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Mission Statement: To ignite worldMission Statement: To ignite world--class learning, resulting in thoughtful and accomplished individuals.class learning, resulting in thoughtful and accomplished individuals.

NewsletterNewsletterNewsletter

Volume 3: Issue 3/January 2012

Chiawana High SchoolChiawana High School

Seniors Are All Business

The week of November 28—December 2 brought over 700 seniors together from all three high schools to participate in the 12th annual “Enterprise Week.” Enterprise is a joint ad-venture with Washington Business Week, Pasco School District and local businesses and business leaders.

Students were merged together to form 49 different companies for a week of competition at the TRAC facility in Pasco. It’s a week of constant deadlines, business decisions, and lots of activity. Over the course of the week students create a new product and operate their busi-ness using a computer business simulation. Each student company is partnered with a team of Tri-City business professionals, community members, and PSD staff. Together, they work to learn a variety of skills ranging in communication skills, marketing, leadership, business ethics and the operation of a free enterprise system. On the last day, students promote their companies by putting on a tradeshow. Over 100 volunteers came to judge the tradeshow and were very impressed with the students creativity. After the tradeshow an awards ceremony announces the week’s winners along with the top company.

Company Advisors are community members who volunteer a week of their time to coach students and most of them come back year after year. All feel it is such a wonderful oppor-tunity for students, plus, they enjoy seeing the growth and bonding the students achieve by the end of the week. Students commented that it was a very worthwhile program and lots of fun.

The Enterprise team would like to thank all the community volunteers, PSD staff, and Washington Business Week for their continued support of this program. Without you, this wouldn’t be possible.

www.psd1.org/chiawanahighschool

Friday was a busy day for seniors as they prepared for their final competition of the week—the Enterprise Tradeshow. Over 100 community members came to judge each company on their marketing skills, their new product they created during the week, and their professionalism. Some even wore their new product! After the tradeshow awards were given to winning companies.

Austin Perry modeling

new prototype from

Company #15

Action Team for Partnerships (ATP)

ATP strives to “connect schools, families and the community.” Pasco School District has been on board with Johns Hopkins University since 2005, and for the past five years, Pasco School District has won the NNPS Partnership Award for their program of school and family partnerships. Chiawana’s ATP meets monthly with parents, school staff, administrators and community members to plan activities throughout the year. For more information, contact Mary Beltran at 543-6786, Ext. 5660 or e-mail mbeltran@psd1.org. Plan to attend our next meeting—Chiawana needs you!

ATP Meeting

February 16

@ 6:30 pm

Library Seminar Room

CHS Newsletter Page 2

Mission Statement: To ignite worldMission Statement: To ignite world--class learning, resulting in thoughtful and accomplished individuals.class learning, resulting in thoughtful and accomplished individuals.

A Note from the Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Chiawana High School staff has been working this year to renew our provisional accreditation status that was awarded upon opening the school in 2009. We are seeking accreditation through the North-west Accreditation Commission (NWAC), a third party accrediting institu-tion. Being accredited tells students, par-ents, post secondary institutions, and the community that we meet established stan-dards determined to be important for the success of our students.

THE NWAC STANDARDS INCLUDE:

Teaching and Learning Standards: 1. Mission, Beliefs, and Expectations for Student Learning 2. Curriculum 3. Instruction 4. Assessment

Support Standards: 5. Leadership and Organization 6. School Services

Student Support Services

Guidance Services

Health Services

Library Information Services

Special Education Services

Family and Community Services 7. Facilities and Finances

School Improvement Standard: 8. Culture of Continual Improvement

Later this spring, we will invite teachers and administrators from area schools to do a site visit where they will speak to staff and students to determine how we measure up to these standards. To prepare for this site visit, we have analyzed our data in terms of academics, demo-graphics, and perceptions. Through this process, we have determined the challenges that face our students and are currently prioritizing them to set goals for improvement. We will be putting together a school portfolio that we look forward to sharing with you when we are finished.

Please watch for updates on this process in the next newsletter and on the website.

Sincerely, Teri Kessie

Principal-Teri Kessie

Running Start Information Night

Qualified students with current sophomore and junior credit status are eligible to participate in our state’s Running Start Program through Columbia Basin College. Students enrolled in this program earn dual high school and college credits. The state of Washington picks up the majority of the costs. A presentation about the program, family

costs, and eligibility requirements will be held on:

Thursday—February 16

@ 7:00 pm—Auditorium

Participation in Running Start involves a family commitment. The indi-vidual’s decision to participate can most appropriately be made after consideration of each student’s personal and academic goals. Students must also reach “qualifying scores” on the Running Start test to partici-pate in the program. For more information, contact Brian Thomas at 543-6786, Ext. 5564 or e-mail bthomas@psd1.org.

Every month Chiawana staff and students have the opportunity to vote for a staff member who exemplifies Chiawana’s philosophy of excel-lence and class. Although we could say this about all our staff, three deserving individuals have been recognized for the months of Novem-ber, December and January.

