Welcome Back from our Principal, Dr. Dawson
Officially an "A" School
Odyssey has earned an "A" School Rating for the third consecutive year!
Dear Odyssey Charter School Elementary Families,
As we close another remarkable school year, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to our students, families, teachers, and staff for making this year such an incredible success. Together, we have lived our mission, embraced our vision, and accomplished so much. I could not be prouder of our vibrant school community.
This year, our students truly demonstrated what it means to grow as whole children—intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Thanks to their hard work, our holistic approach to education, and the unwavering commitment of our talented teachers, we achieved impressive academic gains. Our recent Spring data showed outstanding progress, with most grade levels achieving a 70% or higher proficiency rate in both ELA and Math.
We are proud to officially announce that Odyssey has earned an "A" rating for the third consecutive year! This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our students, teachers, staff, and families. As we celebrate this success, we also look ahead with confidence, using this accomplishment as a strong foundation for our 2026–2027 action plan.
Beyond the metrics, I am incredibly proud of how our community embraced our Positive Discipline in the Classroom model. Seeing our students develop mutual respect, problem-solving skills, and a genuine accountability for their learning environment is the greatest achievement of all.
Looking ahead to the fall, we are excited to welcome several new members to our staff who will bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and expertise to our school family. I am confident that together, we will continue to build upon our successes and make the coming school year our best yet.
For now, I hope each of you enjoys a well-deserved summer filled with laughter, relaxation, and special moments with family and friends. Summer is a wonderful time to recharge, explore new outdoor adventures, and create lasting memories.
And, of course, don't forget to read! Keeping up with books throughout the summer helps our Titans maintain their hard-earned skills, sparks the imagination, and prepares them for a strong start in August.
Thank you for your continued support, active partnership, and trust. It is truly an honor to serve as your principal. I look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting, joyful, and successful school year.
Wishing you a safe, happy, and memorable summer!
Warmest regards,
Dr. Brian Dawson
Principal, Odyssey Charter School Elementary
End of Year F.A.S.T. Results
I would like to extend a huge thank you to our teachers, staff, and families for their support and encouragement last school year. Our teachers and staff worked diligently to provide your child with a strong educational foundation this past year and to make their learning meaningful. Your commitment to your child’s education and well-being, coupled with your child’s efforts every single day, helped your child achieve their best. Below are our end-of-year F.A.S.T. results for our intermediate grades:
FY26 Odyssey Charter School ELEMENTARY - Percentage of Students Achieving Passing Scores
| Grade Level | English Language Arts | Mathematics | Science Achievement | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCS ELEM | Brevard | State | OCS ELEM | Brevard | State | OCS ELEM | Brevard | State | |
| K | 86% | - | - | 97% | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1 | 70% | - | - | 83% | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2 | 76% | - | - | 86% | - | - | - | - | - |
| 3 | 80% | 63% | 60% | 76% | 66% | 66% | - | - | - |
| 4 | 70% | 61% | 60% | 70% | 62% | 65% | - | - | - |
| 5 | 75% | 62% | 61% | 58% | 58% | 62% | 73% | 64% | 60% |
Summer Registration: Required for All Odyssey Charter School Elementary Families
July 16 (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.) - OCSE Summer Registration in the Café
Please be prepared to complete the following for your student(s):
- Income Verification Form
- Questions Regarding Bus Assignment
- Final Class Placement
- Before and After-Care Registration
- Health Card
- All “Dress for Success,” school conduct, cell phone, technology, and bus behavior agreements
Odyssey Charter School Elementary Fees 2026-2027 School Year
Student Fees for Kindergarten through 5th grade will be $15.
Please bring a check to registration made out to Odyssey Charter School and include Student Fees in the tagline OR you can pay through our online payment portal at the school.
Student Fees Include:
- • $4 Copy Paper, Writing Journal / Folder
- • $2 Interactive Notebook OR Fine Black Expo Markers (K-2)
- • $6 Technology
- • $3 Student ID, pouch, & lanyard (includes 1 replacement)
FOR ALL Kindergarten and NEW students to Brevard County
The following documents must be provided in order to successfully complete the registration process for the 2026-2027 school year, which begins August 10, 2026:
- Birth Certificate
- Physical - School Physicals MUST be dated within one year of the first day of the next school year – August 10, 2026.
