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Totem Talk: August 2, 2026

Posted Date: 08/02/26 (01:00 PM)


An orange Spartan helmet logo is displayed next to the text 'BOONE STUDENT TODAY BRAVE LEADER TOMORROW' on a light blue background.
The words 'TOTEM TALK' are displayed in large white letters on an orange background.

Community Brief

August 2, 2026
Boone High School Principal, Dr. Maestre, in a gray suit smiles at the camera, wearing an orange patterned tie.

Message From Dr. Maestre

This upcoming Monday is the start of our annual pre-planning period for teachers, leading up to the first day of school on Tuesday, August 11. We are very excited to have all of our teachers back as they prepare their classrooms, curriculum, and hearts for the year ahead. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the vital role our teachers play in shaping the future of our Braves. The resilience, adaptability, and passion that they bring to the classroom each school day form the foundation of the top academic ratings Boone High School earns from the Florida Department of Education.
 
Parents and guardians, please remember that Thursday, August 6, is Braves Are Back:
 
·   Freshmen - 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
·   Sophomores - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
·   Juniors & Seniors: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
 
We hope all of our incoming families will join us on Thursday morning for Braves Are Back, so that students are prepared for an excellent start on the first day of classes (details below). In addition to Braves Are Back, please visit our website if you haven't already. The new website format should save you time, whether you are searching for information about Boone High School or OCPS. 
 
Here’s to the week ahead, which leads into what promises to be another successful year of student achievement. 

As always, thank you for reading!

Forever Brave,

Hector Maestre, Ed.D.
Principal
 
William R. Boone High School event announcement for Thursday, August 6th, detailing staggered entry times for freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Braves are Back: August 6, 2026

Mark your calendars for our annual meet the teacher event! Braves Are Back will take place on Thursday, August 6. Freshmen will be from 8 AM-9:30 AM, Sophomores will be from 9:30 AM-11 AM, and Juniors and Seniors will be from 11 AM-12:30 PM. We are excited to welcome students back on campus to kick off another amazing school year!

If you were unable to pick up your laptop last week, you can check it out during Braves Are Back.

If you are a student-athlete and still need your required ECG, we will have Who We Play For on campus during Braves Are Back, from 8 AM-11 AM. Scan the QR code below to register.
Announcement for ECG availability at Braves Are Back event on Aug 6th, 8-11 am.
 

Schedule Review and Schedule Change Information

As we prepare for the start of the 2026-2027 school year, student schedules will be available in Skyward beginning August 3. Please keep in mind that our team is continuing to review schedules and make adjustments to ensure accurate student placement. Students are encouraged to review their schedules carefully and report any potential errors, such as a course already completed, a duplicate course, an out-of-sequence course, or a missing prerequisite. Students interested in requesting a course change will also have an opportunity to do so. Complete information, deadlines, course availability, and form links are available at https://boonehs.ocps.net/schedulechange. The form will be available from August 3 to 14.

At Boone, our goal is to help students build schedules that support their academic goals, graduation plans, and future aspirations. Because our master schedule serves more than 2,700 students, available seats may be limited in many courses and class periods, particularly in elective and fine arts offerings. We encourage students to explore available options, advocate for what best supports their goals, and understand that schedule changes depend on seat availability, prerequisite requirements, graduation needs, and overall scheduling constraints.

Our counseling team will carefully review every submission, and students will receive an automated email once their request has been processed. While we work to accommodate as many requests as possible, availability may change throughout the review process, and students requesting the same course may receive different outcomes based on scheduling compatibility and the number of available seats when their request is reviewed. Final schedules will be available in students' 1st period classes on the first day of school. We appreciate your patience and partnership as we work to support a successful start to the school year for all Boone students.
 

Meet Our New Braves!

We are excited to welcome some of the newest members of our Staffulty to Boone High School! They are joining our school community and are ready to support all of the students they will serve.
A woman with dark, wavy hair smiles gently while sitting in a car.

