May, 2013
In this Issue
:

Principal's Message

  

Stanford News

Yale News

   

Oxford News

 
Counseling Center

Library News

Activities

Athletics

PE Dept.
PE Handbook

PE Staff

News in Brief

Cougar Foundation


SART
Calendar
Support CHS
Zangle Information

Principal's Message

Pam Winter, Principal

Wow it has been a great spring! 

Registration for 2013-14 is completed.  Increased numbers are in Advanced Placement, advanced science and math, CART (Center for Advanced Research and Technology), performing arts and ROP (Regional Occupational Program) classes.  Advanced Placement testing is happening May 6 - 17.  Students and teachers have prepared for these exams and if passed can provide college credit and save money.  Additionally, students can be recognized as Advanced Studies Scholars of Distinction at Graduation by maintaining a minimum UC weighted GPA of 4.1 over five semesters (10th, 11th and first semester of 12th grade), passing at least two Advanced Placement exams with a score of 3 or higher by the end of their junior year, and completing at least five Advanced Placement classes in their high school years.  Spring sports are going strong.  Thank you to the coaches, athletes and their parents for all of the time and efforts that prepare our teams to be successful.

May will be a very busy month with many end of the year events and celebrations.  Read the master calendar under school information at the CHS website to find out more information. 

STAR testing is over and I look forward to receiving the results in August.  All students and teachers have worked hard to improve student learning and to achieve CHS’s goal of an 848 API score.  Last year, CHS achieved its goal of 840.  Way to go CHS!

Construction will continue through this fall with upgrades to the library, and A, B, C and D building.  In 2014 – 15, upgrades will be made to the cafeteria, E, K, N and P buildings, the gyms and the playing fields.  The modernization will be great once it is completed.

Parents, please keep informed of your student’s grades.  Twelve-week progress reports were mailed home recently, and parents can access Zangle Parent Connect for further information.  If your student earns a D or an F at the end of his or her second semester, please call your student’s counselor in June to make sure that your student’s schedules for summer school and for the 2013-14 school year are correct. 

Mark your calendar for Clovis High’s Graduation on Thursday, May 30.  It will be great!

 

Stanford News

Sean Osterberg, Learning Director


State History Day

This last weekend Clovis High competed at State History Day in Sacramento. Our group website was a finalist in state competition. Congratulations to all the students who made it to state competition. (see picture to the right)

Monica Tran, Cynthia Huang, Davis Huang, Andy Leng - Senior Group Website (Finalist) one of the top 8 in the whole state!

Elisa Duffy - Senior Individual Website

Chloe Batchelder - Senior Individual Website

Merel Dagher, Lina Khoeur - Senior Group Documentary

Leilani Myers - Senior Individual Exhibit

Preston Mott - Senior Paper

Alexis Macedo, Ramleen Boparai - Senior Group Exhibit

Social Science

Clovis High School had 19 participants in the County History Day competition last month and 12 of them were winners and will go on to compete at the State History Day competition on April 27th. We are proud of the accomplishment of our young historians and wish them luck in the State competition. Students that win at the state level are then headed to compete at the National competition in June. On another note, the Social Science staff is excited to see how our students do on state testing that will begin on April 25th and Advanced Placement testing that will begin on May 6. These important tests will measure what the students have learned throughout the year and will influence how we approach the next year. We are all eagerly anticipating another good year for Clovis High School.

Clovis High State History Day Participants - Congratulations!


Turnitin Discourages Plagiarism


English

            In May, all English classes will be administering the second performance expectation benchmark writing assessment. These essays test writing competency where students demonstrate their understanding of literary analysis.  This year the assessments have been restructured to reflect the new common core writing standards. Holistic rubrics are used by each respective grade level team to score each paper.  English is continuing to develop innovative teaching practices, is setting goals, and is working diligently to facilitate optimum student achievement.  All classes are focused on preparation for the upcoming STAR test.

            The English Department  has just concluded administering the last district reading benchmark (LAFT) assessment for this school year.  This standards-based test targets how well students have mastered the grade level standards.

