Calvert Connection
Calvert High School Newsletter
September 22, 2024
Commitment to Excellence, the Cavalier Way!
Principal's Message
As we approach the midpoint of the first quarter, I want to remind you that interim reports will be available next week, October 2. This is an excellent opportunity to check your child’s grades and discuss their progress. Early academic performance sets the tone for the rest of the school year and it’s crucial for students to establish strong study habits and stay on top of their assignments.
Please take some time to review current grades and the coming interim report with your child and encourage them to reach out to their teachers if they need any support. Together, we can ensure that every student achieves their full academic potential.
Student Success Tips
Active participation in class: Participate in class, ask & answer questions, contribute in group activities
Stay organized: Utilize folders and binders to organize classes and work. Every 9th grade student received a planner to record assignments and due dates
Time management: Create a schedule that balances school work, extra-curriculars and time to relax.
Utilize Resources: Attend Cav Time with teachers for academic support, visit the Cav Cafe for a working lunch with Ms. Morris and ask for help when needed.
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
ATTENDANCE EMAIL Send notes for student absences, students arriving late or needing to leave early to the CHS Attendance email. Please direct correspondence to CHSAttendance@calvertnet.k12.md.us. All secretaries in the main office have access to this email address. Thank you!
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES & EVENTS
CHS Athletic Events: Calvert (smacathletics.org)
September 24
CHS Spirit: Jersey Day!
September 26
School-wide PBIS Event: Pizza Party for Winners
September 27
NO SCHOOL
September 30
2-hour late arrival -Teacher Work Time
October 2
Interims - Marking Period 1
October 14
2-hour Late Arrival
October 18
NO SCHOOL--Professional Learning
Homecoming Game v. Great Mills 7:00pm
October 19
Homecoming Dance
October 31
End of Marking Period 1
CAVS Work Hard
Ms. Hall's Art class studying line & working on Sumi Ink Collaborative Murals.
Ms. Robison's AP Environmental class learning about biodiversity with a fun twist.
Mr. Urban's Biology class during a hands-on activity to learn more about energy and prey.
Ms. Choudhry's Physics students learning about distance/time relationships
Salisbury University College Visit at CHS
From Ms. Boyle, Career Advisor-
Students from STEM classes attended a talk by a guest speaker from Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. The speaker discussed the workings of the power plant and pathways to employment through the College of Southern Maryland and the University of Maryland Southern Maryland. A field trip to the facility is planned for October. Interested students should see Mrs. Boyle by September 25.
From Dr. Perry, School Counselor-
We had an awesome turn out this week for college rep visits. Christopher Newport University came on 9/16 and UMD College Park came on 9/17.
Again, it literally pays to attend. Christopher Newport University gave out a code for an application fee waiver at $65 in value. If you are interested in applying to CNU and need that code, please see me.
Make sure you sign up or the next rep visits here:
Link to sign up for College visits.
CAV Time
See the attached for a schedule template to review with your child. It is important that students have plan on where they will go each day because all students must be in a classroom during Cav Time.
The second attachment contains a listing of our current club/group offerings. Please review them with your child to help them find positive ways to be involved at school.
Working Lunch for Students
Need to catch up from an absence? Complete overdue assignments? Just want to work during the day instead of for homework?
The CAV Café is NOW OPEN for working lunch! Students are encouraged to join Ms. Morris in Room 222 on Monday, Wednesday, and/or Friday during lunch to have space and time to work. Support is provided to identify missing work, communicate with teachers, and make submissions.
CAVS Get Involved
Attn: Juniors and seniors: Are you interested in becoming a Senate Page?
You must be academically strong, at least 16 yrs old, have an interest in Gov and History, be able to dress to impress, and have an outgoing personality.
To qualify, interested students must write a 1pg essay by Oct 1 and turn it into Dr. Perry.
If interested, see Dr. Perry for details and the essay prompt.
Testing
PSAT, AP and SAT ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS
Submit requests for College Board accommodations (AP, SAT) to Dona Hook, Assistant Principal, at hookd@calvertnet.k12.md.us. Completed request forms for AP exams are due by December 19, 2024.
Athletics
Calvert High athletic information: https://chs.calvertnet.k12.md.us/athletics
Athletic Director: Jason Cranford cranfordJE@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Athletic Game Information
- Admission cost for regular season athletic events is $6.
- Online tickets for CHS games can be purchased at: Calvert High School Tickets by GoFan. This link includes access to the Student and Parent Pass for the Fall season. This pass can only be used for HOME games.
