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September 4, 2026- Weekly Update

Posted Date: 09/04/26 (06:00 PM)
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University High School logo featuring a cougar head and the text 'Every Student College and Career Ready'.

Weekly Update

University High School

September 4, 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

Upcoming Testing- On September 8, testing will begin for Juniors and Seniors who are missing their ELA graduation requirement. 

Paws for Progress- Join us for Paws & Progress, our monthly Parent-Teacher Conferences! These conferences allow parents to connect with their student’s teachers, discuss academic progress, address concerns, and learn how to support their student’s success. Space is limited, so please complete the form early to reserve your spot and select your preferred meeting date. Parents should check in at 12:45 p.m., and conferences will begin at 1:10 p.m.
Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/PawsandProgressPTC
If you have any questions, please contact your student’s school counselor.

Micromobility Devices- The School Board passed Policy JLIE regarding non-human-powered micromobility devices (such as e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, and one-wheels) on school property:
Key Policy Rules
  • Prohibited: Elementary, middle, and high school students without a learner's permit or driver's license may not bring or operate non-human powered micromobility devices on school property at any time.
  • High School Requirements: High school students with a valid learner's permit or driver's license may bring these devices only after obtaining a school-issued decal. Devices must be walked upon entering campus and secured at designated bike racks.
  • Safety Restrictions: Riding devices on sidewalks, courtyards, or fields is strictly prohibited. Charging batteries on campus or bringing detached batteries onto school grounds is not allowed.
Implementation & Enforcement
  • Enforcement Starts: Beginning September 8, 2026, non-compliance will result in formal consequences ranging from written warnings and ParentSquare notifications for a 1st offense up to administrative referrals and suspensions for repeated offenses.
  • As perimeter fencing is on School Board property, locking devices on school fences are strictly prohibited.
Please use this link to register your child's micromobility device Scooter Registration Form

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

Monday, 9/7
No School- Labor Day Holiday

Tuesday, 9/8
Early Bird Homecoming Tickets go on sale on TeachTix.
ELA Retakes start
Girls Volleyball v. Pointe Christian 6PM

Wednesday, 9/9
Paws for Progress- Parent Teacher Conferences Check-in at 12:45PM
Homecoming Court Meeting (Mandatory): If you are interested in running for Hoco Court, come to 14-102 to learn the requirements for elections during your lunch (same meeting is offered during A and B lunch)
JV Football v. Kissimmee Liberty 6PM

Thursday, 9/10
Come cheer on our Cougars in your white lie gear for our morning pep rally from 6:55-7:10! Make sure you still get to class on time.
Girls Volleyball v. Apopka 4:30Pm
Theatre Performance: Scenes from a Tuesday in September (PAC @7pm)

Friday, 9/11
Spirit Day! Wear Blue and Gold or your favorite Cougar Gear! 
A flyer for 'Paws in Progress Monthly Parent-Teacher Conferences' lists dates for September, October, November, and December.
 
Three colorful pushpins mark dates on a calendar grid.

Upcoming Events

9/14 SAC Meeting 5:30 Media Center
9/21 Homecoming Movie Night
9/22 Tropical Themed Girls Volleyball Game
9/23 Powderpuff
9/24 Resiliency Day
9/24 Class Wars
9/25 Homecoming Pep Rally, Hoco Fest, and Game
9/26 Homecoming Dance
9/30 PFA Magnet Recital #1
10/2 Connectivity Day
10/8-10/11 Theatre Fall Play: Murder on the Orient Express

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 featuring a crest with a panther, torch, and theater masks.

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
IB Magnet & Adv. Studies Coordinator
Ms. Alvarado
PFA Magnet Coordinator
Mr. Mendez
College and Career Specialist
Mrs. Greene
CTE Coordinator
Ms. DeJesus
School Social Worker
Mrs. Larsen
Registrar
Ms. Torres
Student Services Clerk
Mrs. Gabard
An informational flyer announces P.E.R.T. testing at UHS with deadlines, email check instructions, and testing week details.

Valencia Dual Enrollment Application Information

August 31 – Application opens 
*Note: You can complete your application BEFORE taking the PERT Exam

October 1 – Application closes

October 9 – Recommendation approval due

November 6 – Testing deadline

 
For more information and virtual informational sessions, visit: valenciacollege.edu/dual

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.

College Fairs

A great way to get an overview of colleges and universities is through College Fairs. Here are some you should consider attending with your college bound teenager:

September 24th - FL Music College Fair 
6:30-9:30 p.m. - Orlando Science Center
September 27th - Parent Academy College Fair 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Innovation High School
October 4th - NACAC College Fair - this is a national college fair held in Orlando. You don't want to miss it.  
1:00-4:00 p.m. Orange County Convention Center.
A collage of nine photos showing students celebrating College Colors Day in various university apparel.

College Admission Presentations for Seniors and Juniors

We had a beautiful display of College Colors on September 3rd! Photos will continue coming! Check out UHS.CCRC Instagram!

UCF presented last Friday, September 4th to an attentive crowd of seniors and juniors! The following universities will be presenting on their degree programs and admissions processes. Students registered to attend and will receive a confirmation email. Priority will be given to seniors and then juniors.
  • September 8th - SCAD
  • September 9th - UF
  • September 14th - FSU
  • September 18th - FL Poly
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
UHS Athletics Instagram
Merchandise Store
University High School weekly athletics schedule for October 7 through 12, featuring games for volleyball, bowling, golf, and football.

Yearbook

Memories that last forever

F.A.Q. Ordering Yearbooks


Use school code "266" when clicking below. 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

Donate Photos to be Featured in the Yearbook!

We are looking for photos from summer vacations, the world cup, and concerts. Photos must be school appropriate.

Donate your photos by going to yearbookshare.com and enter code "uhscougars" for a chance to be featured in this year's book! 

Senior 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 (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.

Underclassmen Photos

Grades 9 through 11 will take underclassmen photos on September 15th during their ELA class.
Save money on your picture by pre-ordering your photo packages prior to the big day.