- Current Immunization records
- Legal Guardianship/Custody documents (if applicable)
- Current copy of IEP, EP or 504 (if applicable)
Required Summer Reading
While we highly encourage students to read multiple books this summer, reading at least one book from the list is required.
- August Expectation: Students must bring their completed activity back to school when classes resume in August.
Below is a copy of your child's Summer Reading Program requirements. Books are available through our school library, the public library, and at local and online bookstores. The reading(s) should be completed over the summer break and assignments are due within the first few weeks of school. Happy reading!
All Odyssey students will participate in a summer reading program. A summer reading program has several benefits to your child:
- It continues our school-wide focus on reading.
- It helps prevent or slow the gap in reading during the summer months.
- It helps maintain a connection to Odyssey during the break.
- It provides a goal/purpose for reading over the summer
- It creates a shared goal with your child's classmates and a starting point for the upcoming school year.
Our program is designed to build reading stamina, expand vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, and spark curiosity about history, literature, and character. As our nation celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, students will have the opportunity to explore books independently and continue growing into confident, lifelong readers.
- For Young Readers: Rising Kindergarten and 1st Grade students may enjoy books read aloud by a parent or caregiver.
- Expanding Your Library: We encourage students to read beyond the required book, additional titles can be borrowed from your local public library. Families may also choose to purchase books through bookstores like Barnes & Noble, or online via Amazon or Thriftbooks.
- Our Long-Term Goal: By the end of sixth grade, our goal is for every Odyssey student to read confidently across a wide variety of genres. Each book completed helps prepare students not only for the rigor of middle school, but for a lifetime of learning, imagination, and discovery.
Thank you for partnering with us in this important work. Together, we can make this a summer filled with imagination, growth, and a love of reading!
Student Placement
As a reminder, a great deal of time, effort and thought has gone into the process of student class assignments for the 2026-2027 school year, beginning with input from our teaching staff. Careful consideration was given to student placement and learning styles. Classrooms have been balanced academically and socially. Our class lists are structured to provide equitable class sizes at each grade level. Moving students is difficult without causing imbalances and inequities.
Meet the Leadership Team
Dr. Brian Dawson, Principal
Dr. Brian Dawson is starting his second year at Odyssey Charter School. He has nearly 30 years of educational leadership experience in Texas. Dr. Dawson began his career as a 1st and 5th grade teacher and went on to serve as a principal at both the elementary and secondary levels. He later held multiple district leadership roles. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Concordia University–Portland, a Master’s degree from Tarleton State University in Education Administration, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas at Austin, with a specialization in Applied Learning and Development and Reading Instruction. Dr. Dawson is excited to partner with families, staff, and the Palm Bay community to support every student’s growth.
Mike Senick, Assistant Principal
Mr. Mike Senick was born in Philadelphia, PA. He is happily married and the proud father of four children. Since February 2009, he has been teaching and coaching, spending all but one year in the primary grade levels. Mr. Senick holds a Master's degree in Teaching English as a Second Language and is passionate about helping students learn to read. He regularly shares the latest research on best practices in reading instruction with colleagues. Outside of school, he enjoys going to the movies, attending concerts, and exploring new restaurants. Mr. Senick believes it’s more concerning when people never ask questions than when they ask too many. He looks forward to working collaboratively with everyone in his new role this school year.
Benjamin Horsley, Dean of Students
Mr. Horsley is of Korean German Irish descent, born in Seoul, South Korea. He is an Army Iraq Combat Veteran and served as a Recon Scout. Aside from the enjoyment of family time with his wife and daughter, his hobbies include weightlifting, coaching & playing flag football, and DJ'ing. He continues to work towards becoming a better version of himself every day through building relationships and promoting an environment of positive culture. He is passionate about helping others by applying real-world principles, with a strong commitment to guiding our youth toward becoming respectful, responsible, and productive members of society and the future. GO UCF KNIGHTS!
