Windermere Wolverine Watch
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Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! I’m so very excited to welcome our students back on campus, Monday, for what’s sure to be an amazing year. I hope everyone had a safe and restful summer vacation, but now ready to get back into the swing of things. Teachers returned to Windermere this past week re-energized and excited about the new school year. Professional development was provided for the new initiatives WHS will undertake to help our students achieve even greater levels of success!
Last year was an amazing school year, which culminated in the graduation for the class of 2025! I’m proud to report that Windermere once again finished as the top performing high school in the district as it relates to reading, math, US History, and Biology scores as reported by state testing. I’m proud of the work we accomplished and look forward to accelerating our momentum as we begin the school year this week.
As a reminder, the first day of school is Monday, August 11. Students cannot be on campus until 6:45 AM. The first bell rings at 7:10 AM and the tardy bell rings at 7:20 AM. Please help your child be on time to school as well as to individual classes. Students will report to first period, which can be found on Skyward or through physical locators available on campus. Once in first period, teachers will help students virtually access their active schedule. We encourage students to regularly check Skyward to ensure a schedule change did not occur due to class leveling.
Additionally, students that do not have a school issued laptop will receive one during the first week of school. Students will be called down to the media center via the all-call system. Continuing this school year, all students will receive universal free lunch. We’re excited the district is able to continue this option for students!
Please be sure to familiarize your child with the Student Code of Conduct and the district cell phone policy located here. As a result of HB 379, students are not allowed to use cell phones or other wireless communication devices (including airpods) on campus between the hours of 7:10 AM and 2:20 PM. Students may posses a phone, however, it should be silenced and concealed in either their bag or purse. Students will face discipline and confiscation for violating this policy. Please see below for the full language as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.
Bus information can be found on the OCPS website by clicking here. I would encourage students to arrive at bus stops five minutes before the bus is to arrive. As it will be dark in the morning, please use caution when waiting for the bus. Please make sure your child knows their bus number and stop. It is important to note, this year, some of our drivers have to complete multiple routes in the morning/afternoon. This means that some students will be dropped off as early as 6:30 AM and not leave until 3:00 PM. The school will make arrangements to supervise students, but please be aware. |
The first week of school is always a busy time out on the roads so I would encourage everyone to leave the house ten minutes early. Student drivers should be cautious and exercise safe driving practices while walkers/bikers should always stay on sidewalks and cross at identified crosswalks. Parents can assist by dropping students off in the designated student drop off zone located between the PAC and Student Union. Please refrain from dropping off students on 535, in the bus loop, or in the main parking lot. |
As always, please be sure to regularly check our website and Facebook page for important updates.
We are looking forward to a great start to the school year. With your help, I am confident our students will achieve greatness with honor!
Sincerely,
Mr. Leftakis
Principal
Windermere High School
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8/11/2025 – First day of the 2025-26 school year!
8/15/2025 – Varsity Football vs Gateway – 7:00 p.m.
8/16/2025 – Senior parking lot painting – 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
8/21/2025 – Senior Class Parent Meeting – PAC – 5:30 p.m.
8/22/2025 – Varsity Football vs. Harmony – 7:00 p.m.
8/25/2025 – SAC/PTSO Interest Meetings – Media Center – 5:00 and 5:30 p.m.
8/25/2025 – Fall Sport Pep Rally – Gym – 6:00 p.m.
8/29/2025 – Varsity Football vs. Cypress Creek – 7:00 p.m.
8/28/2025 – Club Rush – during lunches
8/30/2025 – Varsity football away vs Cypress Creek – 7:00 p.m.
9/1/2025 – Labor Day – no school!
9/5/2025 – Varsity Football vs. Colonial – 7:00 p.m.
9/8/2025 – FAST Progress Monitoring Assessment for 9th/10th grade students – modified schedule
9/8/2025 – SAC Meeting – Media Center – 5:00 p.m.
9/8/2025 – PTSO General Meeting – Media Center – 5:45 p.m.
9/16/2025 – Senior Sunrise – Windermere Stadium – 6:30 a.m.
9/16/2025 – Fall Picture Day!
9/17/2025 – PTSO Fall Bash at Home State Brew – 6:00 p.m.
9/18 to 9/19 – Senior Formal Portraits
10/2/2025 – National Custodian Appreciation Day!
10/3/2025 – WHS Lipsync Battle – PAC – 7:00 p.m.
10/6/2025 – SAC Meeting – Media Center – 5:00 p.m.
10/6/2025 – PTSO Meeting – Media Center – 5:45 p.m.
10/7/2025 – PSAT/SAT School Day #1– modified schedule
10/9/2025 – PSAT/SAT School Day #2 – modified schedule
10/10/2025 – End of Quarter 1
10/13/2025 – Teacher workday – no school!
