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October 9, 2026- Weekly Update

Posted Date: 10/09/26 (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 9, 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

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, 10/12
Teacher Workday/ Student Holiday

Tuesday, 10/13
IB Pinning Ceremony 5:30 – 7:30 PM Performing Arts Center 
Community Care Event Chick-fil-A 6AM - 10PM

Wednesday, 10/14
ASVAB Test 7:30 – 11:30 AM
Academic Resource Center
Last Day to Sign up for PERT
Paws in Progress (Parent/Teacher Conferences)

Thursday, 10/15
Underclassmen Picture Retakes in the ARC
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration 6:00 – 9:00 PM 
Performing Arts Center

Friday, 10/16
Spirit Day! Wear Blue and Gold or your favorite Cougar Gear! 
 
A promotional flyer for a Community Care Event at Chick-fil-A supporting University High School PTSA on Tuesday, October 13th, 2026.
 
Three colorful pushpins mark dates on a calendar grid.

Upcoming Events

10/20 Chorus Fall Concert
10/20 - 10/24 PERT Test
10/23 Fall Sports Pep Rally/ Crush Colonial
10/24 Band University Classic
10/27 Orchestra Fall Concert
10/27 ACT/NCR Exam
10/31 Boo at the U Festival & Theatre Haunted House
11/11 Paws in Progress (Parent/Teacher Conferences)
11/17 Theatre: Thespian Benefit District Showcase & One-Act Performance
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
Staci-Lee.Balaban@ocps.net

Ms. Martin
Alpha Assignment: CU - HE
Candice.Martin@ocps.net

Ms. Bond
Alpha Assignment: HI - MI
Yolima.Bond@ocps.net

Ms. Castillo
Alpha Assignment: MO - ROJ
Ida.Castillo@ocps.net

Mrs. Azucey
Alpha Assignment: ROL - Z
Abnery.Azucey@ocps.net

 
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 September, October, November, and December.

Updates from Student Services:

The School Counseling Department will be meeting with students throughout October to support academic planning, graduation readiness, and student success.

Senior One-on-One Meetings
October 5th - October 9th
Counselors will meet individually with seniors to review graduation requirements, postsecondary plans, and important senior-year milestones.

Junior One-on-One Meetings
 October 13th - October 20th
Counselors will meet individually with juniors to discuss academic progress, college and career planning, and goals for senior year.

Freshman & Sophomore Classroom Meetings
 October 21st - October 26th
Counselors will visit classrooms to provide grade-level information, academic support resources, and guidance for a successful school year.
A circular blue logo for the College and Career Resource Center at University High School in Orlando, Florida.

College and Career Resource Center

Every Student Student College and Career Ready

HBCU College Fair

Upcoming CCRC Events

Other Important Events:
  • Oct 13 - FAFSA Student Completion with seniors in TOK and Magnet PFAM. All Dual Enrolled students are invited to come during 2, 3, 6, or 7 periods 
  • Oct. 14 - ASVAB Test
  • Oct 15 - USF Admissions Presentation
  • Oct. 15 - Early Action Deadline for UCF, FSU, and FAU. Encourage your teenager to submit their Common App.
  • Oct. 15 - Early Decision Deadline for UF and FSU
  • Oct 16 - FAFSA Student Completion with seniors in Mr. Long's Classes
  • Oct 19 - FAFSA Student Completion with seniors in Mr. Lebeda's Classes
  • Oct. 19 - FAFSA Parent Night* at 6:30 PM in the Media Center
  • Oct 20 - FAFSA Student Completion in Mr. Centoducati's Classes
A red and yellow Valencia College pennant tops a flyer for a senior application workshop.
FAFSA - This week, seniors will attend FAFSA Workshops in the CCRC to complete their portion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA allows students to apply for federal aid like the need-based Pell Grant to help pay for college.

To complete their section, students must have the following information memorized or safely stored:
  1. Student Social Security Number
  2. Parent Email Address (Note: If you have previously submitted a FAFSA for another child or yourself, please provide your student with that same email address.)
Once your student finishes their portion, you will receive an automated email to complete the parent section.
Need help with the parent portion? 
Representatives from UCF’s Financial Aid Department will be in the Media Center on Monday, October 19th at 6:30 PM to assist parents.
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 the 12th through Saturday the 17th, featuring various sports events.
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 Fall Play, Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, has opened! JOIN US on this "who-dun-it" mystery this weekend with 3 shows left! Click here to get your tickets! $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 theatrical poster for Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express' features two actors in vintage coats.
A stage performer in vintage dress looks into a hand mirror, with text overlay reading '$5 STUDENT TICKETS AT THE DOOR, show your student id!'

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.

Go to cady.com/book, scan the QR code or click the image on the left.

Picture Day Retakes on 10/15

Underclassmen (grades 9-11) retakes will take place on Weds 10/15. 

Retakes are for students who have not yet taken a photo or purchased a photo and desire a new one. 

If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. McNairy at ashley.mcnairy@ocps.net