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Totem Talk: October 19, 2026

Posted Date: 10/19/26 (11:16 AM)

A full orchestra performs on a brightly lit stage with a purple backdrop, viewed from a seated audience.
A vibrant orange graphic displays the text 'TOTEM TALK' in large white letters with blue outlines, with 'A PUBLICATION OF BOONE HIGH SCHOOL' below.

Community Brief

October 19, 2026

A Message From Dr. Maestre

This past week, we kicked off 2026-2027 Quarter 2, and we enjoyed a smooth transition from one quarter to the next. A quality education is delivered in large part through a cumulative approach to learning, as days and weeks build upon one another. By the time a student reaches the second nine weeks, they should be in full stride in their positive learning habits and commitment to on-time daily attendance. However, even with our best efforts, all of us can use a little extra support along the way. Please set aside time every week to check in with your student and their academic progress.  If you have any questions about a specific class, please reach out to the teacher for immediate assistance.

As always, thank you for reading and best wishes for a successful week ahead!

 
Forever Brave,
 
Hector Maestre, Ed.D.
Principal
 
A school flyer announces Boone High School's September Student of the Month nominees and winners.

Student of the Month - September

Congratulations to all our September Student of the Month nominees! A special shout-out to our winners:
  •  Freshman: Will Hayes
  •  Sophomore: Adrianna Alchin
  •  Junior: Anya Washington
  •  Senior: Franky Alvirez Escobar
We’re proud to celebrate these Braves and the positive difference they make at Boone. Congratulations, everyone! 
 
An announcement flyer for Magnet House Open House on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

Magnet Open House for the 2027-2028 School Year

If you are interested in learning more about the Magnet Program opportunities here at Boone, please consider attending our Magnet Open House on Thursday, November 12, beginning at 6 pm.  We will be showcasing our Criminal Justice, Finance, and Law programs.

There will be a brief presentation in the Performing Arts Center, followed by breakout sessions in the classrooms.
 

Where is Fergus Jr.?

To celebrate the arrival of Fergus, our staffulty is passing around Fergus Jr. to the person of their choice on campus. That person will proudly display Fergus Jr. in their classroom or office for a week before  presenting him to someone new. Stay tuned to Totem Talk to see where Fergus Jr. goes next.
A smiling teacher with curly gray hair holds a plush highland cow toy in a classroom.

Ms. Berry presents Fergus Jr. to Ms. Carrera

Ms. Carrera is nominated as the next Fergus recipient. Ms. Carrera goes above and beyond in supporting new Boone colleagues and testing. She has always provided encouragement and help whenever we are in need. Fergus is so excited to learn Spanish next week. He can't wait to share what he learns!
 

College and Career Information

A flyer announces upcoming college visits for 11th and 12th graders, featuring universities like Yale, Dartmouth, and SCAD.
Financial Aid: Two Applications for Seniors
Financial aid can help make college more affordable through grants, scholarships, work-study and loans. Completing the right applications helps students learn which options may be available to them.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for federal aid that students can use in any state. The Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) is a separate state application. Students must submit it to be considered for Florida Bright Futures, a scholarship program for eligible Florida high school graduates.

Starting this week, Mrs. Gurley will visit 12th-grade English classes to help seniors start the FAFSA and complete the FFAA. Students should have their Social Security number, if they have one, and a parent’s email address available. Parents who are required to contribute to the FAFSA must complete their own section before the form can be submitted.

Families can learn more at Financial Aid Night Thursday, October 15 at 6:00 p.m. in Boone High School’s Performing Arts Center.

Seniors: Requesting Recommendation Letters
If a college requires a letter of recommendation, check the Common App or Xello to see what you need. Before asking a teacher or school counselor to write your letter, complete the appropriate brag sheet:
Give your recommender at least three weeks’ notice and clearly share each college’s submission deadline. This gives them time to write a thoughtful letter on your behalf.
 
A promotional flyer for SAT and ACT tutoring sessions on Wednesdays after school from 1:10 to 2:15 in Ms. Gurley's room.

