CHS February Newsletter
A way for families to connect with CHS & The Community
Report Cards distributed February 5th
Students will receive copies of their report cards in homeroom on February 5th. Families can also access report cards online via FOCUS. Please see the video below for help on how to access those reports via the FOCUS portal.
Changes to the CCBC Early College Access Program
Tuition Free Program at CCBC
The BCPS Tuition Free Program covers tuition, fees, and books for students in 11th and 12th grades who have met College and Career Readiness Standards, as outlined in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, for up to four credit-bearing courses or four courses leading to industry credentials at CCBC or other local Maryland universities during the spring and fall semesters. While the program previously provided all secondary students with unlimited access to CCBC courses, changes have been made to better align this program with Blueprint requirements and to ensure students are prepared to successfully complete college coursework. These updates to the Tuition Free Program go into effect at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year. Courses taken prior to the 2024-2025 school year will not count towards the four free courses available to students who have met the College and Career Readiness Standards.
Students who have not met College and Career Readiness Standards, as outlined in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, are still eligible to take courses at CCBC at a reduced cost of 50 percent per course. Students will pay for the necessary fees and books.
BCPS will also pay for any fees, other than tuition and books, for eligible students who are taking coursework at CCBC or local Maryland universities. For more information on the Tuition Free Program at CCBC, visit the website.
If your child is interested in learning more about the opportunities with CCBC, please have them complete the form below by logging into their BCPS Google Account so they can attend the information session on Tuesday February 6th: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecT0AOT5TWc6rhep0l1FMq8JTgNvBIkEPAhZTDJKg50EjVEg/viewform
Stay Informed about Closings and Delays
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is providing local school systems with the option to repurpose inclement weather days as virtual school days. MSDE has approved the BCPS Virtual Inclement Weather Day Plan for the 2023-2024 school year. The BCPS plan is to transition to virtual school days after the school system has had three inclement weather closures.As a system, we have used 2 of the 3 closures for inclement weather so far this winter.
After those three full-day closures, when inclement weather is forecasted, BCPS leadership will monitor the weather forecast and families will be notified if BCPS transitions to virtual learning that day. Students are reminded to bring devices, chargers, and other instructional materials home each day to be prepared for all scenarios.
February 5th - Q2 Report Cards Distributed
February 9th - School Closed for Students. Professional Development Day for Staff.
February 19th - Presidents Day - Schools Closed for staff & students.
March 23rd- April 1st - Spring Break (Schools reopen April 2nd)
New Mental Health App for BCPS students
Talkspace is now Available!
By offering Talkspace’s digital modalities, like unlimited messaging therapy, we can extend support that students can access beyond school hours, year-round, at their convenience. Eligible students interested in therapy can sign up, take a brief assessment specific for teens, and get matched with a dedicated, licensed therapist. Once matched, therapy sessions take place on Talkspace’s secure and encrypted platform, accessible from the teens’ smartphones, tablets or computers. Teens can communicate with their therapists at any time with an unlimited number of private messages at no cost.
To be eligible for this program, teens must be enrolled in a BCPS high school and be over the age of 13 at the time of signup. Eligible teens can sign up for unlimited messaging therapy and gain access to Talkspace Go, a comprehensive teen mental health self-guided program.
Students can access this service by registering at talkspace.com/bcps and use the keyword: bcps
Check out this new Mental Health Resource
Created by the Outstanding Young Women Leaders Program with contributions from our own CHS student, Arlene! Copies are available outside the counseling office and in the main office.
Career Program Spotlight
School to Career: Internship and Apprenticeship opportunities for Seniors
Apprenticeship:
Youth apprenticeship program students work a minimum of 450 hours with a certified employer, while receiving related educational training through their high school. Participating students typically work during the summer after their junior year and during their senior year with a state-approved employer. They work with a mentor to learn valuable skills and earn industry credentials and high school credit. Students also receive training in employability skills, interpersonal/social skills, and general knowledge of the world of work. Youth apprentices will get a head start on applying for jobs after high school, because of the valuable career skills and professional network that they will develop.