Lily Acajabón - Spanish 1 and 3

I’m Lily Acajabón and am overjoyed to be teaching at Boone High School! I was born in Guatemala and grew up in New York City and Central Florida. I graduated from UCF with a Master's degree in Spanish! My hobbies include reading, traveling, working out, cooking, spending time with family and going to the beach! Can't wait to start a new school year at Boone!
A young man in a grey suit and striped tie walks outdoors on a paved path next to manicured bushes.

Nahum Agreen - School Counselor

My name is Nahum Agreen, but everyone calls me Nate. This will be my first full year as a school counselor. I was born in Hawaii, and my parents moved to Florida when I was young. I grew up pretty poor, and when I was 18, I was on my own, but I had a dream. I was able to get my degree, thanks in no small part to the grants and scholarships my school counselor helped me attain. After graduation, I used my degree to become a Commissioned Officer in the United States Air Force, finally breaking free of poverty. I got a medical separation from the Air Force with an Honorable Discharge, so now, for my next chapter, I would like to give back and hopefully help other kids just like my school counselor did for me!

A smiling person wearing black scrubs and a patterned scrub cap stands in a hallway.

Alexander Arzuaga-Cintrón - Biology

My name is Alexander Arzuaga-Cintrón, and I am excited to join the team as a Biology and Biology Honors Teacher. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Florida International University (FIU) and my Master of Medical Science in Human Physiology and Aging from the University of Florida. My long-term goal is to attend medical school and become a physician, with a special interest in Internal Medicine and Critical Care.

In addition to teaching, I also work at UCF Lake Nona Hospital, where I have the privilege of providing direct patient care. Being involved in both education and healthcare allows me to bring real-world experiences into the classroom and show students how biology impacts our everyday lives.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing volleyball, staying active, and continuing to learn. I am passionate about inspiring students to develop a love for science, ask questions, and pursue their own goals with confidence. I look forward to an amazing school year and becoming part of this wonderful school community!

A woman with vibrant teal and dark hair smiles, wearing a pink top and beaded necklace.

Ingrid Berrio - Exceptional Student Education

My name is Ingrid Juliana Berrio, and I am honored to be part of the Boone HS family as a teacher for the ESE department. With over four years of experience as a substitute teacher at Boone and five years at GBCS, a dual language elementary program in New Jersey.
 
My journey has been shaped by my Colombian-American heritage; I am deeply connected to my roots and passionate about giving back to the community. I’ve actively engaged in community service, including mentorship programs and supporting breast cancer initiatives for Latinas.
 
Outside the classroom, you can find me at the Lake Eola farmers market, at yoga in the park on Sundays, exploring new cultures, and hosting meditation circles at my wellness practice. I believe in the power of love and compassion, and I enjoy bringing this energy to my students and the school community.
A woman with long, wavy brown hair smiles while sitting in a car.

Mary Canar - School Counselor

Hi, I’m Mary Canar, and I’m excited to be part of the Boone High School family! I was born and raised in Venezuela and earned my Master’s degree in Counseling K-12 from Turabo University in Orlando, Florida. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and cooking. I look forward to getting to know everyone and being part of the Boone community!

A professional headshot of a woman with dark hair smiling.

Phoebe Charon - Dean

My name is Phoebe Charon. I am so excited to join the Boone team as a dean! For the past 9 years, I have been in the ESE world as an ASD/IND self-contained teacher, a support facilitator, and a staffing specialist. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, being by the water, and trying new restaurants and coffee shops.
A man with a beard and a purple baseball cap smiles at the camera, with a river and trees in the background.

Kyle Coons - ESE Paraprofessional

My name is Kyle Coons, and I attended Boone from 2004 to 2008, graduating with honors in 2008. I was a member of the 2007 varsity football team that finished 14-1 and reached the state finals. This will be my third full year in education. I’m coming from next door at Blankner, where I started out as a basic para in March 2024. The last two school years, I’ve been an ESE para and (for the most part) a one-on-one para.

