Greetings CAV Nation!

I hope everyone had a great weekend. We start this week's issue by recognizing our 5 school counselors, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Thweatt, Mrs. Wells, and Mrs. Nicu. This week is our time to say thank you to our counseling team and we appreciate all you do for the students and staff at CHS!

There are several important announcements and rescheduled events, so please read this newsletter in its entirety.

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

Promoting Careers in Aquaculture is currently accepting applications for any interested High School Juniors** and Teachers who wish to participate in the upcoming 2025 sessions. Check out the program on YouTube (MP 2024 & NN 2024) and the official website for more information and to apply:

Promoting Careers in Aquaculture- Virginia Tech

There is no fee to sign up or participate and there is no penalty for opting out. Students will be selected for internships with stipend based on satisfactory completion of curriculum and available slots. Students and teachers who complete the entire curriculum and internship will receive a stipend: students $1250+ digital badge, teachers $2000+ CEUs. This is the last year of this program, so don't miss out!

**(must be age 16 by June 6, 2025)

I want to remind you about our next round of Parent-Teacher Conferences, which provide a valuable opportunity to meet with your child’s teachers, check on their progress, and discuss course recommendations for next year. Open communication and a strong partnership between home and school are essential for student success, and these conferences allow you to gain insights into your child’s performance and collaborate on an improvement plan. Our goal is to ensure that every student has the support they need to reach their full potential, and we encourage you to take advantage of this important opportunity. Conference dates are:

Date: February 13
Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Caroline High School

Date: February 14
Time: 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Caroline High School

You can schedule a meeting by emailing the teachers directly or emailing our CHS Registrar, Ms. Minor, at kminor@ccps.us or calling 804.633.9886. Please remember to tell us if you will be coming in person or virtually.

Thank you for your commitment to your child’s success. We look forward to seeing you later on this month.

1. Building Access Times:

   • The school doors will open at 7:10 a.m. for regular school days.
   • On 2-hour delay days, doors will open at 9:10 a.m..
   • Students will not be able to access the building before these times. Please plan your drop-off schedules accordingly.

2. Drop-Off Area Guidelines:

   • Do not use the visitor or faculty parking spaces at the front of the building when dropping off students.
   • These spaces are reserved for staff and visitors and must remain clear to ensure buses can unload safely and staff can arrive to work on time.

At CHS we are committed to supporting our students in achieving success on their upcoming AP exams. To help us plan effective AP Exam Review sessions, please fill out the following form: AP Exam Review for Saturday's and after-school. Students do not need to attend every session; not all courses will be offered every Saturday.

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 22.8% %!! 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.

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 are on sale now at http://www.yearbookordercenter.com and use code 5861. Forms are also available outside of DO3A, Ms. Zellerino’s room.

• Graduation information! - Graduation will occur on May 20, 2025 at the Henrico Sports and Events Center.

• 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.

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

At 7 PM

[Seniors to arrive by 5:45 PM; Guests seated by 6:45 PM]

Henrico Sports and Events Center

1 All-Star Boulevard

Glen Allen, VA 23060

Accessible Seating

There is seating in the facility for guests with accessibility concerns. These are limited, and it is important that we know if the guest needs a walker, wheelchair, or some other device. This information will be involved with the sale of those tickets from April 7th-11th. Seniors should be checking closely with their parents to determine their needs.

Children and Seating

Everyone who attends the ceremony must have a ticket regardless of the age of the child.

Parking

No one will be allowed into the parking areas of the facility unless the vehicle has the appropriate parking

permit, which will be distributed along with tickets on May 19th.

Mandatory Practice Monday, May 19th at Caroline High School, 7:30 AM-11 AM

At the end of practice, each senior participating in the ceremony will receive four (4) free tickets, along with any tickets they purchase during the scheduled times below.

Seniors participating in the graduation ceremony will have an opportunity to buy eight (8) additional tickets at a cost of $8 each. Payments can be cash or electronic. Seniors will complete forms with relevant information at the time of purchase. All ticket sales will be through Mrs. Douglas in D01.).

Parking passes are also needed for this event, and those will be provided with the tickets.

Tickets

Purchasing tickets will be available from Mrs. Douglas in D01 on the following schedule:

1. April 7th-11th: Seniors may pay for tickets for their family/guests who require Accessible Seating (limited mobility) ONLY.

[This still counts within the eight additional tickets each senior can buy.]

1. April 14th-30th: Seniors participating in the graduation program may pay for up to eight (8) additional tickets @ $8.00 each, deducting any previous tickets for accessibility needs.

2. All tickets, free and those purchased, will be distributed Monday, May 19th at graduation practice. Parking passes will also be issued then. You must attend practice to participate in the ceremony on May 20th.

Be aware that the seating is assigned and randomly situated throughout the facility. Tickets have a specific section, row number, and seat number.

Attire: Caps, Towns, Tassels

Caps, gowns, and tassels should have been ordered and are being delivered the last week of March CHS during lunch shifts. Herff Jones representatives will be posted outside of the cafeteria near Mrs. Tillapaugh’s room. Those who have not yet purchased must go to this site and order:

Herff-Jones Caroline Site

See Mrs. Douglas in D01 for questions.

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.
• 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

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.

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.

This fentanyl awareness sheet is being provided to all 9-12 grade students and their families in the state of Virginia.

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.

Please use THIS LINK to review the Operations Manual for Students and Families.

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:

1. 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)

2. Have no more than three unexcused tardies from the time the event is announced to the day before the event.

3. Have no more than 3 unexcused absences from the time the event is announced to the day before the event.

4. Have no cell phone/communication policy violations from the time the event is announced to the day before the event

5. Remain in good behavioral standing (no more than one per nine weeks).

1. Fighting, vaping, drugs/alcohol, and other major offenses can disqualify you from participation for the year.

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

1. Per CCPS School Board Policy, personal communication devices:

1. 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.

2. Must be stored in a backpack, bag, or purse; teacher designated area within the instructional setting; lockers; or in a vehicle.

3. Smartwatches must be placed on silent mode throughout the instructional day.

2. Instructional Setting:

1. 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.

3. Enforcement Procedure

1. 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.

4. Emergency Communication

1. 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 (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

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.

• Caroline Middle & Caroline High Schools AM Routes
  
• Caroline Middle & Caroline High Schools AM Routes (document 2)
• Caroline Middle & Caroline High Schools PM Routes
• Caroline Middle & Caroline High Schools PM Routes (document 2)

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 at CHS

2/17/2025 - Student Holiday

3/10/2025 - Student Holiday

3/31-4/4/2025 - Spring Break

4/21/2025 - Student Holiday

5/2/2025 - Senior Decision Day at 6:00 in the CHS Blanton Gym

5/6-5/9/2025 - Senior Exams

5/9/2025 - Last Day for Seniors

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

• 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