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August 14, 2026- Weekly Update

Posted Date: 08/14/26 (06:00 PM)


University High School logo featuring a cougar head and the text 'Every Student College and Career Ready'.

Weekly Update

University High School

August 14, 2026
The University High School building features Spanish-style architecture with arched walkways and a prominent entrance.

Hello Cougar Families!

Welcome to this week's edition of "THE U"'s Weekly Update. I am excited to share the latest happenings at University High School and updates from our school community to keep you informed and engaged.

Christy Gorberg, Principal
 

School News and Updates

Student Schedules- We are still working through schedule change requests as they come in, and other adjustments will be made in the next couple of weeks to balance class sizes and ensure everyone receives the classes and support they need.

Club Rush- Our annual Club Rush will be held this Wednesday during both lunch shifts. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the various honor societies, organizations, academic teams, and sports that U offers.

ELA PM1 Testing Reminder- Tuesday, August 25th, all 9th- and 10th-grade students will be taking PM1. Please make sure you have a school-issued laptop available and fully charged before testing day. Thank you for your preparation and cooperation!

PSAT, SAT and AP testing: If your child receives accommodations, you were sent information about College Board testing.

Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up: Cars must follow the designated traffic pattern when dropping off and picking up students. Please pull all the way forward to the very end of the drive in front of the school. Stopping at the curve or at the front school doors/gates causes unnecessary backups and delays in the car line. Your cooperation helps keep our car line safe and efficient for everyone.

Here's what is happening at the U next week:

Monday, 8/17

Tuesday, 8/18

Wednesday, 8/19
Club Rush- A & B Lunch

Thursday, 8/20
Varsity Football Home vs Magnolia (CA) 6pm

Friday, 8/21
Spirit Day! Wear Blue and Gold or your favorite Cougar Gear! 
 

Upcoming Events

Back to School Spirit Week: 8/24 - 8/28
  • 8/24 - Frat Day
  • 8/25 - Twin Day
  • 8/25 - PM1 for ELA (9th and 10th graders) and 11th and 12th grade assemblies
  • 8/26 - Pajama Day
  • 8/27 - Kindergarten Day
  • 8/28 - Favorite Subject: Grab a colored bead coordinating with your favorite subject in the morning!
  • 9/3 - College Colors Day
  • 9/4 Senior Sunrise and Walk-in
  • 9/7 No School- Labor Day
  • 9/8 F.A.S.T ELA Retakes (11th and 12th)
  • 9/17 Underclassmen Picture Day
  • 10/6 PSAT
 

Important Reminders

Cell Phones & iPads/tablets & Headphones - From first to last bell, students may not use cell phones, iPads, tablets, smartwatches, earbuds, or headphones. Per OCPS policy, all devices must be silenced and stored in a backpack or purse for the entire school day, including during class changes and lunch. If a student is found using a device, they will be required to turn it in. After the first offense, progressive discipline will follow. For more information, visit www.ocps.net to view the Code of Student Conduct.

Food Delivery- Food delivery of any kind is not allowed at the school for students during the day. Food delivery drivers will not be allowed into the office to drop off food.

OCPS Dress Code- Please make sure you review the 26-27 Dress Code for students below. This will be enforced daily on our campus according to the OCPS 26-27 Code Of Conduct. OCPS Code Of Conduct 26-27
A graphic illustration depicts a student figure with guidelines for appropriate school attire.

Student Services @ "THE U"

Counselor's Corner

University High School Student Services logo with a cougar and laurel wreath.

Student Services Team

Assistant Principal of Instruction
Ms. Kanishia West

School Counselors
Mrs. Balaban
Alpha Assignment: A- Dor
Ms. Martin
Alpha Assignment: Dos - L
Ms. Ammirata
Alpha Assignment: M - Riva
Mrs. Azucey
Alpha Assignment: Rive - Z
Ms. Bond
Alpha Assignment: 504 Students & Coordinator
Ms. Castillo
Alpha Assignment: Magnet Students 

Staffing Specialist
Mrs. Storey & Ms. Karp
Magnet & Adv Studies Coordinator
Ms. Alvarado
College and Career Specialist
Mrs. Greene
CTE Coordinator
Ms. DeJesus
School Social Worker
Mrs. Larsen
Registrar
Ms. Torres
Student Services Clerk
Mrs. Gabard
Graphic announcing 'SCHEDULE Change REQUEST' with school logo and text about counselors processing requests.

Cougar Wellness Corner

MINDFUL BREATHING
Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or distracted? Try mindful breathing. Take a few moments each day to focus on the sensation of air entering and leaving your body. Simply observe your breath without trying to change it. As thoughts arise, gently bring your attention back to your breathing.
Practicing mindful breathing can help calm the mind, reduce stress, improve focus, and create a sense of balance throughout the day. Whether you're preparing for a test, transitioning between classes, or winding down after a busy day, just a few minutes of intentional breathing can make a positive difference in your overall well-being.

Try it today: Take three slow, mindful breaths and notice how you feel afterward. Small moments of mindfulness can have a big impact!

College and Career Resource Center

Every Student Student College and Career Ready

Logo for CCRC: College and Career Resource Center at University High School, Orlando, Florida.

Mrs. Greene - College and Career Specialist

Important Dates:
August 26th - Advent Health Volunteer Management will make a presentation during 6th or 7th period for students 16 or older hosted by HOSA and the CCRC. Students must register to attend this informational session. Remember Bright Futures requires 75 - 100 volunteer or work hours to qualify. Here is the registration link: https://forms.gle/HFKpfBmWQSgxoq848
Poster listing Fall 2027 Early Action Deadlines for Florida Public Universities, with university logos and dates.
Upcoming Admission Representatives Visits:
  • Rollins - August 27
  • FSU - September 14
  • FL Poly - September 16
  • Valencia - November 5
Seniors and Juniors will need to register for these events. Registration will be sent via student email and our uhs.ccrc Instagram page.
August 28th - Questbridge Presentation-More information will be forthcoming.
A dark background with a stylized 'U' logo in navy blue and tan. The right side of the 'U' has the word 'COUGARS' written vertically in tan.

Athletics

Tickets
Join the UCAA!
Home Campus
University High School weekly athletic schedule from Monday the 17th to Saturday the 22nd.
University Athletics presents 'Cougar Passes' for the 2026-27 season, offering access to home games.

Yearbook

Memories that last forever

F.A.Q. Ordering Yearbooks

Use school code "266" when clicking above. Get the best price by ordering early.

Senior ads are available when you purchase and are completely customizable. Choose your size, add photos and include a short message to surprise your senior or celebrate the end of your year.

To purchase a business ad contact Ms. McNairy.

Any other questions or concerns regarding senior photos or yearbook sales please reach out to Ms. McNairy at ashley.mcnairy@ocps.net
Buy Your Yearbook

Seniors Portraits

Senior photos are taken through CADY studios.

The deadline for senior photos to be included in the yearbook is November 27th. Don't delay booking your appointment, spots fill up as we get closer to the deadline.

Online you can book an appointment to be taken at their studio or on campus during their road shoots (8/28, 9/17 and 10/16). To take your photo on campus you MUST reserve your spot in advance.

Go to cady.com/book, scan the QR code or click the image on the left.