May 27-30, 2014

Hope you had an enjoyable long Memorial Day weekend with family and friends. Before sharing a few final words of the school year I want to take a few moment's pause to reflect and remember those who have served our country, and for those who continue to serve in our Armed Forces as well as other men and woman in uniform who provide us with our everyday freedoms and safety...Thank you! 

Spring Bash 2014-Kudos to Gaby Garcia, Tom Viskocil and Tim Fox for your fast thinking and flexibility as we quickly switched gears last week for Spring Bash.  Thanks to all who helped make the event in the gym fun, safe and successful.  

Preliminary Accreditation Goals (Compilation of the goals of all five teams)

1    1.  Improve communication between all stakeholders; Administration to teachers, teachers to teachers, school to parents, teachers to students and committees to committees. This communication should include, but not limited to how decisions are made regarding student discipline and consequences and follow through as well as clear and consistent guidelines for teacher expectations and procedures.    

2.  Continue our work on school climate. Work together to create an improved school atmosphere where unity, teamwork, trust and cooperation are evident in all we do.

3.  Focus on instructional practices and strategies resulting in at least a 2% improvement in each category (Reading, Writing, Math, and Science) on our standardized graduation test (PARCC) during the 2014- 2015 school year and each year to follow.

Calendar
5/27 Finals 2 and 3
5/28 Finals 4/5 and 6
5/29 Finals 1 and 7
Students dismiss at 11:00am each day

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5/27 Retirement Party 4:00pm Jakes 
5/29 Graduation Rehearsal 1:30pm NAU Skydome
5/30 CHS Graduation Ceremony 3:00pm

In this final Panther Report of the year I express my personal appreciation to you all for your work as we proceed on our journey of continuous improvement. It has been a very productive year and our students continue to achieve significant success. The graduating class of 2014 has set the bar.  I plan to send a Panther Report or two out over the summer to keep you all informed as we continue to plan for next year.
Thank you, have a great week and a wonderful summer!!!

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Update ~ May 19-22, 2104

Celebrating Success
Thank you all for your efforts to keep our students focused and working during the final weeks of the school year. The last few have certainly been filled with a lot of end of the year activity. The recent evening awards ceremonies highlighted our remarkable students, their impressive academic achievements and commitment to service.  Thank you Karen Hughes, LaShia and counselors for organizing these special events.   Did you know that this year's seniors, the graduating class of 2014, earned over $6,000,000 in scholarships?  Most scholarship money earned in Coconino's history. Go Panthers! On Thursday CHS Seniors came out in full force to give back, the CHS annual Senior Service Day was a tremendous success.  Thank you to Janet and everyone who pitched in to help.  The week concluded with a very successful Prom on Saturday night.  Thank you Gaby Garcia, Erin Motes, dance chaperones and student council for a wonderful evening. 
A special thank you to Cindy Walzer, CHS new PTO (PIT) President,  for hosting the best ever teacher appreciation happy hour at the Wine Loft on Friday.  Lots of laughs, smiles and good stories were shared. 

Testing
We are in the home stretch.  PARCC Field Test for English 11 is on Monday, May 19.   Please read carefully, the list of students who will be taking the test and allow for opportunities  for these students to make up missed work and final exam review.  These students will miss periods 1-4.  PARCC Field test for Geometry is Tuesday, May 20, periods 1-4. 
Thank you!

Bike-to-School Day
Tuesday, May 20. Hope you can ride in and join us for breakfast on the patio (Bike rack by the west bus loading area, beginning at 7:00am 5/20. 

Faculty Meeting
The last faculty meeting of the year is Wednesday, May 21, 1:15pm in the mini-theater. Following the meeting we will hold a graduation meeting for all graduation workers. 

Textbook Return
Officially begins Monday, May 19.  Please see e-mail from Jen Parker for this week's return schedule.  

It is now time to buckle up for safety as we gradually begin our descent on the last day of SY 2014. Enjoy the ride...

Calendar
5/19 PARCC English
5/19 S3 and PBIS End of year mtg
5/20 Bike-to-School day
5/20 Attendance Appeal Panel 2:30pm
5/21 Faculty Mtg followed by Graduation Worker Mtg
5/22 Runsanity 3:00pm (See Ken link for details)
5/23 NO SCHOOL


 “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

                                                    -Henry Ford

Update ~ May 13-16, 2014

Celebrating Success
This year continues to bring many reasons to celebrate. In the last few weeks as I walk around in the hallways I am in awe at the teaching and learning happening in every classroom in spite of the numerous interruptions and disruptions. Panther Strong indeed! Thank you CHS teachers!

