Cienega High School
Cat Chat Newsletter
May 2014    

 

Dear Cienega Community,

 

This is my last Cat Chat to you as principal of Cienega High School.

 

Another school year comes to end marking 13 years of Cienega traditions. I am going to take some time to share with you the memories from when we first opened our doors in 2001. On a 55 acre site, a 221,000 square foot campus was created over that first school year.

 

  • The school year started with a campus under construction. The 100 Administration Building and the 300 House - Freshman Academy were the only two completed buildings.
  • Pizza was the only lunch option for 6 weeks. The seating areas were the shaded areas on the sidewalks of the 300 house.
  • The band played in the lobby of the Administration Building. The only "office phones" were cell phones, and staff would have to ask parents to hold until the band students reached a stopping point in their playing.
  • Room 317 was the football changing room and a large circus tent was rented for shade during lunch times. Sapling trees were planted to start the landscaping amongst the yellow tape and orange cones.
  • The football game against Sabino High School on the back grass field with a rolling white board as the scoreboard, the gym dedication to Dr. Boyd Baker, the girls soccer team at Tucson High placing 1st State Champions Runner-Up, Piece of My Heart, Seussical, wild and exciting assemblies, talented musicians and artists, TSW projects, Guest Speakers Bureau, YES Talent Show.
  • A+ School of Excellence - twice!, A labels from the Arizona Department of Education, Silver level of the Best High Schools by U.S. News and World Report, two Golden Bells, National Renaissance Model School, National Commitment to Graduate Model School, NJROTC
  • Multiple staff award winners as Outstanding High School Faculty of the Year, High School Principal of the Year, Assistant Principals of the Year, Renaissance Educators of the Year
  • Students and staff who have passed leaving their legacy to our school and community
  • The red carpet, the Wall of the Future, NJROTC Pass and Review, Bobcat Radio, Bobcat Broadcasts, Career Fairs, Honors Nights, Graduations

 

Over the years Cienega has served over 20,000 students (yes, some students have been counted 4 times!). Students have achieved incredible academic honors, scholarships, internships, accomplishments and college and Academy entrance across the country.

 

Cienega High School has been so much a part of my life. I have come to love working and talking with teens. Every day has inspired me. The next chapter in my life will be to share with schools across the country how to create a school filled with a positive culture and climate. We are not perfect, but . . . but we have achieved our mission, Connections, High standards, Success all aligned to the motto of the Vail School District, "Where education is a community effort".

 

Over the last 13 years, WE have accomplished and have become a value-add to our community. I know more is yet to come! I wish all of the students, families, and staff well under the leadership of Mr. Hassey, Principal. This is not goodbye, but see you later.

 

Have an enjoyable summer.

Humbly proud of our school and our community,

 

Dr. Tricia Pe�a

A lifelong Cienega Bobcat  

IN THIS ISSUE
CHS Ranked Silver
Summer School
Boys Volleyball
CHS FFA and 4-H
NJROTC
Lunch Prices to Increase
Costa Rica
Construction Class at Esmond Station
Hassey Football Camp
Office Depot
Solar Go-Kart Race
Color Guard
Sports Physical Night
Greece
PHAT CAT Winners

CHS RANKED SILVER

 



Congratulations students and staff, On April 22nd U.S. News & World Report released the 2014 "America's Best High Schools" and Cienega High School school was ranked SILVER, repeating our 2013 ranking!


SUMMER SCHOOL INFORMATION

 


When: 
1st semester: May 27 - May 30, June 2-5 and June 9-10

2nd semester: June 12-13, June 16-19 and June 23-26

How long: 
8:40am-3:20pm  
Includes two 15 minute snack breaks and a 30 minute lunch

What content areas: 
Freshmen Physics, English, Algebra, Economics, Biology, World History, US History, Geometry, Government

Where: 
All classes are held at Cienega High School.

Summer School registration forms can be picked up at the front office or download below.
 
Registration forms are due May 16th for 1st semester and on May 20th for 2nd semester.  A $10 late fee will be added for forms turned in after the due date.


