remove_red_eye 438
page background

CMHS Times

September - October 2025

CMHS TimesSeptember - October 2025
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Monthly Recap & Forecast Monthly Recap & Forecast

Macs of the Month

Macs of the Month is the high school's initiative to recognize our outstanding students and staff! Each month, a staff member will be recognized, voted on by their colleagues and students. Students will be recognized by their peers and staff in the categories of creative arts, kindness, academic achievement, school pride, athletic achievement, and leadership.


We proudly announce our September Macs of the Month below! Congratulations to everyone on the well-deserved recognition!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

The Puzzle Project

The Puzzle Project, developed by artist Tim Kelly, consists of thousands of 24” x 24” artistic puzzle pieces created across more than 20 states and 10 countries. These pieces are assembled into a massive jigsaw puzzle art installation.


Inspired by Tim Kelly’s installation back in 2015, we brought the project to CMHS. Our art students each created their own puzzle piece to be added to a permanent installation at CMHS. Printscape Imaging & Graphics duplicated each piece to help us create this collaborative art installation.


Following a recent high school renovation that required the removal of the installation, we reached out to Canonsburg Hospital to see if they wouldbe interested in hosting our jigsaw puzzle art. We’re pleased to announce that our traveling mural will now be housed at Canonsburg Hospital, ensuring its legacy continues.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

The Big Mac Beanery - Grand Reopening!

The Big Mac Beanery is brewing up something special! Our students have been hard at work cleaning, testing recipes, and perfecting our coffee for the grand opening on Tuesdasy, October 7th. Stop by during periods 1, 2, or 3 for your morning pick-me-up!


A huge shout-out to our amazing Beanery employees for their hard work and dedication in making the coffee shop bigger and better than ever this year!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

1st Annual - Senior Parking Spot Painting

We're excited to share that our seniors had the unique opportunity to leave their mark by painting their parking spots this year! From bold colors to meaningful quotes and personal artwork, the creativity on display was nothing short of amazing. These custom designs are a fun way for students to express themselves and celebrate their final year in style. Be sure to drive by and check out the incredible artwork – it’s a vibrant reminder of the spirit and individuality of our Class of 2026! If you aren't able to drive by, check out the gallery below!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
Class of 2026 - Painted Parking Spots

Classroom Activities Classroom Activities

CMHS Art Students Shine at 3rd Annual Arts in the Park

Despite the rainy weather, the spirit of creativity was alive and well at the 3rd Annual Arts in the Park event on Saturday, September 6. Mrs. Stauffer and a group of dedicated CMHS art students joined local arts organizations and families from across the community for an afternoon filled with hands-on art activities, performances, and inspiration.


The goal of the event is to make the arts accessible by offering a wide variety of creative experiences to families throughout Washington, all in one day. Rain or shine, the community came together to celebrate the power of the arts.


A special thank you goes out to Serena Sybert, Layla Zeh, Mya McCelleis, Nattaya Cameron, Ava Ferguson and Ada Shepard for generously volunteering their time and talents to support the event. Their enthusiasm and creativity made a positive impact and helped bring joy to attendees of all ages.


Well done, CMHS artists!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Zoo in the Classroom

Mrs. Geist visited 4th graders at Muse this past month, where her son, Tyde, was able to step in as her assistant! They used live animals to explain how they use light in different environments to hunt.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Club Activities Club Activities

CMHS Art Club & National Art Honor Society

CMHS Art Club and NAHS members have been painting seasonal artwork on the windows of Canonsburg Hospital since 2016. Students make 4 trips a school year (fall, winter, spring and summer) and members create and paint the designs in the windows of the hospital cafeteria and Emergency Department.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
(L-R) Jillian Wadding, Jessica Jost, Ava Ferguson, Emily Elliott, Jordin Williams, Dayton Dille, Serena Sybert, Abigail Verdu
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
Dayton Dille and Jordin Williams
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
Abigail Verdu and Serena Sybert
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
Ava Ferguson and Emily Elliott
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
Jillian Wadding and Jessica Jost

Student/Parent Information Student/Parent Information

2025-2026 Student Handbook
2025-2026 CTC Handbook
2025-2026 Clubs & Activities Handbook
2025-2026 Electronic Device Handbook

Class of 2026

SENIOR PHOTO REQUIREMENTS


Attention Class of 2026: The yearbook staff wanted to provide information regarding your senior photos for the 25-26 school year! Canon-McMillan seniors are required to submit a formal ‘Head and Shoulders’ portrait photo. We recommend all formal ‘Head and Shoulder’ portraits be taken using a neutral background, without any props.


