December 2011

CAPI TAL HI GH SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER

Principal: Vice Principals:
Clinton H. Giles Our fob is to improve, not fust maintain.` R Tommy Canterbury
Wendy D Bailey
Susan M Young
Angela S Cruikshank

The True Gift of Giving (reprint)

by

Josh Stowers

Various colors of twinkling lights that brighten an all too early night, images of
Santa Claus promising children all their hearts desires (iI they`re not naughty), holiday
parties with friends and family, sweet indulgences, eggnog, and snowflakes as big as
goose feathers blanketing the ground. These are some of the thoughts that come to mind
as the holiday season has so swiftly found us. However, I am also occupied by the
anxieties of completing the arduous seasonal tasks that consist of making sure that I have
a gift for everyone that may not find it amusing if they are left out of my circle of holiday
gift-giving. Then there is the rush to 'wrap those giIts just to see them dismantled not a
few days afterwards. The icy roads, chapped lips, and all the other aspects of the season
that seem so trying but are, in truth, extremely trivial. No doubt that many of you have
your own special memories and thoughts that cross your mind as the days get shorter and
the temperatures retreat to arctic levels. Although many of us may seem bright and
jubilant this time of year, it is also a time for many in our midst that may seem to be as
dark and somber as 12:00 PM on a mid-December night.

These cold, winter days are, for many, the most trying they face all year. The loss
of a loved one, a dispersed family, a serious illness; are all examples of situations that can
be plaguing the minds and sapping the happiness from many of our colleagues, friends,
and Iellow human beings this holiday season. I can`t help but think oI our decorated men
and women overseas who would sacrifice any material good not to experience the loss
and separation that they undoubtedly feel, especially at this time of year. Who can pick
up a newspaper or turn on the T.V. and not have their heart bleed for the thousands
whose lives have been turned upside-down due to the twin disasters of Hurricanes
Katrina and Rita. The examples are endless. So, what is my point, you may ask?
Well, we could all benefit from a quick study, at times, on the topic of
perspective. Quite frankly, there is no better time of the year than the season of giving.
Isn`t that what the season is rightly about? Putting all oI our trivial problems on
the back burner and bearing the burdens of our neighbor. True joy is something that is
experienced when we deliver it to our fellow man. When we attempt to bottle it up for
ourselves it dissipates quickly, as does our spirit. Therefore, I call on everyone who may
read this to visit that elderly individual who has no family, to serve a meal to the
homeless, send groceries to that family whose children go to bed hungry, or simply find a
need in someone`s liIe and Iill it Ior a brieI moment.
If you choose to take my call, I believe you will be amazed at how those trivial
aspects of your life that seemed so wearisome, burdensome and annoying, were naught
compared to the real issues that face some. Then and only then will we all find true joy,
true peace, true happiness, and, most of all, the true meaning of the season.

New Faculty and Staff Members

Several new members have joined the faculty and staff at Capital High School for the
2011 - 2012 school years. We have asked that you join us in giving them a hearty
welcome to the home of the Cougars!

We ask, again, that you join us in welcoming to Capital High School Ms. Valerie
Hanshaw a native of Kanawha County, graduate of St. Albans High School and West
Virginia University.

As a Benedum Scholar Ms. Hanshaw earned both a Bachelors Degree and a Masters
Degree in Social Studies and Secondary Education, respectively, within five years and
now joins us in the Social Studies Department in a full-time teaching position.

Her students appreciate that she has entered a challenging classroom situation as a
beginning teacher. While communicating exceptionally high expectations and standards
her expressed desire is to see each student achieve to his or her fullest potential.

Again, we welcome Ms. Hanshaw to the faculty of Capital High School and wish for her
nothing but the greatest success with all of her students as she enjoys a long and
productive career here!

Local School I mprovement Council Meeting

The Capital High School Local School I mprovement Council (L.S.I .C.) meeting at
6:00 PM on Thursday, December 15, 2011 has been postponed. I t will be
rescheduled for a later date.
Our intent in relocating this important meeting away from our campus based upon
many suggestions we have received - is to provide parents from our various
communities` better opportunity to attend.
Our next L.S.I.C. meeting will be held at a location to be determined later Thursday
evening, February 16, 2012 on the West Side of Charleston. Specific information
regarding the location of this meeting will be made available to you through the Parent
Link phone messaging system also.
Everyone is cordially invited to attend all Capital High School Local School
Improvement Council meetings!

