Calvert Connection
Calvert High School Newsletter
September 16, 2023
Commitment to Excellence, the Cavalier Way!
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Thank you to everyone for a great Spirit Week and Homecoming game celebration. Students and staff showed their Calvert spirit each day and we had a great turn out of supporters cheering on the Varsity Football team. Our Homecoming dance is tonight and we look forward to a fun and memorable evening for all.
The weeks are passing quickly and in 2 weeks, Quarter 1 interims will be available (September 28). If your student needs assistance in a class(es), please encourage them to communicate with their teachers about how they can improve their grade(s). CAV Time is a great opportunity for students to receive additional support from their teachers, work on assignments, make-up missing work and complete reassessments.
Join us as we encourage all students to have a successful academic start to the school year!
💙 SHINE OUR LIGHT 💛
Students, parents and guardians--Complete the brief survey below to shout out a CHS staff member. No thanks is too big or too small. Let staff know that they are appreciated, made a difference, had an impact or simply a thank you. We will share your kind words with the staff member and share many throughout Quarter 1 in the weekly Calvert Connection newsletter.
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES & EVENTS
September 18
JV Field Hockey vs. Northern (home) 4:00pm
Varsity Field Hockey vs. Northern (home) 5:30pm
JV Girls Volleyball vs. North Point (home) 4:30pm
Varsity Girls Volleyball vs. North Point (home) 5:30pm
September 19
Varsity Boys Soccer vs. Lackey (away) 4:30pm
Varsity Girls Soccer vs. Lackey (away) 6:00pm
September 20
Varsity Field Hockey vs. North Point (away) 4:00pm
JV Field Hockey vs. North Point (away) 5:30pm
Varsity Golf at Wicomico Shores Gold Course 4:00pm
JV Girls Volleyball vs. Huntingtown (home) 4:30pm
Varsity Girls Volleyball vs. Huntingtown (home) 5:30pm
September 21
Varsity Girls Soccer vs. Chopticon (away) 4:30pm
Varsity Boys Soccer vs. Chopticon (away) 6:00pm
September 22
V Football vs. Westlake (away) 7:00pm
JV Girls Soccer Playdate vs. Great Mills @ St. Charles 4:00pm vs. McDonough at SCHS 6:00pm
JV Boys Soccer Playdate vs. Northern (home) 4:00pm vs. Huntingtown (home) 6:00pm
JV Girls Volleyball vs. Great Mills (away) 4:30pm
V Girls Volleyball vs. Great Mills (away) 5:30pm
JV Field Hockey vs. Patuxent (away) 5:00pm vs. Leonardtown at PHS 7:00pm
September 26
JV Football vs. Westlake (home) 5:00pm
September 27
JV Field Hockey vs. La Plata (home) 4:00pm
V Field Hockey vs. La Plata (home) 5:30pm
V Golf vs. Multiple Schools (away) Chesapeake Hills Golf Course 4:00pm
Cross Country vs. Multiple Schools (away) Chopticon 4:30pm
JV Girls Volleyball vs. Northern (home) 4:30pm
V Girls Volleyball vs. Northern (home) 5:30pm
September 28
JV Boys Soccer vs. Lackey (home) 4:30pm
V Boys Soccer vs Lackey (home) 6:00pm
September 29
V Football vs. North Point (home) 7:00pm
JV Girls Soccer vs. Good Counsel (away) 4:15
V Girls Soccer vs. Good Counsel (away) 6:00pm
JV Boys Soccer Playdate vs. Leonardtown @ La Plata 5:00pm
ADMINISTRATION 2023-24:
Principal - Andrea Young - 443-550-8881 younga@calvertnet.12.md.us
12th Grade, 9th (I-Q) – Dona Hook -443-550-8916 hookd@calvertnet.k12.md.us
11th Grade, 9th (A-H)– James Rodenhaver -443-550-8884 rodenhaverj@calvertnet.k12.md.us
10th Grade, 9th (R-Z)– Trey Sirman - 443-550-8882 sirmant@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Student Services Lead (SST) - Kristen Morris - 443-550-8883 morrisk@calvertnet.k12.md.us
MAIN OFFICE STAFF 2023-24:
New Attendance Email – CHSAttendance@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Sherri Barber (Administrative Secretary) – 443-550-8878 barbers@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Valerie Redden (Main Office Secretary) – 443-550-8879 reddenv@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Amanda Stevens (Attendance Secretary) – 443-550-8891
Raquel Emond (Finance Secretary) – 443-550-8889 emondr@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Kelly MacDonald (School Nurse) – 443-550-8892 macdonaldk@calvertnet.k12.md.us
COUNSELING OFFICE 2023-24:
Student last name A-E – LaTea Perry, 443-550-8896 perryl@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Student last name F-J – Katherine O'Neill, 443-550-8894 oneillk@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Student last name K-Q – Jessica Ponti, 443-550-8895 pontij@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Student last name R-Z – Mapri Gray, 443-550-8897 graymd@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Guidance Department Secretary – Sharon Kruder, 443-550-8893 kruders@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Registrar – Karen Hickey, 443-550-8898 hickeyk@calvertnet.k12.md.us
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
NEW ATTENDANCE EMAIL We have created a new attendance email where you can send notes for student absences, for students arriving late or needing to leave early. Please direct correspondence to CHSAttendance@calvertnet.k12.md.us. All secretaries in the main office have access to this email address. Thank you!
