The Cavalier Contact

Hello CAV Nation!

We have an exciting week ahead at Caroline High School, and we are starting it by making history!

For the first time in school history, Caroline High School Field Hockey will host a regional playoff game! Our Cavaliers finished fourth in the Region 4B standings and earned the opportunity to defend their home field. On Monday, October 26, we need CAV Nation to show up in a big way as the Cavaliers take on Hanover. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and the game begins at 6:00 p.m. Wear your red, white, and blue, pack the stands, and help us give our student-athletes the home-field advantage they have earned!

The excitement continues all week with Spooky Spirit Week, October 26–30. This year, our Spirit Week also falls during Red Ribbon Week, giving us an opportunity to combine school spirit with an important message about making healthy, positive, drug-free choices. The 2026 Red Ribbon Week theme is “Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free!” We encourage students and staff to participate, have fun, show their Cavalier pride, and remember that the choices we make today help shape the opportunities we have tomorrow.

Our Spirit Week lineup includes:

• Monday – Meme Monday: Dress as your favorite meme

• Tuesday – Teacher-Student Swap: Mimic your favorite teacher

• Wednesday – On Wednesdays We Wear Pink: Pink Out for Breast Cancer Awareness

• Thursday – Trick-or-Twin: Dress as an iconic duo or trio

• Friday – Frightful Friday: Wear your Halloween costume — no masks permitted

This is also Virginia College Application Week, October 26–30, and we want our Class of 2027 seniors to take advantage of every opportunity available to them. Participating Virginia colleges and universities are offering application fee waivers to eligible students during the week. Students seeking a fee waiver must speak with their school counselor to receive the appropriate information and instructions. Seniors, this is a great week to take another step toward your future!

We also have several other important dates ahead, including the Grade 11 Writing SOL on October 28 and 29, the final senior yearbook picture opportunity on October 30, and Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 3.

There is a lot happening throughout CAV Nation this week. Get involved, support one another, show your school spirit, and take advantage of the opportunities in front of you.

Have fun. Make great choices. Be a hero. Stay drug-free.

CAVs Choose Greatness!
Confidence. Accountability. Vision.

Regards,

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

History is being made at Caroline High School, and we need YOU to be part of it!

For the FIRST TIME in school history, our Caroline Cavaliers Field Hockey team will host a HOME REGIONAL PLAYOFF GAME! After an outstanding regular season, the Cavs finished 4th in Region 4B standings, earning the opportunity to host a regional tournament right here at Caroline High School!

This is an incredible accomplishment for our student-athletes and coaches, and now it is our turn as CAV Nation to show them our support!

HOME PLAYOFF GAME DETAILS

• Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
• Gates Open: 5:00 p.m.
• Game Time: 6:00 p.m.
• Location: Caroline High School

We are calling on ALL of CAV Nation to PACK THE STANDS!

Our Lady Cavs have worked hard all season to earn this opportunity. Let's give them the home-field advantage they deserve by filling the stands with Cavalier pride, energy, and excitement!

We will be playing a tough Hanover Hawks team, so wear your RED, WHITE, and BLUE, bring your school spirit, and help us create an unforgettable atmosphere for this game.

Get ready for a week of creativity, fun, and Cavalier pride! October 26–30 is Spooky Spirit Week at Caroline High School, and we're inviting all students and staff to join the excitement!

This year, our Spirit Week takes place during National Red Ribbon Week (October 23–31), a nationwide campaign encouraging young people to make healthy, drug-free choices.

The national theme for 2026 is "Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free!" At CHS, we know that being a hero doesn't require a cape or superpowers. It means having the courage to make good decisions, looking out for others, and choosing a positive path for your future.

Throughout the week, we'll bring together our Spooky Spirit Week celebrations and the important message of Red Ribbon Week. Here's how you can participate!

Our Spooky Spirit Week Lineup

Monday, October 26 – MEME MONDAY
Dress as your favorite meme!

Red Ribbon Message: Make your choices something worth sharing! Healthy decisions never go out of style.

Tuesday, October 27 – TEACHER-STUDENT SWAP
Mimic your favorite teacher!

Red Ribbon Message: Be a role model! Heroes lead by example and inspire others to make positive choices.

Wednesday, October 28 – ON WEDNESDAYS WE WEAR PINK
Pink Out for Breast Cancer!

Red Ribbon Message: Healthy choices matter! Today, we stand together to support breast cancer awareness while recognizing the importance of protecting our health and well-being.

Thursday, October 29 – TRICK-OR-TWIN
Dress as an iconic duo or trio!

Red Ribbon Message: Good friends make great choices together! Surround yourself with people who encourage you to be your best.

Friday, October 30 – FRIGHTFUL FRIDAY
Wear your Halloween costumes! No masks permitted.

Red Ribbon Message: Don't let drugs haunt your future! Be a hero, stay drug-free, and make choices that keep your future bright!

Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free!

While we have plenty of fun planned, Red Ribbon Week reminds us of something important: Every Cavalier has the power to make a difference.

Being a hero can mean standing up for what's right, supporting a friend, making a healthy choice, or having the confidence to say no when faced with negative influences.

We encourage our students to think about how their decisions today help shape their opportunities tomorrow. We also encourage our staff to take a few moments throughout the week to reinforce the importance of making positive, drug-free choices.

Let's Show Our CAV Pride!

We want to see our hallways filled with creativity, school spirit, and students and staff having fun together! Whether you participate in one day or all five, let's make this a week that celebrates everything that makes CAV Nation special.

Have fun. Make great choices. Be a hero. Stay drug-free.

Attention, Class of 2027! Virginia College Application Week is here, and this is a great opportunity to take the next step toward your future! From October 26–30, 2026, participating Virginia colleges and universities are offering application fee waivers, allowing eligible students to apply without paying the usual application fees. This initiative helps make higher education more accessible while encouraging seniors to explore their college options. Students interested in receiving application fee waivers MUST speak with their school counselor to obtain the appropriate waiver information and instructions. Waiver availability and eligibility requirements vary by college. Don't miss this opportunity to save money while investing in your future! Be sure to connect with your counselor and submit your applications by Friday, October 30, to take advantage of participating colleges' limited-time offers

Fill out this Survey to record your application submissions

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Report cards are in the mail! Student grades can also be accessed via PowerSchool. If you have any questions regarding your students' grades, please contact the teacher directly.

Q1 Grade contracts have also been emailed to eligible students. Please contact Dr. Connolly with any questions.

The final opportunity for seniors to take their yearbook photos will be on October 30.

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!

All Grade 11 students scheduled to participate in the Virginia Writing SOL will test on October 28 and 29. Families can help students prepare by making sure they are at school and on time, well rested, and ready to do their best. Attendance on both testing days is extremely important. We are proud of the work our students and teachers have put in and look forward to our Cavaliers showing what they know!

CHS will be hosting Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 3, 2026 from11:00-7:00. Families are encouraged to sign up for conferences using THIS LINK

• 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.

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.