Monday, November 21, 2022
Colonial High School
CHS Community Member
As we head into the holiday season, it is nice to pause and reflect on the many things for which we are thankful. Since arriving as your principal this past summer, it was evident to me right away that we at Colonial High School have a great many things to be thankful for. All you need do is scroll down through this latest edition of the Colonial Connection to see what I mean. And these Colonial Connection issues are only a snapshot of the many opportunities available here at CHS along with all the wonderful students plus dedicated educators and support staff found on both of our campuses. 
"Academic Excellence"
Four of our first quarter Academic Scholars with their Honor Roll certificates (please see this success story below).
"Taking the open shot"
Boys basketball is one of our winter sports underway. As mentioned before, our sporting events are always a great evening out for the whole family and something that is easy on the budget during these inflationary times. Varsity basketball will play at home on December 7 vs. Cypress Creek's Bears. 
Here at Thanksgiving I do want to say thank you to our Colonial parents & guardians for their continued trust in us. They continue to share their most treasured gifts with us and advocate to be a partner in their children’s education, safety and well-being. For this, we are ever so thankful. Please know that all of our teachers, coaches, counselors, and support staff arrive every school day prepared to give their very best for your children and we are extremely proud to do so.

On behalf of the Colonial leadership team I would like to wish you and your family a happy, healthy and relaxing Thanksgiving holiday!

Betzabeth Reussow
Principal
Colonial High School

Pictured very top: Class of 2023 Senior Panoramic Day in the main campus gym.
Useful Links
Connect with CHS
Main Campus:
6100 Oleander Drive
Orlando, FL 32807
(407) 482-6300

Freshman Campus:
7775 Valencia Collage Lane
Orlando, FL 32807
(407) 249-6369
Upcoming Events
Monday, November 28
  • Classes resume

Tuesday, November 29
  • Girls varsity soccer vs. Mater Brighton Lakes Academy (HOME)
  • Boys JV/Varsity soccer vs. Jones (HOME)
  • Boys basketball vs. Lake Nona

Wednesday, November 30
  • Girls weightlifting meet vs. Timber Creek (HOME)

Thursday, December 1
  • Chorus Winter Concert

Friday, December 2
  • Boys JV/Varsity soccer vs. Toho (HOME)

Saturday, December 3
  • SAT Saturday

Tuesday, December 7
  • 81st anniversary of the air raid upon Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (start of WWII)
  • Boys basketball vs. Cypress Creek (HOME)
  • Hispanic Honor Society Induction
  • NO EARLY RELEASE - HURRICANE MAKE-UP 
Thursday, December 8
  • Girls varsity soccer vs. Cypress Creek (HOME)
  • Boys JV/Varsity soccer vs. Horizon (HOME)
  • School Advisory Council (SAC) / PTSA meeting (Freshman Campus)
  • Winter Orchestra Concert

Saturday, December 10
  • Girls wrestling tournament (HOME)
  • ACT Saturday
Special Recognition at Veterans Day
November 11, 2022
Alex Anderson, Business Education Teacher and U.S. Army Veteran
  • U.S. Army
  • Rank: SSG
  • 15 years service
  • Favorite overall experience: The camaraderie
  • Major duties: Transportation
Superintendent's Town Hall meeting at Colonial
Dr. Vazquez, OCPS Superintendent of Schools, came to Colonial on November 7 to conduct a town hall meeting and hear from members of the CHS faculty and community. Thank you to all who attended!
November SAE Newsletter
First Generation College Students
November 8th was First Generation Student Day! First Gen means that your parents/guardians did not complete a 4-year college or university degree, regardless of other family members' level of education. Our Colonial students and staff celebrated by sharing why they are proud to be First Generation bound for college.

Thank you Mr. Whaley and his students for putting together a video to celebrate some of our faculty that are First Gen: https://youtu.be/F4PME5Kh1tk
FFA #1 in High School Division Competition!
Congratulations Grenadiers!
On November 8, our OCPS Agriculture/FFA students participated in the District 7 Forestry Career Development Event (CDE) held at Moss State Park. With 36 teams participating, this year’s event was another huge success and made a positive difference in the lives of students.

Each FFA member participant had to apply and evaluate the skills they have learned in the areas of forestry general industry knowledge, timber cruising/lumber estimation, tree identification (aka dendrology), trees diseases & disorders identification, use of a compass and forestry equipment identification. The life skills and forestry knowledge the students have gained will be very beneficial to them in the future no matter what path they choose.

Here are this year’s overall district winners in the High School Division:

  • 1st Place: Orlando-Colonial HS FFA Team A
  • 2nd Place: Orlando-Colonial HS FFA Team B
  • 3rd Place: Wekiva HS FFA

Orlando-Colonial FFA Chapter will compete against all district winners for the state championship in December!
Team A (blue ribbons)
From L to R: Emily Guzman, Angelissa Delgado, Kit Alas, Juan Gonzalez (contest high individual)
Team B (red ribbons)
From L to R: Amanda Betancourt, Valerie Rodriguez, Emaira Jose-Alamo, Tyrell Bowen
Speech & Debate Team in National Competition
On November 12 and 13, 18 of our students competed in the National Civics and Debate Championship hosted in Orlando. The majority of our team competed for the first time; head to head with varsity champions.

