Dragons Dig Deep
A Mental Health and Wellness Newsletter from CHS Counselors
September 2021
Hello 2021-2022 School Year
We want to welcome all CHS Dragons back to school this year.
There is something exciting about a fresh start, isn't there?
There is a feeling of hope and excitement as we look ahead towards the future. We are excited about restoring connection, building relationships, and creating an environment where all students feel safe, supported, and encouraged so that they can thrive in all academic endeavors. Don't forget, CHS counselors are here to serve you!
How To See Your Counselor
Please click on the link below to go to our school webpage, where each counselor has set up a virtual office. In our virtual office, you can access our email, find resources, see office hours, and much more!
Identifying Our Strengths In Order To Build Success!
Core Essential Trait for September: Initiative
Taking Initiative is doing the right thing without being told. Students who take initiative are self-starters, proactive, and are persistent in overcoming difficulties that arise in pursuit of a goal. Showing initiative can be a scary and exciting experience. The more you put yourself out there, the more chances you have of getting better grades, making friends, or earning trust with teachers. Furthermore, showing initiative early in life can help forge leadership skills and other talents as you grow and adapt.
How do you show initiative in school? Getting yourself involved in classroom discussions, asking and answering posed questions, putting forth extra effort into projects or homework, and making sure to engage in clubs and afterschool activities is a great way to show initiative in school.
Wanting to Switch From an AP or Advanced Class?
Thanks to excellent students and a fantastic staff, CHS had a smooth opening to school. With very few exceptions, every student had a complete schedule from Day 1, and for the most part, adjustments to schedules have been made.
Moving forward, the only schedule changes we will make are leveling-down from an AP or advanced class. According to the CISD Academic Planning Guide, students may level-down from an Advanced or AP course at the end of the first four weeks, end of the first nine weeks, and at semester. With the first window of opportunity about to open, please be on the lookout for a Skyward message from our office with level-change information, dates, as well as the Student Schedule Change form. This message will be sent out to all parents and students at CHS. We will start taking level-change requests via the form as soon as it is sent out, but students will not see the change on their schedule until September 8th. We will be making changes until Sept. 13th. After that, students will have to wait until the window reopens after the first nine weeks.
Here is the link to the Student Schedule Change form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfcojGqF0lTaIcM5DAUEcujMHqXQiOAheACPqTh7g29kk5eJw/viewform
Save the Date!! Coffee with the Counselors - September 20th
CHS PSAT/PreACT October 13th
Room assignments will be posted on the library windows and front staircase by Tuesday October 12th.
What to Bring on Test Day:
- #2 pencils, not mechanical (College Board does not guarantee that answers will scan when using a mechanical pencil).
- A calculator. You must bring your own calculator or test without one. Calculators will NOT be provided on test day.
Test Day Information:
- Testing will start promptly at 8:00am.
- Cell phones and smart watches are NOT allowed and must be turned in to the teacher
- CHS Parents please provide a sack lunch for your student, no lunches will be served in the cafeteria. Students will not be released from classrooms to pick up food or beverages from the drop off table. Students will eat lunches in their testing rooms when testing is complete.
- Shuttle buses WILL NOT RUN between campuses on this day and there will be NO student dismissals until testing is completed. Testing is estimated to be finished by 12:30pm.
CHS PSAT/PreACT Bell Schedule
October 13, 2021
8:00 - 12:30 PSAT/PreACT Testing/Lunch
12:30 - 1:09 5th Block
1:14 - 1:53 6th Block
1:58 - 2:37 7th Block
2:42 - 3:21 8th Block
Times are approximate and may change based on testing needs.
Students with classes that meet at the Senior High should report to the cafeteria for a study hall. Attendance will be taken.
Student ID Badges
All students must have their ID’s with you daily for entrance to the buildings as this is your key, the outside doors will be locked and not open for entrance without your ID. Badges will also be used in the library and in the cafeteria.
If you lose your badge and need a new one, the cost to replace your ID will be $10.00. Please see Mrs. Coates in the Counseling Office for replacement.
CHS Exemptions from Spring Final Exams 2022
Any Spring course, including electives, can be considered for an exemption if the student achieves at least a 90% grade average in that class for the entire Spring semester.
Freshman may exempt up to 2 courses and Sophomores may exempt up to 4 courses.
Exam exemptions will NOT be granted for any course if the student has accrued the following in either the Fall or Spring semesters:
~ In-School Suspension, Out-of-School Suspension, or DAEP
~ Any unexcused absences or truancy
~ 5 tardies for any course
~ Outstanding assignments, projects, books or fees
~ 5 absences for any course. Note that students are marked absent if they miss 20 minutes of class (see CHS Student/Parent Handbook for attendance and exemption details).
Attendance tracking for each course concludes the last class period immediately preceding the final exam date for that class.
Students enrolled in an AP course may be exempt if they have at least a 70% grade average in that course and take the AP exam for the course.