August Newsletter8/4/25

Dear Cougar Community,

My name is Chantel Kelly, and I am honored to be the new Principal of Caldwell High School. I am excited for the upcoming 2025-26 school year and look forward to fostering a community where every student feels safe, supported, and empowered to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. To help foster this in our school we will continue to help students find success by implementing both a response to intervention and positive behavioral intervention support in our school.

This year, CHS is implementing the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework, a proven approach to fostering a safe and positive learning environment. Staff and students have worked together to develop tools and resources for our school that promote positive behavior and a rewards system that will celebrate and recognize students who meet school-wide expectations.

At CHS, we are committed to building a community where every student feels valued, connected, and supported. Through our Positive Behavioral Intervention Support (PBIS), we will establish clear behavioral expectations, such as respect and kindness, while equipping students with the skills to create a positive school culture and climate.

Beyond the classroom, we encourage students to explore their interests through sports, clubs, CTE programs, and advanced learning opportunities, we will be celebrating learners achievements and success along the way. Communication with families is a priority for me—we will share updates through the Cougar Connection Newsletter and timely announcements via Blackboard messaging.

We value our partnership with families and the community as we guide students toward their postsecondary goals, collaborating with higher education institutions and workforce partners to provide multiple pathways to college and career readiness. Our continued investment in students' futures ensures that every learner has access to postsecondary experiences that prepare them for the opportunities of tomorrow.

I look forward to an incredible year ahead and am excited to work together to support our students' success!

Sincerely,
Chantel Kelly
2025-26 Principal, Caldwell High School

3401 S. Indiana Caldwell, ID 83605 (208) 455-3304

EMAIL: chs@caldwellschools.org

School District Dates to Remember

Link to 2025-26 District Calendar

August-September:

August 18th - Picture Day

August 20th - 22nd - Theatre Auditions (information below)

August 21st 5:00pm - Senior Summit

August 26th --ML Family Welcome

Sept. 1st - Labor Day (No School)

Sept. 5th - Senior Sunrise

Sept. 22nd - Picture Retake Day

Hello Caldwell High School parents and students!! I am Mr. Wang, one of the Vice Principals at CHS. This school year will be my fifth year at CHS and 28th year in education. I was a classroom teacher for 15 years and this is my 13th year in administration. My passion has always been working with high school students. I love being able to mentor and build positive relationships with them. The four years of high school are among the most consequential in a student’s education and I enjoy helping them with that journey!

My wife Sarah and I are originally from North Dakota and moved to Idaho 25 years ago to escape the winters and tornadoes! Sarah is also a lifelong educator and is beginning this year as the new Vice Principal at Jefferson Middle School. We have two children, Jacek and Josie, and two dogs. We love camping, traveling, swimming, riding ATVs, and pretty much anything outdoors!

I’m excited for this new school year and cant wait to see our new and returning students on August 13th!!

Hi Caldwell HS family! I am Dr. Lieb, one of the Vice Principals at CHS. This is my first year at CHS as I am coming from Syringa MS. This is my 19th year in education. I spent 12 years in the classroom teaching Physical Education. This is my 7th year in an administrative role and I have also taught at the University level. I am excited to return to the high school setting, as I’ve spent 16 years of my career there, and thoroughly enjoy working with students as they transition into young adults.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our daughter, jumping my horses, and running! I enjoy being outside and love summer (I could do without winter). I’m excited that I get to continue working with our incoming 9th graders that are transitioning over from Syringa MS.

Hey Caldwell! I’m Ms. Archuleta—your Dean of Students at Caldwell High School. I’ve been in education for almost 20 years (which means yes, I still remember chalkboards… and no, I’m not that old). I’m a proud CHS grad, lifelong Cougar, and I’m here because I believe in every single student who walks these halls.

I’ve worn a lot of hats—teacher, mentor, math wrangler, hall monitor, life coach, snack distributor, and now, proud Dean of Students. My goal? To build a school where students feel seen, supported, and ready to take on the world (or at least second period).

