Dear Wildcat Families,

As we enter the month of Thanksgiving, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible students, staff, and families that make our school community so special. Thank you for sharing your amazing children with us and for your ongoing support and partnership in fostering their growth and success.

Academic Updates

We recently began Term 2, marking a transition to new classes for some and the halfway point for others. I’m proud of how our teachers and staff have worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth transition, creating a supportive environment where students can thrive academically.

Our cell phone policy, introduced earlier this year, continues to make a positive impact. Both students and staff have expressed that it has created a more focused and engaging classroom experience, allowing for deeper learning and stronger connections between peers and teachers.

Athletics Highlights

Our student-athletes have been busy achieving great things!

• The Girls’ Cross Country team competed at the State Meet, where freshman Annika Hall placed 4th and broke her own school record yet again—an incredible accomplishment!
• Eighth-grader Kaia Casey qualified for the State Swim Meet in the 200 and 500 freestyle.
• Our head swim and dive coach, Amanda Husfeldt, was named Section 5A Coach of the Year—congratulations, Coach!
• Winter sports are now underway, including Dance, Girls and Boys Hockey, Girls Basketball, Gymnastics, and Alpine Skiing.

Clubs and Activities

At CLHS, we are proud to offer a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities to help students discover their passions and develop leadership skills. Some of our most active groups include:

• FFA
• National Honor Society (NHS)
• DECA and BPA
• Mock Trial
• E-Sports
• Student Pickleball Club
• Math League
• Theater, Speech, and Marching Band

Student Leadership in Action

The Student Council has had an incredibly busy and productive fall. They hosted the Eastern Minnesota Association of Student Councils meeting and attended the MASC State Leadership Conference, gaining valuable skills that benefit our entire student body. Recently, they partnered with NHS for a Thanksgiving Food Drive, demonstrating their commitment to serving others.

Veterans Day Program

November 11th, we honored the veterans in our community with our cherished Veterans Day Program. Students from Student Council, Band, and Choir worked together to make this a memorable and heartfelt event. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of gratitude and service.

Wildcat Bed Project

Our Wildcat Bed Project is back and better than ever! This year, the CLHS Manufacturing class will produce 20 bunk beds to ensure that no Wildcat sleeps on the floor. We are grateful to the Sew n Sew Club for delivering 16 handmade quilts for these beds—thank you for teaching our students the true meaning of community.

In Gratitude

As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to extend my deepest thanks to all of you. Your trust in us, your support of our school, and your partnership in your child’s education mean the world. Our students’ successes—both big and small—are made possible by the love and encouragement they receive at home and at school.

Wishing you and your family a joyful and restful Thanksgiving. Thank you for being an essential part of our Wildcat community!

Warm regards,
Tammy Yackley
Principal, CLHS

Term 2 Parent/Teacher Conference sign-up is now open. Term 2 conferences are Thursday, December 12 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. We will be offering BOTH virtual and in-person conferences. Our virtual conferences will run from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm. In-person conferences will run from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. All teachers will be located in their respective classrooms with the exception of our physical education & special education teachers and counselors who will be in designated rooms/offices.

We will continue using MyConferenceTime to sign up for conferences. When you go to sign up for conferences you will notice each teacher’s name twice; one for virtual from 3:00-5:00 pm and one for in-person from 5:00-7:00 pm. You can not come in person during our virtual time or vice versa. Make sure to pick the conference option you want. Conference sign-up will be open until Thursday, December 12th at 1:00 pm. To review your student’s schedule and determine which teachers you want to talk to, log onto ParentVue for their term 2 schedule.

Click on the link below and follow the steps to sign up for your conference times. As you schedule, please keep in mind the time it takes to travel from room to room. Suggestion: leave a 5-minute time slot for travel in between conference times.

Go to: www.myconferencetime.com/clhs/

• Click on the teacher you wish to conference with

• Select an open time on the teacher's schedule and click Sign Up

• Complete the form

• Click Sign Up For Your Conference (at the bottom of the form)

• Print your ConferenceTime schedule

If you believe you need more than 10 minutes with a specific teacher, please email or call that teacher directly or contact your student’s guidance counselor and they will assist you in arranging a conference. If a staff member is not available the day of conferences, you will find a make-up schedule for them in My Conference Time.