            The department continues to utilize Turnitin.com, a program designed to help detect and discourage plagiarism.  This program encourages students to produce their own writing and prevent academic plagiarism.  With the advances in technology, students have easy access to the Internet and unfortunately this has increased the ease with which students find ways to shortcut the process of producing original work.  Teachers continue to teach ways to guard against students plagiarizing assignments.

            Registration for the 2013-2014 school term has concluded.  If your student was absent on the day of registration, please be certain he/she contacts his/her counselor.




Cavalcade available soon!

The Clovis High Yearbook Cavalcade has been completed and will be flying off the presses soon. It has 368 full color pages commemorating the school year and the student body. The theme is “Connected” and more effort than ever has been invested in getting every student in the book. Hundreds of extra books have been ordered, but to be certain you get one before they run out, pre-order online; just follow the link on the CHS website. At $59 it’s the least expensive yearbook in the district AND this year’s cover is the most impressive in Clovis Unified history!

 
Yale News
Brian Richardson, Learning Director

Yale College
Student of the Month
for March:

Career Ed/ROP- Wyatt Jones

Performing Arts- Dylan Johnson

Visual Arts- Debbie Thiessen

Science

Biology- Matt Eastridge

Biology- Melissa Brocks

Chemistry- Savannah Stupay

Teacher of the Month- Mrs. Kehler

 

 

Clovis High Excels at Science Fair/Olympiad!

Science Fair

Congratulations to the following students at the Central California Regional Science, Mathematics & Engineering Fair.

Teagan Pope- Special Award, CSU Fresno

Andy Leng- Engineering-Honorable Mention

Jessica Amber- Animal Science-3rd

Sadie Swift-Plant Science-3rd

Taylor Frazen-Physics-3rd

Adam Prentice-Physics-2nd

Gilad Ronat-Computer Science/Mathematics-2nd Advance to State!

Special thanks to Diana Herrington, Jeanette Coburn, Sherra Vongher and Todd Kennedy for their support with this year’s projects.

 

Science Olympiad

Congratulations to our two Clovis High Science Olympiad teams for their Top Ten Valley finishes. Thanks to the leadership of Diana Herrington, Jeanette Coburn and Carolyn Mendonca.

Alana Stevenson, Cynthia Huang-1st – Technical Problem Solving

Merel Dagher, Lina Khoeur- 2nd – Anatomy

Lina Khoeur, Davis Huang- 3rd – Water Quality

Andy Leng, McKenna Haus, Shelby Sturgeon- 3rd – Experimental Design


Career Ed/ROP

The 2013 Career Skills Challenge, sponsored by Fresno County ROP, took place this April with CHS Automotive Technology and Building Trades placing:

ROP Construction Tech wins 1st & 3rd at CSC

CHS Automotive Technology places 1st and 3rd at theCareer Skills Challenge.

1ST place Automotive Technology: Leo Vang

3rd place Automotive Technology: Johnny Lefebvre



 

 

 

 


Performing Arts-Winter Programs Wrap Up Successful Season

Our J.V. Guard Winter Guard won their class!!!

They are the Scholastic Silver Regional “A” class champions!

Our Varsity Guard ended in 3rd place.

Our “A” Percussion Line ended in 7th place… This is the first year this group has ever existed and we are the only group in the entire valley to have 2 drum lines!!!!


Our “World” aka the varsity Line Won the SJVCGPR World Championship after 17 years of not winning the title. They had an undefeated season!!! They successfully bumped to world class in the WGI (World Guard International) circuit, which is the organization in which groups performs in the world!!!!

In the solo division, Sean Clark won the High School Snare division, Anthony Ortega won the High School Mallet division, & Reyes Burciaga won the Guard Equipment division.

 

Oxford News

George Alvarado, Learning Director

Mathematics Department

Congratulations to all the members of the Clovis High School Math Team who participated at Fresno State’s Math Field Day on Saturday. Special congratulations to Andy Leng and Cynthia Huang who earned 3rd Place in the Varsity Leap Frog competition.

