GCSD Odyssey Academy

Shout out to Coach Okafor and Coach Gilchrist representing the Odyssey Leopards tonight at the GCSD youth basketball camp! The kids had a great time and learned a lot about the game, too! 🏀🏀

Our very own Mr. Friske!

Subject: Business
Region: Finger Lakes

Robert Dale Friske is a seasoned educator and coach with a rich background in business and physical education. He holds a Master of Science in Business Education from SUNY Oswego, earned in 2015 with a concentration in Business and Marketing Education, and a Master of Science in Physical Education from SUNY Brockport, achieved in 1995, focusing on Athletic Administration. His educational journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Business from SUNY Plattsburgh, where he graduated in 1991 with a concentration in Business Administration. Robert's professional certifications include a Business Teacher (9-12) Certification from the New York State Department of Education, obtained in 2020, an Advanced National Diploma from the National Soccer Coaching Association of America, awarded in 2008, and a Coaching Requirements Program certification from the New York State Department of Education, completed in 1994. His extensive teaching career spans various roles, currently serving as a Business Teacher at Greece Central School District, where he has been teaching high school business courses since 2020. Before this, he taught Family and Consumer Science and Early Child Development in the same district. Robert's coaching career is equally distinguished. He served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Finger Lakes Community College from 2018 to 2019, where he was honored with the Conference Coach of the Year Award. His leadership roles also included being the Director of Administration for Syracuse FC in the NPSL from 2017 to 2019. His tenure at SUNY Oswego saw him coaching both soccer and tennis while also teaching courses in health and wellness and business, earning him high accolades for his teaching effectiveness. One of Robert's most notable coaching roles was at Norwich University, where he served as Head Coach for Men's Soccer and Men's and Women's Tennis from 1995 to 2003. At Norwich, he broke an inherited 16-year streak of below .500 records and brought the university its first four conference championship appearances, three NCAA Tournament appearances, and three conference championships. His tenure resulted in 14 top university records and eight top 20 national records for soccer, along with achieving the most wins in a single season for Norwich's tennis program. His leadership and innovative approaches, such as originating the "Athletic Dept. Policies & Procedures" manual and the "Travel Information Guide," left a lasting impact on the university's athletic programs. Beyond his professional achievements, Robert has a diverse range of interests and skills. He has held a New York State Real Estate License since 2017 and recently obtained a Travel Agent License in 2024. Additionally, he is heavily invested in cryptocurrency mining and trading, showcasing his adaptability and keen interest in emerging technologies and markets. Robert is passionate about teaching and coaching. He thrives on the opportunity to shape young minds and inspire students both in the classroom and on the field. His love for teaching stems from the joy he finds in helping students realize their potential and achieve their goals. Robert is particularly excited about the Teacher Ambassador Program as it aligns with his dedication to educational excellence and his desire to collaborate with other educators to enhance the learning experience for students. His extensive experience and commitment to education and coaching make him a valuable asset to any educational program, and his enthusiasm for continuous improvement and student success is evident in all his endeavors.

Summer camp fun at Odyssey Academy!! 💜🖤

Wishing a joyful 4th of July to all our Leopards out there today!! ❤️🤍💙

Dr. Hepburn returned to campus after a medical scare. His words, “My heart and cup are filled with ODY love! Thank you.”

Congrats to the Class of 2024!! 💜🖤💜🖤 Check out more awesome graduation pics on photographer Jennifer Laemlein’s website: https://www.perfectmotionphotography.com/Greece-Central-School-District-Graduations/Greece-Odyssey-2022-Graduation/Greece-Odyssey-Graduation-Candid-Photos

Graduation night for Odyssey Academy!

That’s a wrap! Staff waved to the bus line as it departed campus on the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!! Happy Summer, everyone!! 🖤💜

Good things happen at ODY!! Thanks for sharing this with us, Mrs. Terry!

Middle schoolers got to chill out in the cool auditorium this afternoon to watch a movie!

Congratulations!!! 💜🖤

So excited to see one of ODY’s crew get some well deserved recognition! Catherine Bell from our custodial staff always brings the sunshine! ☀️ 💜🖤

Info on the GCSD food pantry! 😊

What a day for our 6th & 7th graders!! Nova Trampoline Park AND a picnic at Basil Marella Park! Such a great way to close out the year! 💜🖤

Here are Odyssey NJHS (National Junior Honor Society) scholars at Legacy in front of a mural they helped to create! 🐾

Yesterday our seniors got to visit their elementary schools! Here they are at Longridge Elementary School where they received such a warm welcome! 💜🖤

Moving Up Day fun at the Academy!💜🖤

Today Odyssey’s Black Student Union held a special after school meeting celebrating seniors!! Congratulations to the Class of 2024! 💜🖤

Hope you join us! Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5kqj4emCru4VKJnFvWp7FjfR3L49utnz_7l1J9QWmn-TfbQ/viewform

Celebrating our recipients of the NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete award for the spring season!! 💜🖤 Well done, Leopards!!

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported our talented ODY musicians and singers this week! 💜🎶💜

Actors were used in a DWI simulation today to show the dangers of drinking and driving.

Today we inducted the members of our Middle School Peer Mediators program. This is a new program that Odyssey is excited to be starting here! Peer mediators will play a crucial role in resolving conflicts and promoting harmony among scholars. A big shout out to Mrs. Gant for coordinating this for ODY! 🖤💜

Odyssey Academy’s assistant principals connect beyond the work day to celebrate the path forward. 🖤💜

The Class of 2024 had a great Senior Bash yesterday at Total Sports Experience!

GCSD college signing day! This is a day to honor our senior student-athletes from around the district that will be participating next year at the collegiate level! Congrats to ODY athletes Erin McMichael, Anna Tanski, Zack Gagner and Ekemini Udofa!