We look forward to meeting and working with you. Feel free to contact Jennifer Hegstad at 651-213-2504 or jhegstad@isd2144.org if you have questions or have difficulty signing up.

There will be an informational meeting on December 12th at 6:30 in the Lecture Hall about local scholarships that are available to seniors. At this meeting, you will learn what scholarships are available, how to apply, and deadlines. Local Scholarships for the class of 2025 will be available in the Guidance Office beginning January 6th, 2025. Local scholarship application deadlines are stated individually - see each application for specific deadlines. The Chisago Lakes Education Foundation (CLEF) scholarships and the Franz & Mytrice Moody Scholarship application are completed online. The online application process deadline is Friday, March 5, 2025. Scholarship Award Night is scheduled for Monday, May 5th, 2025.

There is still room for anyone interested in going to France and Germany during the summer of 2025. The tour is open to all current 9-12 students at CLHS. This will be a tremendous opportunity to see and experience places of cultural and historical significance including Paris, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, and a Rhine River cruise. Here is a link for more information www.explorica.com/Weiss-6908 Contact Mr. Weiss at bweiss@isd2144.org or stop by his classroom (SS2) if you have any questions.

As the weather becomes colder, please be aware of building hours.

• School building hours are 7:15 am - 4:00 pm.
• Door #1, #17, and #33 open at 7:15 am.
• Morning Drop off - Students must be dropped off at the PAC door #33 and are not able to access the building prior to 7:15 am.
• Students needing to be picked up at the end of the school day at 2:30 must also be picked up at door #33.
• No drop-off or pick-up at the front doors or in the front parking lot

PERSONAL ELECTRONICS & CELL PHONES

Cell phones and ear buds may be appropriately used on the school campus before and after school, during passing time, or during their lunch break, provided that such use does not disrupt the education program or school activity. However, during class time, including PAWZ, personal electronic devices (including ear buds) may not be used, should be stowed away, and not visible to staff members. Bell to Bell No Cell. Students with smart watches may wear their watch during class, unless it is being misused. Some classrooms may expect students to stow the phones in a cell phone holder or backpack. School administration reserves the right to confiscate student cell phones throughout the school day as a result of disciplinary issues/concerns.

Guidance Office Staff!

School Counselors:

Amy Malloy (A-G): 651-213-2511 amalloy@isd2144.org

Carter Vogt (H-N): 651-213-2509 cvogt@isd2144.org

Alyssa Chowdhury: (O-Z) 651-213-2508 achowdhury@isd2144.org

Lisa Lund: 651-213-2510 llund@isd2144.org; Registrar (Transcripts)

2025–26 FAFSA® Form Now Available!

The 2025–26 FAFSA® form is now available for all students and contributors. Complete the form to apply for financial aid for college, career school, or graduate school.

Here is a document with steps to complete the FAFSA and videos to help.

Financial Aid Resources

Scholarships

There will be an informational meeting on December 12th at 6:30 in the Lecture Hall about local scholarships that are available to seniors. At this meeting, you will learn what scholarships are available, how to apply, and deadlines. Local Scholarships for the class of 2025 will be available in the Guidance Office beginning January 6th, 2025. Local scholarship application deadlines are stated individually - see each application for specific deadlines. The Chisago Lakes Education Foundation (CLEF) scholarships and the Franz & Mytrice Moody Scholarship application are completed online. The online application process deadline is Friday, March 5, 2025. Scholarship Award Night is scheduled for Monday, May 5th, 2025.

Junior Information Night for the Class of 2026

The Guidance staff at CLHS will be hosting an informational night for all juniors and their parents on January 13th, 2025 at 5:30 pm in the Performing Arts Center. In addition to covering post-secondary options, ACT/SAT testing, MCIS (Minnesota Career Information System), and the senior year timeline, there will also be a small college fair consisting of in state and regional 2 year and 4 year colleges, military reps and union representatives available to parents and students after the presentation.

