MAY 2022

US NEWS & WORLD REPORT RANKINGS

We would like to share the good news that Chariho High School has been ranked as a top 10 high school in Rhode Island by the US News & World Report.  This is a great honor for our school and a testament to our teachers, students, staff, and community.  More information can be found in the Boston Globe article HERE or at the US News link HERE.   Congratulations to all!


CHS RECOGNIZED FOR AP SUCCESS

CHS is one of 5 schools being honored at the state capitol for our commitment to Advanced Placement (AP).  Our school has been chosen due to our ongoing AP participation and student success.  We are so proud of our students and teachers!

LUNCH INPUT: STUDENT GROUP

We are seeking a student focus group to provide input on school lunches.  This group will meet with Ms. Spas and the Director of Food Services to provide input about lunch options for students.  We are looking for 15 students to participate; 5 students from grades 9, 10, and 11.  Selection is based on first to apply.  We will meet on Monday, May 9th at 2:30 in the CHS Library.  If you are student in grades 9-11 and are interested in participating, please complete this sign-up form HERE.

SENIOR PROM INFORMATION

Starting May 16th through May 20th, Senior Prom tickets will be sold during lunches in the cafeteria. On May 16th and 17th, tickets will only be sold to Seniors.  On May 18th and 19th, ticket sales open up to guests who are Chariho underclassmen and on May 20th, ticket sales will open up to out-of-district guests. Tickets are $75 and are first come, first serve. Checks can be made out to CHS Class of 2022.  In order to purchase your ticket, you need to have your signed prom contract and meet all other requirements.  The contracts will be shared with students in their advisories this week.  The prom contract will also contain information about school attendance expectations for the day of the prom.  Seniors MUST be present for ticket purchases and meet all other requirements such as no missing work and must have presented their graduation portfolio.  Any Senior who presents their portfolio on Wednesday, May 25th will be able to purchase Senior Prom tickets after a completed and passed portfolio presentation as long as all other requirements are met.

STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD POSITIONS

We are seeking our student leadership team for next year's Student Advisory Board.  Our SAB Leadership team meets quarterly with building administrators to discuss ideas for improving our school.  Our SAB team also helps with planning topics for our Full SAB Membership meetings, which are open to the entire student body.  If you are interested in sitting on our SAB Leadership Team, please complete the application HERE.

BUDGET VOTE REMINDER

As a reminder, the vote for the Chariho School Budget is being held on Thursday, May 5th, 2022, from 8:00AM- 8:00PM at the town halls in Charlestown, Hopkinton, and Richmond.

RIDE SURVEY WORKS UPDATE

In order to ensure that we hear from as many families as possible, family surveys will be re-opened on April 27th and will remain open until May 17th.  To take the survey, visit:  bit.ly/ridefamily.  Please choose Chariho Regional High School from the drop down list. 

CLINIC NEWS

Please click HERE for clinic information from our school nurse.

UPDATES FROM FOOD SERVICES

Please know that once students return to school in September, universal free lunches for students will no longer be in effect.  Food services and administration will be meeting with students to get student input on lunch choices for next year.

2022 FFA PLANT SALE

Please join us for the 2022 Chariho FFA Plant Sale Fundraiser on Saturday, May 7th from 8am-1pm!  The greenhouse at the high school is filled with beautiful annuals, vegetable plants and herbs and our FFA members are looking forward to seeing you.  As always, thank you for the support of the Chariho Agriculture program, especially this year as we hope  to support our students who will be traveling to compete in the 2022 National FFA Convention!   #charihoffaplantsale




APRIL 2022

 COVID Testing Update

Due to the significant decrease in the number of Positive COVID cases, we will no longer be requiring athletes to participate in COVID testing prior to athletic events.  This is also the case for our performing arts events.  Please know that there may be specific field trips or internships that require COVID testing, so this will take place as needed for these trips and internships. 

 

As a courtesy, we will be offering weekly COVID testing for any student.  This will take place during the school day.  If you would like your student to be tested weekly, please complete this form HERE by Monday, April 4th.  Completing this form indicates that you would like your child to participate in weekly COVID testing.  You will be called if your child's test result is positive.  All test results, positive or negative, will be entered into the RIDOH testing portal. 


