What‘s Happening at CHS

yearbook, 3D rendering, metal text on rust background

Photo and Yearbook Information

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yearbook, 3D rendering, metal text on rust backgroundIt’s time to order your yearbook and get your photos or senior portraits made.
You can order your yearbook or place a senior ad with a special message and photos here.
See details below.

Senior ads:

Want to say something special to your senior that they will have forever? Buy an ad space to share your message and pictures on balfour.com. These can be baby photos, senior photos, and any photos in between. Go beyond words with this sweet “goodbye and good luck” message!

Outside Photographers for senior pictures:

If using an outside photographer, senior pictures are due November 15. Submit the original JPEG by email to helmh1@charlottesvilleschools.org.

Yearbook sales:

  • $65 before October 25
  • $75 after October 25

All ad spaces, yearbooks, and accessories can be purchased at balfour.com.

Upcoming Dates & Info:

  • September 16: Senior Portrait Make-up Day
  • September 17-18: Non-Senior School Picture Days
  • October 14: Picture Make-up Day
  • October 25: Last day to buy yearbook at reduced price
  • November 15: Senior portraits from outside photographers due to Ms. Helm
Sylvia Elder accepts dedication plaque.

New track dedication celebrates legacy of Coach Curtis Elder

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Sylvia Elder accepts dedication plaque.The Charlottesville High School community held a dedication ceremony for the new Curtis Elder Track and Field Complex at CHS to honor the rich legacy of former CHS Track Coach Curtis Elder.

“The power to win must come from within,” was just one of Coach Elder’s many inspiring mantras for his players, and one he took to heart.  During his 44 seasons of coaching, Coach Elder’s teams won 253 track meets, 20 district and 20 regional track championships, and 7 state track championships.  He was also nominated for national track coach of the year in 2005 and in 1999 and was honored by track coaches across Virginia for his contributions to the sport.

Elder family at ceremony.During the dedication ceremony that included members of  the Elder family, the CHS football team, and many friends, colleagues, and former students, Superintendent Dr. Rosa Atkins remarked, “We can count the number of wins and championships, but we will never be able to count up all the lives touched by his mentorship and leadership in our schools and in our community.”

Dr. Atkins also thanked Coach Elder’s wife, Sylvia, and family for sharing Coach Elder with CHS on long nights and weekends and praised him for modeling what the combination of high expectations, excellent teaching, and deep relationship can accomplish.

Mrs. Elder, herself a physical education teacher, school counselor, and department chair in Charlottesville City Schools for 37 years, accepted a wooden plaque marking the occasion from Atkins and CHS Assistant Principal and Supervisor of Athletics Rodney Redd.

Sylvia Elder remarks.“I am overwhelmed, ” said Mrs. Elder. “I spend a lot of time walking on this track because it makes me feel close to him. He would be so pleased to see this beautiful facility, knowing current and future athletes in our community will benefit from it.”

One athlete in particular that will be one of the first athletes to compete on the new track this spring is Elder’s grandson, a top high school runner in the state.  William Trent, who runs for Monticello High School, recently set a new state record in the 400 during the 2019 Virginia High School League Class 3 state track and field championships.

In addition to the track dedication, CHS plans to nominate Coach Elder later this year for the Virginia High School League Hall of Fame.

See more photo’s here.

Related news coverage:

NBC29
CBS19
Daily Progress

CHS Orchestra

CHS Orchestra String Ensemble invited to perform in Lisbon

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The CHSO String Ensemble will be traveling to Europe to the 2020 Lisbon International Youth Music Festival which features more than 30 concerts in the best halls and open-air venues in Portugal and celebrates youth orchestras, choirs, symphonic bands and ensembles from all over the world.

Led by CHS orchestra director Laura Thomas, the 53-member ensemble will present a short public performance at Central Place on the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville on September 25 at 12:30 p.m. to kick off their fundraising efforts. Rain date will be October 2.

