Congrats to the DPHS Dance Magnet Dance in Motion Travel Company!
From 272 entries, DP is honored to have been selected to perform High Voltage, Merging Currents, and Incandescence for the National High School Dance Festival in Pittsburgh, PA, February 26-March 2, 2025!!! Kudos to the Travel Company members:
Piper Allen, Olivia Anderson, Eva Baez, Noor El-helw, Katie Free, Yelani Hill, Chloe Leon, Morgan Marotta, Ky McCary, Fabiana Ocque, Valeria Perez, Andre Roche, AJ Williams, and Sana Williams
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Dear Mark,
Happy New Year 2025 to the families and friends of Dr. Phillips High School! I hope you enjoyed your winter break and had a chance to celebrate with your loved ones. As we begin this second school week of the new year, I am excited about the new educational challenges that await our Panthers, but also for keeping up the excellent progress made during the first semester. One of the keys to this success needed in the second semester will be the continuing support of our parents and community members. We all make a difference in student achievement when we work together.
Ford On Team Work
Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is Progress. Working together is Success.
~ Henry Ford, automotive pioneer
Thursday, January 9th was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and those of us here at Dr. Phillips want to share our appreciation for our SROs: Orlando Police Department officers Jimenez and Clark. Thank you to our Partner in Education Carrabba's Italian Grill for catering a delicious meal for our SROs!
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Ms. Baptiste, Principal Ramsey, Assistant Principal Johnson, Ms. Bynum, OPD Officer Jose Jimenez, OPD Officer Albinus Clark, Dean Nasrallah, Dean Fleming and Assistant Principal McDonald. | | |
Here is what we have included in this initial Panther Post edition for 2025:
1. Key dates
2. Special events
3. Testing
4. Clubs & Organizations
5. Guidance Office
6. Senior Photos
7. StuCo
8. Panther Happenings
9. College & Career
10. Panther Athletics
11. OCPS News
12. Policies & Procedures
DP Panthers—Never Less Than The Best
Principal, Jackie Ramsey
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Jan. 13-17: Tennis team conditioning
Jan. 13: CIS Cattle Car Tour, 6pm-8pm (scan below for reservations & details)
Jan. 14: Tidy-Up Tuesday, 2:30-3:30pm (earn community service hours)
Jan. 14: Boys Volleyball interest meeting, 2:30pm
Jan. 14: CIS Magnet Open House (9th Grade Only)
Jan. 14: VPA Magnet Open House, 7:15pm
Jan. 20: Dr. MLK, Jr. Holiday (No School)
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Jan. 21-23: Tennis team tryouts
Jan. 22: Valencia College Dual Enrollment Information Session, 6-7pm
Jan. 23: SAC Meeting, 4:30pm (School Advisory Council - All DP Community members welcome)
Jan. 23: ACCESS Testing for ELLs
Jan. 24: FREE Senior photo day in the media center (Last call!)
Jan. 26: Senior photo deadline to be included in the Yearbook (see details below)
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LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP! Free educational tour to END HATE NOW.
Open to OCPS families. Students can register for a spot using the QR code in the flyer. Must log in using OCPS email.
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CIS Magnet Open House for 9th Graders: | |
SAC Meeting, Monday, Jan. 23 at 4:30pm (School Advisory Council): | |
City of Orlando Dr. MLK, Jr. Events - LARGER VIEW (PDF) | |
Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony: May 22, 2025 | |
Schedule Changes for Spring:
There are no schedule changes this late in the school year, all classes at Dr. Phillips are a school year in length. Schedule changes for the year usually happen within the first 2-3 weeks of the school year (August).
Scheduling for the 2024-2025 School Year:
During the month of February students in 9th-11th grade will be scheduled to meet with their guidance counselors to turn in their schedule request form for next school year. There will be a presentation that students will attend to review how the form is to be completed, this will happen during your English class period. Once students receive their forms they will need to take it to each of their teachers to have it signed off on for their class placement for next school year. This is a great time to speak with your teachers about the classes you are interested in and how to achieve your goals for higher level classes. There are a few classes that require an application so this is a good time to speak with those teachers to learn what is needed to get into their classes. You will also need to have a parent signature on your form before we enter your schedule into Skyward. Information will be reviewed in detail during your presentations.
