Dear Colonial High School Community,
Our Colonial High School community is thriving as we navigate this exciting semester. The dedication and achievements of our students, staff, and partners continue to be a source of great inspiration.
We have so much to celebrate, especially our academic excellence. Please join me in congratulating our Super Scholars on their acceptance to prestigious institutions like MIT, Boston College, Howard University, and the University of Florida. These milestones are a testament to their hard work and the support of our Grenadier family. We also celebrated 30 students who met their semester academic goals with a reward trip involving pizza and bowling, helping to motivate and focus them for continued success.
Our students are excelling outside the classroom as well. The Speech and Debate team has been truly "DOMINATING 2026," recently earning multiple individual awards and achieving 2nd place School Sweepstakes at both the Horizon and Buchholz tournaments in Gainesville.
We are also deeply grateful for our enriching partnerships with the University of Central Florida (UCF). Through UCF Meds, students interested in healthcare received comprehensive hands-on training, including suturing practice. Additionally, the Heart of Health Initiative, designed and led by UCF, provided our families with valuable wellness insights and stress-management strategies. Finally, I encourage all Juniors and Seniors to review the details for Prom 2026: "A Night In The Garden Of The Gods," and note the eligibility and ticket deadlines.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to make Colonial High School the best it can be for every Grenadier!
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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Our Speech and Debate team recently travelled to Gainesville, FL, for one of our last non-qualifying/non-championship tournaments of the year, and our students have truly been DOMINATING 2026!
Please join us in congratulating the following students on their exceptional results:
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Mauvy Ramirez: 5th place in Original Oratory at Horizon HS.
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Camila Garcia: 3rd place in Student Congress at Cypress Creek.
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Cadarian Russell: 1st place in Impromptu Speaking at Horizon, 1st place in Extemporaneous Speaking at Cypress Creek, and 3rd place in Impromptu Speaking at Buchholz HS in Gainesville.
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AJ Thomas: 3rd place and Best Novice in Impromptu Speaking at Horizon, 1st place in Impromptu Speaking at Cypress Creek, and 1st place and Best Novice in Impromptu Speaking at Buchholz in Gainesville.
Our Team has also won 2nd place School Sweepstakes at both Horizon and Buchholz! Please join me in congratulating these young men and women for their hard work and success!
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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 have truly been fortunate to partner with UCF Meds. Through this partnership, our students who are interested in the medical field have been able to learn more about various healthcare careers. This week, students participated in a hands-on experience where they learned how to suture. Using silicone pads, needles, and sutures, students were able to practice in a way that felt real and engaging. It was an incredible experience for our Colonial students. |
Our students set academic goals before every semester and work intentionally to achieve them. When students meet their goals, we make it a point to celebrate and reward their hard work. This semester, grade rewards included pizza and bowling. These incentives help encourage and motivate students to stay focused and committed to their goals. The experience allowed students to have fun in a friendly, competitive environment, and we were able to reward 30 of our students. Students thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and for some, it was their first time bowling. We love being able to share and experience these “first-time” moments with our students. |
The Heart of Health Initiative, sponsored and facilitated by the University of Central Florida (UCF), brought a meaningful wellness experience to the students at Colonial High School. Designed and led by UCF staff, the initiative focused on empowering families with a deeper understanding of healthy lifestyle choices geared towards recognizing symptoms of chronic diseases. Throughout the program, UCF team members engaged directly with parents, staff, and students, helping them explore healthy habits, stress-management strategies, and the important connection between wellness and academic success. Their leadership created a supportive and engaging environment where families could reflect, participate, and grow. The Heart of Health Initiative provides valuable tools and insights that families can carry forward as they navigate high life. We are grateful to our UCF partners for their expertise, dedication, and commitment to supporting the health and success of our school community. |
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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