The Cavalier Contact

Hello CAV Nation!

This week, we celebrated an exciting milestone at Caroline High School with our first CHS Academy Day! Students and teachers in our EDGE, STARS, and LEADS Academies participated in activities designed to build academy identity, strengthen connections, and create a greater sense of pride and belonging within their academy communities.

Our academy model is about much more than placing students into groups. As we continue developing the Academies at Caroline, we want students to build meaningful connections between what they are learning in school, their individual interests, and the opportunities available to them beyond graduation. Academy Days give us an opportunity to build that culture while helping students see themselves as part of a smaller community within CAV Nation. This first Academy Day was an important step in bringing that vision to life.

We are also entering an important week academically. The first quarter ends Thursday, October 8, and all late work is due. Families, please take time to check PowerSchool with your student, review current grades and missing assignments, and encourage students to communicate with their teachers now. There is still an opportunity to finish the quarter strong, but the time to act is now.

There is plenty happening beyond the classroom as well. Senior cap and gown orders are October 6, the RVA Infinite Scholars College Admissions & Scholarship Fair is October 10, Homecoming is quickly approaching, and our seniors should continue preparing for FAFSA and other postsecondary opportunities.

As always, we want every Cavalier to show up, be on time, stay engaged, take advantage of opportunities, and CHOOSE GREATNESS.

Confidence. Accountability. Vision.

Homecoming is almost here! This year’s dance will bring the glamour of the Roaring Twenties to CHS with our “Putting on the Ritz” theme. The theme is for the décor—students are not expected to dress in 1920s attire.

• Saturday, October 17
• 7:00–9:00 PM
• CHS Blanton Gym
• Tickets: $15 each

Tickets will be sold online through GoFan beginning Thursday, October 1 at 3:00 PM and will remain available through Friday, October 9 at 11:59 PM, unless the dance sells out sooner. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, and students will need their student ID number when purchasing.

Students may purchase up to two tickets. CHS students may bring an eligible guest from another school or a graduate who is no older than 20. Guest forms must be submitted by the end of the school day on Wednesday, October 14.

👗 Dress Code: The dance is semi-formal. Jeans, T-shirts, casual wear, athletic wear, tennis shoes, work boots, and athletic shoes are not permitted. Students who do not meet the dress expectations will not be admitted.

✅ Remember: Students must meet CHS participation guidelines related to grades, attendance, tardies, and behavior in order to purchase tickets and attend.

Questions? Contact Mrs. Sadler at ssadler@ccps.us or CLICK HERE

Ava L. Smith, daughter of Reisa and Bryan Smith, was recently selected as Student of the Month at Caroline High School. She is a member of the varsity cheerleading team as well as the yearbook editor.

Outside of school, Ava is a ballet dancer at the Ashland Dance Academy.

After graduation, Ava plans to major in journalism at Virginia Commonwealth University.

CHS seniors and their families are invited to attend our FAFSA & College Financial Aid Information Night on Tuesday, October 6, from 6:00–7:30 PM in the Caroline High School Library. This is a great opportunity for families to learn more about the FAFSA process, college financial aid, and resources that may help make college more affordable. Information and assistance will be available in both English and Spanish, and families are encouraged to bring their questions. Our GRASP Advisor will also be available to provide guidance and support. Whether you are ready to complete the FAFSA or are just beginning to explore financial aid options, we encourage our seniors and their families to join us!

Students and families are invited to attend the 2026 RVA Infinite Scholars College Admissions & Scholarship Fair on Saturday, October 10, from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at Richmond Main Street Station, 1500 E. Main Street, Richmond. This event gives students an opportunity to connect directly with college representatives, explore admissions options, and learn about potential scholarship opportunities. Juniors and seniors are encouraged to register as soon as possible at www.infinitescholar.org and begin preparing a portfolio highlighting their academic achievements, activities, awards, and other accomplishments. Parents and guardians are also encouraged to attend and support their students as they explore their postsecondary options.

• Janet Robinson- Students with last names A- F jarobinson@ccps.us
• Kendra Wells- Students with last names G-M - kwells@ccps.us
• Latoya Thweatt - Students with last names N-Z - lthweatt@ccps.us
• Alicia Fuse (Director) - Students ATI; Lotus; Governors School - afuse@ccps.us
• Dedra Hampton- GRASP Advisor Caroline@grasp4va.org
• Sharon Stodulski - School Social Worker - sstodulski@ccps.us

Caroline County Public Schools provides transportation to and from each school for each student should they choose to ride the school bus. Additionally, the Transportation Department has a dedicated team of drivers to provide transportation home from school activities such a sports practices. Linked HERE are the bus routes for the 2026-2027 school year.