Spring Credit Recovery


Starting Monday, April 4th, students will have the opportunity to recover credit for required courses after school in the CHS Library from 2:30-4:30. The Spring Session of credit recovery will run from April 4th until June 6th. Additional information, including the registration form, is available on the Credit Recovery Webpage


Mental Health Awareness Club in the News


Chariho High School's Mental Health Awareness Club is in the spotlight!   Channel NBC 10 will be airing a special on mental health in children and our very own, Emma Elderkin, will be part of a live broadcasting special that will air tonight (3/31) at 7:00pm.  Please also tune in at 5:00 for a special segment about the Mental Health Awareness Club.  We are very proud of the work Emma has done to advocate for this important club.  Our students have been working hard to spread awareness about mental health and shine light on important social emotional topics.  


April Spirit Dress Days!


Attention all students, this Friday, April 1st, we will hold our first of two April Spirit Days.  This Saturday, April 2nd, is Autism Awareness Day, this Friday (4/1) we invite all students to wear their blue to show support of Autism Awareness!  Our second Spirit Day will be Tourist day on Thursday, April 14th to celebrate the last day before April Vacation!


A Final Call for SIT Applications

This is a reminder that we are seeking student, parent, and community member applicants for our School Improvement Team.  We have both 1-year and 2-year terms available.  Currently, our SIT meets monthly in the CHS library from 2:30-3:30.  We work as a collective team to set annual goals and develop action steps towards meeting these goals.  This is a great way to become involved in our school.  If you are interested in being a part of SIT, please fill out this SIT Application form.   Applications are due by the end of today, March 31st.  Please know that applicant names are shared with the public for selection by their peers and reviewed by our School Improvement Team Selection Committee for final appointment to SIT.


From the Student Assistance Counselor

The Rhode Island Regional Coalitions have put together a program called "Hidden in Plain Sight" that allows parents a unique interactive opportunity to look into a teen’s mock bedroom. The room is full of common household items that could be used to hide or disguise drug, alcohol, tobacco use or other “risky” behaviors. They have created a virtual version that you can do at home.

Please take the time to talk to your teen about the items you see – use this as a way to launch a conversation about substance use among peers. 

Parents are the number one tool against substance use!

You can access the virtual bedroom at this link: https://x78.b45.myftpupload.com/hidden-in-plain-sight/

Click the blue words at the top that say "snap content" to access the room.

End-of-Year EVENTS CALENDAR

We are looking forward to our end-of-year events and celebrating our Senior Class!   We just held our first awards ceremony back in the auditorium last week where we honored our NHS inductees.  Please see the end-of-year events calendar HERE.  We look forward to our awards ceremonies, dances, and are excited to be having graduation this year at the URI Ryan Center!

State Testing

We have some important updates to share with you.  We are approaching the State Testing window where students participate in SAT, PSAT, and NGSA Testing.  Our State Testing Letter and Calendar can be found HERE.  Please view this for important information about the upcoming state testing that will take place in April and May.

End of Quarter 3 Information

We are quickly approaching the end of the 3rd quarter on Friday, April 8th. Report card grades for the 3rd quarter will be available in PowerSchool by Tuesday, April 26th. The last day students may turn in missing work to their teachers is Friday, April 1st. For questions and directions about how to view grades, please visit the Chariho PowerSchool Resources Page for log-in information and the user guide.

From the CLASS of 2022

The Class of 2022 is selling Duck Certificates as a fundraiser for the Annual Pawcatuck River Duck Race, running between April 4th and 14th. See your class council members or Mrs. Alvarez in B5 to purchase a duck certificate for $5. Enter for your chance to win a grand prize of 4 tickets to Disney World or 90 other prizes from local businesses. Tickets will also be sold during lacrosse, softball, baseball, and volleyball games. Parents can also email Mrs. Alvarez to purchase a Duck Certificate’s at betsy.alvarez@chariho.k12.ri.us.  Click on the flyer here.

From the ATHLETICS Department

High School spring sports are underway with practices and games daily.  The team schedules can be located on riil.org and also on the Chariho athletic website.  Spring sports include, boys and girls lacrosse, boys volleyball, boys tennis, boys and girls outdoor track, baseball, softball, unified basketball and golf.  As a reminder to everyone, dogs are NOT allowed on campus especially during athletic events.  Please do not bring your dog to a game.  Thank you to everyone who supports Chariho athletics.

