 In this Issue
1. From the Principal's Desk
2. Rock the Vote!
3. Calendar Reminder
4. Recent Student Successes
1. From the Principal's Desk
Dear Members of the Chantilly HS Community:
I hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving and that you and everyone in your family is safe and healthy. As we head towards Winter Break, we are working very hard to prepare for the return of students in January. Of course, we cannot ignore that infection rates across the country are rising exponentially. The reality of the pandemic became especially clear to me two weeks ago when I learned that both my cousin, Vicky, and her husband, Barry, tested positive for COVID-19. My cousin believes she was infected while at work as a hospital administrator even though she was following best practices for health and safety. While her symptoms where relatively mild, Barry became very sick just a few days later. When he began to have great difficulty breathing, she took Barry to the hospital where he remained for 10 days. Despite being only 54, in great health, and with no preconditions, Barry could barely breathe for 5 days and was almost intubated. I spoke with Barry yesterday after he finally returned home, and he explained that, “It was the sickest I’ve ever been times ten.”
I know that it is very likely that some of you may have similar stories to share. Our need to reopen schools must be weighed against our need to keep everyone safe, and we are doing our best to navigate the challenging course ahead. Chantilly HS and the Chantilly Academy have the largest enrollments in FCPS, and we are working together and with specialists to identify and implement the best mitigation strategies available. We are also ordering and installing technical tools that will enable our teachers to access students in-person and those at home at the same time. We are also trying to offer extracurricular activities as appropriate and safely as we can. I will be sending a lot of school-specific information in the weeks ahead so that students and parents know what to expect and why. We appreciate your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we work to meet the needs of students during a time unlike any other.
Have a good weekend,
Scott Poole
2. Calling all Chargers! It's time to ROCK THE VOTE for one of our own!
Joanna Kim, one of our band students, is also a tremendously talented guitarist! She is currently a finalist for 2020 Acoustic Guitarist of the Year through guitarplayer.com. Please visit the website below and VOTE for Joanna! You can watch her AMAZING performance there too! Of the 5 finalists, Joanna is...
- the youngest
- the only female performer
- being considered alongside professional guitarists from the United States, Europe, and Australia
Voting is open through Dec. 20th.
VOTE! LIKE! SHARE!
Congratulations, Joanna!
Vote Here: https://www.guitarplayer.com/news/here-are-your-acoustic-guitarist-of-the-year-2020-finalists-vote-now#section-vote-now
3. Calendar Reminder: Winter Break Is December 21 to January 1, 2021
As a reminder, this year winter break starts on December 21 and ends on January 1, 2021. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Monday, January 4, 2021, is an asynchronous day.
See the complete 2020-21 school year calendar.
4. Recent Student Successes
This is the next installment for the school year of what has become a weekly segment aimed at recognizing students for demonstrating recent improvement or achievement in academics, behavior or citizenship. At the end of each recognition, you will see the name of the nominating teacher or staff member. On a rotating basis, departments will nominate students. I plan to meet with recognized students each week (virtually) to congratulate them.
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Jenna Boddie remains positive even during virtual learning. Jenna is a very conscientious student. She adds to the school spirit by assisting with the creation of the Knightly News. Plus, she is always willing to lend a hand with CHS DECA. Great job Jenna! Ms. Karyn Jones
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Jessica Bolt comes prepared to every class and has demonstrated engagement in the virtual learning platform. She consistently reads books and medical studies on her own time and shares information with the class. Ms. Cindy Holland
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Jennifer Melgar-Guzman attends each class and is an enthusiastic participant in her learning. She takes pride in her work by demonstrating a great deal of effort with each competency she performs while also actively seeking feedback to improve. She is willing and often helps her peers in class. Jennifer is a leader; her intrinsic motivation and kindness is admirable. Mr. Wayne White
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Prince Ofori has shown so much growth in Design Multimedia! He does a great job of seeking help for understanding. His most recent project, a house design, in Adobe Illustrator, was beautifully designed and utilized a large variety of tools and concepts we have learned this year. Keep up the great work! Ms. Catherine Casares
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Ellen Ozkaptan always goes above and beyond. She currently has a 100% in Criminal Justice. Even though she had a perfect score, she still took advantage of the extra credit opportunities. Ellen also asked for additional work to do. The work ethic and determination Ellen displays are commendable. Keep up the great work! Mr. Patrick Loftus
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Katelyn Ruehl is a joy to have in fifth period Introduction to Marketing. She always participates in class in the chat and audio. I appreciate her thoughtful insight and interest in marketing. She truly is a breath of fresh air. Katelyn is a student I know I can depend on each class period as she is always attentive and willing to be an active participant. She just gets it! Ms. Jennifer Piotrowski
- My numerous interactions/discussions with Robert Schroder have allowed him to demonstrate his sharp mind, curiosity, eagerness to learn in Cyber Security, and first-rate written and oral communication skills. I have been impressed by this outstanding student’s work ethic and exceptional academic achievements obtaining industry certifications through Chantilly Academy CTE program. Ms. Eun-Joo Lee
- Mr. Scott Loube and Dr. Kenneth Whilby want to recognize Sanjana (Sona) Singh for her outstanding effort in Honors Economics and Personal Finance. Sona has one of the top grades in the class and participates regularly to our conversations and learning, while also spending much of her time outside of school working. She truly is exceptional. Keep up the great work! Mr. Scott Loube and Dr. Kenneth Whilby
- I am pleased to have this opportunity to recognize the efforts and hard work that Keith Wallis has been putting into his STEM Design class. Keith is always a joy to have in class- greeting me each day by turning on his microphone and talking with me. Keith and I meet almost weekly in office hours and he also emails when he needs help. Keep up the good work, Keith. I am very proud of you and I am glad you are in my class. Ms. Sue Chudovan
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