Parents

Cardinal Newman Parents, Guardians, and Students,

Happy Homecoming!  The CNHS community is excited to celebrate this milestone event with you and your families this evening at our  Homecoming Game - JV at 4:30 pm; Varsity at 7:00 pm.  Homecoming activities kicked off last week with a series of themed dress days but today’s rally was a true celebration!  Music, laughter, homecoming candidates with their chaperones, cheerleaders, and the colors of Cardinal Newman High School were everywhere.  I do not doubt that tonight’s halftime show will be equally enjoyable.

A special congratulations to our Homecoming Court.  Each of these young women has proven themselves to be lovely representations of a Cardinal Newman High School student, athlete, and member of the greater community.  In alphabetical order:

Lilly Erwin
Maguire Hansel
Ari Johnson
Rose Meihaus
Jessica Nowacki
Kimi Waller
Izzy Wright
Lily Zichichi

Ladies, thank you for all you do to support the Cardinal Newman High School community.  CNHS is proud of all you have and will accomplish.  Keep up the great work!

Quick calendar update:

Monday, the 18th of October - College Admission Case Study Night for senior (6:00 pm) - coordinated by Mrs. Euphrat (euphrat@cardinalnewman.org)

Tuesday, the 19th of October - ACT Testing Day for registered students

Monday, the 25th of October - Early Dismissal for a Faculty/ Staff Meeting

Wednesday, the 27th of October - All School Mass - Liturgy Dress Required

Families, please have a most wonderful weekend, and be on the lookout for next week’s Principal Message which will present updated policies regarding students’ use of our Advisory Period and cell phones.  Also, I would like you to know that CNHS has not experienced any additional vandalism since our intervention.  Our students have responded and have, seemingly, learned our behavioral expectations.

Yours in Christ,

Nicholas Reynolds

Cardinal Newman Parents, Guardians, and Students,

Happy Friday and welcome to the end of the 1st quarter.  With the first quarter ending today, it is important to note that our teachers will continue updating their grade books throughout the coming days until grades are officially submitted on Wednesday, the 13th.  Remain attentive to Aeries and your student's academic progress throughout the 2nd quarter and into semester grades.

With Monday and Tuesday, serving as an end of the quarter break please know that we are rolling into a short but busy week. 

• Seniors, on Wednesday, the 13th of October, you are invited to work with Mr. Cheney on your CBSL project (see details below) or to work with Mrs. Euphrat on college counseling.

• Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors on Wednesday, the 13th of October, you will begin your standardized testing day at 8:30 and will end between 12-12:30.  Parents/ Guardians, please remind your student of the following:

- Bring 2 sharpened #2 pencils (must be wooden pencils, mechanical pencils are not allowed).

- Bring your calculator.

- Bring a snack. Food Service will not be provided due to the modified schedule.

- DO NOT BE LATE! The test will begin at 8:30 am, just like a regular school day. Students will not be able to enter the classroom after testing begins and there is no makeup testing available.

- Standard Dress code is in effect. 

- Students will be dismissed when the test concludes between 12-12:30.

• It is also Homecoming Week which is celebrated with daily theme dress, a Friday home football game versus Maria Carrillo and a Saturday night dance.  I look forward to the fun.

On Monday, October 18th at 6:00 in the ACC, College Counseling is providing the opportunity for a group of 75 students and parents total to participate in a College Admissions Case Studies with three College Admissions officers. The group will learn how College Admissions Directors read applications holistically for college admissions. The group will read three mock admissions applications and decide to admit one student, deny one student, and defer one student. There will be a sign-up for this evening sent out next week in a google form by the College Counseling office. Please look for that form sometime on Wednesday next week.

Have a most restful and wonderful weekend.  Hopefully, the sons and daughters of CNHS will return to us refreshed and ready for the weeks ahead.  Also, roll SF Giants!  Black an Orange forever and a day.