Annual Veterans Day Observance

This year the annual Veterans Day assembly program was held on Thursday, November
10, 2011 in our gymnasium. This was an all school assembly commemorating the various
contributions made by members of the Armed Forces of the United States of America
throughout the years.

Many brave individuals have served, fought, and made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve
and maintain the liberty, freedom, justice, and equality that we all enjoy in this Federal
Democratic Republic of ours. On this day - the day before the national holiday
commemorating veterans - we paused to pay our appropriate respects to all veterans.
As we established last year, student Voice of Democracy contest winners were the
speakers Ior the assembly. The theme/prompt Irom which the students wrote was: 'Is
there pride in serving in the military? Our Iirst place winner is Morgan King, second
place winner is Madi Stone, and the third place winner is LeeAnn Mobayed.

The keynote speaker was CPT Spencer Phillips who is a native of Frankton, Indiana.
As we pause to honor the brave men and women in uniform who serve our great nation
so honorably, let us also recognize the silent army` oI individuals that Irequently goes
unnoticed for their service here at home. This silent army consists of the family and loved
ones of those who serve who are left here at home, alone, while those soldiers are away,
stationed at the various military installations in this country and around the world, and
often deployed in combat zones for extended periods of time.

Please take the time to join with me in extending to the families and loved ones here at
home of our men and women in uniform our heartfelt thanks and deepest appreciation for
the quiet, often times unnoticed, role they play in the background supporting the troops
while they are away! The sacrifices they make are deeply appreciated, as well.

Capital Success University (CSU)
December 2011

Capital High School is the magnet school for the performing arts in Kanawha County. In
an on-going effort to reinforce the teaching of art appreciation, the CSU will be taking a
field trip on December 15, 2011 to the Clay Center to watch a performance of The
Nutcracker. The ballet performance tells the story of a young German girl who dreams
of a Nutcracker Prince who engages in a fierce battle against a Mouse King.
This opportunity has been provided to our students by generous donations from the Clay
Center and from West Virginia State University. The CSU staff has and will continue to
prepare students for the performance. All core subjects will be addressing various
aspects of the story, and how we as consumers of the arts should conduct ourselves using
proper etiquette during the performance.

December is a very busy time within the school year. Please remind students that while
the hustle and bustle of the season is all around, they have a job to do, and that is to
improve their grades. The semester will be coming to an end during the second week of
January. A semester test will be given in each class, and will count as twenty-five
percent oI your child`s grade. It will be very important that they study and review Ior
these exams.
Special assemblies and activities abound in which your student may be participating.
Many reIer to the time oI year as the 'season Ior giving. It is our job as a community to
not only demonstrate giving to those less fortunate, but to help students find ways in
which they themselves can 'give back to society.

America`s Promise is based on Iive principles which strongly suggest that providing:
Caring Adults, Safe Places, Healthful Living, an Effective Education, and Opportunities
to Give Back can help shape, maintain and even improve the future of our society.
Many organizations are asking for volunteers to assist in making a difference in the lives
of those who need a helping hand. Donating food, toys, and clothing to local
organizations is also a way in which we can all give. Please consider talking with your
student and asking them how they would like to 'give back. This could become a
tradition and something you and your student can look forward to for years to come.

The CSU staff would like to take this opportunity to wish our students and their families
a very merry holiday season and a happy and prosperous new year. In keeping with our
school motto: 'Our job is to improve, not just maintain, please do determine your New
Year`s Resolution and do everything possible to reach your personal goals in the coming
year.

Counselor Corner

Seniors should be working on their college applications and gathering information for the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Parents and students should visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to learn time saving suggestions for
completing the FAFSA. You can print a checklist of documents needed, print a FAFSA
worksheet and apply for a PIN. Parents and students will need a PIN to sign the FAFSA
electronically.

All seniors were taken to the computer lab this past month to complete the online
application for the merit-based PROMISE Scholarship.

There will be a financial aid parent night on Thursday, December 8
th
at 6:00 pm in room
118 (LGI).

All students: Use your vacation time to get caught up on assignments and begin
studying for your finals. Finals will be the week you return from the Holidays.

Spend time sharing stories with your family during the holidays.

From the Studio

The Dance Company has just completed our Contemporary Holiday Invitational
Showcase and it was just lovely to have so many wonderful local ensembles to join us
here at Capital High School. If you missed it, you will definitely want to come out for
our Performing Arts Holiday performances. As well, students will be finishing up
production work on student choreography. They will begin their work as soon as we
return from the Holiday Break.

Keep your eyes and ears open for a fantastic Disney Princess Party coming in
January! We will perform at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on January 14
th
and
will showcase student work along with more professional choreography on March 11
th
.

