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September 25, 2026- Weekly Update

Posted Date: 09/25/26 (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 25, 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

Budget update- University’s budget reductions include the loss of 10 positions across core academic subjects, electives, and student support, including one school counselor and one assistant principal. Schedule adjustments have begun, and we are working carefully to address students’ academic needs and graduation requirements while supporting them through these changes. These departures are difficult for our school community, and we appreciate your patience, understanding, and care for our students and staffulty.

National Honor Society- 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. 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).

Connectivity Day- is an opportunity to celebrate and explore the exciting offerings around campus! Students will have three activities to choose from:
  1. Gym: Athletic Showcase
  2. PAC: Performing Arts Showcase
  3. Cafeteria: Trivia
The Google Form will open on Monday, September 28, in Cougar Corner under the SGA module. Students should use the form to rank their first, second, and third activity choices. Seating at each location is limited, and placements will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to submit your preferences early!

A completed permission slip is required to attend Connectivity Day. Students without a completed permission slip will attend study hall. Seventh-period teachers will distribute and collect permission slips and receive colored wristbands to give students based on their assigned locations.

Be sure to complete the Google Form and return your permission slip so you can join the fun!

Upcoming Testing- Tuesday 9/29 through Thursday 10/1, we will be on an alternate bell schedule for PMAs. Students in Algebra 1, Biology, Geometry, and US History will take their Progress Monitoring Assessments during their scheduled block period. The SAT/PSAT School day is coming up! All 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students are automatically registered to take the PSAT, and all 12th-grade students are registered for the SAT. Testing is during the school day on October 6th. Students will complete a digital readiness check next week to ensure they are prepared for testing.

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

Monday, 9/28
National Honor Society Applications Due 9PM

Tuesday, 9/29 (Alternate Bell Schedule) 
PMA1

Wednesday, 9/30 (Alternate Bell Schedule) 
PMA 1

Thursday, 10/1 (Alternate Bell Schedule) 
PMA 1
Girls Volleyball v Jones
Swimming vs Colonial/Evans (Senior Night)

Friday, 10/2 (Alternate Bell Schedule) 
Spirit Day! Wear Blue and Gold or your favorite Cougar Gear! 
Connectivity Day
University High School PMA1 bell schedules for Tuesday, September 29 through Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Connectivity Day Bell Schedule
 
Three colorful pushpins mark dates on a calendar grid.

Upcoming Events

10/5 SAC Meeting 5:30PM Media Center
10/6 School Day PSAT and SAT
10/8-10/11 Theatre Fall Play: Murder on the Orient Express
10/14 Paws in Progress- Parent Teacher Conferences
10/15 Underclassmen Retakes in the ARC
10/15 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration PAC
10/16 Senior Roadshoot Photos in the Media Center 
10/20 Chorus Fall Concert
10/21 National Honor Society Induction
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.
 
A school poster titled #CougarPride outlines attendance, discipline, and GPA rules required for attending events like homecoming and prom.

Student Services @ "THE U"

Counselor's Corner

Valencia College Dual Enrollment important dates: Aug 31 application opens, Oct 1 application closes, Oct 9 recommendation due, Nov 6 testing deadline.

Student Services Team



Assistant Principal of Instruction
Ms. Kanishia West

School Counselors
Mrs. Balaban
Alpha Assignment: A- CR
Ms. Martin
Alpha Assignment: CU-HE
Ms. Bond
Alpha Assignment: HI-MI
Ms. Castillo
Alpha Assignment: MO-ROJ
Mrs. Azucey
Alpha Assignment: ROL-Z

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 'Paws in Progress' monthly parent-teacher conferences, listing dates for October, November, and December, with September crossed out.

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
CCRC Logo

College and Career Resource Center

Every Student Student College and Career Ready

Parent Academy College Fair

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 27th - OCPS Parent Academy 
College Fair 
1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Innovation High School 
Registration Link:  

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.
Registration Link: 
ASVAB Registration

Upcoming CCRC Events

As we approach College Early Action application deadlines, encourage your teenager to complete their Common App (CommonApp.org) with the essay and supplementals.

For College Admission Presentations, students will need to register in order to attend. Priority will be given to seniors and then juniors. The form will be shared through Canvas' Cougar Corner-Announcements and UHS.CCRC Instagram.
  • Oct. 1 - Questbridge App. Deadline
  • Oct. 2 - University of Miami Visit
  • Oct. 7 - UNCSA Visit
  • Oct. 14 - ASVAB Test (See registration on the posted flyer above)
  • Oct. 15 - Early Action Deadline for UCF, FSU, and FAU
  • Oct. 15 - Early Decision Deadline for UF and FSU
  • Oct. 19 - FAFSA Parent Night* 6:00-7:00 PM Media Center
  • Oct. 27 - UNF Visit
*FAFSA and FFAA (Bright Futures) open October 1st. For assistance with FAFSA, please attend this event.
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 Monday, October 28 through Saturday, November 3, featuring games and meets for golf, volleyball, swimming, and football.
A colorful graphic of performing arts symbols, including instruments, theater masks, ballet shoes, and piano keys.

PERFORMING ARTS MAGNET

Tickets
UHS Performing Arts Instagram

Theatre

Our theatre season is off to a strong start! Mark your calendars for our upcoming murder/mystery play, Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, with shows playing October 8-11! Tickets on sale now. $5 student tickets are available at the door with a valid Student ID. 

Parental Guidance: Ken Ludwig’s adaptation balances suspense with theatrical humor and fast-paced staging. However, due to the overarching themes of revenge and child abduction, parental discretion is advised for younger children.
A poster for the 2026-2027 University High School Theatre season in Orlando, FL, featuring five upcoming shows and ticket information.
A red theater poster announces University High School's production of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, showing dates October 8-11, 2026.

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 shoot 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.

Picture Day Retakes are October 15th

For any students who were absent, unable to attend or unsatisfied with their purchased photo retakes will be held on October 15th in the ARC.