Cambridge High School   
 
October 20, 2017

Cambridge
High School 
2845 Bethany Bend
Milton, GA  30004
Main: 470-254-2883
Fax: 470-254-2927   

Principal
Dr. Edward Spurka
spurka@fultonschools.org

Assistant Principal
Kim Premoli
9th Grade
Curriculum

  
Assistant Principal
Darius Maize
12th Grade
maize@fultonschools.org  

Assistant Principal
11th Grade
Jennifer Beard
  
Assistant Principal
Shavanda Toomer
10th Grade
toomer@fultonschools.org

Athletic Director
Lesley Broadwell
broadwelll@fultonschools.org
    
Administrative Assistant
Peter Vajda
vajdap@fultonschools.org


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President
Cindy King




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Follow Dr. Spurka on Twitter @CambridgeHS1    

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Cambridge Headlines - Student Announcements
Delivered daily to your student's FCS email account and posted to Cambridgehs.org  
 
Visit Cambridge Athletics at CambridgeBears.com   

Visit Cambridge Guidance at  Cambridgehscounseling.com  

Visit Fulton County Schools at Fultonschools.org
National Bound Cambridge FFA Recognized by the City of Milton
Monday, October 16, 2017

On October 16, 2017, the City of Milton made a Proclamation recognizing Cambridge High School FFA and the eight-member team representing and competing for Cambridge FFA in four areas at the National FFA Convention & Expo, October 25 - 28 in Indianapolis. Councilmember Bill Lusk presented the Proclamation.

The Cambridge FFA chapter was chosen as one of ten finalists to compete for the 2017 National FFA Model of Excellence award from the National FFA Organization. The National Chapter Award is the highest honor awarded to a high school FFA chapter by the National FFA Organization. Ten FFA chapters will compete in a presentation and interview process for the top honor. Senior Meaghan Bybee and Sophomore Allie Maloney will present for Cambridge. 

Cambridge was also chosen as one of ten finalists for the National Premier Chapter: Strengthening Agriculture award. The chapter's Vet Camp program was submitted for this recognition. Sophomores Maddie Feely and Allie Maloney will participate in a presentation and interview process for this National award. 

For the second year in a row, the Cambridge FFA Agricultural Communications Team won the State FFA competition in March and earned the right to represent Georgia FFA during the National Convention. The following students will compete in areas such as Associated Press Style Editing quizzes, a media plan, individual practicums, and a presentation: Seniors Hayley DeSandre and Brittany Breedlove, Juniors Cailey Doyle and Aalia Garrett.

Senior Grace Fabio was selected to join the National FFA Chorus and will perform at the convention. Cambridge FFA Advisors Sarah Nerswick and Ashley White will coach the students during the three-day National competition.  

Pictured: Councilman Bill Lusk, Maddie Feely, Allie Maloney, Grace Fabio, Cailey Doyle, Aalia Garrett, Hayley DeSandre, Brittany Breedlove, Meaghan Bybee, Advisor Ashley White, and Advisor Sarah Nerswick. Back row: Councilmember Karen Thurman, Councilmember Joe Longoria, Councilmember Rick Mohrig, Mayor Joe Lockwood, Councilmember Matt Kunz. 

Cambridge Theatre 
Superior Ratings and All Star Cast Recipients
Cambridge Theatre  received Superior Ratings at the Georgia Theatre Conference. Cambridge Theatre performed The Diviners at the Georgia Theatre Conference hosted by the University of West Ga. October 12-14, 2018. Orien Roy was awarded "All Star Cast" for acting the role of CC Showers. This is Orien's third year in a row receiving this honor. 

Plan now to attend for the upcoming holiday production, The Most Amazing Christmas Play Series in the Entire World, December 7 and 8, at 7:00 pm in the Cambridge Theatre!

Schedule for Week of Oct. 23 - 10th Grade Testing
Students Currently Taking 10th Grade Literature
Reading & Evidence-Based Writing Field Test - October 23 and 24
The Georgia Department of Education is conducting a field test for the Reading & Evidence-Based Writing (REBW) section of the English Language Arts Georgia Milestones Assessment. Field testing is an important step in the test development process.  It allows for a trial run of items that in the future could appear on a Georgia Milestones assessment. As part of this field test, schools from across Georgia have been identified to administer two sets of Georgia Milestones test items.

We are pleased that our students taking 10th Grade Literature have been selected to participate in this field test. The Reading & Evidence-Based Writing field test is scheduled to be administered October 23- 24, 2017.  The testing time required is approximately 30 minutes for Section 1 and will be conducted during your student's 10th Grade Literature class on Monday, October 23. Section 2 of the field test is 90 minutes and will be conducted during an advisement period the morning of October 24. (Please see bell schedule below.) Students taking FVS or GAVS 10th Grade Literature are not required to test.

