December 2010CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER

Principal: Vice Principals:Clinton H. Giles Our job is to improve, not just maintain.” R Tommy Canterbury

Wendy D Bailey Susan M Young

Angela S Cruikshank

K-9 Unit Search Renders Only False Positives!

Members of the Charleston Police Department K-9 unit visited, at our request, the Capital High School campus on Friday morning December 10, 2010. A thorough search of the building was conducted. Several classrooms were randomly selected and students from those classrooms were asked to place their belongings in the hallway for the K-9 units to search. The school was not placed on lock down during the duration of the search that lasted about half an hour.We are happy to report that only one false positive was registered by one of the two dogs. That false

positive was registered at a locker located in the science wing. A thorough search of the locker by administrators with police officers as witnesses did not reveal any contraband items.Subsequent to the conclusion of the search, Capital High School was given an “all clear” (clean bill of health) by the members of the canine unit from the police department indicating that no illegal drugs were found in our building and classes were resumed as usual. We wish to both commend and thank the students of Capital High School for their assistance in helping us to maintain a safe, orderly, drug-free environment here at our school. Clearly, our students recognize and believe that as students, the

health, safety, and well-being of everyone here in our school is a duty, obligation, and responsibility that they share with all of the adults who work here.I would also like to thank Mr. Brent Webster, Chief of the Charleston Police Department for providing the K-9 units as an invaluable service to and resource for Capital High School!

Annual Veteran’sDay ObservanceThis year the annual Veteran’s Dayassembly was held on Wednesday,November 10, 2010 in our gymnasium.This was an all-school assemblycommemorating the variouscontributions made by members of theArmed Forces of the United States ofAmerica throughout the years.Many brave individuals have served,fought, and made the ultimate sacrificeto preserve and maintain the liberty,freedom, justice, and equality that we allenjoy in this Federal DemocraticRepublic of ours. On this day - the day

before the national holidaycommemorating veterans - we paused topay our appropriate respects to allveterans.As we established last year, studentVoice of Democracy contest winnerswere the speakers for the assembly. Thefirst place winner was Coleen Isaiah;second place winner was Teresa Horton; and the third place winner was Morgan King..The keynote speaker was Brig Gen Robert E. Hammel.As we pause to honor the brave men andwomen in uniform who serve our greatnation so honorably, let us alsorecognize the ‘silent army’ ofindividuals who frequently goesunnoticed for their service here at home.This silent army consists of the familiesand loved ones of those who serve whoare left here at home, alone, while thosesoldiers are away, stationed at thevarious military installations in thiscountry and around the world, and often

deployed in combat zones for extendedperiods of time.Please take the time to join with me inextending to the families and loved onesof our men and women inuniform left here at home our heartfelt thanks and deepestappreciation for the quiet, oftentimesunnoticed, role they play in thebackground supporting the troops whilethey are away! The sacrifices they makeare deeply appreciated, as well.

Charleston High School/ Stonewall Jackson High School Alumni Night!Support Capital High

School Night!Mark your calendars ladies and gentlemen!Monday evening January 10, 2011 alumni of Charleston High School and Stonewall Jackson High School will convene on our campus to demonstrate their support for Capital High School extracurricular and co-curricular activities.All former graduates of these two venerable institutions from the East End and the West Side of Charleston, respectively, that consolidated in 1988 to form Capital High

School are encouraged to attend both the reception from 5:00 till 7:00 in the commons to fellowship and exchange stories of their glory days then attend the basketball game beginning at 7:30 that night.The Cougars boys’ basketball team will be hosting the Red Dragons of St. Albans High School. It is hoped that a large, vocal contingent from both alumni groups will be in attendance that evening along with all of our other loyal fans to demonstrate support for Capital High School and all of the outstanding academic and athletic programs that provide our students with the opportunity to receive a world class, 21st century education!For more information on the upcoming special C.H.S./S.J.H.S. alumni night please call Coach Jack Perry at 304-543-1202 or 304-342-2005; Robert ‘Red’ Jones at 304-925-2286 or Lola Samples at 304-346-9031.

The True Gift of Giving(reprint)byJosh StowersVarious colors of twinkling lightsthat brighten an all-too early night,

images of Santa Claus promisingchildren all their hearts’ desires (ifthey’re not naughty), holiday partieswith friends and family, sweetindulgences, eggnog, and snowflakes asbig as goose feathers blanketing theground. These are some of the thoughtsthat come to mind as the holiday seasonhas so swiftly found us. However, I amalso occupied by the anxieties ofcompleting the arduous seasonal tasksthat consist of making sure that I have agift for everyone who may not find itamusing if they are left out of my circleof holiday gift-giving. Then there is therush to wrap those gifts, just to see themdismantled not a few days afterwards, aswell as the icy roads, chapped lips, andall the other aspects of the season thatseem so trying but are, in truth,extremely trivial. No doubt many of youhave your own special memories andthoughts that cross your mind as the

days get shorter and the temperaturesretreat to arctic levels. Although manyof us may seem bright and jubilant thistime of year, it is also a time for many inour midst that may seem to be as darkand somber as 12:00 PM on a mid-December night.These cold, winter days are, formany, the most trying they face all year.The loss of a loved one, a dispersedfamily, a serious illness; are all examplesof situations that can be plaguing theminds and sapping the happiness frommany of our colleagues, friends, andfellow human beings this holiday season.I can’t help but think of our decoratedmen and women overseas who wouldsacrifice any material good not toexperience the loss and separation thatthey undoubtedly feel, especially at thistime of year. Who can pick up anewspaper or turn on the T.V. and nothave their heart bleed for the thousands

whose lives have been turned upside downdue to the twin disasters ofHurricanes Katrina and Rita. Theexamples are endless. So, what is mypoint, you may ask?Well, we could all benefit from aquick study, at times, on the topic ofperspective. Quite frankly, there is nobetter time of the year than the season ofgiving.Isn’t that what the season isrightly about? Putting all of our trivialproblems on the back burner and bearingthe burdens of our neighbor. True joy issomething that is experienced when wedeliver it to our fellow man. When weattempt to bottle it up for ourselves itdissipates quickly, as does our spirit.Therefore, I call on everyone who mayread this to visit that elderly individualwho has no family, to serve a meal to thehomeless, send groceries to that familywhose children go to bed hungry, orsimply find a need in someone’s life andfill it for a brief moment.

If you choose to take my call, Ibelieve you will be amazed at how thosetrivial aspects of your life that seemed sowearisome, burdensome and annoying,were naught compared to the real issuesthat face some. Then and only then willwe all find true joy, true peace, truehappiness, and, most of all, the truemeaning of the season.

