Friday, September 4, 2026

September '26 Newsletter

 Cashmere High School Monthly Newsletter - September ‘26

From the Principal’s Office

Bulldogs kicked off the 2026-27 school year in fine fashion, hosting the Freshman and New Student Orientation on Tuesday Aug. 25th, and followed up with the Senior Parade and Opening Pep Assembly on Wednesday Aug 26th!!  With over 550 students in the building, the most in my tenure, I reminded the student body that we are at capacity, and there is only room for positivity at CHS.  We are blessed with a high character junior and senior class to reinforce high expectations in academics, social interactions in school and in the community, and the “Of Course” service mindset that defines our school culture.  We will remind our students early and often that school culture is fragile, and demands investment and attention daily to ensure we continue to grow together.  More on our school themes from The Deans.

One change in our academic support that I want to draw your attention to is a shift in our academic intervention model.  Students struggling to engage academically or in need of support have been referred to our “Afters” program in previous years.  This year we have shifted our academic support to lunch time.  Departments have established criteria for referral to support, teachers will contact parents to alert them to the concern, and students will spend their lunch working to complete missing work.  Our goal is to leverage the privilege of off-campus lunch and ready access to teacher support to ensure students are making progress towards earning credits.  We are calling it M.A.I.L (Mandatory Academic Intervention @ Lunch)...I’m sure the old AOL. “You’ve Got MAIL” will be lost on this generation!

Please reach out to address any concerns, understand our systems or services, or to celebrate a success.  We are excited to make this year special for all Bulldogs!

 

From The Dean’s Office

As we kick off a brand-new school year at CHS, the Deans want to challenge every student to commit to our 12 areas that Take No Talent (TNT): being on time, positive attitude, work ethic, being coachable, being prepared, passion, doing extra, body language, good listener, respecting others, grit, and a growth mindset. The beauty of these 12 traits is that they completely even the playing field; the natural gifts or talents you are born with do not come into play here. Instead, success in these areas is entirely about making a personal choice to thrive at what you can 100% control. For the month of September, we are narrowing our focus specifically on the first two: being on time and maintaining a positive attitude. By showing up punctually and bringing a constructive energy to the hallways and classrooms right now, you set the tone for the rest of the year. We are focusing on these TNT habits because we want to help our students truly thrive rather than just go through the motions. Developing these skills will pay off in every single area of your future, no matter what the pursuit. Our students at CHS are "more than the motions," and mastering these simple choices is exactly how you prove it.


 




CTE Spotlight


The CTE Department is excited to announce that we’ve added a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course to the Health Sciences Department this year!  Registered nurse and certified CTE instructor, Shelley Story, is teaching the course to a cohort of 10 students who applied and were accepted into the class.  Students will be learning anatomy and physiology and hands-on nursing skills in the classroom to start the year and will eventually be completing clinical rotations through partnerships with Cashmere Post Acute, Confluence Health and Cascade Medical Center.  We’ve partnered with OSPI, the Board of Nursing, Department of Health, Wenatchee Valley College and local healthcare facilties to make this course possible for high school juniors and seniors.  Students completing the CNA course will gain high school credits towards graduation, 10 college credits and have the opportunity to take the WA state certification exam this spring.  We’re thrilled to bring this much needed career field and practical course to our high school!


In all CTE courses, students have the opportunity to explore their leadership and career readiness skills by participating in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs).  Extending learning opportunities by joining these organizations benefits students’ resumes, leadership skills, confidence and skill development in various CTE connected areas.  The CTE staff would like to extend an invitation for all students to check out the opportunities available in each CTSO and find ways to get involved!


For more information on any CTSO, please visit the following websites and/or contact Rebecca Swanson, CTE Director.

www.deca.org

www.fbla.org

www.fcclainc.org

www.ffa.org

www.hosa.org

www.skillsusa.org


From the School Counselors

Exciting changes in the Career Center! Mrs. Semanko is the new 11-12th grade counselor and Mrs. Pierson is the new 8-10 grade transition school counselor.  