I’m currently taking online courses through Seminole State College to complete my bachelor’s degree in K-6 education. I’m a big sports fan, mainly baseball (Yankees) and soccer (Orlando City & Pride season-ticket holder), but I’ve been the boys' basketball coach and girls' track assistant coach at Blankner for the past two years. The great news about being transferred here to Boone is that I can continue coaching the Bulldogs next door! I’m currently on vacation with my father, and we are 3/5 of the way through seeing all the National Parks of Utah. Here’s a photo of me at Zion!

A woman stands next to a black scooter on a cobblestone street lined with shops.

Melinda Correa - School Counselor

I'm Melinda Correa, and I am thrilled to join Boone High School as a School Counselor. I earned my Bachelor's Degree from the University of Central Florida and my Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Troy University. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, playing board games, traveling, and watching movies and streaming shows. I am excited to be part of the Boone family and look forward to supporting our students and celebrating their success throughout the year! 

A young woman with long brown hair smiles at the camera, wearing a red floral print top.

Alaina Easterling - Geometry

I am Alaina Easterling! I’m super excited for my first full year of teaching math at Boone High School. Born and raised in Orlando, FL, I am a Boone High alumnus, graduating in 2020 as one of the school’s valedictorians. For my undergraduate education, I attended UCF (Go Knights!) with a double major in Biomedical Sciences and Materials Science Engineering, and a minor in Mathematics. Hobbies of mine include reading, going to the gym, traveling, cooking, and enjoying nature with my iced latte with almond milk. Honored to have the opportunity to teach your kiddos!
A person wearing glasses and a baseball cap smiles in front of the Abraham Lincoln statue at the Lincoln Memorial.

Katty Francis - U.S. History

I am Dr. Francis, and I’m excited to join the Boone High School family as the new AP U.S. History and U.S. History teacher. I come with a decade of advanced placement experience, along with a Ph.D. in Social Science Education from the University of South Florida and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Florida Southern College.

I believe history comes alive when students ask questions, analyze evidence, and connect the past to the challenges and opportunities of the present. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with students and helping every Brave grow as a critical thinker, engaged citizen, and lifelong learner.

A woman with long, dark hair smiles warmly outdoors on a sunny day.

Keturah Hennis - Health Academy

My name is Keturah Hennis from Cleveland, OH! I’m in my 10th year of teaching. I am honored to join the Academy of Health Sciences this year!

I am a former collegiate student-athlete, graduating with my B.S. in Athletic Training from the University of Charleston. I received my M.Ed. in Physical Education and Sports Studies from the University of Georgia! GOOOOO DAWGS!

I love sports, high-performance cars, and fine dining. I have served as a coach for 20+ years, always reminding our youth to be humble and to forever be students of the game!
 

A smiling couple poses together, the woman in a burgundy dress and the man in a light grey suit holding a bouquet.

Maria Marcher - Statistics

I am Maria Marcher, and I was born and raised in Miami. I am passionate about teaching mathematics. Outside the classroom, I enjoy traveling, cooking, and spending time with my family. I have visited 48 out of the 50 U.S. states. I plan to visit the last two in the next few years. Also, I earned my MBA from Barry University and attended the Ph.D. program in Financial Mathematics at the University of Central Florida. 

A young woman with long, dark hair and glasses smiles at the camera in a restaurant.

Kennedy Mohs - English 9 and 10

My name is Kennedy Mohs! I was born and raised in Orlando and have only attended Orange County Public Schools, so I am excited to continue my teaching journey at Boone! I attended the University of Central Florida and majored in Elementary Education before graduating in 2020! This will be my 6th year of teaching high school English and I look forward to being a Brave!
A smiling woman with curly hair stands on a cobblestone street lined with palm trees and historic buildings.