If you would like to help the dancers raise money, we have Kroger cards, Papa
John`s coupons and Save Around books currently on sale. Please contact Ms. Legg iI
you would like one of the books, coupons or cards. Below you will find some bullets
regarding things we have upcoming. Please feel free to email or call Ms. Legg for more
information on ANY of these events or to book us for a performance.

Email: alegg@kcs.kana.k12.wv.us
Phone: 304-348-6500 ext. 159

EVERY Wednesday and Friday are rehearsal days
December 22
nd
Performing Arts Holiday

The 2
nd
Tuesday of Every month is the Dance Booster meeting at 6PM.

From the Assistant Principals for Pupil Services-

As winter approaches we will begin to experience inclement weather which will
inevitably cause closings and delays. Kanawha County Schools does have a notification
system that will call the phone number listed in WVEIS to inform parents about closing
and delays; however students and others can choose to be notified about KCS closings
and delays by signing up for email and text notifications. The notifications may give a
code or may actually say 'closed or 'delayed. We are including in this newsletter the
official Inclement Weather Codes for KCS. You may also tune to 58 WCHS or WCHS
TV8, or most any local TV or radio station for information.

Individuals (parents, grandparents, students, etc) who wish to sign up for notifications
may go to:
1) http://wvde.state.wv.us, click on the parents link in the left column, then click on
closings, and click on sign up for email/text alerts.
2) http://kcs.kana.k12.wv.us, click on family/parents link, click on closings/delays
and that will take you to the WVDE site to sign up.
Tardiness to school has become a problem amongst the student body that has reached
unacceptable levels. This has caused the administration to look at revising the current
tardy policy in its entirety. At this time students who are habitually tardy will be
assigned after school detention (ASD). Those who fail to attend will be subject to more
serious consequences (OSS, ISS, etc). ASD is held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
from 3:15 to 4:15 unless otherwise announced. We understand students may have
obligations after school that would not permit them to serve ASD; however, there will be
no exceptions made and failure to serve on the assigned date will result in more serious
consequences.

Below please find information regarding INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCEDURES for the 2011 -
2012 school year.

This will be announced by the local media and the Parent Link System WHEN SCHOOLS ARE
CLOSED FOR STUDENTS:

CODE A - All employees are to report to work at their regularly scheduled
time when possible. If they run into a problem (i.e., hazardous roads,
etc.) they should call their Immediate Supervisor/Principal and advise
them of their particular situation. Administrators should use good
judgment in considering conditions that may cause employees to be
late for their assignments.

CODE A will be used on days when schools are closed but roads are otherwise passable for
vehicular traffic. This will provide additional opportunities for in-school staff development
activities, planning, etc.

CODE B - All custodians/maintenance employees are to report to work at their
regularly scheduled time if at all possible in order to prepare
buildings, etc. Cooks report if a food delivery is scheduled for their
building. All 261 day employees are to report to work on time. All
other staff ARE NOT REQUIRED TO WORK.

WHEN SCHOOLS ARE OPEN FOR STUDENTS ON A DELAY OR EARLY
DISMISSAL:

CODE C - WHEN SCHOOLS ARE OPENING TWO HOURS LATE:

All employees are to report to work at their regularly scheduled time
when possible. If they run into a problem (i.e., hazardous roads, etc.)
they should call their Immediate Supervisor/Principal and advise
them of their particular situation. Administrators should use good
judgment in considering conditions that may cause employees to be
late for their assignments.

THERE WILL BE NO PRESCHOOL, WHICH INCLUDES HEAD START AND L.E.A.P. WHEN A TWO
(2) HOUR DELAY IS ANNOUNCED. Days Scheduled for home visitations may be scheduled for
Pre-School instructional days allowing home visitations on 2 hour delay days!

All morning vocational classes will be canceled. Announcements regarding changes in bus
schedules and routes will be made by 8:00 a.m.

CODE D - WHEN SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED EARLY:

All vocational, WV Pre-K, Head Start, Evening Alternative, Extra-
Curricular activities, and Community Education classes scheduled for
that afternoon or evening will be canceled. News media will be
notified of early dismissal as soon as decisions are made in order that
announcements can be made by noon.

PLEASE NOTE:

When a decision is made to close schools for the day, the news media will be
notified by 6:00 a.m. When schools are open for students on a delay and
conditions still do not look favorable, a decision to close will be made by 8:00
a.m.

