Greetings CAV Nation!

I hope everyone had a restful weekend! In this edition of the Cavalier Contact, you will find information about Senior Makeup Photos, Winter Sports tryouts, the Cheapeake Bay Governor's School, and more!

The end of the interim is November 15th. Remember that no late work assigned in the first interim will be accepted after November 15th.

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

Attention Class of 2025! If you have not yet had your senior portrait taken, you MUST have your picture taken on November 13 in the auditorium. This is the LAST chance and all seniors MUST be photographed. There is NO SITTING FEE, and Lifetouch will provide the drape or tux. If you are not sure if you have had your picture taken, see your English Teacher.

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.

Faith Beazley, Aiden Basset, and Jordin Kelleher were able to spent their weekend at the Innovation Challenge at Dahlgren Naval Station. They interviewed middle and elementary students from more than 10 different schools, as well as parents, coaches, and assorted Dahlgren NAVSEA folks who made the event happen. A special thanks to School Board Member Dr. Hubbard for being generous with his time and podcasting advice, and making interviews with attendees possible. The students were able to use state-of-the-art equipment in an upscale podcast studio, which has inspired them to elevate their interviewing and podcast skills.

CCPS 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 improved to 22.5%. 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.

Below are two of our winners!

As we approach the Advanced Placement (AP) exam ordering season, it's important to recognize the numerous benefits these exams offer:

1. Earning College Credits: Scoring well on AP exams can allow students to earn college credits during high school, potentially bypassing introductory courses and saving on tuition costs (Princeton Review).

2. Strengthening College Applications: AP courses and exams demonstrate students' commitment to rigorous, college-level work, making them more attractive to admissions officers (Appily).

3. Developing College-Ready Skills: Engaging in AP coursework helps students build essential skills such as critical thinking, time management, and effective study habits, which are invaluable in higher education and beyond (AP Central).

4. Exploring Academic Interests: With a wide range of AP subjects available, students can delve deeper into areas they are passionate about, aiding in informed decisions about college majors and career paths (Princeton Review).

5. Financial Benefits: Earning college credits through AP exams can lead to significant savings on tuition, as students may graduate earlier or reduce their course load (Princeton Review).

We encourage students to take full advantage of the AP courses and exams they are enrolled in. The dedication and hard work invested now can yield substantial rewards in the future.

If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out to your AP teacher or Mrs. Bucceri at jbucceri@ccps.us

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.

Exciting Announcement: The 2024 Caroline's Promise Young Entrepreneur Expo is quickly approaching! Attention All Young Entrepreneurs! Registration is officially open, so seize the opportunity to present your business, products, or services. Whether you're aiming to launch a new business, showcase your goods, or build your brand, we have the ideal platform for you. This event is tailored for youth aged 5-18 to connect, display, and sell their products. Thank you for spreading the word. If you have any questions email carolinespromise@gmail.com

• 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.

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
  

• The graduation ceremony is Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 at the Henrico Sports and Events Complex in Glen Allen. It is a ticketed event, and specific information about allotted numbers as well as the opportunity and cost of additional tickets will be released soon.

• 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.

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.

Congratulations to all of our student-athletes who participated in Fall Sports this past season. This season was one of the best overall seasons in CHS History. Football delivered the first winning season since 2007 finishing 6-4, Field Hockey made the Region 4B Playoff tournament, Cheerleading took home 2nd place in the Battlefield District, Cross Country finished 7th in Region 4B and has a runner competing in the State Final, and Volleyball made the Region 4B Playoff Tournament and defeated Chancellor in the first round.

What an unreal season! Let's keep rolling into Winter!!

All Winter Sports tryouts will start on November 11. Anyone wishing to tryout MUST have a current VHSL physical on file.

Girls Basketball - 3:15-5:15 at CHS Blanton Gym

Boys Basketball - 6:00-8:00 at CHS Blanton Gym

Swim - Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 3:15-4:30 at the YMCA. Take Bust 25 to the YMCA

Wrestling - 2:45 at CHS Wrestling Room

Track - 2:45 at Harvey Track

See above for tryout information

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 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

Essential Links for CHS

• 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