Dear Colonial High School Students, Families, and Staff,
As we move toward the end of another impactful year, I am filled with immense pride as I reflect on the extraordinary accomplishments of our students and staff.
Celebrating Our Achievements
Our community has shined brightly in both academic and extracurricular pursuits. In the arts, we celebrate Jennifer Luong (grade 9) for being one of the top entries in the 4th Annual Congressional Art Competition. On the competitive stage, AJ Thomas made Colonial High School history by earning a place in the top four Impromptu speakers at the Florida Forensic League's Novice State Championship. Additionally, our students gained valuable real-world experience during the 5th Annual OCPS-CFX STEM Program Field Trip.
We also extend a massive congratulations to our phenomenal staff members, Mr. Caliari and Ms. Stapleton, for receiving "The Golden Whistle" award. This special recognition honors their excellence in "Elevating Learning and Leadership Through High-Impact Practices" and reflects their powerful impact on our school community every day.
Looking Ahead: Testing and the Gridiron
As the school year winds down, please remember that testing season is in full swing. We have important exams coming up, including AICE and AP testing starting, as well as the FAST ELA Reading PM 3 and ELA Retakes. Please ensure your student is well-rested and prepared for these crucial days.
Looking forward to the 2026-2027 school year, we are excited to announce the upcoming football schedule! Mark your calendars. We are excited to cheer on our Grenadiers under the Friday night lights!
Thank you all for your continued partnership. It’s truly Great To Be A Grenadier!
It’s Great To Be A Grenadier!
Betzabeth Reussow
Principal
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We are incredibly proud to celebrate our talented art student, Jennifer Luong (grade 9), for her participation in the 4th Annual Congressional Art Competition. The reception was held on Saturday, April 18th, at the Orlando Family Stage. Jennifer's artwork was among 30 entries from 6 schools, all responding to this year's inspiring theme: "Restoring Humanity." Congressman Maxwell Frost was present at the reception to announce the winners. Congratulations, Jennifer, on this impressive achievement! |
As our speech and debate team rolled back into town from Boca Raton during the early hours of Monday morning, I couldn't help but reflect on our team's growth and success this year. We don't have a super large team like the private schools do, but we do have a small, close-knit group that works together and supports one another.
This weekend, we attended the Florida Forensic League's Novice State Championship. This is the most challenging league in the state of Florida, where most of our national finalists and winners hail from. For the first time in Colonial's history, we had a finalist in this tournament! AJ Thomas fought tooth and nail to earn his place in the top four Impromptu speakers in the state of Florida. This is an impressive feat for the big schools; nonetheless, our underdog team. We are beyond proud of AJ and his accomplishments this year. Please give him a high five next time you see him!
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We are incredibly proud to celebrate two of our phenomenal staff members, Mr. Caliari and Ms. Stapleton, as this month's recipients of "The Golden Whistle" award!
Sponsored by the Orange County Public Schools Evaluation Systems Team, The Golden Whistle is a special recognition designed to honor employees who exemplify excellence by "Elevating Learning and Leadership Through High-Impact Practices."
Both Mr. Caliari and Ms. Stapleton were nominated by colleagues for their unwavering dedication, innovative approaches, and the powerful impact they have on our school community every single day. They consistently go above and beyond to demonstrate true leadership and enhance the learning experience for our students.
Please join us in giving a huge congratulations and a thunderous round of applause to Mr. Caliari and Ms. Stapleton for this well-deserved achievement! Thank you both for your incredible work!
Go Team!
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On Thursday, April 16, 2026, our students participated in the 5th Annual OCPS-CFX STEM Program Field Trip. This high-impact event provided students with an incredible opportunity to engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts in a real-world setting. Students returned with new insights and enthusiasm for STEM education. |
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), 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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Dates: April 13 through May 1
Grenadiers, we are excited to announce the launch of our TreeRaise fundraiser! Every contribution will help support our Colonial High PTSA while also restoring forests around the world. Every contribution equals more trees being planted. Join us in growing something meaningful. https://treeraise.com/chsptsa
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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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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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