From our CHINESE Program

On March 25th, we had an another special Zoom Meet with the students from our sister school in China.  The theme is "Chinese Dragon". The Chariho students demonstrated the Chinese dragons made by themselves, and they talked about how they made their dragons. The students from China introduced information about the Chinese dragon through presentations, such as the legend stories, Chinese dragon dance custom, the spirit and the significance of the Chinese dragon, related food, movies and Chinese idioms, etc.  The students have learned a lot about the Chinese dragon through making their own dragons, and talking to their peers from China.  






From the FBLA

Please see below from the FBLA regarding our online school store.  The direct link can be accessed by clicking HERE.




MARCH 2022

From the School Improvement Team 

Our School Improvement has been meeting monthly since the start of school and has made good progress towards our SIT Goals.  Our focus this year has been on ensuring our Graduation Performance Assessment best measures our Vision of our Graduate and is meaningful to students.  We have also focused on increasing Post-Secondary awareness and outcomes.  Please find our SIT Plan HERE.  We will provide more updates as we continue to progress through these important goals.

From the Student Advisory Board

The Student Advisory Board has been working to accomplish its goals from the beginning of the year. The 8th to 9th Grade Transition Subcommittee created a document of all extracurriculars for easy access to students. This document is available on the high schoolnwebsite under “Student Resources” or by using this link. This Subcommittee is now working on providing resources to underclassmen to make the portfolio more accessible. The Giving Back Subcommittee is currently working on a Student-Faculty Basketball game. This game will be held in March and will help to benefit a charity in the community. More to come!

COVID Updates

Superintendent Picard sent a COVID Update to all Chariho families today and it can be found HERE.  In summary, please see the following information that pertains to CHS:

  • Facemasks/coverings are no longer required on school buses or in schools as of March 4th after 5:00pm.
  • Students: please continue to monitor for symptoms and do not report to school if sick
  • Contact tracing is no longer an optimal strategy to limit COVID-19, we will no longer be contact tracing
  • We will continue to conduct weekly testing for athletes, performing arts, and other events, as needed. Spring athletes that do not have a completed consent form will need to before testing at school can be provided.
  • Certain practices will remain in place to allow us to respond in the event of an outbreak, such as cafeteria assigned seating. We will monitor our numbers as we gradually and systematically transition from our remaining COVID protocols.

State Testing Calendar 

Please see the spring 21-22 CHS State Testing Calendar for the SAT, PSAT, and RINGSA school based assessment dates. While the tests may be scheduled for students in 11th or 10th grade, all students are to be in attendance during the school day for their scheduled classes.


State assessments are an important component of Chariho's Comprehensive Assessment System. These assessments provide us with information to measure the effectiveness of our curriculum and programs and identify areas where students may need extra support. Test results also provide information on a student's progress towards college and career readiness. Also, a qualifying score may meet one of Chariho's reading and/or mathematics standardized assessments graduation requirements.

 

Mental Health Awareness Club

This past January, the Mental Health Awareness Club ran a Winter Care Drive where they collected over 300 items! They collected toiletries and new socks and gloves with the purpose of bringing awareness to these much needed winter care items.


Say Something Reporting System

This is a reminder that we have an anonymous reporting system, Say Something, that can be used to submit concerns to help someone who may be at risk of harming themselves or others.  This system allows us to intervene and connect our at-risk students with needed supports.  To learn more about this system, please visit the following link:  https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/say-something-tips/

There is also an app that you can download as well as a crisis hotline that you can call: 1-844-5-SayNow 

Progress Reports

 

The progress reports for quarter 3 will be viewable on PowerSchool on Friday, March 11th. The last day students may turn in missing work to their teachers is Friday, March 4th. For questions and directions about how to view grades, please visit the Chariho PowerSchool Resources Page for log-in information and the user guide.


Chariho Budget Vote: April 5, 2022

In order to ensure our community knows where to access budget materials and to learn more about the district budget, we have created a budget flyer where you can submit questions and access our frequently asked questions document. Click HERE for more information.

