Newsletter - Spotsylvania County Public Schools · (front office secretary), Chris Kernisky (study...

7
Page 1 Greetings from the Principal Hello Courtland Families, It’s almost time to begin the 2017-2018 school year. We have spent the summer months preparing for an awesome new year. Teachers will be returning August 28th, and we will have some new faces on staff and some familiar faces in new places this year. Please be sure to welcome our new faces Stephanie Bradner (Nurse), Val Connors (front office secretary), Chris Kernisky (study hall para), Alan Phelps (Latin), Kathryn Simunich (CTE), Jane Yaracs-Matthews (Math), Lindsey Williams (German), and the familiar faces in new places are Matt Hibbs (Math) and Sherry Metzger (Library Secretary). These new staff members are dedicated professionals who will make a posi- tive contribution to Courtland High School. Parents, we want to work with you to make the most of your child’s high school experience. If you do not have a ParentVue account, please come visit us so that we can help you set up one. It is im- portant for students to see teachers, parents, staff and community all working together to keep our academic standards and expectations high. Communication is the key; every teacher can be reached by email. Email addresses are listed on the Courtland homepage and on the ParentVue/StudentVue accounts. Please keep in touch. To assist with keeping families involved in their child's education we have starting using schoolbookings.net to help schedule parent teacher conferences. You can find more information about this in the news- letter. We want every student and family fully engaged in the aca- demics and in extra-curricular activities at Courtland High School! It is very important for students to be present in school. We love to see their happy faces in their seats every school day. The calendar for school days and holidays is on the Spotsylvania County Schools homepage (www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us). Please use it when plan- ning family trips and vacations. School starts on Tuesday, September 5, this year. Beginning time is 7:35 a.m., and ending time is 2:20 p.m. Our traffic can be tricky in the morning, so please plan some extra time in your commute for possible back-ups. One more piece of great news is that Courtland High School will Courtland High School Back-to-School Issue August 2017 Phone: 540-898-4445 Fax: 540-898-4458 Newsletter Athletics Cafeteria Courtland Counseling Parent - Teacher Meetings Parking Information School Supplies Save This Issue! Important dates and information inside for the entire school year! have a new, electronic sign is in place at the end of our driveway, and we are currently waiting for fiber optics and electric to be completed. The sign will post events going on at the school as well as helping out-of-town visitors locate our campus. We are very excited for a new way to keep in touch with families and the community. The staff and administration are looking forward to another outstanding academic year. I want to thank our families in advance for their continued support of our efforts to make Court- land High the world’s greatest high school! All for the Paw! Sincerely, Cliff Conway Follow Courtland High School and Spotsylvania County Schools on Social Media CHS Daily Announcements: Will come to you automatically from school messenger as long as we have your email address on file. Twitter: @CourtlandPride - Mr. Conway’s twitter account @Counselors_CHS - CHS Counseling twitter account @CourtlandHSWeb - CHS webmaster twitter account @SpotsySchools - SCPS twitter account Facebook: SpotsylvaniaCountyPublicSchools - SCPS facebook Instagram: SpotsylvaniaCountyPublicSchools - SCPS facebook All students are responsible for paying class dues to participate in school activities and to avoid being placed on the debt list. Dues are collected by class sponsors, preferably during the first 2 weeks of school. Freshman ~ $10 --Sponsor Mr. Meek (Room 321) Sophomore ~ $10 --Sponsor Mrs. Petry (Room 128) Junior ~ $15 --Sponsors Ms. Hares (Room 362) Senior ~ $20 --Sponsor Ms. Kilpatrick (Library)

Transcript of Newsletter - Spotsylvania County Public Schools · (front office secretary), Chris Kernisky (study...

Page 1: Newsletter - Spotsylvania County Public Schools · (front office secretary), Chris Kernisky (study hall para), Alan Phelps (Latin), Kathryn Simunich (CTE), Jane Yaracs-Matthews (Math),

Page 1

Greetings from the Pr inc ipal

Hello Courtland Families,

It’s almost time to begin the 2017-2018 school year. We have spent

the summer months preparing for an awesome new year. Teachers

will be returning August 28th, and we will have some new faces on

staff and some familiar faces in new places this year. Please be sure

to welcome our new faces Stephanie Bradner (Nurse), Val Connors

(front office secretary), Chris Kernisky (study hall para), Alan Phelps

(Latin), Kathryn Simunich (CTE), Jane Yaracs-Matthews (Math),

Lindsey Williams (German), and the familiar faces in new places are

Matt Hibbs (Math) and Sherry Metzger (Library Secretary). These

new staff members are dedicated professionals who will make a posi-

tive contribution to Courtland High School.