The teachers and students in the Mathematics department have also been working extremely hard to prepare for the STAR testing. We greatly appreciate the tremendous pride our students have in continuing to increase our overall achievement.

The Mathematics department would also like to remind students and parents that extensive teacher assistance is available before school, during lunch and after-school. Please take advantage of these opportunities to improve understanding and academic achievement. There is still some time to earn high grades and/or improve grades.

 

Counseling Center

Gina Dean, Stephanie Frazier, Barbie Hansen, Karl Peterson, Gary Prentice, Billy Ware, Sonja Wilson

Making Plans For the Summer

Summer is a great time to get involved in extra-curricular activities that will prepare you for college and beyond.

  • EUREKA is a FREE college and career research engine that is available to all CHS students.  If you haven’t already done so, set up an EUREKA account at www.eureka.org (User Site Code: NJHXNVC).  Students can explore colleges and career options, create a resume, and complete a number of assessments to assist in planning beyond high school.
  • Other career exploration websites:
  • Get involved in community service.  Check out the “Community Service Opportunities” binder in the Counseling Center, visit http://www.handsoncentralcal.org/ or contact an organization of your choice to get involved.
 
Library News
Laura Collins

LIBRARY RENOVATION

If you look closely at the southwest corner of Clovis High’s library building, you will see a plaque dated 1969. Yes, our library is 43 years old and it’s time for a face lift! Thanks to Measure A funds, we will be experiencing renovation beginning on May 27th. While end-of-the-year textbook check-in may be a bit hectic due to the commencement of construction, we will do our best to serve the CHS community efficiently. Although construction will make some inconveniences unavoidable, we are working to make the situation as painless as possible for our patrons. The outcome – 50 computer stations, new bookcases, a new floor plan, and energy-efficient windows among other things – will be worth the work of packing and moving our library.

We hope you will drop by in the fall to see our beautiful new library. In the meantime, remember to visit our CYBRARY at www.chslib.com. Many wonderful e-resources are available there – perfect for completing end-of-the-year projects. Need login information? Our username is always clovishs and our password is always cougars. Why use Wikipedia or random websites you found via Google when you can get to good information immediately? Our CYBRARY has what you need.

 



IT’S TIME FOR AP EXAMS!

The library will be closed often due to AP Exams from May 6 – 17. (See table below.) While we lament having to close to the many students who use our library regularly, we must provide a good test setting for our AP students. Please note that the textbook room will be open when the main library is closed. Students may also use the book drop to return library materials.

AP TEST SCHEDULE

The testing dates and times below are established by the College Board. We are not allowed to modify them at our site. Also: students must sit for the entire duration of their exam. They may not be excused early per College Board policy.

2013 Exam Calendar – Week 1

Morning –Report to library
by 7:30 AM

Afternoon –Report to library
by
11:30 Am

Monday, May 6

Chemistry

Psychology

Tuesday, May 7

Spanish Language

Wednesday, May 8

Calculus AB

Calculus BC

Thursday, May 9

English Literature

Friday, May 10

English Language

Statistics

2013 Exam Calendar – Week 2

Morning –Report to library
by 7:30 AM

Afternoon –Report to library
by
11:30 Am

Monday, May 13

Biology

Physics B

Tuesday, May 14

Government (U.S.)

Wednesday, May 15

U.S. History

European History

Thursday, May 16

Macroeconomics

Friday, May 17

Spanish Literature

What you should bring:

  • Several sharpened No. 2 pencils (with erasers) for all multiple-choice answer sheets
  • Your student ID card or other photo ID
  • Pens with black or dark blue ink for completing areas on the exam booklet covers and for free-response questions in most exams
  • A watch (in case you cannot see the clock easily)
  • Up to two calculators with the necessary capabilities if you are taking an AP Calculus, Chemistry, or Statistics Exam 

(Visit www.collegeboard.com/apstudents to learn more about the calculator policy for each of these exams and for a list of authorized calculators.)  Please bring your own spare batteries.