CHS Sports wrap up continued:

•  Eight of our CHS Track and Field Athletes made it to the State Championships. 
•  Tennis finished off the year strong and even came home with bragging rights with one match win v. FHS (First time in several years). 

Theater

This year's Drama class produced a magical production of Peter Pan and Wendy. The acting talent and stage craft was remarkable. Congratulations to Kristy Long and her students. Great to see so many CHS Teachers at the weekend performance as well as many CHS families and community members. 

Awards

Proud parents and grandparents gathered on Thursday for the annual CHS Student Academic Awards Ceremony.  We truly have extraordinary students who will undoubtedly continue to thrive and make a positive impact wherever their journey takes them beyond Coconino High School. Congratulations also to Bob Friend and Ken Link who were recognized with an award presented by CHS students for their dedication and enthusiasm for teaching. A special thank you to karen Hughes and the CHS counselors for organizing this special event!

The same pride was felt at the annual JROTC Awards Ceremony on Tuesday. 150 cadets and their families came together to honor and recognize the many achievements accomplished by our CHS JROTC cadets. Congratulations to Chief Workman and Sargent Alves for their hard work and dedication to our students.  

AIMS

Although I can't climb to the mountain top to shout out this exciting news (Scores are embargoed until sometime this summer), I can tell you that CHS 10th grade AIMS Reading scores are in...Drum roll please ~  81% of our students met on this year's AIMS Reading. We slipped slightly in Writing (writing is not counted as part of our school profile by ADE), and Math scores are not in yet. 81% passing in Reading is the highest percentage passing for CHS in as long as anyone can remember. Congratulations to everyone and especially to our tenth grade English Teacher Team; Derek Born, Karlyn Heilman, Amy Bushyager and Shawna Klein. Way to Go, Panther Strong! 

Technology Lessons

First, let me say I am really sorry that I didn't give you more lead time of the requirement to teach the internet safety information to all of our students. Somehow the need to do this annually got lost in translation and I sincerely apologize. Hopefully you will find time to present the video this Thursday during Pathways if you have not already.  Once you have taught the lesson, please sign the Internet Safety Teacher sign off form and return to Becky.  If you need to wait until Thursday, May 22, I understand and we will let tech services know to expect the remaining forms by finals week. 

Testing, ah yes, testing

AP testing will continue through this week. PARCC Pilot testing is scheduled for next week, May 19 and 20. Please check email for details and the names of students who will be participating. Thank you for your patience, understanding and great attitudes throughout this arduous process. Remember the old saying, My mama told me there would be days like these? 

Teacher Appreciation
I hope you all enjoyed the breakfast hosted by CHS Student Council, all the treats and Friday's lunch provided by the front office staff.  I wish we could do that every week as a small way to show how much you are appreciated. Our Panther PIT (Parent Involvement Team) is hosting one more event in your honor. CHS Teachers are invited to the Wine Loft downtown, on Friday May 16 @ 4:00pm, to enjoy an adult beverage hosted by The Panther PIT. Invitations with a free drink coupon will be in your boxes this week.
 "Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher."
--Japanese proverb

Bike To School Day
BTSD is scheduled for Tuesday, 20 May. We are hoping to actively participate this year.   Ben Proctor, John Edwards,  Eric Neat and Les Hauer are working on putting together a continental breakfast for students and faculty who ride to school on the 20th. Hope you'll spread the word to your students and join us too. 

Runsanity
A group of teachers is slowly forming for a run, walk or hike on Thursday, May 22 at 3:00pm. For those who prefer a sweaty and cathartic endeavor a six or seven mile up hill run to Elden Lookout is one option, for others a 2-3 mile hike or run will begin at the trailhead on Shultz Pass Rd.  See Ken Link or Julie Vlieg for details. 

Dodgeball Anyone?
The annual Marshall Adult Dodgeball Tournament is around the corner, Sunday, May 18.  It's not too late to sign up. Registration fee for a team is $150.00. 

