Dear Colonial High School Families,
As the holiday season approaches, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the incredible support from our students, teachers, staff, and entire Colonial High School community. Your dedication is the foundation of our success, and it is truly a privilege to be your Principal. The spirit of the holidays of giving, community, and joy is alive and well here at Colonial High School!
Grenadier Accomplishments: A Season of Triumph
The past weeks have been filled with outstanding achievements across our school. We are thrilled to announce that our Colonial Forensic Science Investigations (CFSI) team has become back-to-back champions, successfully defending their title at the Super STEM Saturday Forensics competition. Congratulations to Jariel Garcia, Giana Kayes, Mariana Leon Salazar, and Areisha Agustin Gonzalez for flawlessly executing their forensic techniques.
In Speech & Debate, a massive congratulations goes to AJ Thomas for securing FIRST place in Impromptu Speaking at the highly competitive NFCFL tournament. Our athletic programs have also seen tremendous success.
We celebrated a complete clean sweep from our entire Boys Basketball program (Freshman, JV, and Varsity) against Horizon High School, and both the JV and Varsity Girls Basketball teams are continuing their impressive winning streak with victories against West Orange High School. The Lady Grenadiers soccer team earned its first victory of the season, defeating Wekiva High School 2-1, with Jessiemary Santiago scoring both goals. Furthermore, the Girls' Wrestling team achieved significant victories, thanks to outstanding performances from Heaven Corbett, Kina Veal, and Zoe Jimenez. Beyond the traditional sports, our Grenadier eSports Marvel Rivals Team secured an impressive 3rd place finish in the Florida State Varsity League.
Finally, we were thrilled to welcome 35 incredible new members into the Spanish National Honor Society (SHS) this year, and our girls' basketball team was honored to partner with the Orlando Magic for a special "Girls are Magic" Tour event focused on creating vision boards and leadership development. |
An Exciting Week Ahead!
The week kicks off on Monday with Love at Frost Sight, where students can dress as their "type." On Tuesday, it's time to rock your ugliest sweater for Sweater Weather. Wednesday transforms the campus into Santa's Workshop, with each class taking on a festive role: Seniors are Santa, Sophomores are Elves, Juniors are Reindeer, and Freshman are Snowmen, with the faculty joining in as the Grinch! Thursday is Winter Wonderland, where we invite everyone to wear a "white lie" on their shirt! Finally, we wrap up the week on Friday with 'Twas the Night Before Break, so dress up in your coziest pajamas! Get ready for a week of fun! In addition to the fun, we have two key events: we are excited for Connectivity Day on Tuesday, December 16, as we focus on student learning and engagement before the break, and everyone is invited to join us for an evening of spectacular holiday music at our annual Wonderland Prizm Concert on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Main Campus Performing Arts Center. Admission is FREE, and it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season while supporting our talented students.
Finally, a reminder that tutoring is available until Tuesday, December 16—this is the last chance to get help before the break; tutoring will resume on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support and commitment to Colonial High School. It is because of our collective efforts that our students continue to excel.
It’s Great To Be A Grenadier!
Betzabeth Reussow Principal |
Get ready for an evening of spectacular holiday music! Join us for the annual Winter Wonderland Prizm Concert on Wednesday, December 16, 2025, starting at 7:00 PM. This special performance will feature the incredible talents of our Colonial High School performing arts students. Come enjoy the sounds of the season in the beautiful Main Campus Performing Arts Center. Admission is FREE for all students, families, and community members. This is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season and support our amazing Grenadier performers! We hope to see you there! |
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. |
● Attention Grenadiers! Are you looking for a fun and exciting sport to play this Spring? The interest meeting for Boys and Girls Water Polo will be held on Monday, December 15th at 2:30 in Room 27-110 at Main Campus. We will discuss athletic clearance, practice/game schedule, and team expectations. If you have any questions, please see Coach Velez in 27-110 or Coach Krysinski in 7-704 at Ninth Grade Campus. We look forward to seeing you there!
● Need Your Gifts Wrapped? Let the Hispanic Honor Society Help! Tired of all that holiday wrapping? The Hispanic Honor Society (HHS) is hosting a fundraiser to do it for you! For a small donation, our members will professionally wrap your gifts. This fundraiser runs through December 18th. Drop-Off Locations: Main Campus: Room 4-150 Ninth Grade Center: Room 616 Once wrapped, we will happily deliver your gifts back to you. This service is available to all teachers and students!
● Tutoring is available now until Tuesday, December 16th. This is your last chance before the break to get help and finish the semester strong! Transportation is available at the Main Campus. Don't miss this opportunity to boost your grades before the break! Tutoring will resume on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
● We’re proud to announce that the Grenadier eSports Marvel Rivals Team has secured an impressive 3rd place finish in the Florida State Varsity League. Every hard-fought match showcased the resilience of the Grenadier fighting spirit. Huge congratulations to Yumna K, Tyler K, Fransheska E, Edwin C, Ian P, Mahadi, O, Bermarys M, and our unrelenting team captain, Alexis C. Well done, Grenadiers!