The West Virginia Secondary Schools

Activities Commission

Recently, as a result of an unfortunate occurrence, the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission (WVSSAC) has come under fire from many directions. It has been my observation that much of the criticism leveled against the WVSSAC is unwarranted. Uninformed opinions - as varied and numerous as the grains of sand on the sea shore-rather than fact seem to fuel the invectives hurled in the direction of this august gathering.

In fact, it appears that many who attack and criticize the WVSSAC have little understanding of what actually constitutes this governing body, its

origin, its organizational structure, or what role the WVSSAC plays in the supervision of extracurricular activities in the state of West Virginia.

What follows below is an excerpt from the WVSSAC handbook that provides invaluable background information that will enable those who lack a fundamentally appropriate understanding of this governing body to obtain the type of understanding that is so desperately needed at this critical juncture in the recent history of this organization.

THE RULES AND REGULATIONS

Of theWest Virginia Secondary

SchoolActivities Commission

As set forth in theConstitution and Bylaws

AndApproved by the West Virginia State Board of

EducationPublished by

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OfThe West Virginia Secondary School

Activities Commission

REVISED AND PRINTED JULY 2010

Excerpted From ‘The Introduction’ pgs. IX & X and the ‘Rules and Regulation Handbook’

REORGANIZATION AND LEGALIZATION(Bolding beyond this point

added by C.H.G.)

Prior to 1952, the Bylaws consisted of major rules to which had been added, over the years, explanations and rulings based upon interpretations and decisions of various Boards of Appeals. As a result of general acceptance and long usage, these explanations and interpretations acquired force and meaning comparable to the basic rules. Consequently, at the annual meeting of the Board of Control in 1952, official action was takendeclaring that, because of usage, explanations and interpretations under the rules are a part of the rules.

IX

At the annual meeting in 1955 a constitution was adopted establishing authority for a reorganization to include all interscholastic activities and the changing of the name of the organization from the “West Virginia High School Athletic Association.” The

reorganization provided for a division of the Bylaws into two separate parts: “The Athletic Bylaws” and “The Non-Athletic Activities Bylaws.”

An act to amend Article 2, Chapter 18 of the Code of West Virginia of 1931 as amended by adding thereto a new section, designated Section 25, pertaining to The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission was enacted into law by the West Virginia Legislature on March 11, 1967. The new law created the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission as a legal entity, an arm of the county school boards.

As such it is authorized by law to make rules and regulations and to adjudicate contested cases. Prior to the enactment of the law in 1967, the Commission’s scope of jurisdiction included supervision, control and regulation of all interscholastic extracurricular activities of the schools of its members. The law now limits the Commission’s scope of jurisdiction to interscholastic athletic events and band activities.

The position of the Commission was further strengthened as the result of a decision rendered by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals in a case styled, WEST VIRGINIA SECONDARY SCHOOL ACTIVITIES COMMISSION v HARVEY OAKLEY, JUDGE, AND EDWARD LEE, dated September 1968.

The decision rendered is long and need not be recounted here in its entirety. However, a few very significant statements from that decision are important enough to be included in this section on LEGALIZATION.(Boldface is pertinent. Points not necessarily in order in the decision).

1. As a general rule courts should not interfere with the internal affairs of school activities commissions or associations.

2. The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission is still for all intents and purposes in the same position as it has been for the past fifty years; that is, that member schools eligible to participate may voluntarily do so,

and after such participation, they agree to comply with the rules and regulations that have governed such organization in the past and will govern in the future.

3. The organization has had rules for eligibility of students to participate in athletics or procedure for declaring such students ineligible to participate and for disciplinary procedures for member schools and for the review of such action or decision made by the officers of boards of the association or organization during its entire existence. Where such procedure is provided for in such organization or association the procedure must be followed and due process of law may be afforded administratively without the use of or application to the courts.(State ex. rel. Burchett v Taylor, 150 W.Va. 702, 149 S.E. 2d 234.)

The question as to whether a student’s participation in interscholastic athletics is a CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT or a PRIVILEGE was answered in litigation in the UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT, SOUTHERN DISTRICT

OF WEST VIRGINIA, CHARLESTON, in a Civil Action case No. 79-2497 Harris vs. West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission, et. al.On September 2, 1981, Chief Judge Dennis R. Knapp ruled:“The Supreme Court held that a student’s legitimate entitlement to an education is a property interest protected by the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, Goss vs. Lopez, 419 U.S. 754; 95 S. Ct. 729 (1975).

However, participating in interscholastic athletics is only a mere expectation rather than a constitutionally protected claim of entitlement and, thus, falls outside the protection of due process. Moreland v. Western Pennsylvania, 572 F. 2d 121 (3rd Cir. 1978). Even if the plaintiff’s due process arguments were wellfounded, the WVSSAC, in both its rules and actions, provided plaintiff with a sufficient review procedure that ultimately resulted in the relief sought.”

Judge Knapp’s decision was appealed to the UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS

FOR THE FOURTH CIRCUIT in Richmond, Virginia. On May 2, 1982, Senior Circuit Judge Clement F. Haynsworth, Jr. and Circuit Judges H. Emory Widener, Jr. and Robert F. Chapman agreed with and affirmed the District Court’s opinion.It wouldIn June, 1987, a Petition for Writ of Mandamus was filed by A. James Manchin, Treasurer of State of West Virginia, asking that the WVSSAC comply with statutory requirements of state agencies and that the WVSSAC deposit with the State Treasurer, within 24 hours, “all monies received or collected by them for or on behalf of the State for any purpose whatsoever.”

X

The Supreme Court ruled and Justice McHugh wrote the opinion in December 1987. This opinion stated that “Funds received by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission, which operates pursuant to authority granted it by county boards of education under W.Va. Code 18-2-25 (1967), are quasi-public funds” as defined in W.Va. Code 18-5-13 (1987), and are to be accounted for in a

manner similar to that provided for funds of county boards of education, but such funds are not to be accounted for under W.Va. Code 12-2-2 (1983) as “monies due the State.” Consequently, the Writ of Mandamus on behalf of Treasurer Manchin was denied.

The titles Executive Secretary, Assistant Executive Secretary and Board of Appeals were changed by the Board of Control in April 2002 to Executive Director, Assistant Executive Director, and Board of Directorsrespectively.

127-CSR1127-1-4. Membership.

4.1. The West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission shall be composed of the principals or designee, of those public or private secondary schools which have certified in writing to the State Superintendent of Schools that they have elected to delegate the control, supervision, and regulation of their interscholastic athletic and band activities.

4.2. Membership in the Commission shall be predicated upon accepting the following conditions:

4.2.1. The principal or his designee is and shall be the sole representative of the school in all matters pertaining to the constitution, bylaws, rules and regulations of the commission;

4.2.2. The principal or his designee is and shall be responsible for conducting interscholastic athletic and band activities of the school in accordance with the constitution, bylaws, rules and regulations of the commission which have been adopted by the Board of Control of the Commission for the governing of such activities;

4.2.4. The principal or his designee shall file a statement with the Executive Director of the Commission agreeing to abide by and support the Constitution and the rules and regulations of the commission.

