Merry Christmas to All!

I would like to wish the students, faculty, staff, and community of Corsicana High School a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  I would also like to to say thank you to all of you for a great first half of the school year.  It is great to work in a school with great students and staff!

We have to keep the energy and excitement up as we move to the 2nd half of the school year.  We have to work harder, as well as play harder.  One thing I know for sure, being "ok" is not going to be good enough at Corsicana High School.  We have the challenge of being better, academically, athletically, musically, and with everything we do.  We are the Home of Champions and we will win championships!

Thank you for allowing me to serve as the principal of Corsicana High School.  CHS is an amazing community of learners and the best is yet to come!

Home of Champions!

Herbert

Can you find me? ("Emmanuel" Performed by the Antioch Baptist Church Choir)

Enough said!

Christmas is Coming!

This is the last week of school before we are out of school for two weeks for the Christmas Holidays.  It is my hope that all stakeholders of Corsicana High School have a great holiday with family and friends.  Please do not forget that we have an early release this Friday at 11:30 am.  Classes will be dismissed at 11:00 am and lunch will be from 11:00-11:30 am.  Lunch is optional.

"Silent Night" by the Temptations (One of my favorite Christmas songs)

Can you believe the Cowboys lost again?  It would be okay if they were losing from the get go, but to just keep throwing away games.  Please help!!! 

I asked a student recently if they knew the Corsicana High School fight song.  Her reply was "Yes, I do."  I then asked her to sing it.  She immediately began singing "All Hail Corsicana."  I told her that I was glad that she knew the school song.  I politely told her that there was a difference in the fight song and the school song.  I let her know that the fight song was the song the band plays when the football team runs out or scores a touchdown.  All CHS Tigers should know the fight song.  The lyrics are:

Fight, Fight, Fight, all you Tigers!

Keep your spirit strong.

Go, Go, Go, for a touchdown!

Le't keep rolling on.

Fight, Fight, Fight, all you Tigers!

Watch your colors shine.

T-I-G-E-R-S! Tigers Fight!
Music by Hub Hill; Lyrics by Chet Vaughn and Bud Wright; Written in 1947

I would like to give a shout out to the Turning Points program.  The admin, faculty, and staff do such a great job working with our students daily.  We have many students who are graduating who may not have had the opportunity to graduate without this great program.  Please watch the following video to hear form students and staff of this great program.  Turning Points Video

I would like all of the students who participated in the Hour of Code.  I really appreciate the teachers who facilitated the process.  The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer programming, designed to demystify code and show that anyone can learn programming.  Glad that we had many students write lots of lines of code. Please click the link to learn more about the Hour of Code. Hour of Code

Student writing code

HB5 Spotlight

--Health Science

Currently Health science students at CHS can earn their certified nurses aide certificate upon completion of the program.  This program will be expanded to offer pharmacy tech, and intravenous sterile products.  

A big shout out to the Corsicana High School competitive cheer squad.  They received 1st place High School Intermediate at the Spirit Celebration Christmas Classic in Garland.  Go Tigers!

CHS Competitive Cheer Squad

Another shout out goes to the band students who advanced to area in their band competition this weekend.  They are Ramiro Ortiz, Danny Phillips, and Joe Vasquez.  Ramiro and Natalie Herrin also made it to regionals in ensembles.  

Corsicana High School now has a jazz band!  They made their debut at the band Christmas concert and they were an instant hit.  I loved it!  The students sounded great.  It was awesome to see the audience grooving to their smooth soulful tunes.

The blood drive will be this week.  Please see Ms. Neptune, or a stuco officer for more details.  Students will will give blood Tuesday and Thursday of this week.  

Please do not forget about the CHS fall sports banquet.  It will begin at 6:00 in the CHS commons.  See you there! 

Please keep your CHS calendar handy.  You do not want to miss out on anything! CHS Campus Calendar

 CHS Theatre Students at Rotary

CHS Students of the Month-Kedrick Luscumb and Kayla Wilkie

Go Tigers!

Home of Champions! 

Am I Out of Touch?

Wow!  I didn't really expect that we would be home on Friday because of the weather.  It was sort of funny to me when I read the announcement over the loud speaker and I could hear the yells of excitement coming from the classrooms.  I guess some things never change.  Young people still love getting out for snow/ice days.  Of course I'm getting older now and would have rather been at school.

That leads me into something I have been thinking about over the past few months.  I never would have thought that I would lose touch with what our younger generation enjoy.  I always thought that as long as I talked to them I would surely understand.  Well, I was wrong!  The older I get I have found that I do not enjoy the music that they enjoy or many of the "pop culture" items that excites this generation.  I mostly listen to '90s Hip hop and R&B.  Frankly, it's just hard for me to get into some of the new music.  I have tried very hard to stay in touch with social media and messaging systems.  It evolves very quickly as well.  How many of you have ever heard of Snapchat?  It's huge with our students!  With that said, we all have to work hard to continue to have good relationships with our students to truly understand their likes and dislikes.  It is easy to say "I just don't get them", or we can try to understand why they like things, and embrace it because it is here to stay.  We all know when we understand them, our jobs as educators are that much easier.  I will continue to work hard to understand the things that they enjoy.  Just a few thoughts!

So Ohio State lost the big game! I didn't know they had so many haters! I guess life as we know it can continue, because there will be an SEC school in the big game.  Maybe I am not a fan of the SEC.  I will say that I hope Florida State crushes Auburn!

Academic Updates

STAAR re-testing will continue this week.  This week's schedule will be as follows:
Tuesday: Algebra
Wednesday: Biology

The SAT test has been rescheduled for Saturday, December 21, 2013.  Please govern yourselves accordingly.

