

Cholla High School February News 💘
February 2025
“‘How do you spell love?’ asked Piglet. ‘You don’t spell it, you feel it,’ said Pooh.” — A.A. Milne
News From Administration
📣Message From Principal Miranda
Hello Students, Parents and Guardians,
Most students have completed registration for the 2024-2025 school year. Please take some time to talk to your child about their course selection. Reach out to the counseling department if you have any questions. Remember that changes can be made. Please encourage your child to take challenging courses such as Honor’s, CTE or IB. This will help better prepare them for college level courses down the road.
If a student did not pass a class 1st semester, remember that Cholla has a credit recovery program available before, during, and after school for students in need of making up credits. Speak to a counselor for more details.
Please speak to your child about getting from class to class on time and completing all assignments daily. If your child observes anything suspicious, please report it to the office. “If you see something, say something!”
Go Chargers!
📝Curriculum Updates From Assistant Principal Adams
This semester will go by very fast. Seniors, talk to your counselors and make sure that you are on track to graduate. We do not know what graduation will look like yet, and we will notify everyone as soon as we have more information. Juniors, talk to your counselor to make sure you are on track to graduate next year. Sophomores, if you have failed a class, think about joining the Cholla Before and After School program for credit recovery for any course that you failed. Freshmen, remember that high school works on the credit system. If you have questions, please reach out to your counselor. We look forward to an exciting Spring semester!
⚾🥎🏐 🏃Athletics From Assistant Principal Rasool
Spring into Action: Cholla HS Spring Sports Are Here!
Get ready to cheer on our Chargers as we kick off an exciting season of spring sports! With baseball, softball, boys and girls track, and boys volleyball in full swing, there’s something for everyone to get involved in and support. Whether you’re on the field, on the court, or in the stands, let’s show our Charger pride!
Don’t miss out on the action—join us at the games, meets, and matches as we celebrate the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes. Together, let’s make this spring unforgettable!
For more information about schedules, events, or ways to support our teams, please contact our athletic director, Coach Dean, administrative assistant Mary Carpio, or assistant principal Mr. Rasool. Go Chargers!
🎒Student Services Announcements From Assistant Principal Ingram
Greetings Cholla Chargers!
We have finished with course selection here at Cholla for next year. If your student has not chosen their courses, have them see their counselor ASAP! We build each class based upon the number of students who select it so we may not have space if our students don’t complete this process!
Also, please complete your online registration for next year if you haven’t already done so. Our front office is available to help if you need it!
And finally, please plan to come to Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday, February 13 from 5:00 – 7:00pm. Students with family support do better in school!
Important Dates:
February 13 – Parent Teacher Conferences
February14 – Early Release (students released at 11:55am)
February 20 & 21 – Rodeo Vacation (no school)
March 7 – Grading Day, no school, end of the 3rd quarter
March 10 – 14 – Spring Break (all offices will be closed)
Share Your Feedback in the TUSD Parent School Quality Survey!
TUSD recently sent out an email inviting parents to participate in the School Quality Survey (SQS), and we’d love your input!
Your feedback is essential to help Cholla focus on growth and improvement. The email, titled "TUSD Parent School Quality Survey 2025 – we want your feedback!", was sent on Friday, January 31.
Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts and help us make Cholla even better. Thank you for your support!
🖤TUSD is Celebrating Black History Month
Black History Makers Breakfast
The Black History Makers Breakfast serves as a moment of reflection and celebration for AASSD (African American Student Services Division) Student Council members. During this event, students highlight their accomplishments from the past year, including:
- Participation in the University of Arizona Summer Literature Program.
- Engaging in the Juneteenth Youth Panel.
- Completing 30 hours of cultural and life skills workshops.
A special highlight of the event is the Coating Ceremony, where new Student Advisory Council members are formally inducted and honored with their ceremonial coats, symbolizing their commitment to leadership and community.
We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Marshon Allen,Orin Bingham, Naveah Gonzalez, Debora Hamuli, Jacob Kabange, and Kerene Masiyi for serving as the AASSD Student Council representatives from Cholla High School. Your dedication and contributions have been an inspiration to your peers and the entire community.
This gathering represents the spirit of achievement, unity, and the continuous legacy of excellence within the AASSD community.
⏰Message from the Dean Of Students
Cholla High School Tardy Policy
To ensure students arrive on time and ready to learn, we track tardies weekly. A report is generated each week, identifying the top 20 students with the most tardies. If a student appears on this list, they will face the following consequences:
1st Time on the List → Lunch Detention (K-Pod Downstairs)
2nd Time on the List → 2 Lunch Detentions
3rd Time on the List → In-School Suspension (ISS)
4th Time on the List → 2 Days of ISS
Important Notes:
If a student skips lunch detention, it doubles (2 lunch detentions).
