CHS NEWSLETTER
September/October 2018 Issue 1
A Word from the Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Prior to the start of school, my wife came in from an early morning walk with our dog and said, “Something destroyed your mailbox”. As I moved to assess the situation, armed with a strong cup of coffee, I discovered that it had been removed from its wooden perch from the ground up, most likely by something far stronger than a normal human being. While I understand these things happen, my first thought was, “Great, I get to spend my day putting in an entirely new mailbox and post!” This was not how I thought I would spend one of my last days of summer. So, me being me, I decided that I was going to craft my own post from one really long piece of cedar; because I am a glutton for punishment and fancy myself very creative (my wife disagrees). I got an early start and as the day went on, a slow trickle of neighbors came over to help. We talked about the project, they helped where they could, provided lots of unsolicited advice, and laughed at me (quite a bit). Ultimately, the job turned into an opportunity to have some positive interaction with my neighbors and made the task more enjoyable. After I was finished, I reflected that out of a disappointing situation, there is always a positive opportunity to be had. I have resolved to keep this in the forefront of my mind, and have asked our staff to do the same, as we deal with students over the course of this year. There is something to be learned, from each situation we face, no matter how difficult, which can result in personal growth.
The CHS Open House was well attended this year. Parents were still able to attend their students classes, meet their teachers and learn a little something about the curriculum. We have a goal at CHS (and throughout CCS) to provide parents with connections to the curriculum so that students and families can make informed decisions about the academic path they choose throughout high school. I would say that it is important for students and parents to understand that it is not always about the particular classes you choose to take, but the effort, grit and determination you display in those classes, that empowers student learning. For years, the number one predictor of post-high school student success rates has been the strength of the schedule a student takes, particularly in their senior year, regardless of specific course work. In layman's terms, we know that students may frequently change their minds about their future plans, and your son or daughter may want to be a rocket scientist one week and a graphic designer the next, but the Physics class they have will still serve to best prepare them for the academic rigor they face in the future; regardless of career pathway.
It is safe to say, that the 2018-2019 school year is off to a great start and our staff is very excited for all the year has to offer. I am amazed how quickly our students get into the flow of their personal school routine with the help of our entire school staff. We have a great bunch of young people at CHS. Thank you for the opportunity to work with them.
Sincerely,
Gary L. Kaul
Principal
CHS Student Calendar 2018-2019
OCTOBER
5 Homecoming Game
6 Homecoming Dance 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. - Gymnasium
9 PTSA Meeting 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Lab 200
16 Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7 p.m.
