CHS January Newsletter
A way for families to connect with CHS & The Community
Quarter 2 Ends on January 23rd
January 23rd is the end of the 2nd marking period and the half way point of the school year. Please encourage your students to complete any missing assignments they may have and work with teachers to improve their grades, if possible, between now and January 23rd. If a student received an E for Q1 and gets a second E in Q2 (in a graduation requirement), it is likely they will have to repeat the credit this summer or next school year.
BCPS encourages families to set up daily or weekly “Parent Digest” notifications from Schoology to monitor your student’s activity in each class. Directions for setting up notifications can be found here.
FOCUS and Schoology are the tools BCPS has for students and parents to stay up to date on student grades, attendance, schedules and allows access to online report cards. It is important for families to not wait for the report cards to check in about grades, you can check daily or weekly.
Please reach out if you need support getting linked to FOCUS: https://forms.gle/SttEsf8QMLijKRCp6
Need help tracking where your student's bus is?
The Office of Transportation announced county-wide implementation of BusWhere, a location tracking software that allows subscribers to see bus locations in real time on a mobile phone or computer. Via the BusWhere app, subscribers may opt to receive notifications as the bus is approaching a designated bus stop or if there is a significant issue causing a delay.
On or about October 2, 2023, parents/guardians of record in FOCUS should have received an email invitation directly from BusWhere to create an account! If you didn't get that email or have questions or concerns, parents and school-based staff are encouraged to utilize BusWhere Assistance Request Form.
Stay Informed about Closings and Delays
As forecasts are calling for the potential of wintry weather early next week, we want to remind the Team BCPS community about our Virtual Inclement Weather Day Plan for the 2023-2024 school year. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is providing local school systems with the option to repurpose inclement weather days as virtual school days. MSDE has approved the BCPS Virtual Inclement Weather Day Plan for the 2023-2024 school year. The BCPS plan is to transition to virtual school days after the school system has had three inclement weather closures.
After those three full-day closures, when inclement weather is forecasted, BCPS leadership will monitor the weather forecast and families will be notified if BCPS transitions to virtual learning that day. Students will be reminded to bring devices, chargers, and other instructional materials home.
Important Dates for January
January 15th - MLK Day - Schools Closed for staff & students
January 19th - Ending of Marking period 2 - Half Day for Students, schools close 3 hours early.
February 5th - Report cards are distributed in school.
February 19th - Presidents Day - Schools Closed for staff & students.
Course Registration for the 2024/25 School Year has ended!
Counselors spent the entire month of December meeting with students individually to discuss classes for next school year as well as explaining graduation requirements like credits, student service learning hours, testing and completer options. If your student missed their session, they can review the materials provided in the CHS Hub and schoology message their counselor with their elective options and/or questions.
- Log into Schoology
- Go to groups - Click CHS Hub (if your student isn't in the group, they can join using join code WMTMX-CXF6X)
- Click on Resources on the left side
- Chose the Red Folder Labeled "Student Information"
- Chose the Orange Folder labeled "Counseling Office"
- Chose the Yellow folder labeled "Scheduling"
- Watch the Video "Scheduling How to Video"
- Complete steps 1-4 in the video
You can also review the entire course registration guide from BCPS in English, Arabic or Spanish here: https://schools.bcps.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=2828&pageId=70230829
As shared during registration, all BPCS students must meet the same graduation requirements including a completer pathway. A list of graduation requirements is below and this month we are highlighting our School to Career Work-based Learning completer option.
Completer Spotlight
School to Career Work-based Learning Program
One of the paths to graduation is by completing the CTE School to Career Work Based Learning Program. Starting in Junior year, students will take an Introductory course. In senior year, they will take the advanced Career Research course as well as complete 270 hours in a workplace setting. Many of our students are able to get paid while gaining experience and credit toward graduation. CCBC also offers articulated credits to be applied at their institution with successful completion of the full program.