The Charlottesville High School Orchestra has traveled to Europe five times, performing in international competitions and festivals, including our Italian and French sister cities and venues such as Chartres Cathedral, the Votivkirche, and Santo Stefano al Ponte. For more information, visit www.chsorchestra.org.

More about the Lisbon International Youth Music Festival

At the Lisbon International Youth Music Festival, young musicians will gather to build friendships and share uplifting performances with 15,000+ music lovers. In addition to their time in Lisbon, the String Ensemble will travel to Spain to experience the art, history and splendor of Madrid culminating with an evening performance in a sacred venue such as the Baroque church of San Millan y San Cayetano or the Basilica de Jesus de Medinaceli. Perhaps most importantly, CHSO musicians will serve as ambassadors — a vital reminder of music’s power to unite and inspire.  For more, visit https://www.lisbonmusicfest.com/.

CHS Orchestra

Venable student with tshirt

Back-to-School Nights

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After a great start to the school year, attend a Back-to-School Night to check in with teachers and get a better sense of what’s coming up!

  • Burnley-Moran: Tuesday, September 17, 5:30-7pm (includes picnic)
  • Clark: Tuesday, September 17, 5:30-7pm
  • Greenbrier: Tuesday, September 17, 6-7:30pm
  • Jackson-Via: Tuesday, September 17, 6-7:30pm
  • Johnson: Tuesday, September 17, 6-7:30pm
  • Venable:  Thursday, September 19, 5:30-7:30pm (Welcome Back Potluck to follow)
  • Walker: Tuesday, September 10, 6-8pm
  • Buford: Parent-Teacher Conferences Thursday 9/26 and Tuesday, 10/1, 4-7pm plus Harvest Festival 10/4 at 5:30pm
  • CHS: Monday, September 16, 5-7pm
  • CATEC: Wednesday, September 25, 5-7pm
  • Lugo-McGinness: Back-to-School Potluck, August 20
two graduates from CHS

Senior Portrait Information

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two graduates from CHSSenior Portrait Day is August 8, 2019 at Charlottesville HIgh School from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the small gym.  Seniors should receive appointments in the mail from Lifetouch by late July. There will be a makeup day for senior portraits on September 6, 2019 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For questions regarding appointments or pricing, contact Lifetouch for more info at 540-562-3107 or 800-366-0639.

  • Senior Portrait Day: August 8, 2019, 9am-4pm, CHS small gym
  • Senior Portrait Make-Up Day: September 6, 2019, 9am-4pm, CHS small gym

Senior Portrait FAQ

FAQ

Senior Portraits —

Q: When is my appointment?
A: Lifetouch will send you an appointment time via mail by late July. For questions, contact Lifetouch at 540-562-3107 or 800-366-0639.

Q: What if the time doesn’t work for me?
A: Contact  Yearbook Advisor Ms. Hannah Helm @ helmh1@charlottesvilleschools.org.

Q: What if I miss my time slot?
A: If you can come to the MLKPAC before 3:30pm on Senior Picture Day, come on out.  Otherwise do make ups.

Q. Where do I take my photo?
A: Go to the PAC, and they will direct you from there.

Q: What should I wear?
A. Wear an undershirt and bring several of your favorite outfits.

Q: Should I take a photo?
A: Yes, it gets you a Senior id, you may want to use the formal shot to send out to relatives, and it’s the first check on your name and image for the yearbook.  You can still submit a private photo as well.

Q: What if I want to submit a personal photo?
A: First, take your photo with Lifetouch on Senior Picture Day in the PAC and then do your private setting.  Submit the private one by October 1st to Ms. Helm @ helmh1@charlottesvilleschools.org.  Make sure it’s a high-resolution photo (300 DPI) and rename it with your first and last name.  Place your name in the subject along with the words “Senior Photo.”  Example: Barney Rubble Senior Photo.

For other important CHS fall information, click here.

For CHS Summer Events calendar (pdf download), click here.

