The Cavalier Contact
Volume 1 - Issue 21 - December 1, 2024
A Message from the Principal
Greetings CAV Nation!
It is hard to believe but we are in the home stretch of the first semester! Please read this edition of the Cavalier Contact in full. There is important information about our sneaker raffle, School Day Basketball Game, important information for the Class of 2025, and more!
I appreciate your commitment to helping every CAV CHOOSE GREATNESS by developing CONFIDENCE in their abilities, being ACCOUNTABLE for their learning and success, and building a VISION for what they want to achieve before and after graduation.
Do not hesitate to email me at tconnolly@ccps.us or call me at (804) 633-9886 if you have questions or concerns.
Regards,
Thomas W. Connolly, Ed. D.
Principal
Caroline High School
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
Attendance Matters!
CHS values your child’s attendance at school. We need your help! Please monitor your child’s attendance and help them obtain a high quality education with their peers in school. Last year, our CHS's absenteeism rate was 24%. As we aim to meet the state accreditation standards we want to decrease this number to 15%!! Thank you for your partnership in your child’s education. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the academic year for any reason, including excused absences, unexcused absences, and suspensions. Based on a 175-day school year, that means approximately 17 days per year or 2 to 3 days per month. Missed instruction, regardless of the reason, can have significant academic consequences, and this applies to all students, including those with excused absences.
Last year, our school’s absenteeism rate was 24.5% and through our combined efforts our current rate has risen to just over 26%. As we aim to meet the state accreditation standards we want to decrease this number to 15%!! Thank you for your partnership in your child’s education.
CHS Varsity Basketball School Day Game
Have a passing grade in all classes (evidence of academic improvement will be used on a case-by-case basis for students who are failing a class)
Have no more than three unexcused tardies from 11/18/2024 to 12/19/2024.
Have no more than 3 unexcused absences from 11/18/2024 to 12/19/2024.
Remain in good behavioral standing (no more than 3 days OSS in the 2nd 9 weeks).
Fighting, vaping, drugs/alcohol, and other major offenses can disqualify you from participation for the year.
CHS Staff and Students Volunteer to Serve the Richmond Community
Caroline High School is beaming with pride as we recognize the efforts of Chef Jazz Morton, School Security Officer Gwendolyn Green, and CHS students Deon Cannon and Taylor Varnau. They recently spent their weekend giving back to the community in a powerful way.
Deon, Taylor, Chef Jazz, and Ms. Green volunteered with the organization Colorless Missions, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping those in need. This group of CHS volunteers served over 300 meals to homeless individuals in Richmond, demonstrating the true spirit of compassion and service that defines the CHS school community. The group served over 115 sandwiches, 175 bowls of soup, and over 200 loaves of cornbread while engaging with those in need and spreading kindness. Their willingness to give their time on a weekend shows the depth of their character and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
“Seeing our staff and students come together to serve the community is a testament to what we stand for at CHS,” said Dr. Thomas Connolly, principal of Caroline High School. “They exemplify our motto of Choosing Greatness, not just within the school walls but far beyond them. Their efforts remind us of the power of compassion and the impact of giving back.”
When asked about the experience senior Deon Cannon said, “It was extremely powerful to help the community and give them a good day through the power of food. It was a lot of fun and I can’t wait to do it again.”
This act of service highlights the importance of community partnerships and the role of education in fostering civic responsibility. Chef Morton, Officer Green, Deon, and Taylor have set an example for us all.
Caroline High School applauds their dedication and looks forward to continuing to support initiatives that inspire our Cavaliers to Choose Greatness in every aspect of their lives.
Financial Aid 101 Webinars for Students and Parents
High school students, parents, and guardians who are interested in learning about financial aid options for college are invited to attend one of the Financial Aid 101 webinars hosted by Level Up Virginia and Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (VASFAA).
Topics covered include Federal Financial Aid, State Financial Aid, Application Tips, and Q & A.
Register today to attend a session December 5 or December 12, 2024, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Both sessions are free and will cover the same information. Please see the Financial Aid 101 flyer for more information.
Students Electrical Partnership
Davis Electrical and Home Automation visited our CTE classes last week, providing an outstanding hands-on learning experience for students. The team shared their expertise on running electrical systems for the Habitat for Humanity house build and generously donated a significant amount of electrical supplies to support the project. Additionally, they will be assisting with running electrical on the student house build.
This visit offered students a valuable opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world applications, guided by professionals in the field. Such experiences equip students with practical skills and inspiration for their future careers.
Community partnerships like this greatly enhance the learning experience and leave a lasting impact on the program.
CHS Holiday Toy Drive Sponsored by DECA
The holiday season is here, and it's time to spread some joy! Our DECA students are hosting a Toy Drive to bring smiles to children in need—and we need your help to make it happen!