Internship:
Internship provide seniors with carefully monitored, interactive experiences in work-based settings in which students have a defined learning focus and actively reflect upon their learning. Student pair this real-world experience with classroom lessons aligned with state standards. With academic rigor, students probe the depth and breadth of a specific profession.
Students this year have placements at:
- BCPS TV
- First Financial Credit Union - Bayhawk Branch
- Towson University's Cyber Security Department
- Exelon
- BCPS Communications
- Maryland Auto Ins
- Franklin Square Hospital
- Wide Angle Youth Media
- Sandalwood Elementary
- ...and more!
Please connect with Ms. Moore in the School to Career Department at cmoore@bcps.org if you have any questions. Applications for the internship program are available for current juniors in the School to Career Office or the Counseling Office and are due by March 22.
Class updates!
All classes collect dues each year to support yearly class events and to prepare for prom and senior year events. Each student is expected to pay $15 per year they attend CHS. This money is going directly to their class fund to reduce costs to students for thing like prom and other CHS events. Links to make payment can be found below.
Senior Class - 2024
Class Dues Payment Link: https://osp.osmsinc.com/p/EI584-VAR19
Class Advisors' emails:
Donald Stepney - dstepney@bcps.org
Courtney Rohde - crohde@bcps.org
Please reach out to advisors with any Class Specific Questions.
All seniors are required to fill out the mid year senior survey found here: HERE
This survey asks questions about your post high school plans, asks if and where to send mid year reports for colleges, and gives additional information about financial aid. It is mandatory. Please complete by Feb 7th.
Order Cap and Gowns NOW!
Financial Aid Support for Seniors
Need Help with your FAFSA?
Any senior needing help completing the 24/25 FAFSA should reach out to Ms. Arrowood, our college and career counselor, at earrowood@bcps.org. The Maryland State deadline has historically been March 1 so time is creeping up quickly. Use resources below for more information.
Junior Class - 2025
Class Dues Payment Link: https://osp.osmsinc.com/p/EI584-VAR23
Class Advisors' emails:
Tara Funkhouser - tfunkhouser@bcps.org
Jennifer Dyke - Jdyke@bcps.org
Please reach out to advisors with any Class Specific Questions.
Junior Class will be selling Flowers at lunch shifts on December 7th & 8th.
College Readiness scores will be important in identifying students' eligibility for ECAP Classes with CCBC. Student success on Standardized State Tests and the SATs will have a direct impact on their opportunities. Please encourage your students to give their best efforts when participating!
SATs
The SATs will be given, free of charge, to all BCPS juniors on March 19th in the morning. It is imperative that students arrive to school on time and ready to test (with their devices!). Mr. Adcock and Ms. Andrucyk will host SAT prep sessions during lunches leading up to the 19th on A days (except Fridays). Students can "sign-up" to receive lunch passes during the morning on A days outside of the library.
Interested in taking the ACT?
This year, BCPS is providing students with an opportunity to take the ACT in Grade 11 or 12 at no cost. Students will be provided with a pre-paid, one-time voucher that they will use when they register for the ACT. ACT is a national administration given on Saturday at multiple locations (ACT Test Center Locator). Students may request a voucher from Ms. Arrowood the college and career counselor.
Summer opportunity for Juniors
Sophomore Class - 2026
Class Dues Payment Link: https://osp.osmsinc.com/p/EI584-227
Class Advisors' emails:
Jillian Ganley - jganley@bcps.org
Sarah Miller - smiller18@bcps.org
The class of 2026 will be continuing to make CHS spirit and personalized bracelets. Contact Ms. Miller or Ms. Ganley if you would like one.
Our next class meeting will be on February 14th from 230pm-330pm
Please reach out to advisors with any Class Specific Questions.
Freshman Class - 2027
Class Dues Payment Link: https://osp.osmsinc.com/p/EI584-228
Class Advisors' emails:
Shaun Downey - sdowney2@bcps.org
Lindsay Withrow - lwithrow@bcps.org
Want to get more involved and help with planning fundraisers and events for the freshman class? Fill out an application for the executive board. Paper Applications will be available in February! See Ms. Withrow with any questions.