What you should NOT bring:

  • Cell phones, PDAs, MP3 players, e-mail/messaging devices, and any other electronic or communication devices
  • Books, compasses, colored pencils, correction fluid, dictionaries, highlighters, or notes
  • Rulers and straightedges
  • Scratch paper (notes can be made on portions of the exam booklets)
  • Computers or calculators (except as noted above)
  • Watches that beep or have an alarm
  • Portable listening or recording devices (even with headphones) or photographic equipment
  • Food or drink (you may bring snacks for your break, though)
  • Clothing with subject-related information

You are required to arrive no later than one half hour prior to your exam: 7:30 a.m. for the morning administration and 11:30 a.m. for the afternoon administration. LATE STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ADMITTED.

Get a good night’s rest before your exam and eat a nutritious breakfast. Food and drink are prohibited in the exam room, but for your 10-minute break, you may bring your own snack and beverage. You may want to bring a sweater in case the room temperature is below your comfort level.  

You are required to abide by the policies of both the College Board and Clovis High School during the exam period. Any misconduct will be reported and could jeopardize your AP Exam grade as well as the exam grades of your fellow test takers.

If you decide not to take an exam, please inform me as soon as possible prior to the test administration. You must submit a refund request in writing in order to receive the partial refund of $76.00 per exam. Please include your home address with your request. If you received a fee reduction and you choose not to take the exam, you will owe $8.00 per exam to Clovis High School to reimburse the school for the $13.00 unused test fee charged by the College Board.

Be sure to review the 2013 Bulletin for AP Students and Parents that you received in February. If you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact Ms. Collins – 327-1210 or lauracollins@cusd.com.

 

Activities
Kate Williamson, Activities Director

 

 

 

Every 15 Minutes:

Clovis High School hosted Every 15 Minutes, a program sponsored by the CHP and Clovis Police Department to raise awareness about the effects of drinking and driving.  All juniors and seniors were directed to a staged accident on Barstow involving several student actors.  Students were able to witness, first hand, the effects of drinking and driving.  On the second day students were able to watch the video of the staged crash and the aftermath including what happens in the hospital, jail and at the homes of those affected.  Every choice matters.  Every 15 minutes an innocent life is taken by a preventable choice. 

 


 


Blood Drive:

CHS students came out to give the gift of life.  We had 160 pints of blood donated.  Thank you to our wonderful nurses, volunteers, students and the Central California Blood Center. 


 

Clovis High Pep and Cheer:

Our lady cougars traveled to Anaheim to compete at the USA Nationals Competition.  Congratulation to both PEP and CHEER!  Pep brought home a National Championship and Supersquad brought home a second place trophy.  We are so proud of all of our Cougar Pep and Cheer athletes. 

 



 


Prom:

Our juniors hosted a terrific Prom fair where vendors came out to Clovis High School during lunch so students could get information about anything Prom related.  Our Junior class officers have been working hard to make this year’s Prom unforgettable.  Prom is May 4th at Holland Park West.  Bids will be about $80 for couples and $40 for a single bid.  The Junior class has been selling Prom bids during lunch and after school.  Bids will continue to be sold through Friday, May 3rd.




Star Testing:

Our Cougars met their testing goal of 840 last year.  They were rewarded with a taco tailgate where each student who attended got 2 free tacos.  Thank you to Ocampo’s for coming out to make us delicious food.  Our 2013 goal is 848.  GO COUGARS!!!

Senior Activities

            SENIORS and families:  Graduation is quickly approaching!  May 30th is just around the corner.  A few reminders and announcements to keep you in the loop:

  • Cap and Gown orders along with announcement orders for graduation should have been completed.  If not, please call Graduate Services at 431-2541 immediately or visit their website at www.gradservicesltd.com
  • Announcements and senior handbooks were passed out at the mandatory senior Meetings that were held during STAR testing. 
  • Grad Night is at Six Flags Magic Mountain.  Cost is approximately $145We will travel to Grad Night on May 23rd.  We have a few spots still available, so get yours quickly.
  • Please take care of all financial and disciplinary obligations so participation in graduation will not be an issue. 
  • Make sure grades stay a priority as we approach graduation. 


