Senator Square: Here comes the sun at Carson High

They wore pajamas, were wrapped in blankets and carried cups of Dutch Bros. and Starbucks as they gathered to celebrate the beginning of their senior year and the almost end of the soothing summer weather. The Class of 2020-21, while practicing social distancing and wearing the latest fashion in face masks, gathered together at 6 a.m. Fridayon the bleachers of the CHS football field to watch their sun rise; it is the beginning of their last year at CHS, and their last year as public school students, many of whom were raised attending the Carson City School District from kindergarten or even preschool. Time moves quickly, and fall is in the air, too.

The beginning of every school year at CHS offers the current class of seniors the opportunity to get together in the morning, have some baked goods, hot chocolate and coffee, and make a few personal decisions. For these students, the seasons of their public schooling are in the final stage, and their discussions about the future are very simple, yet terrifying nonetheless. What are their plans after high school? Which college, trade school, or branch of the military will they be attending? The sun has risen on their final year of school, and they are filled with emotion, hope and excitement about the future.

It was also time for seniors to decide on a school song, quote and T-shirt that represent who they are as students, individuals, and upper classmen. All in all, Sept. 4 was a new beginning, the beginning of an exciting last year of high school. Right now, times are troubling and uncertain, but, like the Senior Sunrise, the CHS students shine like rays of sunlight on a dark world. Like every year, CHS hosts amazing students who are overcomers at the best high school in the land, and what better way to begin their season finale than by watching the sunrise, a lovely beginning to a new day and a new school year?

CHS MISSION STATEMENT
Carson High School challenges students to achieve their greatest potential for future success.

Its motto is: “Communication: We believe the best educational decisions are developed through partnerships between family, school and community; Academics: We believe we prepare students for college and careers through clear goals, high expectations, and various instructional strategies; Rigor: We believe the curriculum and activities at CHS support and challenge students at all academic levels; Success: We believe in the pursuit of lifelong learning so that students can become productive adults and contributing members of society; Opportunity: We believe that a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment will give students the opportunity to manage life’s challenges through social emotional learning, and Network: We believe in preparing 21^st century learners through collaboration, digital literacy, and problem solving.”

CHS SOLUTIONS AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING

Solutions tutoring, mandatory for failing freshmen, will take place in-person and online beginning Sept. 21. There is academic support for algebra, geometry, trigonometry, precalculus, health, chemistry, English Language Learners and special education. Mondays will offer Online Solutions tutoring via the Solutions Google Classroom and Zoom whereas Tuesday through Friday will offer in-person tutoring from 2:05 to 4 p.m. Students will check in with program coordinator Hannah Etchison in room 163 at 2:05 p.m. Snacks and drinks will be available. Students are to attend Solutions on their designated cohort days. There is a bus available running at half-capacity, 36 students. Morning homework help will be offered by CHS physical education teacher Jared Hagar from 6:40 to 7:40 a.m. Tuesday through Friday. The Google Classroom code is tpvpnv2. For more information, please call Etchison at 775-283-1688.

NEVADA READING WEEK ART CONTEST

Attention, Carson City students, the 2020-21 Nevada Reading Week Art Contest is here, and the theme is “Change Your World – Read.” Pre-kindergarten students all the way through high school may participate from Sept. 9 through Oct. 21, and Nevada Reading Week takes place March 1 to 5, 2021. There will be three local winners, announced in December, from each category who will then go on to the state competition. The grand prize winner will have his or her logo used statewide for apparel, social media, etc., and the grand prize winners will work with a graphic designer to select colors to be added to the logo. The students’ teacher or librarian will also receive a prize. Students can obtain entry forms from their teachers or they can call the Carson City School District main office at 775-283-2100.

CHS BIOLOGY TEACHER NEEDS SOME HELP GARDENING

According to CHS biology teacher Julie Koop, “Carson High School Gardens, which covers over 5,000 square feet, are hanging in there during this time without the direct involvement of students; however, mostly, we need to clear out old leaves, prune, and do a little weeding.” For several years, the CHS gardens have provided education and habitat to local wildlife, especially pollinators and birds, Koop said, and some of the flowers are still blooming with birds and insects still very active. Koop hopes to soon host some cleanup work, even with smaller numbers of students, in order to prepare for winter. In the meantime, she said more information and updates may be found, and she may be contacted, by going to Nevada Monarch Society at www.nvmonarchs.org, facebook.com/nevadamonarchsociety or by e-mailing her at jkoop@carson.k12.nv.us.

STILL TIME LEFT TO REGISTER FOR SPORTS

Winter sports begin practice Jan. 2, 2021, including basketball, wrestling and skiing. The first contest is Jan. 15. The last contest is Feb. 20. Fall sports begin Feb. 20, except for football, which begins Feb. 13. The first contest is Mar. 5, and the last contest is April 10; Spring Sports begin April 3; the first contest will be April 16, and the last contest May 22. This semester, starting Sept. 8, coaches in various sports will be running off-season workouts and practice. Athletes should register for all sporting activities at registermyathlete.com. It is not too late to register for football, soccer, volleyball, tennis, cross country, and girl’s golf as well as the Winter Sports of basketball, wrestling, and ski team; registration will not close until Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. Photo or cell phone pictures of physicals will be accepted if readable. Form B of the NIAA pre-participation form must be signed by both parent and athlete with both pages uploaded together. Form D, physical history, must be uploaded separately from Form B. If no physical is needed, complete and submit top portion. Medical insurance is covered by Carson City School District for any school sponsored activity. If student already has medical insurance, CCSD will be a secondary insurance. Contact the Athletic Department at 283-1900 or go to senatorsnow.org for more information. For questions, please call Coach Roman at 283-1608.

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

The CHS Student of the Week is freshman Leah Roylance. According to CHS Health teacher Erin Been, “Leah Roylance is very helpful and kind and has exhibited good citizenship and CHS pride so far this year.” Congratulations to Leah Roylance for going out of her way to make effective and positive personal choices, to show such a great deal of respect to her teachers, so much so she drew their attention, and to benefit others with a selfless attitude of kindness, especially during this odd time in history.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

This week’s outstanding CHS Senior in the Spotlight is Carlos Torres. Carlos is an exceptional student with a 5.1 GPA, who will have successfully completed 11 Advanced Placement classes, and numerous Honors classes, when he graduates. In addition to excelling academically, Carlos’ cheerful nature and genuine personality are assets that will serve him well in the future. Although Carlos prioritizes his academics, he is also very involved at CHS as well as in the Carson City community. He is a member of National Honor Society and is currently serving as president of the CHS chapter of Future Business Leaders of America. He is a three-time state champion and national qualifier with FBLA. In addition to his community service, Carlos has been a member of the CHS swim team for three years and has qualified for the state championship twice. Outside of school, Carlos has been a club swimmer with the Carson City Tigersharks for seven years. He has served as a club representative to both Zone-4 swimming and the Pacific Swimming Association. Carlos currently works at the Carson Aquatic Facility as a cashier and lifeguard. After graduating from CHS, he would like to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in either chemistry or environmental science. He is applying to several universities including UNR, Yale, Vassar, and the University of Southern California. His counselor and his teachers are very proud of the contributions Carlos has made to CHS and the community, and they have no doubt he will be successful in his future endeavors. Best of luck to Carlos Torres ~ Contributed by CHS counselor Susan Grunert.

Phil Brady is an English teacher at CHS.