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The Colonial Connection - Welcome Back to School 2026

Posted Date: 08/02/26 (06:00 PM)


The Colonial High School logo features a crest and school name.
An illustration depicts a colonial soldier holding a rifle, with a line of soldiers in the background.
 

Principal's Message

Welcome Back, Grenadier Families!

We are excited to welcome our students, families, staff, and community partners back for the 2026-2027 school year and hope you had a wonderful summer filled with rest, fun, and memorable moments.

As we prepare for another year of learning, growth, and success, we invite you to join us for our annual Meet the Teacher Event, affectionately known as Grenadiers Marching Back, on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 12:00 PM. to 3:00 PM on both campuses.

This event is a wonderful opportunity for students and families to become familiar with our campus, connect with teachers and staff, and learn about the many programs and supports available at Colonial High School.

During your visit, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Walk the campus
  • Meet teachers and staff
  • Obtain important school information
  • Check bus route information
  • Learn about clubs and organizations
  • Connect with our PTSA
  • Explore Community School resources
  • And so much more!

At Colonial High School, we are committed to ensuring every student feels connected, supported, and prepared for success. We look forward to partnering with our families and community as we begin another exciting school year together.

We look forward to seeing you on August 6.

It's Great To Be A Grenadier!
Betzabeth Reussow
Principal
 
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Grenadier Marching Back

Poster announcing "Grenadiers Marching Back" with details for 9th and 10th-12th graders reporting on Thursday, August 6.
 

School Advisory Council

Colonial High School invites you to join SAC & PTSA meetings, with dates listed from September to May.
You are warmly invited to join our School Advisory Council (SAC)—a collaborative group of dedicated stakeholders who work together to support the success of our school. The SAC brings together parents, community members, teachers, school staff, and students to share ideas, provide input, and help guide key decisions that shape our school’s vision, priorities, and continuous improvement efforts. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to: 

  • Stay informed about school initiatives and student achievement 
  • Share your voice and perspectives 
  • Collaborate on meaningful solutions that benefit all students 
  • Strengthen partnerships between home, school, and community 

Your input matters. We value diverse perspectives and encourage all who care about our school to participate. 

Join us and be a part of the conversation—together, we can make a difference for our students and school community! 
 

School Pictures

Three framed school portraits of smiling girls are displayed on a teal wall with the text 'Moments in Time'.
Attention Grenadiers! 

Mark your calendars! Picture Day will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026, on both Colonial High School campuses. This is a great opportunity for students to capture memories, update school records, and start the year with a smile. 

Students are encouraged to dress their best and come ready for their photo. Additional information regarding picture packages and ordering options will be shared soon. 

We look forward to seeing all of our Grenadiers shine on August 17, 2026! 

Colonial High School 
Where It's Great to Be a Grenadier! 🖤❤️🤍 
 

School Bell Schedules

Colonial High School Main Campus Bell Schedule showing periods and times for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Wednesday.
Colonial High School 9th Grade Campus Bell Schedule showing class periods and times.
 

ESOL and GED Classes Available

Orange Technical College offers ESOL & GED programs at Colonial High School in Orlando, FL.
In partnership with Orange Technical College, we are hosting English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes for individuals who need assistance with learning the English language. This is also an opportunity for you to work towards earning your General Education Diploma (GED). Sign up today by scanning the QR code to register. For more information, call the phone numbers provided on the flyer. 
 

Athletic Passes

Colonial High School Athletics offers 2026-27 athletic passes on sale now.
📣 Support Our Student-Athletes – Purchase Your Athletic Pass Today! 🏈⚽🏀🎾 

Get ready for an exciting year of Grenadier athletics! By purchasing an Athletic Pass, you'll enjoy admission to home regular-season sporting events while supporting the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes. 

An athletic pass is the perfect way to cheer on our teams, show your school spirit, and stay connected to the Colonial High School community all year long. Whether you're a student, parent, staff member, alumni, or community supporter, your purchase helps create memorable experiences for our athletes and fans. 

Don't miss a moment of the action—join us in the stands and be part of the tradition, excitement, and pride that make Colonial athletics special. 

Purchase your Athletic Pass today and let's make this the best season yet! Go Grenadiers! ❤️
 

What Are Community Schools

Infographic explaining 'What Are Community Schools?' with sections on how they work and family involvement.
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: 


  1. Student Supports – Counseling, health services, and wellness programs. 
  2. Expanded Learning Opportunities – After-school activities and programs during breaks. 
  3. Family & Community Engagement – Building strong partnerships between families, educators, and local organizations. 
  4. 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.
 