Transcript Requests:
If you are in need of a transcript, you can request on by going to the Dr. Phillips Student Services page and scrolling to the bottom. There is a transcript request link there that goes directly to our records clerk. Transcripts come from the state so there is a processing time. Please make sure to request your transcript early to account for the extra time it may take for your transcript to be received.
Scheduling a Meeting:
Students are able to schedule a meeting with their counselor by going to the Dr. Phillips Student Services webpage and clicking on their counselor. These are only meetings for students, if a parent would like to have a meeting they will need to email their student's counselor and set up a meeting with them. The guidance office is also open during your lunch period for walk-in times, no appointment is necessary for this. Any student with a scheduled meeting must get a pass from their teacher in order to leave their class, this is a school and district policy, no student should be out of class without a yellow pass.
Letters of Recommendation:
If you need a letter of recommendation, please remember you must complete the Letter of Recommendation packet. The packet can be picked up in the guidance office or accessed on the Student Services webpage. Counselors need 3 weeks to write letters of recommendation so please get your packet turned in early. Also, please make sure you are speaking with your counselor and/or teachers before putting them down for a letter of recommendation, this is a courtesy that is done for you and you want to make sure your counselor and/or teacher is aware that you will need a recommendation.
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Senior Portraits and Yearbooks | | |
* Presented by Student Council | |
Panther Happenings Around Campus | | |
Before the winter break, three DP art students had their work featured during the Superintendent’s Holiday Gathering at the Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center downtown (OCPS school board building). | |
Senior Tyler Scarborough’s “Christus” | |
Junior Alisa Andrievskaya’s “Reina Ssance” | |
Junior Alisa Andrievskaya’s “Contemplation” | |
Junior Malachi Salles’ “Glow of the Season” | |
AP Statistics with Ms. Van Grondelle: | |
Ms. Van Grondelle’s AP Stats class was recently asked, “What proportion of earth is covered in water?” Students used inflatable globes passed around to determine this for calculating proportional confidence intervals. | |
College and Career Center | | |
SENIORS….The FAFSA is open!!!!
Students will need at least one parent to make an FSA ID (unless parent has one from a previous child or FAFSA of their own) and complete the parent portion separately from the student. If the student has begun their portion, the parent should have an email invitation to the student’s FAFSA.
FSA ID Creation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTb7hMVtzco
FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/
Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/ opened on Oct. 1.
All seniors should complete this form in order to qualify for state scholarships and grants (includes Bright Futures).
For Bright Futures, students must meet all of the requirements in order to qualify for the scholarship money.
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Scholarships: SO MANY SCHOLARSHIPS OUT NOW!!!
Visit the College and Career Resource Center or https://bit.ly/ocps_scholarships
1. OCPS Foundation Scholarships- Check out the 17 new scholarships available to students through the OCPS Foundation on their newly designed platform. Use this link to create an account and apply for scholarships https://focps.grantplatform.com/. Eligibility can vary for each scholarship. Most scholarships are due by February 28, 2025.
* Impacto Academico Leadership Scholarship- The Impacto Academico Leadership Scholarship will award Brazilian students with individualized support and mentorship for college preparedness and leadership skills. The awardees will receive in-kind services valued at up to $9,000.
* 4Rivers Black Youth Scholarship- The 4Rivers Black Youth Scholarship will award a student pursuing a vocational, 2-year, or 4-year degree at a college or university with a $2,500 scholarship
* Alexander Lauder W. Adams Estate Fund Scholarship- The Alexander Lauder W. Adams Fund was established in 1991 to provide scholarships for graduates of Edgewater High School. This scholarship awards $1,500 to qualified OCPS high school seniors.
* Coach Fred Pennington Scholarship Form- The Coach Fred Pennington Endowment Fund has helped provide annual $1,500 scholarships to Evans High School basketball players or cheerleaders from low-income families seeking to attend a technical/vocational school, college, or university.
