On May 28, Colonial High School had the distinct honor of attending the Televisa Univision Orlando Contigo en la Comunidad event, which hosted the prestigious Orgullo de Nuestra Juventud Award Ceremony. This wonderful event recognizes outstanding high school students from across Orange County who are making a difference.

 

We are incredibly proud to announce that our very own Camile Valdez was selected as the recipient representing Colonial High School! Camile was awarded a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of her exceptional academic excellence, remarkable resilience, and unwavering commitment to her community.

 

Please join us in celebrating Camile for this fantastic achievement. She truly embodies the spirit and pride of Colonial High School!

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.

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.

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