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October 2, 2026- Weekly Update

Posted Date: 10/02/26 (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

October 2, 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

School Day PSAT/SAT Testing- Tuesday, October 6- Families, our school day PSAT/SAT testing is Tuesday, October 6. This is an important opportunity for students in every grade. For our younger Cougars, the PSAT helps them see where they are growing and where to focus as they prepare for the SAT. For juniors, the PSAT/NMSQT is also the qualifying test for National Merit Scholarship consideration. For seniors, SAT scores can support college admission and scholarship opportunities. Qualifying scores may also help students meet Florida’s graduation assessment requirements when needed.

A little preparation this weekend can help students feel more confident on test day:
  • 9th and 10th grade: In Khan Academy, go to Browse subjects → Test Prep and choose Getting Ready for SAT Math or Getting Ready for SAT Reading and Writing.
  • 11th and 12th grade: In Khan Academy, go to Browse subjects → Test Prep and choose SAT Math or SAT Reading and Writing. Students can also open the Bluebook app in Launchpad to take a full practice test.


The Khan Academy courses give students immediate feedback as they practice, with help from Khanmigo when they need it. Even a short practice session can help your student identify a skill to strengthen before Tuesday.

For families planning ahead, the 2026–27 graduating class needs an SAT score of 1330 for the Florida Academic Scholars tier or 1190 for the Florida Medallion Scholars tier. Test scores are one part of Bright Futures eligibility, and requirements differ for later graduating classes. You can review the full requirements in the Bright Futures Student Handbook.

Please remind your student to check their school email for a message from Ms. Nesmith by Monday with their testing room. Thank you for helping our Cougars come to school ready to do their best.
Fall Stakeholder Survey-  The Fall 2027 Stakeholder Survey is happening now and will end on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Your participation is important because the results will inform our efforts to ensure our families’ experiences align with our core values.  You should have received an email or text with the survey link, or you can click here: https://my.thoughtexchange.com/participate/870431188. Please take a moment to answer the questions about your satisfaction with our school. The family survey is available in multiple languages within the ThoughtExchange platform. The survey is anonymous, which means no one will know how you answered the questions, so please provide honest, thoughtful feedback. For additional questions or information,
 
Here's what is happening at the U next week:

Monday, 10/5
SAC Meeting 5:30PM Media Center

Tuesday, 10/6 (Alternate Bell Schedule)
PSAT/SAT Test Day (All Grades)

Wednesday, 10/7
Sub-Varsity Football vs Timber Creek 6:00 PM

Thursday, 10/8
Fall Play Performance: Agatha Christie's    
   Murder on the Orient Express 7PM - PAC  
   (Tickets available: www.teachtix.com/uhs)

Friday, 10/9 
Spirit Day! Wear Blue and Gold or your favorite Cougar Gear! 
Varsity Football vs Cypress Creek 7:00 PM 
Fall Play Performance: Agatha Christie's    
  Murder on the Orient Express 7PM - PAC 
   (Tickets available: www.teachtix.com/uhs)
 
Three colorful pushpins mark dates on a calendar grid.

Upcoming Events

10/12 Teacher Workday/ Student Holiday
10/14 Paws in Progress (Parent/Teacher Conferences)
10/14 ASVAB 7:30-11 a.m. in the ARC
10/15 Underclassmen Picture 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
10/23 Fall Sports Pep Rally/ Crush Colonial
10/24 Band University Classic
10/27 Orchestra Fall Concert
10/31 Boo at the U Festival
11/11 Paws in Progress (Parent/Teacher Conferences)
11/23-27 Thanksgiving Break
 

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- 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 graphic illustration of a cougar head in profile, outlined in blue with a tan fill.

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
A round blue logo for the CCRC College and Careers Resource Center at University High School in Orlando, Florida.

College and Career Resource Center

Every Student Student College and Career Ready

A vintage newspaper-style flyer titled "EXTRA!! EXTRA!! COLLEGE FAIR GUIDE" for the Orlando National College Fair on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

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:

October 4th - NACAC College Fair - 
This is a national college fair held in Orlando. Over 300 College Booths!
You don't want to miss it. 
1:00-4:00 p.m. Orange County Convention Center.
Registration Link: 
A flyer titled "COLLEGE VISITS AT UHS" detailing upcoming October visits for seniors and juniors, with a QR code for registration.

Upcoming CCRC Events

We have reopened the registration for the October College Admission Presentations because we have an additional college. Students will need to register by Tuesday, October 6th in order to attend. Students can choose one or multiple college presentations. Priority will be given to seniors and then juniors. 

Other Important Events:
  • Oct. 14 - ASVAB Test Register using this link: https://forms.gle/7WhnxkgzJWD453fH9
  • Oct. 15 - Early Action Deadline for UCF, FSU, and FAU
  • Oct. 15 - Early Decision Deadline for UF and FSU
  • Oct. 19 - FAFSA Parent Night* at 6:30 PM in the Media Center

*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
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 first Theatre production of the school year begins next week! 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 - Available on Campus 10/16!

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.

Picture Day Retakes 10/15

Underclassmen picture day retakes (grades 9-11) will be held on October 15th in the ARC.

Students who have yet to take a picture or have purchased their photo and would like to have a retake are eligible to attend.