When I’m not at school, you’ll find me at home with my amazing family—my husband Joseph, our kids Isaac and Elida, and our two dogs, Trooper and Yuji (who honestly think they’re the ones in charge). I love a good suspense movie, bumping Mexican/Tejano music in the kitchen, or belting Broadway like no one’s listening (but someone always is—sorry, family).

Let’s make it a great year, Cougars! #CougarPride #DeanLife #CHSFamily

Hi! My name is Josephine Santana, and I’m excited to step into my new role as the attendance clerk. I’ve been part of our school’s front office team for the past three years as secretary, and I’m thrilled to continue supporting our students and families in this new capacity. Outside of school, I love spending time with family and friends, taking photos, and hanging out with my golden retriever, Lincoln. I believe laughter is the best medicine, and I always enjoy making others smile!

Hi I am Kristie Terhaar. I am the Registrar. This is my 2nd year at CHS, I was an Office Secretary in an Elementary school in Minnesota for 15 years before moving to Idaho to be near my daughter. I have a son in the Navy and twin daughters with one having Down Syndrome.

Hello! I’m Teresa Yost proud bookkeeper at Caldwell High School and longtime member of the Cougar community. I’ve had the privilege of serving the Caldwell School District in many roles over the years—from parent volunteer to PE aide, attendance clerk, secretary, HR coordinator, and now, bookkeeper at CHS, which I happily call my final stop. I also support our CTE department and serve as Concessions Manager for CHS Athletics.

Outside of work, I enjoy camping, hiking, and hosting friends and family with great food, darts, and cornhole. I’m a proud mom of four CHS graduates and a grandmother to twelve energetic grandkids. I share my home with my soul mate Jim, our dog Brodie, and a lively crew of chickens, ducks, and turkeys.

I’m excited to support CHS and help make the most of our resources to benefit students and staff!

My name is Sara Chapa-Garcia, and I’m proud to serve as part of the administration office team at Caldwell High School. I’ve been with the Caldwell School District for 26 years, and this will be my fourth year at CHS. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working at Syringa Middle School and Lewis and Clark Elementary, experiences that have shaped my deep commitment to our students and families.

I truly enjoy supporting our students, families, and staff each day. Whether it’s answering questions, guiding parents to the right resources, or simply offering encouragement, I strive to help our school community run smoothly and feel welcomed.

Outside of school, I love photography, traveling, listening to music, and spending time with my family—especially cheering on my grandchildren at their sporting events and showering them with love! I’m excited for another bright and fun-filled school year at CHS.

Hi! I’m Heather Jacobson, and I’m thrilled to be part of the CHS team as the Administrative Assistant. My main mission? Making sure all of our substitute teachers are organized and ready to go each morning. If you’re ever in the building bright and early, you’ll probably see me running around like a whirlwind, coffee in hand, making sure the day runs smoothly!This is my 12th year in CSD, and I truly love helping students succeed. Outside of school, life is just as busy and exciting—I’m a proud mom of two boys and one daughter who keep me on my toes. I can’t wait to continue supporting our students and staff every day!

• Sept.

• It is exciting that new and returning students were able to go to their classes with a schedule on the first day of school. We want to thank all those that helped make it possible and acknowledge all the work that they put in so that our students could be successful on for their first day.

• Counselors are working on getting schedules requests completed for all students who need or want a change to their schedule after the first day of school will need to go to the class on their schedule. If students have already reached out to their counselor through email, counselors are getting through those as quickly as possible. IF the schedule request can be accommodated the schedule will update the following day, powerschool updates the next day in the system.

• Planning for next year...we can always get better.

Please click on picture below to be redirected to Bell Photo website where you will be able to preview package options and prepay online.

To support a focused and respectful learning environment, CHS has established the following steps when students do not follow expectations regarding personal electronic devices during the school day other than during lunch time in the cafeteria:

1st Offense:

• Student is reminded of the cell phone/personal device policy.

