CHS Campus Buzz
Parent/Student Edition ~ Issue 17 ~ Jan. 3-7, 2022
Principal's Message
As we prepare to return to in-person learning on January 4, we anticipate a significant impact due to the Omicron variant. We realize that the next six to eight weeks will be critical, so we need your help. The Georgia Department of Public Health urges Georgians to carefully follow COVID-19 prevention measures and notes that COVID case numbers are increasing daily, and the Omicron variant is spreading faster than any previous variant. To minimize the impact in our schools, we will continue mitigation strategies such as limiting visitors in our buildings, limiting mass gatherings etc. We ask that parents continue to use the Covid Symptom Checker before sending students to school. Please do not send students to school if they have any symptoms or they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid 19. We recommend that parents seek the advice of healthcare providers now that the vaccine is available to children. Eligible students can now consider getting vaccinated against COVID-19 before returning to school, including the booster shot for students ages 16 and older if they are eligible. The Covid 19 Vaccine and Booster can be obtained at the Gordon County Health Department.
Again, we ask all staff and students to remain home from school if they exhibit any symptoms. We also encourage all staff and students to share their vaccination status to help with contact tracing and quarantine protocols.
Please complete the Covid 19 Vaccination Status Form here: Vaccination Status Form
Given what we currently know about COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation for the public. People with COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days and if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours), follow that by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter. The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after. For those who are unvaccinated or are more than 6 months out from their second dose and have not yet boosted, the CDC recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by an additional 5 days of strict mask use. Testing is recommended for all of those exposed after day 5. If the individual has any symptoms, quarantine should continue for the full 10 days or until a negative test confirms symptoms are not due to COVID-19.
Information regarding the latest CDC recommendations can be found at Latest CDC Information.
If your child has tested positive over the Christmas break or has been exposed to someone who has tested positive, please contact the following individuals prior to sending your child to school. For CPS and CES, email Abigail Ayers at ayersa@calhounschools.org or call (706)602-6648. For CMS and CHS, email Amanda Schutz at schutza@calhounschools.org or call (706)602-6677. Calls will be returned beginning January 3.
CCS Board of Education Adopts 2022-2023 School Calendar
The Calhoun City Schools' Board of Education met on Monday, December 13th and discussed a proposed 2022-2023 school calendar which takes into consideration the opening of a new early learning academy and transition for sixth grade classrooms to shift to the elementary school campus for the 2022-2023 school year. The Board considered the need for 180 student learning days and additional professional learning for all teachers and staff.
The first day of school for students will be Thursday, August 4, 2022. Labor Day will be observed September 5 and fall break will include the Columbus Day holiday in October. Thanksgiving break will be observed November 21-25, and Christmas break will be held December 19, 2022 through January 3, 2023 with professional learning days scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, January 2nd and 3rd. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be observed on January 16, 2023. Winter break will include President's Day and February 21st and 22nd, and Spring Break will include Good Friday. There are virtual and professional learning days built into the calendar during the months of September, November, February and March with the last day of school and graduation for the Class of 2023 to be held on May 26, 2023. Professional learning days may differ per school based on individual schools' professional learning needs. In the event of inclement weather, CCS will utilize online and/or supplemental materials to support student learners. This calendar allows for 190 teacher workdays with up to 210 student learning days with the utilization of flex days for teacher support (i.e. Summer School, Saturday School, Extended Learning Time).
A copy of the 2022-2023 system calendar can be found attached here and on the website at www.calhounschools.org.
College & Career Corner
Start the Year with Construction - Career and Technical Pathway for January
At Calhoun College and Career Academy (CCCA), students have the opportunity to take the Construction/Carpentry pathway as part of the Architecture and Construction Career Cluster. This includes careers in designing, planning, managing, and building structures.
As the United States faces a huge shortage of workers in "Skilled Trades" (occupations that require specific hands-on skills, such as carpenters, machinists, welders, plumbers, and electricians), it is critically important that students consider teh opportunities available in technical fields. Individuals such as Mike Rowe, founder of Mikeroweworks.com and host of several television series, including Dirty Jobs and How America Works, reports that “skilled trades” occupations are a critical part of the nation's workforce, and play key roles in the fields of manufacturing, construction, and repair. He encourages young people to consider careers in “skilled trades” by attending technical college training and participating in apprenticeships in order to earn great, high-paying jobs, without college loan debt. Check out an interview with Mike Rowe or an article describing the crisis-level shortage of construction workers.
Virtual Family Resource Center
Please check out the link below to visit our virtual parent resource center. We encourage all parents to reach out to our Family Engagement Coordinator, Mrs. Funes (funesm@calhounschools.org), with any questions during the school year about how you can plug-in!
