The Cavalier Contact

Hello CAV Nation!

November is here, and we have another busy stretch ahead at Caroline High School with several opportunities for our students, families, and community to connect, explore, and celebrate all that is happening throughout CAV Nation.

First, we want to make sure everyone is aware of an important schedule change for Senior Night Football. The game originally scheduled for Friday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m. has been moved to Thursday, November 5 at 7:30 p.m. We hope CAV Nation will come out and help us recognize our senior student-athletes and support the Cavaliers!

Looking a little further ahead, we have two important events designed to help our students think about their futures and explore the opportunities available to them.

On Friday, November 13, Caroline High School will host our Career Expo. This event will give students an opportunity to connect with employers, community partners, and professionals while learning more about careers and pathways available after high school. Experiences like this are an important part of helping our Cavaliers develop a vision for what comes next and understand the connection between what they are learning today and where they want to go tomorrow.

Then, on Tuesday, November 17, we invite families to Secondary Experience Night. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the programs, pathways, experiences, and opportunities available to students throughout their secondary years in Caroline County Public Schools. We encourage families to attend, ask questions, and begin conversations with their students about the many possibilities available to them.

As we move through the second quarter, continue to show up, stay engaged, explore new opportunities, and make choices that move you closer to your goals.

CAVs Choose Greatness!
Confidence. Accountability. Vision.

Regards,

Thomas W. Connolly, Ed.D.
Principal
Caroline High School

Iriellah Arbitrario, daughter of Jay and Amanda Arbitrario, was recently selected as Student of the Month at Caroline High School for October. She is the colorguard captain for the Marching Cavs and is also a member of theater.

Outside of school, Iriellah has earned a 2nd-degree black belt in wushu liberated martial arts at Muhammeds Boxing and Martial Arts.

After graduation, she hopes to have a career in theater costuming.

We hope you can make it in person but if you are unable to attend, we are offering the YouTube link for the event and you will be able to make comments and ask questions during the LIVE STREAM!

https://www.youtube.com/@carolinecountypublicschool3335/streams

CALLING ALL YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS AGES 4–17!

Do you have a business idea, a creative talent, or a product you’re ready to share with the world? Caroline’s Promise wants YOU!

Join us for the Caroline’s Promise Young Entrepreneurs Expo 2026 and showcase your business, gain hands-on entrepreneurial experience, sell your products, network, and connect with other young entrepreneurs. This is your opportunity to shine, build confidence, and take your first steps toward becoming a successful business leader!

• Date: November 14, 2026
• Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Meadow Event Park Pavilion

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 5, 2026!

Spots are limited, so don’t wait! Expo Registration Link Registration may close sooner if all spots are filled.

Award winning poet Trey Baker visisted CHS this month. The author of When I look Up was interviewed by out own CHS Mass Media Team. Listen to this episode HERE

We are thrilled to celebrate the successful grand opening of the Cavalier Corner Café and Bookstore during our Homecoming festivities! This student-run initiative provides our Cavaliers with valuable, real-world experiences in entrepreneurship, customer service, and business operations. Thank you to the students, staff, families, and community members who helped make our grand opening such a success! We are excited to see this new space continue to grow and become a special part of the CHS community. Be on the lookout for announcements about upcoming dates and times when the Cavalier Corner Café and Bookstore will be open for business!

• 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.

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.

Planning for college after graduation? You don't have to navigate the financial aid process alone! Caroline High School is proud to connect our Class of 2027 seniors and their families with GRASP (Great Aspirations Scholarship Program), an organization dedicated to helping students make their higher education goals a reality. GRASP provides FREE, personalized assistance to help families understand and navigate the financial aid process, including completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), identifying scholarship opportunities, exploring federal and state financial aid programs, and comparing college financial aid offers. Whether your student plans to attend a four-year university, community college, or pursue a career certification, GRASP can help you explore options for making education more affordable. Our CHS GRASP Advisor, Dedra Hampton, is available to meet individually with seniors and their families to answer questions and provide guidance. We encourage all Class of 2027 families to take advantage of this valuable resource!

Ready to get started? Click here to schedule your FREE 30-minute appointment with Ms. Hampton!

You can also contact Ms. Hampton at caroline@grasp4va.org or visit www.grasp4va.org to learn more.

• 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.

Care Solace

At Caroline County Public Schools, we believe every student deserves a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for learning and self-expression. As we head into October, we recognize National Bullying Prevention Month to highlight the importance of inclusion, safety, and mutual respect.

Bullying isn’t a childhood rite of passage—it can have serious, long-term impacts on a student's emotional well-being, health, and academic success. With one in five students experiencing bullying each year, creating positive change takes our entire community working together.

Bullying Prevention & Action Tips

We encourage families, students, and staff to review our Bullying Awareness Guides (available in English and Spanish below) for actionable steps on handling and reporting bullying:

• If you are being bullied: Get to a safe place, document what happened, tell a trusted adult, and keep speaking up until you get help.

• If you see someone being bullied: Don't join in or share it, support the person, report it to an adult, and check in afterward.

• Be a friend: Use kind words, include others, and treat everyone with respect.

Click to view or download the full guides: Bullying Awareness Guides

Supporting Student Well-Being

Taking care of our school community also means ensuring support is available whenever challenges arise. Through our partnership with Care Solace, free and confidential mental health care coordination is available 24/7/365 to all students, staff, and family members.

Care Solace helps connect you with verified local mental health and substance use treatment providers matched to your specific needs, regardless of circumstance.

Get Connected Anytime:

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

💻 Find matched local care quickly and anonymously anytime at: https://www.caresolace.com/site/carolinecps

🚨 Emergency Resources: If you or someone you know needs immediate crisis help, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741-741.