The Cardinal Letter

March 2024

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this third-quarter newsletter finds you well, and that all of you enjoyed spring break doing all those things that bring you joy. This beautiful weather has gotten everyone ready to spend some time outdoors.

There are so many great things that happened at Chi-Hi this past quarter. We had students go to state in Bowling, ESports, Gymnastics, and Hockey. We are so proud of all of our student’s accomplishments. The dedication of our coaches, parental support, and student talent & drive continue to support the growth of our athletic programs and helped earn Chi-Hi achievements this year. These successes help to sustain a positive school culture.

During the spring season, we are deep into state assessments. On March 20, our students took the ACT. The students put a lot of effort into the state assessment and the online testing process ran smoothly. The ACT makeup date is March 27, 2024.

Other upcoming state assessments include the Forward and the Pre-ACT. The Forward Exam is on March 25 and April 15, depending on when your 10th-grade son or daughter has a US History Class. The Pre-ACT for ninth and tenth graders is coming up on April 17. On this day, the juniors will be participating in the RCU Test Drive Event at the YMCA while the seniors have the opportunity to participate in a job shadowing experience within our community.

Our spring athletic programs have started lifting & conditioning and several have also started practicing. You can follow the weekly Cardinal Activities newsletter or Twitter feeds for updates on competition dates or changes. Download the Activities Scheduler app for up-to-date changes in dates, times, or locations. It is available for iPhone or Android devices.

We are hosting a prom for juniors and seniors on Saturday, April 27. Freshmen and sophomores can attend if they are a guest of a junior or senior.

We have a lot to be grateful for this school year: successful academic and athletic programs, great students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members. Thanks for your partnership in making our school a place for our students to grow and find their purpose.

Respectfully yours,

Donna Goodman

Chippewa Falls Senior High School Principal

This is information from the District:

Dear Parents/Guardians/Caregivers

Our district is working each day to provide a great place for students to learn, teachers to teach, employees to work, and parents to send their children for an excellent education. We are committed to listening and responding to your experiences as a parent in our district. Our partners at Huron/Studer Education are providing an opportunity for you to provide feedback anonymously, at the link below.

Please take a few minutes to complete the Parent/Caregiver Engagement Survey at this link:

*Survey Link (Esta encuesta está disponible en Español)

The survey is scheduled to open March 18th and remain open through April 12th.

Your input is valuable. Your feedback will be utilized appropriately to create action plans that allow for continued success and to address those areas where attention is required for improvement.

Thank you for your commitment to our district’s success.

Watch this video to hear from Terrence Talley to encourage you and others to take a rest.

After an assembly with Terrence, your students will know that they matter, and because of that, they can make a difference. Terrence encourages students to never give up and reminds them that there is always hope; something that they can share with others.

The overwhelming and consistently positive feedback on Terrence's assembly is just a representation of the impact being made on students throughout the country.

Test Drive ... Next Stop Reality, gives high school students a real-life simulation of money and finances and lets them test drive their future to see what it takes to make it on their own as a 25-year-old. This program for Chippewa County high school students is on Wednesday, April 17 at the Chippewa Falls YMCA.

During the simulation, students choose their education level and career, are randomly assigned a family status, and calculate their net monthly salary. They are then tasked with managing their budget by paying for various expenses the average adult is faced with each month. They have to make decisions within each expense category, with the goal of getting through the month without running out of money. Through their participation, students gain a better understanding of what it takes to make it on their own and prepare for their future.

Click here for the link to Test Drive Reality Fair.

Volunteers Needed:

Volunteers are crucial in making these events a success! You will have the opportunity to interact with students, helping them make decisions and offering guidance if a student is faced with a difficult situation. Training and all necessary materials will be provided. To VOLUNTEER or learn more click the link below.

Chippewa Falls Test Drive:

• April 17th 8:00am – 2:30 pm
• Chippewa Falls YMCA
• Link to sign up: Test Drive: April 17, 2024, Chippewa County Test Drive

Plan now and mark your calendars for the 4th quarter P/T conferences. Conferences will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on the date listed below:

4th Quarter Conferences: Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Scheduling links will be emailed to parents/guardians one week prior to conferences.

TICKET SALES:

Tickets will be available to purchase April 2nd - April 12th to Junior and Senior class members. Tickets will not be available at the door for purchase. Tickets are limited and will be sold on a first come first serve basis.

Tickets will be sold April 2nd - 12th outside room B104 before school, during lunch and Teacher Advisory, as well as during Prime Time.

Tickets are available to current students who are enrolled as a Junior or Senior. You must have a valid student ID with you to purchase your ticket(s). Juniors and Seniors are allowed to purchase a maximum of two tickets. At the time of purchase you will need to provide your name (first and last) as well as your guest name (first and last).