CHS Black Knights logo

CHS Fall 2019: Key Dates and Information

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CHS Black Knights logoThe first day of school is Wednesday, August 21, 2019. See below for school counselor assignments, bus routes, supplies list, and other important back-to-school information.

School Day Hours:

  •  9:05am to 3:50pm (with a one-hour delayed start on the 2nd Thursday of some months)

Open House Information:

Save-the-Dates for Rising 9th-Graders:

School Supplies List:

Summer Reading List:

Chromebook Distribution Information

  • Chromebooks will be distributed at CHS open house on August 20 from 5-7 p.m. Complete your re-registration forms in PowerSchool (not needed for new students) to give permission for your child to receive a Chromebook. Call 245-2410 or 245-2962 for PowerSchool assistance.

Bus Routes:

School Counseling:

  • Please visit our CHS Counseling website for important dates,  career and college preparation information, and more!

    College Counselor Assignments

    A-Co:
    Kerry Avakian
    (434) 245-2684Cr-Hi:
    David Wilkerson
    (434) 245-2689Ho-M:
    Brianna Hill
    (434) 245-2687N-S:
    Melanie Key
    (434) 245-2686Department Chair & T-Wa:
    Sarah Elaine Hart
    (434) 245-2688We-Z & ESL:
    Lisa Morales
    (434) 245-2685Office hours for school counselors are 8:30-4:00pm, Monday-Friday. Please contact your student’s counselor if you would like to request an appointment.

Fall Sports Information:

  • Visit gocville.org to follow CHS sports and activities, including try-out info and parent meetings.

Senior Portrait Information:

  • Senior Picture Day: August 8, 2019, 9am-4pm, CHS small gym
    • Students will receive their appointment times via mail from Lifetouch.
  • Senior Make-Up: September 16, 2019, 9am-pm, CHS small gym
  • See FAQ about senior portraits below.
  • For questions regarding appointments and pricing, contact Lifetouch at 540-562-3107 or 800-366-0639.

Senior Portrait FAQ

FAQ

Senior Portraits —

Q: Where do I view my photo slot?
A: You will receive your appointment times in the mail via Lifetouch by late July.

Q: What if the time doesn’t work for me?
A: Contact Lifetouch at 540-562-3107 or 800-366-0639.

Q: What if I miss my time slot?
A: If you can come to the MLKPAC before 3:30pm on Senior Picture Day, come on out.  Otherwise do make ups.

Q. Where do I take my photo?
A: Go to the PAC, and they will direct you from there.

Q: What should I wear?
A. Wear an undershirt and bring several of your favorite outfits.

Q: Should I take a photo?
A: Yes, it gets you a Senior id, you may want to use the formal shot to send out to relatives, and it’s the first check on your name and image for the yearbook.  You can still submit a private photo as well.

Q: What if I want to submit a personal photo?
A: First, take your photo with Lifetouch on Senior Picture Day in the PAC and then do your private setting.  Submit the private one by October 1st to Ms. Hannah Helm at helmh1@charlottesvilleschools.org.  Make sure it’s a high-resolution photo (300 DPI) and rename it with your first and last name.  Place your name in the subject along with the words “Senior Photo.”  Example: Barney Rubble Senior Photo.

9th-11th Grade Portrait Information:

  • Non-Senior Picture Day: September 17-18, 9am-4pm, MLK PAC or CHS small gym
  • Non-Senior Picture Make-Up Day: October 14, 9am-4pm, MLK PAC or CHS small gym

Staff Portrait Information:

  • Staff Picture Day:  date TBD
    • Individual portraits: 12-4pm
    • Staff group photo: 11:45am

For a downloadable PDF of the CHS Summer Events calendar (July-August), click here.

 

Summer School begins June 17

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CHS SUMMER SCHOOL REGISTRATION

CHS will offer both face-to-face and virtual summer classes for current students and rising 9th-graders this summer.

