Cadets perform 9-‐11 flag ceremony - Choctawhatchee High School

September, 2011 Back to School Issue
Cadets perform 9-­‐11 flag ceremony
ROTC cadets performed a flag ceremony on
Fri., Sept. 9 in recognition of the tenth
anniversary of the 9/11terrorist attacks. Chief
Washington and Major Sluschewski, ROTC
instructors, organized the event.
Students, teachers and staff members
attended the ceremony where a flag was
presented to Principal Cindy Gates.
The cadets also participated in a community
ceremony at Uptown Station held on 9/11.
Freshmen get head
start on high school
life at summer camp
100 members of the Class of 2015 attended
the camp taking elective courses and learning
of the opportunities they can take advantage
of here at Choctaw. The camp helps
incoming freshmen become acclimated to
the school before the first day.
Here are members of the Class of 2015 at “spirit day” of the Freshman Creative Camp.

Talk of the Tribe E-­‐Newsletter Page 2
School pictures Sept. 21
School photos will be
taken on Wednesday,
September 21. All
underclassmen will have
photos taken during
their social studies
course. Make-up
sessions for seniors who
missed the summer
appointments will also
take place at this time.
Senior may pay a $20
sitting fee for a full
photo session to include
up to three outfit
changes and location
photos after school. This
also allows seniors to
receive a proof book of
photos. The other option
for seniors is for "formal
shots only." There is no
sitting fee, but students
will only have one or
two photos taken in the
provided formal attire
for the yearbook senior
photo. Bill Miller does
not provide proofs if no
sitting fee has been paid.
Make checks payable
to Choctaw.
Yearbooks are
now on sale! $85
early price.
Students may
purchase in 2D07.
Senior ad packets have
been mailed home. If you
did not receive one, or have
further questions, please
contact Ms. Griggs at
griggsm@mail.okaloosa.k1
2.fl.us.

Talk of the Tribe E-­‐Newsletter Page 3
We need your help!
ADOPT A CLASSROOM!
We have experienced 5-­‐6 years in a tough economic
climate and this year looks to be the most challenging
to date. We are looking for ways to provide our
students and teachers with technology for the
classrooms. If you can and would like to help, please
consider donating from $10.00 to $25.00 to a
classroom of your choice. The teachers and students
would be grateful for your help. Please contact Cindy
Belcher at 833-­‐3614 ext. 629 and she will help you
process this donation.
I thank you not only on behalf of Choctawhatchee High
School, but also on behalf of all of our students.
Cindy Gates, Principal
Art student paints logo for Choctaw CHOICE IT Institute
Sophomore art student, Wesley Goodin, stands by the mural wall he painted this summer
highlighted the IT Institute logo. His art teacher is Ms. Sally Reagan.

Talk of the Tribe E-­‐Newsletter Page 4
Words from our principal. . .
Choctaw Parents and Alumni,
The halls of Choctaw are filled with the sounds of 1,740 Choctaw Indians full of energy and excitement.
As we begin the year with high expectations of another A+ school year and endless opportunities for our
students and teachers, we encourage your involvement in our school and with your students. As always
your support of our students and the achievement of their dreams is a partnership. Please contact any of
our administrators, teachers, or coaches to see how you can become active at Choctawhatchee High
School. We have 117 teachers and staff led by a Leadership Team of two Assistant Principals, one Dean and
one Director of Student Services.
For the first time in five years we are not seeing a decline in student enrollment. We have a strong
freshman class with 534 students, 430 sophomores, 422 juniors and 360 seniors in the Class of 2012. The
fall sports are in full swing and many students are already busy preparing for Homecoming 2011which will
be on October 7 th . You can view all schedules and activities at www.choctawindians.net.
Our mission at Choctaw is to provide rigorous and relevant curriculum for all students to be college and
career ready upon high school graduation. Our first progress report will be sent home on September 22 nd
and nine week exams will be held during the week of October 17 th . You may view your child’s progress at
anytime at http://www.okaloosaschools.com/scripts/piv.exe.
Communicating with students and parents with clear expectations and timely feedback is our goal. Please
contact the Guidance Department for a parent conference or if more information is needed. Attendance is
the key to your student’s success. Please know that we believe in all of our students and that failure is
never an option.
We look forward to working with both you and your student to ensure a successful year.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Cindy Gates, Principal