Tickets are $35 per person and must be paid for in cash, are non-transferable and are non-refundable. There are a limited number of tickets available and once we have reached maximum capacity, tickets will no longer be available.

VISITING GUESTS:

If your student plans to bring a guest who is not a current student (this includes early graduates) at Chippewa Falls Area High School, you will need to have a completed guest form that is due no later to the front office than Tuesday, April 9th.

Guest forms are available at the ticket table, in the front office, or may be printed using this link.

PROM COURT:

If your student is represented on court this year, parents/guardians and immediate family will be invited to attend the court presentation. If your student is selected for court, you will be notified and provided tickets for the event.

The SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM is focused on scholarship recipients. The program will take place in person in the Chi-Hi auditorium at 6:00 p.m. Students who have been notified that they are receiving a scholarship must report the award to Student Services by Friday, May 3, 2024 for the scholarship(s) to be included in the program.

Wednesday, May 15, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

• Location: Auditorium
• Live-streamed on the CFHS media YouTube page.

• Seniors will sit on the chairs set-up on the gym floor
• Grades 9 -11 will sit in the bleachers.

Wednesday, May 22 8:30 to 9:30 am

• Location: Front gym
• Live-streamed on the CFHS media YouTube page.

• Cap/Gown/Tassel orders have started to arrive here at the high school. More orders are yet to come. Watch for an email with information when the Jostens representative will be at the high school for distribution. This will be mid-April or late April.
• Friday, May 24 - Senior Grad Party from 9:00 pm to 12:00 am - Order tickets on-line at this link.

We will be having an asynchronous day on Friday, May 24, 2024 in order to set-up for the graduation processional. In the event of a rainy day the processional is moved one week later (5/31/24). You will be informed if this change takes place.

The Student Service Newsletter, Guidelines, contains important information about scholarships, early graduation, and opportunities for college credit, job shadowing experiences, and youth apprenticeships.

Mentor Chippewa is a local non-profit, founded right here in Chippewa Falls, 35 years ago! We work closely with local school systems to bring our school-based mentoring programs to their students and offer the opportunity for adults to connect with youth in a safe setting.

We value all kids, right where they are, while recognizing that school can be tough, and mentors can help tough days go better! Everyone can benefit from having a caring adult in their lives to help them realize that when days go better, years go better.

If your student could benefit from a mentoring relationship, please contact us and we will make the connection between the student, the school, and one of our amazing volunteer mentors.

Thank you!

Jennifer Shakal

Program Coordinator | Mentor Chippewa
she/her/hers

715.225.8036 jennifer@mentorchippewa.org

705 Bay St., Suite 2A, Chippewa Falls WI 54729

Empowering Digital Citizens: Essential Tips for Kids' Online Safety

In today's digital age, the internet is a vital part of a child's life, whether they're at school, home, or anywhere else. While internet-connected devices can enhance learning and social interactions, they also pose risks that concern both parents and educators.

Protecting children from online dangers such as inappropriate content and contact is crucial. But when should we start teaching them about security awareness?

Ideally, children should be introduced to these concepts as soon as they begin using the internet, even under supervision. With children spending an average of four to six hours daily on screens by the age of eight, and more than half of teenagers dedicating at least four hours a day to social media, the need for early education on online safety is evident.

Who takes on the responsibility of educating children about online security? Initially, parents or guardians play a significant role, followed by educators once children enter school. However, not all adults are proficient in security awareness, making it essential to know where to begin.

Keatron Evans from Infosec suggests tailoring security education based on age groups:

• For grade school children: Establishing good habits like not sharing personal information and being cautious with links and downloads.

• For middle school children: Teaching them to separate school and personal accounts, and educating them about email safety and phishing attempts.

• For teenagers: Focusing on privacy settings, using unique login credentials, and implementing multi-factor authentication.

Parents play a crucial role in fostering security awareness in their children. Numerous resources, such as cybersecurity-themed books and educational videos, are available to aid parents in this endeavor. Additionally, parental control features in apps can be effective for younger children, although older ones may find ways to bypass them.

Modeling good security behavior is essential, as children often mimic the actions of those around them. Ultimately, both parents and educators must work together to equip children with the skills and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely.

By instilling security awareness in kids, we empower them to take control of their online privacy and security. For additional resources, visit Infosec’s Security Awareness and Training Resource Center or Common Sense Media’s Parenting, Media, and Everything in Between website.

Information taken from "Security Awareness for Kids: Tips for Safe Internet Use" (Video)

Attention Parents/Guardians:

Please be sure to get a yearbook for your son or daughter so that their high school memories can be with them as they move into the future. Limited quantities are available for $70 now through April 28th. Yearbook Distribution will be the only other time a yearbook may be purchased on a 1st come 1st serve basis after 4/28/24.

How do I order? There are two ways.

