September 2022

 We are excited to welcome Bulldogs back to school!  Our Senior Parade and Kickoff Assembly set a great tone for the first day of school.  Most schedule issues have been resolved and students should be coming home with class syllabi, a Student Health Form and a Student Lunch Form that demands your signature.

We have made a commitment this year to improve our communication with families at the classroom and building level. Parents and guardians are a critical support to ensure that students stay engaged in learning,  have access to supports and are involved in school activities, clubs, organizations and support.  How can you help?

• Reinforce expectations we have for students at home, including:
• Dress code.
• Timely completion of school work.
• Expectations outlined in our behavior code.
• Encouragement of active participation in extracurricular activities.
• Find our Student Handbook with School Expectations HERE
• We will review the Student Handbook with students in September.
• We encourage you to familiarize yourself with our school expectations so that you can support them from home.
• Our Athletics program has a Code of Conduct reviewed with athletes each season.  Find those expectations HERE
• In addition, this month we are developing a parallel Code of Conduct and disciplinary protocols for extracurricular activities outside of athletics, including our CTE Organizations, Music and Drama Programs and Clubs.  Look for this in the October newsletter.

On Thursday, September 22nd we will host a Parent Night with CHS Administration.  This will become a themed,  monthly meeting where families have the opportunities to learn about our school and provide input on how we can best deliver service to students and families.  We will provide two meetings on that date, one communicated in English at 6pm, and in Spanish at 7pm.  The theme for our September meeting is Parent Feedback & the CHS School Improvement Plan.  At both meetings we will provide opportunities for parents to share ideas for how we can improve communication, provide an overview of feedback from families who responded to our Educational Effectiveness Survey last spring, and take families through our School Improvement Plan goals for the year.  We are excited to make connecting  in person a meaningful routine in our school community again!

Preview the CHS School Improvement Plan 

Academic Support for Students

• We continue to improve our academic supports for struggling students and we want to communicate with you the supports available.  CHS Faculty have identified for you the times of day and days of the week they make themselves available for academic support.  Find a link to teacher support availability HERE.  If these times do not work with your students we encourage them to communicate directly with their teacher to find a time that works for both.
• This year we are piloting a Study Strategies course.  Mr. Brown and I are teaching one of the courses and all teachers are meeting regularly to ensure the courses are aligned and support student needs.  The instructional focus is on personalized academic skill and strategy development.  Students will learn strategies for success, practice them in their classes, and reflect on which best support their learning.  The course provides in-school time for students to connect with teachers, recover lost credits and creates levers to support timely assignment completion.
• Find a brief tutorial for accessing Skyward to check your student grades HERE

School Safety

In an effort to ensure the safety of all our school community members, we have made recommitments to our protocols.  We need your help to ensure that all students and staff feel safe in our building.

All CHS faculty and staff will wear school ID badges visibly, as will any guests to our school.  Our guest protocols demand that visitors are vetted through our Raptor system.  We are encouraging students and staff to report any adult in the building not badged and any unfamiliar presence.

 

Starting today, we are no longer propping open doors, or allowing anyone access to our building other than through our main entrance. Students and staff can continue to exit any of our doors when leaving the building, but all students must return through the main entrance unless accompanied by a faculty member.

We are reinforcing our pass system to ensure we know where students are in the building.

We continue to drill for emergency situations, and reflect on how we can improve our response time.  Our school district is working with emergency response organizations to provide guidance on appropriate responses to various situations.

 

Most importantly, we are encouraging all school community members that if they see something out of the ordinary or someone disregulated in our school community, say something.

 

School Lunch Changes

You can follow this link to a letter from Cashmere School District explaining school lunch prices for the 22-23 school year.  You can also visit the Food Services page on the CSD website for more information including lunch menus, Free/Reduced Meal Applications and more.

Recognitions

Congratulations to Ashlyn, Graduy and Kimmy for the recognition by College Board for outstanding academic achievement!

Ashlyn Reichert: National Rural & Small Town Award Grady Zimmerman: National Rural & Small Town Award Kimmy Dodson: National Hispanic Recognition Award, National Rural & Small Town Award.

June 2022

  The Bulldog Way - Our Foundations for Success 

May was all about Growth Mindset! In June we will focus on Making Work Play! This is a mindset for closing out and starting the new year! Attitude is everything! A challenge can easily become an opportunity if we bring joy, fun and a shared sense of purpose to the challenge.  We encourage all Bulldogs to reflect, celebrate the positives of the year, and set goals for next year for engagement in learning and extracurricular opportunities CHS provides.  Practice these Habits of Mind daily, and doors will open for you!  It's The Bulldog Way!