Students, continue to keep track of your grades and your mastery of concepts in your classes.

We are working hard to get all of our courses lined up for our transition to the legislative changes that have come with HB5.  It will be pretty exciting to me when I see our students signing up for their respective endorsements.  Remember the endorsements that the students can choose from are:
*Business and Industry
*STEM
*Public Services
*Arts and Humanities
*Multidisciplinary Studies

There will be a mandatory meeting for all incoming freshman parents on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 1:15 pm or 6:00 pm.  We will discuss new graduation plans/endorsements for incoming freshman students.

Extracurricular Updates 

A big shout out to the state qualifying Corsicana FFA Radio Broadcasting team for being ranked in the top 20 out of over 675 Radio Broadcasting teams in the state of Texas.  This is a huge accomplishment and we are proud of them.  The members are Nathan Griffin, Caroline Means, and Leland Cook.  Go Tigers!

Tryouts for the Calico dance team have been rescheduled for this Tuesday.  Good luck to all the students trying out!

The fall sports banquet has been rescheduled for December 17th.

The band program will have their annual Christmas concert this Tuesday in the CHS Performing Arts Center beginning at 6:30 pm.

The choir program will have their annual Christmas concert Thursday in the CHS Performing Arts Center beginning at 7:00 pm.

There will be many other extracurricular activities taking place as well.  Please look on the campus calendar for all activities. CHS Campus Calendar

 Talent Show Tryouts 

Lounging at Soccer Tryouts 

Learning Together

Students be on the look out for a dynamic learning experience!  We all love social media, and other digital mediums! Let's learn together on how to create and sustain a positive, exciting, interesting, and responsible digital footprint!  This will be a free course for any student interested!  More details to come! Stay tuned!

Using Technology to Complete Assignments

Back At It!

It is my hope that everyone reading this had a great Thanksgiving break with family and friends!  I know I did!  If you follow me on twitter @ONeilCHSPrincip you would have seen some of the laughs that I had over the holidays.  I am always thankful that I get to spend time with my wonderful family back in my hometown of Hearne.  I even found time to give the bad knee a workout with some great dancing.  I love to dance!

Family Time

Who had the opportunity to check out the wild finish in the Iron Bowl (Alabama/Auburn)?  Wasn't that crazy?  It's just another reason why I love college football!  The talking has already begun about which team should play in the National Championship game.  First, we must finish the season before we speculate.  Second, I don't care what anyone says.  If you win out in one of the big conferences, you should go.  That's just my two cents!

One more thing-Who misses the UT/aTm Thanksgiving rivalry game?  Everyone should drop their egos and bring that game back.  We are all Texans!

We will hit the ground running first thing Monday morning with STAAR re-testing.  The schedule is as follows:
Monday-English I Writing
Tuesday-English I Reading
Wednesday-English II Writing
Thursday-English II Reading

Week 2:
Tuesday-Algebra
Wednesday-Biology

The students who will be re-testing have been notified and should report directly to their testing rooms.  Testing students will eat lunch in their testing rooms and must bring a lunch or opt for a sack lunch provided by the cafeteria.
We wish all of our students who are re-testing well!  Go Tigers!

Did you know that CHS offers internet courses and minimesters for free for advanced students?  Students who are in dual credit classes have the opportunity to take additional internet courses through Navarro College during each regular semester.  Any student who is in dual credit or AP courses may sign up for the minimester through Navarro College.  Please see Mrs. Franklin for more details.

Extracurricular Activities

Tryouts for the award winning Calico dance team will be this week.  I know many of our students will be working hard leading up to the big night this Friday.  Go Calicos!

Shout out to Sarah Dockery and Emily Stovall for participating in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  Another shout out goes to Mrs. Tidwell, the Calico director, for helping choreograph the Mad Hatter scene in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  This is awesome!

 Emily Stovall, Amy Tidwell, Sarah Dockery

More Shots

Our girls basketball team will have a big game Monday night against University High School at Tiger Gymnasium.  Tiger Nation should be there early to support the Tigers!  Tip off for Freshman/JV is at 5:30 pm.

The girls and boys basketball teams at all levels will be in tournaments this week.  I am including links to the schedules right here:
Girls Basketball Schedule
Boys Basketball Schedule

State Bound! 

Shout out to the Corsicana FFA chapter for advancing to the State competition in Radio Broadcasting!  The team members are Leland Cook, Caroline Means, and Nathan Griffin.  Go FFA!

Mark your calendars!  The talent show is coming! Tryouts will begin this Monday and will conclude Tuesday.  Tryouts begin at 3:30 in the auditorium.  The actual talent show will be Thursday, December 19th at 7:00 pm.  Show your talent!

I will also include a link to the CHS calendar to this email.  It is updated daily so please check back often.
CHS Campus Calendar

Students continue to check on your progress in all of your classes.  The semester is coming to a close and it is important that you know where you are.  We all need to finish strong!

Go Tigers!

Home of Champions!

What I am Thankful For!

One of my favorite holidays is almost here! Thanksgiving!  I always try to stop and think about the many things in life that I am thankful for.  Sometimes it is easy for us to think about things that concern us, but let's find joy in the things that we are thankful for.

I am thankful that I have family and friends that love and support me.  They all continue to cheer me on and stand with me through this journey of life.  I am thankful.

I am thankful for a great church family.  The encouragement of my pastor and the members of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church have been a great part of my life.  I am thankful.

I am thankful for the progress that has been made with my knee.  The injury that I sustained the last week of June has been one of the hardest things that I have had to deal with.  It all happened for a reason, and I am thankful for progress!  I am thankful!