1. Place an order on-line at this link.
2. Pick up an order form located in the Main Office at Chi-Hi. Completed forms can be dropped off to Mr. Sikkink in room 139, the yearbook drop box outside room 132, or mailed to:

Chi Hi Monocle

735 Terrill St.

Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

23-24 Yearbook Distribution

Where: Gym C

When: During All Lunch Periods/TA

Dates: Monday, May 20th and Tuesday, May 21st

*Students who pre-purchased a book will be able to pick up their order with a picture ID.

If students still need to purchase a book they will be sold for $75 on a first come first

serve basis. We will accept checks (Made Payable to: Chi Hi Monocle) or Cash only

during distribution.

Scott Sikkink

Yearbook Advisor

sikkinsr@chipfalls.org

715-726-2406 ext. 1327

The purpose of this program is to teach youth about tractor, machinery, and farm safety. Tractor and farm machinery operators need to be knowledgeable and safety-smart. Studies show that many farm accidents are caused by inexperience, carelessness, haste, fatigue, stress, or poor judgment or attitude. These problems, and practical tractor operation, will be discussed by program instructors through the supplementary videos. With certification, youth ages 12 to 16 will be allowed to operate tractors or self-propelled implements of husbandry on a public road, under the direction of their parent or guardian (state law). Youth ages 14-15 will be certified to be employed or to work without pay on a farm other than their family farm (federal law). They will be certified in:

1. Tractor Operation - Operating a tractor over 20 PTO horsepower. This includes connecting or disconnecting equipment or any equipment parts to or from a tractor.
2. Equipment Operation - Operating or assisting to operate equipment listed below. This includes starting, stopping, adjusting, feeding, or any activity including physical contact associated with the operation of the equipment listed. This equipment includes: hay mower, hay baler, forage harvester, forage blower, unloading mechanism of a non-gravity-type self unloading wagon or trailer, grain combine, corn picker, auger conveyor, feed grinder, crop dryer, cotton picker, post-hole digger, post driver, non-walking-type rotary tiller, and mobile pea viner.

The Chi Hi Spanish Department is planning our next student trip to Spain during June of 2025. This ten day trip through Interact Travel will include visits to Madrid, Segovia, Salamanca, Granada, and Barcelona, as well as a three night home stay in Avila. Activities will include daily excursions to experience Spanish language and culture with the group.

Students must be enrolled in Spanish 3 or higher during the 2024-2025 school year to be eligible for the trip. Additionally, good academic & behavioral standing at Chi Hi is required.

• Any parents or students who are interested in learning more should contact the trip leader, Angie Oplinger (oplingac@chipfalls.org).

The high school attendance line is accessible 24 hours per day:

• 715-726-2406
• Press 2 for Attendance Options (listen for the prompt)
• If your student will be arriving late or needs to leave early: Press 1
• To report or excuse an absence: Press 2

Regular student attendance is required by law (State Statute 118.16) and is essential if students are to make satisfactory progress in school. Students are required to attend all class periods. It is the responsibility of the student and the parent to see that the student attends school each day school is in session. Excused absences include: illness or injury; medical, legal, DMV, military appointments, college visits, funerals, school-related activities including sporting or competitive events and field trips, family vacations (please notify the school in advance), and family emergencies.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: Any absence that is not cleared by a parent or guardian within 5 school days of the absence (the day of the absence and 4 additional school days) may be listed permanently as unexcused, which will generate a major behavior referral.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions!

Patrina Gunderson

Chippewa Falls High School Attendance Office

715-726-2406, x1142

3rd Quarter Updates

Absenteeism due to illness should be telephoned daily to your child's school secretary. Please be specific about illness (i.e. flu, strep, chickenpox, etc.) because it is helpful in the control of communicable disease. Thank you to families for calling your student's school when they are ill and for reporting the diagnosis made in the physician's office.

Reminder: Your child should not come to school if:

• They have a fever of 100.4 or higher before medication (Tylenol/Ibuprofen)
• They have been diagnosed with a contagious illness and have been on medication less than 24 hours.

Good hand washing habits are the number one way to prevent the spread of illness!

Stay safe and healthy, Nurse Lexi

Hello Cardinals!

Here is your Cardinal Market weekly signup!

Here is the form for you to fill out. Please sign up if you are in need of food at home.

This week we will shop on FRIDAY during Prime Time!

All of this is free of charge!

We hope you and your family can benefit from this convenient resource this year!

• Dorais Field Livestream
  
• Chi-Hi Main Gym Livestream
  
• Purchase an All-Season Pass that can be used at ALL regular season home events. Passes may be purchased (cash/check) at the Chi-Hi Main office by returning this form, or by purchasing it on ticketspicket.com
• Chi-Hi Athletics & Activities Website
• Photos of Events happening at Chi-Hi can be viewed in Smugmug
  
• CFHS YouTube Channel