The Colonial High School Girls Basketball Team has reached the top of the district, earning the 2026 FHSAA Class 7A District 4 Championship with a hard-fought 48–42 victory over Timber Creek High School on February 6, 2026.
Leading the charge was Iliana Dorvilus, who delivered a standout performance with 21 points, shooting an incredible 88% from the field in the championship game. Yaneyla Pedraza also played a key role in the title run, adding 14 points and providing steady leadership throughout the contest.
This district championship is a testament to the team’s dedication, resilience, and teamwork. Congratulations to our Lady Grenadiers, coaching staff, and the entire Colonial community on an outstanding achievement!
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Dear Colonial High School Community,
As we head into another exciting week at Colonial High School, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support. Our campus remains busy with meaningful learning, student achievements, and important upcoming events, and I’m proud of the positive momentum we are seeing across our school community.
One of the highlights this week is our preparation for Prom 2026: A Night in the Garden of the Gods. Juniors and seniors are encouraged to review eligibility requirements carefully and take note of upcoming deadlines for ticket purchases, guest applications, and prom court submissions. This is always a special milestone for our students, and we look forward to celebrating responsibly and safely together.
We also want to celebrate excellence beyond the classroom. Congratulations to our Super Scholars, whose college acceptances to some of the nation’s most prestigious universities reflect their hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Additionally, our Hospitality & Tourism team continues to make us proud after an outstanding performance at the district competition, earning top placements in all categories. These accomplishments truly showcase the talent and determination of our students.
We are also continuing conversations around digital safety and responsible technology use. We encourage families to engage students in open discussions about online behavior, screen‑time balance, and digital citizenship to support both academic success and overall well‑being.
Finally, we invite families to stay involved by joining our School Advisory Council (SAC) and PTSA. Your voice and participation are vital as we work together to strengthen our school and ensure every Grenadier has the support they need to thrive.
Thank you for your continued commitment to Colonial High School. It truly is a great time to be a Grenadier, and I look forward to another successful week ahead.
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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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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