CB West High School
West Times Newsletter
Honoring Our Veterans
CB West honored our veterans in several ways this week. The display below was created by the Stars and Stripes Club. It honors nearly 100 CB West Veterans. On Tuesday, students learned about the history and significance of Veterans Day in Advisory classes. On Wednesday, CB West Science Teacher, Mr. Bill Licopoli hosted the "Veterans Day Phone-In Challenge" during advisory. Mr. Licopoli served in the United States Marine Corps. He worked as a meteorologist, briefing pilots on current and future weather patterns. He was on active duty during the Persian Gulf War and finished his service as a reservist, stationed at Willow Grove.
CB West Choir Honors Our Veterans
CB West Choir Performs at Veterans' Luncheon at YMCA
CB West Choir Performs at Veterans' Luncheon at YMCA
Welcome Back, Mr. Bucher!
Please join us in welcoming back our Principal, Mr. Jason Bucher. Mr. Bucher will resume his duties as Building Principal effective Monday, November 30. Dr. Caughie will return to his previous position as Sophomore House Principal and Mr. Lock will return to his previous position as Special Education Department Facilitator / Special Education teacher on November 30.
Effective Monday, November 30, 2015:
Principal's Office:
Mr. Jason Bucher, Principal
Mrs. Suzanne Stahl, Principal's Secretary
10th Grade House:
Dr. Brian Caughie, House Principal
Mrs. Megan Hanson
mhanson@cbsd.org, Sophomore Class Advisor
Mrs. Teri Mehalick, Sophomore Class Advisor
Ms. Donna Dallam, Sophomore Guidance Counselor (A-K)
Mr. Michael Curtis, Sophomore Guidance Counselor (L-Z)
Mrs. Beth Sanders, Administrative Assistant
11th Grade House:
Mr. David Hoffman, House Principal
Ms. Rebecca Douglass, Junior Class Advisor
Mrs. Kimberly Payne, Junior Class Advisor
Mrs. Lori Bagnick, Junior Guidance Counselor (A-K)
Mrs. Lisa Corr, Junior Guidance Counselor (L-Z)
Mrs. Cynthia Johnson, Administrative Assistant
12th Grade House:
Mr. Todd Cantrell, House Principal
Mrs. Dawn Curran, Senior Class Advisor
Mrs. Christine Maida, Senior Class Advisor
Mr. David Manners, Senior Guidance Counselor (A-K)
Mrs. Valerie D'Alonzo, Senior Guidance Counselor (L-Z)
Mrs. Beth Sanders, Administrative Assistant
Congratulations, Mr. Weaver: Pennsylvania Educator Contributes to New Free Resource That Seeks to Invigorate World War II Teaching in the Classroom
ABMCeducation.org features lesson plans that personalize American involvement and sacrifice in World War II
WASHINGTON, D.C. – National History Day (NHD), the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), and the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media are launching a new, free digital resource for teachers on Veterans Day: www.ABMCeducation.org. This website includes 21 lesson plans created by American teachers who took the trip of a lifetime this summer to discover the stories of World War II fallen heroes buried and memorialized overseas as part of the Understanding Sacrifice education program.
Brian Weaver, a social studies teacher at Central Bucks High School-West in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, researched U.S. Army SSgt. Charles Crossley, who is buried at the Ardennes American Cemetery. Through his research on Crossley, Weaver developed A Blitz through the Ardennes, a lesson plan about the Battle of the Bulge, one of the largest battles in American history and a turning point of World War II. Weaver states, “We rarely focus on any one battle because we cannot justify spending time on a single campaign.
However, this lesson allows a teacher to go in-depth on a battle while simultaneously working to improve reading, writing, and historical thinking skills.” This multidisciplinary lesson plan is hosted on ABMCeducation.org along with those of the 17 other teachers who participated in Understanding Sacrifice.
To see his fallen hero profile on Staff Sergeant Crossley, visit:
http://abmceducation.org/understandingsacrifice/soldier/charles-crossley
Reminder--Baby Buck Photos for Yearbook
CB West Harlequin Club Presents "Alice in Wonderland"
Dates & Times:
Thursday, November 12, 7:00pm
Friday, November 13, 7:00pm
Saturday, November 14, 2:00pm
Saturday, November 14, 7:00pm
Reminder--MBIT Schedule for November 3, 9, & 24
Please note the schedule information for MBIT & CB West on November 3, 9, and 24:
November 3
MBIT is not in session on Nov. 3, but it is a full school day for CBSD.
AM MBIT students in attendance will report to Study Hall in the Cafeteria for 1st and 2nd Blocks. PM MBIT students in attendance will report to Study Hall in Room D125 for 3rd block and in the and Cafeteria for 4th block.
Please note: MBIT students are not required to report to CB West Study Hall during their MBIT blocks if they arrange their own transportation and if they notify the Attendance office.
