Citronelle High School Parent Newsletter

April 2014

Tutoring buses will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Getting to know the Common Core State Standards

1. What are the Common Core State StandardsThe Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are rigorous academic requirements in important subject areas for grades K-12. Common Core standards emphasize critical thinking and effective communication.2. What subjects does the Common Core cover?The CCSS outline the skills and content in English Language Arts and math that students should master in each grade. They also require that students in higher grades be able to read and write well not only in English, but also in social studies, science and technical subjects.3. Why are the standards written and how will students benefit from them?The Common Core standards were designed to make sure that students gain a more in-depth mastery of the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in college and compete in the global workforce. Because the standards have been adopted by the large majority of states, students across the country now have access to the same rigorous world-class education.4. Who developed the standards?The standards were developed by education leaders, teachers, principals and parents in state-led effort. They are state standards, not federal government curriculum. 5. Does the Common Core tell teachers how to teach?No. the common Core standards don’t tell teachers how to teach, or what books students should read. Instead, they are standards for what students should know at each grade level. Teachers create their own lessons for their students, just as they always have. 6. How does the Common Core affect what students learn in English Language Arts?The standards cover reading, writing , speaking & listening, and language.READING: Students are expected to read and understand texts of increasing complexity. They read more nonfiction material. In grade 6 and above, students read more in all of their subjects.WRITING: Students do more writing in all of their classes. The CCSS require students to think critically and support opinions and ideas with evidence from things they’ve read. Students also conduct research projects.SPEAKING & LISTENING: Students must learn how to give effective oral presentations, and gather information and points of view from one-on=one and group discussions with peersLANGUAGE: Students build their vocabularies through conversation and reading, and learn accepted English grammar. 7. How do the standards affect what students learn in math?In math, students get more in depth exposure to the most important skills and concepts. They will work on increasingly complex math concepts over the course of several grades, building on what they have already learned as they progress in school. 8. What about testing?Each state chooses which standardized tests to give its students. The test are primarily online. There is a test at the end of the year, and there may also be assessments during the year to see if lesson adjustments need to be made. 9. There are no special skill required to help your child meet the standards. 10. How can I get more information? You can find detailed information online at: www.corestandards.org. The Parent Institute

In an effort to improve system practices, Mobile County Board of Education is conducting a Parent Survey. We value your opinion and ask that you take the time to complete this survey. In order to complete the survey, please go to: http://www.advanc-ed.org/survey/public/2791815

Student NewsSaturday tutoring for the AP exams will be held at Davidson High School on April 5th, 26th and May 3rd from 7:30 - 4:30 (two four hour sessions). Transportation will be provided from Citronelle High School. Please see Mrs. Daffin or the AP teachers if you have any questions.

JROTC will participate and compete in the County wide compass course competition on 9 April. The yearly JROTC County wide awards night will be 22 April , 7 PM, Davidson HS. 10 cadets from the Wildcat Battalion will receive awards that night.

Prom Tickets will be on sale from March 17th through April 2nd. Students who want to bring a non-CHS guest must have submitted a guest request form with an attached copy of the driver's license by March 25th. Student Council will be holding a Student Talent show on April 18. All proceeds will go towards Relay for Life. Admission is $2 and $10 dollars per act.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

    1 2 3 4 5 Prom

6 7 8

Talent ShowApplique

Class

9JROTC

Competition

10 11WW 2

Field Trip

12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22JROTC

Awards at Davidson

23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30Crimson Belle

Tryouts

     

April

Upcoming Events: Powder Puff Football Game May 9 th Senior Awards Day May 8th

Graduation May 17th

Top Ten Dinner May 5If seniors missed their Cap and Gown picture, they will need to schedule a date to go to Jim Owens Photography (phone 251.476.1596).

---Spring Break---

Crimson Belle Dance Team Tryouts will be held on April 30. A dance clinic will be April 28-29. A mandatory meeting for all interested in trying out will be on Wednesday, April 23, 2014, immediately after school. There will be a non-refundable $20 tryout fee (Due by Wednesday, April 23, 2014). See Mrs. Orso for more information (Room 303)

Dance Clinic for Crimson Belle Dance Team

Correction: Madison Lynch received Most Photogenic for underclassmen and Michaela Pierce Highest GPA for underclassmen in the Oil Queen Pageant.

Congratulations to the following girls for making the 2014-2015 Varsity Cheerleading Squad: Katelyn King, Madison Lynch, Kennedy Barnett, Falan Hopkins, Destiny Lofton, Jordyn Weaver, and Sandy Reid. J. V. Cheerleading Squad consists of the following girls: Jenna Johnston, Mary Byrd, Taryn rivers, Hannah Silvers, Mallory Lynch, Megan McDonald, Taylor Moore, Haley Turner, Kristen Nichols, and Raegan Reynolds.