The Student Services Team during College Colors Week earlier this month. Our team is always ready to help students along on their journey may it be college bound or career oriented. | | |
Wekiva High School Community Brief
Monday, September 14, 2026
| | A Message from Principal Russell | | |
Wekiva Community Member,
Unstoppable momentum, fierce grit, and undeniable achievement, another week at Wekiva High School proved that Mustang excellence is non-negotiable! Every day, our students are stepping up, raising the bar, and proving what happens when relentless focus meets ambition. This week, our hallways didn't just host classes, they roared with purpose. Wekiva students showed up ready to conquer tough concepts, master complex ideas, and dominate their academic goals. Breakthroughs don't happen by luck; they are forged through raw discipline and daily effort. That passion for greatness is the beating heart of the Wekiva culture. In every classroom, expectations weren't just met, they were shattered. Our educators continue to build world-class learning environments, driving our Mustangs to think bigger and aim higher.
True champions aren't defined by smooth sailing; they are defined by how they respond to turbulence. A midweek challenge or tough moment isn't a defeat, it's a battle test. We don't demand perfection, but we insist on perseverance. When a setback hits, the mandate is simple: Attack the challenge, refocus, and come back stronger tomorrow. Every obstacle is an invitation to grow. Our faculty stands ready to coach, support, and push every student past their perceived limits. We build resilience, demand accountability, and ignite continuous progress.
To Our Mustangs: We see your drive, and we honor your hustle. Stay locked in on your big-picture vision. Let every temporary obstacle fuel your fire for a massive comeback. Show up every single day ready to work, win, and lead.
To Our Families: You are the backbone of this movement. Your constant support, daily encouragement, and high expectations at home keep our drive alive. Thank you for pushing our Mustangs to stay focused and resilient.
To Our Educators and Staff: You set the standard. Your relentless belief in our students' potential and your refusal to lower the bar are turning Wekiva into a powerhouse of high achievement.
Together, we are unstoppable. Keep charging forward!
If no one told you they Love You, Mr. Russell Loves You, and there is nothing you can do about it.
Sincerely,
Principal Anthony K. Russell, Jr.
| | This Week at Wekiva: Sept. 14-18 | | |
All Week: Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week
Monday, 9/14: After-School Tutoring
Monday, 9/14: Softball Interest Meeting
Tuesday, 9/15: US History & Biology EOC Retakes
Wednesday, 9/16: College, Military, and Career Colors Day
Wednesday, 9/16: JV Football vs Lake Nona (away)
Thursday, 9/17: After-School Tutoring
Friday, 9/18: Varsity Football vs Lake Nona (HOME)
| | ------------------------------- | | Thursday, 9/21: Between the Bells Kick Off Pep Rally | | 2) Tutoring starts this week! | | 3) Talent Show auditions (Sept. 24): | | 4) Seniors - Ice Cream Social (Sept. 25): | | 5) Wekiva Yearbook Sale through Sept. 30 / Advertising: | | |
Academics - Classroom Spotlight
Algebra 1 with Mr. Weeldreyer
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In Algebra I, Mr. Weeldreyer did an excellent job teaching students how to find the equation of a line in slope-intercept form. He broke the learning into small, digestible chunks, allowing students to process each step, build their understanding, and then apply the knowledge independently.
This is what effective instruction looks like—making complex concepts accessible while continuously building toward mastery.
Most importantly, knowing what students know and can do before they leave the classroom is one of the most critical pieces of the educational process. When teachers consistently check for understanding and ensure students can apply what they have learned, we create the conditions necessary for high academic achievement and lasting success.
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Collaboration in Action
English Language Arts 10
Our ELA 10 collaborative Team is working together to strengthen instructional strategies, met the diverse needs of our students, and build meaningful relationships that create engaging and welcoming learning experiences.
| | Ms. Teague (Program Specialist), Ms. Orizondo (ELA Instructional Coach), Ms. Brown (ELA 10), Ms. Roberts (ELA 10), and Ms. Morgan (ELA 10) giving true meaning to the saying, “All in, no excuses” by working collaboratively during their planning period. | | |
Counselor Corner
Wednesdays during lunches
At Wekiva High School, we believe every student deserves access to guidance, encouragement, and meaningful conversations that help them prepare for their future.