College Planning Night #1  is September 23 at 6:00 pm in the CHS Commons.

This event is specific for 11th and 12th grade parents and students wanting to learn about how to locate and apply for colleges. Any questions, see Mrs. Semanko. (stay tuned for College Night #2 - Financial Aid/Scholarships, later this fall)



Sign up sheets will be on the Career Center windows. Any questions, see Ms.Semanko


Sophomores and Junior interested in taking the PSAT test can pay their fee and sign up in the main office. This test will be administered at CHS on Tuesday Oct 13th. 



CLASS-COMPETITION TO GET YOUR FORMS IN ENDS WEDNESDAY!

  • Free and Reduced Applications for all students 

  • McKinney Vento Program

  • Student Health Information Form


Historically, we struggle to get these forms returned to us, but they have the potential to significantly impact the experience of our students and their families.


Mr. Mac is incentivizing with donuts for the top three classes that return 100% of your forms on or before by Wednesday.  Please make an effort to get your forms in following Labor Day Weekend.


  • Free/Reduced Meal Application & benefits to you

Think your student might qualify for free/reduced meals? Apply now—it's a win-win! Even if your student isn’t eating at school, qualifying helps fund our food services and programs. Plus, if your student qualifies for free or reduced meals, they may also qualify for fee waivers for Running Start, certain college applications, and other benefits. To apply for free/reduced meals,follow the link for the Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefits Application, here: https://www.cashmere.wednet.edu/departments/child-nutrition-services/freereduced-meal-applications 


Department Spotlight - Media Services/Yearbook

CHS welcomes Karen Christensen to our school community in her role of Library Media Specialist and Yearbook teacher.  She is teaching sections of Study Strategies, managing our library collection and working with technology to ensure laptops are a compliment to learning.  See Yearbook reminders below.

Yearbooks are on sale now! Buy yours now before the price goes up to $60 on October 2.

Online Sales Link: https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A08996300 

Seniors- The deadline to turn in your senior photo is October 30. 

Photos can be submitted here:  https://photos.jostens.com/XCQKQU


Yearbook ads (including senior ads) can be purchased here:  https://www.jostens.com/apps/jcom/router.mvc?affiliateId=1119036 

Student(s) Spotlight - Math Superstars

Three Intrepid Cashmere Seniors Pilot new College In The High School Class: Cashmere Seniors Kaleb Thayer, Abigail Kim, and Jacoby Yousey had already taken every math class available at Cashmere High School, so they asked their math teacher, Mr. Valeri, if it was possible to take Calculus 3 through the University of Washington's UWHS program. After working with professors in the math department of UW, Cashmere was selected to take part in a pilot program to teach UW Math 126, Calculus 3 with Analytical Geometry this Fall! Mr Valeri spent the summer brushing up on his Three-dimensional Calculus skills. Kaleb, Abigail, and Jacoby arrived at CHS this Fall eager to dig in and push the limits of what is possible for a high school student! Stop by any time to hear intriguing lectures about vector products, orthogonal planes, Taylor approximations, and more!


Important Dates

September 10 -13 Chelan County Fair - Students participating in Fair-related activities should have no missing work going into Fair Days!

September 17 – National Honor Society/Red Cross Blood Drive 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

September 23 – LATE START school begins at 10:00 a.m.

  • College Planning Night #1  is September 23 at 6:00 pm in the CHS Commons 

September 25 – Extended Lunch for Outstanding Performance in Math/ELA State Testing

 

