Dear Colonial High School Students, Families, and Staff,
As we reach the culmination of another successful academic year, I am filled with immense pride for the accomplishments of our Grenadiers. This time of year is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and spirit of our entire community.
We have so many successes to celebrate:
- The Orlando Colonial FFA Alumni & Supporters are finalists for the FL FFA State Alumni Program of the Year—a monumental, first-time achievement for our school.
- We celebrated the dedication and leadership of our Hispanic Honor Society members at their end-of-the-year ceremony.
- The CHS AFJROTC proudly represented us, with over 100 cadets marching in the 10th Annual Puerto Rican Parade and Festival.
A Note to Our Seniors
To our graduating Class of 2026, the moment you’ve been working toward is almost here! Please pay close attention to all upcoming graduation communications. Your mandatory graduation practice is just around the corner. We urge every senior to carefully read the graduation instructions regarding appropriate attire, prohibited items, and arrival protocols to ensure a smooth and dignified ceremony for everyone.
A Call to Support Our Speech and Debate Team
We are also reaching out for your support for Ms. Fieler’s exceptional Speech and Debate team. They have earned a trip to the National Tournament in Richmond, VA, but unfortunately, the recent shutdown of Spirit Airlines has tripled their flight costs. Please consider helping Cadarian and Mauvy get to the tournament by donating at tinyurl.com/CHSRoadtoNats.
I look forward to celebrating with you all at the many upcoming banquets, award ceremonies, and other celebrations marking the end of this truly remarkable year.
It’s Great To Be A Grenadier!
Betzabeth Reussow
Principal
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Our Speech and Debate team will be going to Richmond, VA, next month for our National Tournament! Unfortunately, due to Spirit Airlines' shutdown, our flight costs have tripled in just a few days. We need to raise $2,000 in a very short amount of time. We are asking for donations. If you are willing and able, you can donate at tinyurl.com/CHSRoadtoNats. If you wouldn't mind sharing, we would greatly appreciate it! Thank you all for your continued support and for helping Cadarian and Mauvy get to Richmond next month! |
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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The Orlando Colonial FFA Alumni & Supporters were founded in 2019 with the core mission of supporting the youth in our program. Since then, our alumni parent group has grown in size and scope of activity. Members of this group host events that allow our students to showcase their animals in our community, they serve as chaperones and proctors for FFA events, they cook meals, help decorate, conduct fundraisers, award members... the list continues. And for the first time in Colonial High School history, they will be recognized at our FL FFA State Convention as finalists for State Alumni program of the year!! This is a significant accomplishment, as this group is entirely composed of and run by our community members and parent volunteers. Please join us in celebration! |
As you are well aware, the Colonial High School AFJROTC participated in the 10th annual Puerto Rican Parade and Festival which took place in downtown Orlando on Saturday April 25, 2026. Your CHS AFJROTC had just over 100 cadets march in the parade that featured an estimated 35,000 participants. The event, themed "Build the Future in Puerto Rico," celebrated the community, which includes nearly 400,000 Puerto Rican residents in the Orlando metro area. The participation of the Colonial High School AFJROTC in the 10th annual Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival is a vital showcase of community unity and cultural pride in Central Florida.
By marching in this milestone anniversary event, cadets demonstrate their commitment to civic engagement and their support for the diverse Puerto Rican community in Orlando. This involvement strengthens the bond between local education programs and the development of citizens of character for our country. Our cadets left with a heightened sense of importance of leadership and service to the community. Ultimately, the unit's participation fosters a positive, inclusive environment while honoring the heritage and contributions of Puerto Ricans. I will work with our AFJROTC public affairs team to provide you a few options of photos to choose from for the upcoming edition of the Colonial Connection.
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Yesterday we celebrated our End-of-the-Year Hispanic Honor Society ceremony, and what an incredible year it has been! We are so proud of all of our members for their dedication, leadership, and participation throughout the year. Your hard work and commitment made this year a true success! ❤️💛To our amazing seniors, we wish you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter. We will truly miss your presence, leadership, and spirit. Keep chasing your dreams and continue enriching the language and culture wherever life takes you! 🌎✨We appreciate and thank the following for always supporting us: CHS ROTC, Ms. Hopper, Ms. Nieves, CHS ESOL Team, Representative Johanna Lopez, and Soraya Marquez! Once a member, always family. ¡Hasta luego y mucho éxito! 🎓👏 |
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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