• Teacher submits a discipline referral.
• The device is confiscated and taken to the main office.
• Administrator or administrator designee will contact the parent/guardian before the device is returned.
• The student may retrieve the device only after parent contact has been made.
• The behavior and incident is documented by administrator or administrator designee.

2nd Offense:

• The device is confiscated and turned in to the main office as soon as possible (no later than 2:56 PM).

• Teacher submits a discipline referral.
• Parent/guardian must come to the main office to pick up the device after school between 2:56 PM and 4:00 PM.
• The behavior and incident is documented by administrator or administrator designee.

3rd Offense:

• The device is confiscated and taken to the main office as soon as possible (no later than 2:56 PM).

• Teacher submits a discipline referral.
• A conference with the parent, student, teacher, and administrator will be scheduled.
• Parent must pick up the device from the main office once a meeting has been conducted.
• Behavior and incident is documented by administration or administrator designee.

Repeat Offender:

• Teacher submits a discipline referral.
• The device is confiscated and brought to the main office (no later than 2:56 PM).
• Administration or administrator designee will contact the parent, and a parent must retrieve the device in person, administration can request that the device not be brought back onto school grounds and a contract will be signed.
• A conference will be held to develop an individualized plan to address the repeated behavior.

Key Reminders

• Students must attend at least 90% of the time each grading period.
• Secondary: no more than 9 absences per class per semester.
• All absences count toward the limit except approved school activities.
• A student is tardy if they are not in the classroom when the bell rings.
• More than 20 minutes late = absent.
• Any time after 8:00 a.m., tardy students must report to the office for a tardy slip before entering class.
• Tardy notices go out at 4, 8, and 12 per class. Student will receive after school detention or Saturday school at their 4th, 8th, and 12th tardy.
• The 13th triggers disciplinary actions, including make-up time, activity ineligibility, possible license suspension, and potential credit loss. Parent notifications happen at the 5th, 7th, 9th, and 10th absences.

Please contact Josie Santana or Stephanie Archuleta with any questions.

Bus Safety

• CTC Bus company addressing disciplinary actions (for 2025-2026)

• First write up - CTC will contact parents

• Second write up for the same behavior - three days suspension off the bus

• CTC will contact the parents

• Third write up for the same behavior - five days suspension off the bus

• CTC will contact the parents

• Fourth write up for the same behavior - student contract and/or loss bus privileges for the year

• CTC will contact the parents

• CTC will scan and email the write-ups to the school for documentation purposes

As we prepare for an exciting new school year, we want to share important updates to our CHS counselor assignments. These updates will help us provide more focused and personalized support to students by grade level and last name.

Please review the updated counselor breakdown below for incoming student grade:

👤 Katie Sager
Supports:
• All 9th Grade Students
• 10th Grade Students (Last Names A–G)

📧ksager@caldwellschools.org

👤 Mr. Patrick Precht
Supports:
• All 11th Grade Students
• 10th Grade Students (Last Names H–P)
📧pprecht@caldwellschools.org

👤 Ms. Megan Forster
Supports:
• All 12th Grade Students
• 10th Grade Students (Last Names Q–Z)
📧mforster@caldwellschools.org

We are here to help with course planning, graduation requirements, postsecondary goals, and any questions you may have as we look ahead to 2025–2026. Thank you for being part of the Cougar community—we’re looking forward to a great year ahead!

Counseling Department Website Link

• Welding

• Automotive Repair

• Certified Nursing Assistant

• Medical Assistant

• Pre-Engineering

• Hospitality & Tourism

• Business Administration

• Graphic Design

All incoming 9th and 11th graders are required to have a sports physical completed before they start practice for the 2025-26 season. If you missed our free clinic you will need to get this completed before the first day of practice.