Senior Photo Submissions


  1. All senior portraits will need to be taken and submitted to the yearbook staff prior to winter break (December 19, 2025).
  2. If M & M Photography takes the senior portrait, they will submit the photo directly to the yearbook staff.
  3. All other senior portraits will need to be emailed by parents, students, or photographers to yearbook@cmsd.k12.pa.us. When submitting the photo, please ensure the image is high resolution and the email contains the senior’s first and last name.


M & M Photography Senior Photo Options

  1. (Payment required) Call and Schedule a paid senior portrait session at the M & M Photography Studio. Pricing available on https://mm-photography.net.



If you have any questions regarding senior portraits, please contact the yearbook staff at yearbook@cmsd.k12.pa.us. Thank you!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Dates to Remember Dates to Remember

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Upcoming Events

October 13: No School; In-Service Day

October 24: End of 1st Marking Period

October 29: PSAT Testing (Grades 10 & 11) - More information to follow!

October 31: Report Cards Distributed via Email

November 3: Parent-Teacher Conferences - More information to follow!

November 4: No School; In-Service Day

User uploaded image
open_in_new zoom_out_map Show in original size
CMHS Calendar
Click here to view CMHS's public Google calendar.

Counseling Department Counseling Department

Follow our School Counseling Office on Instagram @CMHS_COUNSELING

School Counseling Resources Group

Every high school student is encouraged to join the School Counseling Resources group in Schoology! Resources including academic development, career development, employment, community service opportunities, scholarships and more can be found there! Students can join the group by using the following access code: DB7QW-K4WWP

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

The Chill Project The Chill Project

Each month, the Chill Project will provide the community an evidence-based coping skill that is being reinforced at school.


We look forward to a strong partnership, and if you have any questions about the Chill room or the Chill Project, please reach out to the Chill room Facilitator, Mr. Dan Harshman, cholewinskip@cmsd.k12.pa.us , or Mrs. Kelsey Oberly, Special Education Coordinator, hopkinsj@cmsd.k12.pa.us.

Chill Project Newsletter
Click here to view October's Chill Project strategy.

Athletics Athletics

CLICK HERE for CMHS Athletics
Check out the athletic page to access schedules, live streams and additional information!

CMHS School Nurse Information CMHS School Nurse Information

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Kristen Speer, School Nurse

Email: speerk@cmsd.k12.pa.us

Phone: 724-745-1400 ext. 5013

Attention 11th Grade Parents/Guardians

All 11th graders are required to turn in a physical assessment completed by a physician. To fulfill this requirement, please complete one of the following options:


  • If you wish to have your student seen by the school physician in March of 2026, pelase complete the following Physical Examination Google Form by March 1, 2026.
  • If you wish to have the exam done by your family physician, you may do so at your own expense. Please have the physician complete the Physical Exam Form and return it to the school nurse.

Vaccination Requirements for 11th Grade

To start the 12th grade, a second dose of the Meningitis A,C, W, Y vaccine is required.


Please provide the nurse with a copy of your immunization records either in person or via email at: speerk@cmsd.k12.pa.us


If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Speer at speerk@cmsd.k12.pa.us or by phone at (724)-745-1400 x 5013.

Medication Authorization

If your student needs to take a daily medication or needs to have an as needed medication available at school please use the following form . It must be completed by a doctor and signed by the parent/guardian. The medication must be brought in the original pharmacy container or unopened over the counter container that matches the paperwork.


The medication authorization form must be completed each school year by the physician and turned in to the school nurse for the new school year.


If you have any questions you can contact the nurse.

Medication Form
Please submit this form, along with the proper medical documentation to Mrs. Speer.
Homebound Instruction Paperwork
Please download this form, have it completed by your doctor, and return to Ms. Handra, handraj@cmsd.k12.pa.us.