I am thankful for the faculty and staff of Corsicana High School.  It is a blessing to serve as your leader.  I am thankful for the support you have shown since I transitioned to CHS.  I am thankful!

I am thankful for the students of Corsicana High School.  I have been with many of you for several years, and each year just gets better.  I thank you for putting up with me for so long.  You are awesome!  I am thankful!

I am thankful for the community of Corsicana, TX.  Thank you for allowing me to serve as principal here for the past 5 1/2 years.  I am thankful!

I have many other things that I am thankful for.  I may include more here later.  Let's all take time over the next two weeks to think about things that we are thankful for.

I want to give a shout out to the cast and crew of "Tarzan the Musical!"  What a great show!  I enjoyed every bit of it.  Go CHS Fine Arts!

I want to thank Coach Prevost and his staff for hosting such a great tournament.  The girls also did a great job in the tournament.  They won every game and only came up short in the end against 5A Crowley.  Our girls will have a home game Monday beginning at 5:30 against Kemp.  Shout out to the boys basketball team for their win over Terrell.  They played a great game.  Let's keep the wins coming! They will be at home Tuesday against Cleburne beginning at 5:30 pm.  Home of Champions!

This week we will have two induction ceremonies.  The first ceremony will take place Monday.  Several of our students will be inducted into the Jose' Antonio Navarro Chapter of the National Spanish Honor Society.  This is also a new organization for us at Corsicana High School.  We will also induct new members into the PAC-10 this Tuesday.  We will induct sophomores into the organization.

 Cast and Crew of "Tarzan the Musical"

Corsicana Tigers Phone Case

Remember to take time to think about the things you are most thankful for.

Veterans Day!

People across the entire United States of America will honor the service that veterans have played in the shaping of our country on Monday, November 11th.  We salute the many sacrifices that all of our service men and women have given to our country.

Armed Forces Hymn

We will have several activities this week at Corsicana High School.  Our first home basketball game will be this Tuesday with Freshman and JV beginning at 5:30 and Varsity at 7:00 pm.  We need all of Tiger Nation to be in the house for this game!  Our girls basketball team will kickoff the Jane Biltz tournament beginning this Thursday.  Please stay tuned to my twitter @ONeilCHSPrincip for more info on the tournament.  Golf will go into action Monday in Lindale.  

I want to personally say thank you to Tiger Nation for coming out in a huge way to the playoff volleyball game in Ennis.  Even though the team came up short it was so great to see all of the Tiger spirit in the building.  You truly are amazing!  

Volleyball Playoff Game

The CHS Fine Arts Department will present "Tarzan" on November 14th and 16th at 7:00 pm, and November 17th at 2:00 pm.  Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for adults, and $20 for reserved seating.  Please come out and support this grand event!  

I want to slide a shout out in to our band program.  They have rocked the house at the last two football games.  Lots of fun while sounding and looking good!  Go Band!

The football team did a great job in their final game against Jacksonville at the Tomato Bowl.  A big shout out to the seniors for leaving it all on the field.  Go Tigers! 

This Tuesday from 5:30-6:30 we will have a College Financial Forum in the commons.  Information will be given out to students and parents about the college financial aide/scholarship process.  You do not want to miss out on this!

Go Tigers!

Home of Champions! 

Playoff Bound!

Last week was a very eventful week in the life of Corsicana High School.  We welcomed the Commissioner of Education for the state of Texas, Mr. Michael Williams.  It was a great time to highlight some of the great things that we have going on at Corsicana High School and in Corsicana ISD.  I would like to give a special shout out to the students and staff of Turning Points and The Bistro for their hospitality and making the commissioner feel welcome.  Corsicana High School is an amazing place!

The volleyball team swept John Tyler Tuesday night and earned a spot in the playoffs.  The volleyball team barely missed the playoffs last year and we are super excited that they are back in the hunt.  I want to thank the student body, and community for such a huge crowd Tuesday night.  The girls needed you and you were there when they needed you most!  Thanks!  They will need you again this Tuesday at 7:00 pm in Ennis as they take on the Waxahachie Indians.  Let's have another big show of support for the Tigers!

The CHS dance program will have their annual fall show this Thursday at 6:00 pm in the CHS performing arts center.  There will also be special performances by the current Calico dance and social officers.

We are in the second week of the 9 week grading period at Corsicana High School.  Parents and students I encourage you to consistently check your progress in each one of your classes.  Never wait until the last minute to make sure you are doing well.  We are all here to help!

 Students eating with the commissioner in The Bistro

Welcoming group for the commissioner. 

Go Tigers!

Home of Champions!

Family

I read a tweet earlier from one of our teachers, Mrs. Talley, that read "Family is so very special!!! We never need to forget that!"  It is a simple reminder to all of us that our families and friends are a very special blessing in our lives.  Our school is a great school because of all the special families in Corsicana who send us their best children every single day.  We thank you for entrusting us with your children.

Please do not forget that Tuesday and Wednesday of this week are early release days.  Students will be dismissed from classes at 11:00 am.  Lunch will be served from 11:00-11:30 am.  Buses will run at 11:30.  We will be on an alternate bell schedule on both days.

Our instructional staff will participate in Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP).  The SIOP model focuses on 8 interrelated components: lesson preparation, building background, comprehensive input, strategies, interaction, practice and application, lesson delivery, and review and assessment.  This training will help and support all of our students, especially our English Language Learners.

Shout out to the Tiger Band for representing CHS well at their area competition.  We are all proud of our band for this accomplishment.

We are all excited about our basketball teams as they begin to kick off their seasons.  We hope to see you in the Tiger gymnasium when we start round ball action!

