*** Florida also has multiple other tax free weeks this summer when you can save on camping gear, kayaks, snorkeling gear, fishing rods, outdoor supplies, sports equipment, concert tickets, annual museum memberships, sporting events, plays, gym memberships, batteries, coolers, generators, power tools, and more. Plus permanent sales tax exemptions on diapers, wipes, baby gear, clothing for ages 5 & under, and more. These tax free weekends are part of HB 7063 passed by the Florida Legislature in 2023.

Dr. Tayler Boyer has been with OCPS for over 10 years and has served in many capacities, including a Social Studies teacher, College and Career Specialist, Dean, CRT, and Assistant Principal. She began as an Assistant Principal at Boone High School in 2018, overseeing several academic areas and exceptional student education, and most recently served as the Assistant Principal of Instruction at Apopka High School.

She is a quadruple Knight (GKCO!) where she earned two bachelor degrees in Social Science Education 6-12 and American History, and a masters and doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. Born and raised in Florida, she enjoys the beach, reading, going to brunch, and spending time with her husband and pug, Weezy. She is looking forward to being a Grenadier and excited to learn about the school community and culture at Colonial High School!!

I greet you in a wonderful affirmation of collaboration, learning and service to our students. I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and Molecular Biology. I entered into my educational career becoming a middle school science teacher. After teaching for five years, I continued my educational journey by obtaining my master degree in educational leadership. I’ve had the pleasure to serve in multiple different instructional leadership capacities before becoming an Assistant Principal. In my spare time I enjoy reading, fitness training and spending time with family. I am excited for this academic school year to serve as the Assistant Principal at Colonial High School 9th grade campus.

I have a strong desire to foster the lives of student’s through my capabilities, efficient team planning, and genuine care for instructional pedagogy. I believe that all students can learn provided appropriate resources and support. It is my desire to continue working in the area of administration, school operations, student assistance and trans-formative education. I look forward to working with the Grenadier Family.

Luz Gonzalez Cartagena has served as an OCPS educator for over fifteen years as a teacher, testing coordinator, MTSS coach, math and science instructional coach, data coach, and assistant principal. She was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and her M.B.A. in Educational Leadership. In 2007 she moved to Orlando, where she began her career in education. She was honored to serve Meadow Woods Middle School, Oak Ridge High School, and University High School students.

Mrs. Gonzalez Cartagena is excited about the opportunity to support students, faculty and staff, and the community of Colonial High School. She is the proud mother of two daughters and a son. She enjoys going to the beach, reading, and traveling with family and friends.

Source: MaxPreps

So far this year, twenty-five people have lost their lives in Florida due to rip currents at the beach. This includes an ex NFL quarterback, Ryan Mallett (35). If you are headed out to the beach over the summer break, please be cautious of these dangerous conditions. Listen to full story(Fox 13 News)

Rip current risk for the State of Florida (as of July 15 - get a current update)

Source: www.liv-cycling.com

Wondering if it pays to stay in school? Here’s two reasons to continue: workers’ earnings increase and unemployment rates decrease as educational attainment rises, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Read full report.

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We are already into the second half of July and hopefully all of our Grenadiers have been enjoying their summer break. Before school begins next month, students should start thinking about their 2023-2024 goals. It rarely pays to devise goals in a mad rush. Please decide soon what you want to accomplish, how you'll measure your progress, and your deadlines for achieving what you want.

The more you think it through—and writing a goal down is one step in thinking about it—the more encoded it becomes in your long-term memory. The more time you spend thinking about the goal, the more likely it will get seared into your brain.

So Grenadiers, please be sure to set out some time very soon to clearly write down you goals and consider sharing them with a parent, coach, friend, or anyone you respect who might be able to help you stay on task. Keeping your goals a secret from your family and friends can reduce your chance of attaining them. If you're the only one who knows the targets you've set, you might let yourself off the hook for not hitting them, find excuses or blame others.

And as you set your goals, don't aim low. Life happens. Things we don't plan for pop up. Set challenging goals so that if something unplanned for does occur, you will still hit the mark. That is, your underlying long-term objective whether it be academically, in sports, in the arts, finances, fitness; whatever it is that you truly want to succeed with.