CMHS Student Affairs CMHS Student Affairs

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Marijke Lucia

Secretary of Student Affairs

mailto:luciam@cmsd.k12.pa.us

Phone: 724-745-1400 ext. 5009

Fax: 724-745-4490

Student Affairs Forms

All forms are linked below. You can also access the forms on the high school's website under School Forms, linked here for your reference.

Attendance and Early Dismissal Procedures

Attendance:

If a student is not seated in their first period class by 7:45, they will be considered absent (shown as IUn in PowerSchool). Prior to the end of 2nd period, an attendance rollover will take place and those students still marked as absent will be marked absent for all 9 class periods. That evening you will receive both a phone call and an email from our BlackBoard messaging system alerting you of your student's absence.


Please send your student in with an excuse within three (3) days of their last absence. You can either provide us with a parent note, an email, or complete the form, linked below. Parent notes can be placed in the absence excuse bin in the Student Affairs Office.


Each student is allocated 15 absences (for any reason), per school year, before a doctor’s excuse is required. Any absence over 15, that is not accompanied by a medical excuse, will remain unexcused.


Tardies:

If your child is going to be entering the building late, they must first go through the Student Affairs Office to receive a late pass. Please provide your student with an excuse. Acceptable forms are a parent note, doctor's excuse, email or an online form submission found here: Tardiness Form. If they enter with an excuse, their absence will be changed to an excused tardy (TEx.) If they do not have an excuse, they will be entered as tardy unexcused (TUn.) If your child is marked as tardy unexcused, that evening you will receive both a phone call and email from our BlackBoard messaging system alerting you of their tardy. Each student is allocated 4 tardies, per semester (parent note or online submission) before a doctor's excuse is required. Disciplinary action will be taken for excessive tardies. There are no half days at the High School. Students must be present a minimum of 3½ consecutive hours in order to participate in an after school activity or a game or practice for a sport that is in season.


Early Dismissals:

If your student will need to leave the building prior to the end of the school day (2:40pm), you must provide them with an early dismissal note. This can be a parent note, email or online submission found here: Early Dismissal Form. A student is allocated 13 early dismissals per semester. All early dismissals require BOTH written and verbal confirmation. Please call Mrs. Lucia in the Office of Student Affairs (724-745-1400, ext. 5009) to confirm your child’s early dismissal. All early dismissal requests must be made by 9am. If you are requesting an early dismissal after 9am, please allow 20-30 minutes for your request to be processed. Once both forms are received, a pass will be sent to your child and they may leave at the time of their dismissal. If you are picking your student up, they will meet you outside, if they are a driver, they are free to leave and drive themselves. If you choose, you can come into the main office to sign your student out. No student’s will be permitted to leave until both forms of confirmation are received. All early dismissals will be entered as ER in PowerSchool. If your child has medical documentation for their early release, please provide us with this information and we will change their ER to a medical early release (MER.) Medical early releases are not counted in attendance reports. There are no half days at the High School. Students must be present a minimum of 3½ consecutive hours in order to participate in an after school activity or a game or practice for a sport that is in season.


The Student Affairs Office is closed daily from 12:30-1:00. Students may leave during the closure IF their early dismissal request was submitted and confirmed prior to the closure. If you did not submit a request and you need your child to be released during the office closure, please come to the main office to sign them out.


CTC (Western Area & Parkway):

Please note that if your child attends WACTC or Parkway and is absent from school, you must provide 2 excuses (parent note or medical excuse). One will need to be given to Mrs. Lucia in the Student Affairs Office and one will need to be given to WACTC/Parkway. No copies will be made of a student's excuse and forwarded to another location.


Pre-Planned Trips:

The pre-planned trip form, linked below, must be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the start of your trip. Please note that students will only be given one day, for each day they are absent, to make up their work, and they are highly encouraged to make arrangements for their work prior to their trip.


Standing Medical Notes:

If your student has a standing medical note, please note that we will need an updated copy for this school year. Medical notes are only good for one school year and must be updated annually.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

CMHS Administration

Ms. Brittany Taylor - High School Principal

Ms. Jenna Handra - Academic Principal

Mr. Thomas Orr - Assistant Principal

Ms. Jamie Hopkins - Assistant Principal

Follow CMHS on Instagram @canon_mcmillan_high_school

Jenna Handra
Jenna is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters
Loading indicator

close
Powered by