Our incredible Colonial High School cheerleading team had another clean sweep at the West Orange Classic 2026! They brought home three championship titles: the JV Non-Tumbling Champion, the Coed Game Day Non-Tumbling Champions, and the 2026 Small Non-Tumbling Champions. Congratulations to our amazing student-athletes and coaches! |
Dear Colonial High School Families,
As we move forward into the new semester, I want to take a moment to celebrate the outstanding work of our students and share some critical information about upcoming events. Our success is a true testament to the strong partnership between our school, our students, and you, our dedicated families.
Celebrating Student Accomplishments We are thrilled to announce that our incredible Colonial High School cheerleading team had another clean sweep at the West Orange Classic 2026! They brought home three championship titles: the JV Non-Tumbling Champion, the Coed Game Day Non-Tumbling Champions, and the 2026 Small Non-Tumbling Champions. Congratulations to our amazing student-athletes and coaches!
Additionally, we want to give a huge shoutout to the scholars who demonstrated exceptional dedication during the Fall Testing series. Your hard work has truly paid off, and we are immensely proud of your academic success. Our wrestling program also had an exceptional night with dominating victories over Seminole High School, with special recognition to Noah Diaz and Delane Rivera for their outstanding performances.
Important Upcoming Dates and Events Please mark your calendars for these important items:
● Prom Ticket Sales: Tickets are on sale soon, with prices increasing. Buy early to save:
● February 2 - 18: $85 ● February 19 - 28: $100 ● March 1 - 3: $120
● Prom Court Applications (Seniors Only): Applications begin January 21.
● Athletic Tryouts/Meetings (January 12): Pre-season workouts for Softball begin on Monday, January 12. The Boys Weightlifting mandatory interest meeting is also next Monday, January 12. All athletes must have full athletic clearance before the first practice.
● Career and College Readiness: Seniors can launch their future with our 8-week Job Partnership Program. Students aiming for higher college scores can also register for our 5-week ACT Prep Course.
The Critical Importance of Attendance and Partnership As we focus on continued success, I must emphasize two key factors: attendance and our family-school partnership.
Attendance Matters: Attending school every day is crucial. A 90% attendance rate is mandatory for all students who wish to participate in extracurricular activities, including Prom. Please remember that excessive absences can have serious consequences, and five tardies will result in one day of absence.
It’s Great To Be A Grenadier!
Betzabeth Reussow Principal |
Get ready, Colonial Juniors and Seniors! Prom 2026 is just around the corner, and we can't wait to celebrate "A Night In The Garden of the Gods" with you.
Eligibility Requirements: To ensure a great night for everyone, please check the requirements to attend: ● Be a Junior or Senior at Colonial High School. ● Maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher. ● Have no level 3 or 4 referrals from this school year. For discipline appeals, contact Mr. King (William.King2@ocps.net). ● Maintain a 90% attendance rate. For attendance questions, please direct them to Mr. Maldonado (Paul.Maldonado@ocps.net). Note: If you exceeded your days and are ineligible, you would have received a Parent Square Notification or Email with more information. Ticket Sales:
Mark your calendars! Prices will increase, so buy early!
● February 2nd - 18th: $85 ● February 19th - 28th: $100 ● March 1st - 3rd: $120
Bringing a Guest?
If you wish to bring ONE guest who is not a CHS Junior or Senior, a guest application form is required. ● Available: Starting January 21, pick up a form in room 4-121 or the Front Office (it will also be available on the school website and Canvas). ● Due: February 25 to Ms. Stapleton's office, 4-121. ● Guest Tickets: Start at $100. Prom Court Applications (Seniors Only):
Seniors who meet the qualifications can apply for Prom Court starting January 21 (a link will be sent via Canvas). Teachers, please encourage deserving students to apply!
● Applications Close: February 9. ● Prom Court Voting (Top 5): February 11. ● King & Queen Voting: Will occur the week of Prom. ● Reminder: Only Seniors can be nominated, and only Seniors vote.
Questions? Email Ms. Stapleton at regan.stapleton@ocps.net. |
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. |
❖ We want to give a huge SHOUTOUT to the incredible scholars who demonstrated exceptional dedication and effort during the Fall Testing series! Your hard work, countless hours of studying, and commitment to academic excellence have truly paid off, as a significant number of our students successfully passed their challenging exams. This remarkable achievement has not gone unnoticed; the entire faculty and staff are immensely proud of each and every one of you who rose to the occasion, as your success is a testament to your perseverance, resilience, and the high standards you set for yourselves. As you celebrate this well-deserved accomplishment, we encourage you to carry this momentum forward into the Spring semester—keep up the phenomenal work ethic, continue to engage actively in your studies, and strive for even greater success in the months ahead!
❖ Seniors, launch your future with Colonial High School's Job Partnership Program! This 8-week series is your direct path to career success, covering essential skills like professional resume writing, acing interviews, and receiving valuable job placement assistance. You'll gain lifelong skills and confidence to thrive in today’s labor market, making this program a must-attend for career readiness. Additionally, students aiming for higher college scores can register for our 5-week ACT Prep Course, offering expert strategies, practice sessions, and personalized support from Ms. Rivera, Mr. Witham, or Mr. Thomas. Don't miss these crucial opportunities to secure your future!