The Work Experience Program allows seniors to be on a half-day schedule as well to gain paid / volunteer work experience along with valuable coursework in the mornings in career development and life skills. Some of this year’s students are employed at Skyzone, Texas Roadhouse, Food Lion, McDonalds, Panera Bread, Flagship Cinema, and many more. Current Juniors were given applications for the program in their English classes and they are due by March 22nd. Please connect with the School to Career Department Chair, Mr. Nick Scalice nscalice@bcps.org, if you have any questions.
New Mental Health App for BCPS students
Talkspace is now Available!
By offering Talkspace’s digital modalities, like unlimited messaging therapy, we can extend support that students can access beyond school hours, year-round, at their convenience. Eligible students interested in therapy can sign up, take a brief assessment specific for teens, and get matched with a dedicated, licensed therapist. Once matched, therapy sessions take place on Talkspace’s secure and encrypted platform, accessible from the teens’ smartphones, tablets or computers. Teens can communicate with their therapists at any time with an unlimited number of private messages at no cost.
To be eligible for this program, teens must be enrolled in a BCPS high school and be over the age of 13 at the time of signup. Eligible teens can sign up for unlimited messaging therapy and gain access to Talkspace Go, a comprehensive teen mental health self-guided program.
Students can access this service by registering at talkspace.com/bcps and use the keyword: bcps
Additional Mental Health Resources
Are you (or your student) looking for help with your mental health?
Check out these BCPS approved providers:
Key Point Health Services - Dundalk
Changing Lives at Home, Mental Health, INC.
GIFTS, Children's Guild and Thrive all meet with students within the CHS building weekly. You can reach out to your student's counselor for help with a referral if you are interested.
Class updates!
All classes collect dues each year to support yearly class events and to prepare for prom and senior year events. Each student is expected to pay $15 per year they attend CHS. This money is going directly to their class fund to reduce costs to students for thing like prom and other CHS events. Links to make payment can be found below.
Senior Class - 2024
Class Dues Payment Link: https://osp.osmsinc.com/p/EI584-VAR19
Class Advisors' emails:
Donald Stepney - dstepney@bcps.org
Courtney Rohde - crohde@bcps.org
Please reach out to advisors with any Class Specific Questions.
Save the date:
Senior Inauguration
February 15, 2024
6pm
CHS Auditorium
FAFSA is now open:
If you are applying to 4 year college, community college or trade school, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the 24/25 school year is now open. The new version of this form is currently experiencing issues/glitches so if you encounter a problem reach out to Mrs. Arrowood at earrowood@bcps.org.
Getting started with FAFSA:
Step 1: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
After 1-3 days and receiving confirmation that your FSA ID account is ready, contributors can access the FAFSA Here: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Please read through the items below for additional helpful information.
Want to recognize a Senior in the Yearbook?
1. Senior portraits must be submitted by January 31st.
2. Senior Recognition Ads need to be created and purchased by February 5th (see graphic below). Be sure to select Chesapeake High School, Baltimore MD.
3. Purchase your Yearbook!!! Go to www.Jostens.com to order.
See Mrs. Slone in the Learning Cottage or email aslone@bcps.org if you have questions.
Junior Class - 2025
Class Dues Payment Link: https://osp.osmsinc.com/p/EI584-VAR23
Class Advisors' emails:
Tara Funkhouser - tfunkhouser@bcps.org
Jennifer Dyke - Jdyke@bcps.org
Please reach out to advisors with any Class Specific Questions.
Sophomore Class - 2026
Class Dues Payment Link: https://osp.osmsinc.com/p/EI584-227
Class Advisors' emails:
Jillian Ganley - jganley@bcps.org
Sarah Miller - smiller18@bcps.org
The class of 2026 will be selling CHS Spirit Bracelets during lunch shifts on January 17th & 18th.
We will also be taking orders for personalized bracelets in time for Valentines day. Reach out to Ms. Ganley or Ms. Miller with any questions or orders.
Please reach out to advisors with any Class Specific Questions.
Freshman Class - 2027
Class Dues Payment Link: https://osp.osmsinc.com/p/EI584-228
Class Advisors' emails:
Shaun Downey - sdowney2@bcps.org
Lindsay Withrow - lwithrow@bcps.org
Want to get more involved and help with planning fundraisers and events for the freshman class? Fill out an application for the executive board. Applications will be available next week! See Ms. Withrow with any questions.