Senior Pictures
Attention Senior Parents/Guardians!
We still have seniors who need to take their senior portraits! Legacy Studios will be here September 18th and September 19th. Students need to sign up for a slot to have their senior portraits taken.
Please visit Legacy Studios - Legacy Studios to sign up for a time slot.
CHS Transportation Reminders
CHS Back Parking Lot
The CHS back parking lot is for student drivers only. Drop-off and pick-up for students is in the Kiss and Ride lot located at the front of the school.
Student Drivers
- If you have not exchanged your orange temporary parking permit with the main office, please do so this week.
- Parking permits must be visible at all times while parking on school grounds.
- Students who are chronically late to school may have their parking permit suspended.
- Please be mindful of your speed and cautious when entering and exiting the parking lot.
Cafeteria
We would like to share information about what to expect in our cafeterias for school year 2023-2024.
The Free and Reduced Meal Program continues to be available, however, to all families who qualify. A new application must be submitted each school year. To see if your household qualifies, please complete, and submit one meal benefit application per household. Applications will be sent home with students in the beginning of the school year folders but may also be completed online at https://LinqConnect.com.
Applications are available in many languages on the LinqConnect site but are also available on the USDA’s website at http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/translated-applications.
Breakfast and Lunch meals are offered daily.
School Meal Prices for SY 2023-2024 will remain the same:
Breakfast: $1.65; Secondary Lunch $2.80; Student Milk $0.55.
PTSO INFORMATION
The Calvert High Parent Teacher Student Organization welcomes you back to the 2023-24 school year! Please check out our Facebook page, Calvert High PTSO, for more information about our organization. ---CHS PTSO
THANK YOU CHS PTSO!
💙💛Calvert High thanks the PTSO for gifting the cafeteria with an additional microwave. 💙💛
Volunteering at CHS
Do you have extra time to help out at CHS? The PTSA will share many different ways parents can get involved and volunteer throughout the year. In order to volunteer in the school AND/OR chaperone field trips, you must complete a 2023-2024 CCPS Application. This information can be found at the link below.
Testing
PSAT, AP and SAT ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS
Submit requests for College Board accommodations (AP, SAT) to Dona Hook, Assistant Principal, at hookd@calvertnet.k12.md.us. Completed request forms are due by December 22, 2023.
PSAT
The PSAT is Wednesday, October 18, 2023. Additional information to come soon.
AP Exams
AP exams will be administered May 6-10 and May 13-17. CCPS will pay for AP exams for the 2023-2024 school year. To have the AP exam paid for by CCPS, students must follow all of the directions below:
- Register through the school to take the AP exam no later than November 10, 2023. All students will automatically be signed up to take the AP exam. If your student does not want to sit for the exam, they must let their teacher know before November 10th.
- Students who register for the exam after the November 10th deadline will be responsible for paying the College Board $98 late registration fee plus their $40 late fee.
- Students that do not sit for the exam after registering will be responsible for reimbursing CCPS the College Board $40 cancellation/unused exam fee.
If you have questions about AP exams, please contact your child’s AP teacher. If you have questions about registering for an exam, contact Mrs. Hook at 443-550-8880 hookd@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Fall College Fair
Free event, open to all CCPS students and families.
Athletics
CHS Athletics Website
https://chs.calvertnet.k12.md.us/athletics
Activities Director: Jason Cranford cranfordJE@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Click below for a quick message from AD Cranford on tickets, schedules, rosters, scores and more!
ATHLETIC GAME INFORMATION
- Admission cost for regular season athletic events is $6.
- Online tickets for CHS games can be purchased at: Calvert High School Tickets by GoFan. This link includes access to the Student and Parent Pass for the Fall season. This pass can only be used for HOME games.
- There will no admittance after the 3rd quarter.
- Re-entry is not permitted (you may not pay to re-enter)
- Backpacks and bags are not permitted.
