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*** CIS Magnet Strengthens Our Sister City Connections ***

After the wonderful trip to Japan we shared in earlier Panther Posts, we began thinking of ways to strengthen our bonds with Orlando’s other sister cities and highlight these important international connections. On April 16, we visited the mayor’s office to share our experiences with Urayasu and discuss the work of CIS (Center for International Studies).

During our visit, we explained the mission of CIS and the initiatives we have supported over the years, such as the Central Florida Peace Pledge. We also spoke about the evolution of Dr. Phillips High School, emphasizing how our growing diversity is one of our greatest strengths.

Most importantly, we shared the lasting impact of the immense kindness we received in Urayasu. The cards, gifts, and warm memories we made with our host families and local students were among the most valuable experiences we brought back. We are grateful to the mayor for giving us the opportunity to share all that we learned and experienced.

A huge congratulations to our class of 2025 Super Scholars! 

Alvey, Kristen, Annamalai, Meena, Ansari, Aziz, Baker, Prophesy, Bertuccelli Loureiro, Lucca, Causey, Caitlin Cheung, Luke, Chottani, Ambika, Cohen, Thomas, Dao, Nguyen, Do, Tam, Estivene, Nelson, Freeman, Jade Garcia Pinto, Juan, Hafez, Abed, Hall, Kamryn, Harris, Kayori, Hassine, Reem, Johnson, Joshua, Juarez, Matias Kaak, Avery, Kiene, Scarlett, McNarney, William, Mulhall, J.R., Ng, Joann, Patel, Vrajesh, Prevett, Kayley Rivera-Rodriguez, Camila, Rocco, Dominic, Scarborough, Elena, Tan, Emily, Uribe-Velasquez, Felipe

Vuini, Gabrielle Marie, Burgos, Danielle, Deschamps, Jathan, Long, Sarah, Udeh, Gabriella, Beerensson, Ella Edwards, Caleb, Bacon, Ryan, Lim, Cyris, Walker, Kharymel, Harris, Maran, Patterson, Zariah, Gooden,Syniah Occean, Manfred, Lavaud, Diana, Gabriel, Carvalho, Curry, II, Charles

Saudi Izquierdo, 2024-2025 Volunteer of the Year with the DPHS award.

On left, with Assistant Principal McDonald. On right, with Ms. Rodriguez. 

Mr. Ortiz from Carrabba’s Italian Grill, our 2024-2025 Partner in Education of the Year, with Principal Ramsey.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill: 5701 Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32819

Bruster's of I-Drive donated ice cream for our teachers! 

(5584 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819)

May 05: 38th Annual DP Academic Awards - "Best of the Best" - 6-8pm, PAC

May 05: Colorguard Tryouts

May 05-09: NATONAL TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

May 07: School Nurse/Health Aid Day

May 08: National Children's Mental Health Day

May 08: Algebra 1/Geometry EOC

May 08: Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica end of the year celebration/banquet

May 08: Colorguard Tryouts

May 13: Biology / US History EOCs

May 13: US History Tutoring

Mr. Holmgren is offering US History tutoring every day, after school, in room 2-109. This is a great opportunity to get in some extra review before your USH EOC on May 13th!

May 13: VPA Recital

May 14-16: Underclass CFEs

May 15: Last Day for Seniors / Cap and Gown Distribution

May 15: Spring Football - Panthers at Winter Park

May 22: Class of 2025 Graduation

Sakowtiz Smiles Orthodontics

7932 West Sand Lake Rd. Suite 105 Orlando, FL 32819

Academic Awards Celebration (May 5): 

Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica

You are all cordially invited to attend our DPHS Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica end of the year celebration/banquet, THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025. Hope to see you there!

VPA Senior Recital (May 13):

Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony (May 22):

Credit: Ms. Gigi Burgos (Attendance & Truancy Clerk), Ms. Amanda Stavdal (English III)

Spin, Dance, Shine — It’s Colorguard Time!

Do you have the moves, the flair, and the school spirit? Then we want YOU at the Dr. Phillips High School Colorguard Tryouts!

Tryout Dates:

May 5 & 8 at DPHS | 4:30–6:15 PM

May 12, 13 & 15 at Southwest Middle School | 4:30–6:15 PM

No experience? No problem! Just bring your energy, a positive attitude, and be ready to shine!

Let’s twirl into the new season together — Panther Pride style!

Graduation

Thursday, May 22

Ceremony begins at 8:30 sharp!

Students must report by 7:30 AM and will check in with their guidance counselors at the tables on the ground floor of the GEICO garage.

No tickets needed

Additional information will be shared with the students in the coming weeks.

Graduation rehearsal is still pending. We hope to have this information available soon.

Senior Checkout

Seniors will “check out” during the first two weeks of May through their English classes. Students will be escorted to the media center to return devices, chargers, and text books, to the college and career center, AND to guidance to finalize all end of the year paperwork.

Seniors’ last day of school is May 15.

Cap and Gown

At this time, it is too late to order your cap and gown online. Students will need to purchase it on campus on May 15 (distribution day). If they have any questions, please see Ms. Golub in 2-210 before or after school or during passing time. 

