CSHS Weekly Bulletin
December 3-9, 2018
Winter Celebrations
Dear Cougar Family,
We have an incredibly diverse student population--not just based on ethnicity, but also religion, socioeconomic status, and culture. As we keep building relationships at the forefront of our daily activities, celebrating and embracing the diverse opinions, experiences, and viewpoints of the 2,000+ students, staff members, and families that make up the Cougar nation is paramount. When we see ourselves represented in literature and learning activities and have the opportunity to be ourselves and share our life experiences, we build connections with one another and build empathy and understanding. During the weeks ahead, as we write questions for 2-minute connection, GTKY circles, and so forth, capitalizing on winter celebrations can help our Cougars feel affirmed and connected.
In his article, "Teaching About the Holidays in Public Schools" on Edutopia, Peter Siegel notes:
"The holidays can be used to explore how people of diverse backgrounds practice similar values. It is important to note that like the values we instill in our children at school, the holidays of many world religions share common themes, such as thankfulness, caring for others, peace, and forgiveness. How we teach about holidays is a reflection of how our community values expanding our knowledge about ourselves and our neighbors. Most importantly, teaching children about the holidays guides them into lifelong learning and into thoughtfully and reflectively celebrating their own holidays within our diverse society."
What opportunities will you provide in the next few weeks for students to learn about one another (and you) to see that our differences are actually what unify us in the end and create the fabric of our diverse nation?
Other resources to consider:
- "How to Teach Students About Holidays and History" from teacher.org: This is a multi-layered resource that is both aesthetically pleasing and informative, including an excellent list of "Major American Holidays at a Glance." I certainly learned a lot reading through the list!
- "Holidays or Holy Days?: A Mini-lesson on Celebrations" by Maurice J. Elias on Edutopia : This one has some good questions that could be easily modified for relational practices, such as "What does it mean to celebrate?"
- "The December Dilemma: Acknowledging Religious Holidays in the Classroom" by Anne O'Brien on Edutopia: This is a good one for understanding your rights as an educator and 1st amendment boundaries. ProEthica approves of you reading this article.
- "10 TedEd Lessons to Inspire Your New Year's Resolutions" on the TedEd Blog: These clever videos could launch a discussion, and they get us thinking about the new year that is just around the corner.
- "5 TedEd Lessons on Chinese History" on the TedEd Blog: The Chinese New Year begins on February 5, 2019, so brush up on your knowledge before the Year of the Pig begins.
Have a outstanding week!
As always, COUGAR PRIDE!
Tiffany
Schoology Tips: More Coming to a Faculty Meeting Near You!
We will feature a couple of tips/tricks in this week's faculty meeting! Stay tuned!
Melissa Knox and Randi Costenbader, our campus tech facilitators, are working to create short tutorials/trainings to be included in upcoming bulletins regarding Schoology. If you have a topic you would like to learn more about, please submit this quick form. Thank you!
CSISD Calendar Options for 2019-20
During the fall semester, two calendar options for the 2019-2020 school year have been developed by the District Education Improvement Council (DEIC).
Please take a few moments to study the calendars at the following link, then select one of the options by completing the survey. This survey will be accessible through Friday, December 14, 2018.
or
https://survey.csisd.org/index.php/157994?lang=en
DEIC will process the feedback submitted online and make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees in January.
CSHS Staff Holiday Market
Stay for the Choir Concert & Basketball games later that night!
CSHS Food Pantry
The CSHS Food Pantry is open to all Cougar students and staff. Please contact an administrator, counselor, Randi, or Doc Frashure for access to the pantry.
Please make sure your advocate students realize this resource is available.
Fall Final Exam Schedule 2018
Celebrating Our Students & Staff
- Student Recognition: Cougar Hero Award nomination form
- Staff Recognition: Excellence in Action Award nomination form
If you would like to be part of the announcements at 3rd period to share news about your club/activity/sport, please email your announcement to Parkerson and Hester.
Grade Due Dates
Duty Schedule
Upcoming Events
12/10 Progress Report Grades Due
12/12 HOSA Blood Drive
12/14 Cookies & Cocoa Punch Card Reception
12/14 Choir Christmas Concert
12/17 Band Holiday Concert
12/19-21 Fall Final Exams
12/21 End of 3rd Six Weeks/Fall Semester
12/24-1/4 Winter Holidays
1/7 3rd Six Weeks Grades Due