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Totem Talk: September 28, 2025

Posted Date: 9/28/25 (7:49 PM)

A football player in an orange uniform leaps over a fallen opponent during a game.
The words 'TOTEM TALK' are displayed in large white letters on an orange background.

Community Brief

September 28, 2025
Boone High School Principal, Dr. Maestre, in a gray suit smiles at the camera, wearing an orange patterned tie.

Message From Dr. Maestre

Many of our Braves will participate in PMA1 (Progress Monitoring Assessment 1) testing this week beginning on Tuesday. We will be operating on a modified bell schedule Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The PMA1 occurs during the first nine-week quarter and is designed as a baseline score so teachers can track student progress in learning the Florida Department of Education B.E.S.T. Standards (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking) from PMA1 to PMA2.

The first half of October will be a busy period to include Homecoming. There are also several excellent family entertainment opportunities upcoming over the next few days. Please note that we will be holding our monthly SAC meeting on Tuesday, October 7 at 5:30pm and, as always, all members of our Boone community are welcome and encouraged to attend. The primary focus of these meetings is discussion of our ongoing school improvement efforts, so community feedback is greatly appreciated.  

Here's to a strong finish to September on Tuesday and to a great start for October on Wednesday. We only have 10 instructional days left in the quarter Braves, so please take advantage of each one. 

As always, thank you for reading!


Forever Brave,

Dr. Maestre
Principal
 

Progress Monitoring Assessments

We will have an adjusted bell schedule for September 30th, October 1st, and October 2nd for Progress Monitoring Testing. Students taking Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology, and U.S. History will be testing. Best of luck on these important assessments!
A school bell schedule for PMA testing, with dates and times listed.
 

Connectivity Day

On Friday, October 3, we will be hosting Connectivity Day! This is an opportunity for students to connect with their peers, teachers, and the school in activities specific to their individual interests. During the last hour of the day, teachers will be hosting low anxiety activities for students in their classrooms and around campus. Activities will include photography, Uno tournaments, coloring activities, Broadway trivia, and even a Taylor Swift album release party, just to name a few. This is a great opportunity for students to make positive connections at school!

Students can sign up for their preferred activity using the link posted in The Hub on Canvas.
A school bell schedule for Friday, October 3rd, with period times and lunch information.
 
A classroom scene with students and a teacher, some students are taking photos.

Spotlight on Geometry: Engaging Learning in Mr. Grimm’s Classroom

Mr. Grimm’s Geometry students are currently exploring angle pair relationships formed by parallel lines and a transversal—a foundational concept in geometry. To enhance understanding, Mr. Grimm incorporates visual and interactive strategies into his instruction. Using the lines in the classroom ceiling and a laser pointer, he creates real-time diagrams that help students identify and name various angle relationships. Students then capture photos of these diagrams to use as personal study tools, reinforcing their learning beyond the classroom. It’s a great example of how creative teaching methods can bring mathematical concepts to life.
 

Spotlight on Chemistry

Mr. Engel recently guided his students through a dynamic and content-rich Spectra Emissions lab, designed to deepen their understanding of light and wavelength behavior. Using a diffraction grating tile, students were able to visualize the distinct wavelengths emitted by various light sources, including hydrogen, deuterium, and chlorine.
The lab was highly engaging and supported by a structured, guided resource that students completed during the activity. This hands-on experience not only reinforced key scientific concepts but also encouraged critical thinking and observation skills in a real-world context.

A teacher gestures towards students gathered around a lab table in a classroom.
 
Three students work together on a cardboard project at a desk.

Engineering Students Get Creative with Rube Goldberg Machines

Ms. Doman’s Project Lead The Way Academy of Engineering students recently put their collaboration and problem-solving skills to the test by designing and building Rube Goldberg machines. These whimsical contraptions, known for performing simple tasks in overly complex ways, challenged students to apply engineering principles while working together creatively. The project sparked innovation, teamwork, and plenty of laughter as students brought their imaginative ideas to life—one chain reaction at a time!
 
A woman with short, light-brown hair smiles warmly at the camera.

Staff Spotlight - Instructional Coach

With over 30 years of experience in teaching and coaching, Stephanie Johnson Possell has dedicated her life to inspiring excellence in students, educators, and athletes alike. Her passion for education and athletics spans all age groups—from elementary school to the collegiate level—where she has consistently made a lasting impact. Recognized for her unwavering commitment and enthusiasm, Stephanie has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including Teacher of the Year and Coach of the Year honors on multiple occasions. As a State Champion Water Polo Coach, she has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead, motivate, and build winning teams while fostering character and resilience in her athletes. Stephanie’s energy, dedication, and positive outlook make her a natural leader who brings out the best in those around her. She is deeply passionate about both teaching and coaching, always striving to empower others to reach new heights. Whether in the classroom or on the field, she inspires those she works with to grow, achieve, and believe in their potential.
 
Poster for Boone High School's production of 'Moon Over Buffalo', featuring a buffalo illustration.

Moon Over Buffalo

Get ready for a night of hysterical chaos! The Boone High School Theater Department is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of Ken Ludwig's side-splitting farce, Moon Over Buffalo.