CSU November Students of the Month

The ninth grade teachers are pleased to recognize the following Students of the
Month for November. These students have demonstrated excellence in academics and
citizenship in their specific academic courses.

English 9 Abbey Ferrari awarded by Mrs. A. Miller
Dana Harris awarded by Mrs. J. Swayne
Tyler McKinney awarded by Mrs. S. Garrison

Algebra IA Morgan Johnson awarded by Miss. S. Choi
Algebra I Xiu Xia Lian awarded by Miss S. Choi
Algebra IA Katee Short awarded by Mr. B. Clark
Geometry Elea Paybins awarded by Mr. B. Clark
Algebra IA Emily Myers awarded by Mrs. G. Turner
Honors Geometry Georgianna Rader awarded by Mrs. J. Price

Physical Science - Octarra Holman awarded by Mrs. A. Hoskins
Josiah Cook awarded by Mr. M. Greene
Shaniya Wright awarded by Mrs. A. Roach
Biology - Imani Carey awarded by Mrs. A. Roach

World History - Bradford Grose awarded by Mr. S. Swayne
Carly Darnell awarded by Mrs. K. Snyder
AP World History Sarah Clifford awarded by Mrs. Kerner

HS 101 Mikaila Hall awarded by Mr. M. Greene
Brea Walker awarded by Mrs. S. Garrison
Julius Rembrandt awarded by Mrs. A. Miller
Mallorie Vance awarded by Mr. Scott

Art 9 - Eleanor Paybins awarded by Mrs. C. Pennington
Angela Relihan awarded by Mrs. D. Barnett





NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
IS COLLECTING NEW TOYS
72<6)257276

Please Bring in a New Toy !
Make a child happy at Christmas!
Take Toys to Rm 144 or 220A Before
Dec 15
th
!!



Physical Education:

We are preparing for the Fitness gram Fitness test. All students will participate in testing
their flexibility, cardiovascular, upper body strength, and body mass index. The students
will be testing two days a week with the following test: PACER (cardio), Curl-ups
(muscular strength and endurance), Trunk Lift (flexibility), Push-up (muscular strength
and endurance), Shoulder Stretch (flexibility), and the Body Mass Index.

Students will be participating in a basketball unit on the days they are not participating in
the fitness test. Finals are just around the corner and our students will complete a "Create
A Game" project for their final. Students will take different skills they have learned in
physical education and create a game they invent using different pieces of equipment,
rules, safety, and playing field. The students will have the opportunity to teach their
game to the class.

-----------------------

Healthy Living Teen Challenge Club

Students in the Healthy Living Teen Challenge Club will be handing out free jump ropes
to all students interested. The jump ropes were donated by The Modern Woodmen of
America. Students will work during their lunches to give other students jump ropes to
help increase movement with our teens.

Our club is also working on a couple tailgating parties for basketball games this season.
We are currently looking for donations to help the cost of items. If anyone is interested
in donating please email Becky Myers at Capital High School
rmyers@kcs.kana.k12.wv.us. Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated.

P PE ER RF FO OR RM MI I N NG G A AR RT TS S H HO OL LI I D DA AY Y
Does the simple thought of Santa Claus fill
your heart with cheer? Do you want nothing more
during the holiday season than to sit back and enjoy a
cup of cocoa? Do you want your students to enjoy
this same feeling? Well then the annual Capital High
School Performing Arts Holiday is exactly what you
need.

Every year students` faces have shined with
glee as members of the performing arts have filled the
stage with their thrilling performances. This year, the
students will enjoy stunning dance numbers from the
Capital High Dance Company, a spectacular
perIormance Irom the school`s jazz band and
orchestra, and performances from the theater
department and the award-winning Capital High Choral Department.
The show is very popular and seats will go fast, but we wanted everyone to be
able to see the show. There is only one public performance, December 22, 2011 at 7:00
PM. There will be a school-time performance on December 22, as well. Few have the
opportunity to see such caliber a show and your students will thoroughly enjoy it.

