Dear Chesapeake Community:

Even though the temperature does not indicate that it is Fall things are going well at Chesapeake High School.  We have received exciting news of student achievements over the last few weeks.  Congratulations to Matthew G. Phipps who has achieved the level of semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program.  Andrew Butts and Allison Diviney were selected as Commended Students for the program.  This recognition is for students who show academic promise based on their junior year PSAT scores.  Chesapeake is also pleased to have two Maryland Distinguished Scholars finalists, Matthew G. Phipps and Allison Diviney as well as twenty-one students who received Honorable Mention.  This honor comes from the Maryland State Department of Education and students are selected who have a minimum 3.7 unweighted G.P.A. through the first two and a half years in high school.  Chesapeake is very proud that these students who have taken on rigorous courses have been successful and have been recognized for their accomplishments.

This next piece of information is unfortunate.  Chesapeake High School did not make Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) in the area of Special Education – English 2 for 2007.  We fell short by two students.  This will put Chesapeake in the monitoring phase of AYP for this year.  We will need to show progress over the next two years in order to be removed from that classification.  The school community is working hard to make sure that we are able to make AYP in the future.  Teacher training, content work in the classrooms, and accurate and consistent documentation are areas that have already been addressed and will continue to be stressed as we move to the January and May, 2008 MSA/ HSA assessment administration.  Teachers are working hard to cover material in class that will prepare students to earn a proficient or better score on the four MSA/HSA Assessments in Algebra I, English 10, Biology and US Government.  The students who are graduating in 2009 and beyond must pass with a score of proficient or better to meet graduation requirements.  It is important that everyone play an active role in both students and Chesapeake High School success.  I am very confident that we will show improvement as the year progresses.

On October 17, 2007 Anne Arundel County Board of Education is administering the PSAT to all 9, 10 and 11 grade students at no charge.  At Chesapeake the students will take the test in their administrative homerooms.  This test is a good indicator for students on how they will perform on the SAT which is an admissions tool by many colleges and universities.  For juniors it is also used to determine National Merit Scholarship status.  As you previously read, we have Chesapeake students that are recognized.  PSAT scores also  generate a report to indicate if a student may have ability to take AP level courses.  We expect that students will try their best and teachers have been working on practice items over the last two weeks in preparation for October 17.  On that day seniors will be attending their Senior Class meeting in the auditorium followed by an assembly sponsored by the Bank of America on financial planning.  They will also attend other sessions on college/technical school preparations. Students will attend All classes on October 17.  The  schedule will be modified for the class time to begin later.  Periods will be abbreviated and end earlier due to testing in the morning.  Seniors are expected to be in attendance even though they are not taking the PSAT.

Homecoming is on the way and Chesapeake is making preparation for an exciting time.  During the school week there will be Spirit Week dress up days, school decorating, a pep rally, sporting events, a parade and the Homecoming dance.  As always the expectation for students is that their behavior remain appropriate throughout the festivities.  We want students to have a spirited and fun filled time but not at the expense of others or school property.  Disciplinary action will be taken if necessary, when students do not comply with reasonable requests.  Our opponent for the football game is Meade High School and we were successful in defeating them last year.  We invite everyone to come out to the game this year and show your support.

Interims have been distributed and the marking period will close on November 1.  Take time to review with your child their academic performance and get help from the school if you see a need.  There will be parent conferences on October 16 for ninth grade academic subjects (English, Math, Science and Social Studies) in the cafeteria from 2 to 3 pm.  All 9th grade teachers will be available for 10 minute appointments to discuss academic success of your 9th grader.  A separate letter has been mailed regarding this and I encourage you to attend if you feel your student needs some extra support.

Continue to support the PTSA, CAC, Athletic and Music Booster with your involvement.  We invite to attend extracurricular events and support the fundraisers sponsored by school organizations.

As always remember COUGARS CAN AND WILL!

Sincerely,

Patricia A. Plitt
Principal