Ania Williams - Biology

My name is Ania Williams. I am originally from Houston, Texas but have lived here in Orlando for 6 years. I am a proud Jayhawk from the University of Kansas where I played softball! I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Community Health. I enjoy being active in my free time including running, playing in my kickball league or practicing yoga! Also, I can proudly say I’m a huge foodie! Excited to be a part of the Boone family.

A person smiles while riding a gondola in Venice, with a gondolier in the background.

Jodi Zocchi - AP Capstone

My name is Jodi Zocchi. I have lived in Orlando since the late 1900s. I am a UCF graduate and have been with OCPS since 2004. At Boone, I am teaching the AP Capstone courses for my fifth year. I have taught every grade of ELA from 6–12 and enjoy helping students elevate their reading and writing abilities and expand their vocabulary. In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, traveling, biking, paddleboarding, and watching movies and TV.
 

PTSO Parent Mixers

Class of 2027

Let’s start senior year off right!
Can you believe they are seniors already? Come celebrate the start of this monumental milestone year at our Class of 2027 Senior Parent Mixer! It’s a wonderful, low-pressure opportunity to mix and mingle with other senior parents, ask questions, and share in the excitement of the journey ahead.
Join us to catch up, chat with the PTSO team, and enjoy a great night out before the busy school year officially gets moving!
Here are all the details you need:
  • Date: Monday, August 17th
  • Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
  • Location: VanBarry's Public House (4120 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806)
  • Giving Back: We are also coming together to support our community! If you are able, please bring along a donation of peanut butter and jelly to help fill the pantry shelves for the Braves Bounty. Together, we can make a huge difference!
We are stronger together and can’t wait to celebrate our amazing seniors with you. We hope to see you there!

Class of 2028

Let’s start the year off right! Join us for a casual Class of 2028 Parent Mixer to connect with other families at the beginning of the school year. Come ask questions, learn about the PTSO, grab your BHS gear, and enjoy a beverage!


  • Date: Wednesday, August 12th
  • Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Drop in anytime!)
  • Location: À La Cart | 2207 E. Michigan St, Orlando, FL 32806
  • Giving Back: If you're able, please bring mac 'n' cheese, ramen, or pasta to help support the Braves Bounty Food Pantry.
Follow Us:

Class of 2029

Let’s start sophomore year off right! Join us for a casual Class of 2029 Parent Mixer to connect with other families before the school year gets underway. Come ask questions, learn about the PTSO, grab some BHS merchandise, and enjoy a beverage!

  • Date: Wednesday, August 5th
  • Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Drop in anytime!)
  • Location: Hourglass Brewing | 2500 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32806
  • Giving Back: If you're able, please bring canned tuna or canned chicken to help support the Braves Bounty Food Pantry.

Boone Braves 2029:

Class of 2030

Join us for the Class of 2030 Parent Mixer and help kick off freshman year with new connections! Meet other incoming freshman parents, ask questions, learn about our PTSO, shop for BHS merchandise, and enjoy a beverage while you're there.

  • Date: Thursday, August 6th
  • Time: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM (Drop in anytime!)
  • Location: Rock Pit Brewing
Drop in whenever you can and stay as long as you'd like. It's a great way to connect before the school year begins.
If you're able, please bring a donation of pancake mix, syrup or cereal for the Braves Bounty Food Pantry. All donations are appreciated!
We hope to see you there!
 
The Boone High School logo is also referred to as the Brave Head. An orange and white graphic of a profile with a feathered headdress.

Contact info

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Administration
  • Principal: Dr. Hector Maestre - 60998@ocps.net
  • Assistant Principal: Mr. Daniel Abalo - 34823@ocps.net
  • Assistant Principal: Ms. Denine Brown - 54177@ocps.net
  • Assistant Principal: Dr. Timothy Flynn - 100795@ocps.net
  • Assistant Principal: Ms. Kristen Gillespie - 105208@ocps.net

General Contact
  • (407) 893-7200
  • boone_hs@ocps.net
  • www.boonehs.ocps.net