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Our Center for International Studies students during a visit to the Holocaust Center on Thursday, October 1. Their memorable experience is this week's Panther Spotlight!

On October 1, 2026 students from the CIS program visited the Holocaust Center here in Orlando. Mrs. Patel, the head of CIS, had this to say about the experience: 

"The visit to the Holocaust center was especially memorable because we were able to hear Ms. Schneider speak about being a young child in Poland when the Nazis came for them. Rotations visiting the new wing of the center gave students a chance to see artifacts, articles, and eye witness accounts of the past. Students learned about the significance of Mezuzahs (prayers hung on doors) in Jewish culture and practiced sketching one. Students reflected on what they learned and how to be a better citizen of the world. Come see parts of our experience at the PEACE WALK on Nov. 4."

Larissa Batista Papa, from Mrs. Patel's AICE General Paper class, had this to say:

"Hello Dr. Patel, 

First off, I wanted to thank you for this amazing opportunity to get to meet and listen to a Holocaust survivor in person and see real artifacts from that time period. To listen to her recount her experiences over the course and even after the war was different than anything I’ve ever had the privilege to hear. The way she made her story come alive as if we were seeing her memories with her was something that you couldn’t replace with even the best documentary or article of the Holocaust. This was one of those events that you never forget because of how special they are."

Gabby Jones, Ms. Schneider, and Trinity Hardy

Dylan Tannus and Leonardo Moreira with Ms. Schneider

Ja'evon Hill, Gabriel Lopez and CIS Parent Chaperone

October is: National Bullying Prevention Month, LGBTQ+ Awareness Month, Monday 10/13, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, 10/1-10/13 Disability History and Awareness Weeks

DPHS Dance Magnet is excited to host the Jon Lehrer Dance Company from New York the Week of Oct. 19-24.

Tickets to Wednesday night, 10/21, 6-8 master classes and to the Full Concert 

Saturday, 10/24 at 6:30 PM can be found on the dance magnet website: https://dpdancemagnet.ocps.net/events.html 

Annual Stakeholder Survey closes this Tuesday, Oct. 13:

● Fall Sports/Homecoming Pep Rally is Thursday, 10/15. Make sure to wear the color for your class.

● Homecoming is FRIDAY, 10/16 vs Windermere

● The Homecoming dance, A Night in NYC is Saturday, 10/17 from 7-11pm, tickets available now on TeachTix: teachtix.com/dphs/homecoming-dance-2026  

● To get hyped for the dance, participate in the Homecoming Spirit week

Every Friday after school, the Dr. Phillips Air Force JROTC PT (Physical Training) Team plays sports to have fun and work as a team. These cadets learn a lot of skills, like trust and positive energy in every game. Everyone has fun and learns a little more about each other!!!

Ms. McKenzie, our CRT and Teacher of the Year for 2026, recently received a commemorative plaque. She had this to say: 

"Thank you very much, Ms. Johnson for the beautiful personalized DP Teacher of the Year desk plaque. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated.  

The plaque is now displayed in my office with pride. 

I appreciate and thank everyone for being great colleagues and friends. It is a pleasure to represent Dr. Phillips High School.

It is absolutely amazing to be a part of Dr. Phillips High School where we are "Never Less Than the Best."  

Friday, October 2nd was our first Panther Prowl, a.k.a. Connectivity Day, of the year. All of our students had the opportunity to join a fun activity. Some crafted, some did science experiments, some played with food, some did sports or games, but all enjoyed the chance to make new friends and experience something fun and maybe new. 

Thank you to Ms. Sanchez, Ms. Lawrence, Ms. Blair, Ms. Phillips, and Ms. Popp for organizing everything and everyone. Thank you to all of the teachers who hosted activities for our students. 

Principal Ramsey poses with District 5 school board member Ms. Vicki-Elaine Felder (an OG DP Panther!) during friendship bracelet making. 

Friendship bracelet making

Friendship bracelet making

Friendship bracelet making

Homemade ice cream making

Homemade ice cream making

Homemade ice cream making

Homemade ice cream making

Chalk art

🎨 Celebrating Our Student Artists!

We are incredibly proud to celebrate 12 original artworks created by 11 of our talented Dr. Phillips High School Visual Art students, selected for the annual Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center (RBELC) Hispanic Heritage Month Student Art Exhibition!

Their artwork is currently on display at the RBELC through October 15, joining student artwork from across the community in a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and the rich cultural experiences, histories, identities, and stories that inspire our students as artists.

🌎 Art, Culture & Student Voice

This exhibition is a wonderful example of how our students use art not only to develop their technical skills, but also to explore ideas, reflect on culture and history, and communicate meaning through visual expression.

The featured artworks were created in alignment with the Visual Arts benchmark:

VA.912.S.1.3 — Interpret and reflect on cultural and historical events to create art.