• Parents and guardians dropping off students should enter the student parking lot from the first entrance on Route 207 East. Please refer to the map below this message for the traffic pattern. Students needing breakfast should report directly to the cafeteria upon arrival.

  Please keep the following in mind:

  • Students may not be dropped off prior to 7:10 a.m. on regular school days.
  • On 2-hour delay days, doors will open at 9:10 a.m.
  • Parents may not enter the staff parking lot off Devil’s Three Jump Road to drop off students.
  • Parents may not drive through the bus parking lot in the back of the school.
  • Please do not use visitor or faculty parking spaces at the front of the building for drop-off. These spaces must remain available for staff and visitors and clear for safe bus unloading.

  Thank you for helping us keep arrival safe and efficient for all students.

1. Building Access Times:

   • The school doors will open at 7:10 a.m. for regular school days.
   • On 2-hour delay days, doors will open at 9:10 a.m..
   • Students will not be able to access the building before these times. Please plan your drop-off schedules accordingly.

2. Drop-Off Area Guidelines:

   • Do not use the visitor or faculty parking spaces at the front of the building when dropping off students.
   • These spaces are reserved for staff and visitors and must remain clear to ensure buses can unload safely and staff can arrive to work on time.

Senior Roadshow Dates at Caroline High School

• Schedule at Cady.com/Schedule
• September 29, 2026 - 9:30AM - 6:00PM - New Gym

Underclassmen Dates

• Underclassmen Retake Day - Sept 30 - 8:00 - 11:00 - Auditorium

This is a reminder that all 12th-grade students are required by the state of Virginia to receive the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) for school attendance. Failure to get this vaccination can cause your child to be unenrolled from school until the vaccination is acquired.

If you have not yet done so, please schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider where your student can receive this required vaccine. Once completed, please provide documentation to CHS. For more information about the MenACWY requirement, please visit the following website: www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/requirements.

If you have questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with Nurse Russell at mrussell@ccps.us or 804-633-9886; Erica Hunter at the Virginia Department of Health at erica.hunter@vdh.virginia.gov or 804-864-8057; or Joanna Pitts at the Virginia Department of Health at 804-864-7590 or joanna.pitts@vdh.virginia.gov.

Success at CHS starts with one simple thing: being here.

Every class period gives students another opportunity to learn something new, connect with a teacher, participate with classmates, and move one step closer to graduation. Missing even a few days can make it harder to keep up with assignments, understand new material, and stay connected to school.

Our challenge to every Cavalier this year is simple:

Show up. Be on time. Be engaged.

Families can help by making regular attendance a priority, scheduling appointments outside of the school day whenever possible, and communicating with CHS when circumstances affect a student’s attendance.

Attendance is more than being present—it is about making the most of every opportunity.

CAVs Choose Greatness…Every Day!

Senior year moves quickly, and one of the most important steps for students planning to attend college, trade school, or another eligible postsecondary program is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

You do not have to wait to start getting ready.

Seniors can prepare now by:

• Creating or checking access to their StudentAid.gov account
• Making sure their personal information is accurate
• Talking with their parent/guardian about who may need to participate as a FAFSA contributor
• Having each required contributor create their own StudentAid.gov account
• Beginning conversations as a family about college costs, scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities

Each FAFSA contributor needs an individual StudentAid.gov account to complete and sign their portion of the FAFSA. Creating those accounts ahead of time can help make the process smoother when it is time to apply.

Do not leave money for college on the table!

Throughout the year, the CHS School Counseling Department and GRASP will continue sharing resources, deadlines, and opportunities to help the Class of 2027 make their plans after graduation a reality.

Dream big. Make a plan. Be Future Ready.

New CHS Athletics Website coming soon.

Please come out to swim team conditioning starting October 5th at the Ladysmith YMCA from 3-5pm. We will condition on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Must have a current school physical on file. Please reach out to Coach Fields at kfields@ccps.us.