With many blessing, Nicholas Reynolds

Cardinal Newman Parents, Guardians, and Students,

And we are back on track with a Happy Friday!  Today is a good day to praise the young men and women of CNHS for their maturity and respectful disposition during yesterday’s New Classroom Blessing/ schoolwide mass.  His Excellency Bishop Vasa performed both the blessing and the mass.  The mass included all grade levels, faculty-staff, members of the Board of Trustees, as well as, guests and benefactors.  ‘Twas a beautiful event and I would like to thank all who helped organize this seamless event.

With the end of the 1st quarter in sight (Friday, the 8th of October), it is important that we continue to encourage our students to seek out the academic guidance and help they need from their teachers.  It is important that we allow our students to advocate for themselves and work to resolve minor issues in concert with their teacher.  Encourage your students to use the Advisory period in support of their academic or social needs and, most importantly, if your student is struggling in a class ask them, “Have you visited your teacher during Advisory or Office Hours?”  I know this can be an intimidating proposition for our students but this is a great skill to develop in the safety of CNHS.

Important notes for the week ahead:

• On Monday, the 4th of October at 6:30 pm, CNHS College Counseling has partnered with Compass Education Group to offer a virtual Testing Information Night for our sophomores and juniors.  Please use the following link to register for this event.  https://www.compassprep.com/schools/cardinal-newman/

• On Wednesday, the 6th of October, our students will attend a Service Fair during Advisory to learn about and connect to non-profit volunteer opportunities.  This event is coordinated by Mr. Cheney, 

• On Friday, the 8th of October, our first quarter ends with early dismissal for our students.  This early release is dedicated to WCEA-WASC and our accreditation process.  At this meeting our faculty and staff will be working to identify the data necessary to define and defend our written self-study.

• Following our quarter break on Monday, the 11th, and Tuesday, the 12th, our FR, SO, and JR’s will attend our Standardize Testing Day on the 13th.  This day is required for our Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors but optional for our Seniors.  College Counseling and CBSL support will be available for our SR’s via a Google Form that will be sent our next week.  If you have any questions regarding:

  • Standarized Testing Day - contact Ms. Jorgensen at jorgensen@cardinalnewman.org

  • College Counseling - contact Mrs. Euphrat (euphrat@cardinalnewman.org) or Mrs. King (mking@cardinalnewan.org)

  • CBSL - contact Mr. Cheney at cheney@cardinalnewman.org

CNHS families, have a most wonderful and restful weekend.  Also, our final Fall sport began last Wednesday, when our Boys and Girls Cross County team defeated Elsie Allen High School.  With the beginning of Cross County and the completion of our first dance, CNHS is finally in full swing as we prepare for our Homecoming Game on October 15th!  

Yours In Christ, Nicholas Reynolds

Cardinal Newman Parents, Guardians, and Students,

Happy Thursday and welcome to Fall.  Fall officially began on the 22nd of September and I look forward to cooler days ahead that may bring us the very much needed rain throughout the western United States.  Until then, remember to conserve water and watch the trees majestically transform to the yellows and oranges of Autumn.

Over the past week, CNHS has experienced a number of students asking teachers to attend class over zoom while on vacation or when moving their siblings to college.  Please know that CNHS is not providing zoom instruction to students who are not experiencing COVID-19 protocols and/or quarantine needs.  The teachers of CNHS regularly update their Google Classroom portal with daily agendas, assignments, and learning expectations.  Absent students should rely on Google Classroom and schedule meetings with teacher prior to their planned absence.  If you have any questions relating to this issue please email me at reynolds@cardinalnewman.org and I will be happy to clarify CNHS stance on this issue.

Today’s early dismissal provided our faculty a much-needed opportunity to discuss the current state of the school year.  Specifically, this meeting focused on three topics:

• Class Level Meetings: With the 1st quarter coming to an end Friday, the 8th of October it is important that our Counselors work with our teachers to identify students in need of additional support and how students are performing across their schedule of classes.  While these meetings are regular occurrences they provide our counselors a wealth of knowledge.

• WCEA Preparation: With our Self Study Report nearly complete, we are providing WCEA group leaders the time needed to complete their final edits and to prepare for the creation of our Education Improvement Plan(s).

