for a deserving student.

Whether you join us on the course as a golfer or support us as a sponsor, your contribution ensures that 23 future teachers—one from every high school in the OCPS —start their journey with the support of their community behind them.

Will you help us reach our goal of 23 scholarships for 23 schools?

Please visit: https://ocasascramble.givesmart.com to sign up for one of our sponsorship opportunities. If you have any questions you can email me at Nathan.Hay@ocps.net!

Thank you for your commitment to our students and the future of Orange County Public Schools.

Sincerely,
Nathan Hay
OCASA Scholarship Scramble Committee

Bike and Scooter Safety

Bike Safety Information

Please see this link for more information about bike and scooter safety, including bike and pedestrian laws, common violations, ebike safety, and fitting your bike helmet.
Traffic lights show red, with text 'ALWAYS STOP ON RED' and images of road safety scenarios.
Infographic detailing traffic laws for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, emphasizing safety at intersections.

Basketball

Girls Basketball Final Roster 🏀

The Girls Basketball team roster has been updated and finalized.

  • Vanessa Baez
  • Aubrielle Banks
  • Sofia Kintsurashvili
  • Taylor Tubbs
  • Ayla Wondisford
  • Lexani Ramos
  • Marissa Gomez
  • Nellyeris Catala Diaz
  • Elinah Torres
  • Valentina Garcia
  • Janeyssy Medina
  • Alisah Moncor
  • Gisella Fuentes

 
Basketball schedule for Legacy Middle School, featuring game dates, times, and opponents.

Theater

Disney Descendants The Musical logo with a red apple and yellow accents on a purple background.

Spring Musical Auditions!

🎭 Legacy Theater presents DISNEY'S DESCENDANTS THE MUSICAL AUDITIONS 🎭
✨ Ready to join the cast? Here’s what you need to know:

📅 Audition Dates:
Tuesday, Jan 20 & Wednesday, Jan 21
🕒 After school until 5:45 PM

✅ Requirements:
• Sign up with the YMCA - tinyurl.com/legacyYMCA

• Turn in your permission slip to Miss Nieves.

📍 Permission slip copies available in Room 212 (Miss Nieves' Room)

 (To access, students must be logged into their OCPS student account.)

Dance 2 & 3 Students

UHS Student Choreography Showcase Registration

Attention all Dance 2 and Dance 3 students. University High School's student choreography showcase registration is now open. You must audition your dance piece before you register and pay for this event. Mrs. Cruz is holding an audition for dances that are completed already for this event. This audition will be January 21, 2026 after school from 3-5pm in the LMS cafeteria. You must be a part of the YMCA to attend the audition. For more information see Mrs. Cruz during your class period.
University High School Dance presents a Student Choreography Dance Festival on March 6-7, 2026.

Staff Spotlight - Dr. Torres

A woman with glasses smiles warmly, wearing a gray coat with black buttons.
Dr Jessica Torres is an assistant principal over operations and discipline at Legacy Middle School. Dr Torres stated that when she lived in a townhouse they said the house was a burial ground. Her and her siblings were late out at night and sometimes they would see things that were out of the normal and she said her brother once heard laughing and playing. One time she came home really late and saw a dark shadow on the wall.

Dr Torres experienced multiple colleges. She went to Stony Brook in New York, she also went back to Florida and attended Valencia, then she went to UCF, then she went to Stetson University, lastly she went to Barry University.

Dr.Torres' favorite season is Christmas because her mom loves it and does really fun activities. She also loves all the costumes and traditions that come with Christmas, and she loves the food. Sixteen Candles was Dr. Torres' favorite move when she was a teenager. Dr. Torres' favorite after school activity to do is read books, watch movies, and play games with her family.

Interview by
Monica, Ashley, and Ava
Journalism 1 Class

Classroom Spotlight

Congratulations to Mr. McGarvey and Mr. Lumm!

The Middle and High School Music Enrollment Award recognizes the effectiveness of programs that offer attractive music curricula as well as those that excel in the recruitment and retention of students. 

In order to qualify for the award, at least 30% at the high school level and 45% at the middle school level of the entire student body must be enrolled in a music course. 🎼 For the first time in over 10 years, Legacy Middle School is at 53% enrollment! 
Three men stand together, one holding a plaque, in front of a dark curtain.
A diverse group of people in business attire pose for a photo, many holding awards.
A glass trophy awarded to Legacy Middle School by the Florida Music Education Association.
 

