CVHS Quarterly Parent Newsletter #1

As we conclude Quarter 1, it's amazing to reflect on how smoothly the year has begun and progressed. This year, CVHS is focusing on exploring the theme "From Soil to Sun: Human Impact on Our Environment & Innovation." In CVHS classes, students are delving into real-world challenges, using their knowledge to brainstorm and implement creative solutions. Our goal is to inspire students to realize that with curiosity, creativity, diligence, and a solutions-focused mindset, they have the power to make a positive impact on the world around them.

We're excited to share with you class highlights, teen happenings, and everything in between from CVHS Quarter 1. In this newsletter you will find:

✔2024-2025 CVHS Academic Dates

✔Progress Reports & Student Support Guide

✔CVHS class highlights

✔High School Happenings

Thank you for your support—we couldn’t do it without you!

Semester 1

• Thursday, Aug. 15th ~ First Day of School, CVHS Self-Paced classes begin
• Friday, Aug. 16th ~ Open House, CVHS students can pick up books and tech
• Monday, Aug. 19th ~ CVHS Live! classes begin
• Friday, December 20th ~ Last day of Fall Semester

Semester 2

• Monday, Jan. 6th ~ First day of Semester 2, Self-Paced & Live! Spring classes begin
  
• Thursday, May 15th ~ Last day of CVHS Live! classes
  
• Thursday, May 22nd ~ TCS High School Graduation Ceremony
  
• Friday, May 23rd ~ Last day of school

Progress reports show a student's Quarter 1 grades and progress in all of their high school classes. Here are a few things to keep in mind about progress reports:

• Progress Reports are a snapshot in time and grades can improve all semester long
• This mid-semester check is a helpful tool to know if your student is on track or needs more support
• Use this opportunity to open up dialogue about classwork, assignments, and topics being studied
• Make sure your students attend and participate in their Live classes. Attendance is mandatory and participation shows engagement. Both lead to increased learning, success, and achievement.
• Celebrate the successes
• Identify areas for growth and support

Wherever your student is on the continuum of achievement, your CVHS teachers are committed to their academic and personal growth and success. Click the button below for the CVHS Student Support Guide.

CVHS teachers design dynamic, comprehensive courses that inspire and engage students. This year, students will explore the theme, From Soil to Sun: Human Impact on the Environment & Innovation. Throughout the year, look for themed connections between class content, different subjects, and real-world applications that spark creativity and innovation. With a focus on problem-solving, we hope our students are inspired to think critically and develop solutions that shape a better future.

CTE and Personal Finance students are teaming up to uncover how their CTE Pathway impacts the environment—both positive and negative. They've worked together to create an amazing slide deck that highlights their discoveries and ideas for a greener future.

Quarter 1 theme related topics explored in CTE classes are:

• Agriculture/Animal Science/Horticulture: Environmental Issues, Cows & Climate Series, Sustainability of Natural Resources, Environmental Impacts of Plants
• Child Development: Implementing Sustainability and Green Practices with Children
• Hospitality: Going Green in Hospitality & Ecotourism
• Health Careers: Managing Hazardous Waste
• Managing Business/Entrepreneurship/Marketing: Green Practices and Sustainability: Operations, Packaging, and Products
• Personal Finance I & II The Impact of Cryptocurrency on the Environment

Music Theory, students have been actively exploring the basics of music—sounds, notes, vibrations, and types of instruments. They're also discovering how music can be a powerful tool for communication, inspiration, and activism. By studying how artists have used music to ignite social movements, express emotions, and inspire change, students are realizing the deep impact music can have on society. The class is humming with excitement as students explore how their music can make the world a better—and greener—place!

For tons of resources and more information about Cottonwood's Music Program, go to the Music page on the NEST!

English 9 and 10 students are diving into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence, debating its pros and cons and examining how it's reshaping our world—including its effects on the environment. To make things even more exciting, Ms. Balliet stopped by to share how AI is transforming business careers, giving students a real-world glimpse into its growing influence. Meanwhile, English 11 students are tackling an equally thrilling topic: the pros and cons of space exploration and and colonizing other planets. They’re digging into how this new frontier could impact the environment beyond Earth. Mr. L made a special appearance to break down the Space Race during the Cold War, helping students connect history with the future of space travel. The in-class discussions and writing assignments have been out of this world!

In Spanish 1, students are combining language learning with art appreciation, exploring the works of renowned artists like Frida Kahlo and Jaime Antonio Gonzalez Colson while mastering personal pronouns, ser and estar, and discussing their favorite outdoor activities with "me gusta." They're also starting to use verbs in their infinitive form, applying their new vocabulary to describe hobbies and passions. In Spanish 2, students are honing their language skills by learning school-related vocabulary and conjugating stem-changing verbs, all while studying the iconic murals of Diego Rivera. Muy bien!

Learning about Earth's dynamic forces: from shifting mountains to radioactive power.

Mr. Matthews loves showing students that math offers multiple ways to represent information. In Algebra I, students are discovering various forms of representing lines—point-slope, standard, and slope-intercept. By converting between these forms, they're unlocking deeper connections between equations and their graphs, building essential skills for future math challenges. In Geometry, students kicked off the semester with logic and proofs. They're learning how a few basic math assumptions can build intricate systems that describe geometric realities. These mathematical proofs are like elegant puzzles, expanding their understanding in a systematic, almost artistic way—just like a sonnet or a scientific experiment. And this year, we'll keep sharpening these proof-solving skills! Algebra II students are learning systems of equations, starting with linear systems and advancing to three-variable systems using matrices. With the help of technology, they're not just solving these equations but also uncovering the real-world meaning behind the solutions. Problem-solving takes on a new level as they combine multiple mathematical concepts to unlock parametric functions from just a few given points!

In history classes, students participate in historical investigations and civic discourse. In World History, they’re uncovering how the rise of Absolutist rule in Europe and Russia fueled revolutions, while also exploring the environmental impact of a growing population. US History students are investigating whether African Americans were truly free in the South during Reconstruction, backing up their arguments with primary sources and crafting their own compelling thesis statements. Meanwhile, in Government, students compare different types of governments and wrap up the unit with a fun twist: "Government Guess Who?" where they create fictional nations and challenge the class to guess their government structure based on creative clues.

Read below to discover the creativity unfolding in our high school art classes.

We have so many amazing teen focused and teen friendly Cottonwood Events. Click on the poster below to explore & register for Cottonwood Events on the Landing Page. A flyer of the TCS teen focused events is below.