In our last issue, proper credit was not fully given to two Grenadiers who traveled to the other side of the country representing our growing and most competitive, Colonial Speech & Debate team. What they did was a major achievement and we wanted to re-run their picture this week as when we have any Grenadier that goes the extra mile like Sahiry & George just did, they have earned the proper praise and recognition. Bravo Sahiry & George!

A student may possess a cell phone on Board property, on school transportation and at school activities, provided that during school hours, the cell phone is silenced and concealed. Pursuant to Section 1006.07, Florida Statutes, “a student may not use a wireless communications device during instructional time, except when expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes. A teacher shall designate an area for wireless communications devices during instructional time.” For purposes of this section, the designated area will be in the student’s backpack, or purse, except when expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes. Violations of the cell phone policy will be handled in accordance with the Code and may result in confiscation of said device. If the cell phone is used in a criminal act (such as sexting as outlined in Florida Statutes and the Code), the cell phone will be provided to law enforcement and the student may face criminal penalties. The use of wireless communication devices are always prohibited during the school day (from the first morning bell to dismissal) unless expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes. Wireless communication devices include but are not limited to, cell phones and/or auxiliary/ancillary devices such as watches and ear buds.

At no time shall OCPS be responsible for theft, loss or damage to cell phones or other electronic devices brought onto its property.

These standards apply to all students in the public schools of Orange County.

● Confiscation (returned to the student at the end of the day)

● Detention

● Positive Alternative to School Suspension (PASS)

● Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)

Note: During the school day, if a parent needs to contact their child or a child needs to contact their parent, schools will make allowances for them to do so. A student would be called from class to an office, as you would if a parent was to come to the school to speak to their child or the child will be sent to an office if they need to make the call to the parent. Students should be directed to the nearest office. Students may use their personal cell phone to contact a parent as long as they are in a designated office.

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Orlando Weekly (Aug. 2, 2023) - "Orange County School Board approves new policy to completely ban cell phone use in schools" by Bellanee Plaza

"These changes come from largely teachers who experienced discipline issues with students using their phones during school hours. The goal of the new policy is to limit distractions in the classroom and encourage in-person conversations, the school board says."

Colonial High School Hispanic Honor Society club is proud to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – which we call LLS for short. LLS is a group that works really hard to help people who get sick with blood cancer get better through a community event called Light The Night. Our school will be collecting donations for LLS over the next four weeks and our efforts will end with a Light The Night celebration.

Here at Colonial High School we always strive to help others and we’ve set a goal to raise $1,000 to help cure blood cancers and support patients in our community with LLS. We know we can hit that target when we all do our part. Every donation counts. Get started today. Our Light The Night celebration will be on November 9, 2023 at Lake EOLA Park.

Colonial's FFA members competed in the State Employment Skills and Prepared Public Speaking Career Development Events, were recognized on stage for placing 1st in Aquaculture, 2nd in Environmental Science, 2nd in Food Science, 2nd in Land Evaluation, 3rd in Nursery & Landscape, and 4th in Forestry CDEs. We also received 5 state degrees, 5 American degrees, and were awarded in the areas of Agriculture Advocacy, and 100% program membership.

Member Alyssa Diaz was additionally recognized as the FL Association of Agriculture Educators Outstanding Student. While at the convention, members networked with peers as well as industry and education representatives across many sectors of agriculture and natural resources. She is pictured here with Principal Reussow.

Through this week-long immersive experience, members learned about forest management and related careers. At the end of the camp, members were tested on their knowledge of tree identification, forest disorders, industry tools, map interpretation, and timber estimation.

Out of over 100 participants, Angel Delgado was recognized as a top camper and Juan Gonzalez was recognized as the top returning camper! Congratulations to our members!

Colonial High had a successful Grenadiers Marching Back on Thursday afternoon and are thankful to all of our families who attended. A special thank you to Air Force JROTC, SGA, and Band who volunteered for the event!

"Mondays with Maria - Back-to-School edition" ran last Monday, July 31. Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez is pictured above on the set with Nancy Alvarez, WESH news anchor. Please click here for the latest back-to-school information from our superintendent of schools. (Dr. Vazquez is beginning her second year as superintendent and typically puts out a short "Monday's with Maria" each Monday morning on YouTube with topics which will be of interest to our Colonial community.)

As you discover your purpose in life and pursue your dreams, you will inevitably spend more and more of your time doing what you enjoy and do best. That's good. You can achieve your dreams only if you focus on your priorities.

But success requires something else: discipline. One of the best ways to improve discipline is to do something you don't enjoy doing—every day. If you learn to do what you must, you will be able to do what you want.