Principal's Message
Dear CVHS Families,Welcome to the 2011-12 school year. I am excited about starting my second year as Principal of Castro Valley High School.
Each year brings the promise of fulfilling our individual and collective potential and the opportunity to make our school even better.
The staff and I welcomed our new 9th graders in August, during Get Connected and Link Crew. Link Crew is an orientation for
9th graders led by 11th and 12th grade mentors, followed by a series of joint activities throughout the year. Last Friday Link Crew leaders
and 9th graders gathered together and enjoyed lunchtime games and “re-linked” with their group.
Another way we support the transition of 9th graders is to provide parents with the opportunity to learn more about the school and
to hear a guest speaker address the dynamics of life with teenagers during the Freshman Parent Night which will be held on
November 3, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. in the Center for the Arts. We hope you will join us.
On the other end of the spectrum, seniors and their families are beginning the challenge and opportunity of considering life after
high school. The college admissions cycle is underway and seniors can get lots of support from counselors and our college and
career technician, Ms. Melanie Small. The Career Center offers many features including college representative visits, career counseling
and information, support with college searches and applications, and financial aid. We hold Senior Parent Night, a College and Career Faire,
and Financial Aid Night to help seniors and their families with these important decisions.
Parents and students can access the Aeries Parent/Student Portal to keep up to date with student progress. For parents that used
the system last year, you can use the same login and password. If you are new to the system, begin by going to the CVHS website,
parent tab and click Aeries Parent Portal. Follow the prompts to set up your account. You will need a verification code to complete
the process. To get your verification code, please contact your House Office.
Please read the message regarding our Food Services Program in this newsletter. We have received far fewer Free/Reduced
Lunch Applications this year. Families must apply for the program annually and applications are submitted online. For parents/guardians
who do not have access to the internet at home, you are welcome to use our school facilities. Please report to the Main Office
between 8:30 and 3:30 p.m. to use a school computer to sign up for the program.
I look forward to sharing the year ahead with you.
Best Regards,
Mary Ann Valles