Thank you for your support with our Candy Gram fundraiser in December, we raised $120 for our class!
Our next fundraiser will be at the Chipotle on Pulaski Highway on January 16th (flyer below).
Please reach out to advisors with any Class Specific Questions.
CHS Events January
In School Happenings!
Monthly School Spirit Initiative: Bold Blue Battle
This month we are going all out on January 19th to support our Winter Athletes! Winter Athletes will be showing their school pride in their uniforms and bayhawk gear and the rest of the school will show their support in blue and CHS apparel. The day will end with a Winter Season PEP Rally in the Gymnasium before the half day dismissal.
Winter Workouts on Tuesdays and Thursdays
All students are welcome to join in on Winter Workouts with Coach Ashcraft and Coach Gunny. If you are trying to get in shape for Spring Sports or are just trying to have healthier habits in the new year, Winter Workouts are the place to do it! Every Tuesday and Thursday from 230-4pm in the weightroom behind the gym!
Order your 2024 Yearbook today!
Contact Mrs. Slone, aslone@bcps.org, with any Yearbook questions!
If you want to help create the yearbook, Yearbook Club meets every Tuesday in the Learning Cottage!
Descendants The Musical
Popcorn Fundraiser to Support The Descendants Musical
ORDER NOW! Fundraiser is only open for 4 days, January 11-14. Visit https://s.dgpopup.com/vgk5771d to browse and purchase!
If you would like to support the musical but aren't interested in popcorn, please consider supporting their Amazon Wishlist - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/27N7C9V51G0N2?ref_=wl_share
We appreciate any support we get! And hope you can join us in May for the performances!
New Club Alert! Crochet Club
Are you a student interested in learning how to crochet or learning new patterns? Click on the link below if you are interested in being part of a CROCHET CLUB! Make sure you are logged into your BCPS google to complete the form.
Questions? See Ms. Shires in Rm. 14!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeB9JBXSBMArhsA4EzovnCfqkySC1n_YInSeodBcJsKU5PGwg/viewform
Winter Sports are in full swing!
We would love for you to join us for a game Sports Schedules can be found on the Digital Sports website: https://chsbayhawks.digitalsports.com/ and home games are listed on the Student Engagement Calendar.
All tickets for sporting events must be purchased via Ticket Spicket. No cash can be accepted at the door for tickets. Students that would like to attend a game at CHS, cannot have more than one E on their schoology report. Our Athletic Director, Mr. Downey, will be checking student grades once a week on Wednesdays at all lunch shifts. Students should check the list at the school store. If a student meets the academic criteria, they will be given a code to purchase a ticket. If a ticket is purchased fraudulently, refunds will not be given.
Any questions regarding athletics, eligibility or tickets can be directed to our Athletic Director, Shaun Downey at sdowney2@bcps.org
PREVENTING RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS at school
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) issued an advisory on December 28, 2023, that the respiratory-virus-associated hospitalization rate in Maryland is elevated due to an increase in COVID and flu infections. In response to this increase, MDH recommends that all health care settings adopt enhanced source control practices, including the wearing of masks in patient care areas.
In response to this advisory, we are:
• Advising nurses and health assistants that they should be masked when students are present in the health suite.
• Requesting that nurses and health assistants encourage students who enter the health suite to don a mask while the student is in the health suite if visit is related to illness and are encouraged to continue to wear if they are deemed able to stay at school.
•Encouraging the use of physical distancing for students and staff in health suites.
Attendance related to health/illness
While attendance at schools may be hard to maintain throughout the year, during the cold,
winter months, attendance rates drop even more than usual. There seem to be even more
barriers to getting to school on time in the winter such as the weather, holiday plans, and
sickness. However, even during the winter months, active learning and instruction is still
happening in classrooms, and it is important for students to be present at school. Here are
some tips on how to keep up good attendance even in the upcoming, winter months:
•Have a back-up plan for getting to school. Many obstacles can block the way for your child
to get to school in winter weather. Have a back-up plan for getting your child to school.
