Dear Chesapeake Community:

The holiday season is fast approaching and CHS is preparing for both the close of first semester and the 2008/2009 school year. Time really does seem to have wings. I want to thank everyone connected to Chesapeake High School for their continued support and dedication. The efforts of many ar reaping huge rewards with the students who enter our doors every day.

In regards to the close of first semester, the week of January 7-11 students will be taking MSA/HSA assessments if they missed the spring '07 administration or have completed the course work for the assessment. This is not an extremely large amount of students but still a very important time. The class of '08 must sit for each of the assessments and the classes of '09, '10, and '11 must pass each of the assessments. Last year CHS did not make AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress for English- Special Education. We missed the mark by two students. CHS should not be that close in meeting this No Child Left Behind requirement. We have worked diligently not to have this scenario repeated. Your support for your child is very important and needed to attain the AYP goal.

Another closing item for first semester is the final examination for each course taken at CHS. The final exam days are January 17, 18, 22 and 23. This year there is a break in the schedule because of the school closing for the recognition of Martin Luther King's birthday. Each of the exam days are two hour early dismissal days. Students will take two exams each day and the schedule is enclosed in the newsletter. All extra curricular activities cannot begin until the close of the teacher work day and must conclude by 6:00 p.m. It is certainly not too early to begin the conversations about your child's status in their classes and how they are preparing for final exams. The exams cannot be administered early following Board of Education policy.

Believe it or not we are working on the schedule for next school year -- 2008-2009. In late January - early February you will be seeing course selection information for the next year. It is important to read that information carefully and discuss with students what would be best for them. The class of 2009 and beyond needs to have 26 credits for graduation. One of the biggest concerns after school starts is that students want to drop classes because they are too difficult or not what they expected. the more dialogue that happens at the front end of registration makes for a better schedule. There will be more information to follow this is just a heads up for what is to come.

The school has now conducted two school wide emergency drills. Both have gone very well and the staff has been able to analyze what was effective and what needs to be adjusted to ensure the greatest level of security and safety. The students have been cooperative and respectful to the necessity of the drill process. We would hope that CHS would never have the need to put into place an emergency operation but we will be ready.

As the cold weather approaches, review with your child what they need to do if school is delayed in opening or released early. Make sure that your emergency information is updated in the main office. Often parents believe that they have all the people on the card that can pick the child up from school only to find they are not and this creates unnecessary concern for the child and office staff. If you wish to review your information, you can speak with a secretary in the main office who will be glad to assist you.

Congratulations to Mrs. Jenni Smith who was named the Volunteer of the Month for November by the Board of Education. She received this recognition for all the work she does with both Chesapeake High School and Chesapeake Middle School. She is always willing to add more parents to her list since she serves as the parent coordinator for volunteers. Even the smallest amount of your time is greatly appreciated. You are more than welcome even if your children do not want to see you here. We have ways of keeping you separated from them if you want.

The calendar for the 2007/2008 has undergone another revision to reflect the change in the interim distribution date for the 4 marking period. The revised calendar is enclosed [on the home page]. Please make note of the new calendar.

CHS wishes everyone a happy holiday season. May you find opportunities to celebrate and rejoice. Always remember that COUGARS CAN AND WILL!

Sincerely,

Patricia A. Plitt
Principal