Dear Colonial High School Students, Families, and Staff,
As we move through May, I want to take a moment to express profound gratitude for the collective spirit and hard work of our entire Grenadier community. This is a critical time of year, and I am continually inspired by the dedication on our campus.
We recently celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week, and I want to reaffirm our deep appreciation for our educators. The collaboration and commitment of our teachers are the cornerstone of Colonial High School's success. Their dedication ensures that every student has the resources needed to thrive. We are incredibly proud of our staff, including Ms. Escobar, who was recently named OCPS Counselor Champion of the Month.
Our students continue to achieve remarkable success, making it truly Great To Be A Grenadier! Recent highlights include:
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Justin Risbrook was recognized as the 2026 MLK Youth Humanitarian.
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Sammy Zapata was selected for the Cure All-Star match in boys volleyball, ranking at the top of the state and national leaderboards for kills and hitting efficiency.
- The CHS Band, ROTC, Hispanic Honor Society, and Leaders in Action for their phenomenal representation at the 10th Puerto Rico Parade.
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ELEVATE freshmen are celebrating a successful year with a fun-filled day of food and games.
As we approach the final stretch, it's important to remember that we have some crucial exams on the horizon, including AICE, AP tests, and Spring CFEs. This period is all about focusing and finishing strong. I encourage all students to prepare diligently by keeping three simple but vital steps in mind: get a good night’s sleep to ensure your mind is rested and ready, eat a hearty breakfast to fuel your brain for the challenges ahead, and always do your best to show what you know. Let’s give it our all, Grenadiers!
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
It’s Great To Be A Grenadier!
Betzabeth Reussow
Principal
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At Colonial High School, our educators are the heart of everything we do. This Teacher Appreciation Week, we pause to celebrate the incredible dedication, passion, and resilience of our teachers who go above and beyond every day for our students. From the classrooms of the Main Campus to the halls of the Ninth Grade Center, your commitment to excellence truly makes it great to be a Grenadier!
Whether it is guiding our Super Scholars toward prestigious universities, leading our award-winning FFA and Speech & Debate teams, or fostering a safe and supportive environment for all, our teachers are the heroes who empower the next generation. We are beyond grateful for your unwavering support and the powerful impact you have on our community.
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Colonial High School is thrilled to announce that Ms. Escobar has been named the Orange County Public Schools Counselor Champion of the Month! This prestigious recognition highlights her unwavering commitment to student well-being and academic success. Ms. Escobar provides essential guidance and support to our students, ensuring every Grenadier has the resources they need to thrive. We are incredibly grateful for her dedication to the Colonial High School community. |
ELEVATE had an amazing time celebrating our freshmen as we wrapped up the school year! We took our students to Dave & Buster’s for a fun-filled day of food and games. It’s been incredible to see how much they’ve grown from the beginning of the year until now. We’re excited to see them carry this momentum into next year! We ended the day on a sweet note with some ice cream. |
Colonial High School recently hosted DCAF Dental Day, an impactful experience that highlighted the importance of oral health while strengthening meaningful community partnerships. The event provided our students with access to valuable dental health information and reinforced the connection between wellness and academic success.
A special highlight of the day was the involvement of UCF pre‑dental students, who engaged directly with our students through interactive conversations and educational activities. Their presence helped demystify dental care, address common questions and concerns, and empower students with practical knowledge they can carry forward. For many students, this was also an opportunity to see themselves reflected in future career paths within health and medical professions.
Beyond the immediate learning, DCAF Dental Day represents something even bigger for our school: the building of lasting relationships. Partnerships like this strengthen our community school model by connecting students to caring professionals who invest their time, expertise, and encouragement. These connections contribute to a supportive school environment where students feel seen, valued, and prepared for life beyond the classroom.
We are grateful to our partners and volunteers who made this day possible and helped turn dental health education into an engaging and meaningful experience for our students. Events like DCAF Dental Day remind us that when schools and community partners come together, the impact reaches far beyond a single day; it builds healthier students, stronger relationships, and a brighter future for our entire school 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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Greetings! PTSA is about to hold elections for next year's President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary and Corresponding Secretary. We are providing you with the link to the form for nomination. If you are interested or know someone who is interested, please fill out the form. Please note: to be nominated, you/your nominee MUST have paid their dues for this school year ($5).
What is expected from each office has been placed on the form.
Nomination Dates: 4/9 - 4/19
Voting: May 13, after SAC meeting @ 6:00 PM (voting will probably happen after 6:30 PM) Must be a paid member by 4/14.
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Congratulations are in order for Sammy Zapata! He was selected to the Cure All-Star match for boys volleyball! He had an incredible season and is ranked at the top of the state and national leaderboard for kills and hitting efficiency. Please congratulate him when you see him! |
When Justin Risbrook walks into a room at Colonial High School, it’s usually his "1,000-watt smile" that people notice first. But beneath that bright exterior lies a drive for excellence and a heart for service that has defined his journey since middle school. It is this rare combination of academic rigor, athletic leadership, and community devotion that has earned him the prestigious title of 2026 MLK Youth Humanitarian.
For Justin, leadership isn’t just a title—it’s an action. As the Captain of the varsity basketball team, he has mastered the art of guiding a team through the highs and lows of competition. Yet, his most impactful "coaching" happens off the court. Justin has dedicated over 300 hours of community service to the Engelwood Neighborhood Center, where he teaches young children not just the mechanics of sports, but the life-changing value of teamwork. By motivating those around him to get involved and pursue their own goals, he has become a source of profound encouragement to his entire neighborhood.
Justin’s ambitions are as high as his character. A natural problem-solver with a steadfast academic record, he dreams of becoming an Electrical Engineer. For Justin, this career is a bridge to his ultimate life goal: helping struggling families secure the essentials of food, clothing, and shelter. Driven by a deep faith and a commitment to justice, he views engineering as a tool to bring equality to the world around him.
Colonial High School is honored to be represented by such an outstanding young man. Justin Risbrook is more than just a student-athlete; he is a visionary leader who proves that with a positive spirit and a dedication to others, one person truly can light up the world.
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Colonial High School is incredibly proud to celebrate our talented students who were recognized in the 2026 Orange County Utilities (OCU) Water Conservation Calendar contest! This annual competition invites students to use their creativity to promote the vital importance of protecting our water resources.
Congratulations to Jennifer Luong (grade 9), whose stunning 2D artwork was selected to be featured for the month of January. We also celebrate our gifted 9th-grade team consisting of Maria Moncada Ruiz, Willow Reese, Cynthia Orengo, and Soleil Gutierrez, whose innovative rain barrel design will be featured for the month of October.
Our winners were honored at a special Awards Ceremony held at the Renaissance Senior Center on April 9th, 2026. Please join us in applauding these Grenadiers for using their artistic talents to advocate for a more sustainable future!
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On Saturday, April 25, we had the pleasure of participating in the 10th Puerto Rico Parade! Colonial High School was well represented by our ROTC, the Hispanic Honor Society, Leaders in Action, and the CHS Band. Our students were phenomenal and demonstrated excellent behavior throughout the event.
It was incredible to see so many people coming together and celebrating as one strong community. Puerto Rican culture is vibrant, resilient, and deeply rooted in the story of America. As we celebrate, we also recognize the importance of connection, listening, sharing, and standing together. We are so proud of our students for their community outreach and for showcasing the Grenadier spirit!
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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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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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