MVP Awards

CHS Newsletter Page 3

Mission Statement: To ignite worldMission Statement: To ignite world--class learning, resulting in thoughtful and accomplished individuals.class learning, resulting in thoughtful and accomplished individuals.

Cultural Exchange

In April, 78 Japanese high school students will arrive in Pasco. These students are part of the Homestay program that has been a tradition since 1997. Students will be staying with host families and attend Chia-wana and Pasco High School for two weeks. The goal is for students to experience life as a teenager in America. In preparation for this visit, administrators from Yamate Gakuin High School in Yokohama, Japan recently visited staff members of CHS and PHS to discuss their visit.

In July, students from Pasco High and Chiawana will travel to Japan for a similar experience. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience a student exchange without having to go for the entire year.

We are needing host families as well students who would like to partici-pate in this exchange. If you would like more information about this program, please contact Mary Beltran at 543-6786, Ext. 5560 or e-mail mbeltran@psd1.org.

Yamate Administrators with Chiawana Staff

Jeans, Jeans, Jeans

Jeans—we want jeans! Chiawana is participating in a national Teens for Jeans Drive with Aéropostale de-partment stores. We are collecting gently worn jeans, any brand, any size. Collected jeans will go to shelters in the Tri-Cities. The school that collects the most jeans will win $5,000, a party, and jeans for every student. Our local Aéropostale store will be providing the winning school with a yet to be named prize as well. In addition, any Chiawana student who goes to Aéro-postale between now and February 12 will receive 25% off a pair of jeans by showing their student ID badge. Please drop off your dona-tions in the Activities Center.

Congratulations to these deserving staff members for putting our kids first!

Attention Parents: In the month of February students will be registering for classes for next year (2012-13). Please take a moment to talk with your student(s) regarding their gradua-tion progress and help them with their class choices. If you have any questions, contact your student’s counselor.

January MVP— Margarita Mendoza

January’s MVP Award goes to Student Services Secretary, Margarita Men-doza. Mrs. Mendoza keeps track of our counselors, registers new students, withdraws students, is the keeper of student transcripts, plus a host of other legal documents. She is a busy lady but always helps students and staff with a smile.

December MVP— Misti Steach

December’s MVP Award goes to World Language teacher, Misti Steach. She was nominated for always “being there” for students, either before school, after school or during hawk time. She is always willing to listen to students’ prob-lems and helps them find a solution for them.

November MVP— Ben Dalstra

November’s MVP Award goes to Ag Science teacher, Ben Dalstra. When it comes to helping students, Mr. Dalstra goes the extra mile. He literally goes the extra mile by transporting students when-ever they need a ride especially since he lives in Prosser.

Congratulations to the Chiawana Stage Company and Drama Teacher/Director, Todd Westendorf for delighting audi-ences young and old. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast was a spec-tacular production from the cast, costumes, sets, and music. The CHS Thespians performed flawlessly for 8 performances and received great reviews. The talent that these young performers exhibited was truly amazing. Audiences had to keep reminding themselves that these are just high school students.

Kudos’s also go to Choral Director, Debi Eng, and Art Teacher/Costume Designer, Verna Schwilke for their hard work on the production. Their time and talents were very evident. All of these productions are a “must see” so get ready for “Robin Hood” in March. These students will be traveling to Edinburg, Scotland this summer and performing their talents at the American High School Theatre Festival as part of the world famous “Fringe Festival.”

Great Job CHS Stage Company!

Lefou—Jaiden Ford

Cogsworth (the clock) - Delaney Rogers

Belle— Alexandra Cid

Mrs. Potts - Vanessa Vega

Beast/Prince— Zach Buhler

Chip— Rachel Ross

Maurice— Taylor Sisemore

Mirinda Ashton

Myranda Phillips

Kristen Carpenter

Savannah West

Haley Weis

Adrianna Mickelson

Samantha Limon

Gaston— Jonathan Steele

Monsieur D’ Arque— Taylor Storaci

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CHS ended the year with it’s 3rd annual “Winter Wishes Assembly.” Students and staff were asked to send in their wishes in hopes of having them granted. People could also nominate someone for a special wish. Twenty-one recipients were granted their wish. Not only were wishes granted but there was lots of entertainment too!

CHS Newsletter Page 7

Mission Statement: To ignite worldMission Statement: To ignite world--class learning, resulting in thoughtful and accomplished individuals.class learning, resulting in thoughtful and accomplished individuals.

Senior Project Update Attention Senior Parents:

It is a busy time in the Senior Pro-ject office as we get closer to sen-ior boards and graduation. Re-member, ALL SENIORS must complete a 15-hour culminating project during their senior year as a graduation requirement. Please track your student’s progress and encourage them to meet all senior project deadlines.

Soon, a letter will go out to all parents showing your student’s status and what they have/have not turned in. We strongly encourage parent involve-ment. If you have any questions, please call Laurie Shaffer at 543-6786, ext. 5769 or e-mail lshaffer@psd1.org.