Contact Brandy Dujmic at 879-2033 email dujmicb@vail.k12.az.us if you have any additional questions.  

 

Registration Form 

 

Informational Flier   


BOYS VB WINS BIG!

 

 

 

Congratulations boys volleyball on earning the #2 seed in the state tournament!

The Boys Volleyball Team is hosting an end of the year skate party on Tuesday, May 27th from 6-8pm at Skate Country. Admission is $4 and skate rental is $3. Come support your volleyball team.

The money raised will be used for equipment & team gear.

 

 

Click here for additional information. 



CIENEGA FFA AND 4H ROCKED AT FAIR

 

 

Pictured below are Bobcats and future bobcats who participated at the Pima County Fair through our FFA and 4-H programs on campus.  Cienega came home with six buckles, 12 grand or reserve plaques, blue ribbons and more.  We have an awesome program and we thank Tim and Trish Rush for ALL of their efforts and hard work. You will be missed! 

 

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Virginia Moody   

  

Haley Miller and Baileya White  

 

   

   Baylee Teague and Julia Johnston 

 


Ainsley Varvel
  Garrett Gault

 


NJROTC HAPPENINGS...

 

 

  

 

4-year Navy ROTC scholarship

 

Cadet Cynthia Morton - University of Arizona

Cadet Taylor Burleson - University of Arizona

Cadet Logan Miller - University of Arizona

Cadet Dylan Brummett* - University of Arizona

 

4-year Air Force ROTC scholarship

 

Cadet Dylan Brummett* - University of Arizona

Cadet Garrett Anderson - University to be determined

 

*Awarded both scholarships

 

 

Before she graduates, Cadet Commander Cynthia Morton's last duty as the NJROTC Battalion Commander is to hang the NJROTC Area 11 "Most Improved Unit" streamer on our unit Guidon.

At the conclusion of each school year NJROTC has "Unit Awards".  One of most prestigious is called the "Navy League Most Improved Unit". Only one can be selected per Area, so in Area 11 from among the 55 NJROTC/NNDCC Units, Cienega was selected.  Cienega will subsequently be entered along with the other 10 Area Unit winners, and a National "Most Improved Unit" will be chosen by the NJROTC National Program Office.

 

 

Vail NJROTC cadets took second in the JROTC AZ SeaPerch Championship.  SeaPerch is a JROTC underwater robotics competition.  The cadets build and operate their underwater vehicle.  The vehicle must navigate an underwater obstacle course, conduct an underwater sprint , and retrieve an object floating in the pool.  Ten JROTC teams (Navy and Air Force) from across AZ competed at Apollo High School in Glendale. Vail cadets who participated: Garrett Anderson, Robert Barron, Catalina Mitchell
, and Dylan Brummett .  

 

On Friday, 16 May, 34 NJROTC cadets from Andrada, Empire and Cienega supported the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event at Empire High School.  The cadets assisted event organizers with a Color Guard, set up and other support. The cadets raised over $1200 by walking Empire's track throughout out the night.     


LUNCH PRICES TO INCREASE FOR
THE 14/15 SCHOOL YEAR

 

 

This is a reminder that  the Vail Governing Board approved a lunch price increase of $ .10 for the 14/15 school year. This action was necessary to be in compliance with the requirement of the Arizona Department of Education to meet lunch price equity. The increase will be as follows:

 

K-5                    $2.15

6-8                    $2.30

9-12                  $2.55

 

We encourage families to go to the following website to apply for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program.   click here 

 

If your family is approved, you high school student qualifies for reduced or no cost Advanced Placement exams, scholarships for summer school, and intercession courses, and may also receive additional college scholarship opportunities. Parents/Guardians are to apply every school year for the benefit to remain in effect. 

 

As additional District families qualify for this program, additional funding benefits come back to the school district and also may assist District teachers in a student loan forgiveness program. 

 

Our district demographics are fluid as is the income of many of our community households. Applying on-line provides anonymity and will cover all children in your household. It is important for you to be informed to make the best decisions possible for your family and children.