Another shout out goes to the tennis team for their effort at the regional tournament.  They have a lot to be proud of as district and area champions!  Go Tigers!!!

Please stay tuned tomorrow as I will be adding even more information here.

Our bus duty crew enjoying Red Ribbon Week! 

Go Tigers!
Home of Champions!

Red Ribbon Week!

This week we will be recognizing Red Ribbon Week in all of Corsicana ISD.  Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country.  We must all work together to keep our schools in Corsicana drug free!  Please see the home page of the Corsicana ISD website for Red Ribbon Week information.  CISD Home page

This week will be the last week of the 9 week grading period.  Students, please make sure you are checking with your teachers to ensure that everything is in order.  We need all of you to be successful in all of your classes!

TAKS Re-Testing
We will have TAKS re-testing all week. 
*ELA-Monday
*Math-Tuesday
*Science-Wednesday
*Social Studies-Thursday

Homecoming week at CHS was great last week!  It was great to see all of our students having fun while learning!

If you missed the Homecoming pep rally, you missed a treat.  It was the most amazing pep rally I have been at during my time at CHS.  So much great spirit from all of our students!  It was awesome to see our students cheering so loudly for a special group of students that danced with our CHS Calicos.  A big shout out to our Homecoming King, Samson Gregg, and our Homecoming Queen Veronica Reyes.

 Homecoming King Samson Gregg

Homecoming Queen Veronica Reyes

Please come out this Thursday night at 7:30 pm and check out "Antigone."  It is a dessert theatre so bring money for treats.  Admission is $5.00.

A huge congratulations to our Tiger tennis team!  They are the 2013 Area champs!!!  They won the area championship game against Ennis!  The Tigers will now go on to the regional tournament.  The regional tournament will be Oct. 25th and 26th in Grapevine.  We will update you on start times.

Go Tigers!

Home of Champions!!!

Homecoming 2K13

It's that time again! Homecoming at Corsicana High School!  It is my hope that everyone will enjoy all of the activities that are planned this week.  I can still remember Homecoming week back when I was in high school.  The dress up days were probably the funniest and most exciting.

I will allow Celeste Biltz to tell you about the Homecoming activities.  Please read her commentary here: Homecoming 2K13

Corsicana ISD will also be recognizing the 50th anniversary of the CHS State Champion team as well as the 45th anniversary of the 1968 Jackson High School State Champion team, after the crowning of the 2013 Homecoming Queen during the Homecoming game. It will be great to have these former Tigers and Bears at our beautiful athletic complex. Welcome Home!

Students please remember that you have 2 more weeks before we finish out the first 9 weeks.  It is very important that you have mastered all concepts that have been taught thus far.  If you haven't please talk with your teachers about learning those concepts moving forward.

 Students and parents do not forget that we have two early release days at the end of this month.  Those days are Tuesday, October 29th and Wednesday, October 30th.  All students will be released at 11:00 am.  Students may choose to stay for lunch which will be from 11:00-11:30.  Buses will run at 11:30 am.  The early release bell schedule will be posted around school and in classrooms this week.

Early Release Schedule Oct. 29th
Early Release Schedule Oct. 30th

PSAT
We will administer the PSAT Wednesday, October 16th to Sophomores and Juniors.  The testing room assignments will be posted around campus this week.  Good luck!

A big shout out to the Corsicana High School tennis team.  They are this year's 16-AAAA District Champions!  They dominated every opponent they played against in district.  They will begin area play this Friday in Ennis!

Good luck to our band this Saturday!  They will be going to the UIL Region 8 marching competition in Waco.  The competition will be at Midway High School.  The Tiger marching band will march around 3:00 pm.  Go Band!

Let's all have fun this week for Homecoming!  We will work hard in the classroom, and play hard when it's time to have fun!  Set your Homecoming out!

Students receiving their Calico Letterman's Jackets

Go Tigers!

Home of Champions!

Go Band!

The first 6 weeks of school is in the books, and I am thankful to everyone for a great start!  I am grateful to our parents who are always so supportive to the faculty and staff of Corsicana High School.  Parents, if you have questions or concerns please do not hesitate to give us a call at 903-874-8211.  We are here for you!

I am proud to announce the students who have been nominated for this year's Homecoming Court.  They are: Makenzie Lee, Cecelia Lopez, Veronica Reyes Mckenzie Mrazek, Kayla Wilkie, Caraline Means, Calae "Ai" Wilson, Emma Allen, Vicky Munoz, Sarah Dockery, Devontay Bell, Denim Sinclair, Donovan Fields, Samson Gregg, Michael Roman, Donovan Hailey, Austin Aldama, Francisco Escamilla, Christian Minniear, and Jason Dilbeck. Congratulations to all of the nominees!

For more info about Homecoming, please click here: Homecoming Info

Shout out to the Tiger band for doing an amazing job at the Waco Marching Festival.  The band received grand champion in the 4A division of the marching competition.  They also received outstanding marching, outstanding auxiliary (color guard), and outstanding percussion.  Go Band!  If you haven't had the opportunity to see the band perform, you are truly missing a treat.  The look and sound great! 

Another shout out goes to the volleyball teams who swept Jacksonville this past Friday.  Way to dominate ladies!!!  They will have a home game this Tuesday beginning at 5:30 pm.  See you there! 

Please take time to check out the Tiger tennis team this Tuesday beginning at 4:00 pm.  This is their last home game!  

I encourage all of our students to get involved in something at CHS.  We have many exciting organizations, clubs, fine and performing arts, and athletic teams to give involved in.  School is so much more fulfilling when you are involved!  

This Wednesday will be a college day!  Wear your favorite college/university shirt or hoodie.  