November 9
MBIT is in session on Nov. 9, but it is a student holiday for CBSD.
AM MBIT students must arrange their own transportation to
Central Bucks High School West. The bus drivers then transport the
students from the high school to MBIT at 7:20 AM. Students are then taken
directly home or back to CB West from MBIT at 10:30 AM.
PM MBIT students must arrange their own transportation to
Central Bucks High School West. The bus drivers then transport students
from the high school to MBIT at 10:15 AM. Students are then taken directly
home or back to CB West from MBIT at 2:15 PM.
November 24
MBIT is in session on Nov. 24, but it is an early dismissal for CBSD.
AM MBIT students are transported to MBIT at the regular time
by bus. Students are then taken back to West from MBIT at 10:30 AM by bus
and will be transported home via regular CBSD early dismissal procedures.
PM MBIT students are transported to MBIT at 10:35 AM by
bus. Students are then taken directly home from MBIT or back to
West at 2:15 PM.
"Children Growing in the Garden"
Children Growing in the Garden
Written by Drew Cox and Francesca Crimi (CB West Journalism Students)
Potato sprouts from the ground to make delicious homemade French fries, and strawberries taking in the warm sun in a raised bed. Flowers of all colors and sizes stick up; slowly swaying in the cool, refreshing breeze. Spices such as oregano and rosemary, and vegetables such as tomatoes offer up their final gifts as they prepare for the icy, treacherous winter. All these things I see when visiting the Life Skills garden in the B Hallway courtyard.
Working in the garden helps these students gain important skills in a productive, entertaining manner. The students eat all of what they harvest, using their crops to make a variety of dishes. The garden is completely eco-friendly and organic. They run a compost for all old or ruined materials and have a water system. The rainwater runs off the shed into a storage container, which the students use to water the plants.
“ If they can’t apply it, then what’s the point,” Mr. Castelli said to Drew and me with a passionate look on his face. Mr. Castelli is the teachers who runs Life Skills and his desire to make a difference started when he attended CB West and volunteered in the classroom on B hallway. He believes that real world experiences and hands on methods of learning for these students are the most beneficial way to show their true potential as individuals. Life Skills has been around for many years and continues to grow with new ideas, activities and skills that these teens can do to allow them to grow academically, mentally and physically. There are a few students who consequently come into the classroom to eat lunch with the students a week. This opportunity is available to all students at West! There are six students in life skills this year who contribute to Wests community. These students have an abundance of intelligence, talent, energy, and charisma, so it’s hard to not be drawn to this friendly environment.
The helping hands behind this operation are six students who plant, pick and grow a range of edible and beautiful items in this becoming garden. The second most important classroom next to the garden is the kitchen, where the students continue to apply the skills they are learning. They cook with all the herbs, vegetables and fruits they grow and make dishes such as French fries, salads or spaghetti with their own tomato sauce. Along with the garden, kitchen and classroom activates, the students help out in the community. Each are assigned small jobs, such as cafeteria duty, where they clean up the trays. In the winter, the garden slows down substantially, but they do keep up with small items such as herbs inside. Mr. Castelli’s goal is to build a green house in the Life Skills garden so they can continue to peruse the garden during the cold months or even expand it.
The Life Skills classroom has a long list of games, tools for gardening and cooking, and exciting field trips they go on due to the Lindsey Robinson Scholarship. Lindsey Robinson is a student who attended West, but passed away during her years here. In remembrance of Lindsey, her parents set up a scholarship fund in her name. The proceeds of the fund goes to providing The Life Skills classroom with activities and materials they need for their environment. The scholarship also annually gives away $1000 to a student who has done a number of hours of community service. One of the main reason Life Skills is strong and making progress is due to this wonderful Fund.
While the garden has been substantial and great so far, Mr. Castelli and the students wish to expand. They would like to possibly install a greenhouse to continue the garden through the horrible months of winter. Mr. Cantrell planted 10 dwarf apple trees in an additional courtyard. While they will take 2 years to fully develop, it is interesting to have this something to look forward to in the future. Mr. Castelli would like to make the apple courtyard solely for produce by moving the vegetables, potatoes, and spices to it. He would also like to add more boxes in the current garden and make it solely for flowers. However, these additions and changes would be very expensive and would require a lot of effort. Mr. Castelli is hopeful for the future, but right now if perfectly happy with the current situation.
In the future, Mr. Castelli hopes that his garden will grow and be able to provide for the future and satisfy many. He believes that in order for this to happen, they will need help from outside students. Not only will this make the job easier, but it will provide the students with socialization to help improve their skills. This group is welcoming to anyone who wishes to volunteer and the students would be thrilled to see their dreams turn into reality.
