We are entering our second year of Learner Quality implementation. Students will be rated on five learner qualities in each class at the close of each semester, with a summary rating reported on student report cards. The following learner qualities will be rated as “meets" or "does not meet":
Self-Directed Learner: Learners take initiative and are active participants in the learning process. Learners make meaning by linking their story, their new learning and their purpose. Learners carefully plan their learning journey.
Quality Producer: Learners create organized and professional products. Learns always wonder about why and how. Learners take risks and explore in order to arrive at new solutions.
Collaborative Worker: Learners work together, especially in a joint intellectual effort. Learners fight for inclusion and work to ensure all voices are represented and heard.
Respectful Citizen: Learners are positive participants who engage others in the academic and social aspects of work. Learners have a sense of belonging, of being part of a learning community at school, at work, at home, and in social networks.
Growth Mindset: Learners recognize that effort creates ability. Learners know that those who work, learn. Learners demonstrate an openness and readiness to learn and understand that they are in control of their own destiny.
A rubric will be used to assess learning qualities. Please click here for the rubric. Students will be expected to rate their performance in these areas and teachers will individually conference with each student to discuss the student's self-ratings as well as the teacher's ratings. As always, we appreciate the support of our parents and community in reinforcing these essential skills for our students and in continuing our practice of holding our Chariho High School students to the highest of expectations.
We look forward to the year ahead!
Craig MacKenzie, Principal Twitter: @dflamturnover
Andrea Spas, Assistant Principal Twitter: @Andrea_Spas
Gerry Auth, Director of CHARIHOtech Twitter: @CHARIHOtech
XQ GRANT OPPORTUNITY
CHS is a finalist for a $500,000 XQ RI Grant to re-imagine high school. Our Vision statement reads "CHS is building a Ladder to Learner Autonomy that empowers students to: Access, Imagine, and Achieve". We understand that incoming 9th graders need support, training, and practice to develop essential skills that allow them to be increasingly independent as learners. Through mentoring, systems of support for 9th grade transition and applied learning experiences with community businesses and organizations, we propose to help students access, imagine and achieve social, academic and professional learning experiences. Our goal is to promote responsible, self-directed community members. We will support all our students in this progression towards independence, and provide incentives to students who demonstrate learner autonomy. We need parent and community support in realizing our goals for our students through this grant!
IMPORTANT POLICY CHANGES
As outlined in Mr. Ricci's September e-newsletter, there are two significant policy changes that will take place this upcoming year. First, cell phones will only be allowed in instructional spaces with teacher permission. Second, a social suspension (which is exclusion for 30 days from participation in or attendance at all extracurricular events and athletics) and mandatory attendance at a Prevention Retreat will be required when there is a substance abuse violation. The policy can be found here.
AP PERFORMANCE
We are very pleased with this year's Advanced Placement performance results. Our exam pass-rates continue to rise. Seventy-eight percent of students scored a 3 or better! Click here for an article from the Westerly Sun outlining our AP performance.
FINANCIAL AID DATE
Chariho High School will be hosting a Financial Aid Night for students and parents on Monday, September 30th at 6:30pm in the library. A representative from the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA) will be presenting an overview of the financial aid process including information on the FAFSA/Federal Aid, loan options, grants and scholarships. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the financial aid process for college or technical schools!
FROM THE CHARIHO THEATRE CO.
Calling all students to audition for A Christmas Carol, coming this December...
The entire CHS campus was sprayed for mosquitoes on Friday August 30th, we do this every year.
Smart scheduling is in place throughout the week in regards to all practices, teams are off the field an hour before sunset, 630 pm is the time we are using. All teams have been supplied mosquito repellant which is used at every practice/game by players and coaches. Coaches have spoken to athletes about wearing long sleeves and sweatpants when appropriate for competition and also when not participating, such as sitting on the bench during a soccer game, etc. The sports boosters will have repellent available for all patrons when entering the stadium.