4.4. Any member violating the regulations of this Commission and refusing to abide by the decision of the Board of Directors or the Review Board shall be subject to the penalties hereinafter set forth. (See 127-6-2 of these regulations.)

127CSR3

127-3-2. Duties and Responsibilities of The Principal

2.5. The principal is responsible for adequate team and crowd control measures at home contests in which the school participates, assuring that the schools participants and fans conduct themselves in a proper manner, and assuring that all fans and officials are provided adequate protection. In situations where contests are played on neutral sites, it will be the responsibility of both participating school principals.

2.6. The principal has the right to exclude a contestant who would not represent his school in an appropriate manner, a student who fails to maintain a satisfactory scholastic standing, or a student who has been excluded for a serious illness or injury.

2.9. The principal shall have such other powers as will encourage the growth, development and expansion of the athletic program for the welfare of the students, the school and the WVSSAC.

127CSR4127.4.3. Code for Interscholastic Athletics.

3.7. Statement of Policy

3.7.3. Any coach, student, or bench personnel ejected by an official will be suspended for the remainder of the game, match, meet or contest. They will also face suspension in additional contest(s); the suspension will be assessed based upon 1o percent of the allowed regular-season contests for each sport. Any tenth of a percentage from .1 to .4 will be a suspension equal to the whole number of the percent. Any tenth of a percentage from .5 to .9 will be an additional contest added to the whole number. The suspension will include the number of indicated contests in that sport and at that level and all other sport contest in the interim at any level. A second ejection will result in the doubling of the suspension assessed for the first ejection. If they are ejected for a third time during the same sports season, the individual will be suspended from participating or coaching for 365 calendar days from the date of the ejection. a. Any coach, player or bench personnel who has been ejected shell not be permitted to attend any contest(s) during said suspension. He/she shall

not be affiliated with the team in any capacity. This would include but not be limited to transportation to or from the contest, meeting with the team before, during or after the said contest. He/she is not permitted to be in sight or sound of said contest venue. Regular practice or team meetings not affiliated with the contest are permitted.

b. If suspensions are imposed to a student or bench personnel at the end of the sports season and no contest remains, the suspension is carried over to that particular sport until the next school year. In the case of a senior student, the penalty will continue to the next WVSSAC sponsored sport.

3.7.7. A student or team attendant shall not leave the bench area, team box area, or then designated off field area during a game on contest other than during that time permitted by game or contest rules. A coach shall not leave the bench area, team box area, or the designated off field area during a game on contest other than during that time permitted by game or contest rules unless a student altercation is taking place and the official requests

assistance. Violation of this rule shall cause the coach, student, or team attendant to be immediately ejected from the contest, team penalized according to game or contest rules and that coach, student, or team attendant will not be eligible to display in the next contest as outlined in 127-4-2.3.

In all matters involving Capital High School, its faculty, staff or students the following will be the definitive statement/guideline with respect to how Capital High School will conduct its internal affairs as long as Capital High School remains a member of the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission:Please know that the official position of Capital High School will be to follow, to the letter, all established WVSSAC rules, regulations, procedures, and guidelines.  As the principal, no court decision will determine who will and will not participate on an athletic team at Capital High School.  That will be done (determine eligibility to participate) by the principal of the school for as long as I am the principal. This authority

is provided to the principal of Capital High School and any other member school principal by the WVSSAC rules and regulations referenced previously in this writing. Any team member who leaves the bench for any reason without the authorization of the head coach of that team will be immediately declared ineligible and will not participate again on that or any other team at Capital High School.

Any player, coach, or team assistant who leaves the bench, team box area, or designated off field area and enters the field, court, etc. without proper authorization shall be immediately ejected from the contest and will no longer be welcome to be a member of that team or group here at Capital High School. Coaches have been asked to pass this information on to their respective team members.  The coaches were asked to qualify my position by stating that reflective consideration will be given to those who violate this rule only in instances involving extenuating circumstances relating to an

unexpected catastrophe presenting itself, a natural disaster or some other eminent danger arising in a particular sporting venue.

Determination of representation of Capital High School

Reprint/Revision from February 14, 2008

November 29, 2010

All Teachers, Coaches and Boosters:

Much of the persona, image, character and integrity reputation that Capital High School enjoys is vested in the school name, the nickname of its mascot (The Cougar), and the official school colors which are royal blue and silver gray.

All of the aforementioned was occasioned through town meetings, discussions, student surveys, and committed leadership groups that desired to see our school – a new consolidation including Stonewall Jackson High School and Charleston High School (West Side

and East Side, respectively) be successful from its opening into perpetuity. It has been further enhanced through the outstanding achievements and accomplishments attained over the years in academics, the Performing Arts, athletics, and extra-curricular and co-curricular activities as well.

Coaches, sports teams, other groups and their boosters, shall not alter the persona, image, character, and integrity of our fine school by purchasing for use or re-sale, marketing, or through creating items that otherwise would be directly used by or associated with the school. This is intolerable, will not be permitted, and should be discontinued at once. None of the aforementioned individuals or groups possesses the unilateral authority to do this.

In the future, any item (uniforms etc.) to be used by, created for re-sale, marketing, or to identify with the persona, image, character, and integrity of Capital High School, must be approved in advance by the principal. Items not approved in advance will

not be sold, marketed, used by or permitted to represent any team, group, agency, or entity of our school. The colors of any uniform purchased for use by school sponsored/sanctioned/representative team must be reflective of the official royal blue and silver gray colors of our school. An exception would be the “white, home uniforms” specified by National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) rules and regulations.

Representations of the Cougar Mascot must be approved in advance, also. Inasmuch as possible, the “Running/Leaping Cougar” logo should be utilized as frequently as possible as a representation of the nickname and mascot of our school; not paw prints and certainly not shortening the school name (‘Cap’, Cap High, etc).

It is hoped that this measure taken through this communication is interpreted and understood as a means to maintain the persona, image, character, and integrity of Capital High School in the truest possible sense and not a means to micro-manage

any team, group, agency, or entity of our school.

Respectfully,Clinton H. GilesPrincipal, Capital High School

Capital High School

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

Philosophy and GoalsOrganization and Administration

(Revised 11/01/10)

PURPOSE

The purpose of the following guidelines is to provide direction for the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag (Pledge) at Capital High School.

STATEMENT OF SCHOOL POLICY

The American flag is a symbol of our national ideals. Traditionally, the flag ishonored by standing and pledging allegiance to it.It shall be the policy of Capital High School that a time shall be set aside at the beginning of every instructional day for the recitation of the Pledge.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROVISIONS

In accordance with state law, instruction in the history and principles representedby the flag of the United States, as well as the flag of West Virginia, are included inthe curriculum of one or more grades in the school system as preparation forstudents to become participatory citizens and as a means of transmittingfundamental values important to maintaining a democratic system ofgovernment.As part of this instruction before reaching high school, all students should have learned the origin and the text of the Pledge, which serves as one expression of this nation’s civic heritage.

