Cat Chat Newsletter - August 2017 

 
   

Dear Cienega Families,

Welcome back to Cienega!!! I hope that all of you had a relaxing summer break with a chance to connect with family and friends.

The 2017-2018 school year is underway, and students and staff are already working hard. Along with our strong academic programs, athletics fine arts, and clubs are in full swing and have begun their preparations for the school year.

Please contact us for information on any extra-curricular programs that your child may be interested in joining.

I would like to introduce some of our staff in order to offer assistance to you and your child for the 17/18 school year.

Assistant Principals: 
Kelly Hadden  - Grades 10-12 A-L, 400 Building, Fine Arts, Clubs, CTE 
Kim Middleton - Grades 10-12 M-Z 500 Building, Upper Level Curriculum/Instruction 
Dean Nourse - 300 Building, Freshman Academy, Freshman Curriculum/Instruction, Special Education

Counselors: 
John Tritz - Seniors 
Colette Alvarado - Grades 10-12 A-L 
Sylvia Lewandowski - Grades 10-12 M-Z 
Eric Boxley - Freshmen 
Rebecca Carrier - Intervention Counselor 
Dainah Graham - Bobcat Scholar Academy

School Resource Officer: 
Deputy William Farmer 

Lead Security: 
Ron Burton

In closing, please keep up with your child's academics by using all of the parent resource tools found on the CHS webpage http://chs.vail.k12.az.us/resources/parent-resources/ Here you can get connected to PowerSchool, free tutoring in math and English and other helpful resources to assist you in being fully involved in your child's schooling.  It is imperative that all of our students start the school year strong to carry them through the entire school year. 

As we head into the new school year, we thank you in advance for all you do to make Cienega one of the top high schools in Arizona.

We are Bobcat Nation!!!
Sincerely,

Nemer Hassey
Principal
IN THIS ISSUE
FOOD SERVICES
UA WOMENS SOCCER
ASTRONOMY CLUB
MEET OUR STAFF
PICTURE DAY
CROSS COUNTRY FUNDRAISER
CROSS COUNTRY TEAM SHIRT
COSTCO NIGHT
ACT PREP CLASS
SPRING BREAK
BELIZE TRIP
PSAT/NMSQT
YEARBOOK SALES
SENIOR INFORMATION
TUTORING
SENIOR PICTURES
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT
DIAPER DRIVE
RETEACH
STUCO EVENTS
NJROTC
COLLEGE & CAREER
CHILI FESTIVAL
DECA FUNDRAISER
VOLUNTEER CORNER
 
A LETTER FROM VAIL FOOD SERVICES
 
 
Dear Parents/Guardians,
 
The revised school meal handbook can be viewed on the school district website at www.vailschooldistrict.org under the School Meal Program tab or visit your child's school website. School lunch information may also be included in the student/family handbook.
 
Students in grades PreK-8 cannot be refused a school meal. I f a student in grades PreK-8 has reached a negative student meal account balance equivalent to three charged meals, they will then receive an alternate healthy meal. An alternate healthy meal will contain a sandwich, a piece of fruit, a vegetable, and milk. The alternate healthy meal will be charged to the student's meal account which will increase the negative balance.
 
High school students will not be permitted to charge a meal if the student meal account has a negative balance. A high school student will only receive a meal if their student meal account has a positive balance, or if they pay with cash.
 
Your family may qualify for free or reduced cost school meals. You can complete an application online at www.mymealtime.com ; or pick up an application in person at the school or District's Food Service. Families are responsible for student meal account charges made before the free or reduced price meal application is approved - the approval is not retroactive. Please remember that a new free or reduced school meal application must to be completed every school year.
 
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the District's Food Service Office at (520) 879-3913 or (520) 879-2015 or email vailfoodservice@vailschooldistrict.org .
 
Thank you,
 
Vail Schools Food Service
 
UA WOMENS SOCCER TEAM VISIT
 





Bobcat Nation hosted a visit from the University of Arizona Soccer Program on Tuesday, August 15th.  Approximately 160 Bobcat student athletes attended the round table discussion led by UofA Soccer coaches and players.The discussion focused on the importance of academics, strength of character and positive messaging via social media.

The Arizona Wildcat coaches and players were well received by our Bobcat athletes and look forward to Bobcat support at upcoming home games this season.
 