• Review of school policies: Like students, our faculty are also transitioning back to the in-person classroom setting and into a new classroom building.  Today’s meeting provided us the opportunity to review this transition and work to clarify faculty questions.

This cherished time allows our faculty to bond, to discuss the help your students need, and most importantly to clarify our understanding of expectations and policy.  

In closing, I would ask that you keep the CNHS football program in your prayers.  On Friday, they are traveling to St. Mary’s High School in Stockton which is a tough drive on a Friday afternoon.  Also, keep the class of 2025 in your prayers as they prepare themselves for their Retreat on Monday, the 27th.  This retreat is located at Jack London State Park in Glen Ellen and is themed: "To appreciate God's Creation and Man's interaction with it."

Have a most blessed weekend CNHS Families,
Nicholas Reynolds

Cardinal Newman Parents, Guardians, and Students, 

And just like that The Big Move is underway.  This move has been anticipated by CNHS for nearly two months and I am impressed with its planning, the coordination of all involved, and the incredible willingness of our 53 parent volunteers to help move 6 offices and 18 classrooms from our portables to the new building.  On Thursday, some students and a few faculty were able to walk through the new space and expressed their excitement and joy.  Wednesday, the 22nd of September will be a great day in the history of Cardinal Newman High School because for the first time students will be welcomed to our new classroom and art space.

Parents and guardians, you will have a chance to visit and tour our new classroom building on the 15th of October.  CNHS will be hosting a Homecoming Tailgate Party at Jake’s Place prior to the Homecoming Game.  Additional communication regarding this event will be sent out in the near future.

On Monday the 20th and Tuesday the 21st, CNHS has scheduled a modified zoom schedule to allow our teachers the time needed to prepare their classrooms for the arrival of students.  Schedule below...

Monday, the 20th of September - Faculty Zooms from School, Students Zoom from Home - Modified A-Day

8:30 am - 9:30 am - 1st Period

9:30 am - 9:45 am - BREAK

9:50 am - 10:50 am - 2nd Period

10:55 am - 11:55 am - 3rd Period

11:55 am - 12:25 pm - LUNCH

12:35 pm - 1:35 pm - 4th Period

Tuesday, the 21st of September - Faculty Zooms from School, Students Zoom from Home - Modified B-Day

8:30 am - 9:30 am - 5th Period

9:30 am - 9:45 am - BREAK

9:50 am - 10:50 am - 6th Period

10:50 am - 11:20 pm - BREAK

11:25 am - 12:25 pm - 7th Period

On the 14th and 15th of September, our Sophomore Class was able to attend their grade level retreat at Bishop’s Ranch in Healdsburg.  This is the first of our grade-level retreats (the Freshmen Class is next on September 27th) and what struck me most as I attended the retreat on the 14th was the dedication and willingness of our senior leaders to support the mission of CNHS.  We strive to educate our students “in the wholeness of mind, body, and soul.”  This retreat was one small step toward this goal.  I would like to personally thank Father Moses Brown, the Vicar General of the Santa Rosa Diocese for joining our students on retreat and performing mass.

Have a most blessed weekend, Nicholas Reynolds

Cardinal Newman High School Families, 

Happy Friday!  I cannot believe the reality of our new building is now clearly coming into focus.  Next week, we will begin 'The Big Move.'  This would not be possible without the prayers, and dedication of both former and present CNHS community members.  It is such a blessing to work here and to be constantly surrounded by individuals who wholly and deeply care about this school.  I can only imagine how excited our students, teachers,  and parents are to see the removal of the temporary and the completion of the permanent.  With this move, our bell schedule will change to reflect CNHS’s needs: Click here to see our bell schedule for the 17th, 20th, and 21st. 

In next week’s communication, I will focus on our upcoming Sophomore Retreat on the 14th or 15th depending on your student’s schedule, our upcoming rally, and the reaction of our teachers and students to the new classrooms.  Have a most blessed weekend and please make note of the two communications included from President Linda Norman and Dean of Students John Gilson.  These communications were sent out via email but I wanted to make sure they were readily available.  

