Dear Students and Families:
We are happy to finish the first trimester of our 23-24 school year. It’s hard to believe that we’re on the brink of another year, 2024!
Let’s start off with some reflections. We were able to pull off all of our fall trips for each grade. Last year, while we resumed our fall trips after a hiatus due to the pandemic, challenges with area bus companies caused by the bus driver shortage impacted our ability to make our fall trips a reality for each of our grades. This fall, we did it- all classes got to experience a fall trip! We’re now looking forward to end of year trips in the spring/summer. Information about these trips will be forthcoming.
In November, we had a successful Literacy Night. I continue to be impressed and inspired by our student-led approach, conceived and facilitated by our great Ms. Watson-Smith. We had a huge school-wide turnout. If you and your family were among our attendees, thank you for helping to make the night a success by your or your student’s involvement.
We want to also shout out Ms. Lyskava. Through her vision and efforts, City High participated in a regional event called “Poetry Out Loud.” We hosted a competition on November 30th with student performers from our 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. They totally rocked and some have an opportunity to compete regionally!
In the fall, City High was approved for full Middle States accreditation! It was made official by the Middle States Commission that met this fall. You may recall me providing an update last year as we hosted the site visit team in March. Our areas of focus for our 7-year strategic plan include:
- Equity with an emphasis on culturally relevant practices, restorative practices, and student voice;
- Student and staff well-being; and
- Advanced learning opportunities.
Mr. Hanna and Mr. Luft devoted countless hours as co-internal coordinators and helped guide us through an intensive process. We’re grateful to them and are excited to already be in the midst of implementation.
Last but not least, I want to draw your attention to an upcoming policy change. Please see your end of trimester mailing regarding our new book bag policy as it relates to our arrival procedures using City High’s new Open Gate metal detectors. This will require all students to use their City-High issued book bag or receive a premium Day Owl book bag that they can use, which are available to all 10th, 11th & 12th grade students.
This was a long message so I’ll stop here by wishing each of you a wonderful break as well as health and happiness. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!
All our best,
Dr. Allen