Talk of the Tribe E-­‐Newsletter Page 5
About Deliveries to Students
Outside Food/Other Deliveries – Our cafeteria offers a variety of entrees, salads and a sandwich bar.
Bringing outside food (other than sack lunches) is discouraged. Students will not be called out of class for
food, balloons, flowers or other similar deliveries. Please remember that classroom time is valuable and
will not be interrupted for these reasons. Lunches may be dropped off at the attendance office for
students to pick up between classes. Please do not bring drinks in fast food or other non-­‐sealable
containers, since they are not permitted in school and will not be given to students. Parents can now load
money into their student’s lunchroom account online. When using this feature, remember that it may take
up to 24 hours for the funds you enter to be available for use on the lunchroom computers.
Student Activity Cards on Sale
$50. Gets admission to all home athletic events except the game against Ft.
Walton Beach High and playoff games. Purchase in 2A10-Ms. Nowell.
CHOCTAWHATCHEE CLASS OF 2011 PROFILE
Class size: 345
48% of Choctawhatchee High School students were enrolled in at least one AP or
IB class.
In May 2011, 725 students were administered 1003 AP Exams.
Also in May 2011, 80 students were administered 284 IB Exams.
2011 SAT Scores 2011 ACT Scores
Mean SAT: 1557 Choctaw Mean ACT Score- 23.2
Mean Verbal: 524
Florida Mean ACT Score-19.6
Mean Math: 529
Mean Writing: 504

Talk of the Tribe E-­‐Newsletter Page 6
College Entrance Tests 2011-2012
CHOCTAWHATCHEE HIGH SCHOOL’S “CEEB Code” is 101605.
SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
SAT Test Dates
Test
Registration
Deadline
Late Registration
Deadline
(regular fee + late fee)
Test Locations,
Most Dates
Oct. 1, 2011 SAT & Subject Tests Sept. 9, 2011 Sept. 21, 2011
Nov. 5, 2011
SAT & Subject Tests
includes Language Tests
with Listening
Oct. 7, 2011
Oct. 21, 2011
Dec. 3, 2011 SAT & Subject Tests Nov. 8, 2011 Nov. 20, 2011
Jan. 28, 2012 SAT & Subject Tests Dec. 30, 2011 Jan. 13, 2012
Crestview High School
FWB High School
NWF State, Niceville
PJC
UWF
Mar. 10, 2012 SAT only Feb. 10, 2012 Feb. 24, 2012
May 5, 2012 SAT & Subject Tests Apr. 6, 2012 Apr. 20, 2012
Jun. 2, 2012 SAT & Subject Tests May 8, 2012 May 22, 2012
Registration: SAT $49.00; Subject Tests $22.00 Basic Fee + per subject fees; +Late Fees if applicable.
Additional fees for late registration and other services. Hardship fee waivers available in Guidance.
Register Online at www.collegeboard.com
Register early for best test location.
PSAT/NMSQT
(Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test & National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
For 9 th , 10 th and 11 th Graders
PSAT Test Registration Deadline Test Location
October 12, 2011 October 5, 2011 2:00 p.m. CHS during the school day
ALL interested students register in CHS Guidance Department between Sept. 26 & Oct. 5
Fee for all testers: $16.00

Talk of the Tribe E-­‐Newsletter Page 7
ACT (American College Testing) Test Dates
ACT
Registration
Deadline
Late Registration
Deadline
(regular fee + late fee)
Test Location
September 10, 2011 August 12, 2011 August 26, 2011 CHS, CVHS, FWBHS, NWFS, PSC, UWF
October 22, 2011 September 18, 2011 September 30, 2011 CVHS, FWBHS, NWFS, PSC, UWF
December 10, 2011 November 4, 2011 November 18, 2011 CVHS, FWBHS, NWFS, PSC
February 11, 2012 January 13, 2012 January 20, 2012 CHS, CVHS, FWBHS, PSC, NWFS
April14, 2012 March 9, 2012 March 23, 2012 CHS, CVHS, FWBHS, NWFS, PSC, UWF
June 8, 2012 May 4, 2012 May 18, 2012 CVHS, FWBHS, NWFS, PSC, UWF
Fee: ACT $34.00; ACT + Writing $49.50; Late Fee add $21.00 Additional fees for other services
Registration options: Register online at www.act.org
Register early for best test location.
07-­‐13-­‐2011
Take Note/Take Note/Take Note/Take Note/Take Note
IB Tutor Tuesdays & Thursdays has resumed!
Any student in need of tutoring should sign up in the IB Office, 2A01 prior to attending.
Tutoring will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Media Center.
Cafeteria News!
PLAN ®
All true sophomores will take the PLAN ® on date to be named later at no expense to the student.
The PLAN ® contains four curriculum-based assessments: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The
assessment is based on the major areas of high school and postsecondary instructional programs and
measures the skills and knowledge needed for college success. The PLAN ® also includes a career
exploration component that stimulates students' thinking about future plans and relates personal
characteristics to career options.
Recyclable trays will replace the serving trays currently in use. Students are asked to
place the trays in the proper bins each day.
Every Wednesday in September students are invited to eat a free breakfast in the
cafeteria.