Pre-ACT Test Results

Sophomores signed up to take the PreACT will take the test on December 4th at 7:50AM in the HS Lecture Hall. Since the test will be taken via computer this year, results should be here a little more quickly- likely after Winter Break. Students will receive an email when their results arrive (we receive a paper copy of the score report), and they can pick them up from the Guidance Office.

ACT Optional Test - April 9th, 2025

Chisago Lakes High School will be offering the opportunity for Juniors to take the ACT this Spring at no charge. The date of testing this year will be Wednesday, April 9th. Students will be given the opportunity to complete a survey in which they will let us know if they are interested in taking the ACT at CLHS during the first week in December.

Friends Make a Difference Mentoring Program

We have a great opportunity here at Chisago Lakes High School, where you could be a mentor to one of our students! Mentors and mentees meet once a month during the mentee’s lunch period. Mentorship can be a positive difference in the life of a young person, the mentor, and the community. Investing time and energy in long-term mentor/mentee relationships with our youth is beneficial in preparing them for a future of serving themselves and others. Research confirms that mentoring works! We encourage you to consider helping make a difference by participating in the valuable friendship mentoring program. If you are interested, please contact: Angela Hollermann (Behavior Gen. Ed Support/School Counselor) at 651-213-2373 or at ahollermann@isd2144.org

The Chisago Lakes High School Chapter of the National Honor Society is hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, November 26th. If you would like to donate, the link to sign up for a time is below. The blood drive will be taking place in the Wildcat Community Center on court 4.

https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=CLHS

Chisago Lakes High School will again support our local Family Pathways with our annual Compassion Collection. Many families in our community go without basic necessities such as toothpaste, shampoo, and toilet paper. Our National Honor Society and Link Crew groups will lead this fun and friendly competitive collection drive from December 2nd - December 18th. All donations will be brought to our Family Pathways at the conclusion of the drive. Students will bring their items to their respective PAWZ classes. Your student will be shared detailed information this upcoming week, please ask your student and help participate by purchasing needed items for our local families.

The Chisago Lakes High School Business Department continues to focus on providing a dynamic curriculum that emphasizes real-world lessons and application projects that will prepare students for post-secondary education and the world of work. Students can enroll in computer courses such as Computer Applications I, Web Design I and II, and Computer Science Principles; Personal Finance, Business and Personal Law, Marketing I and II, Sports & Entertainment Marketing, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, and Introduction to Business are also great options to round off the elective classes that are offered. The department is excited about the increase in enrollment of our classes this year with many options being at maximum capacity of 35 students per section.

Jason Mahlen is in his 24th year at CLHS and is the main instructor for the computer classes, which include Computer Applications and Web Design. In addition, he will be teaching Personal Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Business & Personal Law this year. Jason also is an assistant football coach with the high school team.

Katie Roche is in her 10th year of teaching, with this year being her first full year at CLHS and her first year teaching in the Business Department. Katie is teaching Entrepreneurship, Introduction to Business, and Freshman Seminar this year. As an entrepreneur herself who has started a nonprofit organization called WOW Compassion, as well as a seasoned educator who has had a variety of teaching experiences, she is excited to share her love for business, organization, strategizing, and implementation with her students! She is the BPA advisor, coaches youth hockey and youth soccer, and is very active in both Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts.

Hannah Lindstrom is in her 8th year of teaching with this year being her second at CLHS. Hannah will be teaching Accounting, Marketing 1, and Sports & Entertainment Marketing for 2024-25. She’s also the DECA advisor and head volleyball coach. She’s excited about the addition of DECA’s school store and the Sports & Entertainment Marketing class. The class will include guest speakers and field trips to encourage students to make connections to the industry in the “real world”.

All items and designs are chosen and created by students on the DECA team. All profits go directly back into future inventory purchases to continue growing the school store and allow us to offer more options. Deca is excited to begin its venture by featuring an exclusive apparel line from CLHS alum Josh Parks's company, Ghostfit!

Our student-led Go WILD Committee hosted the annual Turkey Bingo event before students left for Thanksgiving break. If a student had a BINGO they were to come down to the commons to collect their prize, but they must have "Gobbled" down the hall to win! This annual event is always a good time!