SPEND SPRING BREAK IN COSTA RICA!

 

 

Have you heard? Cienega and Andrada are pairing up to go to Costa Rica next March during Spring break (2015). The cost is amazingly low, payable in installments and a short four hour flight direct from Phoenix.  Costa Rica is a SPECTACULAR place. You will experience hot springs, active volcanoes, colorful frogs and butterflies, howler monkeys...and sloths. You will kayak, go on zip lines through the rainforest canopy, go whitewater rafting, ride horses, AND chill out on beautiful beaches. What's not to love?  
You will be able to use both 2014 and 2015 tax credits to pay for the trip... As an added bonus, any student who signs up for the tour by May 31st, 2014 is automatically enrolled in a $20,000 EF Tour college scholarship giveaway! 

 

Don' delay!  Plan now to GO TROPICAL in 2015!!!! 

          

Email Mrs. Conrad or Dr. Rathman at:  

 conradk@vail.k12.az.us  or rathmanr@vail.k12.az.us 

 

 

SECTION FOREMAN HOUSE
AT ESMOND STATION

 

 
The Construction Technology students are the putting the wraps on the Section Foreman House restoration for the summer break.  The two year project is halfway through the first year of work, with the worn-out porch removed and ready for an authentic rebuild, the "skip" sheeting going on the roof in preparation for new original style cedar shingles, and all of the wood frame windows are out with preparations started to rebuild them to like new condition.

Students are working hard to help save some great Vail history for the Community.  Nice job so far students!


Night shot from the Gala Fundraising Dinner. 


Students removing the old, unsafe porch.


Looking through one of the old wood framed windows, students are carefully removing a corner moulding. 

 

NEMER HASSEY'S SUMMER
FOOTBALL ACADEMIES

 

 

The Hassey Football Academies are designed for players that want to improve their game at specific positions.  Campers will be grouped by their positions.  The academy will provide the instruction necessary for improvement through fundamental drills, hard work, and game situations.  For additional information and registration form click below:

 

OFFICE DEPOT GIVES BACK

 

 

 

BOBCATS FINISH STRONG
IN SOLAR GO-KART RACE

 

 

 

The Bobcat Solar Racing Team put on a strong performance in the 2014 UofA Racing the Sun Challenge, Saturday, April 26th.  The weather was very windy and cloudy for the event and it was the luck of the draw for when the karts were on the clock.  Of the nine other karts from Arizona High Schools, Cienega's kart was one of the best at the Challenge, finishing in a first place tie for the most laps completed in 20 minutes, for the Modified chassis class.  
 
The whole project was a great learning experience for the club members and they greatly appreciate all the donations, the fantastic support and help of the advisors, and the community.

 Job well done Bobcats! 

 

COLOR GUARD LOOKING FOR MEMBERS

 

 

We're looking for girls who like to perform, dance, flip flags and look amazing for next year's award winning Cienega Color Guard team. No experience is needed. Interested girls or their parents can contact Coach Rowley at rowleyt@vail.k12.az.us

 

SPORTS PHYSICAL NIGHT

 

 

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

5:00 - 8:00 pm 

600 Building

$30 (cash or check made out to Cienega High School) *No credit/debit cards accepted

 

Money is used to support the CHS Sports Medicine Program in order to buy medical supplies for all sports teams

 

Please call 879-1822 for an appointment!

 

SPRING BREAK IN GREECE

 

 

Dreaming of going to Greece?  

Well now you can, and inexpensively!

 

$2805 - you can also save $100 if you register early!

That's only $226 a month

March 09, 2015-March 17, 2015

Here is the link for this fabulous trip!

 http://www.eftours.com/tour-website/1513920JJ  

 

There will be a ...

 

Mandatory parent meeting on Wednesday,

March 26, 2014 at 6:30pm in room 302

 

This trip is includes airfare, entrance to all exhibits, hotel and two meals every day!

Some of the sites we will be visiting are:

Athens - including the temple of Athena

Olympia - Where the Olympics were born!