Yours in Christ, Nicholas Reynolds

1) Letter From John Gilson, School Safety Director dated 9/9/2021

Dear CN Parents,
Each week, we receive Covid-19 updates from Sonoma County and we work through each item to see how or if they apply to us here at Cardinal Newman High School.  While there are no changes in the protocols for the classrooms, there are additional protocols for Athletics and those involved in Athletics.  

After working through the changes and putting new standards in place, we will be adhering to the following Covid-19 testing protocol for all indoor sports and football going forward:  

If the student athlete is fully vaccinated, there will be no additional requirements. No testing is needed.

For those student athletes who are unvaccinated, they will have to be tested once a week using a PCR test or twice a week if using a rapid antigen test (such as BinaxNOW).  The student athlete must have a negative result in order to participate.  Testing will begin the week of September 13, 2021.   

In order to facilitate the testing process, we have entered into a contract with PMH Laboratories for them to conduct the tests on the Cardinal Newman High School campus.   A nurse will come to the campus on Monday after school hours each week and conduct the tests.  The tests will begin at 4:30 PM. (PMH Laboratories are currently providing service for multiple schools in the Sonoma County area with very positive reviews.)  Parents will not be billed in any way for this service as it is covered under the Cares Act.

The results of the test will be placed in a portal that will only be accessible to Monica Mertle and John Gilson.  Results of the test will also be shared through PMH directly with the parent and student athlete.  All test results will otherwise remain confidential.    

Every student using this method of testing will need to complete the following and bring to the site on the day of the test:

1.) The Parent/Guardian Consent Form 

Cardinal Newman will retain a copy of the original “Patient Consent” form for future testing purposes.

2.) The Covid-19 Patient Test Request Form

For every test event the participant will need to provide the “Patient Consent” form (It is  recommended that the parent make a copy of the original, sign and date on the day of testing). 

3.) A copy of their insurance card. 

Cardinal Newman will retain a copy of the insurance card for future testing purposes. (Used for billing purposes by PMH through the Cares Act)

4.) Uninsured Form (If applicable)

Through the CARE’s Act PMH offers the Uninsured Program, parent / guardian signs the affidavit stating the student does not have health coverage.  With the Uninsured Program the student must provide a copy of their school ID front/back and their social security number on the affidavit.  These forms are collected by the nurse on the day of the event.

Use these links for the appropriate forms:

Parent Consent Testing PMH
Uninsured Program Cares Act
Patient Req Form Fillable

There is no obligation for student athletes to go through the above testing process and can seek out alternative sites for testing.  The results will then need to be made available to CN Athletics.  

The testing will begin during the week of September 13th.  If you have any questions please let us know. 

We are currently working in an ever changing environment  and every effort is being made to keep our student athletes safe.  The Sonoma County Department of Public Health will continue to send out changes as they occur. 

While the information in this email provides us with very little time, many steps were taken to allow for testing to take place on our campus.

Please reach out to Cardinal Newman High School if you have any questions or concerns.  

Sincerely,

John Gilson,   Dean of Students
Monica Mertle, Athletic Director
Nicholas Reynolds,  Principal
Linda Norman, President

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2) Letter from Dr. Linda Norman, President dated 9/8/2021

Greetings Cardinal Newman Students and Families,

We are thrilled to announce that we expect to move into our beautiful new classrooms as early as September 17-21! Through a coordinated effort by our contractor, architect, Building & Grounds Committee, county personnel and Newman staff, we are on track to move into our new buildings by the middle of this month! Once we receive County approval, expected next week on the 16^th, we will immediately begin the five-day process of moving the contents of 22 classrooms and offices out of the temporary modulars and into our new buildings.

Please note the following plan to accommodate our “Big Move” – a plan that avoids instructional loss during the transition.

The timeline, plan and Bell Schedule below is dependent upon receiving notification of clearance on September 16 from Sonoma County. (The following timeline would adjust accordingly to accommodate a later occupancy date if determined by the County – We will keep you posted!)

