Windermere Wolverine Watch
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Welcome to the 2026-27 school year! I’m so very excited to welcome our students back on campus, Tuesday, 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 2026! 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 Tuesday, August 11. Students cannot be on campus until 6:30 AM. The first bell rings at 7:10 AM and the tardy bell rings at 7:20 AM. New this year, the student arrival doors will close promptly at 7:20 AM. Late students will need to sign-in at the front office. 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.
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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 route 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!
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Sincerely,
Principal
Windermere High School
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8/11/2026 – First Day of School!
8/15/2026 – Senior parking spot painting
8/19/2026 – Herff Jones parent night – PAC – 5:30 PM
8/21/2026 – Varsity Football vs Winter Park – home – 7:00 PM
8/24/2026 – PTSO/SAC Interest Meeting – media center – 5:00 PM
8/25/2026 – Club Rush – courtyard – during both lunches
8/27/2026 – FAST PM 1 for all 9th and 10th grade students – modified schedule
9/3/2026 – Senior sunrise – Windermere Stadium – 6:30 AM
9/7/2026 – Labor Day – no school!
9/10/2026 – Varsity Football vs Wekiva – home – 7:00 PM
9/15/2026 – Underclassmen Picture Day – gym lobby – all day
9/15/2026 – Fall Team Pictures – gym – 2:30 PM
9/17/2026 – Senior formal portraits – gym lobby
9/18/2026 – Varsity Football vs Olympia – 7:00 PM
9/22/2026 – PERT for Dual Enrollment – Media Center – select students
9/24/2026 – Varsity Football vs Liberty – home – 7:00 PM
9/28 to 10/1 – Progress Monitoring Assessments – modified schedules
10/1/2026 – Fall Theatre Production Opens!
10/2/2026 – Student Connectivity Day #1 – modified schedule
10/2/2026 – National Custodian Appreciation Day!
10/6/2026 – SAT School Day for seniors – modified schedule
10/8/2026 – PSAT School Day for 9-11 grades – modified schedule
10/8/2026 – Annual Lipsync Battle – PAC – 7:00 PM
10/9/2026 – Last day of quarter 1
10/12/2026 – Teacher workday/student holiday – no school!
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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-B
Ms. Wilkin
C-ED
Mr. Kevin Kuczynski
Ef-Hun
Ms. Keyonta Granberry
Huo-Marq
Ms. Iris Olivera
Marr-Pin
Ms. Alda Reis
Pio-Sid
Ms. Bethany Werner
Sie-Z
Mrs. Kristin Wilkin
Graduation Coach MTSS Coordinator
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Students who arrive late or leave early will enter/exit from the main student arrival doors. These doors are located between the Performing Arts Center and the Student Union. These are the only doors students should use to enter/exit. Students will receive an early release badge, and their digital ID, will update after the drop/add period. Until that happens, students will need to carry a physical copy of their schedule, or login to their Skyward account to show they have late arrival/early release. I would encourage early release students to arrive to the doors five-ten minutes early to ensure we get you inside in a timely manner. The doors will close at the tardy bell and students will need to sign-in at the front office. |
High school students may continue using certain motorized micromobility devices with specific requirements:
Students must:
- Hold a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit
- Obtain a school‑issued decal
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Walk their device once on campus
- Store devices in designated bicycle racks or approved locations
Students cannot:
- Ride on sidewalks, courtyards, athletic fields, grassy areas, or other pedestrian spaces
- Charge batteries or bring detached batteries onto campus
- Modified electric bicycles, Class 3 e‑bikes, or electronic motorcycles are prohibited
Expectations
Students must operate devices safely and responsibly and follow all laws and school rules. Failure to meet expectations may result in disciplinary action and loss of the privilege to bring a device to school.
Grace Period
Families have until Tuesday, September 8 to make any necessary adjustments. This grace period allows time to plan alternative transportation if your student previously relied on a motorized device.
We appreciate your partnership in helping us maintain safe campuses for all students and staff. If you have questions about these guidelines, please contact your child's school.
Click here to register your micro-mobility device with Windermere High School. Decals will be provided to students once their registration has been reviewed.
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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 24 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.
**2026-27 Tentative SAC Meeting Dates**
9/14/26 - Interest Meeting
10/13/26
11/9/26
1/11/27
2/8/27
3/8/27
4/12/27
5/10/27
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- 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:
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As a reminder, OCPS operates under the following security and safety procedures for the 2026-27 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.
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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 15, from 7:00 AM 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 Mr. Trevor Cox.
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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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