SAT and ACT Tutoring

Are you getting ready to tackle the SAT or ACT this semester? We are excited to offer free, weekly after-school tutoring to help Braves score their best on these important college entrance exams!

Whether you want to bump up your math score, master the reading strategies, or simply figure out where to start, our targeted prep sessions are designed to help you build confidence and improve your scores.

No advance registration is required, just drop in with your school laptop or notebook! Have questions or need help registering for an upcoming test date? Drop by the College and Career Center during school hours or reach out to Ms. Gurley at nicole.gurley@ocps.net. 
 
A promotional poster for the Boone High School Choral Department Fall Concert titled Unity in Song on October 20.

Chorus Concert

Join the Boone High School Choral Department for an inspiring evening of music at Unity in Song Tuesday, October 20, at 7:00 pm at Boone High School Performing Arts Center.

Come celebrate the power of music and community as our talented student singers take the stage for a memorable performance. Tickets are available now on TeachTix.
 
A student orchestra performs on a stage with a purple backdrop.
A symphony orchestra performs on stage under vibrant purple lighting, led by a conductor.
A conductor in a sparkling red jacket leads a full orchestra on a stage with a purple backdrop.
A symphony orchestra performs on a stage with a purple backdrop, led by a conductor in a red jacket.

Fall Orchestra Concert

Last week, our Performing Arts Center was filled with sweeping melodies and resounding applause as our orchestra took the stage for their annual Fall Concert. 

The concert featured our Concert Orchestra, Sinfonia Orchestra, Counterpoint Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra (pictured above).  The evening culminated with the Combined Orchestra playing Dolly Parton's I Will Always Love You in their pink cowboy hats (pictured below).

Beyond celebrating months of artistic dedication, the evening carried a deeply meaningful purpose: 100% of all ticket proceeds were donated directly to Kids Beating Cancer, directly supporting pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Thank you to Mr. Fanara, our talented students, and our incredible parent volunteers for helping to make this concert a huge success!
A person in a sparkling pink jacket and cowboy hat speaks into a microphone before an orchestra.
An orchestra of musicians in black attire and pink cowboy hats plays string instruments on a stage.
 
A promotional flyer for the 2026 Boone High School Trunk or Treat participant sign-up, featuring event details, colorful text, and a decorated car trunk.

BOONE HIGH SCHOOL'S 2ND ANNUAL TRUNK OR TREAT!

 Wednesday, October 28
 5:30–7:30 pm
 Boone High School Student Parking Lot

Mark your calendars for an evening of spooktacular fun! Boone High School invites all families, students, and community members to our annual Trunk or Treat Wednesday, October 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the Student Parking Lot.

Bring the kids out for a safe, family-friendly evening filled with trick-or-treating, Boone Brave pride, and festive community spirit. Walk from decorated trunk to trunk to collect candy and celebrate the fall season together!

Here is what you can look forward to:
  • Delicious Treats: Cool off with a sweet refreshment from Kona Ice.
  • Great Music: Dance along to high-energy beats provided by DJ Derek Watts.
  • Community Spirit: Huge thanks to our fabulous Boone PTSO for supporting and helping bring this event to life!
Put on your favorite Halloween costume, gather the family, and join us for an unforgettable night. We can’t wait to see you there!
 
A graphic announcement states that BHS will not accept student food deliveries, noting free meals are in the cafeteria.
As a reminder, students are not able to have food deliveries during the school day.  All students receive free breakfast and lunch every day in the cafeteria.  Food deliveries will not be accepted.
 
A promotional display for Boone PTSO Partner Perks features an orange couch, coffee cups, Krispy Kreme donuts, and announcement boards.

Student PTSO Partner Perks

Not a PTSO Partner yet? JOIN FOR JUST $10.60 AND START ENJOYING THE PERKS!

Find us in the cafeteria lobby!  TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20 – SIGN UP!

Stop by the PTSO table and become a Partner for just $10.60! There may be a sweet treat for you. Your membership supports Boone students, teachers, and school programs.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21 – FREE KRISPY KREME DONUTS!
We're kicking off our first Partner Perk with a sweet treat!

