CHS Newsletter - October '25

 

Cashmere High School Monthly Newsletter - October '25 

From the Principal's Office

Teachers and students spent September getting to know each other and establishing expectations for learning.   Last Wednesday at Late Start, staff developed Instructional and Student Growth Goals for the year.  One area of focus this year is around improving students' spoken explanation of their understanding, problem solving and perspective on topics learned across disciplines.  We know that verbalizing can help students clarify and organize their thoughts, provide opportunities for feedback from peers and adults, and “free up space” in their minds for further thinking.  Teachers are considering strategies and routines that promote thoughtful discussion and the sharing of ideas to increase student comfort and confidence in this essential skill.  These strategies are anchored in a book study we participated in last year on Karin Hess’ text “Rigor by Design, Not Chance”  which promoted 5 high-yield strategies for improving rigor - Quality Questioning, Scaffolding, Designing Complex Tasks, Creating Schema and Metacognition/Reflection.

From the Dean's Office

We are off to a great start because we have great kids at CHS.  We want to give a big shout-out to the many students who are successfully placing their phones on the wall during class! It's a key part of maintaining focus and a great learning environment for everyone. Please help your student remember to place their device on the wall when they enter the classroom each day.  If a student’s phone is not on the wall it will be given to the office and will only be returned to a parent/guardian.

Also, a quick note on timeliness: we're working on making every minute count! Please ensure your student is arriving at school on time in the morning and getting back to class promptly after the lunch break if they are a 10-12th grader choosing to leave campus at lunch.  A smooth start and a swift return after lunch help us maximize instructional time. Thank you for your support!

Our goal is to see every student succeed. To provide the necessary support, any student who is not completing classwork or is failing a class will be assigned mandatory after-school study hall called AFTERS. This dedicated time will ensure they have a quiet space, resources, and supervision to catch up on assignments and improve their grades. We believe this structure will help get them back on track!

From the School Counselors

Dates from Guidance:

Oct. 1-FAFSA/WASFA Opens

Oct 2-Navy Recruiter

Oct. 13-WSU Recruiter (On the spot admissions-register online)

Oct. 15-PSAT Test (Must register at CHS and pay by Oct 1)

Oct. 30-College Panel-DoNut Miss Out (9:30 – 11:30 am-preregistration required)

Nov. 6-ASVAB Test (8:00 – 11:00 am, register on guidance window)

If you think your student may qualify for free/reduced meals, it is important to apply now, even if your student isn't eating at school.  The number of students who qualify for F/R in each district helps fund our food service and other programs.  Additionally, students who qualify for F/R may also qualify for class and sport fee waivers at CHS and thru Running Start.   To apply for Free/Reduced meals, pick up an application at the CHS main office,  or click and print here: https://www.cashmere.wednet.edu/Page/197

Department/CTE Program Spotlight

Skilled and Technical Education: Mr. Stewart currently has students in a variety of skilled and technical education courses learning practical skills in various ways.  Currently, gear ratios for torque, speed and leverage are all components of student learning in Robotics. They got to put their knowledge to the test and have some friendly competition by designing and building soccer playing robots.  Meanwhile, in Engineering Design, students are beginning to learn the ins and outs of AutoCAD.  Multiview drawings and basic dimensioning are their starting points  Bird houses, folding stools, pictures frames and laser art are all taking shape in Construction 1 and 2.  TSA (Technology Student Association) is gearing up for an exciting year ahead as well.  TSA members held their first lunch time meeting of the year to set dates, plan upcoming leadership events and begin initial plans for competition projects.

And, as a reminder- Employability Matters! In all CTE programs at CHS, employability will be an important factor of student grades. Our goal is to provide students with a learning environment that prepares them for life after high school. Employability is part of 21st Century Skills and Leadership Development. All CTE students are expected to show up on time, stay on task and treat the classroom like it’s their workplace!  If you have questions or concerns about these CTE learning standards, please contact Rebecca Swanson, CTE Director.

 Learning w/ AI Efficiencies - Math/Science/ELA

As part of our September Late Start faculty meeting, teachers shared out AI efficiencies that support their instruction…examples include:

Using AI to create quizzes based on Youtube video transcripts that can easily be uploaded to Google Classroom

Using AI to refine story ideas prior to writing in the Narrative unit in English classes

Using AI to create a variety of sample problems tied to a concept in math to provide extended student practice.

Using AI to bring texts, like articles, essays or primary documents (like Shakespeare) to an accessible reading level for individual students.

We continue to explore responsible use and are dedicating our Oct. professional development day to sharing practices and piloting student use of AI.