Elementary School Reunions:

A huge congratulations to Ms. McKenzie, who won an award at the End of the Year Lead Mentor Meeting. Ms. McKenzie previously taught English and was the literacy coach, and is now the Curriculum Resource Teacher. Ms. McKenzie is not only a mentor to new teachers, but is an inspiration to established teachers as well!  

On Friday April 25th Southwest Middle school held their 13th Annual Southwest Middle School Fine Arts Festival. Ms. Hollingsworth, the Dr. Phillips orchestra teacher, is “Proud to say that students from our band's drumline, chorus program, orchestra program, and color guard gave outstanding performances to packed audiences!”

https://www.orangeobserver.com/news/2025/apr/26/photos-southwest-middle-school-hosts-festival-of-the-arts/?gp=17#photo-17 

On Thursday, April 24th we held our last academic celebration for the school year. We had pizza and drinks for the students along with DJ Problemchild and fun games. The students had an amazing time celebrating! Congratulations to our students who have made the A & B honor roll for the 3rd quarter! Your hard work does not go unnoticed.

Congratulations to Ms. Follensbee who was just selected to present at the National Dance Education Organization October 4-6, 2025 in Detroit, MI. 

Her session will be: Power of Authentic Assessment & Finding Funding! 

Dr. Phillips High School VPA Art Magnet Students honored for their Rain Barrel Designs at Water Conservation Awards Ceremony

April 17, 2025 — Renaissance Senior Center, Orlando, FL

We are thrilled to share that the talented VPA (Visual and Performing Arts) Art Magnet students from Dr. Phillips High School were recognized for their outstanding creativity and environmental advocacy at the Orange County Utilities Awards Ceremony. Congratulations, Panther Artist! 

The event, presented by Orange County Utilities and Orange County Public Schools, welcomed students, families, educators, and community leaders. The atmosphere was lively and inspiring as attendees viewed the colorful, creatively designed rain barrels, each emphasizing the importance of preserving our most valuable natural resource — water.

The Dr. Phillips VPA students showcased remarkable talent, transforming ordinary rain barrels into vibrant, thought-provoking works of art, each promoting critical messages about protecting and preserving our water resources. Their designs were not only visually striking but also conveyed meaningful environmental messages, inspiring everyone in attendance.

We are incredibly proud of our VPA Art Magnet students for using their artistic voices to champion such an important cause. Their creativity and passion are helping to lead the way toward a more sustainable future.

A special thank you to Orange County Utilities and Orange County Public Schools for recognizing and uplifting the creative contributions of young environmental advocates.

Barrel Theme:

ENVIRONMENTAL/ECO-FRIENDLY: Biological, Geological Aspects (Mermaid & Kraken)

Team #1

● Alexandra Angulo Fonseca — Grade 10

● Olivia Casanas — Grade 10

● Tamaryn Mbuy-Walker — Grade 10

● Anakin Prins — Grade 10

Barrel Theme: 

ENVIRONMENTAL/ECO-FRIENDLY: Biological, Geological Aspects (Recreational Water Activities)

Team #2

● Sarai Moyao-Jaldin — Grade 10 (not pictured)

● Delilah Torres — Grade 10 (not pictured)

● Aliya Thurgood — Grade 10

● Ziraily Vazquez — Grade 10

Last weekend, Florida’s 10th Congressional District proudly celebrated the outstanding artistic achievements of our local students during the 2025 Congressional Art Competition Reception, hosted by Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost. Sponsored each spring by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Congressional Institute, the Artistic Discovery Contest has recognized and encouraged high school artists across the nation since 1982.

Students submitted their artwork to Congressman Frost’s office, where a panel of distinguished local artists selected winners based on creativity, technique, and their interpretation of this year’s inspiring theme, "Leading with Creativity."

Leading with creativity involves harnessing the power of innovative thinking to inspire and motivate others toward achieving shared goals. A creative leader encourages an environment where new ideas are welcomed and nurtured, fostering a culture of open dialogue and collaboration. By valuing diverse perspectives and taking calculated risks, leaders drive innovation and adaptability. Our talented art students demonstrated these leadership qualities through their incredible works, illustrating that creativity is not only artistic expression but also a pathway to finding novel solutions to complex problems. Their art is a testament to the transformative power of imagination, independent thinking, and bold vision.

The reception, held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Secret Office Studio in Orlando, featured music, fellowship, and light refreshments as the community celebrated the creativity and hard work of our district’s high school students.

We are especially proud to announce that three Dr. Phillips High School art students received Special Congressional Recognition Awards for their outstanding accomplishments in Mixed Media, Painting, and Digital Media!

A huge congratulations to all 28 Dr. Phillips High School art students who participated in this year’s Congressional Art Competition! Your dedication, creativity, and leadership through art were truly inspiring. You made your school and our community incredibly proud.

Special congratulations to our award-winning students:

🎨 Alisa Andrievskaya, 11th grade — Awarded Best in Mixed Media for her dynamic piece, "Symphony."