Talk of the Tribe E-­‐Newsletter Page 8
Important Message from the School Nurse
Medication: All student medication, including over-the-counter drugs, must be administered
through the school nurse's clinic under the supervision of the school nurse and are to be brought to school
in the original container labeled with the student's name. NO medication can be accepted in a zip lock bag.
Parent/guardian must bring their child’s medication to the clinic. Students are NOT allowed to carry
medication on their person.
If at all possible, medication needs to be given prior to coming to school or after returning home from
school under parent supervision. The initial dose of medication must be given by the parent/guardian to
determine if the student will have an adverse reaction.
It is the parent's responsibility to assure that the medication brought to school is the correct dosage
prescribed and listed on the bottle. Please check the Expiration date.
Screenings:
Vision - vision screenings are provided for all students. This screening is performed by the school nurse or
other qualified person.
Hearing - hearing screenings are provided for all students. All hearing tests are performed by the school
nurse or other person trained in the use of a calibrated audiometer.
Contact the School Nurse if you would like your child’s vision or hearing tested.
Healthy Kids Learn Better
Many parents wonder when to keep children home or send them to school. The following information is
intended to help parents with this decision.
A child/youth should stay home if he/she:
• has had a fever of 100 degrees or more, and should remain at home for 24 hours after the
temperature returns to normal.
• has vomited or has had diarrhea, and should remain at home for 24 hours after it has stopped.

• has a persistent cough.
• has any rash.
• has open or draining skin sores.
• has inflamed or draining eyes or ears.
Medications and Health Care at School Q&A
1. Does the school provide medications?
No, the school does not provide medication. Medication must be brought to the school clinic by the
parent/guardian. An “Authorization to Administer” medication form must be completed.
2. May the parent/guardian bring and give medications to their child?
Yes, a parent/guardian may come to school and give their child medication. Appropriate visitor sign in
procedures should be followed.
3. Where can I find medication authorization forms?
Authorization forms are found in the front office and school clinic.
4. Why do medications have to be in the original container?
The original container provides information from the manufacturer about over-the-counter medications,
including the name of the medication, the proper dose, how the medication should be given, how often the
medication can be given, possible side effects, and when the medication is no longer effective (an
expiration date).
All of this information is necessary for the school nurse to administer medication in a safe manner.
5. What if my child’s medication or dosage changes?
Parents/guardians must inform the school nurse of any medication changes. New medication or different
doses will not be given unless the parent completes a new medication form. The information on the
prescription bottle label must match the new consent form.
6. Can my child take herbal medication at school?
No. Over-the-counter diet pills, vitamins, dietary supplements, including minerals or herbs will not be
given.
7. Can my child carry an asthma inhaler at school?
Yes, students may carry inhalers with a completed “Authorization for Student to Carry a Prescription
Inhaler” form signed by a parent/guardian and doctor.
8. Why is there a place for the health care provider to sign the authorization form for my child
to carry their inhaler at school?

The health care provider’s signature indicates that your child has been instructed on the proper use of their
inhaler and that your child is responsible for administering it to himself/herself without supervision. The
form can be faxed to the doctor and then faxed back to the school nurse.
9. If my child is sick, why can't I bring them medicine and send them back to class?
You can, unless your child has a fever, vomiting, two episodes of diarrhea, a rash that may be contagious,
or any other condition that the school nurse or administrator believe may be contagious or disruptive to
the class or teacher.
10. What happens to my child’s medication at the end of the school year?
All medications not picked-up by parents by the last day of school will be destroyed. Should you have
questions about medication at school, feel free to contact our school nurse.
Important Health Concern
If your child has any medical conditions such as Asthma, Allergies, Seizures or Diabetes, please notify the
school nurse.
Resources
If you do not have health insurance for your child and would like assistance, feel free to stop by the clinic.
The school nurse has information regarding Community Resources for Free medical care, immunizations
etc.
I am looking forward to meeting you and your child. My clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 6:45 a.m.
- 2:15 p.m. If you have any questions, please stop by the clinic or call me.
Lisa Dishman, School Nurse
833-3614 Ext. 642 833-3410 Fax

Parents – This is a public announcement listing teachers that are out of field for the current
semester
OOF Teacher Certification OOF Assignment & No. of classes OOF Reason
for Assignment
McDonald, Rebecca Fam Cons Sci Gifted Ext (2 students) Working toward Gifted Endorsement
Mayfield, Virginia English ESOL (3) OOF but Compliant
Nowell, Angela MG Math (5-9) Lib Arts Math (3) Master Schedule Strength
Chessher, Courtney Awaiting MG Math (5-9) Lib Arts Math (1) Master Schedule Strength
Klabuhn, Annette Eng, Reading Endorse ESOL (5) Passed Test, Awaiting Cert
O’Dell, Stephanie Guid/Eng ESOL (1)
Akos, Kaitlyn English ESOL (1) Compliant - Has Completed Requirements.