Homecoming Court

Senior Class of Corsicana High School

Go Tigers!

Home of Champions!  

HB5

I am sure many of you have heard about a piece of legislation that was voted on in the last legislative session called HB5. This legislation will drastically change the way our plans function for graduation for our students. Many people know about the testing changes that took place under HB5 which reduced the number of tests for graduation to 5. Those tests are Algebra I, Biology, US History, and ELA I and II (Reading and Writing). I think we would all agree that this is a welcome change for all students.

One of the big changes that took place that has not been talked about as much is the change in graduation plans for all Texas students.  Currently students are under the 4X4 plan that calls for four years of Math, English, Science, and Social Studies.  You may have also heard of the minimum, recommended, and distinguished plans of study.  Most students currently graduate under the recommended plan of study.  Currently the commissioner of education is working to adopt a transition plan to implement HB5 and replace the current graduation plans and move to the new foundation plan. The new plans will begin in the 2014-2015 school year.  I will attach a short presentation from the Texas Education Agency that will provide some insight on the courses that our students must have to graduate.  

So what else is new... Another big change within the graduation plans are the endorsements that may lead to a particular career field.  Students must select an endorsement in the following areas: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), Business and Industry, Public Services, Arts and Humanities, and Multidisciplinary Studies.  The attached link will provide you with possible careers that fall under each area.

Students may still earn a distinguished level of achievement under this new foundation plan. The attached link will provide you the information on how to reach the distinguished level of achievement.

The state board of education has not made their final ruling on everything and we are patiently waiting.  However, we have already begun the process of breaking everything down and making it simpler for all of our stakeholders.  I will continue to update you on our progress as we move forward.

The Texas Education Agency HB5 info site: HB5 Information

HB5 Summary: HB5 Summary

_________________________________________

Thanks to all who came out to the Pink Out game Friday night! It was great to see so many members of the Corsicana community out for this great event.  It is always great to be a Tiger!

Students and parents please do not forget that this is the 6th week of school and a crucial grading cycle will end this Friday.  All students who participate in extracurricular activities will have their grades captured this Friday and it will be used for eligibility.  Students, please check with your teachers to ensure that you are mastering your concepts, and that all assignments have been turned in.  We need 100% of you successful in class!

Pink Out!

CHS Students of the Month: Austin Aldama and MaKenzie Lee

Go Tigers!

Home of Champions!

Pink Out!

Last week was a great week at Corsicana High School!  One of the events that made it great was our College Fair.  We did the fair differently than we had done it in the past.  This year we had it during the school day.  We weren't sure how this would go, but we believe that it made a much larger impact on our students.  Every student at CHS had the opportunity to participate in the fair this year.  We are a learning community of over 1,600 students and it is awesome that we were able to give all of them exposure to colleges and universities.

This Friday we will have a "Pink Out" event at the home football and volleyball games.  CISD is encouraging fans, students, parents and guests to participate in a PINK OUT at the Sept. 27 PINK OUT game vs. Sulphur Springs at Tiger Stadium and Tiger Gymnasium. The PINK OUT games are a community awareness effort to encourage all ages to take advantage of medical screenings and prevention strategies regarding all forms of cancer. Many CISD students, staff and community members are affected by cancer in some way. It is up to all of us to stand up to cancer so that we can live our best life, and give others the support they need to battle this disease. On Sept. 27, students will be allowed to wear a Pink shirt/t-shirt to school in support of the PINK OUT. (Offensive shirts will not be allowed.)  We want the entire home side to be full of fans in pink! 

Following the faculty/staff meeting this Wednesday we will have an optional learning opportunity for staff, students, other CISD staff, and community members.  We will learn about blogging.  So, if you want to learn about blogging stop by the CHS band hall at about 4:10 pm.  The first part of the meeting will be for CHS faculty/staff only.  Let's all learn together!

Parents and students please remember that all students must be in class by 7:40 am daily.  Every second in the class room is important! 

Please continue to support all of our students at the many events that they are involved in at CHS.  We love to see you there!

Theatre students warming up for their fall production.

Go Tigers!

Home of Champions! 

Let's Go to College!

This week we will have our big college fair at Corsicana High School.  All students will have an opportunity to go through the area where they colleges will be located.  The fair will be this Wednesday from 1:00-3:00 pm.  Students and staff are encouraged to wear college shirts this Wednesday.  I will be representing with one of my Prairie View shirts!  Go Panthers!  

Please do not forget about our Open House that will take place Monday, September 16, 2013 from 6:00-7:00 pm.  Please come out and meet your child's teacher.  This will be a come and go event.   Prior to Open House there will be a freshman iPad parent meeting for any parent/guardian that has not attended one of the previous sessions.  The session will begin at 5:15 pm.  

Extracurricular updates:

Shout out to the volleyball team for picking up another win this past Friday over the Mexia Blackcats.  They have had a great start!  Keep it up!

The football team picked up their first win Friday night against the Forney Jackrabbits.  The team was down 17-0, but never quit fighting.  They scored 36 unanswered points and won the game 36-17!  It was a great game!

The calicos, band, and cheerleaders continue to look great on Friday nights.  They represent Corsicana High School so well!  

Having fun at the game with the Calicos!

Go Tigers!

Home of Champions! 

Rolling Right Along!

We have completed our first two weeks of school and I must say that I have enjoyed every bit of it!  It has been great to see all of our students back in the building learning, and enjoying the activities that they participate in.  Our students have transitioned to our new bell schedule flawlessly.  I am always encouraged by their ability to adapt to change.  This is a great attribute for them to have as they move beyond high school.