February Fundraiser:
Valentines Day Candy Grams for Sale! Sales will be on Feb 7th and 8th during all lunch shifts.
Please reach out to advisors with any Class Specific Questions.
CHS Events
In School Happenings!
ASVAB Testing February 15th
Any students, grades 10-12, interested in a career in the military should sign up to take the ASVAB, here at CHS, on February 15th at 8am. The ASVAB, short for Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, is a multiple choice test, administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command, used to determine qualification for enlistment in the United States Armed Forces. This does not mean you are enlisting but would rather show you opportunities you would qualify for should you decide to.
You must pre-register in order to participate. Make sure you are logged into your BCPS google account to complete the registration form at: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=3cPDSRs_g0GOdLONSDpa_ch30nNPc7xGk3TdbdujGA5UNkNRVUdWMUxBNEE3RjBMWlZGNEZDMlZEOC4u
To prepare, you can also access study materials online at: https://www.asvabpracticetests.com/asvab-free-online-study-guide/
If you have any questions, please see Ms. Withrow in the counseling office.
Apply to be a Part of GEM!
There will be an information meeting on February 22nd to learn more about the GEM Program and the opportunities associated with it. Applications will be due at the end of the month. Once applications are submitted, interviews will be held to select from the pool of candidates.
Girls’ Empowerment Mission is a program that empowers high school girls by providing opportunities and growth experiences that will enable them to become independent, self-sufficient, and confident young women. This is a program that empowers motivated high school girls who lack access to support, resources, and opportunities by providing mentoring and growth experiences that will enable them to become independent, self-sufficient, and confident young women.
We participate in:
- Workshops
- Field trips
- Mentorship program
- One- and two-day retreats
- Biweekly Activities
- College and financial aid application workshops
- Panels with business entrepreneurs and college alumni
- College orientations and visits
- Out of State trip opportunities
- Many more
GEM works with the Living Classrooms Foundation and was established by one of our own Chesapeake counselors 19 years ago. For more information about the program please visit https://www.gemmaryland.org/
You can also reach out to Ms. Ensenat at censenat@bcps.org with any questions about applying.
Winter Sports PEP Rally
We had to move our Monthly Spirit initiative due to snow last month. On February 2nd, we showed love to our Winter Athletes by rocking our Bayhawk Blue and ended the day with a Winter Season PEP Rally in the Gymnasium. We are so proud of our Winter Athletes for all their success this season and wish them the best of luck heading into playoffs!
CHS Pride
School Wide Winter PEP Rally!
Staff basketball game!
The highlight of the event watching students cheer everyone on!
Bayhawk Teachers of the Quarter for Q2!
Ms. Colona, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Chapman and Mr. Foust!
Winter Workouts on Tuesdays and Thursdays
All students are welcome to join in on Winter Workouts with Coach Ashcraft and Coach Gunny. If you are trying to get in shape for Spring Sports or are just trying to have healthier habits in the new year, Winter Workouts are the place to do it! Every Tuesday and Thursday from 230-4pm in the weightroom behind the gym!
Order your 2024 Yearbook today!
Contact Mrs. Slone, aslone@bcps.org, with any Yearbook questions!
If you want to help create the yearbook, Yearbook Club meets every Tuesday in the Learning Cottage!
Descendants The Musical
Support The Descendants Musical
Thank you to those of you that have already sent in supplies/donations in support of the Musical! Your contributions are directly helping students and helping us put all the pieces together. We are adding items to our Wish List daily and appreciate any support you are willing to give.
Amazon Wishlist - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/27N7C9V51G0N2?ref_=wl_share
New Club Alert! Crochet Club
Crochet Club held their first meeting on 1/31. They will have meetings every other Wednesday from 2:45pm-4:00pm going forward. All are welcome to join!
See Ms. Shires in room 14 with any questions.
Spring Sports Begin March 1
Spring Sport Options and coaches:
Please reach out to coaches with specific information about tryouts, practices and needs for equipment.