SOLAR ECLIPSE
 

On August 6th the New York Times printed an
article highlighting our own Jack Erickson, Science teacher and Astronomy Club sponsor and his students who will be traveling to Pawnee City, Nebraska to take part in the Citizen CATE Experiment (Continental-America Telescope Eclipse). Click on the link below for the article.  The second link is from an interview with KGUN 9 News. The third link is a video made by our Astronomy Students going on the trip.

GOOD LUCK ASTRONOMY CLUB!!

NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE

  KGUN9 INTERVIEW

HOW TO WATCH THE SOLAR ECLIPSE PROPERLY

 
MEET OUR NEW STAFF
 

Cienega has fifteen new teachers this school year! We will be presenting our new teachers to you via this forum for the next couple of months.  We thought this would be a fun way for you to get to know them a little better.
 
Nubia Amaya - Spanish teacher
Where were you born:   Nogales, AZ
Where did you go to college: University of Arizona 
What is your favorite movie: Fast and Furious  
What is your favorite TV show: I don't watch TV shows
What is  your favorite sports team: Mexican Soccer League 
What was/is your favorite vacation: When I traveled to Peru 
What is your favorite quote: "Love what you do, Do what you love."
What is your favorite thing about Cienega: I love the people! Staff and students are awesome!

Jeff Bollnow - Geometry teacher
Where were you born: Chicago, Il
Where did you go to college: Cornell College
What is your favorite movie: Life of Pi
What is your favorite TV show: American Dad
What is  your favorite sports team: Team USA
What was/is your favorite vacation: The football field
What is your favorite quote: "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."
What is your favorite thing about Cienega: The family atmosphere

Cristal Cassel - English teacher
Where were you born:I was born in New Hampshire
Where did you go to college:I attended Pima Community College but got my degree from Excelsior College  
What is your favorite movie:You've Got Mail
What is your favorite TV show:House
What is  your favorite sports team:Pittsburgh Steelers!!
What was/is your favorite vacation:I took a cruise to the Bahamas with my best friend
What is your favorite quote: "Pain is weakness leaving the body." Chesty Puller
What is your favorite thing about Cienega:The support from the teaching staff and Admin.

Kelsey Galloway - Transition Specialist
Where were you born: Lebanon, OH
Where did you go to college: University of Arizona
What is your favorite movie: How to Train your Dragon
What is your favorite TV show: Gilmore Girls
What is  your favorite sports team: How 'bout them Cowboys!
What was/is your favorite vacation: Austin, TX
What is your favorite quote: "Today i choose to be the best version of myself."
What is your favorite thing about Cienega: Friendly staff and school spirit!
 
Lynn Jimenez - Algebra I teacher
Where were you born:   Newport News, VA
Where did you go to college: Virginia Tech
What is your favorite movie:   I don't really have one
What is your favorite TV show:   I like reality TV - right now Big Brother!
What is  your favorite sports team: VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES!!!
What was/is your favorite vacation:   Going to Outer Banks in North Carolina and Jamaica
What is your favorite quote:   It does not matter what you did .... What matters is what you do next.
What is your favorite thing about Cienega:   The students, the staff and I love the campus!


 
 
PICTURE DAY
 

School pictures are Tuesday and Wednesday, August 22 & 23 in English classes. Attached is a copy of the order form that will be sent home the week before.


 
ENTRY FEES FOR ATHELTIC EVENTS
 



 
WILD WEDNESDAY X-COUNTRY FUNDRAISER
 


The Cienega Cross Country team is sponsoring the Third Annual Wild Wednesday on August 30 at 5:45pm. The cost is between $15-$20. By coming out and joining you are helping raise money for the team so they can use to attend invitationals. Instead of you cheering on the Cross Country team it's their turn to cheer on you while you run their 3 mile home course.

 
GET YOUR CROSS COUNTRY SHIRT!
 
Our team is happy to offer you a chance to order a Cross Country shirt and support the program.  The "bigger than ever" program of 50+ kids this year!
  • The shirts are gray with copper printing and were actually designed by one of our athletes!
  • Made of dry-fit material
  • Come in both men's and women's sizes
  • Are $15. 
As a team, we realized that everyone runs for different reasons.  Some people run for themselves and their health, some run for a cause, and some run to remember something.  Remembering our athlete AJ Rachuy and his loss from last year is what promoted this idea.  