Christina Hutchinson, Instructional Coach (3-5)
Ms. Christina Hutchinson has been with Odyssey Charter School since 2015. She taught 3rd and 4th grades at Odyssey for 6.5 years before becoming an intermediate grade instructional coach in January 2022. Ms. Hutchinson earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She is certified in Elementary Education (K-6), and is Reading, Gifted, and ESOL endorsed. Ms. Hutchinson is married and has two children who attend Odyssey Schools. She is grateful to be part of Odyssey’s unique and special mission and happy to serve the children of Palm Bay.
Rima Chakhtoura, Instructional Coach (K-2)
Ms. Rima Chakhtoura majored in Early Childhood Education with a focus in Special Needs from the University of Florida. Go Gators! She has been teaching at Odyssey for seven years, originally starting in kindergarten for two years, then moving to first grade and becoming a team lead for the last five years. In her free time, she loves to read and spend time with her family and friends. Fun facts about Rima – she loves everything Marvel-related and can speak Arabic!
Michelle Dunderdale, Instructional Coach 4th/5th Math / Intervention 4th/5th Math
Mrs. Michelle Dunderdale has been an educator for 16 years and holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood education with Reading and ESOL endorsements. Her experience includes classroom teaching, math instructional coaching, reading, and math interventions. For the past two years with Odyssey Charter School, she has taught third and fourth grade. As both a teacher and parent of three Odyssey students, she values our school's dedication to supporting the whole child. In her spare time, she enjoys serving at her church and spending time at the beach with her family.
Review These & Links
- → Parent, Teacher, Student Contract
- → Parent/Student Handbook
- → OCS, Inc. Code of Conduct
- → Brevard Schools Code of Conduct
- → Moment of Silence (Florida House Bill 529)
Moment of Silence (Florida House Bill 529):
This bill requires a moment of silence to be set aside for public school students during each school day. We will set aside 1-2 minutes daily for a moment of silence during morning announcement following The Pledge of Allegiance. The bill does not allow teachers to make suggestions about the nature of a student’s reflection during these moments. Parent should discuss the moment of silence with their children and make suggestions to their children about how they should use this time. Students may not interfere with each other’s participation in the moment of silence.
Electronic Devices
To keep the focus on academics and to reduce unnecessary distractions, the school enforces the following regarding personal cell phone use on school campus:
- Cell phones and all mobile devices shall be TURNED OFF when entering school campus.
- Cell phones and all mobile devices shall be kept in a student’s backpack – not in clothing pockets.
- Cell phones and all mobile devices are not allowed to be used in a classroom, library, common areas, or restrooms.
- Cell phones and all mobile devices are not allowed to be used during transition times or between classes.
Uniform Policy (Grades K-5)
All Odyssey students are required to wear a school uniform. Our uniforms can be purchased from our uniform provider: All Uniform Wear (Address: 4335 W New Haven Ave, West Melbourne, FL 32904). (Note: Please be certain you select Odyssey Charter School Elementary uniforms and not Odyssey Charter School uniforms) You can find our uniform policy linked below.
- As part of our uniform requirement, students must wear their issued ID badge/lanyard at all times while on campus.
- All students are required to wear full-length solid-colored pants, shorts, skirts or skorts. Inappropriately rolling or altering the pants in any way is in direct violation of the dress code. Shorts, skirts and skorts length must be at least mid-thigh.
- Pants, shorts, skirts and skorts that are too big or too tight, as determined by the Administration, are not acceptable and will be deemed in violation of the uniform code. Joggers are allowed. Jeans, stretch pants, and athletic wear are not allowed. Students may wear solid-color leggings under uniform shorts or skorts, but leggings worn alone as pants are not permitted.
- Students must wear an approved t-shirt, collared polo shirt, or dress shirt. Student shirts must be a solid color and in accordance with the individual schools’ uniform guide below. All shirts must bear the School logo.
- Any attire, including backpacks, displaying gang related paraphernalia or symbols, profanity or any inappropriate logos or displays are strictly prohibited.
- All headgear (hats, scarves, bandanas etc.) are prohibited on school property.
- Shoes must be closed or be strapped in the back. Flip-flops, slippers, or high heel shoes are prohibited.
