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Windermere Wolverine Watch - Week of September 29, 2025

Posted Date: 9/28/25 (6:00 PM)

Windermere High School logo featuring a bear mascot and school name.

Windermere Wolverine Watch

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE WINDERMERE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Principal Message

This is a busy week on campus! Students in algebra, geometry, US History, and Biology will take part in progress monitoring activities. Students will take these assessments in class. We celebrate our amazing custodial services team on Thursday as part of National Custodian Appreciation Day, and we host our annual Lipsync Battle on Friday! Tickets are now on sale so grab yours today.
 
Also, this week, Windermere will join with other OCPS high schools to take part in an initiative called Student Connectivity Days. This initiative is aimed at deepening student engagement and fostering a stronger sense of community with our schools. Beginning this fall, we will host Student Connectivity Days once per quarter, with the first scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2025.
 
On these days, we will operate on a modified bell schedule to allow students to participate in club activities and interest-based sessions during the school day. This approach is designed to remove barriers such as transportation to ensure that all students have meaningful opportunities to connect with the school.
 
Windermere is currently in the process of designing the structure of our first Connectivity Day on October 3rd. This will be done with input from student organizations and other stakeholder groups. We will push out to the community once we finalize, but for now, mark your calendars!
 
Parents, as a reminder, we need your help to ensure students are practicing safe traveling practices to and from school. Recently, deputies from the Orange County Sherriff’s Office, Traffic Division, were out on 535 issuing warnings to students on E-bikes and electric scooters who were riding recklessly. Students should follow all applicable laws and cross at designated cross walks. Additionally, while crossing, students should walk their E-bike/scooter through the crosswalk. Please see below for more information provided by the district.
 
Finally, be sure to mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 7, and Wednesday, October 9, when we will administer the PSAT and SAT. We will operate on modified schedules both days, and all students will test. More information below.
 
As always, please be sure to regularly check our website and Facebook page for important updates.
 
Sincerely,
 
Mr. Leftakis
Principal
Windermere High School
 
Image promoting Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a pink ribbon.
Image promoting LGBTQ+ Awareness and History Month, featuring a rainbow heart.
An illustration celebrating National Custodian Day on October 2, featuring a mop.
Image promoting National Hispanic Heritage Month with colorful geometric designs.
Visit Our Website
 

Upcoming Dates

10/2/2025 – National Custodian Appreciation Day!
10/3/2025 – Student Connectivity Day #1 – Modified Schedule (TBD)
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
10/16/2025 – SGA sponsored blood drive
10/16/2025 – Fall Theatre Production opens
10/20/2025 – Homecoming Spirit Week begins!
10/20/2025 – Homecoming powderpuff game – Windermere Stadium – 5:00 p.m.
10/22/2025 – Fall Chorus Concert – PAC – 7:00 p.m.
10/23/2025 – PTSO sponsored movie night – courtyard – 7:00 p.m.
10/24/2025 – Homecoming football vs Innovation – Windermere Stadium – 7:00 p.m.
10/25/2025 – Homecoming dance – Gym – 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.
10/28/2025 – Fall Orchestra Concert – PAC – 7:00 p.m.
10/29/2025 – Truck or Treat – Courtyard – 5:30 p.m.
10/30/2025 – Varsity football vs Horizon – Windermere Stadium – 7:00 p.m.
11/5/2025 – Dance audition – PAC – 5:00 p.m.
11/10/2025 – SAC/PTSO meetings – media center – 5:00 and 5:45 p.m.
11/13/2025 – Fall athletic signing day – PAC – 3:00 p.m.
11/24 to 11/28 – Thanksgiving Beak – no school!
12/1/2025 – Quarter 2 testing window (PMA/FCLE/semester 1 CFE – modified schedules
12/4/2025 – Winter Dance Spectacular – PAC – 7:00 p.m.
12/5/2025 – Club picture day and senior panoramic – times TBD
12/9/2025 – Winter Band Concert – PAC – 7:00 p.m.
12/10/2025 – SGA Winter Wonderland – courtyard – 5:30 p.m.
12/11/2025 – SGA sponsored blood drive
12/11/2025 – Winter Chorus Concert – PAC – 7:00 p.m.
12/16/2025 – Winter Orchestra Concert – PAC – 7:00 p.m.
12/17/2025 – Senior Movie Night – location TBD – 6:30 p.m.
12/19/2025 – End of Quarter 2
12/22 to 1/2 – Winter Break – no school!
1/5/2026 – Teacher workday – no school!
1/6/2026 – Begin semester 2/quarter 3
 

PSAT and SAT Bell Schedules for 10/7 and 10/9

PSAT for 9th and 10th Grade - October 7

A schedule for PSAT testing for 9th and 10th grade students, including testing, lunch, and class periods.