18 Parent Teacher Conferences 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
19 Half Day for Students - Dismissal 10:43 a.m. - Teachers P/D Day
24 Orchestra Concert 7:00 p.m. PAC
NOVEMBER
3 Marching Band Competition Finals
7 Band-O-Rama 7:00 p.m.
8 Choir Concert 7:00 p.m. PAC
9 Half Day for Students - Dismissal 10:43 a.m. - Teacher P/D Day
13 PTSA Meeting 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Lab 200
14 Fall Orchestra Concert 7:00 p.m. PAC
15 Fall Band Concert 7:00 p.m. PAC
21 Flex Day for Teachers - No School for Students
22-23 No School for Students/Thanksgiving Recess
DECEMBER
11 PTSA Meeting 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Lab 200
13 Band Concert 7:00 p.m. PAC
18 Choir Concert 7:00 p.m. PAC
19 Band/Orchestra/Choir Concert 7:00 p.m. PAC
21 Half Day for Students - Dismissal 10:43 a.m. - Teacher Records Day
December 24-January 4 No School for Students/Winter Recess
JANUARY
7 School Resumes
8 PTSA Meeting 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Lab 200
17-18 Exams/Half Days for Students - Dismissal 10:43 a.m. - Teacher Records Day
18 1st Semester Ends
21 No School for Students/Martin Luther King Day/Teacher Inservice
FEBRUARY
5 Learner's Showcase 4:30-6:30 p.m.
8 Half Day for Students/Teacher Inservice
12 PTSA Meeting 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Lab 200
14 High School Musical 7:00 p.m. PAC
15 HIgh School Musical 7:00 p.m. PAC
16 HIgh School Musical 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. PAC
17 High School Musical 2:00 p.m. PAC
18-19 No School for Students/Mid-Winter Recess
MARCH
8 Half Day for Students - Dismissal 10:43 a.m. - Teacher P/D Day
12 PTSA Meeting 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Lab 200
14 Parent Teacher Conferences 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Senior Parent Mtg. 7:00 p.m.
APRIL
1-5 No School for Students/Spring Recess
9 PTSA Meeting 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Lab 200
19 No School for Students/Good Friday
26 Spring Play 7:00 p.m. PAC
27 Spring Play 7:00 p.m. PAC
MAY
2 Senior Awards Night - 6:30 PAC
8 National Honor Society Induction 7:00 PAC
10 Half Day for Students - Dismissal 10:43 a.m. - Teacher P/D Day
13 Drama Awards /Mime Night 7:00 p.m. PAC
14 PTSA Meeting 7:00 - 8:30 Lab 200
15 Orchestra Concert 7:00 PAC
17 Pops Concert 7:00 p.m. PAC
21 Senior's Last Day - Walk - Picnic
22 Senior Prom - Palazzo Grande - 6:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
24 Half Day for Students - Dismissal 10:43 a.m. - Teacher P/D Day
JUNE
3 Graduation - DTE Energy Theatre 6:30 p.m.
6 Half Day for Students - Dismissal 10:43 a.m. - Teacher Records Day
7 Last Half Day of School for Students - Dismissal 10:43 a.m.
Wolf Time/Dates Schedule
Please note: Wolftime is now included in students' 5th hour.
Clarkston High School “Wolf Time”
Bell Schedule
2018 ~ 2019
Zero hour 6:21 ~ 7:19 (58 mins.) 6 min. passing
1st hour 7:25 ~ 8:15 (50 mins.) 6 min. passing
2nd hour 8:21 ~ 9:11 (50 mins.) 6 min. passing
3rd hour 9:17 ~ 10:10 (53 mins.) 6 min. passing
4th hour 10:16* ~ 11:47 (91 mins.) 6 min. passing
(*Students leave for 1st lunch)
Lunch Class
A 10:16 ~ 10:41 10:47 ~ 11:47 (60 mins.)
B 10:48 ~ 11:13 10:16 ~ 10:45 (29 mins.)
(*Students should be back in class) 11:16*~ 11:47 (31 mins.)
C 11:22 ~ 11:47 10:16 ~ 11:16 (60 mins.)
5th hour 11:53 ~ 12:43 (50 mins.) 5 min. passing
WOLF TIME 12:48 ~ 1:24 (36 mins.) 6 min. passing
6th hour 1:30 - 2:20 (50 mins.)
WOLF TIME DATES
October 10
October 24
November 7
November 28
December 12
January 9, 2019
January 23
February 6
February 20
March 6
March 20
April 17
May 1
May 15
May 29
Half-Day Dates/Schedules
Half Day Bell Schedule
Zero Hour 6:51 - 7:19 (28 minutes) 6 minutes passing1st Hour 7:25 - 7:53 (28 minutes) 6 minutes passing
2nd Hour 7:59 - 8:27 (28 minutes) 6 minutes passing
3rd Hour 8:33 - 9:01 (28 minutes) 6 minutes passing
4th Hour 9:07 - 9:35 (28 minutes) 6 minutes passing
5th Hour 9:41 - 10:09 (28 minutes) 6 minutes passing
6th Hour 10:15 - 10:43 (28 minutes) 6 minutes passing
Half Day Dates
October 19
November 9
December 21
January 17 & 18 (Exams)
February 8
March 8
May 10
May 24
June 6 & 7 (Exams)
CHS Attendance Policy
Tardy -Defined as being late to class l0 minutes or less. More than 10 minutes late to class shall be recorded as an absence.
1st hour class - A student who arrives late to class 10 minutes or less to first hour is to
be marked tardy. If a student arrives late to first hour after 10 minutes they will be
marked absent.
2nd hour through 6th hour classes - A student who arrives 5 minutes or less late to class will be marked tardy. After 5 minutes late will be marked absent.
9 Tardies = 4 hours of Saturday school will be assigned.
12 Tardies = Suspension from school.
If tardiness continues, the assistant principal will issue discipline or additional intervention as necessary. If a student arrives to class late with an excused pass from a counselor, teacher or from administration, please ask them if they notified the attendance office of whom they were with. They must show the attendance office the pass in order to be excused in the computer for being out of class.
Exempt - An absence that does not count toward the maximum days per semester, such as a school related activity or an absence due to unusual circumstances as approved by the Principal or his/her designee.
Make-up work - In general, a student has the same amount of time to make up work as he/she was absent (one day absence equals one day make-up time). This does not apply to major assignments, which are due on or before the assigned day, regardless of prior absence. If a minor assignment (less than one week prep time) is due on a day you are
absent, you will be expected to turn it in the day you return. If you are in the building for part of the day that any assignment is due but are not in the class, you are expected to turn it in to the teacher, otherwise it will be considered late. It is the student’s responsibility to take the initiative to arrange for make-up work, tests and assignments. Class time may not be used for make-up work.