Congratulations to The Class of 2022!

We are so proud of these Bulldogs! So many achievements during their time in Cashmere Schools.  The tradition of sharing their "Next Big Move" as part of the diploma ceremony is so important to our messaging.  It's not too early for the Class of 2026 to start thinking about who they want to be and what it will take to get there!  Well done, Seniors!

Credit Recovery Opportunities this summer

Extended School Year Credit Recovery at CHS:

All students who failed a course in the ‘21-’22 school year or in need of credit recovery to get on track to graduate will be invited to participate in ESY.   This will run 6/13-6/30 between 8:00-11:00 in the morning in the library.  Students can exit once all credits are recovered via Plato.  

Students failing to recover their credit lost will automatically be enrolled in study strategies unless they need the room in their schedule to meet graduation requirements.

Students will have an additional structured time to recover credits during ramp up  8/15-8/23.

Credit Recovery Ramp Up

All students who failed a course in the ‘21-’22 school year or in need of credit recovery to get on track to graduate will be invited to participate in Credit Recovery Ramp up.   This will run 8/8-8/23 between 8:00-11:00 in the morning in the CHS Library..  Students can exit once all credits are recovered via Plato.  Depending on enrollment, this could demand one or two certified teachers.

Students failing to recover their credit lost will automatically be enrolled in study strategies unless they need the room in their schedule to meet graduation requirements.

Thanks in advance for your support in getting your student back on track to graduate!

Peer Mentors & Incoming Freshmen Connect!

The last week of school provided 42 CHS Peer Mentors the opportunity to connect with their pod of 4 or 5 freshmen they have adopted in support of a smooth transition to high school.  Mentors discussed CHS expectations, addressed questions raised by Class of 2026 members,  highlighted the many opportunities to connect to school through extracurriculars,  and gave them a tour of the building.  This first introduction sets the table for our Aug. 30th New Student Orientation.  This event, which runs from 10am to 1pm, included Building Tours and Schedule rehearsal, Chromebook Checkout, Goal Setting in Advisory, an Extracurricular Fair, and a BBQ will kick off our year for incoming freshmen and new students. 

Departmental Expectations & Opportunities - Math, Special Education and Art, PE & Science

• Math - CHS Math Department is excited to help you explore the challenging world of mathematics! Today’s highly skilled job force requires problem solving skills, grit, and a willingness to tackle difficult problems! To that end, your math teachers will work to develop these character traits as you commit to the rigorous and valuable work of studying mathematics together!
• Special Education - The CHS Special Education program provides supports in general education classes, life skills, social skills and transition planning. Students are expected to engage fully in school and work towards being in charge of their own learning (knowledge of strengths, asking for help, organization, time management, self-awareness and self- advocacy).
• PE - Expectations are that students suit up each day and understand the responsibility of that includes, taking care of personal items, understanding the importance of personal hygiene and practicing it, and forming a plan for daily personal fitness. Daily cardiovascular development, strength training, and flexibility are important in our daily development towards lifetime fitness.

• Science -The science teachers at Cashmere High School are looking forward to having students that can make observations, analyze and make predictions about the observation and then design an investigation to answer a question about the observation.  The expectation in each science classroom is that each student will complete all class assignments.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

May 2022

 The Bulldog Way - Our Foundations for Success 

April was all about Grit! In May we will focus on Growth Mindset! These two qualities are essential to a strong finish to the academic year! Bringing a positive attitude and fortitude to our school work and extracurriculars translates into positive outcomes.  We encourage all  to practice these Habits of Mind daily, and we capture opportunities to recognize students and faculty who model them.  It's The Bulldog Way!

State Assessments This Month!

Sophomores will be taking SBA Math and Literacy tests and Juniors will take the WCAS Science test in the coming weeks.

Monday:  Make a point of encouraging sophomores & Juniors to do their best work.  Reference The Bulldog Way – GRIT!  Anything we can do to incentivize high levels of engagement translates into results!

 

SBA Testing May 3^rd- May 10th

 

English

 

• Sophomores not currently enrolled in English test in the Community Center Tuesday-Wednesday 8am:  
• Students currently enrolled in ELA test in Mr. Smith’s classroom. In class on Tuesday-Wednesday.  They complete their testing on Wed/Thursday of the following week, in class, so as not to overlap with Math testing.

 

Math

 

• Sophomores take their Math SBA test in their math classroom on Thursday-Tuesday unless they are in: 

• Alg 2 students and Sophomores in I-Alg report to the library for testing. They will complete their assessment on Wed./Thurs. 
• Special Ed students take their assessments in their skills class.

