Senator Square: Rise and shine for a new school year at Carson High

Young people like to sleep in, and so do some eccentric teachers for that matter, but it is time for everyone, parents included, to set that alarm clock and prepare for the 2017-2018 school year at Carson High School.

Teachers reported back for duty August 16, meeting at the Carson City Community Center for a beyond hilarious and exceptionally applicable presentation by vice principal and teacher Byron Dueck from British Columbia, Canada. Yes, it is difficult to take it in, but Canadians have something to say too, once in a while.

The morning event began with Carson City School District Superintendent Richard Stokes inviting those board members representing the Carson City School Foundation, a 501c3, to talk about the nonprofit organization.

CCSF board members present were Steve Reynolds, Chairman; Keith Squires, Board Member; Casey Gilles, retired principal; and Bob Crowell, Carson City Mayor. Mr. Dueck, author of Grading Smarter Not Harder: Assessment Strategies That Motivate Kids and Help Them Learn, spoke to the hearts, minds, and sense of humor of every teacher present.

Dueck took the serious topic of education and mesmerizingly held hundreds of teachers in a constant state of engagement and laughter. Tomorrow is the first day of school for the 2017-2018 school year, so here is a welcome back to all returning students, teachers, and administrators of CCSD.

And just in case anyone missed it, CHS is starting tomorrow, Monday, August 21 on a “C Day” schedule; students will attend all seven of their new classes, receive their very own Chromebook from librarian Ananda Campbell, and will return to the regular A/B schedule on Tuesday, August 22. Lake Tahoe is just up the hill, so please enjoy this last remaining day of summer vacation.

Safe Grad Says Thank You
The Carson High School Safe Grad Committee would like to take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to the Carson City Community for all their support for the 2017 Safe Grad Celebration Party making Safe Grad the best and safest celebration for CHS seniors. It was a huge success with over 200 students in attendance. Safe Grad could not have done it without the continued support of this community.

For the past 31 years, parents, volunteers, and businesses like yours have provided an alcohol and drug free environment for all CHS graduating seniors. This program has been a proven success throughout the years since there has not been a single graduate fatality on graduation night since this program’s inception. In looking forward to the 2018 Safe Grad event, volunteers and donations are always needed, and there are still officer positions to fill on the committee. Safe Grad can also use volunteers to help throughout the year to get things in order for the 2018 Safe Grad event. Contact carsonhighsafegrad@gmail.com if interested in volunteering to continue making this event great for CHS seniors.

Link Crew and Freshman Orientation
As expected, Carson High School Freshman Orientation, and the CHS Kick-off were a success with Link Crew very excited about all students attending CHS this year.

CHS participates in the nationwide Link Crew Program, an organization whose sole purpose is to help freshmen feel more comfortable as well as help them achieve success in school. Orientation is designed to both welcome and support freshmen by assigning them a Link Leader as a mentor during this first year.

This Link Leader is a responsible older student who has met the qualifications of being a good role model and a positive leader on campus. Teachers, Shanell Cavener and MaryAnne Weaver, are the Link Crew Coordinators, so in case students missed orientation, they may call or email: 283-1747 and scavener@carson.k12.nv.us for Ms. Cavener or 283-1728 and maweaver@carson.k12.nv.us for Mrs. Weaver. Welcome to the Senator Family.

Astronomy and Physics
CHS teacher James Bean’s astronomy and physics classes will be outside on the first day of school to view and take pictures of the solar eclipse. Getting a hold of Mr. Bean is easy: call 283-1714 or email him at jbean@carson.k12.nv.us.

Kicking Off the New School Year
Required for all students in all extra-curricular activities, free entry to home games, and discounted dance tickets is the SBC sticker for $25. Parking spaces are now $25. PE Uniforms are also $25. Student ID cards will be provided, once school begins, to all students.

The State of Nevada requires all students to have a picture student ID when registering for State of Nevada tests. Lockers are $10, and this fee covers all four years. Students who have already purchased a locker will keep the same locker. The $10 fee includes the lock with a $5 replacement fee for lost locks. There is no sharing of lockers! Yearbooks may be pre-ordered: see Mrs. Quinn-Davis in room 136. For more information go to carsonhigh.com.

Back to School Night at CHS
The Social and Emotional Learning committee is doing some exciting things this year, and the biggest and most community oriented focus is the expanding of CHS Back to School Night scheduled for September 13. SEL Co-Chairs Kelly Edmundson and Emilee Riggin have been working this summer to get 501c3 non-profits and public benefits ranging from Human Health and Services to the FISH food bank to come and be present this night. SEL is also working on getting food donations.

There are a great many community service members coming together including food donations from local businesses supporting the school. For questions about anything pertaining to SEL, please call or email Kelly K. Edmundson, Lead Safe School Professional & School Mental Health Worker III, at 775-283-1821 and kedmundson@carson.k12.nv.us, or call or email teacher, Emilee Riggin at 775-283-1806 and eriggin@carson.k12.nv.us.

Student Absence Reporting
Parents and guardians, if your student must be absent or leave during the day for any reason, please review the ‘Attendance Information’ under ‘Quick Links’ at carsonhigh.com. When calling 775-283-1910, and receiving a recorded message, please respond with the following information: Student’s legal name spelled out, grade, your name, your relationship to the student, and the date of and reason for the absence.

— Senator Square columnist Phil Brady is an English teacher at Carson High School.