Senator Square: Social and personal growth continues at Carson High School

Want to find out what is going through the minds of the amazing students of Carson High School? Parents, teachers, older adults, younger adults, the community of Carson City, and even small pets want to know.
Well, CHS teacher Rachel Avidano created a classroom opportunity for all of her students to share their thoughts in relation to SEL and the topic, “How Do You Want Others to Respect You?” and here is what they had to say: Be kind to me. Do not be mean to me. Get along with me. Give me my personal space. Do not take things that do not belong to you. Treat me like a friend, not a stranger.

Respect me like I respect you. Do not talk bad about me. Ask me instead of just taking my things. Do not judge me; try to understand the person I am. Do not laugh at me; respect my opinion. Be nice to me. Treat me the same way I treat you.

Listen to me; do not make it an argument when our opinions differ. Value my opinion. Do not treat me like I am nothing.

Do not be rude; help me when I need it. Do not call me names. Respect me, and I will help you out. Learn my name, and pronounce it correctly. Do not act childish.

Treat me like my life is on the line. Do not touch me. Do not make fun of me. Include me in things Give me positive feedback. Do not hide anything from me. Help me when I need it. Family, friends, and anyone willing to listen may learn something from the students of CHS.

From the Library Media Specialist

Just sharing some goodness. CCSD Library Coordinator and Media Specialist Ananda Campbell-Richards had a gratitude project in the library on gratitude notes left by students. Campbell-Richards loved seeing what the students are thankful for and what they appreciate. Additionally, Campbell-Richards wants seniors to go to Edmodo, the grade 12 group, to complete the graduation information form. Every graduating senior must complete this form.

Lunch With Friends
Have lunch together in a quiet space on campus between 10:55 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. with friends or colleagues. The idea originated with a group of students who said they really care about each other and have some issues to work out, but they were not creating the time to sit with each other and share their thoughts and feelings in a safe, quiet environment together at school. Lunch with Friends is available by appointment in the Guidance Counseling office, and those wanting to sign up will meet with an SSP (Safe School Professional). Come down to the guidance office, and sign up for a December Lunch with Friends date.

Carson City Schools Orchestra Holiday Concert
Carson City Schools Strings students are performing Dec. 8, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center. Featured will be members of CHS Wind Ensemble, Advanced Band, and Carson and Eagle Valley Middle Schools Orchestras including something by Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Admission is free, but concessions will be available for purchase. In the Holiday spirit, there will be a free-will donation for long-time, influential Carson City string music educator Sue Jesch to defray medical costs. Please come out to enjoy some fabulous instrumental music! Questions, call String Orchestra Director Brian Fox: 775-283-1779 or 775-848-5643.

Future Farmers of America at CHS
CHS’ FFA chapter is hosting a pet drive to help animals in need this holiday season. The drive began Dec. 3, but the main day for the drive will be Dec. 10, and the FFA chapter will be in front of CHS from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. collecting beds, toys, treats, food, blankets, food and water bowls. Please bring only clean items for donation, and please include this worthy cause in family holiday shopping.

Poetry Out Loud
Carson High debaters competed in the second annual Poetry Out Loud Competition last week. Sawyer Barnett placed 1st, Emily Matuska placed 2nd, and Evan Cherpeski placed third.

Social Club Meetings
Come on in and join the "Social Club" at lunch every Wednesday in Rm 123. Bring a lunch, and enjoy yummy holiday treats with new friends. Discuss upcoming events and excursions. Hope to see some new people there!

Educators Rising
There is a new club at CHS, and the mission is to rethink teacher recruitment and preparation. Educators Rising cultivates highly skilled educators by guiding young people on a path to becoming accomplished teachers, beginning in high school and extending through college and into the profession. Want to teach, join the movement. Students interested may join this new team in room 167. Students will learn how to get started and what programs are available now. Anyone may go to EducatorsRising.org and join the team today; there is power in teaching.

Carson City Counts
The Carson City Counts website has been updated with activities and testing resources. Since going online, it has received over 210,000 hits and counting. Please pass the website along to parents and community members looking for helpful math resources. Have questions or items to post on the website, please email www.carsoncitycounts.com.

Parent Teacher Association Reflections Contest
It is time again for the PTA Reflections Contest. An unbelievable amount of entries last year really made CHS shine, and students may prepare entries either on their own or as part of a class assignment. Any student in the CCSD may get involved. The theme this year is, “What is Your Story?” and students have 6 categories in which to participate: literature, dance, music, film, visual arts (including 3D), and photography. There will be also be a wonderful display in the library window again this year. CHS PTSA President LeAnn Saarem is available for any questions or help at saarem@sbcglobal.net. Entries will be due mid-January to the CHS Library. There will be cash prizes for the winners of each category.

Student of the Week
The student of the week is Crystal Vargas. She is a CHS rock-star, who is doing excellent in her honors classes. Vargas is a hard working student at school, and her perseverance is something to be acknowledged. CHS thanks Crystal Vargas for demonstrating kindness that benefits both the student body and the school!

— Senator Square columnist Phil Brady is an English teacher at Carson High School.