- There will no admittance after the 3rd quarter.
- Re-entry is not permitted (you may not pay to re-enter)
- Backpacks and bags are not permitted.
- No profanity
- No throwing items in the stands or on the field/court
- Prohibited items include weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, outside food and drinks, laser pointers, non-service animals, sports equipment, and other items deemed inappropriate by the school administration.
- Please help us maintain our campus pride by throwing your trash away.
NEW: Football Game Entry & Attendance Guidelines
New Entry Requirements:
Calvert High Students: Must present a valid school ID or HAC verification of their current school schedule to gain entry.
Students of Away Teams: Must present a valid school ID or app verification of their current school schedule to gain entry.
Other School-Aged Spectators: Must be accompanied by an adult (21 or older) who has purchased a ticket. Chaperones are required to stay and supervise students for the duration of their stay at the event. This includes students from other high schools, middle and elementary schools.
Spectator Guidelines:
No gathering outside of seating areas will be allowed before, during, or after the event. Spectators must remain in the stands or at the fence line during the event.
Failure to abide by event expectations will result in spectators being removed with no refund and a loss of privilege to attend subsequent events.
Transportation
Student Parking Permits
Parking permits for 2024-2025 are on sale for Seniors and Juniors. The parking fee for this year is $60.
Students who are not parked appropriately will be asked to move their vehicles and may jeopardize their ability to purchase a permit and park in the student parking lot. Students are to park in only their numbered parking spot
Students who do not follow parking rules and regulations such as speeding or reckless driving in the student parking lot and onto Dorsey Rd or parking without a permit may have their permits revoked and face school disciplinary consequences.
Parking permits will continue to be sold during the school year until the parking lot is full.
CHS Transportation Remiders
Reminders
- Afternoon student pick-up: please back into a parking space to wait for your student. This helps to alleviate a traffic back-up.
- Please drive at a safe speed when dropping-off/picking-up students.
CHS Back Parking Lot
- The CHS back parking lot is for student drivers only. Drop-off and pick-up for students is in the Kiss and Ride lot located at the front of the school.
- No student can park in the back lot without a school issued parking permit.
Student Drivers
- Parking permits must be visible at all times while parking on school grounds.
- Students who are chronically late to school may have their parking permit suspended.
- Be mindful of your speed and cautious when entering and exiting the parking lot.
- The law requires that you stop at the stop sign at the Dorsey/Dares Beach intersection. Drive safely or you risk having your CHS parking privileges suspended.
CAVS Are Kind
Calvert High FAST (Family and School) Information
•New this year is the Calvert High School Family and School Team! Check out their Facebook page for volunteer opportunities. "CHS FAST"
Formerly known as PTSO
•A great way to get involved to support CHS!
•Examples: staff appreciation events, treats at award ceremonies, help with homecoming and prom
Counseling Office Information
Student Crisis Hotline: Students can text “Hello” to 741741 at any time to be connected to a crisis counselor 24/7. Check this link for more crisis resources: http://suicidehotlines.com/maryland.html
Be sure you are checking the Guidance website CHS Guidance and Twitter CHS Guidance Twitter to get up-to-date info on College visits, scholarships, forms, and other important events.
CHS College Visits for Students
Sign up to meet with college representatives visiting CHS. Use the QR code to sign up for a visit and to see the updated list of schools.
College & Career Advisor
Career planning starts in high school by researching industries you are interested in, the job possibilities within an industry, and mapping out your progression in both. This process includes evaluating your skills, interests, values and career goals.
Remember, a career plan is not set in stone; it can change and evolve over time. Remain flexible and periodically reassess your plan to ensure it aligns with your goals.
Technology
Having trouble with a student laptop? If you are having software issues or password issues, requests can be sent directly to the IT HelpDesk at helpdesk@calvertnet.k12.md.us. If a student is having hardware issues, broken screen, laptop will not turn on, etc., see Ms. Mignardi in the library
Home Access Center Reminders (HAC)
Reminders regarding the Home Access Center that will make life easier.
- Students’ log in to HAC using their Office 365 credentials. Remember to use a capital S and their student ID number as their login (do not include the entire email address, just S + the student ID number).
- New parents and/or those who have never logged into HAC are able to self-register with their address and email address that the school has on record.
- Parents who are having trouble accessing HAC and have not been able to successfully reset their own password, can contact Ms. Hickey in the Main Office at 443-550-8880 or hickeyk@calvertnet.k12.md.us If you are sending an email, be sure to include your child's information.
