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!

On Saturday, May 9, 2026, members of our Hispanic Honor Society (HHS) volunteer to support the 2026 Central Florida MORE THAN PINK Walk at Blue Jacket Park in Orlando.

Our dedicated members were on-site early, assisting with event logistics, cheering on participants, and helping the Susan G. Komen Foundation create a supportive environment for thousands of local families. This event is more than just a walk; it is a powerful gathering that funds groundbreaking breast cancer research and provides real-time assistance like treatment and transportation to those in our community currently battling the disease.

We are incredibly proud of our members for their commitment to service. By showing up and supporting such a vital cause, our students are proving that they aren't just leaders in the classroom, but compassionate advocates for the health and well-being of our entire Central Florida community.

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.

We would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations and a huge thank you to Nurse Caraballo on Nurses Appreciation Day! We are incredibly grateful for your unwavering support and the care you provide to our students, staff, and the entire Colonial High School community. Thank you for everything you do to keep our Grenadiers healthy and safe!

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!

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!

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.

Community schools operate on four key pillars:

A Community School Coordinator helps organize these services. Success is measured not just by test scores, but by attendance, engagement, health, and family stability.

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.

●     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.

 

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.

 

 

This year, a 90% attendance rate is mandatory for all students who wish to participate in extracurricular activities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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