Academic updates:
We have included in our schedule an advisory period that meets each day for 30 minutes.  We have several different types of advisory classes that your child may be a member of.  Our main focus for advisory is: intensive academic intervention, college readiness, and UIL academics.  I am excited about the intense focus that will take place in these three areas.

Extracurricular updates:
It has been great to see all of our extracurricular programs back in full swing.  As a principal it always brings me great joy to see our students involved in the things that they enjoy.  It makes it even better because they are representing Corsicana High School.

I had the opportunity yesterday to attend one of our tennis matches.  If you haven't had the opportunity to check out Tiger tennis, then you are missing a treat.  They are amazing!  They were straight dominating Waxahachie.  It was crazy!!!

Our volleyball team has also been doing a great job.  They will have another home game this Tuesday at Tiger gym.  See you there!

A big shout out goes to our cheer programs, Calicos, and our band.  They are all excellent, and represent CHS in a great way!

The next two football games will be away.  We will face Forney this Friday.  I would love to see you in Forney supporting the Tigers!

Date Change
Please do not forget that the CHS open house has moved to Monday, September 16, 2013 from 6:00-7:00 pm.
Come out and meet your child's teacher!!!

We are Corsicana!
Home of Champions!

With members of our tennis team! Go Tigers!

Attention Freshman Parents!

Any freshman who plays football will be able to attend this Friday's freshman orientation at Corsicana High School.  The football players will be back from their football scrimmage in Mansfield around 12:30 pm and will begin their orientation at 1:00 pm.  They will receive their schedule, take part in a campus tour, and meet their counselors and administrators.  They will also receive information about their iPads.

Please do not forget that Freshman Orientation is 9:00-12:00 pm for all other students.  iPad sessions will be from 1:00-3:00 pm.    

As always, we thank you for your continued support of Corsicana High School.

Herbert O'Neil, Jr.

Principal

Corsicana High School

"Home of Champions. 

Almost Go Time!

Yes!  It's almost go time at Corsicana High School!  Our wonderful faculty and staff will return bright and early Monday morning (8:00 am) to begin the process of improving their instructional practices for our great students.

The beginning of the year always brings so much excitement from all involved.  If you are like me you are thrilled about the first pep rally, as well as the many athletic and fine arts activities that our students participate in.  

Students, please do not forget about schedule pick-up which begins this Wednesday from 9:00 am-4:00 pm.  We will continue to give out schedules through Thursday at the same times.  This is only for grades 10-12.  Freshman students will receive their schedules Friday during orientation.  Freshman orientation will be from 9:00 am-Noon.  Beginning at 1:00 pm freshman will receive information in reference to their iPads.  This process will end at 3:00 pm.

Please do not forget about the new school times.  School will begin at 7:40 am and end at 3:15 pm.  All students must be in their first period class at 7:40 am sharp.

Most of you know that I had knee surgery earlier this summer.  You will find me rolling around the school in a motorized scooter.  My knee has gotten a lot better and I hope to get out of the straight leg brace real soon.  I will still be all over the place.  When you hear the horn honking, get out of the way! Lol!  

We are here for you.  If you need us, just stop by the office.  

Herbert

The Scooter

Why We Need Tech In Schools-Raymond Speaks

We currently cannot use electronic devices at Corsicana High School in the learning environment without special permission.  What if we could? This may sound threatening to some people because their way of viewing things may be different, but I think most of us would actually agree that the use of phones or any other hand held technology can actually be very beneficial. For years school administration has taken up student devices as punishment. Question is, why would they take up something that can actually be very helpful? The answer is because students almost always decide to use their tech while the teacher is giving instruction, which we all agree that the use of tech at that time isn't right. When the teacher is speaking, we should be listening. In my opinion, that is the only possible negative that would happen if tech were in schools. If there were a solution to this problem, which I'm sure administrators are looking for one, then there wouldn't be a problem for such a great thing in our schools. Many people say that students would only use tech to be on Twitter, Facebook, or to be texting their peers but this isn't all true. In my opinion, we are in school to learn and to further understand the things that will help us in the future. Tech can sure help us further understand what our teachers are teaching us.  To sum this up, I believe tech is a great thing for our schools!  It is also very beneficial not only because textbooks are outdated and old, but because our world changes everyday and we as students have to keep up with what is around us. Not only at our homes, or at work, but at school too because tech is sure to be a huge part of our generations future and we need to stay up to date with what tomorrow will bring!

Raymond Hurtado

Raymond is a junior at Corsicana High School.  He passionately believes in #edtech and what it can do for him and other students.

My Journey With Math!

Most people that know me know that I have always struggled with math.  I can remember as early as 2nd grade sitting at the table with my mom going over math facts and not being able to quite "get it."  I was always that one kid in math class that would pay attention, actively participate, and even go to the chalk board to practice problems, and still wouldn't "get it."  I remember having to deal with the fact that all of my close friends were able to take Algebra I in 8th grade.  Not me...I had to take Pre-Algebra.  I think I was sort of embarrassed by this.  I always considered myself a good student, but this math thing always stood in my way.  What made it even worse was the fact that it seemed to always build on the last concept taught.  That meant I was stuck in a never ending cycle of not knowing!  Ugggghhhh!

So I go to high school in the fall of '95 and I am super excited.  I am finally at the big school where my mom teaches.  I am excited about everything except Algebra I.  I have it 2nd period and I can still remember who my teacher was.  I will say this boldly, she was not the best teacher.  It was bad from the very beginning.  I remember failing a couple of tests and basically not given an opportunity to re-test (crazy).  I had to switch teachers later and basically lost another year of math.

