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September 18, 2026- Weekly Update

Posted Date: 09/18/26 (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 18, 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

Applications open for National Honor Society

The application for membership in the UHS Chapter of National Honor Society is open for the 26/27 academic year.

Students who are academically eligible* to apply for NHS membership have received an invitation message in their OCPS email. Applications for membership in NHS will be accepted through Monday, September 28 at 9:00pm and the induction ceremony will be held on Wednesday, October 21 at 6:00pm. Details about application requirements and directions for submitting the application are included in the email sent to students.

Questions may be sent to NHS Chapter Adviser, Mr. Barton: christopher.barton@ocps.net

*Academic eligibility is determined by OCPS policy as any student in 11th or 12th grade with GPA of 3.75 (unweighted) or 4.0 (weighted).
Here's what is happening at the U next week:

Monday, 9/21
Homecoming Tickets Raise to Late Price ($65)
Homecoming Court Election Week!
Senior Class Cabinet's Movie Night

Tuesday, 9/22
Tropical Themed Girl's Volleyball Game

Wednesday, 9/23
Powderpuff hosted by Sophomore Class Cabinet

Thursday, 9/24 (Alternate Bell Schedule) 
Resiliency Day
Class Wars hosted by Junior Class Cabinet (In the Gym 4-5 pm)

Friday, 9/25 (Alternate Bell Schedule- Wednesday with 7th period extended for Pep Rally) 
Spirit Day! Wear Blue and Gold or your favorite Cougar Gear! 
Homecoming Court Voting
Homecoming Pep Rally (during 7th) (Permission slips will be required schoolwide to attend and collected at the door)
Homecoming Festival (5-7 pm on the Practice Field)
Homecoming Football Game (7 pm) (Glow in the Dark themed)
Homecoming Tickets close at 11:59 pm!

Saturday, 9/26 
Homecoming Dance 7-11pm 
A table titled High School Resiliency Day Bell Schedule, comparing A-Lunch and B-Lunch schedules with start times, end times, and minutes for each period.
 

Homecoming Spirit Week:

Spirit Days for Next Week
 

Homecoming Tickets!

Homecoming Week is next week!

The deadline for eligible students to purchase tickets is 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 25. Eligibility is based on the #cougarpride requirements and a completed Code of Conduct.

To enter Homecoming, both UHS students and their guests are required to bring ALL THREE of the following:
  • A physical Homecoming permission slip, available outside Room 14-102 during both lunches
  • A photo ID
  • A purchased ticket
Anyone missing one or more of these items may be denied entry without a refund.

Reminder: Students must continue to meet all eligibility requirements highlighted in order to attend Homecoming, even after purchasing a ticket. If a student violates any of the requirements leading up to the event, they will be denied entry and no refund will be issued.
 
Three colorful pushpins mark dates on a calendar grid.

Upcoming Events

9/30 Performing Arts Magnet Recital #1
  • 2-3pm in the PAC
  • Parents are invited to attend our Q1 Magnet Recital, featuring Performing Arts Magnet students from various departments, including Band, Dance, Guitar, Orchestra, Piano, Theatre, and Vocal. Parents must sign in at the front office and receive a visitor badge to attend.
10/2 Connectivity Day
10/6 School Day PSAT and SAT (Alternate Bell Schedule) 
10/8-10/11 Theatre Fall Play: Murder on the Orient Express
  • Tickets on Sale SOON!
 

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

Valencia College Dual Enrollment important dates graphic detailing application and testing deadlines.

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 promotional flyer titled 'Paws in Progress' detailing dates for monthly parent-teacher conferences in navy and gold colors.

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

ASVAB Registration

This week at University

September 21: FSU Admissions Presentation
September 23: FSU College of Music Admissions
September 24: Manhattan School of Music Admissions
Music College Fair

Music College Fair

The Music College Fair includes universities and conservatories from across the USA. Look at the line up! It is free but students are encouraged to register: https://fsyo.org/college-fair
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 athletic schedule from the 31st to the 5th, featuring volleyball, bowling, swimming, football, and cross country.

Yearbook

Memories that last forever

F.A.Q. Ordering Yearbooks


Use school code "266" when clicking below. Get the best price by ordering early. Prices go up 9/30!

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.

Donate photos for the yearbook! We are looking for pictures from summer break, concerts/music festivals, and student musicians. Click the image or go to yearbookshare.com and use school code uhscougars for a chance to be featured. 

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.