FEBRUARY 2022

End of Quarter 2 & Semester 1

Chariho Families,

Quarter 2 and Semester 1 ended on Friday, January 28th. Report card grades for quarter 2 and  Semester 1 will be available in PowerSchool by 5:00 pm on Friday, February 11th. For questions and directions about how to view grades, please visit the Chariho PowerSchool Resources Page for log-in information and the user guide.

Congratulations to CHS Athletics!

It gives us great pleasure to announce that the Chariho High School Community will be recognized in three RIIAAA awards categories this year!
  • Chariho High School is this year's George Nasuti School of the Year, recognized for athletic achievements and community service

  • Brittney Godbout (Girls Soccer) is this year's Female Coach of the Year 

  • Stephanie and Dan Potts are this year's Sister Charlene Tedeschi - Distinguished Service Awards Recipients

This is a big honor for our high school and is the first time that Chariho has received the School of the Year Award for Athletics.  Congratulations to our coaches and athletes who have contributed to the success of our athletics programs.  A special congratulations to Mr. Shiels, our Athletic Director, and Mr. Provuncher, our Assistant Athletic Director, on receiving this honor. 

Course Selection Process 

Beginning on February 7th, students will begin the course selection process in PowerSchool for grades 9 - 11.  It is important that students thoughtfully plan out their course of study and be aware of their graduation requirements and any course prerequisites.  Students are encouraged to access our Program of Studies to map out their plan of study.  More information about our Program of Studies can be found in the Program of Studies section below within this blog.  School counselors have provided students an overview of the course selection process in advisory, below are the steps to take to properly register for classes in the 2022-2023 school year.

Step 1:
Students log into their PowerSchool account to select courses, registration is available from Feb 7 - Feb 28.   Students can select their courses by selecting the class registration link which will only appear on the menu on the left side of the screen during the dates indicated above.



Step 2:
Students select classes by clicking on the pencil icon for each subject.  A red exclamation point indicates a selection is required for graduation.  Once selecting the icon, students will see available options under the heading as well as teacher recommendations (if applicable).  A green check mark indicates that a selection has been made or there is no required course to take for graduation under that subject, however, students can still select courses as electives.




Step 3:
Check your credit total at the very bottom of the screen.   7 credit hours are the required number of credits for all students (taking more than 7 would be a circumstance you should discuss with your school counselor first).  Also, be sure to select at least 2 alternate classes that are different than primary requests.  In the example below, PowerSchool will indicate how many credits you have selected as you pick your classes.  The student below has 5 credits and still needs 2 more credits plus alternate selections.  



Step 4:
Once you select classes, click on the blue “Okay” button to add them to your requests. Once you do this, course requests are visible on your screen and saved automatically.  However, you may return any time during the portal window to change course selections as needed. If you have any questions or need to make a change to your course selections after Feb 28, please see your school counselor.   
 
School counselors have been meeting with students in advisories about the process and if students or parents have any questions about course selection, they should reach you to their child's school counselor.  


Clinic Updates & Dental Exams for Grade 9


In accordance with RIGL section 16-21-9(b) Chariho High School will be hosting an in school dental screening for all current 9th grade students on Thursday, March 31, 2022.

If your student receives regular dental care, please complete this form to opt out of screening.  Letters will also be sent via mail requesting documentation.  Any student who does not complete either form will be screened. 


Click the following link for additional news from the clinic:  CHS Clinic Updates



Your Voice: SurveyWorks

Dear Parents/Guardians,

 

The Rhode Island Department of Education is currently administering its annual SurveyWorks Family Survey, which is an opportunity for family members to provide feedback about our school community and our children’s opportunities to learn.  The survey results are most useful when all families participate, so we are writing to ask you to participate in this survey.  Your views on matters such as the safety of your child at school, the way students are taught, the condition of the school and how connected you feel to this school are important.  By taking this short survey, you can help our school leadership and school community to make improvements.  Responses are anonymous and cannot be linked to any individual; no one can tie your responses back to you.  The survey will be available online between January 18 and March 31.  To take the survey, visit:  bit.ly/ridefamily.  Please choose Chariho Regional High School from the drop down list. 