This fentanyl awareness sheet is being provided to all 9-12 grade students and their families in the state of Virginia.

We expect all CAVs to CHOOSE GREATNESS, and we will reward those students who consistently meet our high expectations. CHS offers opportunities for all students to engage in learning and various activities. In order for students to participate in pep rallies, field trips, dances, and other events sponsored by CHS, each student must:

1. Have a passing grade in all classes (evidence of academic improvement will be used on a case-by-case basis for students who are failing a class)

2. Have no more than three unexcused tardies from the time the event is announced to the day before the event.

3. Have no more than 3 unexcused absences from the time the event is announced to the day before the event.

4. Remain in good behavioral standing (no more than one referral per nine weeks).

1. Fighting, vaping, drugs/alcohol, and other major offenses can disqualify you from participation for the year.

Cell Phones and other Electronic Devices - At the school board meeting on 7/8/2024, the CCPS school board voted on a new cell phone policy. Students will not be allowed to use or have cell phones and other electronic devices out during the entire school day.

Personal Communication Device Policy

1. Per CCPS School Board Policy, personal communication devices:

1. May not be turned on, in use, or in a location that allows the student to hear or see the activated device during instructional time.

2. Must be stored in a backpack, bag, or purse; teacher designated area within the instructional setting; lockers; or in a vehicle.

3. Smartwatches must be placed on silent mode throughout the instructional day.

2. Instructional Setting:

1. The instructional setting includes, but is not limited to: classrooms; hallways; media center; auditorium; cafeteria, gymnasium; inside and outside physical education areas; locker rooms; restrooms; school administrative offices; and nurse’s clinic.

3. Enforcement Procedure

1. If a student violates this policy, then the cell phone or device will be confiscated by school administration and the parent must pick up the cell phone or device from the front office.

4. Emergency Communication

1. If parents need to communicate with a student they can do so by contacting the CHS main office, or before and after school. In the case of an emergency parents should contact the front office.

Dress Code (from CCPS Policy) - We expect students to maintain an appearance that is not distracting to teachers or students or in any way disrupts the instructional program of the school. Clothing that may be hazardous to the health and safety of other students and teachers and staff must not be worn at school. Maintaining appropriate appearance during school hours and at official school functions is the responsibility of the parents and the students. Pants must be worn appropriately (waistband at the waist) and pants worn below the waist are not permitted. No sagging. Clothing and tattoos that distract others from the learning process are prohibited. This includes clothing and tattoos that display or advertise alcoholic beverages or items prohibited on school property, sexually explicit references, or which convey derogatory messages regarding race, sex, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Inappropriate clothing for school or clothing that is of a safety concern or disruptive to the educational environment includes, but is not limited to:

• Masks may not be worn without a doctors note.
• Halter tops, tube tops, tanks tops, see-through tops, tops with spaghetti straps, altered t-shirts (sleeves removed), and muscle shirts. Tops must not expose cleavage or the midriff. Sleeveless tops must be 3 inches or more across the shoulder.
• Bicycle/spandex shorts.
• Leggings/Jeggings must be accompanied by a top that covers the front and backside.
• Shorts/skirts/dresses/“skorts” must be at least mid-thigh in length.
• Skirts or dresses with slits must be at least mid-thigh in length.
• Exposed male and female undergarments (top and bottom).
• Holes in pants: Pants with holes/openings may be worn, but they cannot be higher than mid-thigh.
• Pajama pants.
• Flip flops, Heelys (shoes with wheels), bedroom slippers, untied shoes, slides, heels above 2 inches. Flip flops may be worn by secondary school students, but appropriate shoes must be worn when required for participation/enrollment in certain classes/physical activity.
• Hoods or other head wear that cover the face and/or eyes and thus prevents the identification of a student. However, acceptable head cover (except for religious/medical purposes) must be removed due to safety concerns in certain classes such as science labs and CTE.
• Sunglasses, chokers, or chains worn on clothing.
• Nonprescription and/or color contact lenses.
• Rolling backpacks are not permitted in any of the schools, unless there is a legitimate medical need or another legitimate purpose, with prior approval of the principal.