Link to Athletic Forms

Volleyball: Varsity, JV, and Sophomore(Main Gym):

Tryouts

8/11 9:30-11:30am and 1:00-3:00pm

8/12 1:00-3:00pm and 5:00-6:30pm

8/13, 8/14, 8/15, 8/18, 8/19, 8/20, 8/21, 8/22, 8/25, 8/27, 8/29 @3:30-5:30pm

9/1 @5:30-7:30pm

Freshman(Aux Gym):

Tryouts

8/11 9:30-11:30am and 1:00-3:00pm

8/12 1:00-3:00pm and 5:00-6:30pm

8/13, 8/14, 8/15, 8/18, 8/19, 8/20, 8/21, 8/26, 8/28, 8/29 @3:30-5:30pm

9/1 @5:30-7:30pm

Girls Soccer: Tryouts August 11-13th 6-7am & 4:30-5:15 pm

Practice Thursday and Friday August 14th-15th: Practice 4:30-5:15 pm

Practice Saturday August 16th: 8-10 am

Team Bonding/Parent Meeting Saturday August 16th: 10:15-11:15 am

Practice M-F August 18-22nd: 4:30-6:30pm

Boys Soccer: Tryouts August 11-12th 7-8am & 4:00-6:00 pm

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

August 13th-15th: Practice 4:00-6:30 pm

Parent meeting - Friday 8/15 - 6:30 on back patio.

Jamboree - 8/16 - 8:30 AM

Cross Country: 3:30 PM at the Track. We will have practice Monday-Friday at the same time each day that week

Swim:

Cheer: Tuesday- Thursday 6:30-8:30 pm aux gym - Just through August.

Once we start games in September we will readjust to Mondays-Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 pm.

Golf: Starts Wednesday 8/13

3:15-5:00

Early start on Wednesday. Times TBD

Volleyball

Freshman Volleyball

8/22/25 Fresh. Volleyball @ Meridian HS 5:00 PM

8/25/25 Fresh. Volleyball vs Rocky Mountain HS 5:00 PM

8/27/25 Fresh. Volleyball vs Mountain View HS 5:00 PM

9/03/25 Fresh. Volleyball @ Ridgevue HS 5:00 PM

9/06/25 Fresh. Volleyball (Freshman Volleyball Tournament) @ Rocky Mountain HS

9/08/25 Fresh. Volleyball vs Kuna HS 5:00 PM

Sophomore

8/26/25 Soph. Volleyball @ Parma HS 4:30 PM

8/28/25 Soph. Volleyball vs Gooding HS 4:30 PM

9/02/25 Soph. Volleyball vs Ontario HS 4:30 PM

9/04/25 Soph. Volleyball @ Gooding HS 4:30 PM

9/11/25 Soph. Volleyball @ Columbia HS 4:30 PM

Junior Varsity

8/26/25 JV Volleyball @ Parma HS 5:00 PM

8/28/25 JV Volleyball vs Gooding HS 5:00 PM

9/02/25 JV. Volleyball vs Ontario HS 5:00 PM

9/04/25 JV. Volleyball @ Gooding HS 5:00 PM

9/05/25 JV Lyle Petty VB Tournament TBA

9/06/25 JV Lyle Petty VB Tournament TBA

9/11/25 JV Volleyball @ Columbia HS 5:00 PM

Varsity

8/26/25 Varsity Volleyball @ Parma HS 6:30 PM

8/28/25 Varsity Volleyball vs Gooding HS 6:30 PM

9/02/25 Varsity Volleyball vs Ontario HS 6:30 PM

9/04/25 Varsity Volleyball @ Gooding HS 6:30 PM

9/11/25 Varsity Volleyball @ Columbia HS 6:30 PM

Cross Country

Students or community, it takes all of us to keep our campus safe and when we see something, we need to say something. We really appreciate the efforts of our students and community in keeping our campus a safe place. You can report something by going to the office and telling an adult, telling a trusted teacher, emailing administration or reporting it through See Tell Now. A quick response is best with as many details as possible, including location, time, number of people involved and names if you know them.

Thank you for your help!