As we step into February, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude and celebrate the incredible dedication of our school counseling team. January is often a marathon in the world of academic planning, and our counselors have navigated it with unparalleled commitment. To put their impact into perspective, this past month alone they processed 1,134 mid-year reports for college applications, delivered 68 classroom presentations on course selection, and maintained vital lines of communication through 1,166 emails to our families and staff.
In a focused four-day sprint, they held 293 face-to-face meetings to guide students through their future schedules, all while visiting four middle schools to welcome our rising ninth graders. We are truly fortunate to have such a hardworking team ensuring every student feels supported and prepared for the road ahead.
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On a different note, we are excited to announce that Colonial High School Prom 2026: "A Night In The Garden Of The Gods" is quickly approaching. Please mark your calendars! Ticket sales for Juniors and Seniors will begin starting Tuesday, February 2nd at the initial price of $85. Prices will increase after February 18th, so be sure to buy early!
We are incredibly proud to celebrate our Super Scholars for their outstanding academic achievements and their acceptance into several prestigious colleges and universities, including MIT, Howard University, Boston College, and the University of Florida. Their commitment to excellence truly demonstrates what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
We continue to support every student through our Unlimited Potential Initiative, fostering an environment where all Grenadiers are empowered to pursue their goals and realize their full potential.
Finally, we were thrilled to recently welcome back alumnus Capt. Angel “Zesty” Zelaya, who returned to campus to share his powerful and personal journey from a Grenadier to a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet and RPA pilot. Speaking to over 125 students and AFJROTC cadets, Capt. Zelaya’s message of hard work, perseverance, humility, and resilience was a true inspiration, reinforcing the strong tradition of service and success in our Colonial community.
We appreciate your continued partnership in making Colonial High School a place where all students can thrive.
It’s Great To Be A Grenadier!
Betzabeth Reussow
Principal
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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 2 - 18: $85
● February 19 - 28: $100
● March 1 - 3: $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.
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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.
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Dear Colonial Families,
We invite you to join us for the Healthy Heart Community Wellness Event on Thursday, February 5 from 3:00–6:00 PM at Colonial High School.
This event is free for students and families and offers:
● 🩺 Basic Health Screenings (blood pressure, BMI, vision)
● 💛 Wellness Information & Education
● 🌐 Community Resources
● 🎉 A welcoming space for everyone!
📍 Location: Colonial High School
🗓 Date: Thursday, February 5
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Please feel free to scan the QR code on the flyer to register. We hope to see you there as we work together to promote wellness in our community!
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Estimadas familias de Colonial:
¡Les invitamos a nuestro Evento Comunitario de Bienestar “En el Corazón de la Salud” el jueves 5 de febrero de 3:00–6:00 PM en Colonial High School!
Este evento es gratuito para estudiantes y familias e incluirá:
● 🩺 Evaluaciones básicas de salud (presión arterial, IMC, visión)
● 💛 Información y educación sobre bienestar
● 🌐 Recursos comunitarios
● 🎉 ¡Todos son bienvenidos!
📍 Lugar: Colonial High School
🗓 Fecha: Jueves, 5 de febrero
⏰ Hora: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Pueden usar el código QR del volante para registrarse. ¡Esperamos verlos allí para apoyar juntos la salud y el bienestar de nuestra comunidad!
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Colonial High School recently welcomed alumnus Capt. Angel “Zesty” Zelaya, who returned to campus to share his journey from Grenadier to U.S. Air Force Academy cadet and RPA pilot. Speaking to more than 125 students and AFJROTC cadets, Capt. Zelaya delivered a powerful and personal message focused on hard work, perseverance, humility, and resilience. His visit left a lasting impression, inspiring students to believe in what is possible regardless of their circumstances and reinforcing pride in Colonial’s strong tradition of service and success. |
We are incredibly proud to celebrate our Super Scholars for their outstanding academic achievements and their acceptance into several prestigious colleges and universities. Through hard work, perseverance, and dedication to excellence, these students have demonstrated what it truly means to strive for success.
Their accomplishments reflect not only their individual commitment but also the strong support of their families, teachers, counselors, and school community. As they prepare to take the next exciting step in their educational journeys, we know they will continue to represent our school with pride, integrity, and determination.
Please join us in congratulating our Super Scholars on this remarkable milestone. We look forward to seeing all that they will achieve in the future!
Well done, and congratulations!
- Mauvy Ramirez Ledesma-Boston College
- Nathon Bush-MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
- Dakota Campos August-FAMU (Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University)
- Cadarian Russell-Morehouse College
- Thomas Summers-MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
- Brya Hall-Howard University
- Lourde-Mya Metelus-Howard University
- Te'Nique Samuel-Howard University
- Thomas Sanchez Rodriguez-Wake Forest University
- Sean Elliott-University of Florida
- Pedro Hernandez-University of Florida
- Mia Abreu-University of Michigan
- Camile Valdez Angustia-University of Wisconsin-Madison
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We are thrilled to share some exciting news from our recent District Competition—our Hospitality & Tourism team made history by placing in all three competitive categories, a first‑ever accomplishment for our program!
After placing at the state level last year, this year’s district success marks a significant milestone and reflects the continued growth and excellence of our Hospitality & Tourism pathway.
Out of three competition categories, our students earned the following outstanding results:
● Guest Case Study – First Place
● Knowledge Bowl – First Place
● Hospitality Project: Banquet Event Order – Third Place
These remarkable achievements earned our students medals and trophies and, more importantly, showcased their hard work, preparation, teamwork, and passion for the hospitality and tourism industry. Competing—and placing—in every category is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to their dedication and professionalism.
We could not be prouder of how our students represented our school with excellence, confidence, and integrity. Thank you to everyone who continues to support and celebrate the success of our Hospitality & Tourism program and these amazing students.
Congratulations to our team on an unforgettable district competition!
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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:
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Student Supports – Counseling, health services, and wellness programs.
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Expanded Learning Opportunities – After-school activities and programs during breaks.
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Family & Community Engagement – Building strong partnerships between families, educators, and local organizations.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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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