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The Colonial Connection - Week of November 3, 2025

Posted Date: 11/02/25 (6:00 PM)

The Colonial High School logo features a crest and school name.
An illustration depicts a colonial soldier holding a rifle, with a line of soldiers in the background.

Principal's Message

Dear Colonial High School Families,

What a fantastic and inspiring week it has been at Colonial High School! Our students, as always, have demonstrated tremendous spirit and commitment across academics, clubs, and athletics.
 
One of the highlights was our vibrant "Say BOO! To Drugs" Spirit Day, celebrating Red Ribbon Week. We were absolutely blown away by the creativity and effort our Grenadiers put into the costumes, making this year’s drug-free awareness campaign a huge success! Your enthusiasm reinforces a critical message: Colonial High School is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students, and that includes saying a firm "BOO!" to drugs. I want to emphasize to all our students that staying away from drugs is vital for your health, safety, and future success—it is the foundation upon which you build your goals.
 
We appreciate your continued support in helping Colonial High School thrive! For further details on attendance, new club offerings, and vital athletic announcements, please review the remainder of this newsletter.

It’s Great To Be A Grenadier!

Betzabeth Reussow
Principal
 
Visit Our Website
 

SOUL CLUB 2025-2026 Officers

A group of students pose for a photo in front of a logo and in a courtroom.
The SOUL CLUB is pleased to announce its officers for the 2025-2026 term. Congratulations to:

●     President: Heily Garcia
●     Vice President: Taylor Albert-Thomas
●     Recording Secretary: Sarai Brady-Brooks
●     Co-Treasurers: Jomari Kozeroff and Mia Nunez
●     Historian: Alanis Serrano Rivera
 

We're excited to announce members of the girls' JV basketball team!

Women's basketball game with players wearing 'Colonial' jerseys.
The following athletes have made the Junior Varsity (JV) team:

●     Aaliyah Austin
●     Wynter Chappel
●     Amahia Diaz
●     Jaleeyah Grant
●     Ja'mya Lyde
●     Abigail Melendez
●     Aryanet Perez
●     Gabriela Torres
 

Upcoming Athletic Events

Athletic Information

All student-athletes MUST have a completed physical on AthleticClearance.com prior to participating in any tryouts. The physical process includes an EL2 (physical), an EL3 (student and parent signature section), and an ECG. All of the necessary forms can be found on AthleticClearance.com. Please note that the EL2 physical form is different than the school physical, and a school physical will not satisfy the requirements for athletics.

All athletes must maintain a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.0 or higher to be eligible for athletics. Freshmen are exempt from this requirement for the first semester only since they do not have a high school GPA. Cumulative GPAs are only updated at the conclusion of a semester, so an ineligible athlete cannot become eligible until the following semester begins. Below is the list of our Fall Sports contacts.
Athletic Signups
 

Calendar of Events 11/3 - 11/10

A table displays a school's schedule with events like soccer, testing, and a play.
 

Colonial High School Announcements

Graphic with the words 'Colonial High School Announcements' in bold text.
Girls Wrestling Season Kicks Off!
Get ready to hit the mats! Girls wrestling practice begins Monday, November 3rd, at 2:45 PM in the main campus wrestling room, 5-108. All interested girls must be cleared through AthleticClearance.com to participate. For any questions, please see Coach Pitts in room 27-104 or Coach Ohl in room 4-207.
 
Softball Conditioning is Underway!
Attention ladies! Softball conditioning has started. Want to challenge yourself and increase your athleticism for the upcoming season? Then join the softball team every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday after school. For more information, please contact Coach Smith or visit the Colonial Softball Instagram page.
 

Say BOO! To Drugs

Individuals dressed up as various characters pose for photos in a school setting.
Four photos show people in various settings, including a hallway and outdoors.
This past week, our students participated in a vibrant "Say BOO! To Drugs" Spirit Week, promoting a healthy and drug-free lifestyle. We were absolutely blown away by the creativity and effort put into the costumes! From classic movie characters to clever group themes, our Grenadiers showed off their incredible spirit. Thank you to everyone who participated. Your enthusiasm made this year's Red Ribbon Week a huge success! Remember, Colonial High School is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students—and that includes saying a firm "BOO!" to drugs.
 

History Comes Alive: Mock Trial Field Trip

A museum exhibit features a diorama of a campfire scene with figures.
Our Colonial High School students recently had an invaluable, hands-on learning experience at the Orlando Regional History Museum! They participated in a compelling historical Mock Trial, stepping into the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and jurors. This interactive event connected classroom lessons on constitutional law and judicial procedure with real-world applications. The students' excellent critical thinking and professionalism earned high praise from the museum staff. A special thank you to the teachers for organizing this enriching opportunity for our Grenadiers to explore history, law, and community engagement.
 