H Ho ol ld d t th ha at t n no ot te e.the VIPs are off and singing their way through the holiday
season learning music and choreography for A A G Gl le ee e- -f fu ul l C Ch hr ri is st tm ma as s Rehearsals began
the week after their scintillating performance at S Sw wi in ng g S Si in ng gKanawha County School`s
Show Choir Showcase. They are feverishly working to be able to include a couple of
songs for their first holiday concert on November 30
th
for the Head Start Holiday
Concert. This first week of December is so busy with concerts for the CHAMR
Christmas Dinner on December 1st at Berry Hills, then a WOWK-TV taping at the
Culture Center on December 3
rd
for the )LUVW /DG\V &KULVWPDV 6SHFLDO to aired
Christmas Day. The VI P Booster meeting will be December 13
th
at 7:00 PM.
Discussions will include concerts at Edgewood Summit, December 20
th
at 7:00 PM,
Performing Arts Holiday, the VIP workshop January 7
th
, and our VI P Concert and
Show Choir I nvitational to be held February 17, 2007. December 12
th
Vocal
Ensemble will perform for the Brickstreet I nsurance Awards luncheon at their home
office at 2:00 PM. Rounding out the month will be their participation in the CHS annual
tradition, Performing Arts Holiday to be held December 21
st
and 22
th
. Wow, what a
month of practice, concerts and community service.

Orchestra News

String Day was a great success for Capital HS orchestra members. Ninth and tenth grade
SCORCH players participated. Many of our students won titled seats. Students came
from Martinsburg, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Boone and Kanawha Counties. Students
performing were:
Nathan Shin- Concertmaster
Jay Ta- Assistant Concertmaster
Olivia Boughton- Principal Viola
Evan Blackwood- Assistant Principal Viola
Molly Blackwood- Principal Cello
Parker Boughton- Assistant Principal Cello
The event was sponsored by the WV String Teachers Association and the orchestra was
conducted by Mitchell Arnold, WVU Orchestra Conductor. Congratulations, students!
December holds many diverse and exciting performances for the orchestra. On
December 3rd, Orchestra players were delighted to be part of the CHS Dance Company's
"Contemporary Dance Holiday" program.
Upcoming highlights:
December 9: Clay Center Performance in Grand Lobby prior to WVSO Pops Concert
December 15: Performance at SCHS Winter Concert
December 21: Performance for guest audiences at CHS PAH
December 22: Performance at CHS Performing Arts Holiday (also includes daytime
performances)

Other notable dates: January 14- All State Auditions
January 21- Snow Date for All State Auditions

Come out and support your Orchestra by listening to a concert!


*LUOV%DVNHWEDOO
After months of preseason training, the Lady Cougars began their season on the road and
earned a victory over Huntington, who is ranked 8
th
in the state! Their quickness and
conditioning is evident in their play, and their willingness to work paid off for them. The
ladies played GW on Monday, Dec. 12, but did not fare as well. Though they had
opportunities, they were not able to pull off a victory that night. They traveled to Lincoln
County on Dec. 13, adding another win to their record. They play at home again on Dec.
17. For a full schedule, check the CHS website under athletics, and come support our
Lady Cougars!

Student Council

Student Council, together with the JROTC, will be feeding the veterans at the Roark-
Sullivan Veteran`s Center on Monday, December 19. We have planned to Ieed at least 80
people, just as we did last year! The students are very excited to perform this community
service activity. We have also been assisting in collecting Ior this year`s Secret Santa
fund. Many students benefit from this endeavor every year. For more information on
that, please contact Mrs. Garrison at (304) 348-6500.


School Entry Immunization Requirements

All children entering school in West Virginia for the first time in grades pre-
Kindergarten to 12
th
grade must show proof of the following immunizations:

Pre-Kindergarten
, Hepatitis B (3 doses)
DTaP (4 doses) Varicella (1 dose or history of disease)
Polio (3 doses) Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (1 dose)
Hib (4 doses) PCV (4 doses)
*Visit http://www.dhhr.wv.gov/oeps/immunization/requirements/Documents/prek.pdf for more
information about provisional enrollment and other details about the above immunization
requirements.

Kindergarten to 12
th
Grade
, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (2 doses)
daP (4 doses) s doses or history of disease)
W
*Visit http://www.dhhr.wv.gov/oeps/immunization/requirements/Documents/school.pdf for
information about provisional enrollment and other details about the above immunization
requirements.

Additional School Entry Immunization
Requirements Beginning in the 2012-2013 School
Year

7
th
Grade Requirement
Tdap (1 dose) Meningococcal (1 dose)
*There are no provisional enrollments permitted for the 7
th
grade requirements.
Students must show proof of these vaccinations to enter 7
th
grade.

12
th
Grade Requirement
Tdap (1 dose) Meningococcal (2
nd
dose required if the first dose
was
received before the 16
th
birthday)
*There are no provisional enrollments permitted for the 12
th
grade requirements.
Students must show proof of these vaccinations to enter 12
th
grade.


For more information, visit:
http://www.dhhr.wv.gov/oeps/immunization/requirements/
Or call the WV Division of Immunization Services at 1-800-642-3634.