Senator Square: Comprehensive Life Skills students make fundraising candles

Everyone has a disability of some kind, but most learn how to cope with or overcome it; however, not everyone with a disability is aware enough to recognize whether or not they even have a physical challenge. These individuals have a severe and profound physical and neurological disability, cannot care for themselves, need fulltime assistance and are some of the kindest human beings in the world, many of whom are students in the Carson City School District and at CHS. Each year, students in the CHS Comprehensive Life Skills program make crafts to sell at the annual CHS Craft Fair and give as gifts. All proceeds go to help the CLS program pay for things like sensory items and special field trips for students with severe and profound disabilities. This year, along with bracelets and ornaments, CLS students made scented candles, all of which encompass an array of designs, everything from favorite NFL teams to holiday art to seasonal designs and colors. According to CHS CLS teacher Lance Hendee, “Students had a blast; plus, it was good for their occupational therapy sessions.” Hendee also said, “Occupational therapy can be different depending on the student; some do everyday chores such as laundry or washing dishes, some cook and others do simple things like zipping up zippers and buttoning buttons on their shirts.” CCSD has myriads of skilled personnel to help these kids gain lifelong lessons, as well as opportunities for these kids to enjoy their education and learn jobs to help them acquire employment in the future. CHS even has a Snack Shack that employs these kids who make coffee, deliver snacks to teachers and enjoy responsibility. According to Mother Teresa, “It’s not about how much you do, but how much love you put into what you do that counts.” Interested in purchasing a candle or craft in support of the CHS CLS program? E-mail Lance Hendee at lhendee@carson.k12.nv.us.

SPEECH AND DEBATE EXCELS AT MCQUEEN HIGH SCHOOL

CHS Speech and Debate is wrapping up a busy November. The team competed at McQueen High School with several members advancing to final round. Mary Milburn placed ninth in senior Lincoln Douglas with Ryan Soulier taking fifth in novice. Kieran Dazzo placed sixth in senior Public Forum speaking points. In Senior Program Oral Interpretation, Mary Milburn and Kieran Dazzo placed fourth and third. Teammates Abby Cook and Abby Marschner-Schuhmacher finished in second and first place in novice Program Oral Interpretation, and both Lady Senators have now moved up to senior level speech competition. First-time competitor Jeff Carrick took first place in novice Humorous Interpretation of “The Stinky Cheese Man,” taking first place in every round. Carson debate also participated in the Poetry Out Loud Competition. Mary Milburn placed first and will move on to state. The annual American Legion Speaking Competition was also held this month at WNC, and Walker Krupicz placed fourth, Dylan Hickman placed third, and Ran Soulier took first place, moving on to the next level of competition. CHS hosts the next league tournament Dec. 6 and 7.

CHS HAS A NEW BASKETBALL COACH

Patrick Smith, who grew up in Carson City, graduating from CHS in 2010, is the new girls’ junior varsity basketball coach. After graduating from CHS, Smith went on to play basketball at Lassen College. Deciding to return to Nevada, he began working at Carson Middle School as a custodian and moved up to lead custodian at Fritsch Elementary School. As a coach, Smith moved up the ranks in Carson basketball, going from freshman boys to junior varsity girls. He promised his freshman boys he would not cut his hair until they graduated and he is holding to it. Smith loves working with the kids at Fritsch and especially likes the hugs. He believes he is the real Batman and is trying to prove that to the kids. He has two children of his own, Madison, 8, and Dominic, 4. — Contributed by Empire Elementary Principal Susan Squires.

TEACHER TURKEY SHOOT WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Thanks to everyone who participated in the CHS Annual Turkey Shoot; it was a great day of air pellet gun target shooting for the CHS Senator family. The 2019 winners: Turkey Top Male is Mark Lobsinger with 48 points, Turkey Top Female is Jessica Calderon with 47 points, the Ham Winner Closest to the X is Ty McMillen, and Mr. Lobsinger gets the Turkey Trophy to display all year in his classroom. As always, NJROTC is thankful to be part of the Senator family. NJROTC teacher Dan Meyer said, “We wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving break with family and friends; be safe and courteous.” Meyer went on to say, “This year’s competition had higher attendance than in past years, and I was impressed with the scores this year, too; if you look at the results, it was extremely close.”

CROSS-COUNTRY SEASON COMES TO AN END

A message from a mother: Tonight was the perfect conclusion to our son’s final CHS cross-country season. The runners were honored not only for their accomplishments on the trail, but for their leadership skills, strong academic achievements and exemplary character. They are truly an outstanding bunch of young people. Zach Sever was honored as the top runner for the boys. Thankfulness goes out to Coach Peter Sinnott for inspiring our kids to do what they could not envision for themselves and for giving them the tools to make it happen. You are the best. For Zach, it is on to the Nike Nationals in Arizona. Go Zach. — Contributed by Petra Sever.