Let's fast forward to my senior year.  I took Algebra II as a senior, which was a good choice.  My teacher was Daryl Edwards and he was the single reason that my fear of math began to go away.  He introduced our class to a little device called the TI-82.  Who knew they made a calculator that could basically do every math problem? Who also knew that he would show us how to use it effectively?  Well, he did!  I finished the class with a 99 average!  And even more powerful, I learned the math!

I went off to college and had to take two math classes: College Algebra, and Structure of the Number System.  I used the calculator and blew through College Algebra with an "A".  I didn't do to well in the Structure class.  I barely squeaked out of that class.  I felt like I was in the 9th grade again!  I didn't know anything from start to finish.  Whew!

Let's fast forward to the fall of 2002 around November.  It is time for everyone to find out where they would be student teaching.  Sitting in a seminar Dr. Bailey, the director of field experiences gives everyone their student teaching assignment.  I open mine and it says Herbert O'Neil-Schultz Middle School, Waller ISD.  I'm excited because I think that I received just what I wanted.  I call the school the next day and they told me that I would be paired up with Bryan Wright a 6th grade math teacher.  My first reaction is "whatever" these people are playing with me.  There is no way that I could teach any math beyond maybe 3rd grade.  Besides my specialization is Reading and English.  Well, turns out it couldn't be changed.  Yes, I had to teach math a whole semester.  It was not easy!  I had to work at it.  I went home and studied most nights so I could put my best foot forward with the students.  It was uncomfortable most days, but it made me a better teacher.

The moral of this story is that my weakness had to be destroyed!  As much as I still do not like many forms of math, I would not be where I am now without conquering some form of math.  The student teaching experience was very humbling to me.  I worked hard to make my lessons relevant and engaging because I didn't want the students to end up like me.  I had to work hard to ensure they learned.

As educators we have to remember those students that work hard and still do not get it.  We have to find what works for them.  We can never stop at one way to find the key to their success!

Corsicana Twitter Power: Creating a District Twitter Presence!

ISTE '13

In case you haven't noticed several of the Corsicana ISD learning community is connected to the educational world via twitter.  It has been amazing seeing so many educators on twitter learning, growing, and using it in the classroom. 

The most powerful piece to the Corsicana twitter puzzle is the fact that our superintendent @Dianedfrost  has supported and embraced twitter from the very beginning.  If the leader is on board, then most likely the others will move along. 

So how did this process all begin? 

Someone must have a vision
Someone in your district must believe in twitter and the power that it has in developing a Personal Learning Network or for classroom use. 

Someone must be willing to provide training
Once the vision has been realized this individual or someone else must provide training. Twitter is a microblogging site that many must be trained on how to use.  It takes more time to learn versus facebook.  They need a jumpstart on who to follow to build their PLN and how to mention, retweet, and all the other things you do with twitter.  They must also learn how to communicate with students via twitter if they so choose.

Someone must determine the initial target audience
The first big twitter learning session at Corsicana ISD took place at our summer administrative training.  Every single administrator in the district was trained on twitter by @herbertoneiljr. As I said earlier if you receive buy-in from the leadership in the district then the teachers will follow suit.

Someone must ensure that newly trained folks are engaged
  After the training all administrators were encouraged to participate in the weekly #txed chat that took place that night.  Our superintendent, Dr. Diane Frost participated as well as just about every single administrator.  After that night several of the administrators were sold on its power.  Again, after the training the educators must be exposed to something that will hook their interest.  Every time I teach a session on twitter I make sure that it is followed up by an educational chat. 

Someone must keep the conversation going
I felt it important to keep the conversation going via twitter.  Before I knew it more and more of our administrators were continuing to learn, grow, and communicate via twitter, and because of that many of our staff members took notice.  Remember superstars never want to be left out of something good!

Someone must train the staff
At a faculty meeting I held an optional learning session after the main meeting.  Several teachers and staff members stayed and were trained on Remind 101, Today's Meet, and Twitter.  Many staff members either signed up or learned more about twitter.  That night everyone was invited to participate in the #txed chat.  After that meeting several of the Corsicana High School staff members were immediately bought in to its learning opportunities.

It has been great watching all of this unfold.  We still have a lot to learn, but it is wonderful being around people that are embracing learning.

Herbert 

Summer Time!

It is my hope that everyone has been having a fun, safe, and relaxing summer.  CHS has been pretty boring without all of the students there.  We have a few students who are there either receiving STAAR intervention, or making up credit for classes.  We appreciate all of the students who are there "taking care of business."

I have spent a large amount of time at conferences learning about how to become a better leader.  The amount of learning I have received has been great!  The first conference I attended was the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP).  This conference is mostly for principals and focuses on leadership and curriculum and instruction.  I spent most of my time learning about updates to the STAAR program in Texas as well as technology integration.  The second conference I attended was the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).  This conference was huge!  If you love technology this is your conference.  As most of you know I love technology.  I will admit that it has been hard for me to keep up with all of the changes as it relates to technology, but I am committed to working hard to stay abreast of all of the changes.  My biggest take away from the ISTE conference was that technology is great, but if we do not find a way to properly integrate it into our instruction we are failing our students.

STAAR Update

CHS will host STAAR retests on the following dates:

•  Monday, July 8 - English I/III Writing, TAKS ELA (all day)
• Tuesday, July 9 - English I Reading, TAKS Math (all day)
• Wednesday, July 10 - English II Writing, TAKS Science (all day)
• Thursday, July 11 - English II Reading, TAKS Social Studies (all day)
• Monday, July 15 - Algebra I, 8 a.m.-Noon
• Tuesday, July 16 - Biology, 8 a.m.-Noon

While many of us are spending our time chilling and resting many of our students are still out working hard for Corsicana High School.  The cheerleaders and the Calico dance officers both attended camps in Galveston.  The coaches and directors have been tweeting, facebooking and posting on instagram and vine all of the great pictures and videos.  I can tell that both groups are pumped up about the school year!