Dephi - the temple of Apollo

Epidarurus

Mycenae and much, much more!



PHAT CAT WINNERS

 

Congratulations to Meghan Garcia who won the Phat Cat drawing on April 25th. Meghan won a 2014-2015 Yearbook. Congrats Meghan!

 

  

Congratulations to Troy Brooks. Troy was the winner of the Phat Cat Drawing on May 2nd. Troy won a Men's Fierce Cologne and an Abercrombie & Fitch t-shirt. Way to go Troy!

 

    

 

Congratulations to Carmel Machain. Carmel was the winner of our Phat Cat Drawing May 16th. She won a Sony Blue Ray DVD Player! This will come in handy in her dorm! Congrats Carmel!  

 

 


________________________________________________

Thank you parents for your support of Cienega. We truly appreciate your involvement! 

Sincerely,

Cienega High School

DATES TO REMEMBER

 


5/20-5/22 Finals

5/22 - Graduation for Class of 2014

5/27 - Boys VB Fundraiser @ Skate Country

5/27 - 6/10 - 1st Semester Intersession

6/12 - 6/26 2nd
Semester Intersession

7/30 - Sports Physical Night



QUICK LINKS


CHS
INFORMATION

Cienega High School

Vision Statement

 

Cienega High School creates an educational environment utilizing partnerships among community, parents, and staff to assist students in maximizing their academic potential and promoting life-long learning.

 

Front Office   - 879-2800     Attendance   -  879-2803   
Bookstore     -  879-2824 
Registrar       - 879-2812

Health Office - 879-2810
Volunteer Coordinator
879-2811                  


Front Office/200 House   
Principal
Tricia Pe�a, Ed.D
Secretary - Cathy Ochoa 879-2816 
Senior Counselor
John Tritz - 879-1843 
                        

300/700 House
Assistant Principal
Julia Kaister

Secretary - Kim Thielke 879-2855
Freshmen Counselor
Eric Boxley - 879-2854

  

400/600 House/Athletics      
Assistant Principal
Nemer Hassey
Athletic Director - Whitney Holland - 879-1813            

Secretary - Chris Rich  879-2892
Counselor A - L
Dainah Graham - 879-2819
 

500 House/Special Education/Security          
Assistant Principal
Kelly Hadden
Secretary - Teri Tatham 879-2874

Counselor M - Z
Colette Clendaniel-879-2817

Special Education Secretary Patty McKnight 879-1804

 

Communications Coordinator

Elizabeth Taggart - 879-2878 taggarte@vail.k12.az.us 

 

CHS website: chs.vail.k12.az.us               

Moodle:

Silhouette Photography - 886-1710  (Senior pictures for yearbook)
      
Sodexho - 879-2090 or mymealtime.com   

District Office - 879-2000

Transportation - 879-2475


Get your YEARBOOK today!

CAT FRAT
www.catfrat.com


Follow Us on FACEBOOK 

 

 

Follow CHS on Twitter 

 


CHS Online Store
Spirit Wear & More!

Cienega Stadium Chair

Cienega Stadium Seat

 

Only available at our on-line store.

 

 Click here for Online Ordering  

 

 

Support Cienega while supporting your back. Convenient pockets hold concessions and necessities. Features include: 600 denier polyester. Adjustable straps on each side of seat for perfect fit and easy carrying. Large zippered pocket for additional storage. Dimensions: 17"w x 15.5"d (seat)

 

ALL SALES FROM OUR ONLINE STORE BENEFIT CHS BOBCATS 

 


Job Openings

Are you looking for a job?

 

The Vail School District is looking for dynamic, energetic and positive staff members. Please click on the link below for the job descriptions, qualifications, salary guide, and the application process.

 

Click for job openings here   

 

Cienega High School
Yearbooks

It's that time of year again to pre-order your yearbook.  Go to www.jostensyearbooks.com

 

Would you like an extra 4 pages in your yearbook that you design?  This year, you can buy an extra 4 pages to be put in only your yearbook.  Go to yearbookyourself.com  

for more information.