We want everyone to remember those reasons and celebrate them as you take on a healthy lifestyle that includes running.

Contact Josh Farr at farrj@vailschooldistrict.org by THIS Friday if you'd like a shirt, men's or women's and size needed. All Checks made out to Cienega Cross Country.  Thanks for your support.



 
COSTCO NIGHT
 
 
ACT PREP CLASS SCHEDULE
 

Please find the schedule for the ACT Prep classes that we have available on our campus throughout this semester.  On this document you will find dates, times, and teachers that will be helping your student to prepare for this important college entrance exam. You will also find the dates that the test will be given. If you have any questions, please direct them to Eric Tatham, Instructional Support Teacher (520) 879-2864.
ACT Flier
 
SPRING BREAK 2018
 


Contact Mrs. Roddick at roddickc@vailschooldistrict.org or Ms. Rivera at riverae@vailschooldistrict.org for more information.
 
BELIZE - SUMMER 2018
 


 
To sign up for or find out more information regarding the trip click on the link below or contact Mr. or Mrs. Farr.
Contact Josh or Kim Farr for additional information or to sign up @ farrj@vailschooldistrict.org or farrk@vailschooldistrict.org.
 
PSAT/NMSQT
 

PSAT/NMSQT
Date of the Test: October 11th
When:  During the school day
How much?  $20.00 (this is tax credit eligible)
How many are available?   350 tests
Where to pay: Bookstore
Who?  Predominently 10th graders/11th graders, Bobcat Scholars

When purchasing, we need the student's first/last name AND 1st hour teacher.  Once the prep books are delivered, mid-September, they'll be delivered to the student in their first hour class.

For questions, please email Brittany Matsushino at matsushinob@vailschooldistrict.org.

 
YEARBOOK SALES
 



The 2017-2018 yearbook will be available for purchase on  www.jostensyearbook.com  Listed below are the prices as they will increase as the school year progresses. Pre-order early and save! September - January: $85, February - April: $90, May: $95.

INFORMATION FOR SENIORS
 

Welcome senior parents and students!

I am John Tritz, the counselor for the Class of 2018. The senior year in high school is full of exciting challenges and opportunities. Exciting traditions are in place to celebrate our senior's successes and accolades this year. One of the traditions started five years ago is our "Wall of the Future". When a senior has been accepted to a college, signs military enlistment papers, or enrolls in a technical or trade school, we want to acknowledge this achievement by hanging a plaque in the front office. Last year we had over 75 plaques on the wall and over 250 names on those plaques.

For every accolade mentioned on this wall, the senior student will be placed in a drawing for a free iPad to be given away at Honors night next May.



Other important information:
-Download the new SchoolWay App and join the "Class of 2018" Group to stay up to date on college visits and other important information through out the year.
-Seniors needing a transcript will now need to request them electronically through parchment.com. We no longer manually process transcripts for students. Go to: http://parchment.com to request a transcript. An email was sent to all students on August 8 th.
-Fall Testing Deadlines for SAT and ACT:
All seniors attending a 4 year College or University must take the SAT OR ACT. It is strongly recommended to take it this fall if a student has not already done so. Practice tests are available in the counseling office.
Click here to access testing dates and deadlines for both tests.
-Scholarship opportunities are listed and updated on the Cienega Website on the " Counselor Page." View the site often for regular updates.
-Financial Aid Night is September 21 st @6:30 PM. There are new changes to the FAFSA filing dates. Be informed and plan on attending this event.

-I look forward to working with the students and parents of the class of 2018! You can contact me at 879-1843 or tritzj@vailschooldistrict.org
 
FREE TUTORING
 

Please find the schedule for Free Tutoring that we have available on our campus throughout this school year.  On this document you will find times, locations and teachers that are available for math and English tutoring.  If you have any questions, please direct them to Eric Tatham, Instructional Support Teacher (520) 879-2864.

Tutoring Schedule
 
SENIOR PICTURES
 
 
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT
 

My name is Rebecca Carrier and I'm the Intervention Counselor at Cienega High School.  Each Cat Chat, I will be sending out information about different social issues your child may be facing along with various resources in the school and community where you can find additional help.  This month's focus is internet safety.  Please follow the link for information about various applications your child may be using, how to openly support your child in the digital age, and other articles and contact information you may find useful.

