Dear Colonial High School Students, Families, and Staff,
I am continually impressed by the dedication and excellence our students demonstrate both inside and outside the classroom. This week, we have an incredible list of accomplishments that underscore what it truly means to be a Grenadier.
We extend a tremendous congratulations to our Colonial FFA Milk Quality & Products team for winning first place at their competition and earning the title of State Champions! They are now preparing to represent Florida at the National level. Our Music Department also hit a high note, with Nyles Encisco representing us in the OCPS All-County Symphonic Band and many students earning "Superior" and "Excellent" ratings at the FBA MPA for Solo and Ensemble.
Beyond these competitive achievements, our students are gaining valuable life experience. Our ELEVATE Orlando students enjoyed inspiring mentorship experiences, including watching the Osceola Magic and gaining legal insights at the Orange County Courthouse, complete with a special visit from Jonathan Isaac of the Orlando Magic. Furthermore, a huge thank you to our Orange County Fire and Rescue Department for providing vital CPR training to our English classes, equipping our students with lifesaving skills that empower them to act when it matters most.
As we celebrate these successes, I encourage our Juniors and Seniors to secure their tickets for Prom 2026: "A Night In The Garden of the Gods." These high school events create memories that truly last a lifetime. Please note that the ticket price is currently $100 through February 28, and the price will increase on March 1. Purchase your tickets now and make sure you meet the eligibility requirements to attend.
Finally, please join me in celebrating the new additions to our Super Scholars list! These seniors have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and have already been accepted to prestigious colleges and universities. We are proud of their hard work and commitment, and we will continue to add more deserving seniors to this list as acceptance notifications arrive.
Thank you for your continued support as we celebrate the remarkable students who make it great to be a 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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A big thank you to Orange County Fire and Rescue for putting on a great event in recognition of World Heart Day! Our Colonial English classes rolled up their sleeves and participated in hands-on CPR training, gaining the essential skills needed to respond effectively in an emergency.
These lifesaving techniques are crucial for empowering our students and encouraging them to act when it matters most. We are proud to see our Grenadiers making an impact beyond the classroom and learning the vital importance of heart health for themselves and the community.
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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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A huge round of applause goes out to the members of the Orlando Colonial FFA Milk Quality & Products team for winning first place at their competition last Friday. As State Champions, Orlando Colonial FFA will now move on to compete at the National level representing Florida.
The team showcased exceptional knowledge of the dairy industry. This included successfully completing a comprehensive exam covering milk composition, production, quality, and safety. They also skillfully calculated values relevant to milk production, identified defects in milk quality, identified a variety of dairy and non-dairy products, and identified a variety of cheeses, demonstrating knowledge of their origin and composition.
Congratulations to our winning team members:
● Julissa Tiberio
● Caleb Redditt, who earned the title of Reserve Champion, 2nd high state individual
● Grafton Harris
● Alissa Rigdon, who finished as the 7th high state individual
We wish the team the best of luck as they prepare for the National competition!
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ELEVATE Orlando had the amazing opportunity to be invited by the Orlando Magic to cheer them on at a recent game! Our students were treated like VIPs with front-row seats and received special team merchandise, making the entire experience truly memorable.
But the excitement didn't end with the game! Our students were also given exclusive, behind-the-scenes access. They got to watch the team practice and interact directly with the players. This unique opportunity allowed our students to take pictures, get autographs, and connect with the athletes up close, inspiring them both on and off the court.
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ELEVATE Orlando had the incredible opportunity to take a group of students interested in the legal field to the Orange County Courthouse. The students were able to observe real-life court cases and experience a day in the life of an attorney firsthand.
The visit was made even more powerful when one of the judges took time to speak directly to the students, offering words of wisdom, encouragement, and invaluable insight into the legal profession. It was a profound experience for our students to hear directly from someone serving in such an important role within the justice system.
The day concluded with a special visit from Jonathan Isaac of the Orlando Magic, who generously donated sneakers to our students. He shared his personal journey to the NBA, opening up about the hardships he faced and how he overcame adversity through perseverance and faith.
After a long and full day, ELEVATE students left feeling impacted, inspired, and highly motivated about their futures in the legal field and beyond.
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The Colonial High School music department has recently had a series of outstanding achievements! From individual recognitions to impressive ensemble ratings, our talented students have showcased their hard work and dedication in various challenging events. Join us in celebrating the success of the Grenadier musicians!
Recently, Nyles Encisco (11th grade, flute player) represented Colonial High School as a part of the OCPS All-County Symphonic Band. He auditioned in November along with around 200 other flute players and was selected as one of the top 16 flutes in our district. They rehearsed over 2 days and performed a concert with former US Air Force Band leader and current Director of Bands at the University of Colorado Boulder, Dr. Shanti Simon. Congratulations to him!
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A huge congratulations to band members Luis Amalbert and Nathaniel Ramos for being selected for the Florida Music Educator Association Student Conference Experience! This opportunity allows students interested in pursuing careers in music to attend a convention in Tampa. They will participate in seminars, masterclasses, and performances, tour the exhibitor floor, and meet representatives from various music schools across the region. |
Congratulations to our talented music students who participated in the Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA) Music Performance Assessment (MPA) for Solo and Ensemble! Every student who participated received an "Excellent" or "Superior" rating, showcasing their dedication and hard work.
Here is a breakdown of their impressive achievements:
● Sean Moss received "Superior" ratings for both his mallet solo and marching snare solo.
● Jazlynn Hammond earned an "Excellent" for her mallet solo.
● Alexa Diaz Franco and Vanessa Perez Casas received an "Excellent" for their Flute duet.
● Giana Kayes and Michael Fondeur earned an "Excellent" for their Saxophone duet.
● The Brass Quintet—comprised of Delane Rivera, Arianys Diaz Franco, Alexis Royster, Angelymar Nieves Rosario, and Nathaniel Ramos—received an "Excellent."
● The Percussion Quartet—featuring Sean Moss, Luis Amalbert, Jazlynn Hammond, and Alex Quiroscabrera—earned an "Excellent."
● Jenasis Blackwell received an "Excellent" for her colorguard flag solo.
We are incredibly proud of all our students for representing our school with such distinction!
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The Colonial High School "Grenadier Groove" Jazz Band earned an overall "Excellent" rating for their hard work and participation in the MPA for Jazz. Congratulations to the band! |
Join me in congratulating them on their hard work! Thank you all for your support as we continue to achieve! |
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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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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