• Do your best to keep your child healthy. Dress your child warmly in the cold weather and
encourage your child to wash their hands regularly.
• Learn how sick is too sick to send your child to school. Certain symptoms, such as fever,
are reasons to keep your child at home. However, not every symptom is a reason to keep
your child at home. Learn your school’s policy on how sick is too sick and when to send your
child to school.
• Ensure that your child goes to bed at a reasonable time. Sometimes during the holiday season
, students stay up later even on school nights in order to partake in celebrations. Prioritize a way
for your child to participate but also go to bed at a reasonable time so that they can make it to
school on time the next day.
Students can get medical care at The CHS Wellness Center
All students can visit our Nurse Practitioner onsite, here at CHS, on Wednesdays (8:30 am - 2:45 pm) and Thursdays mornings (8:00 to 11:30 am) as long as they have filled out paperwork for the Wellness Program. The Baltimore County Department of Health has placed wellness centers throughout the county at various schools to provide extended health care to their community of students. The Nurse Practitioner can provide sports physicals, wellness physicals, treats acute illnesses (such as flu, strep, ear infections, skin issues, and more) as well as prescribe necessary prescription medications, administer immunizations, help co-manage chronic health problems (such as asthma, diabetes and other health conditions) with your child’s doctor if needed. The Nurse Practitioner can see your student during the school day (Wednesday/Thursdays), saving you transportation time and money.
Parental consent is required for your student to receive health care from the Wellness Center, and when needed, an appointment will be scheduled during the school day. Please complete and return the wellness application packet on the forms page and return to any staff member in the Nurse’s Health Suite if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity.
If you have any questions about the wellness program or any medical concerns in general please contact Nurse Kisser at akisser@bcps.org
Community Events & Resources
BALTIMORE COUNTY RELEASES NEW FOOD PANTRY LOCATOR
Baltimore County today released a new web tool displaying community partner food distribution sites across the County.
Developed by Baltimore County’s BCSTAT team, the Food Pantry Locator web tool includes detailed information about community food access locations. Residents should enter an address or select "Use my location" and adjust the distance slider to view food pantries near them; selecting a pantry's entry in the list will reveal contact information, hours of operation, and special instructions.
Please read through this article for more information about the program and other food assistance resources: Baltimore County Releases New Food Pantry Locator (baltimorecountymd.gov)
January 22nd: Southeast Area Education Advisory Council Meeting
CCBC LEAP Program 2024 Trainings
The CCBC Leap program is open to anyone aged 18-24 residing in Baltimore County with a High School Diploma or GED. They are currently enrolling for their Winter/Spring trainings in Phlebotomy, Apartment Maintenance, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA), Medical Administrative Assistant, and Pharmacy tech! Reach out to jmoon@ccbdmd.edu or call 443-840-9335 for more information.
Affordability Connectivity Program
As a result of Baltimore County's participation in the CEP Program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to students, all families are eligible to receive a discount of $30 per month off your internet bill. Please visit GetInternet.Gov to apply and/or ask questions.
Baltimore County Public Schools Mobile ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Welcome Center
The Baltimore County Public Schools Mobile ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Welcome Center provides English language proficiency assessment and enrollment services to new BCPS multilingual learners. To bring its services closer to students and families across the county, the Mobile ESOL Welcome Center will be stationed at schools across the county, every Tuesday.
• First Tuesday of every month – Halstead Academy, 1111 Halstead Rd., Baltimore 21234
• Second Tuesday of every month – Cockeysville Middle School, 10401 Greenside Dr., Cockeysville 21030
• Third Tuesday of every month – Holabird STEM Middle School, 1701 Delvale Ave., Dundalk 21222
• Fourth Tuesday of every month – Reisterstown Elementary School, 223 Walgrove Rd., Reisterstown 21136
Newly arrived families can make appointments to be seen at the Mobile ESOL Welcome Center by calling 443-809-6752.
