From the Principal's Desk

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 12/18/2020 03:25 PM EST
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In this Issue

1. From the Principal's Desk

2. Chantilly HS Student Journalists Named Crown Award Finalists by CSPA

3. Thank-You Cards and Letters Needed for Deployed Service Members and Veterans

4. Student Parking Passes and Return to School

5. Calendar Reminder

6. Recent Student Successes

 

1. From the Principal's Desk

Dear Members of the Chantilly HS Community:

Happy Friday! As we head into Winter Break, I would like to share a few updates and announce our outstanding employee nominees for 2020. First, please be aware that our main office will be closed until January 4th due to roof replacement. The project is almost a year behind schedule due to the pandemic, and a giant crane will be used to install new air-handling units as part of the project. Many 12 months employees will be working from home for at least part of the break, so please don’t hesitate to contact a Chantilly administrator if you need help with a time-sensitive issue.

As I mentioned last week, you should expect a lot of information in the coming weeks as we prepare to reopen schools. Division leaders will be sending a lot of updates and I will be focused on Chantilly-specific matters. For your planning, please know that the School Board recently approved a staggered start for those high school students that are returning for in-person instruction. 9th and 12th grade students will be returning on Tuesday, January 26th while 10th and 11th grade students will be returning on Tuesday, February 2nd. In addition, the Board also approved a plan to adjust the start and end times for middle schools and high schools to address concerns about the late start time for elementary schools. This means that the school day for all FCPS high schools will be reduced by 15 minutes and run from 8:20-2:50 rather than 8:10-2:55. Our new start and end time will begin on Tuesday, January 12th.

Finally, I’m very pleased to share our outstanding employee award nominees for 2020. Staff members are nominated by and chosen by their CHS colleagues. People define an organization, and the individuals below represent the best in CHS. Below are some quotes from their nomination packets, and I ask that you join me in congratulating them. They are gifts to the CHS community that never stop giving!

I wish all of you a happy, safe, and healthy holiday!

Scott Poole

Principal

 

Outstanding New Teacher-Luc Nguyen (English Teacher)

Since he has been in the building Luc has been not only an outstanding teacher, but one who has demonstrated a true joy in the profession. He uses every opportunity possible to volunteer so that he can be with students. He writes blogs that exude his love of teaching. I am nominating this teacher because he was my English 11 teacher last year. He always made class fun and engaging and was always willing to help his students. He cares about the wellbeing and success of his students

Outstanding Teacher-Nikki Lehman (English Teacher)

Nikki Lehman is one of the most respected teachers in the entire school. Her curriculum is challenging, creative, and engaging. She deftly forges and maintains strong relationships with her students. She been very accommodating with this new style of learning and is constantly checking up on her students to make sure they are well. She is also there to support us when we need her.

Outstanding School Leader-Amy Parmentier (Assistant Principal)

Amy Parmentier is an invaluable leader working to create a better school!  She has consistent, high expectations for all (teachers, students, support staff, admin), is eager to help teachers, student and families in the community in any way, makes each person she interacts with feel truly valued, and chooses to lead by example.  Amy is a servant leader. She works hard with all teachers and students to support them and to make sure they have every opportunity to succeed. She is passionate about professional development in about raising all of us up.

Outstanding Professional Employee-Emily Phelan (School-Based Technology Specialist)

She does all of the things patiently, quickly, and concisely. I don't know what she gets paid, but it's not enough. Emily has handled endless responsibilities with the transition to virtual instruction and been instrumental to success of many faculty this year.

Outstanding Operational Employee-Christy Skule (Administrative Assistant)

Between her organization, her commitment to helping students with any wildly ranging issues and difficulties, her unwavering kindness to staff and students alike, and the confidence she radiates even in a virtual environment, Christy is a special staff member who is a true team player. Great people are really only great because of what they inspire in others, and Christy's spirit to serve others is what makes her, and thus those who follow her example, great in their own right, demonstrating her unending influence on CHS and the community.