- If a student chooses or needs to wear a jacket or sweatshirt due to cold weather, it must be a solid color of blue, black, or grey and in accordance with the individual schools’ uniform guide below.
Monthly Out-of-Uniform Days
Students have an opportunity to dress out of uniform on the last Friday of each month. Reminder, please ensure that your student follows the Brevard Public Schools dress code for out of uniform days. This year, our Dress Out of Uniform Days will be on the below dates:
Fresh Meals, Happy Students!
At our school, we know that nutritious meals help students learn, grow, and thrive. That's why we're proud to offer delicious breakfast and lunch options prepared daily in our scratch kitchen. Our culinary team uses quality ingredients to create fresh, flavorful meals that students enjoy and families can feel good about.
Even better, all students can receive free breakfast and lunch throughout the school year, ensuring every child has access to healthy, balanced meals each day. This year, every student will have the opportunity to walk through the breakfast and lunch line and is encouraged to try our delicious menu offerings. We invite all students to enjoy our freshly prepared meals—it's like enjoying a home-cooked meal at school!
Our commitment to student well-being extends beyond the cafeteria. Through our School Wellness Policy, we promote healthy eating habits, nutrition education, physical activity, and a positive school environment that supports the overall health and success of every student.
From hearty breakfasts to satisfying lunches, we're dedicated to fueling student success with food that nourishes both body and mind. We look forward to serving our students another year of great meals, healthy choices, and academic achievement.
Families can find our Wellness Policy and monthly menus on our website:
https://odysseyschools.com/cafe.html
We also encourage families to send healthy snacks, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, to support our wellness initiatives. Please note that reminders may be sent home if students bring snacks that do not align with the school's Wellness Policy.
Bus Transportation
Odyssey Charter Schools provides bus transportation to students who live between two and four miles from the school – more miles might be allotted as per established bus routes. Bus registration is online year and computers will be available during summer registration.
Each student is allowed one designated bus stop. Changes to assigned routes or bus transportation needs will not be permitted until a parent/guardian with proper ID completes a new registration form.
Here is a snapshot of the enhanced Transportation Services for the 2026–2027 school year:
1) Student Grade-Level Identification Cards (ID badges). Each Odyssey student will receive one ID card at the start of the school year. Students are required to always wear their IDs at all times.
2) Online Student Transportation Registration (eZRouting). eZRouting is an online registration tool to help families sign up for bus transportation annually. This means that you will not have to fill out forms at school to apply for transportation.
3)Student Tracker System (Here comes the bus). This system will give you a “real-time” notification when your student’s bus within 100 yards of the stop. The system will send “real-time” notification to your phone or computer when your student scans his/her ID upon entry to or exit from the bus.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please call Ms. Rosie Greer, Fleet Coordinator, below.
Rosie Greer, Fleet Coordinator
greerr@odysseycharterschool.com
321-345-4117 option 3
321-338-5187 cell
Read Aloud Book Club!
The Read Aloud Book Club is a fun and easy way for parents to earn volunteer hours—simply by reading to your child for 15 minutes each night!
Reading aloud supports your child’s academic success by improving attention span, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. It also nurtures a love of reading and strengthens the parent-child bond—especially valuable for busy or single-parent households. So, turn off the TV, grab a great book, and enjoy this special time together.
How it Works:
- Read aloud to your child for at least 15 minutes each night.
- Use the Read Aloud Recommended Book List or choose other high-quality literature (including textbooks).
- Record the book title, author, and minutes read on the Read Aloud Recording Form.
- Submit the completed form to your child’s teacher at the end of each month.
All information and links are available on our website at: https://odysseyschools.com/read-aloud.html
Extracurricular Enrichment Clubs
Do you have a special talent you can share with our students for nine (9) weeks out of the school year after school? Our Before and After School Enrichment Program offers a variety of afterschool club opportunities to our students. Look for information to come out in September and December on our available clubs for the 2026-2027 school year. Parents with a special talent or skill may volunteer to lead one of the clubs listed below or may suggest a club. Please help us enrich our deserving students’ education. At our summer registration, parents will have an opportunity to sign up to sponsor a club.
