A Message from Ms. Constance, Founder
Dear Odyssey Community,
As we begin a new chapter at Odyssey Elementary and across all our campuses, I want to take a moment to reconnect with you. I’m Ms. Constance, Founder of Odyssey Charter School, Inc., and CEO of Green Apple School Management. Over 25 years ago, I set out to build a school community where children could grow not just in academics, but in health, character, and confidence. That vision became reality in 1999, and today, Odyssey proudly serves students from Preschool through 12th grade—guided by our whole-child philosophy and commitment to academic excellence.
Each year brings new opportunities to grow and improve, and I’m deeply grateful for the progress we’ve made together. Odyssey schools are Cognia Accredited and recognized for academic achievement and innovation in health and wellness. As we look toward our 27th year, we remain focused on nurturing students’ minds, bodies, and spirits—creating the strong foundation they need to lead meaningful lives. Through Green Apple School Management, I work closely with our leadership teams and Board to support our schools in everything from curriculum to new growth and development to professional development.
Looking ahead, we are excited to expand our mission with the development of a new campus: Odyssey Preparatory K-8 and Montessori Village Green, serving children as young as three months old. These additions reflect our ongoing dedication to serving the needs of our growing community. I was also honored this year to receive the Charter School Champion Innovator Award from the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools—a recognition I share with each of you who help make Odyssey what it is. Thank you for being part of this journey. Please feel free to reach out at cortiz@greenappleschools.com. I’d love to hear from you.
As we prepare for another exciting school year across our campuses, I am filled with gratitude and enthusiasm as I introduce and celebrate the exceptional leaders who will guide our schools at Odyssey Charter School, Inc. for the 2025–2026 school year. Each of these individuals brings dedication, experience, and a deep commitment to our “Whole School–Whole Child” mission.
I am proud of the strength, heart, and vision each of these leaders brings to our schools. With their guidance, and your continued partnership, the 2025–2026 school year promises to be one of growth, innovation, and meaningful connection for every student.
With gratitude and care,
Ms. Constance,
Founder, Odyssey Charter Schools
Chief Executive Officer, Green Apple School Management
Principal of Odyssey Elementary -
Dr. Brian Dawson
It is with great joy that I welcome Dr. Brian Dawson as the new Principal of Odyssey Elementary, beginning in July 2025. With nearly two decades of experience as an elementary school principal and seven years in district-level leadership near Austin, Texas, Dr. Dawson brings a wealth of knowledge in instructional leadership, academic innovation, and whole-child education. His student-centered philosophy is a perfect match for our “Whole School–Whole Child” mission.
Dr. Dawson has a deep commitment to creating nurturing school environments where students grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. His leadership has consistently led to gains in student achievement and the development of vibrant, inclusive school cultures.
To ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition, retiring Principal Ms. Wendi Nolder will continue to work alongside Dr. Dawson and will move into her new role as Director of Professional Learning.
Please join me in warmly welcoming Dr. Dawson as we begin this exciting new chapter for our Odyssey Elementary community.
Principal of Odyssey Jr/Sr High –
Mr. Mike Davis
It is with pride and excitement that I welcome back Mr. Mike Davis as Principal of Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr High School. A dedicated educator and beloved leader within our school family, Mr. Davis has helped shape the high standards, strong culture, and innovative programs that define our Jr/Sr High campus. His return brings renewed vision and momentum for the 2025–2026 school year.
Mr. Davis’s leadership has been instrumental in achieving and sustaining our “A” school rating. He is known for expanding academic and career pathways for students, including launching new CTE programs such as ROTC, Emergency Medical Responder training, and Business and Entrepreneurship. He has also championed efforts like 1:1 computer access and Dual Enrollment transportation to Eastern Florida State College and Florida Institute of Technology, ensuring that all Titans have access to opportunity and success.
We are thrilled to have Mr. Davis back at the helm, guiding our students and staff with wisdom, heart, and a bold vision for the future.
Principal of Odyssey Preparatory Academy – Ms. Shelly Miedona
I am pleased to recognize Ms. Shelly Miedona, Principal of Odyssey Preparatory Academy, for her outstanding leadership and commitment to student success. With 28 years of experience in education and multiple certifications—including Educational Leadership, Reading, and ESOL—Ms. Miedona leads with both heart and expertise.
