August 22, 2007
Dear Chavez High School Scholars and Parents/Guardians:
Welcome to the Cesar Chavez Public Charter High School for Public Policy at the Capitol Hill Campus for the 2007-08 school year. This is the 10th anniversary of our school, the founding Chavez school. We have the reputation of being one of the best high schools in the city. Our goal is to be one of the best in the country. I am honored that you have chosen to attend our school and will be members of our community. Because I know you have a choice in where you chose to go, I promise to work hard and do my best to ensure that your child is receiving a quality education in a safe and healthy learning environment.
I am committed and our faculty and staff are committed to work hard to ensure that our scholars are improving their academic skills, that they are being adequately prepared for college, and that they are prepared to be responsible citizens in their communities, their country, and the world, which they will ultimately inherit. Parent and guardians, I need your help to accomplish such a commitment to our young men and women at Chavez.
If we hope to achieve these goals, it will require the active involvement and commitment of you, the parents and guardians, to your child’s education. Scholars, you must commit also make this school’s vision and mission your vision and mission. You too, must work hard in the difficult but rewarding experience of learning. There are no excuses. We expect you to take control and responsibility for your education and thus your life. That is how serious our work together is. I ask each of us to join in making this year the strongest year in the school’s ten-year history. I see our school as a model for what an excellent high school learning community looks like and what the best young people in America can do if given the right environment and conditions to succeed.
Calendar and Revised Scholar/Parent Handbook Please find enclosed 1) the revised Scholar/Parent handbook, 2) a short year calendar of important dates for parents and our young men and women, and 3) the bell schedule. It is expected that everyone carefully read the handbook. All parents, guardians and scholars are responsible to know the contents of the Scholar/Parent Handbook.
Opening Day September 4th School Doors Open 7:30am. Classes begin 8:25am We recommend scholars arrive between 7:30-7:45 the first couple of days until they get use to the routine. The first day of school scholars need to pick up their schedules and be in class by 8:20am. Classes begin at 8:25am. All classes will meet and scholars should be prepared to study and work the first day.
Any scheduling problems or conflicts will be addressed after school Tuesday thru Friday of the first week. Scholars should follow the schedule given until changes have officially been made and a new schedule given.
Uniforms All scholars must be in complete uniform the first day of school. Seniors must be in uniform or professional dress.
Attendance This year the expectation is that every scholar will attend all classes at least 90% of the school year. A scholar who does not may have to repeat the grade. We ask parents to make sure you support your child in attaining this goal and do not allow your child to be absent except for serious illness or death in the immediate family. Chavez has been successful because scholars are present. If a scholar is not in the classroom, he or she cannot learn. We expect scholars to be in school on time ready to work every day. We have noticed that scholars who do not have good attendance or who are often late do not receive good grades. Making sure your child gets to school each day is one of the best ways to ensure success.
Immunization All scholars must have proper immunization to attend school. Please make sure your child has the proper immunization and dental documentation.
Materials In addition to being on time, scholars should be prepared to work the first day of school. Scholars will be attending each class. At a minimum, scholars should have:- Pen
- Pencil,
- 8-1/2” x 11” white lined paper
- Three-ringed binder. Individual teachers will specify any additional supplies required for their class when they meet with scholars.
PTA Dinner Wednesday August 29th 6:30pm-7:30pm in the cafeteria.
Chavez, Capitol Hill Family Cookout Saturday September 8th from 12noon to 5pm at Anacostia Park. Students and parents please join the faculty and staff and their families for a cookout. See the enclosed flyer.
I am very fortunate because I love our school and I love the young men and women and their families who have made this school such a great and vibrant learning community. It is a great pleasure to come to work every day. I am privileged to serve all of you, the parents and young men and women. I look forward to working with you in the coming year. If at any time there is anything that I can do to help you, please do not hesitate to call me.
Sincerely,
Garrett Phelan Principal