Friday, the 17th of September - All School Zoom (ALL Students & Teachers zoom from home) - B-PM Day

               8:30 am - 9:45 am - 5th Period

               9:45 am - 10:00 am - BREAK

               10:05 - 11:20 am - 6th Period

               11:20 am - 12:00 pm - Lunch

               12:05 pm - 1:20 pm - 7th Period

On Monday and Tuesday, students will zoom from home while teachers are on campus, orienting themselves to their new classroom space.  This orientation includes classroom setup, technological troubleshooting, and ensuring the ‘new’ classrooms and courtyards are prepared for student use on Wednesday, the 22nd of September.

Monday, the 20th of September - Students Zoom from Home - Modified A-Day

               8:30 am - 9:30 am - 1st Period

               9:30 am - 9:45 am - BREAK

               9:50 am - 10:50 am - 2nd Period

               10:55 am - 11:55 am - 3rd Period

               11:55 am - 12:25 pm - LUNCH

               12:35 pm - 1:35 pm - 4th Period

Tuesday, the 21st of September - Students Zoom from Home - Modified B-Day

               8:30 am - 9:30 am - 5th Period

               9:30 am - 9:45 am - BREAK

               9:50 am - 10:50 am - 6th Period

               10:50 am - 11:20 pm - BREAK

               11:25 am - 12:25 pm - 7th Period

Wednesday, the 22nd of September - Students Return to Campus! - A-Day

               8:20 - 8:35 am - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Students at the new buildings 

               8:35 am - 9:45 am - 1st Period, followed by the regular A-Day Schedule

Note:

·        The perimeter around the portable classrooms will be fenced off and no longer accessible to students and teachers starting September 20. Pathways will be made for safe access to the Main Office, Jake's Place/Outdoor Eating Area and Gym.

·        The portable classrooms will begin being dismantled as early as September 20. The process of dismantling power, technology, smoke detectors and fire alarms, along with demo and removal will take a number of weeks. 

We know everyone dreads the work and disruption of moving and having classes by zoom - so, we sincerely thank our students, faculty, staff and families for being resilient and community-minded.

Words cannot express the gratitude we hold for the many donors and benefactors who gave so generously to provide Cardinal Newman these new beautiful classrooms and courtyards – We are both grateful and proud that no tuition dollars have been spent on rebuilding our campus after the 2017 Tubbs Fire, nor has our school incurred any debt by rebuilding. All this is possible due to the care and support expressed so generously by our Cardinal Newman Community and those who strive to advance our Mission!

Thank you everyone – Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents – for your flexibility, collaboration and support,

Dr. Linda Norman, President

CNHS Families - Happy Labor Day Weekend!  Labor Day was established as a federal holiday in 1894 and was created to recognize the contributions and achievements of the American worker.  This most special of days celebrates hard work and the men and women who not only built America but are still building America.  At this moment, I would like us to pray for the men and women working to fight the CA wildfires, the first responders & medical professionals working to care for those impacted by Hurricane Ida, and all workers of America, including yourselves, laboring to care for their families.

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of your students to adapt to the 2021-2022 school year.  Students have been respectful, they have moved en masse to get to classes on time sans bells, and they have done a good job of staying in dress code.  Parent/ guardians continue to encourage proper behavior on campus, wearing dress code, and following masking guidelines.  Together we can ensure that this year our students maintain this great start.  Also, note that Mr. Gilson is preparing a communication that outlines the newly established testing policies for unvaccinated athletes.  

On Tuesday, the 7th of September, please note that CNHS has an early dismissal planned at 1:20 pm.  This early dismissal will allow the faculty and staff of CNHS to continue its preparation for our WCEA-WASC Accreditation visit in the Spring.  The accreditation process requires CNHS to present our Authentic Catholic Identity, our Organizational Efficacy, our Excellence in Teaching and Learning, our Student Support Services, and our Stewardship of Material Resources.  Not only must we complete the Self-Study Report but we must also prepare for our WCEA Visiting Team which will work to evaluate CNHS on the previously mentioned criteria.  A special thank you to Mr. Alioto, Ms. Mertle, and Mrs. Weaver for their efforts in leading the CNHS accreditation process.

