The Grizzly Growl
August 2023
A Message from Mr. Haughinberry:
Hello Grizzly Families!
We hope you had a fun and relaxing summer break and are excited to welcome all Grizzlies, returning and new, to the Den.
We have provided LOTS of important information in this edition of the newsletter. Please take a few minutes to review this information with your student in preparation for the start of school. Please also follow our social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for any last-minute updates. If you have any questions, please contact us at 757-558-4749.
Sincerely,
Mr. Brian Haughinberry, Principal
School Building Hours for Students- Students may not enter the building prior to 8:35 a.m. Upon arrival, students should report directly to their homeroom classroom or directly to the food court for breakfast. Students may drop off instruments before they report to homeroom. On your first days of arrival, staff members will be in the hallways, at the student parking and drop-off entrance (2A), and on the bus ramp to direct students where to go.
Bus Transportation- Bus routes may be found on the CPS website (www.cpschools.com). Students should review and memorize their bus route number. Students will remain on the busses until 8:35 a.m.
Student Parking- Student drivers will not be allowed in the building until 8:35 a.m. and should only enter through door 2A (the gymnasium entrance). Remain in your car until 8:35 a.m. to avoid crowds at door 2A. Students may still purchase parking passes on Wednesday mornings before school in the main office.
Student Drop off and Pick up- Students should be dropped off and picked-up at entrance 2A (the gymnasium entrance) and can be dropped off no earlier than 8:35 a.m. The doors will not be unlocked prior to 8:35 a.m., so please do not drop off your child earlier to avoid crowds at this entrance. Students may be picked-up beginning at 3:53. Please watch for students crossing the parking lot and medians during these times.
Students who need to leave school early must be checked out at the Attendance Office at entrance 1A. Parents will be asked to show ID.
Personal Communication Devices (PCD's)
In an effort to provide the most positive and purposeful educational environment for our students, the School Board adopted policy 9-20.1 regarding the use of cell phones and other personal communications devices that went into effect during the 2023-2024 school year. The goal of the policy is to ensure that our students come to school free from distractions and ready to learn. This policy is in alignment with Executive Order 33 issued by Governor Youngkin which outlines expectations for school divisions to establish cell phone-free education policies and procedures.
During the school day, any personal communications devices (PCD) are expected to be turned off and put away. This means that these devices should not be kept on the person or in the clothing of students during the school day. This expectation applies to all areas of our school buildings including cafeterias for the entire school day. Students may only use their PCD during school hours if such usage has been explicitly permitted by an administrator (i.e. In support of special events). This permission may be revoked at any time.
What is considered a personal communication device (PCD)?
Any device that can connect using Wi-Fi or cellular data including, but not limited to:
Cell phones
Tablets and e-readers
Personal (non-CPS) laptops
Handheld gaming systems/consoles
Smart watches
Bluetooth devices including headphones
Why was this policy put in place?
Research shows that cell phones and other electronic devices can be detrimental to the intellectual, social, and emotional development of children and adolescents. In addition, access to these devices during the school day decreases opportunities for our students to be actively engaged in the learning process and to interact with their teachers and classmates.
What if I need to communicate with my child during the school day?
In case of emergency, please contact your school’s main office. Staff members will be able to put you in touch with your child.
What are the consequences of violating this policy?
School administrators will review these expectations clearly with students during the first week of school. Consequences for violation are outlined in School Board regulations 9-20.1 and may include verbal warnings and confiscation of the PCD including the requirement for a parent or guardian to retrieve the device. Multiple infractions may lead to more severe consequences. School administrators may adapt consequences to suit the nature or number of infractions. The district or school is not responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen electronic device either directly or indirectly related to the enforcement of this policy.
Tickets & Passes
Cash is NO LONGER accepted at Chesapeake Public Schools athletic events. All tickets must be purchased via Gofan.co (not .com) prior to the game.
Adults - $7 Student - $5
Parents are highly encouraged to purchase a “Parent Pass” at Gofan.co. Parent passes are ONLY $60 and allow you entry into any high school or middle school regular season sports event in the city of Chesapeake. This pass is good for the entire 2024-2025 school year!! (Does not include playoffs events)
“Student passes” are available at Gofan.co as well. Student passes are ONLY $30 and are good for the entire school year to any sports events at the high school or middle school levels.
(Does not include playoffs)
Purchase the 2024-2025 athletic pass using the QR Code.
Acceptable passes for entry into Athletic Events:
· VHSL Pass
· VHSCA (Coaches Pass)
· Media Credentials
· Gold Card/CPS Senior Citizen Pass (regular season ONLY)
· Faculty passes of those schools participating in the competition and CPS badges
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
If your student will be receiving medication at school, please read this in its entirety in preparation for
the upcoming school year.
All medications require a current doctor's order to be administered at school. Most pediatricians have
the school forms, and I have also attached common forms below.
- Please ensure the dates on the form cover the entire school year (2024-2025).
- All medication must be brought in by the parent, with the proper order form signed by the physician and parent, and properly labeled by the pharmacy. In addition, please read the entire medication policy, which can be found in the student handbook.
- Lunchtime meds- If your child will be receiving lunchtime medication, and you do not know your student’s lunch period, having your doctor write “ at 1:10 pm” covers all lunch times best. We can not accept “at lunch” as an actual time of administration.
- Over the counter medications also require a physician's order. Please provide it unopened.
- All medications must be dropped off at school by the parent/guardian – it will not be accepted from a student. This also applies to refills.
If you would like to sign-in medications the week before school starts, please call the number listed
below. That week we will be in meetings and are in and out of the building, so getting a time from us would be best. Also, please keep in mind the capacity of the school. If your student does not require daily or emergency medication, please allow the first week of school for those medications to be received first, if able to do so. Please feel free to call the clinic with any questions or to discuss your student's health condition.
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy upcoming school year!
Grassfield High School Nurse
Ms. Grandel, RN
757-558-4511