* Charles T. Smith Scholarship- The Charles T. Smith Scholarship is awarded to a high school senior who has shown excellence in volunteer service. The annual award is $1,000 to a qualified student.
* Charlotte Roth Memorial Scholarship (Me & MyCommUnity)- The Charlotte Roth Memorial Scholarship will award a student who participated in the Me & MyCommUnity mentorship program with a $2,500 scholarship award.
* David and Stephanie Carmany Family Foundation Scholarship for Excellence in Debate- The David and Stephanie Carmany Debate Scholarship is awarded to a student who is excelling in debate and pursuing a post-secondary education at a four-year college or university. Scholarship award amounts vary.
* Earl K. Wood Scholarship- The Earl K. Wood Scholarship fund award recognizes public speaking ability in a high school senior as it honors the long-time Orange County Tax Collector, who was a member of the Orlando Conquerors Toastmaster Club 1066 for many years. One student will be awarded a scholarship of $2,500
* Neffo Scholarship- The Neffo Scholarship looks to support a high school senior dedicated to community service with at least one parent working for Orange County Public Schools. The award amount is $1,000.
* Sorosis of Orlando Woman’s Club Scholarship- The Sorosis of Orlando Women’s Club Scholarship selects an OCPS high school senior with an average award of $2,400.
* Ron Jon Scholarship- The Ron Jon Scholarship will be awarded to two OCPS seniors who seek to pursue an undergraduate degree at a Florida college or university in a business-related program with a scholarship award of $3,500.
* Royce B. Walden & Bert E. Roper Scholarship- The Royce B. Walden and Bert E. Roper Scholarship Fund is for migrant and homeless graduating senior high school students from Apopka High School, Evans High School, Jones High School, Ocoee High School, or West Orange High School who plan to attend a program at an OCPS Career & Technical Education Center. Scholarship award amounts vary.
* MLK Service Award- (deadline Jan 31st) The essence of the MLK Service Award lies in recognizing and celebrating students who not only excel academically but also exemplify a deep sense of community responsibility. Dr. King’s dream of a more just and compassionate world is encapsulated in this award, encouraging students to reflect on the power of service and its potential to bring about meaningful change. Through this $5,000 scholarship, we aim to foster a community of future leaders who carry forward Dr. King’s values and contribute to the betterment of society through their dedicated service.
* MLK Technology Award- (deadline Jan 31st) This prestigious scholarship is crafted to recognize and empower students who embody Dr. King’s commitment to community through technological innovation. By fostering a deep connection between technology and community improvement, this award aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders. These leaders will utilize their skills and knowledge in technology to address societal challenges, bridge gaps, and contribute to the greater good. Through the MLK Technology Award of $5,000, U.S. Hunger aspires to inspire a profound sense of responsibility among students — a responsibility to leverage technology as a powerful tool for positive change.
* Mikey Stroz Memorial Scholarship- Each spring the Fund will distribute a scholarship to a graduating senior who has been accepted to a college/university or technical college. Priority will be given to a student-athlete who has been part of the Central Florida lacrosse family. Scholarship award amounts vary.
* Suncoast Credit Union Scholars- The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation is awarding $2,000 to two high school seniors pursuing post-secondary education in the 2025-26 school year at an accredited Florida 4-year college or university, 2-year college or technical school.
* Tom E. Halley & Carl W. Parks Memorial Scholarship- The Tom E. Halley & Carl W. Parks Memorial Scholarship supports students who are experiencing financial hardships with a $1,000 award.
