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November 13, 2026- Weekly Update

Posted Date: 11/13/26 (06:00 PM)
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A banner for 'The U Weekly,' the University High School update, featuring the school's crest and a photo of the campus.

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!
Students will receive an email in the morning on Monday, November 16th, with their testing location for December 1st.
A flyer for Thanksgiving Spirit Week outlines daily themes from Monday to Friday with illustrations like a sweater, socks, a book, an envelope, and a cougar mascot.
Here's what is happening at the U next week:

Monday, 11/16
Sweater Weather! Wear your favorite fall sweater. 
Boys Basketball vs. Horizon (JV & V) @ 5:30 PM
Magnet Open House @ 5:30 PM in the PAC
Boys Soccer vs Edgewater @ 6 PM
Swim Banquet in the ARC @ 6 PM

Tuesday, 11/17
Socks and Sandals! Wear cozy socks with open-toe shoes. 
Senior Roadshoot in the Media Center 
Theatre - Thespian Benefit One Act & Thespy Showcase at 6pm in the PAC
Girls Soccer vs Titusville @ 6 PM

Wednesday, 11/18
Get in, Cougars, it's fall! Wear pink! 
SHS Induction Ceremony in the Media Center @ 4 PM
Girls BBall vs Freedom @ 6 PM
Girls Soccer vs East River @ 6 PM

Thursday, 11/19
Thankful Thursday! Write what you are thankful for on a shirt. 
Yearbook Only Senior Roadshoot in the Media Center
BSU Movie Night in the Media Center @ 5:30 PM
Boys Soccer vs Oak Ridge @ 7:30 PM

Friday, 11/20
Spirit Day! Wear Blue and Gold or your favorite Cougar Gear! 
FAMU Field Trip
 
Three colorful pushpins mark dates on a calendar grid.

Upcoming Events

11/23-27 Thanksgiving Break
11/30 Tri-M Music Honor Society Inductions 6pm
12/1 PM2 & Retakes (Alternate Bell Schedule) 
12/2 - 12/4 PMA2, FCLE, & CFE (Alternate Bell Schedule)
12/2 PFA Q2 Magnet Recital 1:30pm
12/3 Chorus @ Disney’s Epcot Candlelight Processional 4:45pm Show
12/3 Band Winter Concert 7pm
12/11 - 12/12 Dance Winter Concert Performances at 7pm
12/14 Club Picture Day
12/15 Connectivity Day #2 (Alternate Bell Schedule) 
12/15 Chorus Winter Concert at 6:30pm
12/16 PFA Magnet Middle School Showcase (field trip during the school day)
12/17 Piano & Guitar Winter Concert 7pm
12/23 Chorus @ Disney’s Epcot Candlelight Processional 4:45pm Show


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 flyer for "Paws in Progress" monthly parent-teacher conferences, featuring dates, times, and a sign-up link.

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
An infographic displaying the 2026 fall college readiness testing dates for SAT, ACT, and CLT exams, including registration deadlines.

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 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

A flyer calling for volunteers for the University High School Future Fair, featuring event details and a photo of a previous fair.

College Fairs

We need you! University High School's 5th Annual Future Fair will expose students to Colleges, Vocational and Technical Schools, and the Military. It also provides opportunities for Community Service, Volunteerism, and Summer job ventures. The gym will be transformed into a fair of possibilities. Would you join in as we design and execute this fair? Come to the initial meeting on December 7th, immediately after the SAC Meeting. You will be informed about this project and can sign up to help in various capacities. 

To volunteer, complete the form or come to the meeting for more information.  We would love to have you!
A promotional flyer for an AdventHealth Healthcare Exploring open house for ages 16-20, featuring a smiling young woman in a gray hoodie.

Next Steps After Applying to College

Set up Applicant Portal
  1. Check your email with login details for the school's applicant portal.
  2. 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.  
  3. 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.
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

Tickets
UHS Performing Arts Instagram
A promotional poster for the UHS Dance Company Benefit Concert featuring a dancer in a pose.
A theatrical poster advertising the Thespian Troupe 4848 Benefit District Showcase on November 17th.

Dance - Benefit Concert 11/13 at 6pm

The UHS Dance Magnet will be having a Benefit Concert TONIGHT 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!

Theatre - Thespian Benefit 11/17 at 6pm

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 6:00pm 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. 
A promotional flyer for University High School's Open House for 2027-2028 on November 16th at 5:30 PM.

Magnet Open House 11/16 at 5:30pm

Are you interested in learning more about University High School’s incredible magnet programs? Come join us at our Magnet Open House on November 16th at 5:30PM to learn about all things magnet! 

Our amazing magnet team will be going over essential information, including our program offerings and application details. Use the QR code to sign up if you are interested in attending! We can’t wait to see you all there!!! #ocps #uhscougars #magnetschoolsofamerica #openhouse

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.

To take your photo on campus you MUST reserve your spot in advance. Next Thursday is a LAST CALL for senior photos as far as taking pictures on campus. CADY will take yearbook photos ONLY for free this day, don't miss out! Book your FREE yearbook photo at tinyurl.com/uhsyearbookonly2027 or scan the QR code