Student Spotlight - Michael Zimmerman CHS Internship Program

Michael Zimmerman is a senior at CHS interning for pay and for credit at Tumwater Drilling & Pump.  Michael is excited about his hands-on learning experience and the work ethic and culture that defines this community partner. He is also proud to be the youngest 03A trainee in our state - a type of electrical certification for wiring and connecting domestic water system pumps. His boss has also asked him to use AI to write up information for a client who was asking about technical details. Michael reports that the defining expression at Tumwater is “No is not an answer!” - a testament to their understanding of how critical water is to our community.

Clubs/Programs Spotlight (Drama / Newspaper)

Our Drama Program is bringing the Shakespearean classic, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," to the stage at the end of October.  It is all hands on deck as our students and staff attack this challenging classic.  Our Drama classes are helping with building and finding props and set pieces.  Students even get the chance to design the advertising posters you will see around town.  And our talented cast has been learning new skills, including the chance to work with stage combat professionals to bring daring sword fights to life.  Our students constantly prove that no challenge is too much for Cashmere Drama.  Come join us October 23, 24, 25.  

After 20 years, Cashmere High School has a school newspaper again, and Journalism students are excited about being a part of this reboot. They are learning the messy and wonderful things of being a part of the press. Readers can expect this paper to get better and better as the semester continues and students learn more about news writing. Have a look at their wonderful work: CHSPawprint.com.

From the School Nurse

This year we are asking you to complete our student health form via Google Forms.  We hope this makes it easier for you to communicate your student’s medical needs in a timely manner.  Find the link HERE:  Please complete this form in September so that we can best support your student.

Important Dates & Reminders

-Homecoming Week October 6-10

-How to Unmake a Bully October 6-10

-Homecoming Football Game vs. Zillah October 10^th at 7:00 p.m. 

-PSAT Test October 15^th 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 

-Financial Aid Night  October 15^th 6:00 p.m. 

-NO SCHOOL October 17^th – Staff Professional Day 

-Fall Play – A Midsummer Night’s Dream October 23, 24 and 25^th 7:00 p.m. at CMS Auditorium

-FFA in Indianapolis for National Convention 10/25 – 11/1

-Band Concert @ CMS 7:30 p.m. 10/29

-PAC Dia de Los Muertes @ CHS 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 10/29

-Choir Concert @ CMS 7:30 p.m. 10/29

-No School 10/30 and 10/31 for Student Led Conferences

Contact Us

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

CHS Newsletter - September '25

 