West Virginia Code Provision

§18-5-15b. Pledge of Allegiance to The Flag.

Every instructional day in the public schools of this state shall be commenced with a pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States. Pupils who do not wish to participate in this exercise shall be excused from making such pledge.

RECITATION PROVISIONS

As prescribed by law, the Pledge shall be rendered by standing atattention, facing the flag, with the right hand placed over the heart. Either the classroomteacher or a student may lead the recitation of the Pledge. If a classroomteacher chooses not to participate, another staff member or student, on avoluntary basis, may be designated to serve as leader.

No student shall be compelled to join in recitation of the Pledge if he orshe objects, or if his or her parents object, to participation in such an exercise onreligious or philosophical grounds. We recognize that it is the complete and total prerogative of each individual student, alone, as to whether or not the student chooses to participate or not participate in the recitation of the Pledge.Parents or guardians are expected to discuss any such objections with their children just as it would be expected that they would discuss any other aspect of behavior and conduct in school with their student (s).

The desires of each individual student, first, and the desires of the parents will always be honored at Capital High School regarding a student exercising his or her prerogative (right) to participate or not participate in the recitation of the Pledge.

Non-Participating Students & Disciplinary ActionNo student shall be subjected to unfavorable comment (s) or stigmatization as a result of his or her decision to participate in or abstain from the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

During the Pledge, nonparticipating students are expected to stand silently and are not to engage in any disrupting or distracting activity.

No disciplinary sanction shall be imposed for refusal to participate in the recitation of the Pledge. However, willful disruption or interference with the exercise of pledging allegiance by others shall result in the same disciplinary measures meted out in other instances of classroom

disruption occurring in our school.

SCORCHCapital Orchestra

News       It's been a very musical fall for SCORCH members. The orchestra performed in November with the River City Youth Ballet Ensemble at the West Virginia Cultural Center for the Fire and Ice Ballet. The students impressed audience members with their renditions of works by Schubert, Smetana, Handel, and Mozart.    On November 6, freshman and sophomores traveled to Martinsburg for the 2010 String Day festival sponsored by the West Virginia String Teachers Association. Nathan Shin was appointed Concertmaster and Ryan Burgess was appointed Associate Principal Cello for the festival orchestra. Congratulations, Nathan and Ryan!       Several of our students are representing the Cougars with positions in the West Virginia Youth Symphony, an honor group that meets weekly and presents concerts throughout the year. Congratulations to these students:

Hilary Keller, violin, Youth OrchestraWill Michael, violin, Youth Strings EnsembleJulian Nguyen, violin, Youth OrchestraViviana Nguyen, violin, Youth OrchestraMichael Terranova, violin, Youth OrchestraKiefer Kirk, viola, Youth OrchestraKelli Shanholtzer, viola, Youth Strings EnsembleHallie Brotherton, cello, Youth OrchestraMichael Swagger, bass, Youth Strings Ensemble In other news, Nathan Shin won his division in the Mountaineer solo competition in October. The competition included a thirty minute program from memory and was held at Fairmont State University. Bravo, Nathan! Don't miss the orchestra performing at the CHS Performing Arts Holiday on Thursday, December 16, and also at the Clay Center Grand Foyer on December 18th at 6:30, prior to The Nutcracker Ballet!

Capital Football Dec. 2010

A successful football season is more about the people behind

the scenes and less about the head coach, a lesson that was proven to a young coach in his first year. The 2010 season ended on November 12th with a 28-21 loss to Morgantown High School, finishing our season with a 9-3 mark. Although not great by Capital High School standards, we are very proud of our team and how we represented our school.

As the head coach I would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to the people who dedicated their time to make our season a success. First would be the administration and faculty at Capital High School who went above and beyond their duties to play a role in keeping our team working and acting as winners. A great factor in our season would be the coaching staff- Mark Mason, Ben Fuller, Ahmed Witten, JR Kinney, Larry Moore, Fred Myer, Steve Lanham, and Craig Albright- without whom the season would never have gone so smoothly. We also have the best support staff in Joe Tucker, Brandy Spencer, Don Todd, John Baird, Robbie Scott, Andre Hamilton, and the director of football operations, Tony Harris. I would be truly remiss not to mention those who

propped me up behind the desk each day as the whirlwind of a new experience kept knocking me down- Alan Burgess, Beth Martin, Michael Huffman, Cynthia Phillips, Jack Woolwine and Ruth Burdette. On behalf of the entire program, we would like to recognize Carl Crowder, owner of Crowder Auctions in George’s Creek, for his help in fundraising for the year, for without it we would not have been able to make it.

The annual end of the year banquet is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, January 11th at 6:30. The offseason conditioning program will begin when school resumes in January. The days of operation will be Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. We have a great group of players returning and look forward to representing Capital High School in a great way!

Applied Arts

Skills for a Healthy LifeAs stated in the

Capital High Mission statement, the teachers in Applied Arts are “Working to develop a community of learners who live as productive, thoughtful 21st Century citizens.” Because our classes

involve “hands-on” learning, the students have an opportunity to experience what they are learning, not just read about it in a book. This makes their classroom experiences much more relevant.

Foods I students have just finished their first unit called “Recipe Skills.” This unit is the foundation for the rest of the year. Topics covered included how to follow a recipe correctly, how to measure correctly, cooking terms and cooking equipment. They are now studying grains and different types of breads. Cooking labs will include Cheddar Cheese Garlic Biscuits, Chocolate Chip Muffins, Blueberry Pancakes, Yeast Bread, and Thanksgiving Pumpkin Rolls. These students are required to read carefully, follow directions and plan carefully. If they do all of this correctly, they get something wonderful to eat.

Physical Education teachers also take our mission statement seriously. As an example of “taking into account individual student characteristics using effective instructional practices,” they encourage students to be involved in the programs. One of the

PE students created a “Broom of Doom Hockey Game” that allows all students to play simultaneously. He said, “We had been playing Floor Hockey in PE class and I really liked it, but I didn’t like waiting for a game. I tried to think of a way where everyone was able to participate all at once, but there was no floor space to play multiple games at once.” Cledus Johnson created a new game which made it possible for all students to play at once, no waiting. This is the type of problem-solving and creativity we promote at Capital High School.

We would like to put in a request: If anyone has a functioning wheelchair that they would like to donate to the clinic, it would be greatly appreciated!