10/14/2025 – Begin Quarter 2
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Windermere High School main number – 407-347-0980
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Student Services Main Number – 604-2225
Ms. Brittany Brockmeier
Assistant Principal
Ms. Lindsay Feintuch
A-BUR
Ms. Bianca Medina
BUS-DI
Mr. Kevin Kuczynski
DJ-GUI
Ms. Emily Ferrand
GUJ-LID
Ms. Keyonta Granberry
LIE-NE
Ms. Iris Olivera
NF-RE
Ms. Alda Reis
RF-SO
Ms. Bethany Werner
SP-Z
Mrs. Kristin Wilkin
Graduation Coach MTSS Coordinator
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It’s vital to stay connected to WHS and all that is taking place on a daily basis. One of the easiest ways to stay involved is by joining our amazing PTSO! The WHS PTSO supports the school by providing teacher grants, student incentives and support, staff appreciation, organizing community events, and so much more. Just because you signup doesn’t mean you have to make a huge commitment.
We will hold our SAC interest meeting on Monday, August 25 where all parents and staff are welcome to attend. Windermere High School’s School Advisory Council meets every 2nd Monday of the month at 5:00 PM in the Media Center.
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The purpose of SAC is to assist in the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of the school improvement plan. SAC members need to attend all meetings, although non-member parents, students, and community partners are encouraged to attend meetings as well.
Elections will be held by simple community/teacher/student vote. Elected members will be notified by email by Tuesday, September 3 before the September 8 meeting. The racial/ethnic make-up of the SAC must reflect the racial/ethnic make-up of the student population.
**2025-26 Tentative SAC Meeting Dates**
8/25/2025 – SAC Interest Meeting
9/8/2025
10/6/2025
11/10/2025
1/12/2026
2/9/2026
3/9/2026
4/13/2026
5/11/2026
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Due to recent changes in the law, the district had to adopt new security and safety procedures for the 2025-26 school year. These measures will be effective the first day of school and must be followed throughout the school year.
The security and safety measures include but are not limited to:
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- Not leaving doors propped or standing open in classrooms, as this is strictly prohibited and is a violation of the state fire regulations.
- Securing any unsupervised doors in media centers, cafeterias, gymnasiums and auditoriums.
- All perimeter gates must be closed and locked while students are present on campus, regardless of whether it is during normal school hours.
- Communicating with students the importance of not allowing non-students and non-OCPS employees into school buildings.
- All visitors must have an ID present at all times.
- Visitors must hold identification up to the camera of the video intercom system at the entry of the school if the visitor is not a known person.
- All outside persons, including law enforcement, who are not on campus for work-related issues must check in at the front desk.
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A student may possess a cell phone on Board property, on school transportation and at school activities, provided that during school hours, the cell phone is silenced and concealed. Pursuant to Section 1006.07, Florida Statutes, “a student may not use a wireless communications device during instructional time, except when expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes. A teacher shall designate an area for wireless communications devices during instructional time.” For purposes of this section, the designated area will be in the student’s backpack or purse, except when expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes. Violations of the cell phone policy will be handled in accordance with the Code and may result in confiscation of said device. |
If the cell phone is used in a criminal act (such as sexting as outlined in Florida Statutes and the Code), the cell phone will be provided to law enforcement and the student may face criminal penalties. The use of wireless communication devices are always prohibited during the school day (from the first morning bell to dismissal) unless expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes. Wireless communication devices include but are not limited to, cell phones and/or auxiliary/ancillary devices such as watches and ear buds. At no time shall OCPS be responsible for theft, loss or damage to cell phones or other electronic devices brought onto its property. These standards apply to all students in the public schools of Orange County. |
Parents, we need your help to set a positive tone from the first day of school. Students are expected to treat teachers, staff, and each other with respect at all times while here at WHS. We will not tolerate statements or actions that target a students’ race, gender, religion, or other personal preferences. All students should be able to learn and grow in a safe, and respectful, school environment. Any student found to be in violation of this policy could face discipline as outlined in the student code of conduct. Please speak with your child about the importance treating all students and staff with respect and dignity. |
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For those students who bike/scooter/walk to school, please be sure to cross at identified cross walks, and wait for the appropriate traffic signals. We ask that parents refrain from dropping students off in the road or in turn lanes. Please be sure to speak with your student about proper behavior when traveling to school so we can minimize accidents and injuries. Additionally, please remind students to properly secure all bikes and scooters when not in use. We want to ensure students arrive and depart safely! |
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Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year!
Please allow me to share two important changes to the Orange County Public School (OCPS) Medication Policy with you.