Giving Thanks...
Community Service Hours Information
Yearbook Ordering Information
For questions regarding the CHS Yearbook, please contact Patti Gilmer- gilmerp@calhounschools.org
SAT/ACT Information
SAT and ACT test dates for 2021-2022
- SAT vs. ACT and the differences between both; the link above also provides you with a comparison.
- SAT and ACT virtual practice tests - register for free by clicking the link
Senior Scholarship Information
First, college in any setting is expensive! Colleges have a wide range of scholarships and we do not have a magic listing or go-to guide for all of the scholarships that are available. First, start with the college scholarship websites. Second, the internet is your friend so use it wisely. Lastly, utilize our scholarship links that are posted under the Students Tab (Scholarship Opportunities) on the Calhoun High School website. We have linked it here! Mrs. Arnold will continue to update this throughout the school year.
If you are using Mrs. Arnold's email address for college applications, PLEASE make sure you are using her arnoldk@calhounschools.org email address! This is the email address that is linked to Common App, UGA Portal, Coalition, Slate, etc. If a student has used her CCS Jackets email on their applications, please let her know. You will need to log into your application and change the email to arnoldk@calhounschools.org in order for us to receive notifications and complete.
What's Happening at CHS...
Monday, January 3rd
No events
Tuesday, January 4th
1st Day Back for Students- 2nd Semester
Boys JV/Varsity Basketball @ HOME vs. Chattooga (4:3OPM/6PM)
Wednesday, January 5th
Wrestling @ Rockmart vs. Trion/Rockmart
Thursday, January 6th
Swim @ HOME vs. Dalton
Friday, January 7th
Wrestling Duals @ Cass
Saturday, January 8th
Wrestling Duals @ Cass
Sunday, January 9th
No events
Community Education Offerings
Jacket Jamboree Day Camp - Holiday Break
Grades: PreK - 8th
Dates: December 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 & January 3
Times: 7:30am-6:00pm
Cost: $20 daily
Includes Breakfast, Lunch & Snack
Register online: https://securepayment.link/calhounschools/holiday-camp/
KEEP After School Care Program
Times: 2:45pm-6:00pm
Register online: https://securepayment.link/calhounschools/childcare-programs/
Driver's Education Traditional Course
Course Dates/Times:
Monday, January 17/ 8:30am-3:30pm
Saturday, January 22/ 8:30am-3:30pm
Sunday, January 23/ 1:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday, January 29/ 8:30am-3:30pm
Sunday, January 30/ 1:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Calhoun High School
Cost: $290
Register online: https://securepayment.link/calhounschools/drivers-education-registration/
Just Keep Swimming at the Calhoun Aquatic Center~
CAC Holiday Promotion Membership - Perfect Gift
3 months membership
ONLY $75
Includes: Lap swim, liquid fitness classes, fitness room and therapy pool
Register online: https://securepayment.link/calhounschools/cac-membership-application-promotion/
*Gift Certificates available
CAC Survival Infant & Toddler Swim Lessons
Ages: 6 months - 6 years
Course Days: Monday - Thursday
Time Slots: Flexible
Length of Each Class: 10 minutes
Total Number of Lessons: 16
Cost: $175 + Annual Registration Fee ($25)
Register online: https://securepayment.link/calhounschools/survival-swim-lessons/
CAC Private/ Semi-Private Swim Lessons
Private: 4 lessons $90 (30 minutes each)
Semi-Private (2-3 swimmers): 4 lessons $60 (30 minutes each)
Cost + Annual Registration Fee ($25)
Register online: https://securepayment.link/calhounschools/semi-private-swim-lessons/
Pool Rentals
What better way to celebrate a birthday during the fall & winter months than having a swimming party?
Weather is never a problem, and the pool is heated. Call today to reserve your date!
Private: $350 (1-25 participants) $450 (26-50 participants)
Semi-Private: $250 (1-25 participants) $350 (26-50 participants)
Nitros Competitive Swim Team
Northwest Georgia Aquatics (NWGA) is a year-round USA Swimming and US Masters Swimming team offering professional instruction for all levels, ages, and abilities. From our lesson program to our competitive teams, the goal is to provide every member an opportunity to properly develop, improve swimming skills, and achieve personal success.
Visit https://www.teamunify.com/Home.jsp?team=ganga for more information or email toddc@calhounschools.org.
For more information call 706-629-6788 or visit https://securepayment.link/calhounschools/
Calhoun High School
Email: parkerc@calhounschools.org
Website: www.calhounschools.org
Location: 355 South River Street, Calhoun, GA 30701, USA
Phone: 706-629-9213
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calhoun.schools
Twitter: @CalhounSchools