Many of our football players are participating in 7 on 7 competition.  I love the excitement that I have seen out of our football players.  I have not had the opportunity to attend any games because I have been out of town, but I have been to workouts and have seen the vine videos that have been tweeted out.  I cannot wait until the football season starts!  I know that our band has also been meeting to get ready for the school year.  The band is growing and will be a force this year.  Go Band!

If you are going somewhere extra special this summer, please let us know.  We want to hear about it!  Tweet me @ONeilCHSprincip!

*Staff I will send you an official letter in mid July via the US Postal Service.  This letter will include information about our beginning of the school year staff development plans, and updated staffing information.

*Parents and students you will receive an official letter in mid-late July via the US Postal Service. This letter will include important information and any updates for the 2013-2014 school year.

Please do not forget to vote for Corsicana High School in the "Best of the Best" competition.  We sure appreciate it.  You can vote through Friday, July 12.  Vote here: Best of the Best

Go Tigers!
Home of Champions!

Herbert

Calico Dance Officers at Camp

One of the Many Long Lines at ISTE

Just About Done!

Well, it's all coming to an end for the 2012-2013 school year.  I can hardly believe it.

This year has been great for me.  I have truly learned a lot.  I can still remember when Dr. Frost asked me to  become the next principal of Corsicana High School.  It was one of the most joyful times in my life.  I am forever grateful.  As I reflect on the year I can think about all the fun times just as well as the challenging times.  I can remember all the fun times like dancing at pep rallies, enjoying the football games, dressing up during homecoming, and so many other great times.  There were also times that were challenging.  I can think about the time when I had to come back early from the Mid-Winter conference because of a matter that took place at school.  That drive home from Austin was one of the toughest drives that I had ever made.  However, during the tough times I am thankful that I can always hold on to my faith that it will always work out! The great times have always out weighed the challenging times!  Go CHS!

I would like to give several shout outs.  I want to start with the students of Corsicana High School.  It has been an honor to serve as your principal this school year.  All of you have been so receptive to my style of leadership and I appreciate that.  Our school is great because you help to make it great.  Every day you walk through the doors ready to work and to give your all.  Next year will be even better!

My second shout out goes to the faculty and staff of Corsicana High School.  Wow!  You have made my job easy.  I came into CHS not knowing a whole lot about the school and you helped me along the way.  This year could not have been as smooth as it has been without all of your help.  I am thankful to have such a a great staff!

The final shout out goes to the parents and community of Corsicana.  I am thankful that I work in a community that cares so deeply about the education that their children receive.  This does not happen in every community.  From my first day in Corsicana at Drane Intermediate you have been welcoming and friendly and you have continued that same spirit throughout this year.  Thanks!

_____________________________________
To all stakeholders:

Do not forget that we begin finals this week.  I will post the same message here that I posted to our facebook page.

Students who are exempt from finals do not have to attend classes during the time the final is scheduled on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Finals begin Tuesday at CHS and finals for seniors begin Monday. Students in grades 9-11 will not be able to leave school Tuesday for the 4th period exam. We are on regular bell schedule that day. For grades 9-11 there are no in and out privileges. That simply means you may not come for one final, leave and then come back for another. This would only apply Wednesday. Good luck!

Please click on the link for the CHS Final Exam Schedule: CHS Final Exam Schedule 2013

Buses will run after each final beginning Wednesday.  Seniors will not have school transportation for their finals. 

Graduation will be this Friday at 8:00 pm at the CHS Competition Gym.  You must have an admission wristband to enter.  

I encourage everyone to have a safe and productive summer.  

Go Tigers!

Home of Champions!

New Calico Dance Officers

With my family! 

The True Meaning!

I have had the blessing of hanging banners that read exemplary and recognized on the outside of a school.  It felt great at the time.  We had reached a threshold that the state had set and were able to hang banners.  It still feels great because I know we did what was best for our students.

When I finished the day today I reflected on why I went into the business of education.  I can remember the many days that my parents came home with smiles on their faces.  They loved what they did because they were in it for the right reasons.

We hosted a prom today on campus for our special needs students.  It was amazing to see the bright smiles on all of their faces.  I was tearing up, the parents were crying and many of the other folks in attendance.  They were crying tears of joy.

 It was also great to see so many of our students that escorted our special needs students.  They were just as happy to be part of the process.  What I saw today at Corsicana High School was a family.  A family that truly has love for one another.

While the prom was going on there were many other students from Corsicana High School out in the community and at elementary schools giving back through service.  

Yes!  You can be great and do things besides take STAAR tests!  We will always work hard to prepare our students for standardized tests, but we are much more than that!

Corsicana High School is an amazing school with amazing people!  I am glad to serve as the principal!

Prom King and Queen

Go Tigers!

Home of Champions!

Info!

Several students have come to me and said that they heard that I would not allow the color black to be worn at CHS next year.  I am not sure where this is coming from, but it is not true!  We will continue with the CISD standardized dress policy.  There have been no changes at this point with the standardized dress policy.  I also have no intentions to propose a change.

You can find the Corsicana ISD standardized dress policy here:  CISD Standardized Dress Policy

I always appreciate those students that come to me and ask about things that affect you as a CHS student.  I am always available to take your questions and to hear what your concerns are.  The school year is almost over.  If you are not exempt from your finals, please make sure you study so you can do great!

Go Tigers!

Home of Champions!

Mr. O'Neil