 

WCAS Science Testing  (Juniors) – Tuesday, May 10th

 

Tuesday 8am – All juniors complete science testing in the Community Center

Summer Credit-earning Opportunities for Bulldogs! - 

Students interested in earning summer credits through work-based learning experiences to earn internship credit.  In addition, The Wenatchee Skills Center provides students with CTE Summer Academies scheduled for 7/1-7/15 between 8am-3pm

CTE Program Showcase - Family & Consumer Science - 

The Family and Consumer Sciences Program prepares students for life!  The program develops life skills for personal and professional success through real world, hands on learning experiences.  Family and Consumer Sciences classes include Health, Personal Choices, Early Childhood Education and Nutrition Fitness and Foods.  Benefits of taking classes in this department include, but are not limited to:

• Earn industry certifications 
• Develop foundational skills and workplace competencies 
• Earn college credits 
• Compete regionally and nationally in FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America)
• Earn credit in the workplace with applied learning experiences
• Obtain scholarships 
• Create skills and competencies for successful adult life

 

Contact Mrs. Swanson if you have questions about the opportunities in this program. 

FBLA Happenings - 

In January at a competition in Wenatchee 9 students qualified for the FBLA State Conference/Competition in Spokane.  Five of those students opted to attend this conference which took place April 20-23^rd.  They will be competing in events from Accounting to Personal Finance to Public Speaking.  Top 4 qualifiers at the state conference will be eligible to attend the National FBLA Conference in Chicago this summer from June 29-July2. JJ Groner and Faith Kert who placed in the top 10 of their events.  Faith took first in public speaking which qualifies her for the National FBLA Conference in Chicago at the end of June (you must place in the top 4 and JJ had a 5^th and a 6^th place finish).

Peer Mentors -

Students interested in becoming Peer Mentors for the incoming freshmen class will be identified and trained in May.  Peer Mentors build relationships with small groups of freshmen Mentees, support their transition to CHS, and reinforce The Bulldog Way! Their work begins this Spring with introductions, continues through the Summer with check-ins and our Freshmen Orientation, and continues through Semester 1 with support through advisory and monthly "Get Connected" experiences.

8th Grade Transition - 

We are so excited to continue to connect with The Class of 2026!  We started with 8th Grade Parent Night and an Intro to CHS Meeting at CMS let by student leaders. We believe Peer Mentors will be a critical support to 9th grade students transitioning to CHS next year.  We plan to connect Peer Mentors to 9th grade Mentees in May and June, Support 8th Grade Ramp-up and Freshmen Orientation in August, and continue monthly relationship building and transition support through advisory and "Get Connected" experiences during Semester 1.

Senior Sprint to the Finish line!

Faculty & Staff have been working with Senior Leadership to ensure that their final weeks at CHS are both memorable and meaningful.  Seniors met during April to finalize decisions regarding Senior Week and to understand their responsibilities leading up to and at graduation on June 3rd.  Find the Senior Responsibilities and Activities Calendar HERE.

ASB Elections/Class Officer Elections - 

Students interested in running for Associated Student Body Positions must pick up their application materials the week of 5/2 and submit their application materials to Mr. Groce no later than Friday, 5/6.  Speeches must be submitted to Mr. Groce on Tuesday, 5/10, and elections will take place Wednesday, 5/11

Students interested in running for Class Office must submit their interest in running to their class advisors by Friday, 5/13.  Candidates submit speeches to their Class Officers on 5/17.  Class officer elections will take place in advisory on Wednesday, 5/18.

April 2022

April 2022

The Bulldog Way - Our Foundations for Success 

During Semester 1, faculty (in professional development days) and students (in advisory) identified the essential Habits of Mind they needed to be successful in our school community.  Our responses were very aligned!  From this work we developed - The Bulldog Way - Foundations for Success at CHS.

In February, we focused on being Empathetic Listeners and Respectful Communicators.  In March we focused on strategic Risk Taking and Problem Solving.  April is all about Grit! We encourage all  to practice these Habits of Mind daily, and we capture opportunities to recognize students and faculty who model them.  It's The Bulldog Way!

After School Academic Support - M-Th, 3:10-4:00pm 

Starting in March, we began providing academic support to students struggling with learning, work completion, or who need to recover credits lost in semester 1.  Attendance can be voluntary or mandatory, based on referral from a teacher.  Teachers will notify students and parents one day prior to mandatory attendance.  This is not a punishment!  It is an opportunity for students to receive support to get back on track in their coursework.  

Registration for 2022-23 Academic Year 

We kicked off the Course Registration Process on Wednesday, March 9th with 8th Grade Parent Night and College Credit-earning Opportunities at CHS.  The huge turnout by parents, students and staff is testament to our shared investment in the success of our Bulldogs!  Contact the Guidance Office if you have any questions.