Through their individual ideas, materials, imagery, and artistic choices, these students transformed their reflections into original works of art. Their pieces demonstrate how the art-making process can become a way to explore heritage, memory, identity, community, and personal experience.

🖼️ Meet Our Featured Artists

Gianna Santiago — Grade 10

Caribbean Love | Acrylic

Keira Bardt — Grade 10

Reclamation of Abandoned Culture | Colored Pencils

Muddy Waters | Mixed Media

Keyshlianis Mercado Rivera — Grade 10

A Little Taste of the Island | Mixed Media

Sofany Natasha Merida Morales — Grade 9

Roots and Recollection | Oil Pastel

Stella Ethridge — Grade 11

La Catrina | Mixed Media

Sofia Hernandez — Grade 10

My Heritage | Mixed Media

Selene Acevedo Cruz — Grade 9

Flowers of Time | Mixed Media

Kelsy Douglas — Grade 12

Three Roots, One Identity | Mixed Media

Alicya Apolinaria Vaz — Grade 12

A Common Day in Latino America | Mixed Media

Cigana | Mixed Media

Zoey Bazan — Grade 9

Home Cooked | Oil Pastel

✨ A Celebration Beyond the Classroom

One of the most rewarding parts of teaching art is watching students take an idea that begins in the classroom and develop it into something meaningful enough to share with a wider audience.

These 12 works represent 12 unique artistic voices and perspectives. We are so proud that their creativity and thoughtful exploration of culture and history have earned them a place in this year's RBELC exhibition.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding student artists and celebrating their accomplishments!

Congratulations, artists! We are so proud to see your work representing Dr. Phillips High School in our community. 🎨❤️

The RBELC Hispanic Heritage Month Student Art Exhibition is on display through October 15.

From top to bottom and left to right: 

Keira Bardt, Gianna Santiago 

Keyshlianis Mercado Rivera, Alicya Apolinaria Vaz

Sofany Natasha Merida Morales, Keira Bardt

Kelsy Douglas, Stella Ethridge

From top to bottom and left to right: 

Alicya Apolinaria Vaz, Selene Acevedo Cruz 

Zoey Bazan, Sofia Hernandez 

Ms. Conner, our Orange Technical College representative, speaking to Ms. Stavdal's 11th grade English class about Orange Technical College.

OTC Dual Enrollment:

Earn Free College Credit & Industry Certifications with Orange Technical College!

Are you looking for a head start on your career before you graduate high school?

As an eligible high school student in Orange County Public Schools, you have the amazing opportunity to enroll in Orange Technical College (OTC) dual enrollment at no tuition cost.

Why Join OTC Dual Enrollment?

● Tuition-Free: Public school students pay zero tuition for courses. 

● Earn Certifications: Gain valuable, industry-recognized credentials in high-demand fields.

● Save Time: Attend half-day classes at an OTC campus while earning high school elective credits. 

● Career Ready: Step straight into a well-paying career or advance to further post-secondary training right after graduation.

Next Steps to Apply

1. Check Eligibility: Speak with your high school counselor or CTE Career Specialist to review your GPA and graduation requirements. 

1. Explore Programs: Visit the Orange Technical College website to see available career pathways or attend the field trips in Jan. 2027

1. Apply Early: Application windows typically open in October, and space is limited!

2026-2027 Dual Enrollment 

Orange Technical College Career Certificate Programs

3-D Animation Technology

Accounting Operations

Automotive Collision Technology Technician

Master Automotive Service Technology

Building Construction Technologies

Computer-Aided Drawing and Modeling

CNC Production Specialist

Diesel Systems Technician

Digital Cinema Production

Digital Media/Multimedia Design

Digital Photography Technology

Digital Video Technology

Electricity

Electronic Systems Technology

Enterprise Desktop and Mobile Support Technology

Fundamental Foodservice Skills

Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration 1

Legal Administrative Specialist

Lodging Operations

Machining Technologies

Major Appliances and Refrigeration Technician

Marketing, Management, and Entrepreneurial Principles

Mechatronics Technology

Medical Administrative Specialist

Medical Assisting

Medical Laboratory Assisting

Modeling Simulation Design

Patient Care Assistant

Pharmacy Technician

Plumbing

Practical Nursing

Telecommunications and Fiber Optic Technician

Welding Technology

Panther footnote:

You might want to match up the list of OTC dual enrollment opportunities vs. the latest job growth projections from the state of Florida for Orange County through 2034. Floridajobs.org publishes this list annually and you will find tuition-free education for many of the higher growth occupations in Orange County offered through OTC dual enrollment. This may be something to take advantage of while you are still at DP.