CHS Happenings From the Principal's Office CHS Staff is excited to welcome all Bulldogs back for the start of the ‘25-’26 school year! We spent our professional development days leading up to school learning how Artificial Intelligence can support efficiencies for staff and creating a plan for continued training and piloting of student use of AI as we move through the school year. In addition, we reviewed our continuing and new commitments for the year tied to our District Strategic Plan around Instruction, Student Well-being and Parent/Community Engagement. This monthly newsletter will:  Update you on our goals and progress Introduce you to our programs, services, systems and staff Provide you with reminders on important school events Showcase Bulldogs in our community shining in the classroom, extracurriculars and the community. From the Dean's Office Mrs. Carlson and Mr. Groce are thrilled to kick off the new school year as your new Deans of Students! You’ll see them around campus—in the hallways, the parking lot, at games and events, and even in classrooms—teaching and helping make CHS a great place to learn and grow. A quick reminder for lunch off-campus: If you're heading out during lunch, please make sure to return on time. Plan ahead for possible delays like trains or traffic—these are not valid excuses for being late to class. Being punctual shows respect for your teachers and classmates. 9th graders are not allowed to leave during lunch.  We care deeply about our CHS students. Sometimes that means addressing behavior when needed, but it always comes from a place of wanting the best for you. We’re here to support your success every step of the way. And a shoutout to our students: You've been doing an awesome job putting phones away and staying focused during instruction. Whether it's resisting the pull of social media or games like Clash Royale 😉, your efforts are making a difference. Keep it up! From the School Counselors College Planning Night is September 24 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 apply for college. Any questions, see Ms. Fall Seniors are invited to meet with college recruiters visiting CHS. The following recruiters will be available: Sept 9-Central Washington University Sept 17-Grand Canyon University Sept 25-Western Washington University Sept 30-Eastern Washington University Recruiter visits will be held during class time in the guidance office. Sign up sheets will be on the CHS Guidance Office windows. Any questions, see Ms. Fall. 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, click HERE and follow the link for the Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefits Application. Department/CTE Program Spotlight The Career and Technical Education Programs at CHS have been buzzing with activities all summer long! Students continued their CTE successes throughout the summer competing at the national level in various organizations. Wyatt Nelson and Mr. Kert spent a week in Anaheim, CA competing in FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) while Kate Croci, Emily Swanson and Mrs. Swanson traveled to Orlando, FL for FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) Nationals. Students in FFA worked diligently all summer raising pigs, goats and sheep and are gearing up for a busy and rewarding week at the Chelan County Fair. Agriculture Education: Animal Production Science, Ag Science and Ag Mechanics are all off to a great start. Nearly 70 FFA students will be showing livestock this week at the Chelan County Fair. Mr. Finch and Mr. Odenrider are setting the bar high in each of their classes and extended learning opportunities to kick off the school year. Business & Marketing Education: Students are learning the school store (Mr. G’s) point of sale system under the direction of Mr. Eygabroad, our new business and marketing teacher. Personal Finance and Computer Coding students are also gearing up for a great semester of learning with Mr. Kert. Family and Consumer Sciences Education: Early Childhood Education students are also off to a great start this school year. Students are focusing on characteristics of quality educators and role modeling and will begin their experience working in Vale Elementary classrooms next week. Personal Choices students are “moving in” to Swansonville, a living on your own simulation, under the direction of Mrs. Swanson Health Sciences: Mr. Mongeon has a full class of Sports Medicine students, eager to learn proper injury prevention and recovery techniques. Ninth graders are already into learning about the body systems in their Health class. Students are learning anatomy and physiology, along with practical skills on keeping their physical body healthy, taught by Ms. Story, our new health sciences teacher. Skilled & Technical Sciences: Students in construction are in their first week of being trained and prepped on safety protocols in the shop. They’ll be constructing and building their first projects soon. Mr. Stewart is also leading students in robotics and engineering design this semester. Employability Matters! In all CTE programs at CHS, employability will be an important factor of student grades. Our goal is to provide students with a learning environment that prepares them for life after high school. Employability is part of 21st Century Skills and Leadership Development. All CTE students are expected to show up on time, stay on task and treat the classroom like it’s their workplace! CHS Learning with AI CHS staff spent two days of professional development in late August learning about efficiencies that can support their instruction through the AI tools in Magic School. This secure district AI platform offers teachers and students potential support in teaching and learning with teacher controls that ensure responsible use. We will spend quarter one as a staff learning about these tools for teaching and learning, and pilot use with students in a few classes. Know that we are taking our time developing clear expectations for responsible use with adults and students alike, and that our North Star is ensuring that students graduate with skills and habits of mind that support their continued success beyond CHS where we know responsible use of AI will be a critical skill. We will update you monthly via this newsletter as we lay the foundations for responsible use of this tool in our school. Students' Spotlight  A message for freshmen from ASB President Eliana Thomas: You’re at a pivotal moment in your life, transitioning into young adulthood and gaining new freedoms. You'll discover more about yourself and how those around you influence your journey. Here are three key insights I wish I had when starting high school: Not everyone needs to be your friend. As a people pleaser, I tried to please everyone in my freshman year, which was exhausting. It's impossible to make everyone like you. Focus on being kind to everyone, but don’t stress about winning everyone’s approval. You can explore different interests each year. Freshman year is just the beginning; you’re never stuck! Get involved in various activities to discover what makes you happy. Changing your path is perfectly fine. Change is natural—for you and your friends. As you grow, your interests and friendships may shift. This can be hard, but it’s a chance to find those who truly support you and help you uncover your talents. While losing some friends may be sad, you’ll also gain new ones who resonate with who you are becoming. Clubs/Programs Spotlight Yearbook - The school year has just started but there are two critical deadlines that merit your attention. October 3rd is the deadline for purchasing your yearbook for the discounted price of $50 Senior photos are due November 3rd. Your photographer will need to know your deadline to ensure delivery. From the School Nurse This year we are asking you to complete our student health form via Google Forms. We hope this makes it easier for you to communicate your student’s medical needs in a timely manner. Find the link HERE: Please complete this form in September so that we can best support your student. Important Dates & Reminders 09/01/25 - No School - Labor Day  09/03/25 - Booster Club BBQ 6:00 p.m. - football stadium 09/17/25 - PAC Kick-Off Meeting 6:00 p.m. - CHS Community Center 09/18/25 - Honor Society American Red Cross Blood Drive - 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Gym 09/24/25 - LATE START - Classes Begin at 10:00 a.m.  09/24/25 - College Planning Night in CHS Community Center 6:00 p.m.  09/26/25 - Extended Reward Lunch for Students (Goal Achieved 24-25) Contact Us Please share any questions/feedback at cmackenzie@cashmere.wednet.edu Pics of your room  Give families the feel of your classroom and put new students at ease.  Pics of students  Engage parents and caregivers and help them look forward to your newsletter.  Pics of this  Pics of that  Pics of this