CSU December Students of the Month

Mr. B. Clark

1st Period Morgan Barnes6th Period- Jacob Fields8th Period Amanda Bowman

Mrs. Fields

1ST - Rashaad Guerrant2ND - Amanda Bowman3RD - KeKe Wilmore

5TH - Amanda Maynus6TH - Keon Durgan7TH - Nehemiah Bays

Mrs. Garrison

1st--Stevie Adamczyk3rd--Janeicia Walker4th--Kayla Edwards5th--Augusta Burkes7th--Star Williams8th--Aaron Simms Mrs. Hoskins

1st - Holly Giezey2nd- Tiana Sadzewicz3rd - Summer Boyce4th- Joseph Chaney6th - Amanda Pauley8th -Jahneece Clements

Mrs. Miller

Period 4 - James Green    Period 5 - Shayla Haynes  Period 8 - Desmond Hill    

Mrs. Roach Honors Biology Period 1:  Mikaela SpencePeriod 3:  Victoria "Tori" McGinnisPeriod 6: James RichmondPeriod 8: Mallory Burka Physical Science Period 2:  Jacob WilliamsPeriod 4:  Usountay Armstrong

Mrs. Swayne

1st period-Megan Darnell3rd period-Tierra Lamb4th period-Nick Holley5th period-Daniel Adamcyzk7th period-Logan Garrison8th period-Kelsey Smith

Nurse’s Notes December 2010

Here is a quick guide to Community Services for Kanawha County provided by United Way. All numbers are area code 304 unless listed.

Health Care Clinics/HospitalCabin Creek Health Center

595-5006CAMC

388-5432Children’s Therapy Clinic

342-9515Family Care Hills Plaza

720-4466Family Care Schoenbaum Center 414-4499Kanawha Charleston Health Dept. 348-0700St. Francis Hospital

347-6500Thomas Memorial Hospital 766-3600Upper Kanawha Medical Center 595-1770Women’s Health Center

344-9834WV Health Right

343-7000

Prevention / Youth Services

Adolescent Health Initiative 340-3622ASPEN (Adolescent Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention)

414-3070Big Brothers/ Big sisters

746-7900Daymark

340-3675HOPE Community Dev. Corp 343-4673WV Nat’l Guard Child & Youth 561-6821

Health OrganizationsAIDS Hotline 800-642-8244Alzheimer’s Association

343-2717American Cancer Society

746-9950American Heart Association 720-9001Blind Physically Handicap Services 558-4061CAMC Health Info Center

388-9645D.E.A.F

766-9470Diabetes Association 888-342-2383Lion’s Club Sight Program

766-4891Lung Association

342-6600Make A Wish Foundation

342-9474March of Dimes

720-2229Multiple Sclerosis Society

343-5153Muscular Dystrophy Assn.

344-9807

Spinal Cord Injury766-4751

Crisis InterventionASPEN (Adolescent Suicide Prevention andEarly Intervention)

414-3070Adult/Child Abuse Hotline

800 352-6513Rape/ Sexual Assault Services 340-3676Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800 273-8255

Addiction ServicesAlcoholics Anonymous 800 333-5051Highland Hospital

926-1669Narcotics Anonymous

344-4442Prestera Center

341-0511Problem Gambler’s Help

426-2537WV Prescription Drug Abuse 866 987-8488WV Tobacco Quit Line

877 966-8784

Best Wishes for a Safe and Happy Holiday!

Angela Cavender RN

World Language

Señora Furber, our student teacher, will return to her family in Florida on the 16th of December. Sra. Furber has been working with the students in Spanish II and Spanish III

since September. Sra. Furber is originally from Panama and came to Capital High School through the University of Phoenix to complete her student teaching. We have very much enjoyed our time with Sra. Furber and will miss her, but wish her luck with her new teaching position in Florida.The Amity scholars for the years 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 are returning from Spain this week for a visit. Both Marina Fernandez and Noemi Arranz will visit the school on Monday December 6. The students and faculty who remember them fondly will be happy to see them again. Registration for the dual credit Spanish classes is now available. Students who are currently enrolled in Spanish 3 wishing to receive three hours college credit for Spanish 101 from the University of Charleston and students currently enrolled in Spanish 4 wishing to receive three hours college credit for Spanish 102 from the University of Charleston must complete the registration form and attach a check for $175 payable to the University of Charleston. The content and delivery of the Spanish 3 and 4 classes will be no different for those students

taking the class for college credit than those students electing to continue on with the weighted high school classes.For those students electing to receive college credit for the class, the registration fee should be paid by the end of January. If you require further information about the dual credit classes, please feel free to contact me through e-mail at dalcazar@kcs.kana.k12.wv.us or call me at home 744-5868.

The French classes at Capital High School will be celebrating a French Christmas on Friday, December 17th. Students will be learning about French Christmas customs during the month of December and will be cooking authentic French Christmas foods and sharing them with the class on on December 17th. Students are looking forward to the event.

Teacher of the Month Congratulations to Mrs. Susie Garrison, October’s Teacher of the Month!Mrs. Garrison is a hard working, dedicated teacher who goes to great lengths to ensure her students have every opportunity to succeed that she can provide.  As the

coordinator for the AR program in the 9th grade (CSU), she is always promoting and encouraging kids to read.  She maintains the program and manages reports as well as coordinates with other English teachers to ensure students are aware of the program and how the system of earning points is established. In addition to her teaching in the classroom, Mrs. Garrison is the advisor for the CHS Student Council.  She works extremely hard to ensure that our student body is involved and that student activities are planned for the entire school to enjoy.  She is an avid supporter of positive engagement with students.   She also assists the administration and athletic director with tasks related to both boys and girls soccer teams, and helps our school regularly by selling tickets at our athletic events.  She is always on the fields as a mother and as a teacher supporting all of our students faithfully.  Students know that she cares about them, and in turn, students do care about her.  She makes a difference in our students everyday!

From the Studio

All Dancers are have completed choreography for Performing Arts Holiday and are preparing to present our crazy version of the “Nutcracker.” It is called “Boyfriend in a Box.” It is definitely a must see and will be presented along with the rest of the Performing Arts Department pieces on Dec. 16th, 2010 at 7PM.

“Step Afrika” was a huge hit and the dancers really enjoyed learning about this cultural tradition. This month we will be educated about “Exploring Global Treasures” by the WV Dance Company, WV’s only professional touring company. Students will have yet another opportunity to take a workshop with the company’s directors, Donald Laney and Toneta Akers-Toler. So many amazing things are going on here in the Capital High School Performing Arts Department.

Our next concert will be January 8th, 2011 at 7:30PM. We will be guests of Dance Underground at the Davis Fine Arts Building on the Campus of WV State University. February 25th is our adjudication for the WV Dance Festival and March 11th we will present “Unbreakable”, a concert of Student and Professional work dealing with creating stronger young people to lead us forward.