Contact Us

Please share any questions/feedback at cmackenzie@cashmere.wednet.edu


Boletín Mensual de Cashmere High School - Septiembre de 2026

Del  Director

Nuestros Bulldogs iniciaron el año escolar 2026-27 de manera excelente, organizando la Orientación para Estudiantes de Primer Año y Nuevos Estudiantes el martes 25 de agosto, seguida por el Desfile de Estudiantes de Último Año (Seniors) y la Asamblea Inaugural de Ánimo el miércoles 26 de agosto. Con más de 550 estudiantes en el edificio—la cifra más alta durante mi gestión—le recordé al cuerpo estudiantil que estamos a nuestra máxima capacidad y que en CHS solo hay espacio para la positividad. Tenemos la fortuna de contar con clases de 11.º y 12.º grado de gran integridad para reforzar las altas expectativas en lo académico, en las interacciones sociales dentro de la escuela y en la comunidad, así como la mentalidad de servicio "Por Supuesto" (Of Course) que define nuestra cultura escolar. Les recordaremos a nuestros estudiantes con frecuencia que la cultura escolar es frágil y exige dedicación y atención diaria para asegurar que continuemos creciendo juntos. Más adelante encontrarán más detalles sobre nuestros temas escolares por parte de los Decanos.

Un cambio importante en nuestro apoyo académico que quiero destacar es la transición en nuestro modelo de intervención. En años anteriores, los estudiantes con dificultades académicas o que necesitaban apoyo asistían a nuestro programa después de clases ("Afters"). Este año, hemos trasladado el apoyo académico a la hora del almuerzo. Los departamentos han establecido criterios claros para estas derivaciones; los maestros se comunicarán con los padres para informarles la situación y los estudiantes utilizarán su tiempo de almuerzo para completar el trabajo pendiente. Nuestro objetivo es aprovechar el privilegio de almorzar fuera del campus junto con el acceso directo a la ayuda docente para asegurar el progreso hacia la obtención de créditos. Hemos llamado a esta iniciativa M.A.I.L. (Mandatory Academic Intervention @ Lunch / Intervención Académica Obligatoria durante el Almuerzo)... ¡aunque imagino que la clásica referencia de AOL, "You've Got Mail", no signifique mucho para esta generación!

No duden en comunicarse con nosotros ante cualquier inquietud, para conocer mejor nuestros sistemas y servicios, o para celebrar algún logro. ¡Estamos muy entusiasmados por hacer de este año una experiencia inolvidable para todos los Bulldogs!

Desde la Oficina de los Decanos

Al iniciar este nuevo año escolar en CHS, los Decanos queremos desafiar a cada estudiante a comprometerse con nuestras 12 áreas que "No Requieren Talento" (TNT - Take No Talent): puntualidad, actitud positiva, ética de trabajo, dejarse guiar (coachable), estar preparado, pasión, dar un esfuerzo adicional, lenguaje corporal, saber escuchar, respeto hacia los demás, perseverancia (grit) y mentalidad de crecimiento. La gran ventaja de estas 12 cualidades es que igualan las condiciones para todos: las habilidades naturales o talentos innatos no son determinantes aquí. El éxito en estas áreas depende enteramente de la decisión personal de destacar en aquello que se puede controlar al 100%.

Durante septiembre, nos enfocaremos específicamente en las dos primeras: la puntualidad y mantener una actitud positiva. Llegar a tiempo y aportar energía constructiva a los pasillos y aulas marca la pauta para el resto del año. Ponemos el foco en estos hábitos TNT porque queremos que nuestros estudiantes prosperen de verdad y no simplemente cumplan con el mínimo esfuerzo. Desarrollar estas habilidades rendirá frutos en cada meta futura que se propongan. En CHS nuestros estudiantes demuestran que pueden llegar mucho más lejos, y dominar estas elecciones cotidianas es la mejor forma de demostrarlo.