Softball:
Coach Tata (mtata@bcps.org) and Coach Timpone (ktimpone@bcps.org)
Interest Meeting was held February 1st in room 11 (730 before school), room 24 (after school). If you are still interested in playing, stop in to see Ms. Tata or Timpone before or after school or send them a schoology message.
Baseball:
Coach Day (mattday760@gmail.com) and Coach Bull (mbull@bcps.org)
Interest Meeting Before School February 5th & 6th by the gym (only need to attend one)
Girls Lax:
Coach Sasser (msasser@bcps.org) and Coach Fuller (kfuller3@bcps.org)
Interest Meeting after school February 6th in room 29.
Boys Lax:
Coach Erskine (jerskine@bcps.org) and Coach Gunny (dstepney@bcps.org)
Track:
Coach Blue (mblue2@bcps.org) and Coach Walker (tarif0423@gmail.com)
No pre-season meeting, if you have any questions at all, you can message Megan Blue on Schoology.
Allied Softball:
Coach Wrightson (twrightson@bcps.org) and Coach Sanza (csanza@bcps.org)
All eligible students must register on FormReleaf.com and have an up to date physical on file. Your Physical is good for 1 year, please make sure that it is valid and will last throughout the season. If you need a physical, you can utilize The CHS Wellness Center. Parental consent is required for your student to receive health care from the Wellness Center, and when needed, an appointment will be scheduled during the school day. Please complete and return the wellness application packet on the forms page and return to any staff member in the Nurse’s Health Suite if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity.
Schedules Available on DigitalSports.com
We would love for you to join us for a game Sports Schedules can be found on the Digital Sports website: https://chsbayhawks.digitalsports.com/ and home games are listed on the Student Engagement Calendar.
All tickets for sporting events must be purchased via Ticket Spicket. No cash can be accepted at the door for tickets. Students that would like to attend a game at CHS, cannot have more than one E on their schoology report. Our Athletic Director, Mr. Downey, will be checking student grades once a week on Wednesdays at all lunch shifts. Students should check the list at the school store. If a student meets the academic criteria, they will be given a code to purchase a ticket. If a ticket is purchased fraudulently, refunds will not be given.
Any questions regarding athletics, eligibility or tickets can be directed to our Athletic Director, Shaun Downey at sdowney2@bcps.org
Congrats to Elijah!
Coach Wrightson and Coach Sanza would like to send out a special Congratulations to Elijah of the allied soccer team. Elijah won the Spirit of Soccer award at the MACS banquet for the state of Maryland on Monday. Elijah has demonstrated what it means to be a student-athlete by putting his academics first, always showing good sportsmanship, prides himself on being a leader and exudes what it means to be a Bayhawk! Congratulations on this honor!
Receiving the Spirit of Soccer Award at MACS
With Coaches Wrightson & Sanza
Congrats Elijah!
Students can get medical care at The CHS Wellness Center
All students can visit our Nurse Practitioner onsite, here at CHS, on Wednesdays (8:30 am - 2:45 pm) and Thursdays mornings (8:00 to 11:30 am) as long as they have filled out paperwork for the Wellness Program. The Baltimore County Department of Health has placed wellness centers throughout the county at various schools to provide extended health care to their community of students. The Nurse Practitioner can provide sports physicals, wellness physicals, treats acute illnesses (such as flu, strep, ear infections, skin issues, and more) as well as prescribe necessary prescription medications, administer immunizations, help co-manage chronic health problems (such as asthma, diabetes and other health conditions) with your child’s doctor if needed. The Nurse Practitioner can see your student during the school day (Wednesday/Thursdays), saving you transportation time and money.
Parental consent is required for your student to receive health care from the Wellness Center, and when needed, an appointment will be scheduled during the school day. Please complete and return the wellness application packet on the forms page and return to any staff member in the Nurse’s Health Suite if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity.