English classes for Spanish Speakers - 28 de octubre - Clases de inglés para hispanohablantes
Clases de inglĂ©s gratuitas para nuestros socios comunitarios. Estas clases se imparten todos los sábados de 9 a 11 a.m. TambiĂ©n ofrecemos opciones virtuales. Nuestra prĂłxima sesiĂłn será el 28/10. Escanee para registrarse y obtener más informaciĂłn, comunĂquese con awashington3@bcps.org.
English language classes free to our community partners. These classes occur every Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. We also provide virtual options. Scan to register for more information contact awashington3@bcps.org.
Deep Creek Middle Food Pantry: Every 3rd Thursday
BCPS Film Expo
Show your creative side and enter the BCPS Film Expo! Poster Submissions due by January 19th. Film Submissions due by April 12th. This would be an awesome addition to a resume, college application or portfolio.
More specific information found here: https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1hGb9kt5EfrjQA4zaR0-RPbBN9LEEsZEz/mobilebasic
Community Choice Pantry
Community Assistance Network’s Community Choice Pantry provides a one-week supplement of healthy food to low- income-eligible, Baltimore County residents based on USDA food pyramid guidelines. Food is distributed to our neighbors based on household size. Larger families can expect to receive a supplement that adequately addresses the needs of their family.
Learn more about the program and verification steps here: https://www.canconnects.org/food-pantry
LapTop Distribution every Wednesday at the Eastpoint Career Center
Laptop tops are first come first served. Every wednesday starting at 10am - 12pm.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AND RESOURCES
Students are assigned an administrator and counselor based on their last names:
Principal, Amy Tyler
Assistant Principal, Mrs. Kern - Last Names A-F
Assistant Principal, Ms. Furst - Last Names G-O
Assistant Principal, Mr. Belinda - Last Names P-Z
Ms. Withrow - Last Names A-D
Ms. Ganley - Last Names E-L
Ms. Miller - Last Names M-R
Ms. Bell - Last Names S-Z
Ms. Arrowood - College and Career Counselor (all grades)
Follow us on Instagram to keep up with all things CHS! @bayhawkpepsquad & @chesapeakehs_bcps
Helpful tools
Join Groups in Schoology to stay up to date on CHS events!
Schoology groups are created to share information outside of courses for specific groupings. AP Students, Graduation Cohorts, CHS Hub (School wide) , and various clubs all have different groups where they share info. To join groups once you have logged into Schoology, click Groups at the top, and then click the My Groups link on the top right corner, on the next page click join group on the right and enter the join code.
The CHS Hub is where all the School wide news, events, and information is posted. To join the CHS HUB on Schoology, use join code WMTMX-CXF6X.
Each Graduating Class also has their own group to discuss class events and class dues and fundraisers, The join codes for those are listed below in bold:
Seniors - Class of 2024: ZR5T-RT7V-JRM37
Juniors - Class of 2025: DX56-SDWD-6KQZB
Sophomores - Class of 2026: S4HF-SS5W-QF24W
Freshman - Class of 2027: MWBM-K6TF-HHGZ8
A Day/ B Day Calendar
Student schedules rotate on an A day/B day schedule. If there is a snow day and we do not have school you just move to the next assigned day. Review the A/B calendar here: AB Day Calendar SY 2023-24.pdf (sharpschool.com)
BCPS Year Long Calendar
All important dates, days off, report card distribution is listed here: 2023-24.pdf (sharpschool.com)
Are you having device issues? Contact the Help Desk!
Parents should work with their child to enter a Technology Support Request form. You will need your students ID number, Username and Password. Those can be found in FOCUS.
Contact information:
Phone: 443-809-4672
Available Monday - Friday 7:00am - 4:15pm
https://www.bcps.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=2828&pageId=66765365
The CHS website is a great resource for families. Informational Links about bus stops, the bell schedule, the handbook, monthly engagements calendars, and much more can all be found right on the main page of the website. There is also a tab for department contacts that have email contacts for all teachers and staff.
Check out the Website today: https://chesapeakehs.bcps.org/