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November 6, 2026- Weekly Update

Posted Date: 11/06/26 (06:00 PM)
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Banner for The U Weekly, University High School's Weekly Update, featuring the school crest and building.

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

Upcoming Testing - Parents and guardians, please mark your calendars!
December 1: PM2 and ELA Retakes
Testing is scheduled for:
  • All 9th and 10th grade students.
  • Any 11th and 12th grade students who have not yet met the English Language Arts (ELA) graduation requirement.
December 1: FCLE
  • Students enrolled in US Government
December 2–4: PMA2 and Semester 1 CFEs
  • Students enrolled in Algebra, Geometry, Biology, U.S. History, or have a semester course will take the applicable assessments. Please ensure your child attends school and arrives on time each day so they can participate in testing. Thank you for your support!

Thanksgiving Food Drive!

Thanksgiving Food Drive: Earn Community Service Hours!
Help us make a difference this Thanksgiving season by giving back to families in our community! Students have the opportunity to earn up to 35 community service hours by participating in our Thanksgiving Food Drive.
Option 1: Sponsor an Extra Small Family Box
Students can earn up to 35 community service hours by completing an Extra Small Family Box to donate to a family in need. If you are interested in participating, please complete the sign-up form below by Monday, November 9th to reserve your box. Additional instructions and details will be provided to students who sign up.
Option 2: Donate Individual Food Items
Students can also earn community service hours by donating individual items from the Thanksgiving Food Drive donation list below! This is a great opportunity to contribute what you can while helping us provide families with the essentials they need to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.
  • Every 2 donated items = 1 community service hour
  • Larger items, such as frozen pies and turkeys = 3 community service hours each
Whether you choose to complete a family box or donate individual items, every contribution makes a difference! Let's come together as a Cougar family to support our community and help make this Thanksgiving a little brighter for those in need.
IMPORTANT DONATION INFORMATION:
ALL donations must be delivered to ROOM 14-103 to be counted toward your community service hours. Please make sure all donations are dropped off at the designated location!
Here's what is happening at the U next week:

Monday, 11//9
Tutoring - AP Pre-Calculus 2:30-3:30
(Room 25-162 and 25-163)
Senior Road Shoot Pictures (Media Center) All Day

Tuesday, 11/10
Funding the Future Presentation (PAC) 7AM-11:30AM

Wednesday, 11/11
PAWS in Progress(Parent/Teacher Conferences) 1:30pm-3:30pm

Thursday, 11/12
  • Blood Drive hosted by HOSA in the PAC
  • Varsity Football Playoff Game v. OakRidge 7pm

Friday, 11/13
  • Spirit Day! Wear Blue and Gold or your favorite Cougar Gear! 
  • Dance Company Benefit Concert at 6pm in the PAC (Tickets on sale now!)
Saturday, 11/14 
 
Three colorful pushpins mark dates on a calendar grid.

Upcoming Events

11/17 Theatre: Thespian Benefit District Showcase & One Act Performance
11/19 Yearbook Only Senior Roadshoot in the Media Center
11/23-27 Thanksgiving Break
12/1 PM2 & Retakes (Alternate Bell Schedule) 
12/2-12/4 PMA2, FCLE, & CFE (Alternate Bell Schedule) 
12/14 Club Picture Day
12/15 Connectivity Day #2(Alternate Bell Schedule) 

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

A promotional flyer for Free Virtual SAT Prep Sessions by The Plug, scheduled for Tuesdays from November 10 to December 1.

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 with dates for November 11th and December 9th.

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

College and Career Resource Center

Every Student Student College and Career Ready

FAFSA and FFAA-Bright Futures

We have had 214 seniors finish the Student Section of the FAFSA and 93 parents who have completed the Parent Section! Way' to go! 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. The flyer above will give you more details.



Florida Financial Aid Application-FFAA (Bright Futures)
Students in the following classes will attend the CCRC workshop to complete this application. If your student is in Dual Enrollment, please have them come during the times indicated below so we may assist them:
November 9: E. Lebeda
November 10: Centoducati
November 11: 
Pds. 2, 3, & 6-Dual Enrolled Students
Pd. 4: Mendez & J. Brown
Pd. 5: Barton
Pd. 7: Hesse 
November 12: Long
November 13:  Pds 1-6: make-up day for those students who were absent
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 sports flyer for 'Game Day' playoffs round 1 between Oak Ridge and University, held on Nov 12 at 7:00 PM.
A colorful graphic of performing arts symbols, including instruments, theater masks, ballet shoes, and piano keys.

PERFORMING ARTS MAGNET

Tickets
UHS Performing Arts Instagram

DANCE

The UHS Dance Magnet will be having a Benefit Concert on Friday, November 13th at 6pm. This is an opportunity for the Dance Company members to showcase work set by Guest Artists, Faculty, and Student Choreographers. Proceeds go back to the students to fundraise for their upcoming trips! Tickets on sale now!
A poster for the UHS Dance Company Benefit Concert featuring a dancer in a side leap against a blue background.
A poster announces Thespian Troupe 4848 Benefit District Showcase on November 17th at 6:30 PM at the Patrick F. Culler Performing Arts Center.

THEATRE

The UHS Theatre Department is also gearing up for their annual District Thespian Competition. They will have a Thespian Benefit Showcase on November 17th at 6:30pm featuring the One Act play: Scenes from a Tuesday in September and showcasing several Thespy Events including acting, musical theatre, and technical theatre categories. All proceds go back to students to help cover the cost of the trip! Tickets on sale now! $5 student tickets are available at the door with a valid 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.

Online you can book an appointment to be taken at their studio or on campus during their road shoot on 11/9. 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.