🎨 Nathania Miller, 11th grade — Awarded Best in Digital Media for her creative work, "Decoración De Interiores."

🎨 Tyler Scarborough, 12th grade — Awarded 3rd Place in Painting, "The Liberator," and it will be on display in the Florida District 10 Office of Congressman Frost in Washington, D.C.

🎨 William Wathen, 10th grade — His remarkable painting selected to also be on display in the Florida District 10 Office of Congressman Frost in Washington, D.C.

Congratulations once again to all our incredible student artists — your creativity, leadership, and spirit are shaping a brighter, more imaginative future for us all!

Last week the Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society) held their end of the year meeting where they celebrated a successful year and introduced the leadership team for the 25-26 school year. They were also joined by members of Rho Kappa (History Honor Society) and NHS (National Honor Society). 

The Dental Assisting Institute visited Dr. Phillips on April 30th to talk to interested students during lunch. This is a high growth, well paying industry in Florida and elsewhere. These are also positions that require specialized training, but not necessarily a 4-year degree. 

To celebrate his students' achievements this school year and their impending graduation, Mr. Matthews had an ice cream social. This also helped to celebrate the end of his first year of teaching!

Some of our students in Biomedical Innovations completed pig dissections this week. They were able to dissect and name each part, along with its function!

With their state exam coming up this week, our Geometry teachers have been holding blitz review sessions and collaborating across classes to best help their students prepare. 

Students took a tour of the Central Florida Expressway Authority and Learned about transportation Opportunities and Innovation in the Central Florida Area.

This past week was Senior Spirit Week, to help boost morale during their finals! Monday was “Anything but a Backpack” day, which is always a hit with creativity. Tuesday was Young vs Old day, Wednesday was “Alter Ego Day,” Thursday was “Senior Fit Day” and Friday was “Bedhead Day.” 

“Anything but a Backpack" Day

"Young vs. Old" Day

“Alter Ego" Day

Scholarship deadline reminders - OCPS Scholarship Bulletin:

Please report your College Acceptances and Scholarships: tinyurl.com/DPHSAcceptances

Superintendent's Weekly Message: 

April 28, 2025

We love our OCPS volunteers and partners and this week's Mondays with Maria presented by Addition Financial highlights our 2025 Crystal Awards winners!

Hosted by the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools at SeaWorld Orlando, the Crystal Awards recognizes the heart and hustle of those who selflessly serve our OCPS students and schools. Thank you and congratulations to all of this year's honorees!

Catch the extended conversation on the Mondays with Maria Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts.

* The 2025-2026 School Bus Rider Registration form is now accessible to parents, schools, and Student Enrollment staff via the Skyward portal. Completing this form is mandatory, as it will facilitate the issuance of student bus ID cards. Please refer to the attached document for detailed instructions on how to access and complete the form.

* Please remember that due to being a fire and trip hazard, blankets are not allowed on school campus. A staff member will first give a warning to put away and not to bring back. If the student refuses, the blanket will be stored in building 700 (Discipline Office) for students to pick up after school.   

* Per OCPS: Delivery of food or beverages from off campus to students is not allowed during the school day. This includes food delivery from services such as Uber Eats or DoorDash. All students are able to eat free lunch and breakfast in our cafeteria every single day. After-school meals are also available for students who attend after-school programs. Parents/Guardians are not to bring food or drop off to students, unless documented as a dietary restriction or medical condition. Please reach out to drphillips_hs@ocps.net with any questions or concerns. https://drphillipshs.ocps.net/school_information/food_services 

* Students who arrive after 7:20am will come through the front office (not the gate) and receive a green late pass to 1st period.

* Students, please remember that you are not allowed to leave your classroom in the first or last 10 minutes of every class period.

* Students, your job here at school is to attend class and succeed in your studies and extracurriculars. Please make sure you are arriving to ALL of your classes on time and are attending each of your classes throughout the day, every day. Poor attendance, skipping, and tardiness can and will have a negative impact on your grade. If you are absent for a doctor's visit or anything else that warrants an excused absence, please make sure to submit a signed note to the front attendance office as soon as possible once you return to school. 

If you have 5 unexcused absences in a calendar month or 10 in 90 days you are considered truant and can lead to school and legal consequences (driver license revoked for example).

* Panther Parents and student drivers, please remember that there is only ONE (1) lane to turn right into the student parking lot and student drop off lanes. Please do not cut off other cars or attempt to turn right from the center lane. This not only can cause an accident but endangers yourself, the other drivers around you and anyone walking in the immediate area. As a reminder, you should also NEVER be dropping your students off ON Turkey Lake Road. This is extremely dangerous, especially in the dark mornings and could cause you or your student to be harmed if other cars do not anticipate your stop or see your student. The only place your student can be dropped off is in the drop off lane on DPHS campus. Remember, arriving early means your student can be dropped off quicker and safer. Please plan accordingly!  

Head gear:

DPHS —Never Less Than The Best!

Ms. Ramsey, Principal

Dr. Phillips High School 

Sunday, May 4, 2025