Sahiry Vazquez, a sophomore and the captain of our debate team placed 36 in a pool of 400 students in Extemporaneous Debate (top 10%).

All of these students worked so hard! We also had the opportunity to meet Anna Eskamani, Florida House Representative (pictured below in blue standing with team members). Colonial Speech and Debate is going to go far! It's Great to be a Grenadier! 
Grenadier Athletics
Competitive Cheer
Our competitive cheer team hosted a FCC competition here at CHS for the first time! Not only did they help with production, but they also placed 1st place in their division.
On Wednesday night we placed 2nd in both Traditional routine and Game Day routine at the Eagle Jamboree.
Boys Basketball
The 2022-2023 basketball season is underway!
Academic Excellence
First nine-week quarter of 2022-2023
We celebrated student success on November 8 by awarding certificates and prize coupons to all students showing proficiency in state/local testing and exemplary academic achievement (GPA and grades). Students were able to use their tickets to get prizes like ice cream, chips, or a throw at Dr. Flynn in the dunk tank. Congratulations to all of our Grenadier Scholars!
Our Academic Scholars are holding personalized Honor Roll certificates of excellence dated November 8, 2022. 
College & Career
Ongoing Scholarships:
Best Jobs Without A College Degree (2022 rankings):
Source: U.S. News & World Report (2022) Read full article

The U.S. News & World Report "Top 25 Best Jobs without a College Degree of 2022" rankings were calculated on a number of factors including: median salary, unemployment rate, 10-year growth rate in volume, 10-year growth rate percentage, future job prospects, stress level, and work-life balance.

Note for our Grenadiers: Lists of this nature should be used as a guide only as many other factors can also come into play such as where you live, your long-term personal goals, the particular company you are working for, etc. The U.S. News & World Report 2022 rankings also do not include U.S. military or non-profit employment opportunities. Please take advantage of our College and Career Resource Center when it comes to exploring your post high school plans while you are still at Colonial. 
Grenadier Shout Out!
Ms. Fabiane Fernandes, Program Assistant
For bringing so much passion and flexibility in figuring our what each student needs!
OCPS News
1) Weekly Superintendent's Message - Dr. Vazquez:
(Latest update at time of pr: Monday, Nov. 14)
2) Magnet Applications for 2023-2024:
OCPS Magnets offer the opportunity for students to discover their talents and explore their interests while focusing on academic rigor. Magnets provide unique personalized learning communities. These programs of study are aimed at increasing student achievement and permit a student to focus on interest, talents or career goals.

Magnet Application Process for 2023-2024
The electronic application for the lottery opened on November 1, 2022, and it will close on February 15, 2023.

Nov. 10: District Virtual Magnet Fair for 2023-2024
The Office of School Choice Services will be hosting a Virtual Magnet Fair, opening November 10, 2022, accessible via the School Choice Services website. www.schoolchoice.ocps.net

Program Descriptions

Magnet Info. Video
3) Brainfuse online, live tutoring led through the Orange County Library System is now available in Spanish.
Closing Images of the Week at Thanksgiving . . .
Inspirational messages written by our freshmen AVID students:
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Ms. Reussow, Principal
Colonial High School
Sunday, November 20, 2022
Social Media
Stay Connected with Us
Leadership Team
Principal: Ms. Betzabeth.Reussow betzabeth.reussow@ocps.net
Assistant Principal: Mr. Daniel Caliari
Assistant Principal: Mr. Michael Cecere michael.cercere@ocps.net
Assistant Principal: Ms. Rochelle Conyers rochelle.conyers@ocps.net
Assistant Principal: Dr. Timothy Flynn timothy.flynn@ocps.net
Assistant Principal: Mr. Paul Maldonado paul.maldonado@ocps.net
Assistant Principal: Ms. Krystin Roviaro krystin.roviaro@ocps.net
Assistant Principal: Ms. Janeika Sweet janeika.sweet@ocps.net
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The School Board of Orange County, Florida, does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities, on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other reason prohibited by law. The following individuals at the Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center, 445 West Amelia Street, Orlando, Florida 32801, attend to compliance matters: Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer & Title IX Coordinator: Keshara Cowans; ADA Coordinator; ADA Coordinator: Jay Cardinali; Section 504 Coordinator: Tajuana Lee-Wenze. (407.317.3200)
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Reproduction of this material, either written or electronically, including the general layout, graphics, analyses, and content topics without the express approval of Target Performance Systems, Inc., a Florida corporation, and OCPS-Colonial High School is forbidden without written consent. Thank you for your support of the Orange County Public Schools and OCPS-Colonial High School. Please contact Mr. Daniel Caliari (assistant principal) at daniel.caliari@ocps.net with any questions.