This Week in Panther Athletics:

Panther in the News

Dr. Phillips High quarterback Tien Williams embraces role after waiting his turn (Orange Observer, Oct. 8)

Tien Williams, quarterback for Dr. Phillips High, has trained as a starter for the last two years. As a junior, now is his time and he's carrying the team as its 2026 year progresses.

Dr. Phillips High School’s 4-2 year has come through the hands of QB Tien Williams, who has remained consistent, has controlled what he can and now is thriving.

The following is Orange County Public Schools' attendance policy:

Absences shall be excused for the following:

o Illness, injury, or other insurmountable condition;

o Illness or death of a member of the student’s immediate family (OCPS practice has been to define immediate family as the student’s mother, father, brother, sister, stepmother, stepfather, step-siblings, and other relatives who live in the student’s home);

o Recognized (or established) religious holidays and/or religious instruction;

o Medical appointments;

o Legal appointments;

o Participation in an approved activity or class of instruction held at another site;

o Catastrophic disasters that significantly impact the life of the student (e.g. loss of residence from natural disaster).

The following ARE NOT excused absences:

● Car trouble

● Family vacations

● Family reunions

● Going out of town for a wedding

● Had an appointment – to be excused you must provide the proper documentation such as doctor/dentist/therapist’s note, USCIS appointment request, DMV paperwork, etc.

● Personal reasons/personal matters – to be excused something must be stated; for example, my mother is ill. We do not need a lengthy explanation, but we do need a little more than just “personal reasons”.

● Family emergency – to be excused something must be stated; for example, my mother is ill. We do not need a lengthy explanation, but we do need a little more than just “family emergency."

Thank you!

The Panther Attendance Team

OCPS Policy on Micromobility Devices

To promote student safety and maintain a secure learning environment, OCPS has adopted new guidelines regarding the use of micromobility devices on school property. 

Only high school students with a valid driver's license or learner’s driver license permit will be allowed to bring motorized micromobility devices on school property but must obtain a school-issued decal. They also must walk the device once they enter campus and must secure in designated bicycle racks or other approved locations. Riding on sidewalks, courtyards, athletic fields, grass areas, or other pedestrian spaces is prohibited. Charging batteries or bringing detached batteries onto school property is also prohibited.

Students will also be required to operate all devices safely and responsibly and must comply with all applicable laws, district policies, and school rules. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action and the loss of the privilege to bring a micromobility device onto school property.

Regardless of grade level, modified electric bicycles, Class 3 electric bicycles, and electronic motorcycles are prohibited on school property.

Student Drivers:

As you enter and exit the school parking lot, please remember that safety comes first. Put away cell phones and headphones, watch carefully for pedestrians, and follow the posted 10 MPH speed limit. These expectations help keep everyone safe—students, staff, and visitors. Thank you for doing your part to drive safely on our campus.

Family Drivers:

This is a reminder that student drop-off must take place at the designated entrance located at the Paw Street light and entryway. Recently, there has been an increase in some students being dropped off at other entry points, which creates safety and supervision concerns. Please do not use the student and staff parking lot for student drop off.

All families are expected to use the designated drop-off area each morning using the Paw Street entryway. Your cooperation helps us ensure a safe and smooth arrival for all students.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.”

Students, that 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 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!  

“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

1) Our CIS students had the opportunity this month to visit the Holocaust Center of Florida. Around the world, there are only about 250,000 Holocaust survivors alive.

Source: Statista  Read full article 

2) This one is for our Girls in Medicine or any of our Panthers thinking about a career path in healthcare. Over the past year, healthcare has added more than 500,000 jobs, while all other industries have lost a combined 20,000 (though that does have a lot to do with federal government job losses).

Panther footnote: If any student wants to learn more about Girls in Medicine, please find one of our officers or Ms. Dizeu in room 3-203! (Jade Leaf - President, Victoria Maxson - Vice President, Sophie Ha - Secretary, Ashlynn Ercolino - Historian)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (Oct. 2) Table B-1

3) Read inspirational quotes for our Panthers at the beginning of the second quarter about trusting yourself, positive thinking, and being honest.

Stein On Conviction

Let me listen to myself and not to them.

~ Gertrude Stein, author, poet, playwright (portrait - right)

McKinley On Optimism

In the time of darkest defeat, victory may be nearest.

~ William McKinley, 25th U.S. president

Murrow On Honesty

To be persuasive we must be believable. To be believable we must be credible. To be credible we must be truthful.

~ Edward R. Murrow, broadcast journalist

James On Passion

If you care enough for a result, you will most certainly attain it.

~ William James, psychologist

Babauta On Focus

Simplicity: Identify the essential, eliminate the rest.

~ Leo Babauta, author

DPHS —Never Less Than The Best!

Ms. Ramsey, Principal

Dr. Phillips High School 

Sunday, October 11, 2026