INTERNET SAFETY
 
NHS DIAPER DRIVE
 



 
RETEACH PLAN FOR 2017-2018
 

Please be informed that Reteach for formatives and benchmarks this year will be held during the school day. In addition, the program has been renamed REACH and an ENRICH component has also been added. This change took place in an effort to help more students receive the instruction that they need to show growth with the AzMerit state testing in April. If you have any questions about the new schedule, please contact our Instructional Support Teacher, Eric Tatham, at (520) 879-2864.

 
STUCO UPCOMING ACTIVITES
 


 


 
NJROTC HAPPENINGS
 

Our NJROTC Cadets successfully completed the Arizona JROTC Summer Leadership Camp which was held 30 May to 2 June 2017.  Cadets from Arizona all military services JROTC programs attended the annual camp at Fort Huachuca U.S. Army Base.  The cadets were placed in various leadership scenarios and trained in self defense, land survival, and water survival.  The also participated in the Leadership Reaction Course and Obstacle Course. 



On July 4, 2017 NJROTC Cadets participated in Vail Preservation Society's "A Colossal Fourth" celebration.  The cadets carried the Colors in the event's parade.

 
 
 
COLLEGE AND CAREER CHRONICLE
 

 
How To Have a Great School Year
 
Great school years don't just happen; they require planning and hard work. Some of the keys to high school success involve getting adequate rest, developing good organizational skills, getting help as needed, reaching out to others, and being involved. Having goals and a plan will help students to make a great school year a reality.
 
For many active high school students, getting adequate rest seems impossible. Students should strive for at least eight hours of sleep and learn to prioritize and manage time. Well-rested students experience less stress, are more alert and tend to perform better in school. Students can manage the demands of their schedules better by making a schedule and attacking important tasks first. Students should also seriously evaluate their extracurricular activities. Students often mistakenly believe that involvement in lots of activities will make them appear more attractive to college admissions personnel. No one can do it all and this type of all or nothing thinking can be destructive and lead to unnecessary stress. In contrast, it is much better to engage in fewer activities and do them well.
 
Another important key to school success is the development of good organizational skills. Goals should be set for each week, the school year and for post high school as well. Colored binders or folders for each class helps students to keep their class work organized. In order to remain on schedule with assignments, maintain a weekly and monthly class calendar. It is also an excellent idea for students to utilize various tools to remain on track. They can maintain a written agenda, or set reminders for deadlines on their cell phones or laptops. A small white board at home can help students check off daily tasks and prepare for the next day. Mini goals should be set for things like preparing for standardized tests and completing college admissions requirements and career preparation tasks.
 
It is important to pursue extracurricular interests in high school and Cienega High School has many clubs and teams from which to choose. High school is the time for students to try new activities and sort out their interests and passions. By getting involved in activities, students can make friends and work on developing important social and leadership skills. It is also a great way to connect with teachers and other adults outside the classroom, which is helpful when students need to obtain recommendation letters for college and jobs.
 
Having a plan "A" is important, but having a plan "A" and a plan "B" is better. Students should be sure to meet with their counselor for assistance with setting goals and establishing step-by-step plans to achieve their goals. Counselors can help to insure that students are on the right track to achieve their post-high school pursuits.
 
These techniques will help students get in gear for the school year, regardless of their current grade level. By utilizing these strategies students can have a smooth, successful year that can help them to thrive educationally and professionally. Don't just have a good year, have a great year!
 
Dainah L. Graham , M.S., M.Ed.
College and Career Counselor

 
CHILI FESTIVAL
 

TSW Artisan Crew will be participating in this event. We will be selling handmade artisan products and plants from our Rincon Nursery. You will find us behind the barn in our nursery!


DECA FUNDRAISER
 
 
The Cienega DECA Club is hosting a community service event in September.  We have once-again partnered with TaggRun and are holding our 2nd Annual 9/11 Memorial Run on Saturday 9/9/17. This is a 5K and 10K race.  A large portion of the proceeds benefit the 100 Club of Arizona which is an organization that helps the families of fallen police officers and firefighters.  Last year we were able to donate over $1000 to this great organization.  Please help us spread the word and also consider signing up your club or sports team to help us out. Registration can be done online as well at  https://www.taggrun.com/event/911-memorial-run-2/
 
Also, please feel free to share this flyer with anyone you think may be interested.


VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR CORNER
 
 
Happy Monsoon Season BOBCAT Volunteers! 

Thank you to our INCREDIBLE Volunteers for your assistance with our Registration, Health Screening and SEP Proposal Review! We thank YOU for the gift of your time and willingness to support BOBCAT NATION! YOU GUYS ROCK!!! 

*** Volunteer Opportunities *** 
Staff Lunch Thursday, September 14th 
9:00-11:30am Set-up
11:00am-1:00pm - Serve Lunch
1:00-2:30pm - Clean-up and put away

~ SAVE THE DATES ~ 
* Costco School Shop Night - August 26th!
* CatFRAT Meeting -
September 19th at 6:30pm in the CHS Library 
* SEP
(Senior Exit Project) Presentations 
   May 2-4, 2018
 
Please renew your volunteer application online. Its a NEW program. ALL VOLUNTEERS must complete and renew their volunteer applications annually, every July/August. Please go to:
www.vailschooldistrict.org.  It looks like a job application, it's both a job and volunteer app in one. Disregard pages that DO NOT APPLY to you.

 
     
Amy Burton
Volunteer Coordinator
(520) 879-2811
burtona@vailschooldistrict.org 

 


________________________________________________

Thank you, parents, for your support of Cienega. We truly appreciate your involvement! 

Sincerely,

Cienega High School

DATES TO REMEMBER


8/22,23 & 25 - Picture Day

8/25  NHS Blood Drive 

8/28 Spirit Week

8/30 Half Day for Students

9/1 School Dance

9/4 No School
LABOR DAY


9/9 Monologue Showcase

9/11, 12, 13,15  Benchmark Testing


9/14  Parent/Teacher Conferences

9/19 Cat Frat Meeting

9/20 Bobcat Student of Success

9/22 Dodgeball Assembly 

9/25 - 10/6 - Fall Break



QUICK LINKS


CHS
INFORMATION

Cienega High School
Vision Statement
 
Cienega High School creates an educational environment utilizing partnerships among community, parents, and staff to assist students in maximizing their academic potential and promoting life-long learning.
 
Front Office   - 879-2800     Attendance   -  879-2803   
Bookstore     -  879-2824 
Registrar       - 879-2812

Health Office - 879-2810
Volunteer Coordinator
879-2811                  


Front Office/200 House   
Principal
Nemer Hassey
Secretary - Chris Rich 879-2816 
Senior Counselor
John Tritz - 879-1843 
Bobcat Scholars Counselor
Dainah Graham - 879-2819
                        
300/700 House
Assistant Principal
Dean Nourse

Secretary - Kim Thielke 879-2855
Freshman Counselor
Eric Boxley - 879-2854

  
400/600 House/Athletics     
Assistant Principal
Kelly Hadden
Athletic Director - Whitney Holland - 879-1813            

Secretary -  Sandi Morrison
879-2892
Counselor A - L
Colette Alvarado 879-2904

500 House/Special Education/Security          
Assistant Principal
Kim Middleton
Secretary - Cassandra Bahrychuk 879-2874

Counselor M - Z
Sylvia Lewandowski-879-2817

Special Education Secretary Patty McKnight 879-1804
 
Communications Coordinator
Elizabeth Taggart - 879-2878  
 
 
 
CHS website: chs.vail.k12.az.us               

Moodle:

Silhouette Photography - 886-1710  (Senior pictures for yearbook)
      
Sodexho - 879-2090 or mymealtime.com   

District Office - 879-2000

Transportation - 879-2475


Get your YEARBOOK today!

 
 
 
 

CHS Online Store
Spirit Wear & More!


 Click here for Online Ordering  

 

 

ALL SALES FROM OUR ONLINE STORE BENEFIT CHS BOBCATS 

 


Job Openings

Are you looking for a job?

 

The Vail School District is looking for dynamic, energetic and positive staff members. Please click on the link below for the job descriptions, qualifications, salary guide, and the application process.

 

Click for job openings here   

 

Cienega High School
Yearbooks

It's that time of year again to pre-order your yearbook. 
www.jostensyearbooks.com