Upcoming Senior

Project Deadlines

February 27—Two letters of recommen-dation

March 19—Best Work #3

April 9—Experience Log, Experience Reflection and Experience Verification

April 23—Portfolio

May 14 & 15—Senior Boards

Apply for Scholarships

Last year, Chiawana’s seniors earned over two mil-lion dollars in scholarships. There are thousands of dollars worth of scholarships available. Encourage your senior to apply as soon as possible. Scholar-ships lower the cost of post high school education. For more information regarding scholarships, contact CHS Career Specialist, Cody Tapia, at 543-6786, ext. 5696 or e-mail ctapia@psd1.org.

Another Reminder!

Seniors, remember that all fines need to be paid before graduation. Seniors with unpaid fines will not be allowed to walk in graduation. A letter will be sent home soon with your fine status. You can make payments with Johnna Schadler in the ASB office from 7:30-11:50 am—12:20-3:00 pm. Don’t procrastinate!

Chiawana Debaters Clean-up at Districts

Twenty-four of Chia-wana’s best com-peted January 7 in the District 5/6 Speech and Debate Tournament in Othello. Many of our students, some com-peting in their events for the first time, came home with tro-phies:

1st place—Team Debate Category

1st place—Individual Events [Speech] Category

1st place—Large School Category

1st place—Jared Costanzo/Lé Ana Freeman [Open Public Forum De-bate]

Perfect Score—Alex Schell/Andres Garcia [Open Dual Improv]

1st place (perfect score) - Evan Edrington/Andres Garcia [Open Dual Interpretation]

2nd place—Samantha Sparks [Open Expository Speaking]

1st place (perfect score)—Alex Schell [Open Extemporaneous Speaking]

2nd place—Jeremy Tompkins [Novice Extemporaneous Speaking]

1st place—Lé Ana Freeman [Open Impromptu Speaking]

2nd place—Alex Schell [Open Im-

promptu Speak-ing]

2nd place—Nicholas Hig-gins [Novice Impromptu Speaking]

3rd place—Alexa Sital-Numkena [Novice Im-promptu Speak-ing]

3rd place—Taylor Johnson [Open Original Oratory]

2nd place—Lloyd LeClair [Novice Original Oratory]

3rd place—Megan Prasch [Open Interpretive Reading]

1st place—Alex Schell [Top Presid-ing Officer]

1st place—Patty Ayala [Novice Stu-dent Congress]

3rd place—Lloyd LeClair [Novice Student Congress]

Top Presiding Officer—Jeremy Tompkins [Novice Student Con-gress]

The CHS Debate team is coached by Advi-sor, Ramona Mitchell.

Congratulations

CHS Debate Team!

The CHS Jazz Choir had an op-portunity to participate in the Jazz Dialogue Festival at Eastern Washington University on January 13. This was not a competition but a day to enjoy listening to other groups as well as performing. Our choir performed excellently and our very own Alexandra Cid was honored with the “Outstanding Vocalist Award.” She performed in front of a standing room only concert and received a standing ovation for her performance.

You might remember Alexandra in the recent production of “Beauty and the Beast” presented by the CHS Stage Co. She played Belle in the production.

Congratulations

Alexandra!

Alexandra Cid Receives Standing Ovation

Alexandra Cid

Make a Difference ~ Give Blood

CHS Blood Drive

Wednesday—February 8

1:00—6:00 pm

Student Mall

For an appointment contact: Brenda Villasenor @ (509) 585-9976

(all 16/17 year old donars require an American Red Cross parental consent form)

CHS Newsletter Page 8

Mission Statement: To ignite worldMission Statement: To ignite world--class learning, resulting in thoughtful and accomplished individuals.class learning, resulting in thoughtful and accomplished individuals.

“FISH” Philosophy

Be There

Choose Your Attitude

Play

Make Their Day

Directed by Todd Westendorf Costumes by Verna Schwilke Fight Choreography by Anna Newbury

MARCH 23, 24, 30, 31 @ 7:00 pm

MARCH 31 @ 1:00 pm

Tickets available at the door or

in advance at: CHS ASB Office

M-F from 7:00 am—2:00 pm

Remember—Valentine’s Day

is just around the corner!

Chiawana’s Floral Department

has lots of Valentine Specials!

Call today to place an order @ 543-6786 x 5589

February 9

Student Mall

@ 7:00 pm

$3 presale

$5 @ the door

Free Hot Cocoa

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February Dates to Remember

Feb 8 Early Release @ 10:45 am

Feb 9 Cocoa Café—Student Mall @ 7:00 pm

Feb 14 Election Day—Remember to Vote Valentine’s Day

Feb 16 ATP Meeting @ 6:30 pm—Library

Running Start Information Night @ 7:00

Feb 17 Early Release @ 10:45 am

Feb 20 NO SCHOOL—Presidents’ Day

Feb 22 Student Shadow Day

Athletic Clearance Night for Spring Sports @ 5:30 pm

Feb 27 First Spring Sports Practices

Feb 29 Band Concert @ 7:00 pm Leap Day