- No profanity
- No throwing items in the stands or on the field/court
- Prohibited items include weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, outside food and drinks, laser pointers, non-service animals, sports equipment, and other items deemed inappropriate by the school administration.
- Please help us maintain our campus pride by throwing your trash away.
CAVS Get Involved
Athletic Workouts
Anyone not participating in a Fall sport is invited to attend after-school workouts in the weight-room. Workouts are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 3:00pm-4:30pm
Open Mat
The wrestling room will be open on Wednesdays 3:00pm-4:30pm and Thursdays 4:30pm-6:00 pm to anyone interested in joining the CHS Wrestling team.
Email Mr. Free with questions freem@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Fall Concession Stand Volunteers Needed
Sign up below
Counseling Office Information
PLEASE be sure you are checking the Guidance website CHS Guidance and Twitter CHS Guidance Twitter to get up-to-date info on College visits, scholarships, forms, and other important events.
Student Crisis Hotline: Students can text “Hello” to 741741 at any time to be connected to a crisis counselor 24/7. Please share with all family members. Also, check this link for more crisis resources: http://suicidehotlines.com/maryland.html
College and Career Exploration APP: Students now have access to a new online tool called Xello. Xello is a College and Career Explorations app that is replacing Career Cruising. Students can access Xello through their Clever account if they want to try it out. Counselors will be going into classrooms to teach students about all the amazing features and tools and doing Xello focused lessons to help students prepare for College and Career pathways. Contact your counselor if you want to learn more about everything Xello has to offer!
Scholarships
We receive tons of information from organizations who have scholarships that students (mostly seniors) can apply for!
You can stay up-to-date on scholarships a few different ways:
1. Visit https://bit.ly/CalvertScholarships to view the latest list of scholarships and download scholarship applications
2. Get Remind text messages with new scholarship postings by texting @CalvertHS1 to 81010
3. Follow us on Twitter (@CalvertGuidance). We post new scholarships as we get them!
Senior Meetings
During the month of September, counselors will be meeting individually with seniors to make sure they are on track to meet graduation requirements and to plan for life after graduation. Counselors will present information to students in class and then meet with each student individually. We are looking forward to catching up with our seniors!
Schoology
Once again this year, our school counseling team will be utilizing our CHS School Counselors page on Schoology to share important information and resources with students and parents. All parents and students have been added to the group. You can view our page by logging on to Schoology, clicking on the 'Groups' tab at the top of the page, and then clicking on the 'CHS School Counselors' group. Be sure to check it out
Testing Accommodations: Students with academic disabilities who receive accommodations may be afforded the same accommodations on the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams. Prior approval to receive these accommodations must be obtained by completing a Request for Accommodations Form available through Dona Hook, Assistant Principal. Final approval is given by the testing agencies.
Nurse's Office
A Reminder to Parents from Calvert County Public Schools
Requirements for Medication at School – a Safeguard for Children
- In order for students to receive medication at school, including over-the-counter (OTC) medication, the School Medication Administration Authorization Form must be completed by the student’s physician and the parent. The completed form will be kept on file in the school. This is needed for both over-the-counter and prescription medications.
- Medications that need to be given to a student at school must be brought to school in the original pharmacy/over-the-counter container. It may be necessary to ask your pharmacist to fill an extra bottle or container for use at school.
- All medications that are to be given at school are to be brought to school by the parent or responsible adult. The student will not transport medications to school.
- Medications are to be given to the school nurse.
- The only exception to this is for cough drops. Cough drops may be brought in by the parent, in their original packaging, with a written parent request and will be given to the student by the nurse.
Illness
If your student has a fever, please keep them home. Remember, before returning to school after illness, students must be fever free (less than 100 degrees) for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications like Advil or Tylenol.
Previous Injury or Medical Concerns That Occur at Home
Please encourage your student to report to you any medical concerns they may have or injuries that may occur outside of school to you prior to reporting to school and discussing with the nurse. Injuries and illnesses that happen outside of school should be attended to at home and care should not be postponed until the student returns to school.
- If your child has suffered an injury that requires casts, crutches, sutures, wheelchair or walker, the parent/guardian MUST contact the school nurse prior to the student reporting to school.
- Parent/guardian MUST provide documentation from the student’s physician identifying any restrictions to the student’s regular activities, the weight-bearing status, level of transfers and any safety concerns.
- School administration will inform you of any special arrangements, program modifications, and/or restrictions that may need to be put in place for the safety of your child in the school setting.
- Parent/guardian MUST provide documentation from the student’s physician identifying when your child may resume all regular school activities.
Miscellaneous
Students should not be reporting to the nurse without a pass unless it is an emergency. Students need to report to class first to obtain a pass to report to the nurse.
