Dear Colonial High School Students, Families, and Staff,
I hope this message finds you well as we enter a busy and exciting part of our spring semester.
Your Voice Matters: Complete the Spring Family Stakeholder Survey
I want to strongly encourage all families to take a few moments to complete our current Spring Family Stakeholder Survey as soon as possible. Your feedback is crucial and helps us improve the student experience. We carefully review every piece of feedback, share it with our dedicated staff, and use this very important information to shape our planning for the next school year. The survey is anonymous and available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, and Arabic. You can access it here: www.ocps.net
Celebrating Excellence
We continue to be amazed by the incredible achievements of our Grenadiers:
A huge congratulations to Yaneyla Pedraza, who has been recognized as the Orange County Winter Season Female Athlete of the Year.
We also celebrate 9th Grader Martina Almeida Rubira, who earned the prestigious Award of Merit ribbon at the Winter Park Art Festival for her stunning "Owl" scratch art piece.
Our Level 3 Hospitality students are excelling! In addition to placing 1st in the District Competition, they gained valuable career insights during their tour of Evermore Resort and learned about real-world applications of industry vocabulary, such as BEOs and budgeting, from staff member Regan Stapleton.
Get Involved: Upcoming Events
Don't forget to get involved and participate in our upcoming community events! Please join us for the Orlando Colonial FFA Rodeo Run on Saturday, April 18th, the Spring Senior Night on Tuesday, April 14th, and the Spring Musical running from April 16th to April 18th. Check the full calendar for all opportunities to support our students.
It’s Great To Be A Grenadier!
Betzabeth Reussow
Principal
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On behalf of Orlando Colonial FFA, we invite you, your students, and your families to join us for the Rodeo Run! This event promotes healthy movement and community time outdoors while supporting a great cause.
📅 When: Saturday, April 18th | 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📍 Where: Colonial High School Freshman Campus Bus Loop (7775 Valencia College Ln, Orlando, FL 32825)
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Orlando Union Rescue Mission, helping provide shelter and resources to those experiencing homelessness in our community.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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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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Please join us in a massive round of applause for our very own Yaneyla Pedraza, who has been named the Orange County Winter Season Female Athlete of the Year! This prestigious recognition highlights Yaneyla’s incredible dedication, sportsmanship, and elite performance throughout the winter season. We are so proud of her hard work and for representing the Grenadiers with such excellence on the county stage.
Congratulations, Yaneyla!
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We are thrilled to celebrate 9th grader Martina Almeida Rubira for her outstanding achievement at the 2026 Winter Park Art Festival! Martina was one of only 30 high school students selected to receive the prestigious Award of Merit ribbon for her stunning "Owl" scratch art piece. Her dedication and creativity over Spring Break have made the entire Colonial High community proud. Congratulations, Martina! |
Two weeks ago, our Level 3 Hospitality students completed an assignment focused on prom planning. We would like to extend a special thank you to Regan Stapleton who immediately jumped at the opportunity to speak with the event planning students. She walked them through the entire process of how she planned prom, using industry vocabulary the students have been learning all year, such as BEOs and budgeting. It was incredibly valuable for them to see a real-world application of these concepts. We are so fortunate to have Regan at our school—she is always willing to help and support our students. |
Our award-winning Hospitality & Tourism team, who recently placed 1st in the District Competition, was invited to an exclusive tour of Evermore Resort. The group was immediately recognized by a recruiter who had served as a judge during the district competition, leading to a wonderful learning opportunity. Students explored the resort and gained valuable insight into the hospitality industry, learning about diverse career paths such as event management, guest services, and operations. They saw real-world examples of how large events are planned and managed and how different teams collaborate to ensure an amazing guest experience—even getting a walk-through of a stunning 9-bedroom villa! This experience was incredibly valuable for our students as they prepare for their professional careers. |
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), and the University of Florida
- Dakota Campos August-FAMU (Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University)
- Cadarian Russell-Morehouse College
- Thomas Summers, MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), University of Florida, and University of Michigan
- Brya Hall-Howard University
- Lourde-Mya Metelus-Howard University AND FAMU (Florida Agricultural & Mechanical 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
- Aniyah Simmons-FAMU (Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University)
- Izaiah Lopez-University of Maryland
- Karla Solano-FAMU (Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University)
- Dylan Berger-FAMU (Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University)
- Justin Risbrook-FAMU (Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University)
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You're Invited – ESE Transition Fair on April 18!
Families are invited to attend the ESE Transition Fair on Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Glenridge Middle School.
This event helps families understand the transition process and learn about the many supports available as students move from middle school to high school and beyond. Whether your child is planning for college, career training, employment, or independent living, early preparation makes all the difference. The fair will provide helpful resources, expert guidance, and opportunities to connect with community partners.
Although designed for ESE families, all families are welcome.
📄 Flyer: Attached
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𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗱𝘆𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲!
𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟴 𝗶𝘀 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗱𝗮𝘆 — 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹, and we’re celebrating BIG! Seniors will return in their caps and gowns to walk the halls and courtyard where it all began, surrounded by cheers, pride, and the younger students you’re inspiring along the way.
𝟭:𝟯𝟬 PM — 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆
Arrive in cap and gown and take your celebratory stroll through the halls as students and staff cheer you on.
𝟯:𝟯𝟬 PM — 𝗢𝗱𝘆𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹
Continue the celebration with a courtyard stroll, followed by a reception in the Odyssey cafeteria.
A brand‑new tradition. A community full of love. A moment you’ll never forget. Let’s celebrate the Class of 2026 in true All-Stars and Dragon style!
Principal Key & Principal Ninah
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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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