Parents, we want to work with you to make the most of your child’s

high school experience. If you do not have a ParentVue account,

please come visit us so that we can help you set up one. It is im-

portant for students to see teachers, parents, staff and community all

working together to keep our academic standards and expectations

high. Communication is the key; every teacher can be reached by

email. Email addresses are listed on the Courtland homepage and on

the ParentVue/StudentVue accounts. Please keep in touch. To assist

with keeping families involved in their child's education we have

starting using schoolbookings.net to help schedule parent teacher

conferences. You can find more information about this in the news-

letter. We want every student and family fully engaged in the aca-

demics and in extra-curricular activities at Courtland High School!

It is very important for students to be present in school. We love to

see their happy faces in their seats every school day. The calendar for

school days and holidays is on the Spotsylvania County Schools

homepage (www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us). Please use it when plan-

ning family trips and vacations. School starts on Tuesday, September

5, this year. Beginning time is 7:35 a.m., and ending time is 2:20

p.m. Our traffic can be tricky in the morning, so please plan some

extra time in your commute for possible back-ups.

One more piece of great news is that Courtland High School will

Courtland High School

Back-to-School Issue August 2017

Phone: 540-898-4445

Fax: 540-898-4458

Newsletter

Athletics

Cafeteria

Courtland Counseling

Parent - Teacher Meetings

Parking Information

School Supplies

Save This Issue! Important dates and information inside for the

entire school year!

have a new, electronic sign is in place at the end of

our driveway, and we are currently waiting for fiber

optics and electric to be completed. The sign will

post events going on at the school as well as helping

out-of-town visitors locate our campus. We are very

excited for a new way to keep in touch with families

and the community. The staff and administration are

looking forward to another outstanding academic

year. I want to thank our families in advance for

their continued support of our efforts to make Court-

land High the world’s greatest high school! All for

the Paw!

Sincerely,

Cliff Conway

Follow Courtland High School and

Spotsylvania County Schools on Social Media

CHS Daily Announcements:

Will come to you automatically from school messenger

as long as we have your email address on file.

Twitter:

@CourtlandPride - Mr. Conway’s twitter account

@Counselors_CHS - CHS Counseling twitter account

@CourtlandHSWeb - CHS webmaster twitter account

@SpotsySchools - SCPS twitter account

Facebook:

SpotsylvaniaCountyPublicSchools - SCPS facebook

Instagram:

SpotsylvaniaCountyPublicSchools - SCPS facebook

All students are responsible for paying class dues to participate in school activities and to avoid being placed on the debt list.

Dues are collected by class sponsors, preferably during the first 2 weeks of school.

Freshman ~ $10 --Sponsor Mr. Meek (Room 321) Sophomore ~ $10 --Sponsor Mrs. Petry (Room 128)

Junior ~ $15 --Sponsors Ms. Hares (Room 362) Senior ~ $20 --Sponsor Ms. Kilpatrick (Library)

Page 2: Newsletter - Spotsylvania County Public Schools · (front office secretary), Chris Kernisky (study hall para), Alan Phelps (Latin), Kathryn Simunich (CTE), Jane Yaracs-Matthews (Math),

Page 2

Schedules Students will receive their 2017-18 class schedules during homeroom on Sep. 5, the first day of school. Upon arrival, students must report to homerooms; homerooms are designated alpha-betically. Find where your name falls on the posted list. Lists are in prominent positions throughout the building.

Important Paperwork Students receive important information during

the first week of school: information on pupil rights, school counseling programs, medication policy, textbook use, and an application form for free/reduced lunches.

Three forms must be completed and re-turned to school.

Student Code of Conduct

demographic/emergency sheet

green clinic card

After reviewing the Spotsylvania Student Code of Conduct booklet, students and parents should sign both sides of the back cover and return it. This is acknowledgment of the code of conduct, bus conduct, parental responsibility, com-puter use, and permission to publish student work, pictures and names. Please also update and re-turn the demographic/emergency sheet, and the green clinic card. Your help in getting this in-formation back to the school is appreciated.

Freshman and New Student Orientation Freshman and New Student Orientation is Wednesday August 30, 6:00-8:00 p.m., in the CHS Gymnasium. Reps from various clubs and organi-zations are available to accept membership and answer questions, the Cougar Zone (school store) is open, course schedules are available, and SCA seniors are giving guided tours.

Bus Routes Tentative bus stop times and locations will be mailed to the last recorded student address the week before school starts. Information is also available on the Spotsylvania County Schools website: www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us under Departments > Transportation > Bus Stop Information.

School Times

Classes should not be missed unless absolutely unavoidable. CHS instuctional

day begins at 7:35 a.m. and ends at 2:20 p.m. To be in class on time, please arrive no later than 7:20

Visitors All visitors MUST use the entrance leading in to the school’s main office. ALL PERSONS ENTER-ING THE BUILDING MUST PRESENT GOVERNMENT-ISSUED PICTURE IDENTIFICA-TION to do business in the school building between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM. After signing in, visitors receive an ID tag which must be prominently displayed during visits. Alumni visiting teachers need to make advance appointments. Alumni visit-ing current students is prohibited.