The Health Room will be closed for ½ hour each day to allow the school nurse to have lunch. Calvert High School’s health room will be closed daily from 12:00-12:30. Anyone needing emergency assistance during this time will be seen by the nurse and/or administration.
Contact Information
The school nurse, Mrs. MacDonald, can be reached at 443-550-8892 during school days 7:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and electronically at macdonaldk@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Technology
Learning Expectations with Devices
- CCPS/CHS device brought to school every day – fully charged before school begins.
- Used as the official electronic device in all classrooms
- Use CCPS Office 365 account to save assignments, projects, notes
Device Safety:
- Accounts, usernames and/or passwords are never to be shared with another student/individual
- Laptop devices should never be loaned to another student/individual
- Personal, identifiable information should never be posted on the internet
- Never leave devices unattended
- Secure devices in lockers when not in use and during after-school activities
Device Care:
- No decorations, stickers, drawing or writing on the device
- No eating or drinking near the device
- Do not expose the device to extreme heat, cold or rain
- Clean with a dry soft cloth only
- Do not drop or slam the device on any surface
- Do not places papers or other objects between the keyboard and screen and close shut/use as a folder
Having trouble with a student laptop? If you are having software issues or password issues, requests can be sent directly to the IT HelpDesk at helpdesk@calvertnet.k12.md.us. If a student is having hardware issues, broken screen, laptop will not turn on, etc., please see Ms. Mignardi in the library
Home Access Center Reminders (HAC)
Reminders regarding the Home Access Center that will make life easier.
- Students’ log in to HAC using their Office 365 credentials. Remember to use a capital S and their student ID number as their login (do not include the entire email address, just S + the student ID number).
- New parents and/or those who have never logged into HAC are able to self-register with their address and email address that the school has on record.
- Parents who are having trouble accessing HAC and have not been able to successfully reset their own password, can contact Ms. Barber in the Main Office at 443-550-8880 or barbers@calvertnet.k12.md.us. If you are sending an email, be sure to include your student information.
💙 Shine Our Light Shout-Outs 💛
.
Mr. King
---anonymous
Building Service
Wow! Just attended the CHS Open House and the school looked immaculate! Really showed a pride of ownership. Thank you so much for hard work.
--The Harper Family
Ms. Combs
---anonymous
CCPS Strategic Planning Community Forums
Save the date! We are seeking input from our parents, students, staff, and community members to help guide our next strategic plan. This is your opportunity to share your thoughts on the profile of a graduate, strengths, focus areas, and future outlook for our school system. Please make plans to join us at one of our Community Forums being held at 6 p.m. on September 18 at Huntingtown High School and at 6 p.m. on September 19 at Patuxent High School. Thank you for your support!
Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC)
The Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) hosts meetings and events throughout the year. The Committee has updated their yearly flier (attached below) for this year’s meeting dates. The first meeting is to be held via Microsoft Teams on September 19, 2023.
Nondiscrimination Statement
Calvert County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ancestry or national origin, familial status, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or genetic information in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Director of Student Services
Director of Human Resources
443-550-8000
For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System at: https://ocrcas.ed.gov or call 1-800-421-3481.
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Anti-sexual, Anti-racial and Anti-disability Harassment Statement
Discrimination can manifest itself in behaviors such as bullying, harassment, or intimidation of individuals.
Calvert County Public Schools does not tolerate any form of harassment including, but not limited to, sexual, racial, or disability. Any individual (student, employee, or community member) who believes that he or she has been subjected to any form of harassment is encouraged to report the allegation of harassment. Students, parents, and community members may report allegations of harassment to: Ms. Cecelia Lewis, Director of Student Services, Calvert County Public Schools, 1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Employees may report allegations of harassment to: Mr. Zachary Seawell, Director of Human Resources, Calvert County Public Schools, 1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Calvert County Public Schools is committed to conducting a prompt investigation for any allegation of harassment. If harassment has occurred, the individual will be disciplined promptly. Disciplinary actions for students found to have engaged in any form of harassment may result in suspension or expulsion. Disciplinary actions for employees found to have engaged in any form of harassment may result in suspension or termination.
Calvert County Public Schools encourages all students, parents, employees, and community members to work together to prevent any form of harassment.
For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System at: https://ocrcas.ed.gov or call 1-800-421-3481.
Calvert County Public Schools Antiracism Statement
Calvert County Public Schools explicitly denounces racism, bullying, discrimination, white supremacy, hate, and racial inequity in any form within our school community. Furthermore, CCPS will not tolerate the values, structures, and behaviors that perpetuate systemic racism.
Each member of the district, individually and collectively, is responsible for creating and nurturing a safe, antiracist learning environment where each student, staff member, and community partner is a respected and valued member of the CCPS community.