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- Over-the-counter medications (OTC) are no longer allowed to be purchased by schools for administration to students. All medications administered to students must be brought to the Clinic by the parent/guardian. If you wish your student to receive OTC medication (i.e., Allegra, Benadryl, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, TUMS, etc.), please bring a small, unopened bottle/box of the medication you wish your child to receive to me in the Clinic. OCPS policy requires that the parent/guardian (not the student) bring in the medication. I will complete the Medication Authorization Form for your review and signature.
- As of July 1, 2023, s. 1002.20(3)(d)(2)(p), Fla. Stat. states the following: “A student may possess and use a medication to relieve headaches while on school property or at a school-sponsored event or activity without a physician's note or prescription if the medication is regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter use to treat headaches.” This is from House Bill 1537 which the Governor signed into law on May 9, 2023. Under Florida statute, students may also possess and use topical sunscreens while on school property or at a school-sponsored event. As such, we cannot limit students from possessing and taking headache medication such as Advil, Tylenol, Aleve etc. while on campus. We may not require students to use the medication while in the clinic.
Students are also allowed to self-carry Diabetic Supplies, Pancreatic Enzyme Supplements, Epinephrine Auto Injectors, and Metered Dose Inhalers provided they have a Self-Carry Form signed by their physician each school year. Self-Carry Forms do not carry over from one school year to the next. OCPS requires me to keep a copy of each Self-Carry Form on file in the Clinic.
Please bring me any prescription medications that your student needs to take during the school day in their original bottle with the prescription label attached. I will complete the Medication Authorization Form for your review and signature.
OCPS policy requires that all student medications be picked up by the parent/guardian on or before the last day of the school year. Any student medications not picked up by the last day of the school year must be destroyed.
OCPS requires that all students with Diabetes have an updated Diabetic Medical Management Plan (DMMP) completed by the student’s physician every school year. I am required to keep a copy of each DMMP on file in the Clinic. Please drop off or e-mail me a copy of your student’s DMMP.
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House Bill 173 established a new requirement, effective 7/1/2022, that the student’s doctor must develop an Individualized Seizure Action Plan (ISAP), in consultation with the parent, and signed by both individuals. OCPS requires a copy of the ISAP be kept on file in the Clinic. Please drop off or e-mail me a copy of your student’s ISAP.
An Emergency and Student Health Information Form for School Year 2024-2025 will be sent home with each student during the first full week of school (August 12-16). Please be sure to complete the Parental opt-in on the back of the form, which allows me to care for your student in the Clinic, and have your student return the completed and signed form to their teacher.
Effective August 11, I will be in the office from 7:10 AM to 2:40 PM every scheduled school day.
I look forward to seeing your students back on campus for the start of the new school year!
Connie Pockett, RN
School Nurse
Windermere High School
(407) 347-0980, ext. 6042229
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General Information – Students spots are individually assigned this school year. Students must park in their assigned spot and no where else. If a student does not have a parking hanger, they cannot park on campus. Violators could be towed at the owner’s expense.
Parking Spot Painting - Seniors will be permitted to paint their parking spot if they so choose. Senior parking spot painting will take place on Saturday, August 16, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 PM.
Expectations – please conduct yourself in a safe manner when operating a vehicle on campus. Follow the posted speed limit signs and refrain from reckless driving. Students who drive recklessly could lose their parking privileges or face other disciplinary consequences. Should you have questions about parking, please contact Ms. Murchison.
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As a reminder, OCPS utilizes the Skyward Family Access system. Further details and set-up instructions can be found on the main OCPS website ocps.net and then click on Skyward under quick links. Launchpad will be your link to “Skyward Family Access.” Skyward will keep you informed on your student such as grades, attendance and much more.
If you experience any issues while trying to register for a LaunchPad account or within Skyward Family Access please contact us at the school.
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All students will have the opportunity to receive a school issued laptop. A few reminders to ensure we have a successful year with technology:
- Students are responsible for his/her laptops at all times
- Students are responsible for charging the laptop every night and bringing it every day
- Never share passwords!!
- When transitioning from class to class, the laptop should be placed in the backpack
- Compatible ear buds should be brought to school every day
- Laptops are not to be out during lunch periods
- If students need tech support, they may go to the media center during 2nd and 6th periods
- As these are school issued laptops, students are expected to use in a responsible manner, even when off campus
Click here to review the OCPS Family Technology Handbook! |
Parents have the ability to become an observer through Canvas to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the classroom. To become an observer, please follow the directions below:
Students:
- Login to your Canvas by going to Launch.ocps.net
- Click on “account” in the upper left hand corner of your screen once you are in Canvas.
- Click “settings.”
- Once in settings, click “pair with observer” and write down the code that is generated.
Parents:
- Login to canvas.ocps.net and click on “parent login.”
- Register for a canvas account, and then enter the “student pairing code” from step four from the student section above.
- You should now have access to view your student’s courses.
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