October Newsletter
Cholla HS 23-24 SY
Message from Mr. Miranda- PRINCIPAL
Hello Students, Parents, and Guardians,
October is here and will be gone in a flash due to Fall Break! Parents, please continue to observe the academic performance of your child and evaluate their progress as we head toward the end of the first semester. Remember that Cholla has a credit recovery program available before, during, and after school for students in need of making up credits.
At this time, we are waiting to hear what our letter grade will be for the 2023-2024 school year. We will share out ASAP. The letter grade is based on a variety of areas including Proficiency and Growth on ACT, AZELLA, Graduation Rate, as well as College and Career Readiness (CCR). CCR has many aspects that include completion of the FAFSA, Completion of a CTE course or sequence passing score on an Arizona Technical Assessment, or earn an Industry-Recognized Credential or License. More info can be found on the Arizona State Board of Education.
Go Chargers!
Cesar Miranda
Principal
Operations Athletics by Tariq Rasool - ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Las week both football teams defeated Rincon HS. Golf wrapped up great seasons for Mr. Babb and Mr. Byrnes, while cross country is set to compete in TUSD meet at the end of the month.
Curriculum Updates by Cathy Adams - ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Our teachers are teaching the TUSD Curriculum and State of Arizona standards in every classroom. If you would like to know more about what your student is learning, please email the teachers directly. If your child is struggling in their classes, please request a parent-teacher conference with your child’s teachers. Please contact your teachers for any curriculum questions. Teachers can be contacted through ParentVue directly. Cholla Teachers are working hard to ensure that your child is prepared for the next milestone in their lives. We will have PSAT testing on October 19, 2023, this is for grades 9 – 11. Students, please do your best and bring your district-issued laptop. Parents, please help your students prepare for these tests by reminding them to get a good night’s rest, eat a high-protein breakfast, and bring their laptops charged.
Thank you for your continued support. We hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing Fall Break!
Student Services by Sharon Ingram - ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Greetings Cholla Chargers!
As we end the first quarter, now is a great time to review your student’s grades and attendance. It is never too late to do better and improve! We have multiple services that can assist you in your academic and career goals. Please stop by and see your counselor, the College and Career Coordinator, and/or the IB Coordinator for assistance.
Enjoy your Fall Break and we look forward to working with you in the second quarter!
Counseling Department
Dear Cholla High School Families,
Can you believe we're already wrapping up the first quarter? Time flies when you're busy making strides toward success! As we gear up for a well-deserved fall break, we wanted to update you on some important initiatives happening in the Counseling Office.
Senior Updates: When we return from fall break, keep an eye out for personalized letters headed your way. We'll be sending updates to all senior parents regarding their student's progress toward graduation. This includes crucial information on any remaining requirements or credits needed for a smooth transition to the next chapter.
Grades 9-11 Focus: We are proactively reaching out to parents of students in grades 9-11 whose academic journey may benefit from some extra attention. If your student has an 'F' or is missing credits, expect a letter from us. We believe in early intervention and collaboration to ensure every student's success.
Senior Support: Seniors, this quarter is a pivotal time for meeting CPR and Civics requirements. Our counseling team will be actively working with seniors to guide them through these requirements, ensuring they are well-prepared for graduation.
We're Here for You: We understand that the journey to graduation is a collective effort. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns or questions. We're more than happy to partner with you, your student, and their teachers to create a supportive network that fosters success.
Thank you for entrusting us with your students' education. We look forward to a productive and successful second quarter!
Warm regards,
Cholla High School Counseling Office
International Baccalaureate by Teresa Green
We had successful parent meetings for both our IB seniors and AP students on October 3. Thank you to all who showed up!
Coming up:
Oct 17 there is a College & Career Fair at the TCC! Reach out for more information!
Oct 24 - STEP College Prep Program will be giving a presentation to students who have received invitations. This is a highly competitive College Preparatory Program that helps students and families navigate the college application process. Only available for current 10th grade students to apply.
More information to come...the CP is coming...the CP is coming!
AVID College and Career
We had an Amazing AVID Family Night! Over 200 people came to get resources from various organizations and colleges and see the great things happening in the AVID classes.
Social Studies Department
What is happening in the Cholla Social Studies Department?
Cholla High School's Social Studies Dept. was selected by the Arizona Appeals Court to present information regarding the operations of the Arizona Appeals Court. The three Az. Appeal judges met with our students and spoke to them about the "Pathway to the Bench". They learned about the judges' diverse backgrounds and how they came to be on the Court. Pima County Superior Court Judge James Marner was the moderator.
The second half of the program was called "The Fundamentals of the Court and Law". This involved an interactive dialogue about how the courts work in Arizona, how the decision-making process works, and the role of the judiciary.
Thank you, Honorable Judge Staring, Honorable Judge Sklar and Honorable Judge Gard.
This summer Cholla High Social Studies students competed for a chance to travel to Washington D.C.. The Arizona Cardinals, the Governor of Arizona, and Close-Up program provided an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. They traveled aboard the Arizona Cardinal's private plane to DC. in June 2023. While there, students engaged in a variety of experimental, academic, and social activities in both large-group and small-group settings. Students had the opportunity to explore the nation's capital and visit important sites such as monuments, memorials, museums, and Capitol Hill. Thank you, Arizona Cardinal Football Program, Governor Hobbs, and the Close-Up Foundation. Congratulations to our students Daniel Velasquez, Jesse Barnett, Ariel Lizardi, Mario Gavino, Bella Jose, Selena Moriato and Sergio Ruiz Felix!
September and October are blitz months for our students to take the United States Civics test. All students must pass this test to graduate from High School. We are trying to have as many students as possible take and pass this test so they will be cleared to graduate. You do not have to be a senior to take it. Many of our freshman through juniors are taking it now.
Our August Social Studies professional Development meeting had a special guest. Brockton Lange is the now PD Academic Trainer for Social Studies in the district. He filled us in on possible changes in the future. We were able to ask questions about Social Studies in the district. Thanks Mr. Lange for your time spent with us.
School Social Work Updates
Feel free to click on the links below!
Free mental health screenings:
Domestic Violence & Intimate Partner Violence resources:
Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse
Love is Respect
Mental Health & Community Resources
Suicide & Prevention Support:
Community Support:
LGBTQIA+ Support:
The Trevor Project
Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation
Mental Health Support TUSD
Library Updates from Tammy Case
This is a reminder that the library is closed during 1st lunch. Students who have 2nd lunch and wish to visit the library should obtain a pass from the librarian prior to 3rd period. All students coming into the library must have a student ID. Student IDs are scanned every time a student visits the library. StudentVUE is not accepted as all students are required to have their student ID.
21st Century:
Students who wish to stay for 21st Century should complete a registration form. Parents sign this registration form to indicate they know their son/daughter will be staying after school. Registration forms can be picked up in the library or Student Services area. Schedules can also be picked up at both locations.