  • Summer School Dates: June 17 – July 26
  • Closed July 4 and 5 in observance of Independence Day
  • NOTE: many of our popular courses such as Health/PE and Virtual Economics & Personal Finance do have capacity limits. Registration will be accepted in the order in which it is received.

To enroll:

  • Register online: Online registration and payment for summer school classes begins April 15.
  • Register in person: On-site registration at CHS will be held April 15 from 9:30am-11:30am. After this date, registration and payment can be dropped off in the CHS main office and receipts will be mailed.
  • Additionally, all registrants must complete the student information form and send it back to school. This sheet was sent home in the CHS third quarter mailing. Copies are also available in the Buford Middle School office for interested 8th graders.

Limited bus transportation will be available:

Face-to-Face Courses

General information and rules and regulations about face-to-face courses can be found here.

  • Economics and Personal Finance (1 credit)
  • English 9 (1 Credit)
  • English 10 (1 Credit) – *End of Course SOL Exam
  • English 11 (1 Credit) – *End of Course SOL Exam
  • English 12 (1 Credit)
  • Government (1 Credit)
  • VA & US History (1 Credit) – *End of Course SOL Exam
  • World History 1 (1 Credit) – *End of Course SOL Exam
  • World History 2 (1 Credit) – *End of Course SOL Exam
  • Biology (1 Credit) – *End of Course SOL Exam
  • Earth Science (1 Credit) – *End of Course SOL Exam
  • Algebra 1 (1 Credit) – *End of Course SOL Exam
  • Algebra 2 (1 Credit) – *End of Course SOL Exam
  • Geometry (1 Credit)
  • PE 09 (.5 Credit) – SESSION 1 (June 18 – July 6)
  • PE 10 (.5 Credit) – SESSION 1 (June 18 – July 6)
  • PE 09 (.5 Credit) – SESSION 2 (July 9 – July 27)
  • PE 10 (.5 Credit) – SESSION 2 (July 9 – July 27)
  • Behind-the-Wheel for driver’s education: this is a separate sign-up. Click here!

Please note: Our summer school program does not provide alternate PE curriculum for students with injuries or illness that prevent them from completing the course work. If a student is unable to complete the PE curriculum due to injury or illness, they will be removed from the course and are encouraged to take it during the school year when they are well.

Virtual (Online) Courses

General information and rules and regulations about virtual (online) courses may be found here.

  • PE 09 (.5 Credit)
  • Health 09 (.5 Credit)
  • PE 10 (.5 Credit)
  • Health 10 / Driver’s Ed (.5 Credit)
  • Economics and Personal Finance (1 Credit)

Please note: Our summer school program does not provide alternate PE curriculum for students with injuries or illness that prevent them from completing the course work. If a student is unable to complete the PE curriculum due to injury or illness, they will be removed from the course and are encouraged to take it during the school year when they are well.

Cost

Students attending CHS in the 2019-20 school year are considered “In District.”  Students on Free or Reduced Lunch are eligible for reduced tuition rates. Out-of-district students are not eligible for Free/Reduced rates. Tuition is non-refundable.

Course In District Tuition Price Out of District Tuition Price Reduced Lunch Tuition Price Free Lunch Tuition Price
Full Credit Course $400 each $550 each $200 each $25 Each
1/2 Credit Course:
PE 09 & 10
Health 9 & 10		 $200 each $350 each $100 each $25 Each

You may bring your tuition payment (cash, check or money order payable to Charlottesville High School) to the CHS Office.

Or, you can pay your summer school tuition online through MySchoolBucks at http://bit.ly/chssummertuition. A convenience fee will apply.

Steps to Register Online

    1. Complete your online registration (opens April 15): go to http://bit.ly/CHSsummer2019 to complete the online form.
    2. Pay summer tuition online at bit.ly/chssummertuition (convenience fee applies) or bring cash, check or money order to CHS office.
    3. ALL students must complete a Student Information Form – mail or bring into CHS office.

