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 |
ACT/NCR- The ACT/NCR (non-college reportable) assessment will be administered to juniors and seniors who still need to meet graduation assessment requirements according to the following schedule: - Tuesday: Students who need both math and English language arts (ELA), as well as students who need math only.
- Thursday: Students who need ELA only.
This is a paper-based test, so no electronic devices are needed or allowed.
Latin Club Drive for Harbor House of Central Florida- October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. To mark it, UHS Latin Club is holding a donation drive for Harbor House of Central Florida, Orange County’s only state-certified emergency shelter for survivors of domestic abuse and their children. From Monday, October 26 through Friday, October 30, students can bring items from Harbor House’s wish list to Mr. Thorne’s room, 25-116. Most-needed items include toiletries (body wash, soap, toothpaste, deodorant), pads and tampons, new socks and underwear in all sizes, size 5 and 6 diapers, new towels and pillows, cleaning supplies, and cat food for families’ pets. The full wish list is posted outside Room 25-116 and online at harborhousefl.com/donate. On Thursday, October 29, students and staff are invited to wear purple to stand with survivors. Questions? Please contact Mr. Thorne at zachary.thorne@ocps.net. Thank you for supporting Harbor House, a place of safety for many in our community!
Free Online SAT Tutoring- Are you taking the SAT® soon? If so, we’re excited to invite you to join our free online SAT Bootcamps, hosted by Schoolhouse peer tutors to help you practice and build confidence. Many students preparing for the December 2026 SAT aim to complete their prep in the four weeks leading up to the test. To stay on track, we recommend enrolling by November 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST so you have plenty of time to practice and build momentum. Bootcamps run on a rolling basis, with new series starting regularly, and spots can fill quickly as the test date approaches. The earlier you enroll, the more options you'll have. Go to: https://schoolhouse.world/sat-bootcamp to sign up.
IXL Fall Skill Sprint: This challenge kicks off Monday, October 26, and runs through December 4. During this challenge, high school Algebra 1 and Geometry students will work toward proficiency on skills from their course-level IXL skill plans. Schools, teachers, and students will have opportunities to earn recognition and prizes based on the number of skills they reach proficiency in. Please encourage your students to participate. |
Red Ribbon Week- let’s come together for Red Ribbon Week next week and show our commitment to being drug-free! Students can enjoy activities, books and more in the Media Center during A and B lunches throughout the week. On Tuesday, stop by the resource table at Counselor Corner in the courtyard during lunch for a Smarties treat. Wednesday is Red Out Spirit Day, wear red from head to toe to show your support!
Here's what is happening at the U next week:
Monday, 10/26 Rollins Admissions Presentation 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM CCRC Advent Health Admissions Presentation 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM CCRC
Tuesday, 10/27 ACT/NCR Testing in the Media Center UNF College Presentation 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM in the CCRC Boys Soccer Tri-Match @ 5:00 PM
Wednesday, 10/28 Wear Red for Red Ribbon Week
Thursday, 10/29 Wear Purple to stand with survivors of domestic violence ACT/NCR Testing in the Media Center
Friday, 10/30 Spirit Day! Wear Blue and Gold or your favorite Cougar Gear!
Saturday, 10/31 Boo at the U Festival & Theatre Haunted House 10am-2pm |
11/2 SAC Meeting 5:30PM Media Center 11/4 Bowling Banquet 5PM Cafeteria 11/5 Jr. Thespians District Festival 5PM 11/5 Boys Soccer vs Wekiva 6PM 11/6 Jr. Thespians District Festival 5PM 11/6 Girls Soccer vs Evans 6:30 PM 1/7 SAT Testing 11/7 Jr. Thespians District Festival 8AM 11/11 Paws in Progress (Parent/Teacher Conferences) 11/12 Swim Banquet 11/17 Theatre: Thespian Benefit District Showcase & One Act Performance 11/23-27 Thanksgiving Break |
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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 |
Student Services @ "THE U" |
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 |
- Box Breathing: Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale through your mouth for 4 counts, and hold again for 4 counts. Repeat for 4 to 5 cycles.
- 5-4-3-2-1 Technique: Identify 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste.
- Body Scan: Close your eyes and slowly move your attention from your head down to your toes, noticing and releasing any tightness.
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College and Career Resource Center |
- Oct 26 - Rollins Admissions Presentation - AM
- Oct 26 - Advent Health University Admissions Presentation - PM
- Oct 27 - UNF Admission Presentation
- Oct 28 - Last day to register for Valencia Workshop (see flyer)
- Nov 1 - Early Action Application Deadline for UF, New College of Florida, FAMU, FGCU, Princeton, MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, and U Penn
- Nov 2 - Early Action Application Deadline for USF, FIU, U Chicago, and Duke
- Nov 5 - Valencia Admissions Presentation
Next Steps After Applying to College Set up Applicant Portal - Check your email with login details for the school's applicant portal.
- Upload Materials requested by your college. These are found in the portal or email sent by your college. (Check your email daily.) Each college has specific deadlines for when these need to be submitted. Failure to submit by their specified date may disqualify you from consideration.
- Follow up with counselors, recommenders, and admissions offices if any required documents show as missing.
Handle Financial Aid: Submit the FAFSA, FFAA, Apply for scholarships, and Check for extra forms CSS Profile, STARS OR SPARK require by each college. |
Parents-This past week, seniors came to the CCRC to complete their portion of the FAFSA. You should have received an automated email asking you to "accept the invite" with an invite code specifically for you. Completing the parent contributor portion doesn't mean you're responsible for your child's school costs. Your responses lets FAFSA determine what aid your child could qualify for. Your child can't access federal student aid until you complete the parent section. Please take some time this weekend to complete the FAFSA so your student may be considered for federal financial assistance.
If you didn't receive an invite email, perhaps your senior student has not finished his/her part. Please ask him/her to sign in to studentaid.gov and complete their section so you can receive the invite to complete the parent section.If they did not attend one of the CCRC sessions, they are welcome to schedule an appointment with me to complete the FAFSA Student Portion. (yelitza.greene@ocps.net)
If you need assistance in completing the parent section, the Parent Academy will have a presentation and workshop November 11th at OTC East (right next to our school) from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Register: https://registration.socio.events/e/parentacademydiyfafsa |
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10/24 YOUR FUTURE IN THE ARTS 🌟 This is a FREE informational event for students and parents, provided in partnership with the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools. This will feature a concert, artist Q&A, and workshops/masterclasses! Come on out to engage with industry professionals!
10/27 ORCHESTRA FALL CONCERT 🎻 We are so excited to announce the UHS Orchestra's Fall Concert! We will require tickets for assigned seating for our Fall Concert. Tickets will go on-sale Thursday, October 15th at 12 p.m. UHS Orchestra Family & Friends can reserve tickets for free, or can submit an optional $5 or $10 donation to accompany their ticket reservation to support our Orchestra program! Families are encouraged to choose the $5 or $10 option if you are able. If not, no worries - choose the $0 option. All seating is assigned but there is no price difference between sections. All audience members will be required to have a ticket to enter the performance. Reserve your tickets using the link below: |
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 |
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 on Nov 9th. 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. |
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