CCHS Principal's Blog: Student Course Selection Process, Student Art Work & Lessons from the Super Bowl

Cue the cliches, as the improbable Patriots comeback in Super Bowl LI was an off-the-rack metaphor. "Never give up." "It is not over till it is over." "You must believe."

It is true that perseverance and grit alone will not always produce the outcome one hopes for. It is also true that without perseverance and grit the intended outcome is simply not possible. Tom Brady was a 6th round afterthought when drafted with the 199th pick in the 2000 NFL draft. To provide a little context, there are only seven rounds in the NFL draft, so not only was the best quarterback of all-time drafted after 198 players, but thirty-one NFL teams passed on him at least five times in that draft. He is the only quarterback to win five Superbowls, and he is now widely considered the best quarterback of all-time. I will spare students another cliche, but don't let anyone's doubt derail your dreams.

Prior to their overtime victory, the largest comeback in NFL history was ten points. The Patriots trailed by as many as 25 points; they faced a deficit of 19 points heading into the 4th quarter; proving that sometimes metaphors and cliches' are simply accurate. The Patriots victory demonstrated to anyone who was watching that you must never give up, that you must persevere, that you must be tenacious, and you must demonstrate grit even when the obstacles seem insurmountable to anyone but you. Most importantly, the Patriots won with class and humility.

While savoring the past and living in the present, it is time we look towards the future. Students will begin the process of choosing courses for next year. Online course selection starts today, 10 February. The window will remain open until 15 February. It is important students complete courses selections by next Wednesday to provide the best chance to access the desired classes.

The process for choosing courses remains the same, as the selection process will be done through the Aspen portal. The slide deck below will walk you through the various steps. If students have technical questions, please visit our IT Department in the Learning Commons. Direct any questions about individual courses or the course selection process to the teacher or appropriate guidance counselor. Below is a list of new courses scheduled for next year.

We are excited to offer a few new electives that will run two days a week as opposed to the traditional four days a week. We hope it will encourage students to sample some of our new course offerings. While it is important to note these electives will benefit all kids, we are excited that it will greatly help students on education plans who receive school-based academic services. The two day a week elective will allow greater access for all students to sample an elective. Speaking of the future, only 38 days till spring. Have a great weekend!

Scheduling Process
Information and process for student course selections via Aspen.

New Course Offerings
New Course Offerings With Descriptions

THE ART OF TECHNOLOGY: BITS, BYTES, & BEYOND

SEMESTER – 1.25 CREDITS / 2 DAYS PER WEEK

For students in grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: No prior background in computer science required.

EXPLORATIONS IN ROBOTICS

SEMESTER – 1.25 CREDITS - 2X PER WEEK

For students in grade: 9, 10, 11 and 12

EXPLORATIONS IN DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

SEMESTER – 1.25 CREDITS - 2X PER WEEK

For students in grades: 9, 10, 11, and 12

Prerequisites: None

EXPLORATIONS IN FILMMAKING

SEMESTER – 1.25 CREDITS - 2X PER WEEK

For students in grades: 9, 10, 11, and 12

Prerequisites: None

ECOLOGY IS LOCAL (E)

SEMESTER 1 – 2.50 CREDITS

For students in grade: 11 or 12

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology

DIVERSITY OF LIFE (E)

SEMESTER 2 – 2.50 CREDITS

For students in grade: 11 and 12

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology

Important Information Regarding Course Selection For Next Year

Student Athletes
By Alison Nowicki

If there is any chance you are or might be considering playing collegiate sports at a Division I or II institution, you must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. In order to quality to play at this level, there are strict guidelines around courses, minimum GPA, standardized test scores, and other related issues that must be met. We encourage students, beginning in their sophomore year, to register with the eligibility center so that you can plan for these guidelines accordingly. Please follow the link for more information and instructions.

NCAA Information

AP Registration
Reminder - Deadline for AP Registration is TONIGHT, FEBRUARY 10 @ 10:00 P.M.
In order to register, students should click on the link provided in the Daily Bulletin or visit www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/220645

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Gold Key Recipients

By Madi Green

By Glyn Mardis

By Daria Pietropaola

By Peter Gramaglia

By Mia Royce

Musical Silhouettes
Under the guidance of the very talented Mr. Pickman, his students completed a fantastic project in celebration of Black History Month. Advanced 2D Art classes have decided to honor the history of black musicians whose innovation, artistry and spirit inspired the evolution of iconic American music; specifically blues, jazz, and rock. These artists defined our musical heritage and our American identity. There are so many musicians, known and unknown, who have greatly enriched the robust fabric of truly American music. We have selected fourteen in an effort to depict a few of our favorites.