And finally, with the completion of our new classrooms nearly complete CNHS is working to finalize ‘The Big Move.’  The Big Move is CNHS’s transition from its 20 portables to our new classroom and office space on the north end of campus.  This move will require the coordination of our teachers, our maintenance staff, our IT staff, and our builders to ensure that this move is safe, timely, and completed within a soon-to-be-defined time frame.  To ensure this move is both safe and timely, CNHS will rely upon 2 or 3 upcoming zoom days which will keep our campus free of students and create a window of time needed for The Big Move.  Please, be on the lookout for a communication from President Linda Norman next week to update you on The Big Move.

Have a most wonderful weekend and enjoy tonight’s pajama dress for Volleyball at 6:00 pm and Varsity Football at 7:00 pm. May our student-athletes compete to the best of their abilities, proudly wearing the CNHS logo, and return home safely.  Cheers to the families and students of Cardinal Newman High School.

Yours in Christ, Nicholas Reynolds

Happy Friday and welcome to the 4th week of school.  Thank you to everyone who was able to attend our virtual Back-to-School night event last night.  I trust this opportunity provided you the opportunity to learn more about your student’s academic day and the wonderful teachers standing before them each morning and afternoon.  Fresh off the heels of Back-to-School Night, we now turn our attention to the weeks ahead.

Updates:

• On Monday, the 30th of August at 6:30 pm, the Counseling Department is hosting a 11th Grade College Informational Night via zoom.  You can click here to access this presentation.  This presentation will be recorded and shared out in the days that follow.

• Also on Monday, the 30th, in coordination with St. Rose Cardinal Newman High School has changed its bell schedule to create a solution to the parking lot issues.  St. Rose agreed to push their dismissal time back 10 minutes and we have removed 5 minutes of a passing period and 10 minutes off of lunch to accommodate a 2:30 dismissal.  The schedule for Early Dismissal days has not changed.  New Schedule:

  • Faculty Collaboration Time - 7:45am - 8:25 am

  • 1st/ 5th period - 8:30 am - 9:45 am

  • Break - 9:45 am - 10:00 am

  • 2nd/ 6th period - 10:05 am - 11:20 am

  • 3rd period/ Advisory - 11:25 am - 12:40 pm

  • Lunch - 12:40 pm - 1:10 pm

  • 4th/ 7th period - 1:15 pm - 2:30 pm

  • Office Hours - 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm

• On Tuesday, the 31st of August, students and faculty have the opportunity to complete their picture make-up.  Make-up pictures are being offered in the ACC at 11:30 am.  Please advise your student as necessary.

• Athletics is in full swing - Cheer, Cross Country, Football, Girls Tennis, Girls Golf, Volleyball, and Water Polo.  Please continue to support the athletes of CNHS and remember to remain masked when attending indoor athletic events.  Go Newman!  

Please have a wonderful weekend, know that the families of CNHS are in my daily prayers and I would like you to pray for our staff and teachers who dedicate themselves to your children on a daily basis.  With regards, Nicholas Reynolds

AUGUST 20, 2021 PRINCIPAL'S EMAIL

CNHS Families - I trust you and your family have enjoyed the first two weeks of the 2021-2022 school year.  Although early, the school year is in full swing and next week will be no different.  The following events coupled with academic work, artistic creativity, and athletic events are keeping our school community busy.  As part of the fees paid by CNHS to the Department of Catholic Schools, the Santa Rosa Diocese provides insurance for student activities and sports through Myers-Stevens Insurance.  Our upcoming week together at CNHS will remain busy! 

On Monday, the 23rd of August - The Cardinal Newman High School community will celebrate the feast day of St. Rose of Lima with an all-school mass.  Please click here to learn more about St. Rose.  Liturgy dress is required for the students of CNHS.  Please see the email communication from Mrs. Lane which was sent on the 19 of August for more specifics.

On Wednesday, the 25th of August - The Associated Student Body (ASB) is hosting a Club Fair which will provide students the opportunity to join a club of interest.  Last year, we had clubs ranging from Creative Writing Club to Running Club to Art Club.  I am excited to see the variety of clubs offered to your students this year and will report out soon.