Consequences of excessive absences - A student's course grade will be determined by the achievement of relevant objective criteria including the student's performance, participation and attendance in class. The total number of accumulated absences cannot exceed 12 per semester per class.
At 12 absences in a class - the student will be placed on an attendance contract. The student will remain in the class and will have the opportunity to retain his/her credit if the contract is fulfilled. The student is to notify the parent of attendance contracts and any attendance issues.
Students who drive : As per our Clarkston Code of Conduct, promptness to class is expected. Students are at risk of losing parking privileges due to negative behaviors, attendance, and excessive tardies. Students who are tardy to school for 1st hour
(or 4th hour for OTC students), are subject to the following discipline:
6 tardies = 1 week loss of driving privileges
9 tardies = 2 week loss of driving privileges and Saturday School
12 tardies = 30 day loss of driving privileges and 1 day suspension
15 tardies = permanent loss of driving for current semester
IMPORTANT ATTENDANCE NUMBERS
To excuse a student early, please call or leave a voicemail at one of the numbers below:
248.623.3544 or 248.623.3545
Please allow 10-15 minutes when calling to dismiss a student from class. Between lunch hours, phone calls, and teachers in different locations, it takes time to locate the student.
Students who arrive late to school must check in the Attendance Office before going to class.
Students who are leaving the school during the day must have a pass to leave the building and must check out at the Attendance Office before leaving.
We encourage parents to regularly monitor their student’s attendance on Parent Vue and urge students to do the same on Student Vue.
Senior Timeline
DATE: EVENT: LOCATION:
10/16 P/T Conferences Balfour will be available 4pm – 7pm
10/18 P/T Conferences Balfour will be available 5pm – 8pm
10/25 Cap & Gown Order Make-Up During lunches in PAC hallway (Balfour present)
3/14 Senior Parent Meeting Directly after P/T conferences 7pm in PAC
4/26 Senior Meetings LGI, hours 1,2,3,5,6
5/2 Senior Awards Rehearsal 7am PAC
5/2 Senior Awards Night 6:30pm PAC
5/10 Graduation Speech Due - Turn into Mrs. Browne in the Principal’s Office
5/14 Graduation Speech Try-Outs - LGI
5/16 Graduation Speech Final Cuts - PAC
5/20 Senior Exams 3rd - 6th hours
5/21 Senior Exams 1st and 2nd hours
5/21 Senior’s Last Day/Walk/Picnic directly after 2nd hour exams
5/22 Senior Prom Palazzo Grande
6/3 Graduation Rehearsal DTE Energy Theatre 9am - Mandatory!
6/3 Graduation Ceremony DTE Energy Theatre 6:30pm (arrival 5:30pm)CHS Dress Code
Most CHS students are very conscientious about following the dress code. However, each year staff and administration find themselves spending far too much time dealing with students who are either unaware or choose to ignore the dress code. Please note the following most “misunderstood” guidelines and explanations:
Shorts and skirts are to be an appropriate length for school (no more than 4 inches
above the knee); spandex, or boxer shorts are not allowed. Tights underneath the
skirt/shorts do not negate the length rule.
Pants or shorts must be worn waist level and cover undergarments.
Waists must be covered. No backless or string back tops.
No references or insignias of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, sexual themes, inappropriate
language, or pictures may be worn to school either on the clothing itself or on button ornaments.
Narrow shouldered tank tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, low cut tops (no more than 3 inches below the collar bone), muscle shirts, torn pants or clothing are not acceptable.
To comply with the 3x4 inch rules stated above, CHS staff will utilize the 3x4 “Post It” note system. Measurements can be taken from the collarbone down and the top of the knee cap up. Tops below 3” and skirts above 4” will not be permitted.
The list covers part of the code; the most abused. The complete code can be found in the
student planner. Please take the time to review it and understand that all final decisions
regarding student attire are at the discretion of the administration. Students in violation should expect to be sent home or wait for a parent to bring a change of clothing. Classes missed due to clothing issues are considered an absence. Repeated violations will result in disciplinary action for insubordination.
1st violation: discipline warning, clothing change.
2nd violation: discipline warning, clothing change.
3rd violation: 2 hour Saturday School, clothing change.
4th violation: 4 hour Saturday School, clothing change.
