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Windermere Wolverine Watch - Week of May 25, 2026

Posted Date: 05/24/26 (06:00 PM)


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Windermere Wolverine Watch

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE WINDERMERE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Principal Message

Graduation 2026 was an amazing event for our seniors! We are so proud of our students and wish them well as they start this next chapter of their lives. I know they will do amazing things regardless of where they go, and we hope they remember, once a wolverine, always a wolverine!  
 
To ensure we have a safe, and uneventful end to the school year, back packs will not be permitted on the last two days of school – Tuesday, May 26, and Thursday, May 27.

Students will be permitted to carry lunch boxes and small purses for personal items. Backpacks and any larger bags will be searched and stored in a secure location until the end of the school day. Please don’t forget to speak with your child about behavior expectations this last week. We don’t want students to make foolish, or childish, decisions that could impact them for years to come Thank you for your support as we work to ensure a safe end to the school year.  
 
Device collection took place this past week. If students were not present, they will need to return the device this week. Students who are taking summer school or a virtual class can keep their device, however, we like to check the device in and then back out for tracking purposes. Students who fail to return their device could be responsible for the replacement cost of the device so plan accordingly.  
 
Parking clearance for the 2026-27 is now open. All requirements and the application are listed on our website: https://windermerehs.ocps.net/253587_2. Please be sure to review the requirements and plan accordingly as parking is limited here at Windermere.  
 
I would encourage returning families to stay connected over the summer by following us on Facebook and checking the website for updates. Additionally, be advised that Windermere will operate on a four-day work week beginning June 1, with the office closed on Fridays. We also operate with a reduced staff during the summer so be sure to contact the front desk with questions. As a reminder, School Counselors do not work over the summer, and have only been provided limited summer days. The school will be closed June 29 through July 3 as part of the July 4th shutdown week.  
 
We anticipate device rollout for the next school year to take place the week of July 24. Updates will be sent out once finalized. Also, please mark your calendars for CLAW Day 2026, which will take place on Saturday, August 8. More details to come.  
 
Finally, thank you to everyone who made this a fantastic school year. Windermere is an amazing place to learn and work, and it is a direct result of everyone that supports the school, both inside and out. It is my sincere hope that you find time to rest and relax this summer while spending time with family. I will see students back on campus, Tuesday, August 11, for the start of the 2026-27 school year. Whoop, Whoop!  
As always, please be sure to regularly check our website and Facebook page for important updates. 
 
Sincerely, 
 
Mr. Leftakis 
Principal 
Windermere High School 
 
Graphic celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month with text and colorful wave-like patterns.
Two smiling children are featured in an image promoting Foster Care Awareness Month.
Graphic celebrating May as Haitian Heritage Month with the Haitian coat of arms.
Graphic celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month with a Star of David symbol.
A green ribbon, a symbol for mental health awareness, is displayed with text stating 'May is Mental Health Awareness Month'.
A young girl signs with her hands, celebrating May as National Speech-Language-Hearing Month.
Visit Our Website
 

Upcoming Dates

5/25/2026 – Memorial Day – no school!  
5/26 to 5/27 – No backpack allowed on campus  
5/27/2026 – Last Day of the 25-26 School Year!  
6/4/2026 – Begin modified summer Open/Close Hours (school closed on Fridays) 
6/29 to 7/2 – School Closed as part of July 4th shutdown week 
7/31/2026 – School resumes normal operating hours (open on Fridays) 
8/3/2026 – Teachers return for Pre-Planning 
8/8/2026 – CLAW Day 2026 – more details to come!  
8/11/2026 – First day of the 2026-2027 school year!  
 
A smiling graduate in a blue cap and gown looks towards the future.
 
OCPS Honors Memorial Day: Schools and District Offices Closed.
A group of diverse students laugh joyfully, celebrating the last day of school on May 27.
 

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/BUS-CAM

Mr. Kevin Kuczynski
CAN-CAS/DJ-GUI

Ms. Emily Ferrand
CAT-CHI/GUJ-LID

Ms. Keyonta Granberry
CHJ-COLL/LIE-NE

Ms. Iris Olivera
COLM-CZ/NF-RE

Ms. Alda Reis
D-DEM/RF-SO

Ms. Bethany Werner
DEN-DI/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
 

Community Resources

OCPS Community Connect: communityconnect.ocps.net
  • A one-stop resource to help families and community members find social services and support programs. The site can be translated into more than 100 languages.

  • Families can explore the public Resiliency Canvas course, which includes helpful national, state, and local resources focused on building emotional strength and well-being.

Mental Health Support
  • Orange County Mental Health Mobile Crisis Services

Mental Health Support
  • Orange County Mental Health Mobile Crisis Services
  • Dial 211
  • If students are having suicidal ideation or feelings of self-harm or are in crisis
  • Therapists will respond to homes usually within 60 minutes
o  988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 9-8-8

Wellness Handouts:
 

Safety and Security Reminders

Safety
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

OCPS_Cell_Phone_Policy
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

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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

Pedestrian
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

Student_Parking
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

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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.
 

Student Device Reminders

BYOD
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!

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

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

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