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College trends in the news: | |
* 4 Trends Shaping College Admissions for the Class of 2026
By Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes (Dec. 24, 2024)
https://www.forbes.com/sites/avivalegatt/2024/12/20/4-trends-shaping-college-admissions-for-the-class-of-2026/
Excerpt from the Forbes magazine article:
1. Early Admission Trends are Shifting in College Admissions
2. Standardized Testing Requirements Make a Comeback and Advantage Applicants Who Test Well
3. Academics Remain the Cornerstone of College Admissions
4. Explore College Alternatives
* Acceptance to Florida universities tougher than ever
By Eik Waxler, WFTS Tampa Bay - ABC News (Dec. 19, 2024)
https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-pasco/acceptance-to-florida-universities-tougher-than-ever
Excerpt from the ABC News article:
Schools that used to be fallback schools like USF and UCF are right up there with 4.1 or higher GPAs for admission and at least the minimum Bright Futures score of 1210 or 25. So, it really has made it a lot more competitive for mid-range students to get into a university. There are many reasons why it’s tougher to get into some Florida schools. One is students using the Common App. It’s a single online application to apply to several universities at the same time. Social media is also advertising what Florida’s colleges have to offer to a much wider audience.
* Student loan debt: Averages and other statistics in 2025
By Rebecca Safier and Jamie Young, USA Today (Sept. 29, 2024)
https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/student-loans/average-student-loan-debt-statistics/
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Excerpt from the USA Today article:
Average student loan debt expected for a high school graduate
In 2024, borrowers have an average of $37,853 in federal student loan debt and $40,681 in private student loan debt, according to the Education Data Initiative. For 2025 high school graduates, these averages could increase if tuition costs continue to rise at both public and private colleges.
How long does it take to repay student loans?
The amount of time it takes to repay student loans depends on the type of loans you have and your repayment plan. According to a survey of 61,000 individuals by Research.com, student loan borrowers take an average of more than 20 years to pay off their education debt.
Reminder for all of our Panthers! Please take advantage of our College and Career Resource Center while you are still at Boone. Mr. Petrusic can help you with questions regarding the trends written about above as well as those pertaining to non-college career opportunities including U.S. military service.
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This week in Panther sports: | |
Calling all boys interested in playing DP Volleyball!
There will be an Interest Meeting on Tuesday, January 14th at 2:30pm in Coach Remy's room #4-122 (small building at the end of the bus loop). Information will be shared about our Volleyball program, athletic physicals, and tryouts.
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Tennis Team Conditioning and Tryouts: | |
Weekly Superintendent's Message: "Mondays with Maria" | |
Jan. 6, 2025
Can you believe we are halfway through the school year already?!
On this week's Mondays with Maria presented by Addition Financial, Dr. Vazquez and Nancy Alvarez talk about all the exciting things happening this semester, including graduation, special events and much more!
And don't forget to catch the extended conversation on the Mondays with Maria Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts!
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The 2025-2025 Magnet Window is open until February 15th: | |
Checking Your Student's State Test Scores Online: | |
Families, you can preview the PM2 scores for your child online. Please reference the information provided just below for directions on how to look up your child's scores.
Reminder for DP parents: The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) is a progress monitoring system that is administered three times per year to track your student’s progress in learning the Benchmarks of Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards throughout this school year.
FAST assessments are computer-adaptive tests taken on a computer or tablet. The questions get easier or more difficult depending on how the student responds, and each student will see different questions from a common item bank.
Each test attempt (PM1, PM2, and PM3) will present 35–40 items that will cover the entire test “blueprint,” meaning students will encounter items representative of the standards within the subject or grade level. For more information on the test design, please visit https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/k-12-student-assessment/best/.
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* 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
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* 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!
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DPHS —Never Less Than The Best!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Ms. Ramsey, Principal
Dr. Phillips High School
Sunday, January 12, 2025
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This communication may contain information that is legally privileged, confidential or exempt from disclosure and intended only for the use of the addressee(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, please note that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Anyone who receives this message in error should notify the sender immediately by telephone or by return e-mail, and delete the message from their computer and any printout thereof. Please note that OCPS utilizes spam and junk e-mail filtration applications in its e-mail systems. That filtering process may prevent or delay delivery of certain e-mail communications. If you do not receive a timely response to an e-mail communication, please contact the intended recipient by phone. |
Copyright Notice
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 - Dr. Phillips High School is forbidden without written consent. Thank you for your support of the Orange County Public Schools and especially Dr. Phillips High School. Please contact amanda.stavdal@ocps.net with any questions or for further information.
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Dr. Phillips High School
6500 Turkey Lake Road,
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone 407-355-3200
Fax 407-355-3288
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