Enfoque en CTE (Educación Técnica y Profesional)

¡El Departamento de CTE se complace en anunciar la incorporación del curso de Asistente de Enfermería Certificado (CNA) al Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud este año! La enfermera titulada e instructora certificada de CTE, Shelley Story, está impartiendo el curso a un grupo seleccionado de 10 estudiantes. Comenzarán aprendiendo anatomía, fisiología y habilidades prácticas de enfermería en el aula, para luego completar rotaciones clínicas mediante convenios con Cashmere Post Acute, Confluence Health y Cascade Medical Center. Nos asociamos con OSPI, la Junta de Enfermería, el Departamento de Salud, Wenatchee Valley College y centros de salud locales para hacer posible esta oportunidad dirigida a estudiantes de 11.º y 12.º grado. Quienes completen el curso obtendrán créditos de preparatoria para su graduación, 10 créditos universitarios y la oportunidad de rendir el examen de certificación estatal de Washington esta primavera. ¡Nos entusiasma abrir las puertas a este campo profesional tan demandado!

Asimismo, en todos los cursos de CTE los estudiantes tienen la oportunidad de desarrollar liderazgo y preparación laboral participando en Organizaciones Estudiantiles de Educación Técnica y Profesional (CTSO). Formar parte de estos grupos fortalece el currículum, la confianza y las habilidades prácticas. ¡Invitamos a todos los alumnos a conocer las opciones y participar!

Para más información sobre cualquier CTSO, visite los siguientes sitios web o contacte a Rebecca Swanson, Directora de CTE:

  • www.deca.org

  • www.fbla.org

  • www.fcclainc.org

  • www.ffa.org

  • www.hosa.org

  • www.skillsusa.org

De las Consejeras Escolares

¡Hay cambios emocionantes en el Centro de Carreras! La Sra. Semanko es la nueva consejera para los grados 11.º y 12.º, y la Sra. Pierson asume como nueva consejera de transición para los grados 8.º a 10.º.

  • Noche de Planificación Universitaria #1: 23 de septiembre a las 6:00 p.m. en el área común (Commons) de CHS. Evento dirigido a padres y estudiantes de 11.º y 12.º grado interesados en aprender a buscar y postular a universidades. Si tiene preguntas, consulte con la Sra. Semanko (próximamente anunciaremos la Noche Universitaria #2 enfocada en Ayuda Financiera y Becas).

  • Las hojas de inscripción estarán publicadas en las ventanas del Centro de Carreras.

  • Los estudiantes de 10.º (Sophomores) y 11.º (Juniors) interesados en rendir el examen PSAT pueden pagar la cuota e inscribirse en la oficina principal. El examen se aplicará en CHS el martes 13 de octubre.

¡COMPETENCIA DE GRUPOS: ENTREGA DE FORMULARIOS HASTA EL MIÉRCOLES!

  • Solicitud de Comidas Gratuitas o a Precio Reducido para todos los estudiantes

  • Programa McKinney-Vento

  • Formulario de Información de Salud del Estudiante

Históricamente nos cuesta recolectar estos formularios a tiempo, a pesar de que tienen un impacto significativo en los recursos y apoyos disponibles para nuestras familias. El Sr. Mac premiará con donas a las tres clases con mayor porcentaje de entrega (100% de formularios) hasta el miércoles inclusive. Por favor, asegúrense de enviarlos justo después del fin de semana de Labor Day.

Solicitud de Comidas Gratuitas/Reducidas y sus beneficios ¿Cree que su estudiante podría calificar? Presente la solicitud hoy mismo: ¡todos ganan! Aunque su estudiante no consuma los alimentos en la escuela, calificar ayuda a financiar nuestros servicios de nutrición y programas escolares. Además, podría acceder a exenciones de pago para el programa Running Start, tarifas reducidas en ciertas solicitudes universitarias y otros beneficios. Para completar la solicitud en línea, ingrese a: https://www.cashmere.wednet.edu/departments/child-nutrition-services/freereduced-meal-applications

Enfoque Departamental - Servicios de Medios / Anuario

CHS da la bienvenida a Karen Christensen a nuestra comunidad escolar como Especialista en Medios de Biblioteca y profesora de Anuario (Yearbook). La profesora imparte secciones de Estrategias de Estudio, gestiona el catálogo de la biblioteca y coordina el uso formativo de la tecnología portátil.