8/6/2026 - Open House

8/10/2026 - Transition Day for 1st time 9th grade students

8/11/2026 - First day of School for all students

8/14/2026 - Senior Sunrise 6:15 am at CHS Stadium

9/1/2026 - Back to School Night

9/4/2026 - Student Holiday

9/7/2026 - Student Holiday

9/11/2026 - Interim Ends, all late work due

10/8/2026 - End of Quarter, all late work due

10/9/2026 - Student Holiday

10/12/2026 - Student Holiday

10/16/2026 - Homecoming Block Party and Football Game 4-7

10/17/2026 - Homecoming Dance 7:00-9:00 at CHS Blanton Gym

11/2/2026 - Student Holiday

11/3/2026 - Student Holiday; Parent-Teacher Conferences

11/13/2026 - Interim Ends, all late work due

11/23-11/27/2026 - Thanksgiving Break

12/18/2026 - End of Quarter, all late work due

12/21/2026-1/4/2027 - Winter Break

1/5/2027 - Students Return from Winter Break

1/18/2027 - Student Holiday

2/5/2027 - End of Interim, all late work due

2/11/2027 - Parent Teacher Conferences at CHS

2/12/2027 - Student Holiday

2/15/2027 -Student Holiday

3/5/2027 - End of Quarter, all late work due

3/8/2027 - Student Holiday

3/29-4/2/2027 - Spring Break

4/16/2027 - Interim Ends, all late work due

4/23/2027 - Senior Walk

4/30/2027 - Prom

4/30/2027 - Senior Decision Day

5/14/2027 - Senior Sunset

5/25/2027 - Graduation at Henrico Sports and Events Center

5/27/2027 - Last Day of School

• Graduation is May 25, 2027 at the Henrico Sports Complex in Glen Allen. This is a ticketed event, with parking by permit only.
• Henrico Sports and Events Center now requires a Clear Bag policy for all events. More details will follow.

We want to share an important update regarding senior pictures for the Class of 2027. Please review the information below carefully, particularly if your student has not yet taken their senior portrait.

If Your Student Was Photographed on September 29

CADY has provided the following information regarding what families can expect after senior pictures are taken:

• Within approximately 21 days, a tri-fold portfolio containing your student’s photo proofs will be mailed to your home address.
• Once you receive the portfolio, you will have 60 days to decide which photos you would like to purchase.
• Printed photos may be purchased individually. CADY will email additional information explaining the ordering process once your portfolio has been delivered.
• Families who would prefer digital copies may visit the CADY website to purchase a bundle containing their student’s digital images.
• Please keep an eye out for your student’s portfolio in the mail.

If you experience any problems receiving your portfolio or are unhappy with your student’s photographs, please contact CADY Customer Service directly for assistance.

If Your Student Was NOT Photographed on September 29

There is ONE FINAL OPPORTUNITY for members of the Class of 2027 to have their senior formal portrait taken at Caroline High School:

• Final Senior Picture Date: Friday, October 23, 2026

Students who still need their formal senior portrait should see Ms. Zellerino in D03A or email her to schedule an appointment.

This information has also been shared directly with students. If your senior has not yet taken their picture, please encourage them to schedule their appointment as soon as possible. October 23 will be the final senior picture opportunity offered at CHS.

• Caroline County Public Schools Website: http://www.ccps.us/
• CHS Student Dress Code: https://www.ccps.us/dress-code
• PowerSchool Portal: https://caroline.powerschool.com/public/

Email: tconnolly@ccps.us
Website: https://www.ccps.us/chs/
Location: Caroline High School, Rogers Clark Boulevard, Milford, VA, USA
Phone: (804)633-9886
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAROLINE-HIGH-SCHOOL-130749860579/
Twitter: @CAVSofCHS

Parent Coaching:

We are continuing our partnership with ParentGuidance.org to help you navigate the excitement and stress of the new school year while keeping well-being and connection at the center.

Images - English & Spanish

Care Solace:

As we settle into the school year, supporting our youth's mental health is more important than ever. The new school year can bring feelings of both anxiety and excitement as students transition into a new grade or perhaps even a new school.

Our partners at Care Solace have provided a Back to School resource packet for parents and families who are navigating through this time. Click here to access the kit.

To access Care Solace:

• Call 888-515-0595: Their multilingual helpline is staffed 24/7/365.

• Visit caresolace.com/carolinecps: Explore mental health providers independently or click "Book Appointment" for personalized assistance.

Thank you for being dedicated parents in the Caroline County Public Schools community. Your commitment to our youth is truly commendable.