Windermere Wolverine Watch
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Thank you for your support as we made changes to our drop-off procedures this past week. I understand that these changes have increased the time needed to drop off, however, it has drastically reduced the amount of cars in our student parking lot along with the amount of foot traffic that is crossing streets. As a reminder, please only drop off students between the PAC and the cafeteria. Additionally, please wait your turn and refrain from cutting over in the thru lane. Again, my advice, leave the house ten minutes early so you’re not in such a hurry. Thank you for your support.
This is a busy week! Senior Sunrise will take place on Tuesday, September 16 at 6:00 a.m. at the Windermere Stadium. Thank you to our SGA and PTSO for organizing. Additionally, underclassman picture day is scheduled for the 16th as well. Please reach out to Ms. Moore with any questions. Resiliency Day #1 will take place on Thursday, September 8. As a reminder, this is a state mandated initiative, and we will operate on a modified schedule. Finally, seniors have another opportunity to take a formal portrait son September 18 and 19.
It’s hard to believe that we’ve already reached the half-way point of quarter 1! This is a great time to check Skyward in order to stay up-to-date on student grades. Additionally, you can also become a Canvas Observer to monitor assignments. Directions are listed below should you need assistance. Please reach out to the school should you need assistance with grades or with logging in.
Please consider joining us for the PTSO Fall Bash, which takes place at Home State Brewery in Hamlin on Wednesday, September 17. This is always a fun event that helps parents connect while sharing in a night out. There will also be food and a silent auction. See the flyer below for more information and be sure to grab your tickets today!
As always, please be sure to regularly check our website and Facebook page for important updates.
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Sincerely,
Mr. Leftakis
Principal
Windermere High School
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9/16/2025 – Senior Sunrise – Windermere Stadium – 6:00 a.m.
9/16/2025 – Fall Picture Day!
9/17/2025 – PTSO Fall Bash at Home State Brew – 6:00 p.m.
9/18/2025 – Resiliency Day #1 – modified schedule
9/18 to 9/19 – Senior Formal Portraits
9/24/2025 – Orange County Supervisor of Elections on campus during lunches
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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Thursday, September 18 is the first of two Resiliency Days when we will be following an adjusted bell schedule with an extended 6th period. All OCPS students in grades 6-12 will complete a 30-minute self-paced Canvas lesson and a 30-minute college and career planning activity in Xello. Topics include overcoming challenges, mental wellness, and how to find support on campus. This lesson satisfies one hour of the Florida Department of Education’s five hours of mandatory resiliency instruction.
State-Mandated Resiliency Instruction Florida Department of Education Rule 6A-1.094124 provides that: “School districts must annually provide a minimum of five (5) hours of data-driven instruction to students in grades 6-12 related to civic and character education and life skills education through resiliency education using the health education standards adopted in Rule 6A-1.09401, F.A.C., Student Performance Standards.”
You will be able to access all student materials through the Canvas app in the OCPS Parent Portal, and more information is available on the Mental Health Services Parent Resources website.
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In parallel to Resiliency Day, we will be celebrating Start with a Hello Week - September 15-19, 2025
Start with Hello week is organized by the Sandy Hook Promise, a non-profit organization led by several family members who lost their loved ones in the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting in 2012. This week will be all about creating connections and community. We never want anyone at Windermere High School to feel lonely, left out, or invisible. You can participate in Start With Hello Week by following these three steps:
See Someone Alone
Step 1: Learn how to recognize the signs of loneliness and social isolation.
Reach Out and Help
Step 2. Find out what you can do to help others feel included.
Start With Hello
Step 3: Break the ice and strike up a conversation.
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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.
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.
**Upcoming 2025-26 Tentative SAC Meeting Dates**
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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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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