Already a Partner? Stop by and claim your donut!
Not a Partner? Sign up at our table for just $10 and get your first perk!

DON'T MISS OUT!
Bring $10.60, visit the PTSO table in the cafeteria lobby, and JOIN!

Come back Wednesday, October 21, to grab your Krispy Kreme donut!

Current and new PTSO Partners are welcome!
https://boone-braves-ptso.square.site/product/1x-individual-student-partnership/1?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=2

JOIN FOR $10.60. SUPPORT BOONE. GET THE PERKS!
 

Athletics

Fall Sports

Our fall athletics season is underway! There is still plenty of time to take in the action for football, golf, bowling, girls' volleyball, swimming and diving, and cross country.  Take a moment to check out the schedules below and make a plan to come out and support your Braves!  Game tickets can be purchased at gofan.co. You should consider purchasing an "All Sports Pass" to give you access to all regular season home games the entire school year. 
Seven female high school golfers stand together on a putting green at sunset, smiling for a team photo.

Girls' Golf Senior Night

As the Girls’ Golf season comes to a close, we take a moment to celebrate a standout athlete whose dedication, precision, and sportsmanship have defined our team’s culture: senior Olivia Travers.

From driving range practice to high-pressure back-nine putts, Olivia has been a cornerstone of the varsity roster. Known for her quiet focus, powerful drive, and unshakeable composure under pressure, she has consistently led by example both on and off the fairway.

Congratulations, Olivia!
A high school football player in a black uniform carries the ball while surrounded by opposing players in white jerseys with orange and blue helmets.

Varsity Football Recap

This past Friday, our Braves traveled to Ocoee High School to take on the Knights.  Unfortunately, lightning ended the game early.  We will resume the game Tuesday, November 3, at 7 pm.  Ocoee will not be charging for admission or parking.

Join us this Friday, October 23, as we return home for Senior Night! Purchase your ticket in advance on GoFan. Kickoff is at 7:00 pm.
The 2026 varsity football schedule for William R. Boone High School lists dates, opponents, locations, and times.
The 2026 JV football schedule for William R. Boone High School features games from August to October, listed with dates, opponents, locations, and times.
The 2026 girls volleyball schedule for William R. Boone High School lists dates, opponents, locations, and game times.
A graphic displaying the William R. Boone High School 2026 cross country schedule, listing dates, opponents, places, and times.
A schedule for the William R. Boone High School 2026 swimming and diving team, listing dates, opponents, locations, and staff names.
William R. Boone High School 2026 Varsity Bowling Schedule document with dates, opponents, locations, and times listed.
A schedule for the William R. Boone High School 2026 Varsity Girls Golf team, listing dates, opponents, locations, and times.
The 2026 Varsity Boys Golf Schedule for William R. Boone High School, detailing dates, opponents, locations, and times.
The 2026 girls' weightlifting schedule for William R. Boone High School lists dates, opponents, and staff.
Poster for Boone High School Athletic Association's 'All Sports Pass' with pricing for student, adult, family, and grandparent passes.
 
A graphic design announcement for Brave Connections Parent-Teacher Conference on Wednesday, December 2nd at 1:20pm, with arrival instructions.

Brave Connections - Parent - Teacher Conference

Our second Parent/Teacher Conference date of the school year will occur on Wednesday, December 2nd. Brave Connections will begin at 1:20pm in the cafeteria.

During this time, your student's teachers will be available to discuss academic progress, offer recommendations for support, and provide opportunities for families to ask questions about their student's coursework. Brave Connections will only occur once a quarter and there is no RSVP. To attend, please arrive at Boone by 1pm an check-in at the front office.
We can't wait to see you there!
 
A promotional flyer for The Boone Foundation Casino Night at Ventura Country Club on December 3, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM.

The Boone Foundation

You don't want to miss an exciting event to support Boone! The Boone Foundation is hosting Casino Night on Thursday, December 3, at the Ventura Country Club. Grab your friends and come out to this great event benefiting our school!
 
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