If you have any questions about the wellness program or any medical concerns in general please contact Nurse Kisser at akisser@bcps.org
Community Events & Resources
CHS Care Closet
Chesapeake High School opened the Care Closet this year to support CHS students.
The following items are available:
- Food (non perishable items from MD food bank)
- School Supplies
- Clothing
- Hygiene Products
To schedule an appointment please contact:
Ms Roberts, our School Social Worker, at 443-809-0315 or via email,mroberts10@bcps.org or Mr. Reece, our School Community Facilitator, at 443-809-6509 or via email, preece@bcps.org
Use your BCPS Student Account with the Baltimore County Public Library
The benefits of a BCPL Library card are priceless! You can borrow print, audio and online materials as well as access SAT and ACT prep materials through their website. Now BCPS and BCPL have a partnership to make things even easier!
BALTIMORE COUNTY RELEASES NEW FOOD PANTRY LOCATOR
Baltimore County today released a new web tool displaying community partner food distribution sites across the County.
Developed by Baltimore County’s BCSTAT team, the Food Pantry Locator web tool includes detailed information about community food access locations. Residents should enter an address or select "Use my location" and adjust the distance slider to view food pantries near them; selecting a pantry's entry in the list will reveal contact information, hours of operation, and special instructions.
Please read through this article for more information about the program and other food assistance resources: Baltimore County Releases New Food Pantry Locator (baltimorecountymd.gov)
Great opportunity for Students🏀
Looking for a summer job?
Any student looking for summer work, please consider registering for opportunities with the Baltimore County Youth Summer Work Program. Click the flyer for more information.
CCBC LEAP Program 2024 Trainings
The CCBC Leap program is open to anyone aged 18-24 residing in Baltimore County with a High School Diploma or GED. They are currently enrolling for their Winter/Spring trainings in Phlebotomy, Apartment Maintenance, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA), Medical Administrative Assistant, and Pharmacy tech! Reach out to jmoon@ccbdmd.edu or call 443-840-9335 for more information.
Save the Date: Mental Health Matters 3/9/24
Save the Date: Shamrock 5K
Community Choice Pantry
Community Assistance Network’s Community Choice Pantry provides a one-week supplement of healthy food to low- income-eligible, Baltimore County residents based on USDA food pyramid guidelines. Food is distributed to our neighbors based on household size. Larger families can expect to receive a supplement that adequately addresses the needs of their family.
Learn more about the program and verification steps here: https://www.canconnects.org/food-pantry
Affordability Connectivity Program
As a result of Baltimore County's participation in the CEP Program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to students, all families are eligible to receive a discount of $30 per month off your internet bill. Please visit GetInternet.Gov to apply and/or ask questions.
Baltimore County Public Schools Mobile ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Welcome Center
The Baltimore County Public Schools Mobile ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Welcome Center provides English language proficiency assessment and enrollment services to new BCPS multilingual learners. To bring its services closer to students and families across the county, the Mobile ESOL Welcome Center will be stationed at schools across the county, every Tuesday.
• First Tuesday of every month – Halstead Academy, 1111 Halstead Rd., Baltimore 21234
• Second Tuesday of every month – Cockeysville Middle School, 10401 Greenside Dr., Cockeysville 21030
• Third Tuesday of every month – Holabird STEM Middle School, 1701 Delvale Ave., Dundalk 21222
• Fourth Tuesday of every month – Reisterstown Elementary School, 223 Walgrove Rd., Reisterstown 21136
Newly arrived families can make appointments to be seen at the Mobile ESOL Welcome Center by calling 443-809-6752.
English classes for Spanish Speakers - Clases de inglés para hispanohablantes
Clases de inglés gratuitas para nuestros socios comunitarios. Estas clases se imparten todos los sábados de 9 a 11 a.m. También ofrecemos opciones virtuales. Escanee para registrarse y obtener más información, comuníquese con awashington3@bcps.org.
English language classes free to our community partners. These classes occur every Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. We also provide virtual options. Scan to register for more information contact awashington3@bcps.org.
