Dear Colonial High School Families,
As we wrap up an exciting first week of school, I want to thank our students, staff, and families for a wonderful start to the 2026-2027 school year. Our students have done an outstanding job demonstrating adaptability, and Grenadier pride throughout the week.
I also want to extend my sincere appreciation for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate challenges associated with our ongoing construction projects. I am pleased to share that the construction team has resolved the recent fire alarm malfunctions. They have also adjusted the front gate on the main campus to allow both lanes to be open during arrival and dismissal. These improvements will help enhance safety and improve traffic flow for our families.
We are also proud to announce that, through our continued partnership with the Colonial High School PTSA, our school has been designated a National PTA School of Excellence. This recognition reflects the strong collaboration among our families, staff, students, and community and our shared commitment to creating an outstanding educational experience for every Grenadier.
As we continue building strong habits for success, please note that we will begin tracking student tardies to class on Monday. Families will receive an email notification when their student is marked tardy to a class. Attendance and punctuality are critical to student success, and we appreciate your partnership in reinforcing the importance of arriving to school on time and getting to each class promptly.
As a reminder, Picture Day is being held Monday, August 17, on both campuses. We encourage all students, faculty, and staff to come prepared and ready to smile for their school photos. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are creating an environment where every student can; Connect. Grow. Thrive.
It's Great to Be a Grenadier!
Betzabeth Reussow
Principal
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Student Drop-Off
There are two designated student drop-off areas on campus. The first area, in the front of the school, is located on Oleander Dr. Parents and students will enter through the Double Bravo gate indicated with an orange arrow pointing to the right and exit through Bravo Gate, indicated with the orange arrow point to the left. Please do not pull off onto the shoulder or drop students off in the street, as this creates a significant safety concern.
The second student drop-off area, located in the back of the school near the football stadium is through the gate on Areca Dr. and Nandia Dr., highlighted in lime green.
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As we prepare for the 2026-27 school year, please take a moment to review the following transportation information.
Bus Rider Registration
If your child actively rode the bus last school year, you do not need to register again. For new riders, please complete the Student Bus Registration form through the Onflo tile on the Transportation Services homepage. This year, students will also receive bus ID cards with an RFID chip to tap on and off at their assigned stop.
Bus Eligibility
Bus service is available to students who reside more than two miles from school. After the first four weeks, Transportation Services will review available seating and may be able to accommodate ineligible students on a space-available basis.
9th Grade Students
Incoming 9th-grade students will have shuttles available to transport them to the main campus, where they may then need to board their bus home. Students participating in extra-curricular activities may also ride the activity bus to the main campus.
Bus Delays & Double-Back Runs
Due to the ongoing driver shortage, some buses will make two trips in the morning. Routes requiring a double-back run may have afternoon buses arriving 30 to 40 minutes after dismissal. Late bus notifications will be sent through ParentSquare, and you can also check the Bus Delay Dashboard on the OCPS homepage.
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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!
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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! 🖤❤️🤍
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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. |
📣 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! ❤️
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🏅 Friendly Reminder, Athletes! 🏅
Before you can participate in any sport, you must have your Athletic Clearance completed and approved. This is a required step for practices, workouts, tryouts, and competitions.
✅ Don't wait until the last minute! Take care of your Athletic Clearance ASAP so you don't miss out on any opportunities to train, compete, and represent your school!
Let's get cleared and get in the game! 💙🤍🏆
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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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Please join your PTSA in helping students and staff reach their full potential throughout this school year! |
We are incredibly proud to share that our PTSA has received national recognition for its outstanding commitment to supporting students, families, and the school community. This prestigious honor reflects the dedication of our PTSA members, volunteers, staff, and community partners who work tirelessly to create meaningful opportunities, strengthen family engagement, and enhance the educational experience for all. Their unwavering support helps foster a welcoming and connected school environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. Congratulations to our exceptional PTSA on this well-deserved achievement! |
Dear Grenadiers,
We are sharing information about our upcoming free dental event for kids hosted by the Dental Care Access Foundation (DCAF) - please see the attached flyer.
This day is dedicated to providing essential dental care to children in our community who need it most.
Beyond the event, ongoing care matters. DCAF works closely with local Federally Qualified Health Centers and community partners to provide follow-up wraparound care, helping children establish a permanent dental home for continued treatment and preventive care. Reach out to our friendly staff to schedule your appointment. Families can call 407-898-1525 to check eligibility and schedule an appointment.
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As part of our ongoing commitment to school safety, administrators participated in emergency preparedness training during the summer in preparation for the upcoming school year. The training focused on enhancing campus safety, strengthening emergency response procedures, and increasing situational awareness to help ensure a safe and secure learning environment for all students, staff, and visitors. These efforts reflect our continued commitment to keeping our school community safe, informed, and ready for a successful year ahead. |
The Prestige Dance Team will be hosting tryouts Wednesday, August 19 in the PAC from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Be prepared to move in comfortable clothes, no jeans, and learn two short routines. No dance experience required! Make sure to get cleared through Athletic Clearance to earn a spot on the team. Questions? Message or see Ms. Havrilesko in the Media Center. |
Once again, PTSA is bringing FUN to the neighborhood! On Friday, August 21st, we our hosting our 3rd annual Back to School skate at Astro Skate on South Goldenrod Road, from 8:00 AM-11:00 PM. Entry + regular Skates cost $12. See a PTSA representative at the table near the door for a special ticket to let them know you want the discounted price and you are supporting your PTSA. ALSO, bring family and friends. If they are with you, they all get the price too! See you there! |
Staff and students provided consistent support on the first day of school by helping students locate their classes, navigate the campus, and become familiar with key areas of the school. A special thank you to our students, Leadership Team, District Support Staff, and High School Office staff for their dedication, teamwork, and commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful start to the school year for all students. |
On the first day of school, administrators conducted positive classroom pop-ins to welcome teachers, celebrate their hard work, and offer encouragement as they launched a new school year. These brief visits helped build connections, recognize effective practices, and foster a supportive, collaborative school culture from day one. |
Ms. Stewart started the year strong, engaging students in meaningful learning and building positive classroom connections from day one. What a great start to an amazing school year! |
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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