Reminder--Global Relations Presentations
Senior Global Relations students work collaboratively throughout the semester to investigate some of the most critical foreign policy challenges plaguing the world today. Their work culminates with an informative and persuasive presentation that outlines a recommended plan of action to address a global challenge. Global Relations teachers are looking for volunteer judges to sit in and offer student groups feedback regarding their ability to communicate and problem solve. The presentation dates are Friday, December 18, Monday, December 21, and Tuesday, December 22. If you are interested in volunteering your time to this cause, please email Scott Berger, District Supervisor of Social Studies, at sberger@cbsd.org with the times that would work for you. Global Relations students and teachers greatly appreciate your support!
Reminder--First Marking Period Report Cards Available on Parent Portal Thursday, November 12 at 8AM
Reminder--Clearance Information for Volunteers
Volunteers must have their clearances on file with the CBSD Human Resources Department prior to starting volunteer work. The new Pennsylvania State mandate does allow until July 1, 2016 to obtain background checks. However, in the best interest of the safety and security of our students, we are asking volunteers to comply with submitting background checks prior to volunteering in the 2015-2016 school year.
Click link to learn more: http://www.cbsd.org/site/default.aspx?PageID=355
If you have already submitted paperwork you do not need to take any further action at this time.
This online process is ONLY for those who have not submitted clearances / certifications as of October 1, 2015.
Updates from Mr. Henry Hunt, CB West Athletic Director
CB West Sporting News--Week of 11/2/15
A few reminders for athletes:
Concussion training and baseline testing was held on Wednesday 11/4/15. Any winter athlete who needs to make up baseline testing needs to contact Josh Meyer to schedule a testing session.
The official PIAA start date for all winter sports is 11/16/15. Please be sure to have all athletes complete their FamilyID profiles and turn in their required medical clearances.
Wrestling weight certifications for CB West will take place on 11/12/15. Middle school weight certs for Lenape and Tohickon will take place next week.
Football- The boys closed out the regular season with a win over William Tennant High School. Kudos to the parents for making the night a special one for our senior football players, band members, and cheerleaders.
Field Hockey – The girls lost their opening round game of the state play-offs against Coughlin High School. The girls made a late push for the win but fell short losing 5-4. It was a great year for the girls! We are all very proud of them.
Boys Cross Country --The Boys Cross Country team ended a banner year at the State Championships in Hershey on Saturday. Brian Iatarola and Rock Fortna placed 25th and 12th respectively, while the team finished 3rd overall among all classifications. This marks the highest finish ever for a Boys Cross Country team at West. Congratulations!
Girls Cross Country-- The team sent two representatives to the Class AAA race at the State Championship meet last weekend. Congratulations to Maddie Villalba and Jillian Keyte for qualifying and representing CB West well.
Cheer- The girls will have a short break from the sidelines for a few weeks. They are now gearing up for their competition season and a bid to compete at the national competition in Orlando later this school year. Let’s go Bucks!!!!
Congratulations, CB West Senior Cal Reichwein
Congratulations to CB West Senior Cal Rechwein who recently committed to play Division I Basketball at Lafayette. Please click on the link below to read the entire article:
http://www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article/show/574604?referrer_id=1717920
National Letter of Intent Signing Ceremony
Our first National Letter of Intent Ceremony of the school year for student athletes will take place on Friday, November 20 at 1:00 PM. Any athlete at CB West who is interested in taking part can see Mr. Hunt in the Athletic Office.
Evidence Based Strategies to Help Tame Your Child's Anxiety
Please join us on November 18th when Dr. Katherine Dahlsgaard presents From Science to Parenting: Evidence Based Strategies to Help Tame Your Child’s Anxiety. Dr. Dahslgaard is the lead psychologist of the Anxiety Behaviors Clinic at CHOP. This presentation is part of the ongoing Parent Positive Speaker Series hosted through the collaboration of our district, CB Cares, the CB YMCA, and Doylestown Health. Dr. Dahlsgaard’s presentation will be held in the Lenape Middle School Auditorium and will begin at 7:00 pm. We anticipate time for a Q&A session.
Click here for more details: http://www.cbsd.org/site/default.aspx?PageID=30725
Share Good News About CB West Students
PLEASE NOTE
November Boomerang Award Asset
The November Boomerang Asset is POSITIVE VIEW OF PERSONAL FUTURE. Young person is optimistic about his or her own future and strives to reach his/her goals. They have hopes, dreams, enthusiasm and plans. He/she demonstrates strong efforts to achieve their goals, whatever they might be. If you know a student who exemplifies this asset, please send your nomination to Mr. David Hoffman at dhoffman@cbsd.org.
E-Flyer Folder
Check out the E-Flyer Folder for job and community service opportunities, sporting events, and community events. The site is update the 15th and 30th of every month.
About Us
Email: bcaughie@cbsd.org
Website: http://cbsd.schoolwires.net/Domain/30
Location: 375 West Court Street, Doylestown, PA, United States
Phone: 267.893.2500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbschools
Twitter: @CBWestHS