See critical steps and dates below:

April 13th-15th - Students go through the registration process in advisory

•     Registration forms should come home with students
• Sen. Reg Form, Jun. Reg Form, Soph. Reg Form
•    April 14th - Running Start meeting for students in Library during Advisory

April 15th - College in HS meeting for students in Library during Advisory

• Review your student's schedule options at home to ensure choices support their desired pathway to a diploma and long-term goals.

April 18th - 11th Grade Registration

April 19th - 10th Grade Registration

April 21st - 9th Grade Registration

Program in Focus - Business & Marketing Program

Our Business and Marketing Program provides students opportunities to: 

• Earn industry certifications 
• Develop foundational skills and workplace competencies 
• Earn college credits (Up to 35) 
• Compete regionally and nationally in student leadership organizations 
• Earn credit in the workplace with applied learning experiences 
• Team with business and industry professionals 
• Obtain scholarships 

Our program develops leaders, prepares students for the workplace and post-secondary education, and provides for real-world, hands-on learning.  Contact Mr. Cloakey or Mr. Kert if you have questions about the opportunities in this program. 

Career Week March 14th-19th 

Career Week is dedicated to Career Exploration.  Students at all grade levels have been exploring career interests in advisory and identifying presentations by community professionals they would like to attend.  On Friday, March 19th, professionals from diverse occupations presented to student groups about their work environment, qualifications and expectations, daily responsibilities and rewards of their jobs.

Bulldogs Recognized for Artistic Excellence!

Enjoy the creativity of CHS Students who submitted works of art and placed at the Regional High School Art Show.  Four Bulldogs earned tuition waivers to study art a Central Washington University!

Chloe Payne, “Every Day Automobile” 1^st place Painting + CWU Tuition Waiver

 

 

Faith Smith “This is not a Shoe” 2^nd place Drawing  + CWU Tuition Waiver

Ashlyn Reichert “Chrome Wheel” CWU Tuition Wavier

Rileigh Maison, “Mask Up” Digital CWU Tuition Waiver

Rileigh Maison, “Lucid” 2^nd Place Digital

The following pieces did not win awards, but are still worthy of recognition:

Maggie Hill “Man’s Conceited Preconception of Anamelia’s Flight”

Kimberly Strong “Anorexia”

Kimberly Strong “Traveling Through Memories”

Jayden Duncan-Styles “Green Thumb”

Faith Smith “Toad Man”

Elli West “First Meet”

Aztlan Oropeza-Garcia “En Paz”

Chloe Payne “Capture”

Cora Yearous “2021”

Happenings in Swansonville!

Students in Nutrition Fitness and Foods have been studying and learning about the different food groups all quarter.  During our week studying the nutrition of fruits, we held our annual fruit pizza competition.  The winning team, Boss Ladies and Sam, was awarded a lab of choice for placing first in the competition (judged by various faculty members).  They chose street tacos!  So, as a class, we delegated tasks and held a "Fiesta de Tacos."  We had a buffet of fish, shredded chicken and carne asada tacos, complete with homemade salsas and cabbage.  Nutrition Fitness and Foods really knows how to make learning fun. 🙂

FFA Happenings!

10 FFA Students qualified for State (More competitions coming in April):

 

Eli Lyons - Job Interview 

Eli Lyons - Extemporaneous Speaking 

 

Lily-Ann Geren - Job Interview 

 

Kimmy Dodson - Public Speaking 

 

Christina Arroyo - Creed Speaking  

Sophie Hill - Creed Speaking  

 

Novice Parliamentary Procedure 

Rylan Anderson, Seth Martin, Lily Wilson

Donald Flick, Sophie Hill & Elli West

 

Band Happenings!

Concert Band Earned a Superior Rating at their large group festival last week.  Our seniors were my first group of students to play at a festival as 6^th graders, and they received Superiors in their 6^th, 7^th, 8^th,  9^th, and 12^th grade years!  Here’s a link to a video of last week’s performance: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11xfOHn4eo8_S9Q9D1BMqLgbZIH2x0vUi/view

 

Looking ahead:  CHS Jazz groups will be performing in Omak at our regional jazz festival on Thursday, April 14.  CHS Marching Band will perform in the Apple Blossom Grand Parade on May 7^th.

Spring Priorities at CHS

• Developing interventions to support ALL students in passing ALL their classes.
• Improving communication with Parents & Community regarding Academic and Extracurricular opportunities for Bulldogs.
• Examining our schedule to ensure we are supporting student success.
• Building The Bulldog Way into the fabric of our school!