Graduation is Thursday, May 30.  The stadium gates will open at 6:00 pm for all guests and the event will begin at 7:30.  Clovis High’s Graduation ceremonies have always been regarded as an event which celebrates the accomplishments of an entire class. We would appreciate your cooperation in supporting our efforts by displaying common courtesy and appropriate behavior in the stands. We ask that you do not cause any undue distractions during the ceremonies. Air horns, loud noisemakers, balloons and signs are not allowed in the stadium.

Graduation
Thursday, May 30

Athletics

Ed Schmalzel, Athletic Director

 



Cougar Athletes sign to continue athletic careers

Athletic Director Ed Schmalzel and the Cougar coaches have recently hosted receptions for the athletes signing letters of intent to continue their athletic careers. Many family members, friends and fans came to congratulate the athletes and wish them well as they move on to colleges. Congratulations Cougars!

Left to right, Jonas Gaytan - Wrestling at Kent State, Taylor Reeves - Soccer at Waldorf College, Conner Cookingham - Water Polo at Fresno Pacific, Steven Kaufmann - Water Polo at Fresno Pacific, Dillon Robinson - Water Polo at Fresno Pacific (absent - Joe Gravely, Water Polo at Fresno Pacific)

 

 

Left to right, Scott Liddell - Swimming at University of Hawaii, Montana Lowe - Volleyball at Fresno Pacific, Logan Costa-Smith - Crew at Santa Clara University, Nick Alexander - Water Polo at UC San Diego


 

 





Badminton



Badminton Team and Individuals have great season!

Chia Lor (left) and Julianna Martinez (right) placed 4th overall in the valley at the individual valley badminton playoffs. Alexis Rodriguez (middle) and her partner Cassidy Crouch came in fifth. Way to go Cougars!


Join Gymnastics!

Consider coming out for gymnastics next year! We are a winning team with 14 straight championships! See Mrs. Belman in N-01 for details and athletic forms.


Want to be quicker, faster and stronger? Sign up for the
Summer Combine

Coach Johns and Coach Hammond are once again offering a Summer Combine through the Sports and Rec Department to anyone interested in increasing their athleticism. For more information and to sign up click here.

WORKOUT OBJECTIVES…
Quicker, Faster, and Stronger.
1) Plyos…Explosiveness and power, including joint and core stability.
2) Condition. Be in top shape for your fall sport.
3) Running & movement drills…speed, agility, quickness, technique.
4) Strength…through a range of motion…MAXIMIZE gain.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED…shorts, tennis shoes, cleats, towel, & bottled water
.


Hey Freshman - So you want to be a
Cougar Athlete?

The Clovis High Athletic Family is always in need of athletes who have the desire to become a Cougar. Even if you have never played a sport or have not played since your elementary days - there may be a spot for you! Most freshman teams have a no cut policy and are in need of an athlete just like you - a student that wants to be a part of something - and there is nothing more worthwhile than joining the world of Cougar Athletics.

Most programs have a flyer or registration sheet available. Please contact the Clovis High Athletic Office or the Main Office Desk for more info - or visit the CHS Athletics Website for the latest info on summer workouts and camps at www.chs.cusd.com/athletics

For more information on summer programs and sports available at Clovis High click here.

State Champions
Clovis High Wrestling



Cougar Spring Season Athletes Host
Clovis High Area School Athletes

The Cougars were excited to be able to host a luncheon for the Future Cougars from Cedarwood, Cox, Clovis Elementary, Red Bank, Sierra Vista, Jefferson, Gettysburg and Weldon elementary schools and the Chieftains from Clark Intermediate. Thanks to Area Superintendent Barry Jager and his assistant Teri Ireland, the athletes enjoyed a pasta lunch from Luna's Restaurant. Athletic Director Ed Schmalzel and the spring coaches also gave out raffle prizes and the high school athletes entertained the crowd. We look froward to all the young athletes joining us as Cougars!