It is important to note that students are not being evaluated and will not receive a score for the field test; however, participation in the field test offers an opportunity for additional experience working with this section of the test. The information gained from this field test will provide the state with data to aid in the evaluation of the test items. There is no need for you, or your student, to prepare in advance of this field test.

We sincerely appreciate your student's participation in this crucial part of the development process for Georgia Milestones. If you have any questions, please contact Shavanda Toomer at
toomer@fultonschools.org 

9th, 11th, and 12th Grade Students (Not taking 10th Grade Literature)
October 24 during REBW Field Testing
If your student is not taking the Reading & Evidence-Based Writing Field Test on October 24 during an advisement period, we recognize that he/she may be more productive spending this time working from home. Not attending his/her advisement will not count against a student's final exam exemptions, as long as they check in by 10:30 am. Check-in will take place through the cafeteria. Students should be dropped off at the doors facing Cogburn Rd.

Bell Schedule - Week of October 23
To accommodate 10th Grade Literature - REBW testing on Tuesday, October 24, an advisement period will be held at the beginning of the day from 8:20 - 10:40 am. Also, Wednesday, October 25 is a GROWL Wednesday, also from 8:20 until 10:40 am. We will be on the same bell schedule both Tuesday and Wednesday. Please note the following changes:
  • The order of the classes for both days will be 1st through 7th. This change is for the October 25 GROWL Wednesday, only.
  • PAWS will not be held on Tuesday 
Please see the bell schedule here

PAWS Update from Dr. Spurka
Parents and Guardians,
I recently posted a letter about the success of our GROWL program and received a lot of positive responses.  I was asked to provide more information about another of our important programs for all students that we call PAWS ("People Always Willing to Share and Support), a unique CHS program that provides each student with opportunities to engage in enrichment, support, and special interests. 

Initially, PAWS was our response to a concern that both students and teachers voiced: a lack of time. Years ago and still today, many schools have a traditional school schedule where six or seven classes meet each day for approximately 55 minutes.  "Traditional" means that students and teachers experience the same schedule each day.  Our PAWS schedule introduced valuable time twice a week for our students to receive academic support or opportunities for personalized learning during the school day rather than after school like most traditional schools.  Students wanted to be able to delve deeper into some topics, to review difficult concepts/material at a slower pace, and to explore some subjects that would not fit in their schedules or that were not offered.  Teachers were willing and eager to provide students with these opportunities, but the confines of a traditional schedule prevented them from doing so.  And so, PAWS2 was born.

The ways PAWS works is fairly simple.  Each Tuesday and Thursday, periods 1 - 7 are shortened from the typical 57 minutes to 50 minutes to allow for a 43-minute block of time at the end of the day for PAWS.  Students select the PAWS courses they would like to take, with an added bonus of having the flexibility to change PAWS at any time throughout the semester should their needs change.  For example, a student who begins the semester with Disney Movies in Spanish on Thursdays might start struggling with a particular concept in Algebra I.  By filling out a Google form, this student can request to move to a math support PAWS. The only criteria to move to another PAWS section is that the course has space available. 

Currently, students may choose from among more than 90 PAWS offerings.  Some of the enrichment
courses include FFA leadership, Student Council, Reading Bowl, STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), and College Essay Writing.  Students who need support can sign up for a variety of courses, including Algebra 1, AP U.S. History, Economics, and Graphic Design.  Those looking to explore topics outside our curriculum might enjoy offerings such as Model United Nations, Board Games, Microsoft Office Certification, African American films, and Cambridge Rock Orchestra. 

To give you a closer look at our PAWS program, I've highlighted some of the success stories that I've heard from teachers and students. 
For students in the Talented and Gifted (TAG) program, PAWS is an opportunity to earn TAG credit without missing any class time.  TAG teachers offer a variety PAWS seminars such as Cool Science; Conspiracy Theories; Stop, Breathe, and Think; Global Studies; and Hire Me, a prerequisite to TAG internships available to juniors and seniors.  Department chair Dahlia Restler says that these offerings have been very well received by TAG students and that the seminars change each semester to offer students even more choices.  

The mathematics department offers numerous PAWS options as well; in fact, almost every math course in the curriculum has a corresponding PAWS course.  Math teacher Christina Whyte says that her students appreciate an opportunity to get more personalized attention in her Algebra I PAWS.  She is able to focus on specific questions and reinforce concepts that students previously lacked.
Social Studies teacher Lauren Hall has had similar success with her PAWS class on Gender Equality.  Students have written letters to congressmen and women regarding issues on upcoming healthcare bills, the wage gap, and family health and social services.  Students are learning how to get involved in issues that matter to them, extending their study of government through actual relevant, hands on learning. 