Deep Creek Middle Food Pantry: Every 3rd Thursday
BCPS Film Expo
Show your creative side and enter the BCPS Film Expo! Poster Submissions due by January 19th. Film Submissions due by April 12th. This would be an awesome addition to a resume, college application or portfolio.
More specific information found here: https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1hGb9kt5EfrjQA4zaR0-RPbBN9LEEsZEz/mobilebasic
LapTop Distribution every Wednesday at the Eastpoint Career Center
Laptop tops are first come first served. Every wednesday starting at 10am - 12pm.
Additional Mental Health Resources
Are you (or your student) looking for help with your mental health?
Check out these BCPS approved providers:
Key Point Health Services - Dundalk
Changing Lives at Home, Mental Health, INC.
GIFTS, Children's Guild and Thrive all meet with students within the CHS building weekly. You can reach out to your student's counselor for help with a referral if you are interested.
Students are assigned an administrator and counselor based on their last names:
Principal, Amy Tyler
Assistant Principal, Mrs. Kern - Last Names A-F
Assistant Principal, Ms. Furst - Last Names G-O
Assistant Principal, Mr. Belinda - Last Names P-Z
Ms. Withrow - Last Names A-D
Ms. Ganley - Last Names E-L
Ms. Miller - Last Names M-R
Ms. Bell - Last Names S-Z
Ms. Arrowood - College and Career Counselor (all grades)
Follow us on Instagram to keep up with all things CHS! @bayhawkpepsquad & @chesapeakehs_bcps
Helpful tools
Join Groups in Schoology to stay up to date on CHS events!
Schoology groups are created to share information outside of courses for specific groupings. AP Students, Graduation Cohorts, CHS Hub (School wide) , and various clubs all have different groups where they share info. To join groups once you have logged into Schoology, click Groups at the top, and then click the My Groups link on the top right corner, on the next page click join group on the right and enter the join code.
The CHS Hub is where all the School wide news, events, and information is posted. To join the CHS HUB on Schoology, use join code WMTMX-CXF6X.
Each Graduating Class also has their own group to discuss class events and class dues and fundraisers, The join codes for those are listed below in bold:
Seniors - Class of 2024: ZR5T-RT7V-JRM37
Juniors - Class of 2025: DX56-SDWD-6KQZB
Sophomores - Class of 2026: S4HF-SS5W-QF24W
Freshman - Class of 2027: MWBM-K6TF-HHGZ8
A Day/ B Day Calendar
Student schedules rotate on an A day/B day schedule. If there is a snow day and we do not have school you just move to the next assigned day. Review the A/B calendar here: AB Day Calendar SY 2023-24.pdf (sharpschool.com)
BCPS Year Long Calendar
All important dates, days off, report card distribution is listed here: 2023-24.pdf (sharpschool.com)
Need help tracking where your student's bus is?
The Office of Transportation announced county-wide implementation of BusWhere, a location tracking software that allows subscribers to see bus locations in real time on a mobile phone or computer. Via the BusWhere app, subscribers may opt to receive notifications as the bus is approaching a designated bus stop or if there is a significant issue causing a delay.
On or about October 2, 2023, parents/guardians of record in FOCUS should have received an email invitation directly from BusWhere to create an account! If you didn't get that email or have questions or concerns, parents and school-based staff are encouraged to utilize BusWhere Assistance Request Form.
As shared during registration, all BPCS students must meet the same graduation requirements including a completer pathway. A list of graduation requirements is below and this month we are highlighting our School to Career Work-based Learning completer option.
Are you having device issues? Contact the Help Desk!
Parents should work with their child to enter a Technology Support Request form. You will need your students ID number, Username and Password. Those can be found in FOCUS.
Contact information:
Phone: 443-809-4672
Available Monday - Friday 7:00am - 4:15pm
https://www.bcps.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=2828&pageId=66765365
The CHS website is a great resource for families. Informational Links about bus stops, the bell schedule, the handbook, monthly engagements calendars, and much more can all be found right on the main page of the website. There is also a tab for department contacts that have email contacts for all teachers and staff.
Check out the Website today: https://chesapeakehs.bcps.org/