On Veterans Day, November 11th our Student Council held a short program for the community to honor our local veterans. The event contained the color guard, a short speech from our Army representative Sam Olson, a video message from alumni Sam Bird, who is currently on an Army base, and beautiful performances from the Band and choir.

Our DECA group received a grant from the Chisago County Lakes Area Community Foundation to start up the school store. We are thankful for the support and generosity of our community!

Students in DECA practice competing with training workshops. The first actual DECA competition will be in February. Will Walker medaled in the first practice Competition!

The Chisago Lakes High School Career Training Program has recently had the privilege

of receiving grant money to upgrade the Practical Assessment Exploration System

(PAES) Lab. This improvement will greatly enhance the educational experience for

students, particularly those in the Special Education Program.

The PAES Lab, originally purchased in 2012, serves as a dedicated workspace aimed

at improving career training and transition services for students with various learning

needs. PAES is designed to provide a hands-on assessment of vocational skills,

enabling students to explore and develop essential work and life skills. Within the lab,

students engage in a variety of tasks that mimic real-world job environments, nurturing

independence and gaining work skills.

Organized and managed by a Job Coach or “Supervisor,” the PAES Lab allows each

student to follow structured procedures for their assigned jobs. As they complete tasks,

students earn points based on their performance, allowing both the students and

coaches to track and assess progress over time. This system not only fosters

accountability but also instills a sense of accomplishment in students as they refine their

skills.

The recent upgrades to the PAES Lab have introduced many new materials and

technologies. These enhancements have not only enriched the environment but have

also improved student enthusiasm towards the program. Students have reported

increased engagement levels, as the upgraded equipment allows for more interactive

and effective learning experiences.

Modern technology has also played a pivotal role in the labs transformation. Students

are now able to utilize digital tools that help track their progress in real-time, providing

immediate feedback on their performance. This integration of technology is essential, as

it reflects the skills and competencies that are increasingly sought after in todays job

market.

A huge thank you to Anderson's Ice Cream in Lindstrom for donating their unused cash register to the CLHS Work Based Learning program- PAES Lab. This skills lab teaches work skills to students preparing them for real world jobs. The students are grateful for the opportunity to learn in this new piece of equipment!

Get ready for a blast from the not-so-recent past as this fall Chisago Lakes High School prepares to present a musical rendition of the cult classic “Freaky-Friday”. Watch as a high-strung mom and her rebellious teen daughter swap bodies for a chaotic day they’ll never forget. Filled with catchy tunes, hilarious mishaps, and heartwarming moments, this show will leave you laughing, singing, and maybe even calling your own mom afterward!

It's closing weekend for the fabulous production of Freaky Friday! Don't miss your last chance to see this heartwarming and hilarious story come to life on stage. This incredible cast has worked tirelessly to bring you a show full of laughter, love and unforgettable performances. Let's send them off with a full house and standing ovations!

Final Performances

November 22 and 23rd @7 PM

November 24th @ 2 PM

Get your tickets online today!

SPARQ is a great off-season training program that focuses on speed, power, agility, reaction and quickness to build overall athleticism and prevent injuries. Workouts are tailored for the beginner through advanced athlete.

SPARQ winter training program starts on December 2nd and will be Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 2:45-4:15 at the WCC.

Registration is currently open to all 9-12 student-athletes. Please register using the link below:

https://isd2144.ce.eleyo.com/course/2692/winter-2025/sparq-performance-aka-strength-speed-training

Class Fees: Certain elective courses your student chooses to register for may include a fee to help offset the cost of materials associated with those selected courses. When registering for classes, please note those courses. This information will again be shared at the beginning of the term by your student's teacher. All fees are to be paid ONLINE using CLePay/EduTrack. If you are having issues with this payment program, please contact Jen Hegstad in the front office for help. Jhegstad@isd2144.org or at 651-213-2504. Click below to access our payment system.

As your student changes classes by term, you can continue to find class supply requirements by accessing the school supply list below.