We have Papa John’s coupons and Kroger cards available for anyone wanting to support us that way. Please contact Ms. Legg if you would like one of the coupons or cards. Below you will find some bullets regarding things we have upcoming. Please feel free to email or call Ms. Legg for more information on ANY of these events or to book us for a performance.

Email: alegg@kcs.kana.k12.wv.us Phone: 304-348-6500 ext. 159

Dec. 16th: Performing Arts Holiday

Jan. 15th: Guest Performance at WV State University

Jan. 29th: WV Wesleyan Arts Festival

Feb. 25th: WV Dance Festival Adjudication

March 11th: Dance Concert 7PM Capital High Performing Arts Centre

April 1st-3rd: Starpower Dance Competition

April 8-10th: WV Dance Festival

April 14-21: Company Trip and Performance at Disney!!

April 29th: Arts Alive

May 4-7th: Musical Performances

The Capital High School girls' basketball team opened their season on Friday, December 3rd with a home game against Logan. The game began at 7:00. Though our ladies suffered a loss, they played hard and had several positive things to build upon as they move forward through their season. The Lady Cougars will have a busy month of December with a total of seven games during the month. The remainder of the December schedule:Dec. 10th- Huntington         Home        7:00

Dec. 13th- G.W.      Away    7:30Dec. 17th- Hoops Classic      Civic Center      6:00 Dec. 20th- Princeton   Home   7:30Dec. 28th- Riverside    Away   7:30Dec. 30th- Valley  Home  7:00    

COUNSELOR CORNER

Seniors:*Parent/student financial aid meeting was December 9th at 6:00 in the LGI. The presenter was a member from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

*Beginning January 1st, you can start the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process at www.fafsa.ed.gov . What can you do in December?

1. Apply for a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov . Your PIN will serve as “your signature” on the FAFSA. Students and parents must obtain a PIN.2. Gather financial documents. A list can be found on www.fafsa.ed.gov

3. Attend the financial aid meeting on December 9th.

*The counselors will take the seniors to the computer lab to apply for the PROMISE scholarship this month.

*Parents, you should have a conversation with your child about what costs you will cover for college. For example: Will you pay all expenses not covered by financial aid, will you pay for books, will you pay for them to have their car on campus, will you send an allowance, should they get a part-time job?

*Students should narrow down their college choices and take the ACT or SAT if they have not already done so.

*Continue to look at the “Just For Seniors” board for scholarship opportunities.

Myth: Colleges don’t really look at senior grades.Truth: Your senior year is regarded as a good indicator of where you have placed your passion and priorities. Keep working hard all year!

Juniors:

*Visit www.actstudent.org or www.collegeboard.com for practice tests. You should be academically ready to take it by spring.

*Start a list of potential colleges. Consider the following factors: distance from home; urban or rural; size of campus; majors offered, student-faculty ratio; college expenses.

*Start an academic resume that includes academic awards/accomplishments, extracurricular activities in and out of school, and personal and career goals.

*Create a College Foundation of West Virginia account at www.cfwv.com

Sophomores:*Start collecting college information.

*Start or continue to take challenging high school courses.

*Start or continue to save for college.

*Join extracurricular activities.

*Create a College Foundation of West Virginia account at www.cfwv.com

Performing Arts Holiday—The Accent that Makes the Holiday Sparkle

As December rolls around so do our thoughts of the upcoming holiday season. So often, it is the sounds of the holiday and the approaching New Year that cause us to pause and smile at those traditional and non-tradition moments. As we continue to have opportunities to make traditions here at Capital High School, please plan on attending our annual Performing Performing Arts HolidayArts Holiday program. This tradition will be given for a packed house of elementary school children on December15 & 16 at 10:00 AM. The CHS family performance will be December 17 with the only public performance at 7:007:00 PM on December 16PM on December 16tthh. Tickets will be $5.00 for Adults and $3.00 for Students. The variety of the program showcases our Jazz Band, Choral, Dance, Theater Departments and Chamber Orchestra. Please join us for a wonderful way to celebrate this holiday season.

Hold that noteHold that note…the VIPs are off and singing their

way through the holiday season learning music and choreography for “A “A Holiday To RememberHoliday To Remember.” .” Rehearsals began the week after their scintillating performance at Swing SingSwing Sing—Kanawha County Schools’ Show Choir Showcase. They are feverishly working to be able to include a couple of songs for their first holiday concert on December 9th. The VIP Booster meeting will be December 14th at 7:00 PM. Discussions will include the Brickstreet Brickstreet Concert,Concert, Performing Arts Performing Arts HolidayHoliday, , Edgewood Edgewood Summit ConcertSummit Concert and our VIP Concert and Show Choir Invitational to be held February 19, 2011. Vocal Ensemble students will perform for the Brickstreet Insurance Awards luncheon on December 9th at their offices in the Town Center Mall. Rounding out the month will be their participation in Capital High School’s annual tradition, Performing ArtsPerforming Arts HolidayHoliday to be held December 15-17. Wow, what a month of practice, concerts and community service!

Student CouncilStudent Council is roaring through December! On our agenda this month we have the following

community and school service projects: Freshmen and Sophomores are working with the Daycare children to provide them a fun work day, where they will decorate t-shirts and receive goodies for the holiday season. The Juniors are organizing our Shoeboxes project, hoping to fill 75 shoeboxes for patrons of our local Veterans’ Home. Our seniors are organizing a dinner to feed those same veterans on Thursday, Dec. 16. Sgt. Maj. Dillon and several of his JROTC members are providing assistance with this. All of our members are hard-working, dedicated students who never hesitate to step in and help others!

Beginning in August 2006, a student with life- threatening peanut and tree nut allergies enrolled in our school.

Because of these medically documented conditions, items that trigger the allergic reactions cannot be tolerated within the environment here in the school. By working proactively, we hope to minimize the risk of accidental peanut and tree

nut allergen exposure to the student.

We are requesting that you do not bring any item or product that contains peanuts or tree nuts (i.e. almond, walnut, Brazil nut, filbert or hazelnut, hickory nut, pecan, pine nut, pistachio, and macadamia nut) onto the campus. Obviously, food products made of or containing peanuts and tree nuts appear to pose the greatest risk of introducing these allergens into the school environment.

Products that are processed with peanut and tree nut oils should be avoided, also. Some apparently acceptable foods pose a potential risk for introducing these allergens because of cross contamination/contact due to their having been exposed to the oil allergens during their processing. These typically include “chips,” sunflower seeds, granola bars, and nut butters.

Items that are typically sold as “fund raisers” need to be carefully screened to ensure that they comply with the guidelines set forth in this letter.

In advance, we want to extend to all of you our

appreciation for your willingness to help us reduce the exposure of students to these products. Just as we have in the past with students whose health profiles required that we work together to ensure that our school environment posed no threat to them, I am confident that Capital High School will rise to the occasion in this instance, also.

