Good afternoon Falcon families! What a great time it is to be an East River Falcon! Our school is excelling in so many areas. We are one of only three OCPS high schools with a Sunshine State Scholar! Our 3DE team of students are the champions in the Nemour's Children's Hospital Case Challenge! A 10th grade student won a state-wide poetry contest! Our choir was chosen as an honor choir to perform at Candlelight at EPCOT! Our sports teams are winning in basketball, soccer, weightlifting, and wrestling! Our mid-year data is coming back positive and showing growth! Now is the time to continue the commitment to excellence in all areas.

We have testing this week and it is imperative that students give 100% effort and show what they know! Some students, and most definitely adults, experience test anxiety. Here are some tips for reducing anxiety that are good for this semester testing, but all testing as well. Please talk to your student about what tests they will be taking this week and be sure they get enough sleep, study beforehand, and they are on time to school.

We are down to two weeks before the break, but these weeks are so important. Please be sure your student is on time and present each day. Don't forget- attendance counts for privileges like Prom, Grad Bash, and more!

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military.

If you would like to know more about the types of questions and how to access test prep resources, please use the link below:

https://www.officialasvab.com/

The exam will take place Monday, December 15 at 7:20 am. Deadline to register is December 10, 2025.

On Tuesday, December 16th, will be our second Connectivity Day. This event is an excellent way for students to connect with something on East River's campus, whether it is an organization, sport, or elective course they might be interested in enrolling in for the next school year. This specific Connectivity Day will be centered on the classes East River offers. It will give students an idea of classes they can add to their schedule request form in the following semester. 

If you have not already signed your Connectivity permission slip or need a new one, please print the form attached to this newsletter and turn it in to your 5th period class or to Mrs. Strawn.

Student IDs are required to be displayed while on campus. Please clip your student id to your backpack at all times. If you lost your ID please go to the media center before or after school to get a new one. Replacement IDs are $5. We have had many students now in compliance with this important safety matter. We want to be sure that our students are safe on campus!

 Continued reminders for parents and students about our parking lot:

Thank you for helping us keep our students and faculty safe by adhering to speed limits of 10 mph and following all traffic cones, barricades, and signs in the parking lot. 

Mark your calendar now for the 5th Annual School Spirit Run! East River has a team and we would love for you and your family to join us!

Thank you for your continued support of East River. Consider having your student write a holiday card to their teachers as we enter this wonderful season. It is a thoughtful and simple way to express gratitude. Stay tuned for spirit week 12/15-12/19!

Please email me with any questions or concerns at rebeccca.watson@ocps.net It is my privilege to serve at East River.

 Be safe and kind!

 Becky Watson

 Principal, East River High School