On Thursday, the 26th of August - Parents and Guardians are invited to join CNHS for our Virtual Back-to-School Night.  This event which begins at 6:00 pm with a prayer led by our Campus Chaplain, Father Plass, will provide you the opportunity to meet your student’s teachers and learn more about course expectations, curricular focus, as well as, the variety and the amount of assessments.  Step-by-step directions and a teacher zoom matrix will be provided on Tuesday, the 24th of August.  

On Friday, the 27th of August - The students of CNHS will be dismissed at 1:20 pm due to CNHS’s monthly faculty meeting.  This meeting will provide teachers the opportunity to discuss the start of the school year, our students transition back to full-time in-person learning, to vocalize our early year successes, and our areas of growth.

Thank you for submitting all necessary Back-to-School information (Emergency Information, Code of Conduct and Handbook Agreement).  If this has slipped your thoughts please read a your previous emails from Mrs. Browning (browning@cardinalnewman.org).  Also, thank you for completing our request for the COVID-19 vaccination status of your CNHS student.  As of writing this 71% of our families have completed this form - great turnout for an initial ask.  Please click here to complete this form if you have yet to do so.

With love and respect, yours in Christ, Nicholas Reynolds

AUGUST 13, 2021 PRINCIPAL'S EMAIL

Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year!  With the completion of grade level orientations and two days of school, I can earnestly say that CNHS is in session.  Students are reconnecting with both their classmates and teachers through summer stories, smiles, laughter, and reengaging with the CNHS campus community.  ‘Twas a great start to the year!  Our grade level orientations and Welcome Back Rally were wonderfully fun and we have the Associated Student Body to thank for this event.  Our student leaders have made quite the impression on me.  Having been asked to speak at each grade level orientation, I focused on the following:

To the Class of 2025, be Harold.  Harold from Harold in the Purple Crayon (CLICK HERE IF INTERESTED) begins his journey by simply going on a walk with his purple crayon.  The beauty of this book is that it highlights the need to overcome obstacles some self-created - Harold falls into the water and creates a boat, Harold becomes hungry and he creates a picnic of pies, Harold gets lost and he creates a mountain to see far into the distance.  I wish for the class of 2025 to be Harold; to overcome the endless series of challenges that transitioning to high school can create and to complete this year safely, with gained knowledge and an understanding of the CNHS community.

To the Class of 2024, please understand that No Man Is an Island by John Donne (CLICK HERE IF INTERESTED).  Our sophomores are still new to the CNHS campus and community and it is endlessly important that they continue to forge connections with their classmates and teachers.  The success of one is the success of the many and we need our sophomores to think beyond their friend groups and begin to think like the class of 2024.  It was exciting to welcome our sophomores back to school and it will be even more exciting to provide them the opportunities to participate in the full CNHS experience.

To the Class of 2023, be your best self.  Sophomores are ‘wise fools’ but juniors are upperclassmen who are on the verge of young adulthood.  Juniors have yet to experience a full year at CNHS yet they have now transitioned to a campus leadership position - underclassmen will continue to look up to our juniors and it is important for our juniors to become their best selves.  My hope is that our juniors rely on their knowledge of CNHS’s and teachers’ expectations.  It is time to exceed these expectations and become the best students possible.

To the Class of 2022, understand that Senior Year is only 180 days long.  This number, 180, is incredibly tangible.  180 is unlike the accumulated wealth of Jeff Bezos ($193 billion) or the odds of winning the lottery (1 in 292 million), we can sense its limitations and its endless possibilities.  I encourage the class of 2022 to experience each day of their senior year with this knowledge.  Seniors will complete applications, participate in senior activities, be accepted to colleges, participate in co-curricular as well as extracurricular activities, and graduate within 180 days of senior year.  Of these 180 days, seniors have 178 school days left in their senior year!  Seniors, take ownership of each experience.

I wish you and yours nothing but the best.  Yours in Christ, Nicholas Reynolds