Now in her fourth year at OPA, Ms. Miedona has worked diligently to expand programs that meet the diverse needs of learners, most notably doubling the size of our Gifted and Talented program. She fosters a culture of collaboration, high expectations, and strong family engagement—qualities that shine in the day-to-day life of our campus. As one fifth grader so beautifully put it, “Thank you for making OPA a home away from home.”
Under Ms. Miedona’s thoughtful leadership, OPA continues to grow as a nurturing, high-achieving school where students are known, valued, and challenged to reach their full potential.
Director of Professional Learning –
Ms. Wendi Nolder
It is with deep gratitude and admiration that we recognize Ms. Wendi Nolder for her unwavering commitment to Odyssey Charter School, Inc. Since helping to open our doors in 1999, Ms. Nolder has served as a dedicated teacher, inspiring principal, and trusted mentor to countless educators and students.
With a strong foundation in mathematics and science education, and a wide array of certifications—including Montessori, Gifted, Reading, and Educational Leadership—Ms. Nolder brings exceptional knowledge, insight, and heart to her new role as Director of Professional Learning. Her leadership has been central to cultivating a culture of excellence, care, and innovation during her 15 impactful years as Principal of Odyssey Elementary.
As she steps into this next chapter, Ms. Nolder will support Dr. Dawson and help ensure a seamless transition—making sure nothing is missed and everything continues to flourish. While we celebrate all she has accomplished, we are equally excited for the continued inspiration she will bring as she helps shape the next generation of teacher-leaders at Odyssey.
New Middle School Agriscience Course Rooted in Regenerative Organic Farming
We’re excited to introduce a new and improved Middle School Agriscience course at Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr High School for the upcoming school year! This hands-on, inquiry-based course will connect students with the natural world while teaching the science and sustainability behind modern agriculture.
Designed to align with Odyssey’s commitment to healthy living, the course will explore regenerative organic farming methods—including composting, soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation. Students will engage in real-world learning experiences on our on-campus organic farm, applying what they learn in the classroom to care for crops and observe ecosystems in action. This course not only builds agricultural literacy, but also fosters responsibility, critical thinking, and a deeper connection to the environment. For more information, email Mike Guevara, Assistant Principal, at guevaram@odysseycharterschool.com.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs at Odyssey Jr/Sr High
CTE programs provide students with the skills and knowledge needed for specific careers, often through hands-on training and real-world applications. CTE programs bridge academic learning with vocational training, preparing students for diverse career paths in high-demand fields. We are proud to offer Digital Information Technology to our 6th graders this year. For more information on our Career and Technical Education programs, email Mike Guevara, Assistant Principal, at guevaram@odysseycharterschool.com
CTE Course Offerings
| CTE Course | 24-25 Courses | 25-26 Courses | Future Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Information Technology | |||
| Commercial Art | |||
| Engineering | |||
| Gaming & Simulation | |||
| Web Application Develop & Programming | |||
| * Robotics (Competition Team) Stand Alone | |||
| Business Management & Analysis | |||
| Emergency Medical Responder | |||
| Organic Culinary Arts |
Odyssey is on the Move: Becoming a National Model for Healthy Schools—Naturally!
At Odyssey, there's never a dull moment—we’re constantly moving, innovating, and reimagining what education can be. From coordinating transportation for our Dual Enrollment students to crafting trail-blazing Advanced Placement courses and refining our dynamic curriculum, we thrive on progress.
Now, we’re thrilled to launch one of our most exciting initiatives yet: our journey to become a National Model for Healthy Schools with a Focus on Natural Health.
This bold, transformative initiative centers around four powerful pillars:
Building a Healthy School Campus
Fostering an environment where nature, learning, and wellness thrive side-by-side.
Nurturing School Culture and Student Well-Being
Creating a supportive, inspiring atmosphere where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered.
Fitness for Life
Promoting movement, mindfulness, and lifelong physical wellness through engaging, accessible programs.
Wise Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles
Expanding our already strong foundation with smart, sustainable nutrition choices and wellness habits.
Odyssey is not just a place of learning—it's becoming a beacon of health, vitality, and visionary thinking for schools nationwide. Join us as we lead the way, naturally!
A New and Exciting Initiative Transforming the Lives and Health of Children:
This year something very special is set to happen in the kitchens of the Odyssey Schools. Working with our friends at School of Lunch, we will be taking our delicious, farm fresh menus and adding even more high quality, nutritious ingredients to every lunch, snack, and breakfast we serve.