The World Languages department has found PAWS courses beneficial to students interested in
building their speaking, reading, and listening skills not only in French, Latin, and Spanish, but also in English.  An English Language Learner support PAWS has been very beneficial for students acquiring English skills, according to department chair Rachel Dines.  One student used this PAWS course to work on rewriting several essays for his English class.  His mother was so impressed with his work that she requested his sibling also be included in this PAWS class. 

Of course, many students elect to spend at least one PAWS day in a study hall.   Ms. Sims-Bailey notes that her students appreciate the time this gives them to ask questions and seek one-on-one help in her study hall that focuses on U.S. History.  Students who do not have history-related questions use the time to study other subjects in a quiet, supervised setting. 
Not all students sign up for a PAWS course at Cambridge.  Seniors have the option of an early release on these days, which affords them greater flexibility to meet their diverse goals.  Many seniors report t h at they use the time to complete online course work and participate in work-based learning or int ernships.  Others say that the early release gives them more time to work on school assignments and still  hold down an after-school job.  Some seniors, however, do take advantage of PAWS offerings such as College Essay Writing.  Once they finish the college application process, these seniors may elect an early release.  Another PAWS offering that seniors often take advantage of is AP Statistics.  Mathematics Department Chair Nancy Barker reports that she is able to give more individualized instruction in a smaller setting to her students who want extra help during the school day. 

My message to you as parents is to look over the Tuesday and Thursday PAWS menu and encourage your student to make the most of these opportunities. Whether your child needs academic support, want s unique academic experiences outside of the traditional classroom, is simply looking for opportunities to engage in sports or hobbies, or needs more time for online course work or an after-school job, PAWS most likely fits the bill.  A complete list of PAWS offerings is online at www.Cambridgehs.org

Sincerely,

Dr. Edward Spurka
Dual Enrollment Information Session
Georgia State University Alpharetta Campus
Georgia State University/Perimeter College will be hosting a dual enrollment information session on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 06:00 PM until 07:30 PM at
GSU Perimeter College, Alpharetta Campus
3705 Brookside Pkwy
Alpharetta, GA 30022

The evening information session will explain the Dual Enrollment Admission and Registration process including:
  • Admission guidelines and due dates 
  • Important state-wide updates 
  • Q& A, document collection and posting 
Please use the following link to register for this event.  Perimeter.gsu.edu.

Homecoming 2017

Milton's Rivers Alive
Visit campus



Milton's Rivers Alive came to the Cambridge campus last weekend. The group gathered trash and large items from the woods, creek, and lake. Thank you, Cambridge students who participated in this event.
 
Work-Based Learning
Attend Expo
On Friday, October 13, Fulton County Work-Based Learning (WBL) students attended an all-day expo at the Cobb Galleria.  The theme of the expo is "Move Forward and Claim Your Dreams."  

In Work-Based Learning, students examine career choices and gain employability skills through workplace training.  Our pre-expo activities included resume writing, interviewing tips, and employability skills. 

At the expo, students rotated through several sessions and heard presentations on various employment-related topics.  Students participated in a formal plated lunch in which a guest speaker shared the proper etiquette for meals within a business setting. 
FBLA Happenings
If you haven't joined FBLA yet - you are missing out!  Membership has been reduced to $35 (no t-shirt).

On October 12th FBLA students attended the Georgia State Fair where they had an awesome time on the rides and eating tons of really nutritious fair food.  If you missed out on our monthly Ice Cream Social held this week, watch your email announcements so you can attend next month's event.  See Mrs. Campbell or Coach Gray if you would like to compete in a Business or Technical competitive event.  
Keepsake Football Program
On sale at Friday's Varsity Football Game
Be sure to purchase a 2017 Cambridge Football program at the last home football game, this Friday, October 20th. This beautiful keepsake is available for sale in the stands and at the entrance at $20 for one or $30 for two programs.

This 80-page full-color program includes much more than just a football schedule and roster! Here is a sampling of what you'll find inside:
  • Pictures & roster of varsity football team, group pictures by position, and individual pictures of Seniors. 
  • JV and Freshman football/cheer pictures and football rosters.
  • Football coaches pictures and bios.
  • Football trainers pictures and bios.
  • Football/cheer pictures for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade feeder teams.
  • Cheer team pictures, roster, and individual senior pictures.
  • Pictures of the band, sections, and individual senior pictures.
  • Senior ads.
Buy one for yourself and a few for grandparents and relatives and capture these moments in your child's high school years!  

Morning Announcements
Delivered each morning to students
This year, Cambridge is delivering student and staff morning announcements electronically through Cambridge Headlines. Each morning, an email is sent to every student's FCS email address. Also, these announcements are posted to the school's website, www.cambridgehs.org.