Administrators

Student Last Name begins with:

Administrator

A – Kh Mrs. White

Ki – Z Mr. Bartoszek

Grading Period

Interim Reports

Report Cards

1st 9 Weeks Oct. 5, 6 Nov. 9

2nd 9 Weeks Dec. 14, 15 Feb. 1

3rd 9 Weeks Mar. 1, 2 Apr. 19

4th 9 Weeks May 17, 18 Mailed Home

June 18

Page 3: Newsletter - Spotsylvania County Public Schools · (front office secretary), Chris Kernisky (study hall para), Alan Phelps (Latin), Kathryn Simunich (CTE), Jane Yaracs-Matthews (Math),

Page 3

CAFETERIA NEWS...

Full Price Lunch - $2.65 Reduced Price Lunch - $.40 Breakfast - $1.55 Reduced Price Breakfast - $.30

You can visit www.myschoolbucks.com to view your stu-

dent accounts and add money using a credit or debit

card or a paypal account. If you have any questions or

need assistance please contact Becky Noel at

[email protected]

Free and Reduced applications for the 2017-2018

school year are available after

August 22.

YOU MUST FILL OUT A NEW FREE/REDUCED APPLICATION

APPLICATION EACH YEAR According to school board policy, at the high school lev-

el, the following guidelines for purchasing school lunch-

es apply:

High school students will not be permitted a break-

fast meal which results in a debt to the student’s account.

Students will be permitted one debt transaction for a

reimbursable lunch meal.

Parent or student must pay any outstanding debt

balance before lunch will be provided after the one debt transaction has been granted.

Debts

Spotsylvania County Schools continues to enforce

payment of debts for lost textbooks/library books, class dues, art/business fees, lost/damaged equipment, and checks returned for non-sufficient funds.

Recently, letters were mailed to parents of students

on the debt list. Students who have not taken care of their financial obligations by the beginning of school will be denied the privilege of purchasing parking permits and participating in dances. Debts may be paid to Valerie Conners in the Main Office or Michele Jarvis-Nelms in the Counseling Office. If you believe records are in error, contact Ruth White.

Dress for Success

When shopping for new clothes, remember that school is a special place with a particular purpose—education. Many studies have shown that the way a student dresses affects the way he/she behaves and learns. Bare midriffs, shoulders or visible undergarments are not appropriate nor are articles of clothing with suggestive drug, alcohol, or tobacco slo-gans/artwork. Length of skirts and shorts should be at least mid thigh—generally no shorter than the fingertips when the arms are held at the sides.

ParentVUE allows parents access to academic and demographic information about their child/children. ParentVUE includes schedules, grades, homework assignments, SOL test scores, attendance, and much more. Through ParentVUE, parents can communicate by email with principals, teachers, and counse l o r s . Go t o h t t ps : / /parent.spotsylvania.k12.va.us/ for access. If you have not already set up your account, stop by the school to pick up your ParentVUE access code.

School Supplies

Once school begins, each teacher will explain the supply needs for each class, so correct supplies are purchased. Generally, teachers at CHS ask that stu-dents keep notes, handouts and assignments in a 3-ring loose-leaf binder. Blue and black pens should be used for assignments. Number 2 pencils are always useful.

All students who plan to purchase a parking permit must hold a

valid driver’s license. Driver’s license, valid car registration,

and completed parking application must be presented at the

time of purchase.

Only student or a legal guardian may purchase a permit (No

neighbors, siblings, grandparents, etc.).

After August 8, parking passes will be sold from

9:00 am to 2:00 pm each day.

**Students MUST be free of debts

to purchase parking permits.**

Page 4: Newsletter - Spotsylvania County Public Schools · (front office secretary), Chris Kernisky (study hall para), Alan Phelps (Latin), Kathryn Simunich (CTE), Jane Yaracs-Matthews (Math),

Page 4

Wed. Aug. 30 Orientation and Back to School Gymnasium 6-7 pm (freshmen)

7-8 pm (new AND returning students)

Wed. Oct. 11 Parent/Teacher Conferences 6-8 pm

Wed. Jan. 10 Parent/Teacher Conferences 6-8 pm

Wed. Mar. 7 Parent/Teacher Conferences 6-8 pm

Wed. May 23 Parent/Teacher Conferences 6-8 p.m.

DATE: EVENT: LOCATION: TIME:

WHAT IS IT?

This is an online booking program that allows parent to

book an appointment with teachers and staff during school-

sponsored events. Courtland began using the program last

school year for our final 2 parent/teacher conference nights.

