Happenings on the Hill
April/May 2023
Principal's Message
As we enter May, our attention begins to focus on those students who are about ready to test out their wings---our senior class! Each of them has brought their own unique energy and talent to our community. Their presence on our campus will be missed.
Our hope for this senior class is that their next adventures--beyond the Hill Campus--are filled with inspiring challenges and the laughter, love, and support of family and friends. Seniors, be brave. Take that next step, even if you are afraid. Dream BIG! The Hill Campus will be cheering you on!
To all of our families, thank you for your ongoing support of our school community. In partnership with our families, we are nurturing responsible caring citizens, promoting high achievement and building a school community that provides a positive, safe, and supportive environment for Every Student, Every Day.
2022-2023 National Honor Society
Juniors: Rory Bender, Trenton Garza, Natalie House, Nashira Rodriguez Martinez, and Andrea McNeil-Schavone
Sophmores: Eva Fanous, Brielle Jones, Jonathan Putt, Nevaeh Seiders, Taylor Williams, and Breanna Young
Senior Class Information
Important Dates for Seniors
May 25: Senior Recognition Night (6-7:30 p.m.)
May 26: Early Dismissal
May 30: Commencement Practice (8-11:00 a.m.) Cap/Gown/Commencement ticket distribution | Baccalaureate practice (1:30 p.m. at Columbia United Methodist Church) Practice is mandatory for students attending the service.
May 30: Baccalaureate Service (7-8:00 p.m.) Columbia United Methodist Church
May 31: Commencement Practice (8-11:00 a.m.)
June 1: Commencement Practice (8-11:00 a.m.) | Bring caps & gowns to practice | wear shoes for evening commencement to practice | Parade of Seniors at Park, Taylor, & Hill Campus
June 1: Commencement | Senior Arrival 5:30 p.m. | Doors open 6:00 p.m. | Family and friends must have a ticket to attend commencement | Commencement will be livestreamed
Decision Day
Senior Recognition and Awards Ceremony
May PSSA and Keystone Information
When will the May PSSA Exams occur?
Below is a listing of test dates that will take place in our middle school this spring. Exams for our students, as well as makeup exams, will be administered during the normal school day.
- May 2-3
- Grades 7-8 - Math
- May 9-10
- Grade 8- Science
If a student is absent during a testing block, they will be required to make up the test during a designated make-up time.
Does my student need to test?
All students in grades 7-8 will need to take the online PSSAs in Math and Science (8th grades only). **IMPORTANT: This requirement also applies to all CVA Students.
Other Important Information about the PSSA Exams:
- The PSSA will be taken on the students’ laptops. Students will need to bring their laptop fully charged on all testing days. Students should also bring their chargers just in case they need to charge them during the test administration. *Please note that laptops may be kept at school during testing days to be sure the devices are properly charged for the testing session.
- All students are permitted as much time as they need to complete each test section.
- Possession of other electronic devices (cell phones, smart watches, etc.) is prohibited and could result in tests being invalidated. If any test material is compromised, students/families could be held responsible for the cost of replacing compromised test items.
- Please ensure that students are on time to school during PSSA testing, have a good night's sleep, and a well-rounded breakfast at home or school.
Keystone Exams: May 16-18*
*CHS students who are not taking an exam dismiss at 11:30 a.m. each day.
May 16: Biology Exam
May 17: Literature Exam
May 18: Algebra Exam
Keystone exams will be administered similarly to the PSSA exams.
- Students taking exams will do so on their laptops. Please ensure laptops are fully charged.
- Possession of other electronic devices (cell phones, smart watches, etc.) is prohibited and could result in tests being invalidated. If any test material is compromised, students/families could be held responsible for the cost of replacing compromised test items.
Athletics & Activities
Spirit Wear Store
We are officially launching our Crimson Tide Spirit Wear Store. To celebrate, we're offering a month-long promotion--20% OFF sitewide when you use code MAY23. The store is open to our students, staff, and community. You can locate the link to our school store on the district website and the Athletics and Activities page by clicking the "Crimson Tide Spirit Wear" button.
Student Services
Counselor's Corner
Credit Information:
In addition to providing summer credit recovery, Columbia has partnered with Educere to provide credit recovery and original credit opportunities. More information can be found on Counselor’s Corner. Please consult with your School Counselor before registering for courses.
College & Career
College Readiness Night for Juniors
Dual Enrollment
CBSD is committed to allowing qualified high school students the opportunity to earn high school and college credits simultaneously. By participating in Dual Enrollment, students are exposed to college classes, coursework, and expectations while still in high school, at what is typically a reduced tuition rate.
Successful students may be able to transfer those credits earned through dual enrollment, onto another college and/or toward their college degree. Transfer credits are dependent on the discretion of the destination college.
Join us for Homework Club weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Health Room
Hill Campus Hours
Office Hours
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Student School Hours
8:00 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.
Our goal for attendance is EVERY STUDENT EVERY DAY!
Attendance
An absence is any time a student is not physically participating in instruction or instruction-related activites. This includes students who are absent regardless of whether absences are excused or unlawful, including out-of-school suspensions.
Chronic Absenteeism
Chronic absenteeism is defined as students who are absent 10% or more and are enrolled in the district at least 90 school days. For example, two missed school days out of a month may be considered 10%.
Excuses
Excuse notes must be turned in within three days of a student's return from an absence. Parents/Cargivers may submit up to ten (10) parent/caregiver excuses. After the tenth absence, medical notes must be supplied for the absence to be considered excused.
Acceptable Excuse Notes:
Online Excuse Form: online excuse form.
Parent/Cargiver Note
Doctor/Dental/Medical Professional Note
Funeral Note
Legal Note
District Office News
Providing a Positive, Safe, and Supportive Environment
Our CBSD team is committed to providing a positive, supportive, and safe environment. We recognize that two way communication is an essential component of establishing this environment. As we seek to foster productive relationships and strengthen communication with our employees, students, parents, and the broader community, we have created communication guidelines to ensure that questions and concerns are fielded by the correct individual in a timely way.
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1576164/CBSD_Communications_Guidelines.pdfPowerSchool
Columbia Borough Text Alerts
Crossing Guards Needed
The Reason We Are Here!
CBSD CREDO
We pledge to provide an innovative place of learning where individuals will always enjoy a positive, supportive, and safe environment.
The CBSD experience honors everyone's personal story, nurtures well-being, and fulfills even the unexpressed needs of our community.
CBSD Hill Campus
Columbia, PA 17512
717.684.7500