PE Lesson Highlight

We like to move it, move it!

This week, students stepped foot into the new Fitness Room! Students in Coach Martinez's sixth grade PE classes applied what they learned previously about the health-related components of fitness to their workout assignment. This opening marks the beginning of an exciting new era where students and staff will be encouraged to MOVE MORE! Let's get active and fit!
A group of students are engaged in a cycling class, with some on stationary bikes and others holding dumbbells.
A group of young people are engaged in a weightlifting exercise class, holding dumbbells.
Students are engaged in a weightlifting session, holding dumbbells and exercising.
Two young girls are doing step-ups on blue aerobic steps in a classroom.
A person is doing pull-ups on a black pull-up bar in a gym.
Three children exercise on elliptical machines in a bright room with a tiled floor.
Students stretch on blue yoga mats in a gymnasium with exercise equipment.
Students practice stretching and flexibility exercises on blue mats in a classroom with exercise posters on the wall.

Financial Literacy

Introduction to Personal Finance for Parents: Helping Your Student Build a Strong Financial Future

As students grow and prepare for life after high school, one of the most valuable skills they can develop is financial literacy. Understanding how money works—earning it, managing it, saving it, and using it wisely—is essential for long‑term independence and success.

While schools play an important role in introducing these concepts, parents are a child’s first and most influential financial teachers. The habits and attitudes students form at home often shape how they make decisions once they are on their own.

Personal finance doesn’t have to be complicated. It begins with everyday choices: planning ahead, comparing wants vs. needs, and learning how to budget. When parents model and support healthy financial behaviors, students gain confidence and develop the practical skills they need to navigate real‑world responsibilities like managing a bank account, paying bills, saving for goals, and avoiding unnecessary debt.

As a parent, you can make a powerful impact by having open conversations about money, sharing your experiences, and giving your student opportunities to practice handling their own finances. Whether it’s helping them set up their first savings account, talking through the cost of college, or encouraging them to track their spending, your guidance helps them build financial habits that last a lifetime.

Together, families and schools can empower students to make informed, responsible decisions—creating a foundation for financial well‑being that will benefit them far beyond graduation.

Library Corner

Logo for 'READ, WHITE and BLUE: Celebrating 250 Chapters of America' and 'CELEBRATE LITERACY WEEK 2026'.

Literacy Week: January 26 - 30, 2026

Next week we will celebrate Literacy Week with the patriotic theme “Read, White, and Blue: Celebrating 250 Chapters of America!” Throughout the week, students will participate in a variety of engaging activities that promote a love of reading and creativity. In Mr. De Zayas’ Art classes, students have been participating in a Bookmark Contest, showcasing their artistic talents and literacy pride. The bookmarks will be voted on, and the top three will receive a prize.

Teachers will also team up with students for a Door Decorating Contest, designing doors inspired by literary themes—winning classes will enjoy a doughnut celebration! In the library, students can join in on fun word games and bookmark decorating sessions during the week. Families are also invited to support reading at home through our Online Book Fair, offering a convenient way to explore and purchase new books. We can’t wait to celebrate reading together!
A poster announces 'Celebrate Literacy Week' with daily themes and dates from January 26-30.
 

Follett Book eFair Coming Soon!

Follett Book eFairs for grades 6-8, featuring popular titles like Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition and Percy Jackson.
A cheerful yellow character named Benny reads a book while sitting on a couch next to a fireplace.
A 'Pathfinder' badge from Beanstack, indicating reading program status.

Winter Reading 2026: Read with Benny

The January Beanstack Challenge features “Benny” and runs from January 1 - 31, 2026. Participants will earn fun, Benny-themed badges for logging their reading and completing activities. So, grab a book and join Benny for an unforgettable reading adventure!

So far this year, 71% of our students have logged into Beanstack — a big improvement from last year’s 62%! Let’s keep the progress going and aim for that Trailblazer status!

We’ve already logged almost 90,000 minutes toward our 100,000-minute goal—amazing progress! Let’s keep the momentum going and hit that milestone together. Keep reading, Legacy! 📚✨

Beanstack Updates:
  • More intuitive, less scrolling. The updated layout keeps all key actions visible on one screen and reduces the steps to log.
  • Quick access to recent titles. They’ve created a streamlined experience that prompts users to select from their last three titles.
  • Alignment with the mobile app. Readers will see a more consistent logging experience across web and app.