● Congratulations to your Lady Grenadiers soccer team on their FIRST victory of the season! The team defeated Wekiva High School 2-1, with Jessiemary Santiago scoring both goals. Way to go, ladies! You make it GREAT to be a Grenadier!
● The Girls' Wrestling team achieved significant victories against the University Cougars, with outstanding performances from Heaven Corbett, Kina Veal, and Zoe Jimenez!
● In exciting news from the court, our basketball program achieved a complete CLEAN SWEEP! A huge shoutout to the Boys Basketball program—Freshman, JV, and Varsity teams all secured victories against Horizon High School, going a perfect 3-for-3 for the night! Colonial HS basketball celebrated a perfect 5-0 night! Both the JV and Varsity Girls Basketball teams defeated West Orange High School, continuing their impressive winning streak. Congratulations, Grenadiers! |
A massive congratulations to AJ Thomas for securing FIRST place in Impromptu Speaking at the highly competitive NFCFL tournament held at Lake Mary High School! This impressive win is especially noteworthy as it was only AJ's second time competing—bringing home the GOLD MEDAL! Way to go, AJ! |
Get ready to cheer, Colonial! The Colonial Forensic Science Investigations (CFSI) team has done it again, successfully defending their title in spectacular fashion! Jariel Garcia, Giana Kayes, Mariana Leon Salazar, and Areisha Agustin Gonzalez recently represented Colonial in the Super STEM Saturday Forensics competition at Apopka High School. They were faced with the thrilling, grisly task of solving a politician's murder, requiring them to utilize a host of advanced forensic techniques they mastered in class. And guess what? They absolutely crushed it! Our brilliant CFSI detectives didn't just complete the experiments—they executed them flawlessly and provided the necessary evidence with such precision and speed that they were able to accurately and quickly identify and prosecute the suspect in the scenario! This incredible performance earned them the coveted First Place spot, officially cementing their status as back-to-back reigning champions! Join us in congratulating these amazing students for this outstanding achievement! Go Grenadiers! |
The SHS Induction Ceremony 2025 was an absolutely sensational evening, bursting with academic excellence and overwhelming school pride! We are thrilled to announce that we welcomed 35 incredible new members into our prestigious society! A massive thank you to every single inductee! Your commitment and passion for the Spanish language and your dedication to honoring our vibrant cultural heritage is truly inspiring. Your hard work shines brightly for all of us! ¡Felicidades a todos! What an amazing achievement! |
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: - Student Supports – Counseling, health services, and wellness programs.
- Expanded Learning Opportunities – After-school activities and programs during breaks.
- Family & Community Engagement – Building strong partnerships between families, educators, and local organizations.
- 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.
|
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. |
The Freshman Campus Grenadier Closet is now open every Tuesday during A and B lunches for all your school supply and wardrobe needs! |
Building healthy routines at home helps high school students thrive in school and beyond. Here are some practical tips: Nutrition Balanced meals fuel focused studying and sustained energy. Aim for a colorful plate—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit high-sugar beverages and highly processed snacks. Water should be the go-to beverage throughout the day to stay hydrated. Sleep Adequate rest is essential for concentration, mood, and managing stress. Teenagers (ages 13–18) need 8–10 hours of sleep nightly. Create a relaxing wind-down routine: dim lights, put away all screens at least an hour before bed, and maintain a consistent sleep and wake schedule—even on weekends. Screen Time Technology is an essential tool, but setting boundaries is key to balance. Be mindful of non-academic screen time. Prioritize homework, studying, reading, physical activity, and in-person social activities over recreational screen use. Keep bedrooms and dinner tables tech-free zones. Why It Matters Healthy habits improve attention, stress management, and academic performance. Taking ownership of small, positive steps—like prepping a healthy lunch the night before or setting a screen curfew—can significantly impact well-being and success. |
Our girls' basketball team recently had a special visit from the Orlando Magic as part of their "Girls are Magic" Tour. The event focused on developing both on-court skills and a mindset for success. A key activity involved the athletes creating vision boards to help them set and visualize their goals for the season, which also served to strengthen teamwork. |
Want to improve your SAT/ACT score for college admissions and/or the Bright Futures Scholarship? Every Wednesday in October and November, visit the College & Career Center from 1:30 PM-2:30 PM for SAT/ACT test prep! The College & Career Center (CCC) is located upstairs in Student Services in the Administration Building. SAT/ACT test prep is provided by Elevation Scholars in partnership with UCF and will be held on Wednesdays in October & November! Sign up to attend! Space is limited! |
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 |
|
|
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