Laptop Expectations
Volunteering at CHS
Do you have extra time to help out at CHS? In order to volunteer in the school AND/OR chaperone field trips, you must complete a 2023-2024 CCPS Application. This information can be found at the link below.
ADMINISTRATION 2024-25:
Principal - Andrea Young - 443-550-8881 younga@calvertnet.k12.md.us
12th Grade, 10th (A-H) – James Rodenhaver -443-550-8884 rodenhaverj@calvertnet.k12.md.us
11th Grade, 10th (R-Z)– Trey Sirman - 443-550-8882 sirmant@calvertnet.k12.md.us
9th Grade, 10th (I-Q) - Dona Hook -443-550-8916 hookd@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Student Services Lead (SST) - Kristen Morris - 443-550-8883 morrisk@calvertnet.k12.md.us
MAIN OFFICE STAFF 2024-25:
Attendance Email – CHSAttendance@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Sherri Barber (Administrative Secretary) – 443-550-8878 barbers@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Amber Mackall (Front Office Secretary) - 443-550-8879 mackalla@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Mandy Stevens (Attendance Secretary) – 443-550-8891 mailto:stevensa@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Raquel Emond (Finance Secretary) – 443-550-8889 emondr@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Kelly MacDonald (School Nurse) – 443-550-8892 macdonaldk@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Attendance Procedures
ATTENDANCE EMAIL In addition to hard copy notes, you can send notes for student absences, students arriving late or needing to leave early to our attendance email. Please direct correspondence to CHSAttendance@calvertnet.k12.md.us. All secretaries in the main office have access to this email address.
COUNSELING OFFICE 2024-25:
Grade 9 – Katherine O'Neill, 443-550-8894 oneillk@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Grade 10 – Mapri Gray, 443-550-8897 graymd@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Grade 11– LeTea Perry, 443-550-8896 perryl@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Grade 12 – Jessica Ponti, 443-550-8895 pontij@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Guidance Department Secretary – Sharon Kruder, 443-550-8893 kruders@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Registrar – Karen Hickey, 443-550-8898 hickeyk@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Career Advisor - Mary Ann Boyle, 443-550-8919 boylem@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Community Events & Activities
For information about family events and youth activities taking place in our community, visit www.calvertnet.k12.md.us. Please note: These events and activities are not sponsored by the Calvert County Board of Education or Calvert County Public Schools. We provide equal opportunities to outside agencies to distribute materials that offer opportunities to students and/or their parents, but that permission should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by the school district
Saturday Anti-Vape Education Sessions
Nondiscrimination Statement
Calvert County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ancestry or national origin, familial status, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or genetic information in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Director of Student Services
Director of Human Resources
443-550-8000
For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System at: https://ocrcas.ed.gov or call 1-800-421-3481.
************************************************
Anti-sexual, Anti-racial and Anti-disability Harassment Statement
Discrimination can manifest itself in behaviors such as bullying, harassment, or intimidation of individuals.
Calvert County Public Schools does not tolerate any form of harassment including, but not limited to, sexual, racial, or disability. Any individual (student, employee, or community member) who believes that he or she has been subjected to any form of harassment is encouraged to report the allegation of harassment. Students, parents, and community members may report allegations of harassment to: Ms. Cecelia Lewis, Director of Student Services, Calvert County Public Schools, 1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Employees may report allegations of harassment to: Mr. Zachary Seawell, Director of Human Resources, Calvert County Public Schools, 1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Calvert County Public Schools is committed to conducting a prompt investigation for any allegation of harassment. If harassment has occurred, the individual will be disciplined promptly. Disciplinary actions for students found to have engaged in any form of harassment may result in suspension or expulsion. Disciplinary actions for employees found to have engaged in any form of harassment may result in suspension or termination.
Calvert County Public Schools encourages all students, parents, employees, and community members to work together to prevent any form of harassment.
For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System at: https://ocrcas.ed.gov or call 1-800-421-3481.
Calvert County Public Schools Antiracism Statement
Calvert County Public Schools explicitly denounces racism, bullying, discrimination, white supremacy, hate, and racial inequity in any form within our school community. Furthermore, CCPS will not tolerate the values, structures, and behaviors that perpetuate systemic racism.
Each member of the district, individually and collectively, is responsible for creating and nurturing a safe, antiracist learning environment where each student, staff member, and community partner is a respected and valued member of the CCPS community.