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September 11, 2026- Weekly Update

Posted Date: 09/11/26 (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 11, 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

SAC Meeting- Our next SAC meeting will be held Monday, September 14, at 5:30 p.m. in the media center. The meeting will include the election of the SAC Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary.

Budget- University’s recalculated budget reflects significant reductions due to enrollment falling below projections. Staffing and student schedule adjustments will begin in the coming weeks. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our Cougar community during this transition.

Blood Drive- Blood drive sign-ups will take place during lunch, September 14–16. Donor Day is Thursday, September 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the PAC. Sign up, add your name to our donor wall, and remember: one Cougar donation can save three lives!

Senior Parent Step-up Night- Senior Parent Step-up Night will be held on Thursday, September 17, at 5:30 p.m. in the PAC. Class of 2027 seniors and their parents are invited to learn about graduation requirements, senior activities and important dates, as well as information from Jostens.

Underclassman Picture Day- Grades 9 through 11 will take underclassmen photos on September 15. Information on purchasing photos is below. 

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

Monday, 9/14
Homecoming Tickets, Regular Price ($60) go on sale
SAC Meeting 5:30PM Media Center

Tuesday, 9/15
Underclassmen Picture Day (Grades 9 through 11)
Girls Volleyball Home vs East River 4:00/5:00/6:00PM

Wednesday, 9/16
Girls Volleyball vs Colonial 5:00/6:00PM
JV Football vs Oak Ridge 6:00PM

Thursday, 9/17
Blood Drive 8:30-1 PAC
Girls Volleyball vs Windermere 4:00/5:00/6:00PM
Senior Parent Step-up Night 5:30PM PAC

Friday, 9/18
Spirit Day! Wear Blue and Gold or your favorite Cougar Gear! 
Hoco Court Nomination Day!

Saturday, 9/19
Cougar Day of Service 8:30 - 11:30AM
 
Three colorful pushpins mark dates on a calendar grid.

Upcoming Events

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 (Glow in the Dark) (Permission slips will be distributed and required to enter for pep rally)
9/26 Homecoming Dance (purchased ticket, photo ID, and permission slip required to enter)
9/30 PFA Magnet Recital #1
10/2 Connectivity Day
10/6 School Day PSAT and SAT
10/8-10/11 Theatre Fall Play: Murder on the Orient Express
10/16 Senior Roadshoot
10/20 Chorus Fall Concert
10/24 Band University Classic
10/27 Orchestra Fall Concert

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
A flyer for University High School Class of 2027 Senior Parent Step Up Night on Thursday, September 17th at 5:30 PM in the PAC.

Need Community Service Hours?


Looking for ways to give back and earn volunteer hours? Orlando offers many opportunities for high school students to serve their community through food banks, libraries, environmental cleanups, hospitals, and youth programs. Volunteering not only helps others but also builds leadership skills, strengthens college applications, and supports Bright Futures requirements. Start exploring opportunities today!

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
https://feedhopenow.org/get-involved/volunteer/

Keep Orlando Beautiful
https://www.orlando.gov/kob

Orange County Library System Teen Volunteer League
https://ocls.org

Orlando Health Teen Volunteer Program
https://www.orlandohealth.com/volunteer-services

Give Kids The World Village
https://www.gktw.org

Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County
https://habitatorlando.org

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 and UHS College Visists

September 14th - FSU Admissions Presentation at UHS. Students attending have received an email.
September 18th - FL Polytechnic Admissions Presentation at UHS. Students who registered should be on the lookout for an email.
September 24th - FL Music College Fair 
6:30-9:30 p.m. - Orlando Science Center
September 27th - Parent Academy College Fair 1:00-4:00 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. https://www.nacacattend.org/26Orlando
1:00-4:00 p.m. Orange County Convention Center.
Florida State University System 2026 Admissions Data

Florida State University System 2026 Admissions Data

Florida’s 12 public universities recently released their latest admission profile data! The chart above highlights the middle 50% ranges for GPA, SAT, ACT, and CLT scores, broken down by Summer vs. Fall admissions. As you review these stats with your high school senior, use this information to spark a meaningful conversation. Encourage them to approach retaking standardized tests or boosting their grades with a clear goal in mind: reaching their dream school. Don't forget to look beyond the flagship campuses—explore lesser-known Florida universities that match your student’s current academic profile and offer top programs in their field of interest.
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 sports schedule graphic from Monday, October 14 to Saturday, October 19.

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

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  (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. 
A flyer asks "Want to be in the yearbook?" and invites photo donations for summer vacations, concerts, and musicians, featuring a QR code and code "UHS Cougars" over a beach background.