Coming Soon:
Get ready—Let’s Read OCPS returns the end of January! Stay tuned for more details coming your way soon.

Yearbook

Order your Legacy Middle School yearbook by January 30, 2026, for $40.
PTSA Co-Pilot logo with a stylized airplane graphic.

Parent Teacher Student Association

This month PTSA celebrates Literacy Week January 26th-January 30th. PTSA offers resources to help select diverse books with The National PTA's Family Guide to Selecting Diverse books: https://www.pta.org/docs/default-source/files/programs/family-reading-experience/2021/a-family-guide-to-selecting-diverse-books_parent-guide.pdf

Our Next PTSA meeting will be held Tuesday, February 3rd at 6:30 at the Legacy Middle School Media Center.
Poster announcing a Legacy Middle School PTSA Board Meeting on Tuesday, February 3rd at 6:30 PM in the Media Center.
 
Wooden blocks spell out 'SAVE THE DATE' with text announcing V-day Grams and a Winter Wonderland Dance.
The words 'YOU BELONG IN PTSA' are displayed in bold blue text.

Volunteer at Legacy Middle School

Additions

Sign Up as an Additions Volunteer

If you are interested in being a chaperone on a field trip, helping out in a classroom, or assisting with a schoolwide event, please sign up for or renew your Additions Volunteer account.

Please be sure to log into your Dashboard to watch the Safety Protocol Video so your application will be approved.

School Cash Online

Register for School Cash Online Today!

School Cash Online is now the official payment platform for all school-related transactions, replacing School Pay. Whether you're paying for a field trip, making a class donation, or settling a device fine, all payments will now be processed through School Cash Online.

To register, go to https://ocps.schoolcashonline.com and click Register. For more detailed information, please see the information in the links below or visit the OCPS School Cash Online website.

Parental Consent Form

Permission to Attend Legacy Middle Activities and Events

Parents, please fill out this form to indicate whether or not you approve of your child attending, participating in, and experiencing any activities Legacy Middle School plans for our students' entertainment, experience, and learning opportunities both during and after school through the end of the school year. If you would like your child to opt out of any upcoming events or activities, please indicate which activities in the last question of this form.

Per Florida Rule 6A-10.089, we are required to obtain parental consent regarding all school-sponsored events and activities.

Some of our upcoming events and activities include, but are not limited to:
  • Honor Roll Assemblies
  • Teach-In, November
  • Prism, December
  • Author Visits

We know that our community appreciates efficiency. That's why we're providing you with one form for the rest of this school year to consolidate and streamline parental consent forms like we did last year. This will benefit you so you will not be inundated with multiple requests. 

The OCPS Parental Consent for Student Participation in School-Sponsored Events, Activities, and Student Clubs can be found in the link here:   General Parent Consent Form

Important Reminder

State Mandated Cell Phone Policy

Reminder: State-Mandated Cell Phone Policy All cell phones must be silenced and stored out of sight—either in a backpack or purse—for the entire school day, from 9:25 AM to 4:04 PM. This rule is set by the state and applies to everyone on campus..
A sign with a crossed-out smartphone symbol, indicating a 'No Phone Zone'.

YMCA Before and After School Program

YMCA

YMCA Before and After School Program

If you're interested in enrolling your child in the YMCA Before or After School Program, please refer to the link for more details.
Any student on campus before 9:00 AM or staying after school for activities such as clubs, performing arts, sports, or other events must be signed into the YMCA program.
  • Morning Program: Begins at 7:00 AM and includes a small fee.
  • After School Zone: Free for all participants and offers homework support, snacks, meals, and a variety of engaging activities each day.
Attendance is flexible—students are not required to attend daily and can participate according to your family's schedule and preferences.
Thank you for your continued support!

Morning Site Supervisor:
Ciara Medrano - Cmedrano@cfymca.org

Afternoon Site Supervisors:
Witney Sherry - WSherry@cfymca.org
Susan Fray - SFray@cfymca.org

Bell Schedule

bell schedule

Parent Square App

Parent Square English
Parent Square Spanish

2025-2026 Leadership Team

admin team

Leadership Team

Principal: Mr. Jason Jimenez
Assistant Principal of Instruction: Ms. Carla Thomas
Assistant Principal: Dr. Jessica Torres
 
Your proud B school.