By setting up appointment times with individual teachers,

parents are able to see a maximum number of staff mem-

bers in a minimum amount of time. We are also using it in

the summer to make appointments with our counseling staff

for registrations, class changes and student/parent/counselor

meetings.

HOW DO I ACCESS IT?

The website is www.schoolbookings.net

When you access the site, you will see a box on the screen

that asks you to enter your event code (see sample screen

below). Before any Courtland event, we will notify parents

and the public of the code that will access the scheduler.

This code (and a link to the site) will be posted on the

Courtland High School website. We will also send an auto-

message via email and phone to all contacts listed for our

students. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call

the school for assistance at: 540-898-4445.

Page 5: Newsletter - Spotsylvania County Public Schools · (front office secretary), Chris Kernisky (study hall para), Alan Phelps (Latin), Kathryn Simunich (CTE), Jane Yaracs-Matthews (Math),

Page 5

The CHS PTSU invites ALL Students, All Teachers, Parents, Grandpar-

ents, Relatives, and CHS Friends to join the Courtland High School

PTSU!

Sign up today!!!!

Parent/Teacher/Student Name: ____________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Phone Number: __________________ Cell (if different): _________________

EMAIL: __________________________________________________________________

Student Name: _______________________ Grade: ______ Willing to be a rep? Y N

Student Name: _______________________ Grade: ______ Willing to be a rep? Y N

Student Name: _______________________ Grade: ______ Willing to be a rep? Y N

Are you willing to be a volunteer for PTSU programs? Y N

Membership cost: $5/Person or

Member #1: _____________________ $_________

Member #2: _____________________ $_________

Member #3: _____________________ $_________

Member #4: _____________________ $_________

Donation: $_________

Total $_________ (check or cash)

Please mail this form and dues (or drop off at CHS main office) to:

Courtland High School PTSU

6701 Smith Station Road

Spotsylvania, Virginia 22553

If you have any questions, Please contact [email protected]

COUGARS UNITED

PTSU 2017 - 2018 School Year

Page 6: Newsletter - Spotsylvania County Public Schools · (front office secretary), Chris Kernisky (study hall para), Alan Phelps (Latin), Kathryn Simunich (CTE), Jane Yaracs-Matthews (Math),

Page 6

The Cougar Zone School Store will be open during

Freshmen Orientation/Back to School Night

Come see all the new Spirit Wear!

Make sure to check out our new

t-shirt collection.

Also Selected Styles on quick clearance!

Hoodies $15.00 to $20.00

T-shirts $5.00

The Cougar Zone accepts all major credit cards as well as

other forms of payment.

Open Daily during each lunch shift .

Courtland Clinic

During summer is a good time to get your Asthma

Action Plan, Allergy/Anaphylaxis Plan, Seizure

Plan, Medication Forms and other Health Related

School Orders from your student’s doctor.

Health forms can be found on the SCPS website

under the Health Services, Department tab.

If there are any new health developments for your

child over the summer, please inform the school

nurse at the beginning of school.

Have a great summer and stay healthy!!!

Stephanie Bradner, R.N.,

Courtland High School Nurse

Welcome to CHS from the Library Staff!

Mrs. Paula Joseph

Mrs. Amy Kilpatrick

Mrs. Sherry Metzger

Follow us on Instagram

@cougarsread

Stop by the library and learn about our 3D printer and makerspace and Battle of the Books!

2018 Yearbook Prices: Online ordering will open August 21st, 2018.

Early Bird Summer Special! $59 August 21st- September 1st

$65 September 2nd-December 20th

$70 December 21st-April 6th

$80 April 7th, first come first serve until they sell out!

Yearbook Senior Ads for class of 2018

Ad night-October 10th: one-on-one meet-ings with parents from 5-8 p.m. to design a special place in the yearbook to honor senior students. All submissions and pay-ments due by October 14, 2017.

Lifetouch School Pictures:

1-800-445-1189 or UCAnswers @lifetouch.com

Senior Class of 2018 Senior Portraits will be on the following dates:

Thursday 7/27/2017 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m

Wednesday 9/27/17 7:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Thursday 9/28/17 7:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Friday 9/29/17 7:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

School picture days for underclassmen:

Wednesday 9/20/17 & Thursday 9/21/17

Makeup: Friday 11/3/17

Theater/Dance Announcements

Auditions for the Fall One-Act-Sept. 14-at 2:45 in the

auditorium

Drama Club Meeting-2nd Friday of every month at 2:45 in

Room 152

Dance Club meets the third Friday of every month at 2:45 in

Room 152

Any questions--contact Ms. Bradley

[email protected]

Page 7: Newsletter - Spotsylvania County Public Schools · (front office secretary), Chris Kernisky (study hall para), Alan Phelps (Latin), Kathryn Simunich (CTE), Jane Yaracs-Matthews (Math),

Page 7