Welcome to our Clovis Area Feeder Schools

 

The Cedarwood Hawks

 

The Clark Chieftains

 

The Clovis Elementary Jaguars

 

The Cox Cowboys

 

The Gettysburg Generals

 

The Jefferson Bluejays

 

The Red Bank Bobcats

 

The Sierra Vista Vikings

 

The Weldon Warriors

 

 

Baseball


Boys and Girls Golf


Softball


Swim and Dive


Boys Tennis


Boys Track and Girls Track


Boys Volleyball



Concussion Information for Athletes and Parents

Below is the latest information and rules for students who suffer a suspected concussion during athletic events or practices. This information will also be included in the athletic packet that parents and students sign to participate on a CHS athletic team.

Any athlete even suspected of suffering a concussion or head injury shall be removed from the game or practice immediately. The student-athlete shall be removed for the remainder of the day. A student-athlete who has been removed from play may not return to play until the athlete is evaluated by a licensed health care provider (see below) trained in the evaluation and management of concussion and receives written clearance to return to play from that health care provider.

LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS
Question: What licensed health care providers are trained in the evaluation and treatment of concussions/brain injuries and authorized to allow the athlete to return to play?

The “scope of practice” for licensed health care providers and medical professionals is defined by California state statues. This scope of practice will limit the evaluation to a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO)

Link to more Concussion Information



What Makes A Nightmare Sports Parent --
And What Makes A Great One
?

Hundreds of college athletes were asked to think back: "What is your worst memory from playing youth and high school sports?"

Their overwhelming response: "The ride home from games with my parents."

Read on . . .

Physical Education

Ed Schmalzel, Learning Director for Physical Education

Welcome to the world of Physical Education! Most of your questions regarding PE can be answered in the PE Handbook. Here is a link to the:  Physical Education Handbook

Physical Education Department Staff:

Peter Tragitt, Department Chair (petertragitt@cusd.com)

Stacey Schiro (staceyschiro@cusd.com)

Debby Mennucci (debbymennucci@cusd.com)

James Patrick (jamespatrick@cusd.com)

Steve Tirapelle (stevetirapelle@cusd.com)

John Jones (johnjones@cusd.com)

Kevin Johns (kevinjohns@cusd.com)

Richard Lake (richardlakejr@cusd.com)

Johnny Lopez (johnnylopez@cusd.com)
Rich Hammond (richhammond@cusd.com)

 
Cougar Foundation
Becky Luplow
 

COUGAR STORE SALE

50% off all Spirit Items

(Except PE Clothes & Stadium Chairs)

Until the End of School

No Returns or Refunds

IMG_0204.jpeg
 
 

News in Brief

 

CHS SART and IDAC meetings

SART (Student Assessment Review Team) and IDAC (Independent Diversity Advisory Council) are monthly meetings that all parents are invited to attend in order to become better informed about programs and services offered at CHS.  All meetings are at 9:45 – 11:00 am. at CHS on Thursdays, September 13, October11, November 8, December 13, January 17, February 14, March 14, and May 9 in room K-01.




SUPPORT CHS without spending any extra money

  • Savemart and Food Maxx:  Swipe your SHARES card every time you shop and 3% of your purchase price goes back to CHS.  If you or your neighbors need SHARES cards, there are more in the CHS front office.
  • Target:  If you designate on your Target credit card, then 3% of the purchase price returns to CHS.

Thank you for your support of Clovis High School




Parents: Check Zangle!

Parents please check Zangle, Parent Connect, weekly to track your student’s assignments, grades and attendance.  If you need a password, please email the CHS registrar at, tiffanygaskill@cusd.com .  If you have questions about what you see on the Zangle Parent Connect report, please have your student ask the teacher or contact the teacher by phone or email.