Possible Club Offerings:Odyssey Charter School Elementary Supply Lists
Supply lists can be found on our website at the link below.
Grade Level Supply ListsParents as Partners (PasP) – Get Involved!
Parents as Partners (PasP) is a collaborative effort between parents, teachers, and administrators, working together to support student success and enhance the overall school experience. This dedicated committee develops ideas, plans, programs, and strengthens our school community through meaningful family engagement and volunteer opportunities.
We are currently seeking a volunteer to serve as this year’s PasP Chairperson—a vital leadership role that helps guide and grow the program. Whether you can give a little time or a lot, your involvement truly makes a difference!
Interested in joining or learning more?
Stop by the PasP table during registration on July 16th or contact Ms. Kayla Senick at senickk@odysseycharterschool.com.
When families and schools work together, students thrive. We invite you to be part of this important partnership and help make this school year the best one yet!
Odyssey Parent Volunteer Hours: Let the Friendly Competition Begin!
For the 26–27 school year, we’re excited to continue 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!
Volunteer Hour Requirements
- 18 hours for families with one student
- 25 hours for families with multiple students
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.
More Ways to Get Involved:
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 or scan the QR code below to start logging your volunteer hours today: Volunteer Hours Form
Let’s see which campus will come out on top—Prep, Jr/Sr High, or Elementary. The race is on, and every minute counts!
Fingerprinting Required for Classroom & Field Trip Volunteers
Volunteering at OCSE in the classroom or on a field trip requires fingerprinting. Please go to the Brevard County Schools website: www.brevardschools.org
- Click the Parents & Students heading.
- Scroll down to Volunteer Information and click on the link.
- On the left of the screen, click on the Fingerprint link. The volunteer application is at the bottom of the page.
- Complete the application. The cost is $35 for the first year and $8 for renewals.
- After completing the application and payment, please visit: District and School Security, 2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary.
If you are planning to chaperone any field trip, please complete this process as soon as possible so it is completed before any field trips might occur.
Before and After-School Enrichment Programs
We are delighted to offer our Before and After School Enrichment program to our families who need it. Registration forms are available in the front office of Odyssey Preparatory Academy.
New Registration Fee Requirements for the 2026–2027 School Year:
Due to rising operational costs, we have updated our registration fee structure for this school year. The registration fee helps cover enrollment processing, student records management, Procare services, and administrative costs associated with maintaining student accounts.
The annual registration fee will be divided into two payments:
- Enrollment Registration Fee – Due prior to your child's attendance in August.
- Mid-Year Registration Fee – Due upon returning from Winter Break in January.
The registration fee is $130.00 for one child or $155.00 per family with two or more children.
Before and After-Care payments remain due every Monday and may be paid through the Procare app, by check, or by money order. Please submit online payments through Procare or deliver checks and money orders to the front office.
Weekly Rate: $45.00
Care begins at 6:00 am. Students participate in art, a variety of team-based games, and social fun. Every student enjoys a healthy breakfast in the café before the school day commences at 7:30 am.
Weekly Rate: $80.00
After-Care is available to students until 6:30 pm each day, and every student is provided a healthy snack. Students are grouped by grade levels and activities include art projects, fun with movement, nature trail, digital learning, and homework support.
Weekly Rate: $90.00
Full time Before/After-Care is available from 6:00 am-7:30 am and after school through 6:30 pm daily.
For more information about Before and After-Care Enrichment at Odyssey Preparatory Academy, please contact Enrichment Site Supervisor, Julie Porter at porterj@odysseycharterschool.com.
Grievance Procedures
- Step 1: Request Teacher conference to clarify issue
- Step 2: Contact the Principal if unresolved with the teacher
- Step 3: Contact Board Designated Parent Representative – TBD
- Step 4: Contact the President of the Governing Board
- Step 5: Present issue at the next monthly Board Meeting if unresolved
- Step 6: Seek mediation with the Sponsor
The Representative to Facilitate Parental Involvement, provide access to information, assist parents and others with questions and concerns, and resolve disputes according to charter requirements, will be determined by the OCS Board of Directors at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year.