What to Donate: New, unwrapped toys for kids of all ages
When: November 1st to December 11th
Where: Drop-off boxes are in the main office and Ms. George's room.
Special Holiday Contest!
The teacher's class that brings in the most toys will win a holiday party catered by Chef Jazz and our Culinary Arts team!
Let’s come together as a school community to make a difference. Every donation counts and your generosity can bring holiday cheer to a child in need.
CHS Players Present The Outsiders!
Summer Residential Governor's School
Free Coaching for Parents
We know the holiday season can bring added stress. Parent Coaching is a FREE resource where you can meet with a coach to get personalized support for any challenges you or your child may be facing. Whether it's behavior issues or holiday stress, a coach can help guide you through it. Click here to register for support from a coach: https://cookcenter.info/coaching
Yearbooks on Sale Now!
Yearbooks are on sale now at http://www.yearbookordercenter.com and use code 5861. Forms are also available outside of DO3A, Ms. Zellerino’s room.
Cavalier Clash 2024
Mark your calendars, wrestling fans! On Saturday, December 7th, the Cavalier Clash is set to take over the Blanton Gym in an epic display of strength, skill, and determination!
Watch as wrestlers go head-to-head, battling it out for glory on the mat. This is your chance to witness the grit, passion, and electrifying moments that make wrestling one of the most intense sports.
Event Details:
📍 Location: Blanton Gym, Carline High School
🕔 Time: Matches start at 9:00 AM
🎟️ Admission: $9.00 on GoFan or at the door.
Whether you're a seasoned wrestling fan or new to the excitement, the Cavalier Clash promises to deliver heart-pounding action you won’t want to miss. Be there to support our athletes and feel the energy in the air!
Let’s pack the gym and show everyone what Cavalier pride is all about! See you there!
Important Information for Class of 2025
Graduation information! - Graduation will occur on May 20, 2025 at the Henrico Sports and Events Center. Herff Jones will come to CHS on September 20, 2024 for an in-person senior class meeting. They will come back to CHS on October 8 for Senior Cap and Gown orders. Caps and Gowns will be delivered in March.
Parking - Parking applications are available HERE. You can fill out your information on this form and print it or a paper copy can be picked up from the main office. Parking passes are $40. The $40 payment to Ms. Beasley in person or through myschoolbucks. Seniors will be able to “paint” seniors spots in the student parking lot. If they choose to paint their spots, then they must pay an additional fee of $40. Seniors must pick up a Senior Parking Spot Permission Form and submit it to Dr. Connolly for approval before painting the parking spot. Painting materials must be supplied by the student. Students who drive erratically on school property or are demonstrating unsafe driving behaviors on school property are subject to disciplinary action up to and including a non-refundable revocation of their parking permit. Students who drive erratically on school property or are demonstrating unsafe driving behaviors on school property are subject to disciplinary action up to and including a non-refundable revocation of their parking permit.
Class of 2025 Graduation Information
Graduation Information, Class of 2025
The website for cap and gown purchases has been set up, but the gown pictured is just the generic robe, not the specific ones required for Caroline. This link should take you to the Caroline section: Herff-Jones
- Graduation is May 20th, 2025 at the Henrico Sports Complex. This is a ticketed event, with parking also by permit only.
- Practice is on Monday, May 19th 2025 at the high school. You must attend practice in order to participate in the ceremony.
- Cap, gown, tassel, and other graduation items must be ordered from the Herff-Jones (Herff-Jones ) company. The deadline for the “early bird” pricing is DECEMBER 5TH. After that date, the price increases significantly. Graduation orders will be delivered to the high school before Spring Break.
- Initial plans are for Seniors participating in the graduation ceremony to receive 4 free tickets. Those seniors may purchase up to 8 additional tickets after Spring Break @ $8 each. Details about this will be coming out later in the spring.
- Please contact Pat Douglas at CHS with questions.pdouglas@ccps.us or 804-633-9886 Extension 5027.
Please address graduation question to Mrs. Douglas: pdouglas@ccps.us
Cardi, Virginia’s New Free Application for Federal Student Aid Support Chatbot
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and the Virginia Department of Education are excited to introduce Cardi, a new chatbot designed to assist students and families with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). With FAFSA completions in Virginia currently down by 10% compared to last year, Cardi is designed to increase submissions and ensure students receive the financial aid they need.
Key features of Cardi include:
- 24/7 access for instant FAFSA assistance
- User-friendly and easy to understand language
- Features both FAFSA and Virginia-specific financial aid information.
To see Cardi in action and to share it with your students, please visit FAFSA and FSA ID texts.