Students have the option to drive themselves to school and park in the student parking lot. Parking highlights are listed below, Click the button below to access complete parking details and to purchase.

• Parking permits may be purchased ONLINE using CLePay - cost of the permit is $125.00
• Families with multiple drivers: first student is $125.00, additional student(s) are $65.00
• Students may ONLY park in designated student parking (see parking agreement online for details)

Wildcat winter activities are underway! We are proud of our students’ dedication to their academics, their team and their purpose. Every Wildcat student participant is focusing on “why” they play and continue to learn through departmental initiatives. Thank you to our Wildcat families and our community for supporting students in their endeavors.

Visit our activities webpage for Wildcat Apparel through our sideline store and for a schedule of events.

Join us on February 21, 2025, to honor our Triple A and EXCEL recipients. Triple A and EXCEL recipients will be recognized at half-time of the girls basketball game at approximately 5:45pm. Our Triple A recipients are Laura Carlson and Gabe Muedeking and our ExCel recipients are Seanna Ritter and Cohen Underhill. We hope you can join us!

Join us on February 21, 2025, to honor our Hall of Fame Inductees. We will be inducting Kelly Marcio-Lund, Chris Anderson and Ken Orwoll at the half-time of the boys basketball game at approximately 7:25pm. We hope you can join us on this night as well.

Spring activity registration night is February 26, 2025, additional information will be emailed to all students and families in early February. Please complete registration online, pay the required fee and make sure your student has an up-to-date sports physical on file (good for 3 years). Early registration for activities is greatly appreciated, registration opens February 1st!

We appreciate your support and look forward to the continued success of our programs.

Go Wildcats!!

Jodi Otte

Activities Director

Class 2025 Senior Portrait Deadline: Friday, December 6th, 2024

There is still time to purchase a yearbook. Yearbooks are on sale now only a limited quantity remains. The current cost of the yearbook is $85.00.

Contact Heather Turner with any questions regarding the yearbook

hturner@isd2144.org

Cap & Gown Ordering: During the senior meeting on Monday, November 18th all seniors were shared a link to enter their measurements for their graduation Cap & Gown. Any seniors who missed that meeting were sent the link. The deadline for entering measurements is Friday, December 6th.

Be sure to check the Class 2025 webpage for updates and added information throughout the year.

Student Meal program continued for the 2024-25 School Year

Each student is eligible for a single free breakfast and lunch each school day. Any additional items students would like will be at cost. Students must have a positive balance in their account or cash to purchase additional/ala-carte items.

Mega Meal Cost: $2.00

Students feeling ill during the school day should obtain a pass from the teacher/staff prior to going to the health room. Students should not contact parents/guardians to be picked up because of illness prior to visiting the health office.

Pertussis (Whopping Cough): What Parents Need to Know
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a persistent cough illness. Anyone of any age can get pertussis. The first symptoms of pertussis are similar to a cold. After a week or two, the cough worsens and may occur in sudden, uncontrollable bursts. Sometimes coughing will lead to vomiting or a high-pitched whoop sound when breathing in. Persons with pertussis may seem well between coughing spells.

Pertussis bacteria are spread through droplets produced during coughing or sneezing.

In the Chisago Lakes School District:

• We have had several cases of Pertussis in the District
• We encourage parents to monitor their students for persistent cough and consider having them seen by their provider for possible Pertussis testing
• If they are awaiting Pertussis test results, the student should stay home until the test results are known

See the information from the Department of Health for more information on Pertussis

Click on the "Health Services" button to access forms that your student may require.

• November 15 & 16, 22 & 23 - Fall Musical "Freaky Friday"
• Wednesday - Friday, Nov 27-29 - No School, Thanksgiving Break
• Thursday, December 12th - Term 2 Conferences
• Holiday Break - Monday, Dec 23 - Friday, January 3rd
• Monday, January 6th - first day back after break
• Friday, January 17th, end of Term 2
• Monday, January 20th - No school students - Staff Development
• Monday, February 17th - No school Students - Staff Development
• Thursday, February 20th - Term 3 Conferences

Website: https://www.isd2144.org/
Location: 29400 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN, USA
Phone: 651-213-2500