Exciting News from Dining Services

Some exciting cafeteria news to share:  Chariho School district has been selected to pilot the Farm to School Program this year.  This program is designed to highlight local products from local farms in and around the RI area. Durning the Month of January we featured local foods every Thursday on the menu.  We had products such as Reds Best fish out of new Bedford, Cheese and yogurt from Narragansett Creamery and Apples from Steere Orchard in Greenville.  We also had broccoli, beets, butternut squash and kale that are all locally grown!  We will continue to have more events and locally sourced menu items as the year progresses!

JANUARY 2022

Exciting News!


Mental Health Community Forum

In early December, we held a Mental Health Community Forum where panelists from Friends Way, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and Building Futures spoke to parents about mental health in children.  Parents had an opportunity to ask questions of the 4 panelists, who shared their background and experiences as mental health providers and their work with trauma and grief.  We had roughly 30 parents in attendance and we are grateful to the panel for offering this opportunity to our community.


A New Online Charger Store!

Our Future Business Leaders of America students have created a new online school store.  Please Click HERE for more information on how to purchase Charger Apparel. 


Congrats to our Graphic Design Program!

We are very proud of that one of our very own Graphic Design students was awarded the winning design for the SkillsUSA RI Pin Design Contest.  Congratulations to James Harding and Mr. Rose!


Poetry Out Loud Recognition 

A very special congratulations to Virginia Keister who is this year's State Winner of the RI Poetry Out Loud Competition.  Virginia trained for and won a school-level competition in order to be eligible to compete in states.  She then won this title for the state of Rhode Island.  Way to go Virginia!  You can view Virginia's performance here.  





From our Student Assistance Counselor

In the following weeks, Keri Pringer (Student Assistance Counselor), will be delivering presentations to the 9th and 10th grade students as a part of the evidence-based prevention program called Project Success. 

The 9th grade presentations are a part of the Prevention Education Series covering topics including:
  • (1) being an adolescent,
  • (2) alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs and their impact on the brain and development,
  • (3) relationships with friends and family, and
  • (4) coping skills for stress
The 10th grade presentations are a single presentation called the opioid module. This presentation provides educational information on what opioids are and how opioids affect the brain and body. If you have any questions, please contact Keri Pringer at keri.pringer@chariho.k12.ri.us or you can refer to the Project Success website https://risas.org/our-programs/project-success/

Performing Arts & Chorus Celebrations

A special congratulations to our Chariho Theatre and our Chorus Programs for their performances over these past couple of weeks.  We hope you had a chance to see A Christmas Carol or attend the Holiday Concert.  Below are some pictures from these amazing performances.










DECEMBER 2021

Mental Health & Teens: A Panel for Parents

On Wednesday, December 8th we will be hosting a Community Conversation for parents on Mental Health in Teens.  It will be held in the CMS Auditorium from 6:00pm - 7:00pm.  All parents of 8th through 12th grade students are welcome to attend.  The panel discussion will feature speakers from the RI Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Friends Way.  We ask that you please register in advance at this LINK.  

We are grateful to have a partnership with Friends Way, Rhode Island's bereavement center, and the RI Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.  Please see the flyer below for more information.




A Special Fall Athletics Season for CHS

Our Fall Sports Teams had a one-of-a-kind season.  To read more about the accomplishments of all of our teams, please click HERE for the article that recently ran in the Westerly Sun.  We enjoyed celebrating our fall athletes with a hallway athletics parade and are very proud of our athletes and coaches.  








Spread the word: 
CHARIHOtech Open House!




A Message from our Student Advisory Board

Student Advisory Board (SAB) is a club where students collaborate with the administration to help improve the high school, increase students' voices, and make sure all students have the best learning experience. This year SAB is comprised of three subcommittees; Positive Celebrations, 9th Grade Transition/Portfolio Review, as well as Giving Back. A goal of the Positive Celebration subcommittee includes organizing events that will help create a positive atmosphere. Members of the 9th Grade Transition and Portfolio Review subcommittee are finding ways to help foster a smooth transition for 8th graders to the high school and find ways for students to become involved in clubs and activities. This committee is also reviewing our Portfolio and Learner Qualities and creating ways for the Portfolio to become more accessible and coherent to students. Finally, the Giving Back subcommittee is finding ways to support local charities and the Chariho community by hosting fundraisers. The leadership team of SAB works with the School Improvement Team (SIT) to help achieve some of the goals of the subcommittees. This year SIT is reviewing the Portfolio and Learner Qualities and is working closely with the leadership team and Portfolio Review subcommittee to provide student perspective to the process. Our next Full Membership SAB Meeting will be on December 16th; be on the lookout for a registration link coming soon.