Attendance Matters

Text on a black background reads: 'Attendance Matters'.
Why Daily Attendance Matters
 
Attending school every day is crucial. Excessive absences can lead to a suspended driver's license. Punctuality is also key, as five tardies will result in one day of absence.
 
New Extracurricular Activity Requirement
 
This year, a 90% attendance rate is mandatory for all students who wish to participate in extracurricular activities.
 

Freshman Campus Grenadier Closet Now Open!

An advertisement for the Freshman Campus Grenadier Closet, featuring clothing on a hanger.
The Freshman Campus Grenadier Closet is now open every Tuesday during A and B lunches for all your school supply and wardrobe needs!
 

Tips for a Successful Homework Routine

A student studies at a desk with books, a tablet, and colorful markers.
Creating a Productive Homework Routine & Environment
Helping your child develop strong homework habits can make a big difference in their academic success. Here are some practical tips to support a focused and stress-free homework routine at home:

✅ Set a Consistent Schedule
Establish a regular time each day for homework. Whether it’s right after school or after a snack and short break, consistency helps build routine and reduces resistance.

🧘‍♂️ Create a Distraction-Free Zone
Designate a quiet, well-lit space for homework. Keep it free from distractions like TV, phones, and loud noises. A tidy workspace helps students stay focused and organized.

📋 Use a Checklist or Planner
Encourage your child to write down assignments and check them off as they’re completed. This builds responsibility and helps them manage their time effectively.

🕒 Break It Down
For longer assignments, help your child break tasks into smaller steps. Short work periods with breaks in between can improve concentration and reduce overwhelm.

👨‍👩‍👧 Be Available—but Don’t Hover
Offer support when needed, but allow your child to take ownership of their work. Ask guiding questions instead of giving answers to build independence.

🎉 Celebrate Effort
Praise your child’s effort and persistence, not just the results. A positive attitude toward homework encourages motivation and confidence.
 

Winter Weightlifting Season is Almost Here!

Girls Weightlifting 2025 meet schedule, featuring Colonial vs. various schools.
 

Basketball Sponsorships

A sponsorship form for a boys basketball program with different levels.
 

Financial Aid Night

Orange County Public Schools flyer promoting Financial Aid Nights for college.
 

Teacher of the Month

An image promoting voting for Teacher of the Month, with a hand placing a ballot in a box.
 

HHS Fundraiser

Flyer for a Hispanic Honor Society gift wrapping fundraiser with colorful gift illustrations.
 

Seniors & Juniors! Boost Your SAT/ACT Scores!

An announcement for SAT & ACT tutoring for seniors and juniors.
Want to improve your SAT/ACT score for college admissions and/or the Bright Futures Scholarship?
 
Every Wednesday in October and November, visit the College & Career Center from 1:30 PM-2:30 PM for SAT/ACT test prep! The College & Career Center (CCC) is located upstairs in Student Services in the Administration Building.
 
SAT/ACT test prep is provided by Elevation Scholars in partnership with UCF and will be held on Wednesdays in October & November!
 
Sign up to attend! Space is limited!
Sign Up Here
 

Volunteer Opportunity

Two women in blue shirts look at a brochure, smiling. The AdventHealth logo is visible.
 

Get Involved: Join SAC and PTSA!

SAC_PTSA_flyer
A promotional graphic for Colonial PTSA membership, featuring a student raising their hand.
Parents, your voice is crucial to our school community! We encourage all Colonial High School families to get involved by joining our School Advisory Council (SAC) and Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA). These groups play a vital role in shaping our school's future, providing valuable input on everything from academic programs to school events. Your participation ensures that the needs and perspectives of our students and families are heard and addressed. Come be a part of the conversation and help us make Colonial High School the best it can be for every Grenadier!
 

Shout Outs

An advertisement offers shout-outs for favorite players at home games for $2.
 

Fall Portraits

An advertisement for fall portraits features framed photos of students.
 

Yearbook

Yearbook_flyer
 

Driver's Education

Driver's_Ed_flyer
 

Colonial High School Administration

Betzabeth Reussow, Principal - Betzabeth.Reussow@ocps.net
Tayler Boyer, Assistant Principal - Tayler.Boyer@ops.net
Daniel Caliari, Assistant Principal - Daniel.Caliari@ocps.net
William King, Assistant Principal - William.King2@ocps.net
Paul Maldonado, Assistant Principal - Paul.Maldonado@ocps.net
Krystin Roviaro, Assistant Principal - Krystin.Roviaro@ocps.net
Adrian Thomas – Senior Manager, UPI Community School - Adrian.Thomas@ocps.net
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6100 Oleander Dr I Orlando, FL 32807-3437

Phone +1 407-482-6300 I colonial_hs@ocps.net

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