2. Chantilly HS Student Journalists Named Crown Award Finalists by CSPA

Chantilly HS has been named a Crown Award finalist by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) for work produced during the 2019-20 academic year in the following categories:

  • Yearbook, Odyssey (Ms. Mary Kay Downes, adviser)
  • Print Literary Magazine, Andromeda (Ms. Julianne Abruzzo and Ms. Molli Atallah, advisers)

All of the nominated publications will receive either a Silver or Gold Crown Award at an award ceremony at Columbia University in March 2021.  Congratulations!

3. Thank-You Cards and Letters Needed for Deployed Service Members and Veterans

America’s Adopt a Soldier® program is celebrating the 10th year of its National Care Letter Campaign to honor deployed service members and veterans in state homes and hospitals. Writing letters of appreciation would be a great activity for students and families to engage in during the winter break. Now more than ever, veterans in veterans’ homes and hospitals are feeling isolated. Many have no family or family nearby and eagerly await visits from volunteers. However, these visits have not been possible due to health and safety restrictions resulting from the pandemic.  

Cards and letters will be accepted through Tuesday, December 29, and should be mailed to:

America’s Adopt a Soldier 5400 Shawnee Road, Suite 300 Alexandria, VA 22312

For more information visit: www.americasadoptasoldier.org or call 703-278-3718.

4. Student Parking Passes and Return to School

Student parking fees will be waived for this school year. Only students opting for in-person instruction can apply.  Applications will be prioritized first come-first serve after sorting by graduation year, seniors over juniors using an online registration.  Sophomores will apply using a hard copy form after showing proof of a driver’s license.  Sophomores may not apply before January 26th.  Parking on campus in the wrong spot or without a parking registration will result in a ticket.   Notification emails will be sent via a student’s FCPSschools AND the other emails listed at the end of the application form. It is your responsibility to review your email for acceptance notifications.   

Please use this link https://forms.gle/6FgNyEMzJXUNsYUi6 to apply for a parking pass.  Access to this link requires logging into Google using your FCPSschools account info.  This link will close on January 5th, 2021.

5. 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. 

6.  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.

  • I really enjoy having Hugo Chambert in class this year. He participates consistently, and he brings a good sense of humor, which I greatly appreciate, not to mention he is doing really well in the class.  Keep up the good work. Mr. Craig Primus
  • Good job, Gavin Fecko, for catching up with work!! I am very impressed with how you initiated and followed through with your words. It was a great accomplishment of yours and hope you keep up the great job!!  Ms. Annie Chong
  • Hazel Flynn is a great role model for her peers. Her attendance is regular and punctual. She is attentive and follows directions. She has a strong work ethic. She is polite and respectful. Hazel, it is a pleasure to work with you and thank you for being a great role model for your peers. Mr. Steve Blanchard
  • Eva Jaber always comes to class with an amazing positive attitude and ready to learn! She asks wonderful questions that really dive into the meaning behind what we are learning and also helps to answer other student questions she sees in the chat! She makes everyone in class want to participate and it makes our class so much fun!  Ms. Nicole Marinucci
  • Alexa LeJune is a pleasure to have in class. She is always an active participant and asks great questions. She regularly attends office hours to make sure she completely understands the concepts taught in class. She has put in lots of effort and it has paid off for her! Keep up the fantastic work ethic! Ms. Karen Fiala
  • Nicole Ortuno has jumped into computer science with enthusiasm. She asks great questions and is always engaged. Her computational thinking skills have developed as she is becoming a more adept programmer. Ms. JeanMarie Stewart
  • I feel very blessed to have Lindsey Wang again during this school year. She is an enthusiastic learner who comes to class prepared, participates actively in class, and is very attentive. She brings well thought out questions during class discussions which benefit other students to learn. With her consistent endeavor, genuine curiosity, and aspiration for success in the course, she seeks constant feedback to improve, which requires going the extra mile. I am so proud of you and keep up the great work!  Ms. Grace Park
  • Griffin Williams is becoming a precalculus super star. He is turning in his assignments on time, participating fully in the lessons, and is seeing positive results from his hard work. Keep up the great work, Griffin!  Ms. Carolgene Reardon
  • Namira Zinat is a great role model for her peers. Her attendance is regular and punctual. She is attentive and follows directions. She has a strong work ethic. She is thoughtful, kind, considerate, polite and respectful. Namira, it is a pleasure to work with you and thank you for being a great role model for your peers.  Mr. Steve Blanchard