Knightly Update December 13, 2020
Edition Vol 9 Issue 20
It's hard to believe the first semester of the school year is coming to an end. I appreciate the work, flexibility, understanding, dedication, and patience that everyone has exhibited throughout the semester. Obviously, this semester was unlike any I have ever experienced in my career as an educator, but I have to convey how proud I am of how our students, teachers and staff successfully took on the numerous challenges that came their way. Fantastic job, Knights! I wish our students the absolute best on their final exams. Good luck!
District administration will be sending out a communiqué on Monday discussing the Governing Board's instructional decision for the start of the second semester. In short, the Board voted to approve an option to temporarily expand the virtual connect (through Google Meets) in-person classes for students in grades 7-12 beginning January 5-15, 2021. This decision gives families the option to have their child return in person January 5 or participate virtually via Google Meets through January 15 (i.e. the first two weeks of the semester). Once the district sends out information, my office will be sending out a form for families to complete indicating their anticipated instructional choice so our teachers have an opportunity to plan appropriately. As you consider your decision, I want to share some specifics about our campus and Covid-19.
This quarter, we had 13 positive cases of Covid-19. Of the 13 cases, 7 required administration to contact trace due to exposure on campus and implement forced quarantines. However, of the over 140 students that have been impacted by a forced quarantine, none have contracted Covid-19 or had a positive test result during the quarantine period. In short, we have not had a Covid outbreak on our campus. While I certainly attribute some of this to good fortune, I also know that our 772 students and staff are doing a phenomenal job following the safety guidelines that we have in place on our campus (i.e. wearing masks, washing/sanitizing hands, distancing when possible, limiting outside foot traffic, etc.). I understand forced quarantines are frustrating, but we need to err on the side of safety for all individuals at all times and follow guidelines as mandated by district and state officials. New quarantine guidelines will be disseminated in the upcoming days based on CDC recommendations, so please keep a lookout for that information from district officials. I hope this information will assist in helping our families make decisions as to how they want their child to begin the second semester. If you have any questions, please contact me or our nurse, Mrs. Maria Hughes.
This will be the final Knightly Update for the semester. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you and your children this year (as challenging as the year has been), and I appreciate you choosing to be a part of our school. I wish you all a joyous holiday season with peace & cheer in the New Year!
Rob Bickes
Principal
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Important COVID-19 Reminders
Please remember students should not come to school if they have any COVID-19 symptoms, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, are waiting for test results, or have been in close contact (within 6 feet of a person with COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period or had physical contact with a person with COVID-19, you need to stay in quarantine at home for 14 days.) Parents need to report this to our nurse, Mrs. Hughes.
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School Events - Week of December 14
Home events listed in bold. Please review additional fan/ticket information included below.
- No events scheduled
- No events scheduled
- Final Exams Periods 1, 3 & 5
- 12:25 Early Release
- End of first semester
- Final Exams Periods 2, 4 & 6
- 12:25 Early Release
- No School - Teacher Workday
- Semester 1 Grades Available for Review via Infinite Campus Parent Portal
- 12:00 - Administrative Office will close for break and will reopen Monday, January 4
December 21-January 1
- Winter Break
- Administrative office will be closed throughout the break. If you need immediate assistance, please contact CUSD's District Office, (480) 812-7000.
Monday, January 4
- Teacher Workday
- Regular Administrative Office Hours Resume
Tuesday, January 5
- School Resumes - 1st Day of Second Semester
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Knights in the Spotlight
We are incredibly proud of senior Kristin Myer, a Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Semifinalist from our school who was selected to be one of 1,609 semifinalists from a pool of 99,403 applicants! Kristin is currently submitting her Semifinalist application to be reviewed by the Program Reading Committee. After this review, 250 students will advance as Regional Finalists, with 150 becoming Coca-Cola Scholars and receiving a $20,000 college scholarship. Way to go Kristin, and good luck as you work to become a finalist.
Learn more about the #CokeScholars Program $20,000 college scholarship at Cokeurl.com/2021SF.
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Congrats to our Speech and Debate team for taking 1st place in the ASDCA Winter Trophy Div II Tournament last weekend. Please congratulate the following students for their excellent performances. Taking trophies were:
Congressional Debate:
1st - Yibo Chen
2nd - Yoojin Han
3rd - Brandon Lazna
4th - Nevan Hanford
5th - Blake Enwiller
6th - Frederick Changho
Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate
1st - Aunik Ghosal
3rd - Rish Nayak
3rd - Brian Gibson
Varsity Lincoln Douglas Debate
1st - Zoe Soderquist
3rd - Delaney Krieger
Varsity Public Forum Debate
1st - Sebastian Javadpoor & Blake Enwiller
2nd - Maddie Rumsey & Yibo Chen
Novice Public Forum Debate
2nd - Nevan Hanford & Krystal Ramnarine
Original Oratory
2nd - Delaney Krieger
3rd - Yoojin Han
Informative Speech
3rd - Delaney Krieger
Impromptu Speech
2nd - Blake Enwiller
3rd - Maddie Rumsey
4th - Brandon Lazna
5th - Gauri Murkoth
6th - Aayush Rastogi
Extemporaneous Speaking
2nd - Sebastian Javadpoor
3rd - Nevan Hanford
Program Oral Interpretation
2nd - Lea Flores
Duo Interpretation
2nd - Sebastian Javadpoor & Ali Shah
4th - Cassie Kantrud & Jordyn Fuller
Humorous Interpretation
1st - Abriel Knipmeyer
Poetry Interpretation
2nd - Daynah Andrews
Note: above picture was taken pre-Covid.