STUDENTS WRITE THANKSGIVING NOTES OF THANKFULNESS

Maker Monday at the CHSenators Library is an opportunity for students to ease their brains back into school after a weekend of sleeping in. Students and staff are invited to come to the library during lunch on Mondays to get creative and practice self-care. This week, students dropped by to fill out strands of cloth for Thanksgiving in order to make notes about people and things in which they are thankful. Students have also requested beatboxing and building birdhouses, so CHS Librarian Ananda Campbell is seeking local volunteers to lead lunchtime workshops in the future. The CHSenators Library is a great place to learn, to make and to just be. Please call Campbell at 775-283-1641 or email her at chsenatorslibrary.weebly.com for more information.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO CHS TEACHERS

The Carson City Schools Foundation gave away four $200 scholarships to CHS teachers. Former CCSD Principal Casey Gilles delivered the checks to Ceramics teacher Alisa Kuniya, who received two of the $200 scholarships for two of her students, CHS senior Kinsley Daggett, pictured with Alisa and Casey Gilles, and Selena Hernandez, not pictured, who are completing their Senior Projects using ceramics. Special Education teacher Rochelle Kennedy received a scholarship to purchase calculators for students in her math classes. NJROTC Instructor Dan Ingram received a scholarship for his cadets in Naval Science II and III to purchase a kit to assemble an underwater remote-operated vehicle in order to better understand the effects of pressure, buoyancy, thrust, pitch, roll, and yaw on ship and submarine construction. — Contributed by CHS Principal Gavin Ward.

ANNUAL PTA REFLECTIONS CONTEST HAPPENING NOW

Students at CHS who enjoy dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, visual arts and even the special arts for students with disabilities are being asked to participate in unleashing their inner artist in this year’s PTA Reflections contest with $500 available in prize money. This year’s theme “Look Within” calls for unique artistic interpretations. Students can enter in the appropriate division for their grade. Students can pick up submission guidelines and an entry form in the CHS Library. Submissions must be entered at the CHS Library by Dec. 4. Visit the Reflections virtual art gallery to learn more about prizes and scholarships at PTA.org/Reflections. For questions, see CHS teacher Wendy Tims in room 233, e-mail her at wtims@carson.k12.nv.us or call her at 775-283-1759.

UNR NEVADA BOUND STUDENTS TO VISIT CAMPUS

The CHS Guidance Department will be taking eligible students, those who meet University of Nevada, Reno freshman admission requirements, on a visit to the UNR campus Dec. 4. in order to directly introduce them to both university life and the opportunities available in terms of majors, minors and career opportunities. For information about these field trips, please contact CHS counselor Nicki Hendee at nhendee@carson.k12.nv.us.

IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 19TH AMENDMENT

Nevada Women’s Suffrage Celebration Committee is excited to announce the “How Did Women’s Suffrage Change American Society” essay and art contest. Application and guidelines are found at nv19thamendmentcentennial.com. The NWSCC Art Contest is open to Nevada students grades K-12, and the NWSCC Essay Contest is open to Nevada students grades 6-12. The deadline is Dec. 9. First place winners at each grade level will receive $100 and second place winners $50. For questions, contact Molly Walt at 775-684-0296 or email m.walt@admin.nv.gov.

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

The CHS Student of the Week is Hailey Jeffries, a sophomore. According to nominating CHS art teacher Mike Malley, “Hailey is always working beyond normal hours in spite of peer pressure to coast.” Malley also said, “She exhibits a great deal of pride and dignity for a job well done, and she is filled with kindness and tolerance of others.” Congratulations to Hailey Jeffries for demonstrating the behavior all administrators, teachers and parents desire to see.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

The Senior Spotlight this week is Gary Cortes Solis. Gary is an outstanding senior at CHS, maintaining excellent grades during his freshman, sophomore, junior and the first semester of his senior year. He has taken Honors and Advanced Placement classes while maintaining a 4.5 weighted GPA. Gary has also received the Academic Award for two years in a row. Gary is the vice president of Health Occupational and Science Association, a member of the Blue Crew and National Honor Society. He also volunteers at St. Theresa of Avila as a teen leader. Gary plans on attending UNR, majoring in public health or microbiology and immunology and then continuing on to medical school. With all of Gary’s determination and achievements, there is no doubt that he will succeed in achieving his future goals.

Phil Brady is an English teacher at CHS.