~The SAB Leadership Team

Monthly Spirit Dress Days & Giving Back

We look forward to coming together as a school for monthly spirit dress days.   Our November Dress Day was in honor of our Veteran's where students wore their red, white, and blue.  Our December Dress day will be on Wednesday, December 22nd and will be Ugly Sweater Day.  For the month of December, students are also organizing various donation drives to give back to the community.  More to come!

2022 Yearbook Announcement

Senior Recognition Ads

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Can you believe that your student is graduating this year? Congratulate your student(s) with a Senior ad in the Yearbook! A Yearbook recognition ad is a great way for parents/family and friends to honor student achievements and important milestones. The revenue from these recognition ads help our school and students to create a better yearbook. To purchase your ad online click on the following link and enter school code 21822 or simply search for Chariho Regional High School: https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/general/displayLanding?portal=true

From the Athletics Department

Good luck to our High School Coaches, Student Athletes and Sports Teams as our Winter Sports Season is now underway.  Game schedules can be found on the Chariho Athletics website and also on riil.org.  Spectators are currently allowed to attend games at Chariho, however ALL spectators must wear a mask at all times while in the school and in the gymnasium.   There is a new winter sport that has been added to the Chariho Athletic Department.  Good luck to the Girls Ice Hockey Co-Op team!  Chariho will be joining the Pilgrim/Toll Gate High School Teams and forming a Girls Ice Hockey Team! 

 

Home venues are the following:

Girls and Boys Basketball: High School Main gymnasium

Girls and Boys Indoor Track: Providence Career and Technical Center

Wrestling: Middle school gymnasium

Boys Ice Hockey: URI Boss Arena

Girls Ice Hockey: Thayer Arena

Gymnastics: South County Movement Center


Text Messaging Capability through SchoolMessenger

The Chariho Regional School District have added text messaging capability to SchoolMessenger Communication, it is the same system we use now for phone calls and emails. The system is configured to send text messages to cell phone numbers whose recipients have agreed to receive them. We encourage families to confirm we have accurate phone numbers and encourage them to participate. 
All parent contact information is pulled from PowerSchool.  You can confirm the correct information is listed by accessing the Emergency Consent form in the PowerSchool parent portal.  
In order to participate in this service, you must first opt in by sending a text message of “Y” or “Yes” to our school’s short code number, 67587.  You can text STOP at any time to stop receiving text messages.


Upcoming Chariho Theatre Co Performance!



From our Chinese Program


Students currently enrolled in Chinese I, Chinese II, Chinese III, and Chinese IV visited the Yin Yu Tang House, located at the Peabody Essex Museum on November 10th.  The 18th-century Chinese house from Anhui province was relocated from its original village and re-erected in Salem, Massachusetts.  Currently, it is the only example of historic Chinese vernacular architecture in North America. The purpose of this field trip is to provide Chariho High School students, who are currently studying Mandarin Chinese, a unique opportunity to experience the most authentic local traditional Chinese house, and learn about Chinese art, architecture, and culture. Our students had the ability to experience products and practices of Chinese cultures outside of the traditional classroom setting, and to make connections between the language and culture studied and their own. See photos below.





FAFSA Update from the Guidance Dept 


With FAFSA deadlines approaching, Chariho High School will be hosting a FAFSA Day on Wednesday, January 19th from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm. If you have not completed your FAFSA, book an in-person appointment with a representative from the College Planning Center of RI who will be available to help parents of Chariho seniors. Sign-up today at CHARIHO FAFSA DAY! Appointments are for 30 minutes per student and first come first serve. All students who plan to attend CCRI must also complete the FAFSA even if you are applying through RI promise. If you have any questions about FAFSA Day, please contact your school counselor.

Clinic Updates

Please click HERE for important updates from our Clinic.

Champlin Foundation Grant Award!

We are excited to announce that the High School has received a grant from the Champlin Foundation to support renovations to our band room. This funding will allow improvements and upgrades to the space to allow for more flexible student use and increased community engagement.