Please feel free to contact the administration, the school nurse, or one of the counselors if you have questions or would like more information regarding this issue.

Respectfully,

Clinton H. Giles, Principal

Student Class Schedule

Change Rationale

The administration of Capital High School believes that no student class schedule changes should be granted after student schedules have been finalized at the end

of the spring scheduling period.

The above philosophy statement provides for the following policy principles regarding the changing of student class schedules here at our school now being established in writing. The purpose of this documentation is at least two-fold: 1. Needed clarification will be provided for all.

2. Past inconsistencies and irregularities with respect to policy implementation will be eliminated and or discontinued.

Please know that it is understood that exceptions to established policy may be warranted in specific, novel and unique circumstances. Accepting this caveat, please know also that exceptions to this policy will be considered only within the confines of the most strict and narrow, administratively predetermined, parameters.

1. – Schedule change requests will only be entertained during the first two ( 2 ) weeks of the school year.

2. – Schedule changes completed during this two

week period will include but not be limited to those changes necessitated due to “technical difficulties” such as having fewer than seven ( 7 ) classes scheduled, having duplications of classes, having no lunch period scheduled, being scheduled into a class that is not compatible/consistent with the student grade level, etc.

3. – No schedule changes will be entertained after the official Mid-term Progress Report Date has passed.

4. – After the official Mid-Term Progress Report Date has passed, schedule change requests will be tabled or held in abeyance until the approach of the end of the first semester. At that juncture, consultation between the counselor(s), teacher(s), and administrative representation from the school will occur to review each request to determine whether or not the request has merit. Please know that each of these requests will be subjected to the utmost scrutiny and held to the highest academic/administrative standards.

5. – Schedule changes that are determined to be warranted after the Official Mid-Term Progress Report

Date has passed will only be granted with administrative approval.

Re: Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

Students who schedule for AP courses will not be permitted to obtain schedule changes during the summer prior to the beginning of the school year. Because of School Master Schedule accommodations, personnel and staffing commitments, the establishment of curricular priorities, and the signing of student contracts, a student must remain enrolled in the AP class that they (he/she) requested until the end of the first semester.Principle 4 above is applicable in this area.

West Virginia Contract of Rights and Responsibilities in

Learning for StudentsPreamble:

Education is the key to individual success and regional economic health. Educators, students, and parents/guardians/mentors are equally responsible for facilitating success in education; without one party’s active participation the remaining two will not achieve maximum results. Students, parents/guardians/mentors, and

educators can affirm the expectations of West Virginia public schools by signing a pledge to support the various rights and responsibilities in the education environment.

PARTNERS PledgePledge to Achieve Real, Transforming, Necessary, and Expected, Respect in SchoolsWe have asked that everyone at Capital High School -all administrators; teachers; parents; and students - sign this contract (pledge) to assure that all our collective efforts (a partnership) will ensure that every Capital High School student receives a World Class, 21st Century Education. Administrators signed the pledge along with the faculty and staff members upon returning to school on Friday, August 20, 2009All students were asked to sign the PARTNERS pledge on September 9, 2009 during homeroom. Each student was given a copy of the partners pledge to take home to their parents and guardians for them to sign and to be returned to the school to the homeroom teachers.On September 10, 2009 at 7 PM in our Performing Arts Center I shared the basic aspects of the partners pledge with approximately 500 parents

who had come to our annual open house. During that brief introductory session I shared with the audience the basic components of the pledge and its purpose. Parents were provided their own individual copies of the pledge to be signed that evening. We also positioned large blowups of each of the individual pledges - for administrators; teachers; parents and guardians; and students - in the Commons for all to see as they passed through the building.The pledge is whole-heartedly supported by First Lady Gail Manchin – who is a member of the State Board of Education –is consistent with and thoroughly embraces the five key points of the America’s Promise Alliance which was started by General Colin Powell, who, through his tenure of working through the previous presidential administration, noted that many children in America fail to reach their fullest potential because there are five things that are lacking in their lives. Under the leadership of Founding Chairman General Colin Powell and current Chair Alma Powell, the America’s Promise Alliance has become the nation’s

largest partnership providing supports to young people.

The Five Promises

The Five Promises are those developmental

resources — wrap-around supports— that young

people need for success in life:

Caring Adults - All children need support and guidance from caring adults in their families, at

schools and in their communities. These include

ongoing, secure relationships with parents as well as formal and informal relationships with

teachers, mentors, coaches, youth volunteers and neighbors.

Caring adults are the cornerstone of a child’s

development!

 Safe Places - All children

need to be physically and

emotionally safe wherever they

are — from the actual places of

families, schools,

neighborhoods and

communities to the virtual

places of media. They also

need a healthy balance

between structured, supervised

activities and unstructured

time.

A Healthy Start - All

children need and deserve

healthy bodies, healthy minds

and healthful habits. These

result from regular health

check-ups and needed

treatment, good nutrition and

exercise, healthy skills and

knowledge, and good role

models of physical and

psychological health.  

Effective Education - All

children need the intellectual

development, motivation and

skills that equip them for

successful work and lifelong

learning. These result from

having quality learning

environments, challenging

expectations and consistent

guidance and mentoring. 

Opportunities to Help Others - All children need the

chance to make a difference in

their families, at schools and in

their communities. Knowing

how to make a difference

comes from having models of

caring behavior, awareness of

the needs of others, a sense of

personal responsibility to

contribute to the larger society,

and opportunities for

volunteering, leadership and

service.

Everything the America’s Promise Alliance does is

built around the framework of ensuring that

more young people experience more of the

Promises. 

The Five Promises Change Lives

Children who receive at least four of the Five

Promises are much more likely than those who

experience only one or zero Promises to succeed academically, socially and civically. They are more

likely to avoid violence, contribute to their

communities and achieve high grades in school.

Receiving at least four of the Five Promises also

appears to mitigate gaps across racial and economic

boundaries.

To experience the full power of the Promises,

young people must experience these critical supports throughout their

lives — in their families, at schools and out in their

communities.

Improving the lives of 15 million disadvantaged

youth over the next five years is the goal of the

America’s Promise Alliance.

Through instituting the PARTNERS Pledge here, we at Capital High School are committed to doing our part to ensure that all our students receive the Five Promises. Again, we are asking that everyone at Capital High School - all administrators; teachers; parents; and students - sign this contract (pledge) to assure that our collective efforts (establishing a partnership) will ensure that every Capital High School student receives a World Class, 21st Century Education.

How to Avoid Tardiness to Class(Locker Routine & TimeManagement Suggestions )(When to Go to Your Locker)7:15 To Locker – Obtain all books andmaterials for 1st and 2nd period classes.Take all of these books and materials toHome Room with you.

After Home Roomduring Extended Walk Time – Depositbooks and materials from previousperiods. Obtain all books and materialsneeded for all classes prior to yourrespective lunch period.