SOAR Leadership Summit

A group of diverse students stands on a stage in front of a screen displaying the Orange County Public Schools Police logo and 'Leadership Summit SOAR'.
We are proud of our student leaders, Emily Jose-Alamo and Adrian Rivera Morales, for representing our school at the School Safety Conference! These students shared their voices on a discussion panel, offering thoughtful insights and innovative ideas on how to create safer, more supportive learning environments for all. Their leadership, courage, and commitment to making a difference remind us that student voices are essential in shaping the future of school safety.
 

Leadership in Education

Two women accept an award on stage with a screen displaying "Leadership in Education" and university logos.
One of our outstanding teachers, Ms. Guadalupe Armenteros, was honored for her outstanding leadership, commitment, and collaborative partnership within our community. Congratulations Ms. Armenteros!
 

UCF College Tour

A diverse group of eight young people stand in front of a large wall art with the text 'IF YOU WANT TO GO FAR, GO TOGETHER'.
Some of our students were able to attend a college tour at University of Central Florida this summer. They were able to learn more about what the Knights have to offer while exploring the campus.   
 

CHS Cheerleaders

A group of cheerleaders in red shirts and gray shorts pose for a photo, with some wearing banana costumes.
Colonial Cheer Brings Home the Banana at UCA Camp! 🍌❤️🖤 

Colonial Cheer had an unforgettable week at UCA Camp, where our athletes challenged themselves, grew as leaders, and proudly represented Colonial High School. Throughout camp, the team demonstrated dedication, resilience, and school spirit while living out this year’s theme of being Grateful and Grounded

The team celebrated several outstanding accomplishments, including: 

💙 3 Superior Blue Ribbons 
📍 2 Pin It Forward Recipients 
🇺🇸 6 UCA All-Americans 
🍌 Top Banana – Day 1 
🏆 Most Crowd Effective Cheer 

One of the most memorable moments of the week was earning the Top Banana on the first day of camp, an award that recognizes the team with the highest energy, enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and school spirit. This honor reflects the positive culture our athletes continue to build both on and off the mat. 

We are incredibly proud of everything our athletes accomplished and grateful for the support of our families, school, and community. The lessons learned and memories made at UCA Camp have our team excited and ready for an amazing 2026–2027 season. Go Grenadiers! ❤
 

9th Grade Campus Tours

A diverse group of students and adults gather in a school hallway, listening to a speaker.
A group of young people and adults gather in a library or classroom setting.
The countdown to high school is on! Future Grenadiers, your journey starts here! We loved welcoming our incoming freshmen and their families to our Ninth Grade Campus as they explored their new school, met a few of our upperclassmen and staff, and began envisioning an amazing high school experience. We enjoyed sharing what makes Colonial High School special and look forward to supporting you throughout your high school journey. A huge shout out to our JROTC cadets that led the tours. Welcome to the Grenadier family! #It’sGreattobeaGrenadier #Classof2030 #OCPS #ColonialHighSchool
 

From CHS to US Marine Corp

A family poses in front of a large gold eagle emblem on a red wall.
Proud CHS supporters, Officer Lappas and Cheer Coach Salmon, showing their support for our Grenadiers. Supporting the Grenadiers goes far beyond the Colonial walls—it's a continuous commitment! Good luck to Samuel Zapata as you begin your new adventure with the Marines! We are proud of you and grateful for your dedication and courage. Wishing you strength, success, and safety as you serve our country. Once a Grenadier, always a Grenadier! Semper Fi! ❤️💛
 

Summer Bridge Program

A teacher presents information on a projector screen to a group of students seated at tables in a classroom.
Students gather around tables in a classroom, engaged in an activity with supplies laid out.
A group of people, likely students and teachers, are gathered in a classroom around tables.
Students are gathered around tables in a classroom, engaged in a lesson with a teacher at the front.
Tenth-grade students learned about opportunities and resources, participated in fun activities, and toured the main campus.
 

College Admissions Workshop

Students work at tables in a classroom decorated with a colorful map of the USA and college pennants.
Students study at a table with laptops and papers, a colorful map of the US on the wall behind them.
Students fill out paperwork at tables during a "College Signing Day" event.
Students work on laptops and papers at a large white table in a classroom.
 

College & Career Center

Poster for Colonial High School's College & Career Center, featuring Ms. Nelson, College & Career Specialist.
Colonial High School’s College & Career Center is a valuable resource dedicated to helping students plan for success after graduation. The center provides personalized support with college applications, scholarship searches, financial aid information, career exploration, resume building, and postsecondary planning. By utilizing the College & Career Center, students can gain access to valuable opportunities, receive expert guidance, and make informed decisions about their future, helping them confidently prepare for college, careers, military service, or other pathways beyond high school. 
 

Colonial High School Administration

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
Chelsea Johnson, Assistant Principal – Chelsea.Johnson@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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6100 Oleander Dr. Orlando, FL 32807-3437

Phone: +1 407-482-6300 / Email: colonial_hs@ocps.net

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