School of Lunch has been recognized for serving the most nutrient dense school lunches in the country by The Nutrition Coalition, a top research organization. Together, they have chosen Odyssey Charter Schools to work on a new meal program that will help make our kids the healthiest students in the nation.
Starting in January 2026, we will add new recipes, rich flavors, and the most satisfying ingredients possible to every meal we serve. We will continue to feature the same healthy foods we grow on our own organic farm, but also start purchasing from other local farmers to help grow our regional food system.
School of Lunch wants to see our Odyssey families benefit from this partnership and we will have many ways you can participate. You’ll have a chance to meet members of the SOL team soon, enjoy one of their school lunches and ask questions. Stay tuned for more!
Fit 4 Life PE Initiative
Advancing Our Vision for a Healthier School Community
Odyssey is proud to launch the Fit 4 Life Physical Education Initiative this fall—a key milestone on our path to becoming a National Model for Healthy Schools, with a focus on natural health and lifelong wellness. As part of this transformation, our PE team is stepping into the role of fitness trainers, guiding students in developing the habits, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
This shift is rooted in science. Last year, our staff explored SPARK: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by Dr. John Ratey, which reveals how movement fuels learning, boosts mood, and enhances attention. It has inspired our commitment to using physical activity as a cornerstone of whole-child development.
To bring this vision to life, we are beginning phased implementation of the Science in the Gym curriculum in grades 3–5, 6–8, and the high school HOPE class, with full rollout by spring 2026. Created by Dr. Ang Chen through five years of physical education research funded by the National Institutes of Health, this innovative curriculum connects movement to real-time, hands-on science lessons in physiology, nutrition, and health. Students won’t just move—they’ll understand why movement matters through activities like pulse tracking, muscle mapping, and hydration analysis. Learn more at https://www.scienceinthegym.org.
In tandem, we're expanding movement opportunities across all grade levels:
- • Grades 3–5: Increased PE time and weekly, structured, fitness-focused recess
- • Grades K–2: Weekly aerobic-based recess to establish strong early movement habits
- • Jr/Sr High: Broader PE course offerings, including weight training, walking/running/aerobics, yoga, stretching, and martial arts
To support this transition, our PE educators will engage in targeted professional development, including sessions led by Dr. Christine Hopple, author of Developmentally Appropriate Physical Education for Children, with a focus on curriculum implementation and student-centered movement strategies.
We’re building a program grounded in research, equity, and empowerment—and we’d love to hear from you.
Have suggestions or ideas? Please reach out to Leslie Maloney, Health/PE/Wellness Coordinator, at maloneyl731@gmail.com.
Let’s keep moving forward—stronger, smarter, and healthier—together.
Parent Involvement at Our Schools – We need You!
Odyssey Parent Volunteer Hours: Let the Friendly Competition Begin!
For the 2025–26 school year, we’re excited to kick off a friendly competition between Odyssey Preparatory Academy, Odyssey Jr/Sr High, and Odyssey Elementary to see which campus will have the highest percentage of parents completing their expected volunteer hours by the end of the year!
New This Year: Earn Hours by Reading Newsletters!
Staying informed just got more rewarding! You can now earn 30 minutes of volunteer credit simply by reading our newsletters, including updates from the Classroom, School, Wellness, and Green Apple.
How it Works:
- Look for the Parent Volunteer QR code at the end of each newsletter.
- Scan the code or click the link to complete a quick survey.
- Once submitted, your name will be logged, and 30 minutes will be added to your family’s volunteer hours by the front office staff.
Volunteer Hour Requirements:
- 18 hours for families with one student
- 25 hours for families with multiple students
More Ways to Get Involved:
- Classroom Parent: Assist teachers with classroom needs
- Field Trip Volunteer: Help supervise off-campus learning adventures
- Annual 5k
- Read Aloud Club: Share your love of reading with your child
- Sponsor a Club: Share your talent with our students
- Attend Parent Educational Nights and/or Meetings: It takes a village – let’s support our schools and make them the best they can be!
- Guest Speakers and Mentors: Present career talks, lead workshops, or mentor students
Why Your Involvement Matters:
Research shows that when parents are engaged in school life, students thrive—with improved grades, attendance, behavior, and social skills. Your time and effort directly support your child’s success!
Ready to Start Earning Hours?
Click the link below to start logging your volunteer hours today:
Log Volunteer HoursLet’s see which campus will come out on top—Prep, Jr/Sr High, or Elementary. The race is on, and every minute counts!