Walk-In Registration on April 15

Walk-in registration will held be at Charlottesville High School on April 15th at 9:30am – 11:30am.

Additional Questions? Please contact:

Sophomores wearing their "You Can Talk To Me" lanyards after earning their youth Mental Health First Aid certifications.

Sophomores earn certification for teen Mental Health First Aid pilot program

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UPDATE: In June, students David Green and Lamont Bullard traveled with Mr. Williams to Las Vegas to join other students from schools that piloted the Teen Mental Health First Aid Program. While there, the students met members of the Born This Way Foundation, including a special visit with Lady Gaga and an on-stage appearance at her concert that evening. See them on stage here:

————————————————————————————————————————-

(April, 2019) This spring sophomores at CHS participated in the teen Mental Health First Aid

Sophomores wearing their "You Can Talk To Me" lanyards after earning their youth Mental Health First Aid certifications.
Sophomores wearing their “You Can Talk To Me” lanyards after earning their youth Mental Health First Aid certifications.

program, a course that trains high school students how to identify and respond to developing mental health or substance abuse problems among their friends.

CHS is one of eight high schools in the nation (two from Virginia) chosen to pilot this program developed by the National Council for Behavioral Health. Supported by Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation and researchers at Johns Hopkins University, the course specifically teaches students an action plan: Look, Ask, Listen, Help.

“We think it is really important to put the tools in the students’ hands so they know how to help a friend who is showing signs of mental illness or substance abuse,” said CHS School Counselor Sarah Elaine Hart.

Ms. Hart and Mr. Williams demonstrate how to help during a substance abuse crisis.
Ms. Hart and Mr. Williams demonstrate how to help during a substance abuse crisis.

Hart taught the three-week course along with her colleague Dominique Williams and Region Ten Prevention Director Emily Warren.

“Overall, we have found that most kids want to know what to do when a friend is struggling, even when it feels uncomfortable and hard,” said Hart. “They want to be equipped with the tools to help.”

The first national program of its kind, the course will be offered nationwide next year to students in grades 10th-12th. Students who complete the course earn Mental Health First Aid certifications.

Related Links:

Knott, Katherine. “In Mental Health Pilot Program, CHS Students Learn to Reach Out.” The Daily Progress, 24 Apr. 2019.

Graphic with live stream information and url.

Graduation is June 6

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As you make plans to attend commencement exercises for the Class of 2019 in just a few weeks, please keep in mind these important details:

  • JPJ Arena Clear Bag policyWhen: June 6, 2019, 7:00 p.m. Graduates should arrive by 5:30 p.m.
  • Where: John Paul Jones Arena. Free parking is available at the arena.

A live stream of the graduation ceremony will be available at www.facebook.com/cvilleschools. No Facebook account or password is needed to view.

Or watch live on Public Channel 14!

Security Information: Please read the following UVA JPJ Arena security policies carefully, especially noting the bag policy.

  • Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and cannot exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. Clear one-gallon plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar) are also permitted.
  • Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand and no larger than 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches (with or without a handle or strap) can be taken into the arena and will be subject to search. An exception will be made for items necessary for medical reasons after proper inspections at a gate designated for this purpose.
  • Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.
  • Items needed for small children must be in a clear bag that meet the stated dimensions.
  • Bags and purses that do not meet the above criteria cannot be held by staff or stored inside or around JPJ Arena. For clarity, diaper bags and backpacks are also prohibited.
  • Arrive early.  Our entrance procedures may take a few minutes and traffic is often heavy around JPJ Arena. Therefore, we request that all guests arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Please plan accordingly.
  • Wear as little metal as possible. Large metal jewelry/belt buckles, etc. are allowed, but can slow down the entrance process and/or delay your entry.
  • Understand prohibited items.  Balloons, flowers, umbrellas, outside food and beverage, artificial noise makers, and strollers are specifically prohibited inside JPJ Arena. Gifts for graduates may be presented when they meet families on the plaza after the ceremony.