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