FUSD Insurance and Open Enrollment 
I have sent a separate e-mail with important information regarding Insurance benefits for SY 2014-15. 

Calendar

• May 13 ~ Last GDM of the year 8:00am room 204

                       ~ CHS & SMS Combined Band Concert @ CHS

• May 15 ~ CHS Scholarship Banquet Cafeteria 6:00PM
• May 15 ~ CHS Senior Service Day and first period CASA Presentation for all Juniors and Seniors. 
• May 16 ~ Panther Pit (Parent Involvement Team) Teacher Appreciation Happy Hour At the Wine  Loft, downtown. 

Update ~ May 5-9, 2014

Celebrating Success
This week, two Coconino High School Teachers were publicly recognized for being extraordinary teachers - Jennifer Hamilton was one of three top finalist for Coconino County Teacher of the Year.  At the same ceremony, Christine Sapio was recognized as Flagstaff STEM Teacher of the Year. Congratulations!
Also, this weekend CHS Student Ashli Eberly won honorable mention in the Jim Simmerman poetry contest. 
CHS Sports and Activities:
Our Panther Varsity Softball team had a stellar season.  After beating FHS in the final game of the season they made to the first round of the division II post season playoffs. 
Panther Varsity baseball also had a tremendous season and walked away with a big W against FHS at the last game of the year. The Panthers will host the second round of the playoffs at home on Tuesday, May 6 at 3:30pm.  Hope you can make it out to watch the game. (AIA sets the prices, adults $8, kids $6). 
Our CHS Track team set a record number of Personal Records this season.
CocoNuts Robotics to The World Championships
CHS Band came home with another "Superior with Distinction" recognition and Orchestra earned an "Excellent" rating at the final ABODA competition of the year. 
So many reasons to celebrate.  Congratulations to everyone! 

It's Teacher Appreciation Week! I know I don't say it enough, but I am forever grateful to you all for haven chosen to be teachers-Growing humans and shaping minds is truly the most noble profession of all. Thank you for giving your heart and soul and sometimes blood, sweat and tears for our students and the future of our world! You're the best! THANK YOU!  Hope you have a special week this Teacher Appreciation Week, 2014.  

Reminder
As we come down the homestretch the PBIS team is in search of students with perfect attendance. Students who do not have any attendance marks (with the exception of school excused) will be eligible to win free pizza coupons. The names of these students will be entered into a drawing that will take place during Thursday announcements this week and next.  Free pizza coupons will be delivered to the winning students.  Teachers need not do anything extra, just an FYI. 

Internet Safety
You may remember that last year all teachers were required to teach a brief internet safety lesson and sign off on a verification form.  I learned last week that this is a yearly requirement, soooo, I am asking that during our extended class time on Thursday, May 8, or Thursday, May 15 you review the internet safety lesson with your students. The lesson is grade level specific, if you have mixed grade levels in your 3rd hour, please choose the safety lesson form the grade level that is most suitable for your class. The lessons are brief, about 10-15 minutes and can be found by clicking  here.  Upon completion of the lesson please sign off on the verification form that you will find in your teacher mail box before Thursday.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

A Secret No More

It is with personal regret but warm wishes that I announce some news, that I have feared since I arrived at CHS. Ed Vesely’s quiet announcement of his retirement cannot be kept quiet any longer. The close of this school year marks the end of an era for Coconino High school. Officer Vesely will be moving on to the next chapter of his life.  I know you would all agree with me that CHS is indebted to Ed, not only for always ensuring the safety of our students, faculty and staff, but also for sharing his wisdom, camaraderie, excellent coaching and soulful approach to interacting with kids.   

We will honor Ed along with several other CHS faculty at a retirement party to be held on the patio at Jakes On The Green at 4:00PM on Tuesday, May 27. Everyone is invited to join us to extend their good wishes to Ed and the others as they begin their long and much-deserved vacation.  (With permission from the other retirees I will announce their names in upcoming PantherReports).

This Week

AP Testing 

5/5 Environmental Science rm 242 8:00am

5/6 Spanish Lang and Culture  rm 242 8:00am

5/7 Calculus rm 242 8:00am

5/8 English Lit rm 242 8:00am

5/9 English Lang rm 211 8:00am

5/9 Statistics Counseling Office 12:00pm 

Have a great full week :) Press on, Panther Strong!