When going to yourrespective lunch – Deposit books andmaterials from previous periods. Obtainall books and materials needed forclasses before 6th period - Take thesebooks and materials to lunch withyou!(Students who have 6th period lunch may need to carrymaterials for 3 class periods prior to then.)

After 6th period during

Extended Walk Time – Deposit booksand materials from previous periods.Obtain all books for 7th and 8th periodclasses.

Tutoring

If you determine your child is having problems in a specific curriculum area, after school tutoring is available from 3:15- 4:15. Please check the Capital High School Website and the next newsletter for the beginning date and room numbers. The schedule is as follows:

Mon. Math Mrs. Price

Tues. Science Mr. Coleman

Wed. English Ms. Blaul

Thurs. Soc. Stud. Mrs. Kerner

Grade Reports

1st 9 weeks Midterm 9/22

Report Card 11/1

2nd 9 week Midterm 12/3

Report Card 1/21

3rd 9 weeksMidterm 2/18

Report Card 3/29

4th 9 weeksMidterm 4/29

Report Card 6/1

Capital High School Attendance Area Local School Improvement

Council MeetingThe Capital High School Attendance Area Local School Improvement Council Meeting was held on Monday evening, October 25, 2010 at 6:00 PM at Stonewall Jackson Middle School in their beautifully remodeled auditorium.Each of the elementary schools, middle schools and Capital High School representatives were given the opportunity to make brief, five minute presentations to the Board of Education members and the Superintendent. As principal of Capital High School I determined that the presentation I would make would focus upon the plan we have assembled to increase our graduation rate and reduce our dropout rate.Several components come together to comprise the plan we have put into place that we were charged with the responsibility to develop just this past August 6th following a

meeting with central office administrators. During that meeting data was shared with us as well as the belief that the large number of out-of-school suspensions and the total number of days that students were suspended from our school contributes to our lower-than-acceptable graduation rate and our unacceptably-high dropout rate.The elements of the plan include but are not limited to:In School Suspension (ISS) – This is the second year for the funding of this position. We strive to utilize ISS rather than suspend a student out of school.Partners Pledge - Pledge to Achieve Real, Transforming, Necessary, and Expected, Respect in SchoolsEducation is the key to individual success and regional economic health. Educators, students, and parents/guardians/mentors are equally responsible for facilitating success in education; without one party’s active participation the remaining two will not achieve maximum results. Students, parents/guardians/mentors, and educators can affirm the expectations of West Virginia public schools by signing a pledge to support the various

rights and responsibilities in the education environment.

America’s Promise Alliance – Founded by General Colin Powell and Chaired by his wife, Alma Powell, America’s Promise Alliance strives to ensure that the highest percentage of students graduates from high school with a diploma. America’s Promise posits that there are five wrap-around developmental resources that must be present in the lives of children as they grow up that ensure their chances for success in life.

The Five Promises are: Caring Adults, Safe Places, A Healthy Start Effective Education, and Opportunities to Help Others.

C.H.S. Assurance Agreement – The Assurance Agreement is a document that we have developed that ensures that students participating in co-curricular activities are held to the same standards as students that participate in extra-curricular activities by communicating the same expectations and standards to students in both groups.Revamped Discipline Referral Process – We have increased the

involvement of our counselors in the discipline referral process. Also, we have increased, markedly, the number of contacts made with parents by teachers over the phone and in conferences.Adoption of Proposed K.C.S. Suspension Guidelines - For level I & II disciplinary infractions the suspension guidelines proposed by the administration earlier this year have been adopted. By doing so we have cut in half the number of days that students are suspended out of school as a result of having committed Level I and Level II offenses

Commitment to Graduate - “Commitment to Graduate®” (C2G®), is an initiative which integrates numerous strategies in schools to help students, faculty, parents and communities increase focus on improving the success rate for students during their transition from 8th grade to 9th grade, as well as completing high school in four years.

We believe that at the end of the school year the data will reveal that what we are doing will manifest itself in an increased graduation rate and a reduced dropout rate.

Dress Code Changes

The Guidelines for Appropriate Dress at Capital High School are hereby amended to reflect the following which will go into effect commensurate with the beginning of the 2nd nine weeks and/or November 1, 2010:“Jeggings” (the name is a cross between jeans and leggings) are neither suitable nor appropriate dress for the school environment of Capital High School.Jeggings are those garments that have the appearance of or are manufactured on the style of blue jeans. However, Jeggings are made of fabrics akin to spandex and other synthetic fabrics that are quite elastic by nature and are intended to be form-fitting.As such and by design, Jeggings are intended to conform, completely, to the contours of the body of the person wearing them.By establishing that Jeggings are not suitable and are inappropriate for the school environment of Capital High School it is not the

intent of this amendment to the Guidelines for Appropriate Dress at Capital High School to dictate style or fashion. Further, commensurate with the beginning of the 2nd nine weeks and/or November 1, 2010 students wearing ‘tights’ must wear another garment over the tights that fall at least to the mid-thigh length. It is recommended that students wear either shorts or a skirt/dress to cover the tights. Tights, alone, are neither suitable nor appropriate for the school setting of Capital High School.Again, the intent of this amendment to the Guidelines for Appropriate Dress at Capital High School is to address a situation involving student dress that is neither suitable nor appropriate for the school environment of Capital High School.We encourage parents to monitor more closely their student’s attire before they depart for school. We also want to point out that even though parents may see a student leave home dressed appropriately for school, once the student arrives at school

they often change into less suitable garments.

Local School Improvement Council

MeetingThursday, October 07,

2010

The Capital High School Local School Improvement Council (L.S.I.C.) met on the evening of October 7, 2010 in the L.G.I. Officers for the year were elected and are as follows:Rochelle Coleman – PresidentSusie Azevedo – Vice PresidentJohanna Ellis – Secretary/TreasurerDuring the meeting a considerable amount of time was spent discussing how the L.S.I.C. could become a more viable organization at Capital High School and how to increase attendance and participation at the regularly-scheduled meetings.We look forward to working with the officers to achieve these goals and to help make the L.S.I.C. the kind of organization that we all can be proud of. The L.S.I.C. will meet the Thursday before the Instructional Support days. Below is the schedule for the I.S. days and for the L.S.I.C. meetings. All L.S.I.C. Meetings will be

held in the L.G.I. (rm. #118) and will begin at 6:00PM promptly. Instructional Support DaysL. S. I. C. Meeting dates

I. S. Day - October 12, 2010 L.S. I. C. - October 7, 2010*Officers elected)I. S. Day - December 22, 2010L. S. I. C. - December 16, 2010I. S. Day - February 21, 2011L. S. I. C. - February 17, 2011I. S. Day - April 13, 2011

L. S. I. C. - April 7, 2011I.S. Day June 3, 20

2011 Officers elected