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Winter Break Curbside Pick-Up
The CUSD nutrition team has a created meal packs that will compliment the holiday festivities and they are available FREE to all children 18 and under in our community. The department is asking families to pre-order their meal packs by clicking on this link: Winter Break Curbside Order Form.
Details of the Winter Break nutrition program are below:
- Distribution Sites: Chandler High and Perry High
- Distribution Days: December 21st AND December 28th - families are encouraged to participate in both
- Times: 8am-10am and 3pm-5pm
- Each distribution will contain a 7 day meal pack that includes recipes that families can cook with their children
December 21st Meal Pack
Oatmeal with Craisins and Blueberries- recipes included
Cheese and Cracker Tray
Build Your Own Chili Mac
House-Made Cornbread
Week 2 Menu- December 28th
Pancakes with Cinnamon Apples
Mac & Cheese with Broccoli and crushed Pretzel goldfish topping
Mini Corndogs
Recipes are included for oatmeal, chili mac, cinnamon apples, and Mac & Cheese
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When are final exams being administered?
Students will take their final exams on Wednesday, December 16 and Thursday, December 17. Final exams for periods 1, 3 and 5 will be given on Wednesday and 2nd, 4th, and 6th period exams will be administered on Thursday. Zero hour exams will be administered on the day(s) assigned (Wednesday and/or Thursday) by the instructor. Students will be dismissed at 12:25 on both Wednesday & Thursday. There is no school on Friday, December 18.
How long will class period be on final exam days?
Class sessions are 90 minutes long. Students will have a five minute passing period between classes. Please feel free to send snacks with your child for them to eat during passing periods. Food is not permitted in the classroom. In addition, no lunch will be served on final exam days.
What if my child doesn't complete their final exam in the allotted time?
Students need to be prepared to complete their exam in the time allotted. Many college admission exams as well as upcoming AP exams are timed and students are required to complete the exam within the provided timeline. ACP's final exams are structured in the same manner. Students will not be given additional time to complete an exam once the period has concluded. If your child has any concerns, please have them speak with their instructor prior to the exam date.
What if my child is absent on the day of finals?
No early examinations will be allowed. In the event your child is absent or out-of-town, they will need to make up their final exam within the first two weeks of our return from winter break. Your child's final exam score will be a zero until they make-up the exam. Once the exam has been taken, their final exam grade will be entered and their semester grade changed appropriately. This change will be reflected via Infinite Campus.
What if my child is forced to be quarantined on the day of finals?
Students who are forced to be quarantined will take their exams online, if an online option is available. If an online option is not available, students will need to make up their final exam within the first two weeks of our return from winter break. The final exam score will be a zero until they make-up the exam. Once the exam has been taken, their final exam grade will be entered and their semester grade changed appropriately. This change will be reflected via Infinite Campus.
How should my child prepare for their finals?
Teachers have prepared study guides that review the material being tested. Students will have study guides for all of their classes next month. Students should use the study guide provided to prepare and review for their final exam. If your child doesn't understand the material or concepts on the study guide, please encourage them to speak to their teacher. Prior to receiving their study guide, students should begin to review notes and organize information necessary to review for finals. Research recommends students study in chunks of 45 minutes followed by 15 minute breaks.
Final Exam Tip of the Week
Switch it up! Taking too much time on one subject can make you lose your concentration. One of the most important study tips is to change topics every 30 minutes or so to prevent learning fatigue. Revisit challenging topics once you have given your brain a break.
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Spring Semester Dual Enrollment
Registration for Dual Enrollment at CGCC for the spring semester is now open. Returning students should have received an email with links to class lists at CGCC and the registration guide.
New students can go to the CGCC website at cgc.edu/dual, then click the Getting Started button. This will get the new student through the admission process and we will email them how to add classes.
Registration closes February 22, 2021. Students will have until February 7, 2021 to self enroll. After February 7, 2021, they will need to email CGCC with class numbers and CGCC will add their classes for the student.
The refund deadline is February 7, 2021.
Students who were approved for Tuition Assistance will get up to 4 credits paid for spring. Tuition Assistance is applied for once a year, no student can complete Tuition Assistance applications for spring semester.
If students or families have any questions, email CGCC at dualernollment@cgc.edu.
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Class of 2021 YEARBOOK RECOGNITION ADS
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Don't forget to purchase your yearbook!
2020-2021 Yearbook Prices
11/07/2020 - 03/05/2020 - $75.00
03/06/2020 - 05/07/2020 - $80.00
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Do You Know a Student Interested in the Biosciences?
Applications for TGen's Summer Programs Open December 14, 2020
Helios Scholars at TGen offers students full-time, paid internship opportunities that include research experience and professional development in the field of biomedical research. Internships are available in laboratory research, computer science and bioinformatics, mathematics and statistics, and research administration.
TGen Bioscience Leadership Academy is a two-week program specifically for high school students focused on elevating students' understanding of the biosciences and precision medicine.
Applications for both programs close on February 5, 2021
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See you in 2021!!!
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Contact Information
School Day Begins: 7:40 (gates close at 7:45)
School Day Ends: 2:35
Office Hours: 7:15-3:30
School Address:
1150 W. Erie St. Chandler, AZ 85224
Phone Numbers:
Administration: 480-424-8000
Attendance: 480-424-8003
Fax: 480-224-9268
Find us on the web: www.cusd80.com/acperie