Avisos sobre el Anuario:

Estudiantes Destacados - Estrellas de Matemáticas

Tres intrépidos estudiantes de último año de Cashmere abren camino en una nueva clase universitaria en la preparatoria: Kaleb Thayer, Abigail Kim y Jacoby Yousey completaron todos los cursos avanzados de matemáticas disponibles en Cashmere High School. Ante esto, consultaron a su maestro, el Sr. Valeri, sobre la viabilidad de cursar Cálculo 3 a través del programa UWHS de la Universidad de Washington. Tras coordinar con profesores del departamento de matemáticas de la UW, ¡Cashmere fue seleccionada para implementar un programa piloto que imparte UW Math 126: Cálculo 3 con Geometría Analítica este otoño! El Sr. Valeri dedicó su verano a repasar contenidos de cálculo tridimensional, mientras que Kaleb, Abigail y Jacoby llegaron listos para desafiar los límites académicos convencionales de la preparatoria. ¡Visite el aula en cualquier momento para escuchar discusiones fascinantes sobre productos vectoriales, planos ortogonales, aproximaciones de Taylor y más!

Fechas Importantes

  • 10 al 13 de septiembre: Feria del Condado de Chelan (Chelan County Fair). ¡Los estudiantes que participen en actividades de la feria no deben registrar tareas pendientes antes de esas fechas!

  • 17 de septiembre: Campaña de Donación de Sangre (Sociedad Nacional de Honor / Cruz Roja), 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

  • 23 de septiembre: ENTRADA TARDÍA (Late Start), las clases inician a las 10:00 a.m.

  • 23 de septiembre: Noche de Planificación Universitaria #1, 6:00 p.m. en el área común de CHS (Commons).

  • 25 de septiembre: Almuerzo Extendido por Rendimiento Destacado en las Evaluaciones Estatales de Matemáticas/Lectura y Lenguaje (ELA).

Contacto

Envíe cualquier duda o comentario a cmackenzie@cashmere.wednet.edu




Thursday, June 18, 2026

Summer Newsletter '26

 

Cashmere High School Monthly Newsletter - Summer ‘26

From the Principal’s Office

Congratulations to The Class of 2026!  Welcome Class of 2030! CHS had a strong close to the school year, highlighted by the many Senior events, as well as our Underclassmen Awards Ceremony, NHS Induction, FFA Banquet and a strong push by all grade levels to sprint through the finish line academically.  We are excited to hear about the many ways Bulldogs are supporting our community through service this summer, and celebrating the Next Big Moves of The Class of 2026.  Thanks to Cashmere School Foundation and all our scholarship donors for their generous support of our graduates!


From The Dean’s Office

As we look back on an incredible school year, the Dean’s Office is immensely proud of the historic achievements our students have made in and out of the classroom.  Together, we have reached new heights, shattered previous benchmarks, and established a completely new standard of academic excellence as well as excellence in so many other areas. Moving into next year, we are fully committed to building upon this momentum by deepening our focus on the vital traits of personal character and grit. While we want every student to enjoy a safe, restful, and well-deserved summer break, it is important to remember that we have permanently elevated our baseline. When we return in the fall, we will be excited about stepping into an era of higher expectation.

Have a wonderful summer! We can’t wait to see you again in the fall!

Ms. Carlson & Mr. Groce

May is state testing month at CHS - June UPDATE!

Our Sophomores and Juniors took our state testing seriously and delivered their best efforts, evident not only in our scores but in their commitment to preparation for testing.  I am proud of our school community's commitment to doing their very best when the stakes are high.


Sophomores delivered outstanding results in SBA state tests, surpassing our goals and running away from state average scores.  Juniors came in early on a late start to prep for science testing with Mr. Kenoyer and showed determination and focus during testing.  We anticipate great results in August.

  • ELA – Goals - 78%+ Proficiency  Result - 86% Proficiency

  • Math – 60%+ Proficiency  Result - 66% Proficiency

  • Science – 63%+ Proficiency Result - No Scores Yet

CTE Spotlight

The CTE Department is proud to announce that Buck Lewis was awarded the ESD’s Friend of Children Award for his 25+ years of volunteer service to our Ag Shop. 