PSAT for 11th Grade and SAT for 12th Grade - October 9

A schedule outlines PSAT and SAT times for 11th and 12th graders, including testing, lunch, and class periods.
 

Sports Schedule

A sports schedule for Wolverine Athletics, listing football, volleyball, and golf games for 2025.
A schedule for Wolverine Athletics fall sports in 2025 is displayed.
 

Important Contact Information

Windermere High School main number – 407-347-0980

Principal – Mr. Leftakis – Andrew.leftakis@ocps.net
Assistant Principal – Ms. Brockmeier – Brittany.brockmeier@ocps.net
Assistant Principal – Ms. Murchison – Nancy.murchison@ocps.net  
Assistant Principal – Ms. Stokes – Danielle.stokes@ocps.net
Assistant Principal – Mr. Cox – trevor.cox@ocps.net

Junior/Senior Dean – Christina Dell – 604-2640 – christina.dell@ocps.net
Sophomore Dean – Deanna Naffziger – 604-2244 – Deanna.naffziger@ocps.net
Freshman Dean – Jasper Strong – 604-2243 – Jasper.Strong@ocps.net  
Staffing Specialist – Patricia McGill – 604-2609 – patricia.mcgill@ocps.net
Staffing Specialist – Zohar Cain – 604-2609 – Zohar.cain@ocps.net
504 Coordinator – Renee Graham – 604-2808 – renee.graham@ocps.net
Athletic Director – Jeremey Campbell – 604-2648 – Jeremy.campbell@ocps.net
SAFE Coordinator – Stefania Massi – 604-2814 – stefania.massi@ocps.net
Windermere Athletic Page – www.windermereathletics.com
 

Guidance/Student Services Contact Information

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
 
College and Career                        Cynthia Wilson – Cynthia.Wilson@ocps.net 
Record Requests                            Euwanda Thomas – euwanda.thomas@ocps.net
 

Join PTA and/or SAC

A stylized bear logo in green and blue, with the letters PTSO below.
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.
 
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.

**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
 

Safety and Security Reminders

Two green and white 'Safety First' signs with a cross symbol.
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:
  • 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.
 

OCPS Cell Phone Policy Reminders

An infographic from Orange County Public Schools about cell phone policy, showing a phone, watch, and earbuds.
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.
 

Behavior Expectations at WHS

The Windermere Wolverines logo features a wolverine in green and blue.
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. 
 

Pedestrian Safety

A green pedestrian figure walks across a crosswalk in a circular icon.
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!
 

Student Parking Reminders

A rectangular sign with green border reads 'STUDENT PARKING ONLY'.
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.
 

Skyward Family Access

The Skyward logo features a blue arc above the word 'SKYWARD'.
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.
 

Student Device Reminders

Image promoting BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) with colorful device icons.
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! 
 

Become a Canvas Observer!

Text on a white background reads 'How to be a Canvas Observer'.
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:
  1. Login to your Canvas by going to Launch.ocps.net
  2. Click on “account” in the upper left hand corner of your screen once you are in Canvas.
  3. Click “settings.”
  4. Once in settings, click “pair with observer” and write down the code that is generated.
 
Parents:
  1. Login to canvas.ocps.net and click on “parent login.”
  2. Register for a canvas account, and then enter the “student pairing code” from step four from the student section above.
  3. You should now have access to view your student’s courses.
Windermere High School logo featuring a badger, lamp, and other symbols.

5523 Winter Garden Vineland Rd | Windermere, FL 34786-6097

Phone +1 407-347-0980 I windermere_hs@ocps.net

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