Senior Counseling Meetings
Counselors are currently meeting one-on-one with seniors to guide them through their post-graduation plans. During these sessions, each senior will receive a personalized roadmap outlining the steps they need to take to successfully graduate by May 2025. If you'd like a copy of this important document, don’t hesitate to contact your child's counselor for more details.
CHS Athletics Information
CAVS Bring Home Post-Season Honors
Congratulations to our Cavalier Student-Athletes for bringing home several post-season honors! See our FACEBOOK PAGE for all of the honored athletes!
Upcoming Events
Monday, December 2, 2024
5:00pm Scholastic Bowl: Varsity Match vs. James Monroe @ James Monroe High School
6:00pm Basketball: Boys JV Game vs. Atlee @ Atlee High School
7:30pm Basketball: Boys Varsity Game vs. Atlee @ Atlee High School
5:30pm Basketball: Girls JV Game vs. Armstrong @ Caroline High School
7:00pm Basketball: Girls Varsity Game vs. Armstrong @ Caroline High School
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Winter Sports Picture Day Blanton Gymnasium
4:00pm Indoor Track: Boys & Girls Varsity Meet vs. Eastern View @ Eastern View High School
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
4:00pm Indoor Track: Boys & Girls Varsity Meet @ Culpeper County High School
6:00pm Wrestling: Varsity Match @ Caroline High School
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Friday, December 6, 2024
5:30pm Basketball: Girls JV Game vs. Essex @ Essex High School
7:00pm Basketball: Girls Varsity Game vs. Essex @ Essex High School
6:00pm Swim & Dive: Boys & Girls Varsity Meet @ Spotsylvania YMCA
Saturday, December 7, 2024
9:00am Wrestling: Varsity Invitational vs. @ Caroline High School
11:00am Indoor Track: Boys & Girls Varsity Invitational @ Caroline High School
Student Drop Off Procedures
Parents & Guardians, if you are dropping your child off at school then you must enter the student parking lot from the first entrance on route 207 East. Posted safety cones will guide drivers through the parking lot towards the main office entrance, where students will be dropped off. Please see the image above this message. The red line shows the parents path to dropping off students. The Blue line shows students drivers where to park as they enter the parking lot. Any students needing breakfast must walk directly to the cafeteria after arrival.
Students may not be dropped off at school prior to 7:10 am.
Parents may not enter the Staff Parking Lot off of Devil’s Three Jump Road to drop off their child
Parents may not drive through the bus parking lot in the back of the school.
Fentanyl Facts
This fentanyl awareness sheet is being provided to all 9-12 grade students and their families in the state of Virginia.
Student Fees for 2024-25
Student fees can be paid through myschoolbucks for the 2024-2025 School Year. You may also contact Ms. Laura Beasley in the main office at lbeasley@ccps.us or by calling (804) 633-9886. The fees are linked here.
Operations Manual for Students and Families
Please use THIS LINK to review the Operations Manual for Students and Families.
Student Expectation Reminder
We expect all CAVs to CHOOSE GREATNESS, and we will reward those students who consistently meet our high expectations. CHS offers opportunities for all students to engage in learning and various activities. In order for students to participate in pep rallies, field trips, dances, and other events sponsored by CHS, each student must:
Have a passing grade in all classes (evidence of academic improvement will be used on a case-by-case basis for students who are failing a class)
Have no more than three unexcused tardies from the time the event is announced to the day before the event.
Have no more than 3 unexcused absences from the time the event is announced to the day before the event.
Have no cell phone/communication policy violations from the time the event is announced to the day before the event
Remain in good behavioral standing (no more than one per nine weeks).
Fighting, vaping, drugs/alcohol, and other major offenses can disqualify you from participation for the year.
Cell Phone Policy Update
Cell Phones and other Electronic Devices - At the school board meeting on 7/8/2024, the CCPS school board voted on a new cell phone policy. Students will not be allowed to use or have cell phones and other electronic devices out during the entire school day.
Personal Communication Device Policy
Per CCPS School Board Policy, personal communication devices:
May not be turned on, in use, or in a location that allows the student to hear or see the activated device during instructional time.
Must be stored in a backpack, bag, or purse; teacher designated area within the instructional setting; lockers; or in a vehicle.
Smartwatches must be placed on silent mode throughout the instructional day.
Instructional Setting:
The instructional setting includes, but is not limited to: classrooms; hallways; media center; auditorium; cafeteria, gymnasium; inside and outside physical education areas; locker rooms; restrooms; school administrative offices; and nurse’s clinic.
Enforcement Procedure
If a student violates this policy, then the cell phone or device will be confiscated by school administration and the parent must pick up the cell phone or device from the front office.
Emergency Communication
If parents need to communicate with a student they can do so by contacting the CHS main office, or before and after school. In the case of an emergency parents should contact the front office.