All consequences include a phone call home to notify parents.
Lunch detentions are served in K-Pod (downstairs).
Being on time is important for success. Let’s work together to make it happen!
⌛Important Dates To Remember
Rodeo Break🤠
- February 20-21/2025
Get Ready to Shine: Important Testing Dates
🎼Music News
🎶 February 20th: Tucson Rodeo Parade
Get ready to cheer on the Cholla Band as they march in this year’s Tucson Rodeo Parade! The parade will run from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, starting at Drexel and 12th Avenue, heading north along Nogales Highway, and concluding at the Rodeo Grounds on Irvington and 6th Avenue/Nogales Highway. Don’t miss this exciting event showcasing our talented musicians!
🎶 February 28th: AZ Fine Arts Seal Concert
Two of our senior Band members will be showcasing their incredible talents as they apply for the prestigious AZ Fine Arts Seal. This special concert, almost entirely organized by these students, will be adjudicated by TUSD and the Arizona Department of Education to determine their eligibility for the scholarship award. Join us in the Cholla Auditorium at 5:30 PM to support their hard work and artistry!
🎶 March 4th: Cholla Band/Jazz/Orchestra Concert
Mark your calendars for our 3rd Quarter Concert! Experience the musical stylings of the Cholla Band, Jazz Band, and Orchestra in this collaborative performance. The concert will take place in the Cholla Auditorium at 5:30 PM. Come and enjoy a night of amazing music and support our talented students!
Make sure to attend these events and celebrate the dedication and talent of our music community! 🎵
Calling All Creative Chargers! Apply Today!
Don’t miss this opportunity to bring your artistic vision to life! Apply today and take the next step in your creative journey.
📅 Deadline: March 31,2025
🏫Cholla Campus Chronicles
Charger Battalion Earns Honor Unit with Distinction Title with 95.1% JPA Score!
What a fantastic accomplishment for the Cholla Charger Battalion! Earning a 95.1% and retaining the Honor Unit with Distinction title is an impressive feat, especially considering the extensive criteria evaluated during the inspection. The leadership of Cadets Caidance Fernandez, Gavin Morin, and Fernando Salazar clearly played a pivotal role in achieving this success.
It’s also great to see the dedication and contributions of the other cadets recognized. Special shoutout to Cadets Britney Cordeiro, Stephan Rector, Jordan Wagner, Steven Espinoza, Jacob Gomez-Miller, and Jonathan Vargas for their hard work in making this achievement possible.
The Gold Star designation and its benefits, like extra scholarship points, are a well-earned reward for all their efforts. Huge congratulations to everyone involved! 🎉
Fire Ecology in Mr. Babb's Class
Mr. Babb’s biology program had the privilege of hosting a guest speaker who shared insights on the fascinating field of fire ecology. Students learned about the critical role fire plays in shaping ecosystems, managing biodiversity, and maintaining ecological balance.
We’re grateful for this engaging and educational opportunity, which brought real-world expertise into our classroom. A big thank you to our guest speaker for inspiring curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding of nature's complex systems!🔥
Cholla Career Exploration Fair
College and Career Counselor Ms. Cabral hosted an outstanding career fair that brought together 50 representatives from professional and trade schools, universities, and military branches. Over 500 students attended the event, where they had the opportunity to explore their options, ask questions, and learn about various career and educational pathways.
Enjoy the CCN Newsreel produced by the Charger Journalism Team!
📚Message From Chargers Library
Attention Cholla Chargers
The librarian sends out weekly reminders to students with outstanding fines, books, or other resources. Please review these notices carefully. Seniors, it’s especially important to resolve any outstanding items by May 16. Remember, all accounts must be cleared before you are eligible to walk on graduation night. Please take care of these items promptly.
🏅ACE Student of the Month
Congratulations to Lucas Colores, a proud recipient of the Santa Rita Exchange Student of the Month Award for January 2025. His mother and girlfriend attended the celebration. Lucas was nominated by his soccer coach. Here is what his coach Rocha had to say-
"I am honored to nominate Lucas Colores for student of the month as a superior student of character, an outstanding student-athlete, and a scholar with exceptional academic excellence. Lucas exemplifies the highest standards of integrity, dedication, and leadership both on and off the soccer field. A consistent achiever, Lucas has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout their academic career, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to academic excellence. Their hard work, intellectual curiosity, and ability to balance rigorous coursework with extracurricular commitments speak volumes about their work ethic and determination. On the soccer field, Lucas has been a standout athlete, earning accolades for both skill and sportsmanship. Their leadership as a team captain has inspired teammates to strive for excellence while fostering a culture of respect, teamwork, and perseverance. Lucas's athletic accomplishments include being recognized by The Arizona Star Daily showcasing his dedication to personal growth and team success. Lucas is a remarkable role model who embodies the qualities of hard work, integrity, and compassion. Their exceptional achievements and character make them a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition. I have no doubt that Lucas will continue to excel and inspire others in all future endeavors."