❖ All students interested in Boys Weightlifting should plan to attend a mandatory Interest Meeting next Monday, January 12, immediately after school in the main campus weight room (in the gym). We will cover the season schedule, expectations, required paperwork, and team goals. The first official practice is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, but a crucial reminder: all prospective weightlifters must have full athletic clearance (a current physical and all online forms completed and submitted) before the first practice. No student will be allowed to participate without this completed clearance. Please contact Head Coach Kernek with any questions or if you have a valid reason for absence from the meeting.
❖ Our wrestling program had an exceptional night yesterday as both the boys' (64-17) and girls' (48-30) teams secured dominating victories over Seminole High School! A huge congratulations goes out to all the athletes for their hard work and success on the mats. Special recognition is due to Noah Diaz and Delane Rivera, who were named the Athletes of the Night for their outstanding performances during the competition. Go Team! |
❖ Attention all students interested in joining the Tennis team! Please meet in Coach Ohl's Portable number 22 this Friday. Practice will officially begin after school on Monday, January 12, and the season is scheduled to run from February until mid-April. We strongly encourage all interested students to see Coach Ohl in Portable 22.
❖ Girls interested in Softball: There is an important meeting this Thursday, January 8th, at 2:50 PM in Room 27-116. Pre-season workouts start Monday, January 12. You must be fully cleared (current physical and ECG uploaded to athletic-clearance.com) to play or try out. See Coach Smith or Coach Sarah (Athletic Trainer's office, A/B lunch) for quick physical info. Everyone is welcome to try out, but must be cleared first. |
We are thrilled to share some incredible news for the Colonial High School community! Thanks to a generous donation facilitated by Ms. Raquel Webb, the Director of Human Resources, and Mr. Cameron Bradley, the Senior Human Resources Manager, at the World Center Marriott, who recently hosted a major Under Armour event, our outlet has received multiple pallets of brand-new Under Armour sneakers, cleats, and sports apparel. We were particularly excited to see that much of the gear is in our school colors—red and black! This large contribution will be a fantastic resource for our students, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the donor for their support of our school and its athletes. |
What Are Community Schools?
Community schools are more than places for academics—they serve as hubs for learning and support. These schools connect students and families to essential services like health care, mental health support, after-school programs, and community resources. The goal is to remove barriers such as poverty, housing challenges, and lack of healthcare so every child can thrive. How Do They Work?
Community schools operate on four key pillars: - Student Supports – Counseling, health services, and wellness programs.
- Expanded Learning Opportunities – After-school activities and programs during breaks.
- Family & Community Engagement – Building strong partnerships between families, educators, and local organizations.
- Shared Leadership – Families, educators, and community members collaborate to make decisions.
A Community School Coordinator helps organize these services. Success is measured not just by test scores, but by attendance, engagement, health, and family stability. A Growing Movement
What began as a grassroots effort has grown nationwide. Today, community schools are embraced by urban, suburban, and rural districts. This movement promotes equity and democracy and makes schools the heart of strong communities. How Families Can Get Involved
● Join school committees or advisory groups. ● Volunteer for events or after-school activities. ● Share feedback with teachers and the Community School Coordinator. ● Connect with other families to build a support network. ● Advocate for resources that benefit all students. Community schools thrive when families are active partners. Together, we can create a school that supports every child and strengthens our community.
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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. |
The Freshman Campus Grenadier Closet is now open every Tuesday during A and B lunches for all your school supply and wardrobe needs! |
In today's connected world, digital literacy and safety are as critical as traditional academic skills. We encourage all families to engage in ongoing conversations about responsible technology use.
Setting Healthy Screen-Time Limits Establishing clear, consistent boundaries around technology use is key to balancing academic success, physical health, and social development. ● Create a Family Media Plan: Decide together on limits for non-academic screen time, especially during school nights. ● Tech-Free Zones: Designate areas and times, such as the dinner table and bedrooms after a certain hour, as tech-free zones to prioritize face-to-face interaction and sleep. ● Prioritize Sleep: Ensure all devices are put away at least one hour before bedtime to support the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep for teens.
How to Talk with Your Child About Online Behavior Approaching online safety as an open dialogue, rather than a lecture, fosters trust and cooperation. ● Be Curious, Not Critical: Ask open-ended questions about what they enjoy online and what they are learning. ● Discuss Digital Citizenship: Talk about the permanence of their digital footprint and the importance of being kind, respectful, and safe online. Remind them to think before they post. ● Focus on Problem-Solving: If they encounter something uncomfortable or risky, ensure they know they can come to you without fear of immediate punishment.
Recommended Parental Controls and Monitoring Tools Many tools are available to help parents manage device use and monitor online activity. ● Built-in Device Controls: Utilize the parental control features available on iOS (Screen Time) and Android (Digital Wellbeing) to set limits on app usage and content. ● Router-Level Filters: Consider using smart Wi-Fi routers or third-party apps to manage internet access across all devices in the home. ● Discussion Over Surveillance: While monitoring tools can be helpful, we encourage parents to prioritize open communication with their teens about online safety as the primary strategy. |
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! |
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! |
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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