Dress Code Reminders
Dress Code (from CCPS Policy) - We expect students to maintain an appearance that is not distracting to teachers or students or in any way disrupts the instructional program of the school. Clothing that may be hazardous to the health and safety of other students and teachers and staff must not be worn at school. Maintaining appropriate appearance during school hours and at official school functions is the responsibility of the parents and the students. Pants must be worn appropriately (waistband at the waist) and pants worn below the waist are not permitted. No sagging. Clothing and tattoos that distract others from the learning process are prohibited. This includes clothing and tattoos that display or advertise alcoholic beverages or items prohibited on school property, sexually explicit references, or which convey derogatory messages regarding race, sex, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Inappropriate clothing for school or clothing that is of a safety concern or disruptive to the educational environment includes, but is not limited to:
- Halter tops, tube tops, tanks tops, see-through tops, tops with spaghetti straps, altered t-shirts (sleeves removed), and muscle shirts. Tops must not expose cleavage or the midriff. Sleeveless tops must be 3 inches or more across the shoulder.
- Bicycle/spandex shorts.
- Leggings/Jeggings must be accompanied by a top that covers the front and backside.
- Shorts/skirts/dresses/“skorts” must be at least mid-thigh in length.
- Skirts or dresses with slits must be at least mid-thigh in length.
- Exposed male and female undergarments (top and bottom).
- Holes in pants: Pants with holes/openings may be worn, but they cannot be higher than mid-thigh.
- Pajama pants.
- Flip flops, Heelys (shoes with wheels), bedroom slippers, untied shoes, slides, heels above 2 inches. Flip flops may be worn by secondary school students, but appropriate shoes must be worn when required for participation/enrollment in certain classes/physical activity.
- Hoods or other head wear that cover the face and/or eyes and thus prevents the identification of a student. However, acceptable head cover (except for religious/medical purposes) must be removed due to safety concerns in certain classes such as science labs and CTE.
- Sunglasses, chokers, or chains worn on clothing.
- Nonprescription and/or color contact lenses.
- Rolling backpacks are not permitted in any of the schools, unless there is a legitimate medical need or another legitimate purpose, with prior approval of the principal.
https://www.ccps.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Code-of-Student-Conduct-2024-25.pdf
Bus Routes
Caroline County Public Schools provides transportation to and from each school for each student should they choose to ride the school bus. Additionally, the Transportation Department has a dedicated team of drivers to provide transportation home from school activities such a sports practices. Linked below are the bus routes for the 2024-2025 school year.
Important Dates
Important Dates
8/12/2024 - Transition Day for 1st time 9th grade students
8/13/2024 - First day of School for all students
8/15/2024 - Senior Sunrise 6:15 am at CHS Stadium
8/30/2024 - Student Holiday
9/2/2024 - Student Holiday
10/11/2024 - Student Holiday
10/14/2024 - Student Holiday
10/18/2024 - Homecoming Block Party and Football Game 4-7
10/18/2024 - Homecoming Football Game 7:00
10/19/2024 - Homecoming Dance 7:00-9:30 at CHS Blanton Gym
11/4/2024 - Early Release
11/4/2024 Parent Teacher Conferences at CHS 1:00-7:-00
11/5/2024 - Student Holiday - Election Day
11/25/2024 - Underclassman awards at 6:00 in the CHS Auditorium
11/27-11/29/2024 - Thanksgiving Break
12/23/2024-1/3/2025 - Winter Break
1/7/2025 - Students Return from Winter Break
1/20/2025 - Student Holiday
2/14/2025 - Student Holiday
2/14/2025 - Parent Teacher Conferences 3:00-6:00 at CHS
2/17/2025 - Student Holiday
3/10/2025 - Student Holiday
3/31-4/4/2025 - Spring Break
4/21/2025 - Student Holiday
5/1/2025 - Senior Decision Day at 6:00 in the CHS Blanton Gym
5/5-5/9/2025 - Senior Exams
5/16/2025 - Prom at John Marshall Ballroom
5/19-5/22/2025 - Underclassmen Final Exams
5/20/2025 - Graduation 7:00 at Henrico Sports and Events Center
5/22/2025 - Last Day of School
Cavalier Nation Information Sources
- Caroline County Public Schools Website: http://www.ccps.us/
- CHS Student Dress Code: Coming Soon
- PowerSchool Portal: https://caroline.powerschool.com/public/
- Athletics & Activities Calendar: https://www.battlefielddistrictva.org
Email: tconnolly@ccps.us
Website: https://www.ccps.us/chs/
Location: Caroline High School, Rogers Clark Boulevard, Milford, VA, USA
Phone: (804)633-9886
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAROLINE-HIGH-SCHOOL-130749860579/
Twitter: @CAVSofCHS