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!