Set in the 1950s, Moon Over Buffalo centers on George and Charlotte Hay, two aging, egotistical actors whose dreams of stardom have dwindled down to a run-of-the-mill repertory company in Buffalo, New York. When legendary director Frank Capra is rumored to be attending their matinee, possibly to cast them in a new movie, the Hays' world erupts in a dizzying frenzy of missed cues, mistaken identities, secret romance, and monumental misunderstandings.

Come join us on October 2, 3, and 4, at 7pm! Tickets are available on Teachtix.
 
Poster for the William R. Boone High School Orchestra Fall Concert, October 9th at 7 PM.

Fall Orchestra Concert

Ticket sales are now live for the Boone Orchestra's first concert of the year! The Orchestra will be donating 100% of the proceeds made from ticket admission to Kids Beating Cancer, a non-profit dedicated to helping kids beat cancer. Come out on Thursday, October 9th @ 7PM and support our talented and hard working musicians, all while supporting a great cause! Our Breast Cancer Awareness Club will also be selling T-shirts in the PAC lobby before the concert.

You can purchase your tickets on Teachtix.
 
A vibrant poster announces a 'Carnaval' homecoming event.

2025 Carnival Homecoming Dance

Boone High School’s Homecoming Dance will be held on October 25th from 7:00 PM -10:00 PM at Boone High School.

Tickets for the dance are on sale now thru October 10th for $40 on School Cash.

Tickets are nonrefundable so before purchasing this ticket for a Boone student, please confirm the following:
• confirm that students do not owe any obligations (instructions for how to check are in Student Body Canvas course)
• The student has at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
• Juniors and seniors that have not met testing requirements for graduation must sit for every testing opportunity (FAST, BEST, SAT, ACT, and CLT).
• Submit the homecoming permission slip to Mrs. Oller in room 2-202 or to the Main Office by October 10th
• Complete THIS GOOGLE FORM with required contact information.


ANY STUDENT ATTENDING THE 2025 HOMECOMING DANCE MUST HAVE A SIGNED PERMISSION SLIP
  • Students can pick up a copy of the permission slip in Student Services, or print this attachment:

ANY NON-BOONE STUDENT (GUEST) ATTENDING THE 2025 HOMECOMING DANCE MUST SUBMIT A GUEST FORM
  • Before buying a ticket for a guest from another school, the GUEST FORM must be filled out and approved.
  • Don't wait on this form. Your guest's school may need a week or two to complete the form.
  • This form must be completed in ink, NOT digitally signed.
  • Scan the form along with a copy of their photo ID to boone_hs@ocps.net.
  • You will receive an e-mail back to let you know your guest is approved or if any info is missing.
  • Students can pick up a copy of the Guest Form in Student Services, or print this attachment:

ALL FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY OCTOBER 10, 2025.
 
A football player in an orange helmet prepares to throw the ball on the field.

Braves Win: Record Improved to 6-0!

Congratulations to our Varsity Braves on their 35-7 win vs. Timber Creek Friday evening! Next week is our BYE week and we host the Winter Park on October 10. This game will also be our senior night. Come join us as we celebrate our football, cheer, and band seniors before the game. Kickoff is at 7pm and tickets can be purchased on Go Fan.

Soccer

Boone Braves Boys and Girls soccer programs have assistant coach vacancies for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. Candidates should have coaching experience, and a schedule that can work around the high school practices and game schedules. Candidates will be required to have CPR certification and if hired a coaching certification with the FLDOE. If interested please send resume and email to Brian.sherman@ocps.net

An advertisement for an All Sport Pass, listing prices for family, adult, student, and grandparent passes.

All Sport Pass: All Regular Season Home Games, All Year Long!

Get ready to cheer on the Braves all year long! All Sport Passes are now available for purchase. Scan the QR code in the graphic purchase your pass today.
 
Announcement for free clothing shopping for Boone students on October 4th.
 

Always Wear Your Seatbelt Organization

The Always Wear Your Seatbelt Organization is holding its annual Lace-Up to Buckle-up 5k on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Please join us to help promote seatbelt safety and honor the lives of Laura Grant and Eddie Culberhouse.
Promotional graphic for the 10th Lace-Up to Buckle-up 5k race in Belle Isle, Florida.
 

Yearbook Senior Ad Night

October 6th is the next senior ad night! Fill out the google form for all of the information regarding your appointment. We hope to see you there!
Email us at boonepubs@gmail.com with questions.
An event announcement for Senior Ad Night on October 6th, with time and room details.
A group of students in black shirts pose on outdoor stairs, pointing.

Legend 2026

Purchase your yearbook at the link below:
 
The price of yearbooks is at its cheapest, $70. Simply go to the link and type in "Boone" (FL, not Kentucky). The price will go up so be sure to purchase your yearbook today!

 
The Boone High School logo is also referred to as the Brave Head. An orange and white graphic of a profile with a feathered headdress.

Contact info

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Administration
  • Principal: Dr. Hector Maestre - 60998@ocps.net
  • Assistant Principal: Mr. Daniel Abalo - 34823@ocps.net
  • Assistant Principal: Ms. Denine Brown - 54177@ocps.net
  • Assistant Principal: Dr. Timothy Flynn - 100795@ocps.net
  • Assistant Principal: Ms. Kristen Gillespie - 105208@ocps.net

General Contact
  • (407) 893-7200
  • boone_hs@ocps.net
  • www.boonehs.ocps.net