That is why Counselor Corner takes place every day during both lunches, providing students with an opportunity to connect with a school counselor in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Counselor Corner is more than just a place to ask questions, it is a space where students can talk, learn, plan, and prepare for life beyond high school. Students can engage in meaningful conversations with counselors about their goals, interests, challenges, and plans for the future.
| | Ms. Ana Filpo, Guidance Counselor, enjoys lunch duty because it allows her to see students outside of her office and take in the fresh air. | | |
College Colors Day 2026
Wekiva staff and students participated in College Colors Day 2026, marking the annual celebration to kick off the fall college athletic season. The event encourages fans, students, and alumni to proudly wear their school colors.
| | Amir Sutton has big dreams of going to Bethune Cookman University. | | Ms. Ortiz and a student representing the colleges they love, University of Florida and University of Puerto Rico. | | University of Florida and University of Central Florida was well represented on College Colors Day. | | Mrs. Timpson and her student supported College Color Day 2026. Go Knights! Go Gators! | | Ms. Richburg and students showing love for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Bethune Cookman University and Shaw University. | | It’s great to see both teachers and students excited about College Color Day 2026. Mr. Apfel and Ma’Niah Phillips. | | Many students also showed their support for the ILLUSTRIOUS Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University…Go FAMU! | | Ms. Westfall cheers for Florida International University Panthers. | | The great leaders Assistant Principal Tolbert and Principal Russell participated in the College Colors Day event. | | Behavior Specialist and Cheer Coach, Ms. Boose-Hayward loves the Black and Gold…Go Knights! | | College and Career Resource Corner | | Meet Mrs. Williams, Wekiva College and Career Specialist | | September College and Career Visits | | |
College and Career Wednesdays
Universal Technical Institute and the Army presented for our students on College and Career Wednesdays.
It is completely normal for high school students to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about their future after graduation. To help students figure out the next steps, Wekiva High School hosts both college and armed forces visits Wednesdays during both lunches, giving students a convenient space to explore potential paths.
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Mustang Athletics
Softball Interest Meeting this Monday!
There will be a meeting on Monday, Sept. 14 for any girls looking to play softball this spring. No experience necessary!
| Makenzy McIntosh (graduated), Arianna Garcia (graduated), Lincia Joseph (graduated), Kyla Florestil (graduated), Cindy Caraballo Castillo, Tasha Colas, Ahmany Green, and Jahliyah McCoy | | |
Mental Health Corner
Between the Bells is coming up soon and we could not be more excited!
Join us in the cafeteria during both lunches all week for music, activities, giveaways and so much more!
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Getting Connected
So many ways to get involved with Lighthouse this month!
Join us at any of the following activities or stop by Room 638 with any questions!
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1) What affects the mental health of US teenagers?
Please be sure to see our 'Mental Health Corner' and 'Get Connected' segments in this issue.
| | 2) Electric bike injuries treated by US emergency rooms have surged. | | |
3) Best value public universities. The cost of attending college vs. future job earnings.
The map illustrates one of several factors any of our college-bound Mustangs ought to consider when selecting a college. We encourage students to visit with Mrs. Williams (College and Career Specialist) and Wekiva's College and Career Center when the topic of 'return on investment' or financial aid comes up.
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4) This is Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week at Wekiva.
Based upon 'Hispanic Business-Friendliness' and 'Hispanic Purchasing Power' Orlando ranks #3 among best cities for Hispanic entrepreneurs.
| | 5) The Marine Corps has the largest percentage of Hispanic or Latino active-duty members (29.3%), while the Space Force has the smallest percentage (15.0%). | | 6) Read inspirational quotes for our Mustangs for the week ahead about acting on your plans, taking initiative and the importance of supporting others. | | |
Johnson On Influence
All kids need is a little help, a little hope and somebody who believes in them.
~ Magic Johnson, basketball player and businessman
Staley On Taking Action
You have to be willing to do the things today others won't do, in order to have the things tomorrow others won't have.
~ Dawn Staley, basketball player and coach
Ohanian On Boldness
Don't wait for the perfect moment. Start, learn and improve as you go.
~ Alexis Ohanian, businessman
Walton On Excellence
High expectations are the key to everything.
~ Sam Walton, founder of Walmart
Jeffers On Courage
You don't have to be fearless. Doing it afraid is brave.
~ Susan Jeffers, psychologist
| | Wekiva High School Contacts | | |
Thank you for reading. Make it a great week, Mustangs!
Mr. Russell, Principal
Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
| | 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 Orange County Public Schools 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. | | |
Wekiva High School | Mr. Russell, Principal | 407.297.4900 | WHS Website | | | | |