 


Buck has been a constant presence in the Cashmere High School CTE Ag Shop for over 25 years. Retiring from a career as a machinist serving in the Navy and later working for Wells and Wade and Alcoa, he continues to share and teach his trade with the hundreds of students that have taken classes in the ag shop at Cashmere High School. Every school day, Buck volunteers in multiple Ag Mechanics classes and pours hours of teaching, instructing and assisting in refining student skills. Currently, over 25% of Chelan County PUD Hydromechanics started their career path and instruction under Buck's careful watch. Jed Odenrider, Cashmere High School Ag Shop teacher says, " [Buck is] one of the best natural teachers I have ever seen. Has built countless parts for the school district that couldn’t be purchased anymore. Turns projects for the community and school into learning opportunities for kids. Many kids would have dropped out of school if not for Buck and the skills he has taught them."  


Buck has spent a majority of his retired life in Cashmere High School's CTE Department. Not only has he daily been volunteering in the ag shop, but he has also served on the CTE Advisory Board for the past 25 years. His years of experience and expertise has helped Cashmere continue to offer high quality CTE programs that benefit all students. We are beyond thankful for Buck's longstanding commitment and dedication to students and programs at Cashmere High School.


Not only has Buck dedicated his retired life to Cashmere, so has his wife, Gladys.  Gladys has volunteered countless hours (years!) at Vale Elementary School helping young minds learn to read.  Hundreds, if not thousands, of Cashmere students have been positively impacted by both Buck and Gladys.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Buck and Gladys!


CTE Leadership Development Happenings:

Cashmere CTSO (Career and Technical Student Organizations) are growing for the 2026-2027 school year!

We’re excited to announce HOSA and SkillsUSA will be organizations that include leadership options, competitions and career-readiness skills for students next school year.  HOSA is a student organization focused on leadership and career development in all areas of health sciences.  SkillsUSA is a student organization focused on technical, skilled and trades development.  Both organizations will join the list of CTSO options available for students, which already include DECA, FBLA, FCCLA and FFA.

For more information on any CTSO, please visit the following websites and/or contact Rebecca Swanson, CTE Director.

www.deca.org

www.fbla.org

www.fcclainc.org

www.ffa.org

www.hosa.org

www.skillsusa.org


From the School Counselors

  • Freshman Orientation is Tuesday August 25, 9am-12:30pm. Not a drop-in... be on time to progress through all the stations! Get your class schedule, check out a Chromebook, tour the school, meet your teachers, and enjoy games and root beer floats! See you then.

  • Class Schedules will be available on the first day of school, as we move to our new student information system, QMLATIV. 

  • CHS says a fond farewell to Marcia Fall, who is moving on to new opportunities and leaves our school stronger for her tireless investment in students, staff and families.  We welcome Julie Pierson, who will serve as our transition counselor, working with 8th-10th graders, while Tera Semanko takes over Ms. Fall's responsibilities with upperclassmen

Department Spotlight - Spanish Department

  • Mr. Theiss and Ms. Yousey worked through the textbook adoption process over the course of last school year, including piloting curricular resources in their Spanish classrooms during 2nd Semester.  We are proposing the adoption of Entreculturas.  Find an overview of the curricular resources at the link below.

Important Dates

  • Registration/Scheduling support begins - Aug. 18th

  • Football Begins - Aug 19th

  • Fall Sports Begin - Aug. 24th

  • Freshman Orientation-Aug. 25th

  • First day of school- Aug. 26th

  • School Picture Day-Aug. 28th

  • Football Jamboree - Aug. 29th

 




 

Contact Us

Please share any questions/feedback at cmackenzie@cashmere.wednet.edu



September '26 Newsletter

  Cashmere High School Monthly Newsletter - September ‘26 From the Principal’s Office Bulldogs kicked off the 2026-27 school year in fine fa...