National Honor Society Information
Character, service, scholarship and leadership - these are the ideas that define the National Honor Society. All participants of this society are expected to be active and outstanding members of our community, and our goal is to spread these ideas throughout the community and make it a better place in general. We do this through countless volunteer hours, whether that be by oneself or with other members. We have numerous members who have to balance good grades, athletics, music and other clubs, yet still are active in our community. We believe that our group of people are some of Clarkston’s most well rounded and hard working students.
Our 2018-2019 year of NHS is about to begin shortly, with our first meeting on Thursday, September 20th. We will meet by 6:45 in the PAC of the high school. We have an executive board of hard working students who look to improve our organization, and two awesome teachers who work very hard to keep the program up and running, Mrs. Hohlbein and Mrs. Mohr. The NHS President, Shawn Slater, is working very hard to get our NHS year underway. Evan Hall, the NHS Treasurer, has recently completed a proposal to the Clarkston Foundation to fund NHS T-shirts. We are very appreciative of the Clarkston Foundation’s support to our program! The other executive board members, Vice President of Communications Mark Sprague, Vice President of Service Megan Mayernik, Senior Point Secretary Grace Nolan, Junior Point Secretary Madison Dryden, and Technology Coordinator Aidan Erickson are also playing an important role of getting this year underway. We are very excited to get this year of NHS started!
The meeting dates for this year are as follows:
October 18, 2018
November 15, 2018
December 20, 2018
January 24, 2019
February 21, 2019
March 21, 2019
April 25, 2019
If you are interested in becoming a member of NHS, please stay tuned for more information. Our application process begins in February, so we will provide more information as it gets closer. Thank you for your support!
New Athletics Page Coming Soon
COMING SOON: A new athletics page on our District Website. More will be announced as we get closer to the launch date. You'll be able to find schedules, view rosters and sign up for alerts. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates. Just search CLARKSTON ATHLETICS. #GoWolves
Holiday Help For CHS Students and Families
Holiday Help For CHS Students and Families
Through generous donations from our staff, students and families, CHS supports a limited number of families that may not be able to get holiday support elsewhere.
If you are in a position to donate a GIFT CARD of any denomination to an area merchant for anything you think a student or his/her family would enjoy or need this holiday, our support staff would gratefully accept the donations and share them with the appropriate families. Gas cards, grocery store cards, or cards to a teen favorite hot spot (Game Stop, Hot Topic, Forever 21, Nike Outlet, McDonald's, Little Caesars, etc.) are just a few examples! Simply deliver the gift card to the Principal's Office by December 7th if possible to allow time to coordinate and distribute.
Thank you for any consideration to this effort to help support our families!!
Parent Teacher Conferences
October 16, 2018 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
October 18, 2018 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
March 14, 2019 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
As a reminder, Progress Reports are not mailed home. We encourage parents to access Parent Vue to check their students' grades, attendance,m etc.
CHS Welcomes New Staff
Liz Abro - Language Arts Department
Jessica Cleland - Language Arts Department
Caileigh Grant - Language Arts Department
Andrea Misteravich - Special Education
Christine Nahlik - Special Education
Scott Powers - Language Arts Department/Social Studies Department
Emily Seward - Language Arts Department
Jack Twitty - Paraprofessional
CHS says Goodbye to...
CHS had to say goodbye to the following staff members. We wish them good luck in their future endeavors!
Mark Davis
Lisa Donley
Rich Erhardt
Amanda Hausauer
Kathy Kuehn
Sue Linder
Laura Monticello
Frank Murray
Rich Porritt
Joe Wood
Homecoming Events
Monday, October 1st: Girls Powderpuff Football
7:00 pm @ CHS Football Field
Wednesday, October 3rd: Powerbuff Volleyball
7:00 pm @ CHS Main Gym
Friday, October 5th: ALL SCHOOL Pep Assembly
Friday, October 5th: Homecoming Football Game
7:00 pm @ CHS Football Field
Saturday, October 6th: Homecoming Dance
DOORS OPEN @ 7:00 PM
CHS Gymnasium
Medical Plans
Please submit updated plans to the CHS Counseling Office, and contact the Dean of Students at nltrzasko@clarkston.k12.mi.us if you have any questions. Thank you.
Food Allergies
To maintain a safe environment for all students, we ask that you make a conscious effort to avoid using/sending peanuts and peanut products to school. This may seem like an inconvenience, however, as parents it is certain you can understand the anxiety and concerns of these individual families. While we take great measure to ensure the safety of all of our students, there is never a guarantee in regard to food allergies. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience with this matter.
Congratulations to the Clarkston High School Robotics Team for winning the World Championships in April, 2018 at Ford Field! We are proud we have a WORLD CHAMPION team in Clarkston.