To access a student's FCS email from any device, open a web browser and go to portal.office.com. Log into Office 365 using:

Username: studentid@fcstu.org
Password: birthdate (mmddyyy)
Seniors
Important Reminders
Senior Ads for Yearbook:
The deadline to purchase a senior ad is November 17, 2017. Don't miss this great opportunity to honor your graduating student. Ads can be built online at www.balfour.com. Don't forget to purchase a yearbook at the same time!

Senior Portrait for Yearbook:
The deadline to have your senior portrait taken to be included in the yearbook is October 21, 2017. Make your appointment with BPI as soon as possible. Call: 866-363-6936 

Senior Dues - PTSA: 
There is still time to pay Senior Dues, which fund senior activities. Forms can be found at www.cambridgehsptsa.com, under the membership tab. Fees are $80, made payable to CHS PTSA. Forms and checks can be dropped off at the front office.

Senior t-shirts have arrived! The t-shirt is included in senior dues. If your senior has not received his/her shirt, they can pick it up at the front office.
Parent Coffees with Cambridge Administration
October meeting canceled
The October 20, 2017, Parent Coffee has been canceled due to our Homecoming Pep Rally scheduled for the same time.
 
Student Center Volunteers
Parents/Guardians needed
The Cambridge Student Center is in need of some daily parent volunteers to help support the students who visit our facility.  The busiest times are during the three lunch periods (10:30 am -1:30 pm) and before school. This year we have added an extended morning time for the Wednesday GROWL times. 

The volunteer's main job is to help the students sign in, check passes and keep the line moving along. In addition,  help students check-out books, print assignments, and get help with their Microsoft Surfaces. 

If you are not able to work the entire shift, that is okay, any time you have to help is appreciated; just put a note in the comments if you are coming in at a later time. Please sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0e44aca9283-student1  .

Thanks for your support!
Hopewell Science Olympiad
Volunteers needed
The Hopewell Middle School Science Olympiad team is still looking for volunteer coaches in the following events:  Dynamic Planet, Experimental Design, Optics, Road Scholar, Solar System, Thermodynamics.  For more information on events, please go to bit.ly/SOrules.  You do not have to be an expert.  All materials are provided.  The time commitment is only 35 minutes a week in the morning or after school.  You would only be working with between two and four very motivated, self-driven students.  If you would like to coach or you know someone that would, please e-mail Amy Cousin at CousinA@fultonschools.org as soon as possible.  We are running out of time.  Practices start next week.  College students, high school students or retired persons are welcome to coach!    
Book Drive for Haiti Students
Sponsored by National French Honor Society
The National French Honor Society is sponsoring a book drive for students in Haiti who are learning English but do not have enough resources. Picture books are preferred, and every book counts toward their drive. The drive runs now through November 10th. Collection bins can be found in the front office, student center, and French classroom 2725.

Cambridge Baseball Dinner and Auction
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Dear Cambridge Community, 

We would like to extend to you an invitation to play in our 4th Annual "Bears & Birdies Golf Classic".This great event will be held on Tuesday, November 7th at the
 beautiful Manor Golf & Country Club. This fundraising event is our single largest fundraiser and source of funds for Cambridge Baseball's Capital Improvements. With your contributions, generous donations, and participation, this fundraising event will help us build one of the finest Batting Facilities in the State of Georgia.  

Our golf event has sold out every year and everyone has a great time.  We will also have an abundance of Silent and Live Auction Items that you can bid on.  This event is fun, but more importantly, your participation will help fuel the future success of the Cambridge Baseball Program. 

If you cannot play golf but would like to participate by either donating items for the Silent and Live Auctions, sponsoring a hole, or attending the dinner, please email our Diamond Club:   cambridgebaseballclub@gmail.com

Thank you for your support!
Cambridge Baseball Diamond Club 
 
Flyer and Tournament Registration 
Dinner and Auction Registration



  

Cambridge High School

 

Mission, Vision and Belief Statements

 

Our Mission  

Cambridge High School...educating, challenging and inspiring

all students to reach their full potential and achieve college and career readiness.
 

Our Vision  

Cambridge High School...providing the best educational experience

for each student within and beyond the classroom.

 

Our Beliefs  

The Cambridge High School community believes that our students will achieve their full potential when we:

  • cultivate high expectations, mutual respect and encouragement,
  • embrace individualism and diversity,
  • provide a framework for student mentoring and support,
  • encourage extracurricular participation in academics, arts, athletics and service opportunities,
  • foster a collaborative community effort,
  • maintain a challenging, diverse and relevant curriculum,
  • integrate and optimize technology,
  • celebrate individual and school accomplishments and progress,
  • ensure that students feel safe and respected,
  • connect with people, programs and experiences within and beyond the classroom
 
Thank you for supporting your Cambridge PTSA. Your generous donations have made this communication tool possible.