Mr. Robertson, "Lucas is one of my top performers and always goes above and beyond in his work. He is also a great leader and model student in my class and is always excited and eager to learn in class. He is a great student and valued member of the Cholla student body. Congratulations to Lucas and keep up the great work!"
Ms. Martini, "Lucas is a great student/athlete. Lucas is perceptive, sharp, quick and has a high aptitude for learning languages. Lucas has been an active participant in our class discussions, and he is always supported by his peers. His caring nature and personality allow him to work well with others in a team setting, as he always respects others' opinions. Lucas is a driven and engaging student and helps make our classroom a lively and safe place to take intellectual risks."
Ms. Fragozo, “I highly recommend getting to know Lucas. He’s respectful, kind, knowledgeable, and humble
🏆San Javier Kiwanis Student of the Month Award for January 2025
Azia Mendoza is a leader, active member of the Cholla Sports Medicine team, and academically driven. Despite several challenges, barriers, and personal experiences, Azia has the determination to excel in her future endeavors.
Words from Ms. Yami Lopez, "Azia is an incredibly bright young woman who has an even brighter future ahead of her. She participates in 2 of the most rigorous programs here at Cholla and works outside of school as well and has managed to still rank 12th place in her graduating class. She works hard and doesn't give up, if any senior deserves a nomination, Azia is the person I think deserves it."
"Azia is an amazing person and student. She is very dedicated, kind and respectful. I admire her willingness to succeed - she is an inspiration. Love her Spirit."-Dr. Collazo
"Azia is a dedicated student and good friend to her peers! She strives for excellence in all that she does. She has a brilliant mind and is compassionate towards others! I have been honored to be her teacher for 2 years, and it has been a privilege! I know she will do well in all she sets out to accomplish in her life! Congratulations, Azia! This is a well-deserved honor!"-Ms. Frazier
🏆Kiwanis Students of the Month Award for February 2025
Vivianne Valencia has come a long way since her start at Cholla. Vivianne had a bumpy start her freshman year. School, grades, and attending class were not a priority for her at the time as she struggled with severe anxiety and had very little motivation. She completely turned things around, and it didn't happen overnight. Vivianne faced challenges early on, but rather than be discouraged, she chose to view these obstacles as opportunities for growth.
Vivianne has been part of the Cholla Marching Band for the last 4 years and plays 4 different instruments. She is determined, bright, and optimistic. She has found joy in playing instruments and participating in the Cholla's Sports Medicine team. She has a newfound appreciation for all things medicine and hopes to become a surgeon.
"Vivianne is an amazing young lady and a joy to have in class. Her happy, upbeat personality is infectious. And to top it off she is an outstanding student. 😊She deserves to be recognized."-Ms. Jeni Adams
"I am so proud of you Vivianne, you are an inspiration! I see a great future for you, you've proved that when you set your mind to change, anything is possible. Keep it up!"-Ms. Maldonado
🧡Social and Emotional Learning
Let’s Build a Safer School Community Together!!
At Cholla High School, the SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING campaign is still a relatively new resource, only having been in place since Quarter 2. With promotional flyers and the QR code posted all around campus and in classrooms, we aim to make it easier than ever for students to connect with our Admin team to let them know about what is happening at Cholla from students’ perspectives, and we wanted to be sure that our parents, guardians and families are aware of the resource, as well.
SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING aims to positively impact the Climate & Culture on Cholla campus. The program is designed with School Safety in mind and, also, to give Cholla students a larger voice in guiding the direction of our school’s Climate & Culture. It’s sort of like a neighborhood watch program for our campus.
Students can use the QR code to report any Safety Concerns, Code of Conduct Violations, or to report Positive Behaviors they see on our campus, and the program aims to have students guide and elevate the Vibe & Attitude of our school community in a positive direction. Parents, please, encourage your students to report what they see so that we can strengthen our community and create a safer space for all!
Additionally, SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING provides a solid 1st step for students who might be experiencing any type of bullying or harassment from others. Again, we ask that you encourage your students to say something if they see something!
Scan the QR code with your cellphone camera and follow the link to complete the form. Although we ask for identifying information from reporters, SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING is CONFIDENTIAL.
Let’s Build a Safer School Community Together!!