Paying for College NIght
Advanced Placement
Clarkston HIgh School will administer a wide variety of AP tests, starting Monday, May 6, 2019 and concluding Friday, May 17. Since these are national tests, students must take the exam on the date and time that it is scheduled. All morning AP tests will begin promptly at 7:45 a.m. The afternoon AP test will begin promptly at 11:45 a.m. When students register for a test, they will be advised of the date and time of their exam. Students must make certain they confirm with their AP teacher where their test will be administered. Each tests costs $98 and a $15 non-refundable fee will be forfeited if they sign-up for the test and later decide not to take it.
- Registration for the exams begin Friday, February , 2019 and ends Thursday, February 28.
- Information about registration will be given to students in their AP classes.
Please contact Ms. Carolin, AP Coordinator/Counselor at skcarolin@clarkston.k12.mi.us if you have any questions regarding the AP exams. This is a wonderful opportunity for Clarkston High School students to demonstrate what they have learned in the AP classes and
to receive credit and/or advanced placement in college.
Advanced Placement (AP) - A job well done!
PSAT/NMSQT Test
Test Date: Saturday, October 13, 2018 @ CHS
Time: 7:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (late arrivals will not be permitted). Please bring picture ID.
SAT/ACT Information for Juniors
Students can register online for the ACT at www.actstudent.org or the SAT at www.collegeboard.com. Both tests are national college admissions tests accepted by almost all colleges in the U.S. There are multiple test dates for both tests. Be sure to register before all deadlines to avoid late fees.
When students register for the ACT or SAT, it is their responsibility to indicate on the form which colleges they want the results sent to. Students who take either the ACT or SAT should also take the writing portion as most colleges are requiring these test scores for admission.
Test Out Information
NCAA Eligibility
College Information Night
College Application Information
- It is recommended that all college applications to be completed by the end of October. Please be aware that most colleges have official deadlines, but we recommend that students submit their applications prior to those deadlines.
- ACT/SAT scores are NOT printed on the Clarkston HIgh School transcripts and must be submitted electronically to colleges/universities by the student. Please visit www.actstudent.org to send official ACT scores or www.collegeboard.org to send official SAT scores.
Counseling Department is on Facebook and Twitter
scheduling information, summer programs and important dates/deadlines, and much more.
Contact Information
Administration
Mr.Gary Kaul, Principal, glkaul@clarkston.k12.mi.us
Mr. Joshua LaMay, Asst. Principal, jmlamay@clarkston.k12.mi.us
Mrs. Amy Quayle, Asst. Principal, aequayle@clarkston.k12.mi.us
Mrs. Nichole Trzasko, Dean of Students, nltrzasko@clarkston.k12.mi.us
Phone Numbers:
248-623-3544/3545 Attendance
248-623-4002 Athletic Department
248-623-4040 Counseling Department
248-623-3600 Main Office
CHS Mission Statement
The Mission of Clarkston High School is to promote student achievement and ethical behavior in a safe and caring learning community as students become contributing members of a diverse and changing world.
Board of Education 2018-2019
Elizabeth Egan, President
Kelli Horst, Vice President
Gregory Need, Treasurer
Stephen J. Hyer, Secretary
Susan Boatman, Truestee
Andrea Catalina, Trustee
Cheryl McGinnis, Trustee
Central Office Administration
Shawn Ryan, Superintendent
John Lucido, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services
Nancy Mahoney, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services
Kathy Christopher, Executive Director of Student Support Services
Mary Beth Rogers, Executive Director of Business Services
Radhika Issac, Administrator of Data Structure & Analysis
Staci Puzio, Director of Student Growth and Well-Being
Mary Ellen Rowe, Marketing Director
The Mission of Clarkston Community Schools is to Cultivate Thinkers, Learners, and Positive Contributors to a Global Society.
The Clarkston Community Schools, in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, states that it is the policy of the Clarkston Community School District that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or ancestry, age, gender, marital status, disability, height, weight, and/or any other legally protected characteristic, be discriminated against, excluded from participation, in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to, discrimination in any program or activity for which the Board is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.
If any person believes that the Clarkston Community School District or any part of the school organization is guilty of discrimination as noted above, he/she may bring forward a complaint which should be referred to as an grievance to the following public officials: Deputy Superintendent (Section 504 Coordinator).
Clarkston Community Schools
6389 Clarkston Road
Clarkston, MI 48346
(All other inquiries related to discrimination)
Mr. John Lucido, Executive Director of Human Resources
Clarkston Community Schools, 6389 Clarkston Road, Clarkston, MI 48346