ROTC, Games, and CCTE Pathways for the Win at DePortola
- Dr. Renfree
- Sep 19
- 5 min read
Hello Rattler Nation-
This past weekend brought us several events CHHS Admin was present at that were amazing—first, the field hockey tournament, which is a long tradition here at CHHS. In addition, the same day was the ROTC Picnic, where I watched a talent show with all the schools competing against each other.
Games:
We watched so many games this week. Tennis, JV Football, Volleyball, and more.
Construction Progress:
We are starting to install our signage around campus, which will be an ongoing project, but it looks awe-inspiring, and the students are commenting.
Shanika Aranda's English Class holds Book Clubs and Socratic Conversations around them. Students who have been studying books around the topics being discussed in class work together in collaboration in those book clubs for critiques and Socratic conversations. Check it out!
Grades End September 19:
Commitments to you and your students:
There are many commitments we make to you as a Rattler Community. There are two I want to make sure you remember:
1. You are entitled to your child's up-to-date grades. Please hold our staff accountable by reaching out to the teacher and asking why they may not have been updated. If the issue continues, please email the teacher and copy the proper Associate Principal.
Mr. Willis: World Language, Math, Science
Mr. Liew: English, History, VAPA, PE
2. You are entitled to a response via email or phone within 48 hours. We are usually faster than that, but again, we need to be held accountable to respond to our community. Vacations/breaks/weekend, this rule does not apply, as I, as a leader, strive for my staff to have a proper work-life balance and ensure they are committed to their own families as well as yours.
Pathway to the Future: Canyon Hills High Inspires at DePortola
Thursday, September 18, 2025, the Canyon Hills High School team had the joy of stepping onto the DePortola Middle School campus to host an unforgettable Pathway Exposure Fair. The event was all about giving 8th graders a sneak peek into the diverse programs that will be waiting for them as future Rattlers.
And what a day it was! The Media Center buzzed with energy as middle schoolers explored, created, and connected, all guided by CHHS students who were excited to share their own pathway journeys.
Hands-On Learning in Action
The fair wasn’t about sitting and listening; it was about doing. Students rotated through fast-paced, 15–20 minute sessions packed with activities:
Engineering — building bridges and testing design ideas.
Biomedical Science — exploring health sciences through real-world lab activities.
Green Construction — learning about sustainable building and tool safety.
Graphic Design — creating digital projects and seeing real student portfolios.
Multimedia Production — trying their hand at video, audio, and storytelling.
Technical Theatre — stepping behind the scenes of stagecraft and live performance.
ASB / Leadership — hearing how student leaders use communication and organization to make change happen.
Each stop was led by Canyon Hills students who know the pathways best. The 8th graders weren’t just hearing about high school; they were living a preview of it.
Students Leading Students
Perhaps the most potent part of the day was the peer-to-peer connection. Middle schoolers could ask questions directly to high schoolers who have been in their shoes, and who could talk honestly about challenges, rewards, and the fun of being part of a pathway.
Our CHHS students shone as bright as the sun. They answered questions with confidence, guided activities with patience, and showed exactly what it means to be a Rattler.
Building Excitement for the Future
This event wasn’t just about exploring programs; it was about building excitement for the future. By the end of the day, DePortola students left with new ideas, new goals, and plenty of inspiration for the journey ahead.
We couldn’t be prouder of the way our students represented Canyon Hills. Their leadership, passion, and pride in their pathways make it clear that the future is bright, not just for them, but for the next generation of Rattlers ready to join us.
Looking Ahead
Events like this are about more than information. They’re about connection, curiosity, and opportunity. They help students start dreaming big and imagining themselves in programs that could shape their careers and passions for years to come.
We can’t wait to welcome DePortola’s 8th graders to Canyon Hills soon. Their pathway to the future starts here, and we’re ready to walk it with them.
Congratulations to CCTE Engineering:
CCTE Engineering at CHHS applied for a grant for two new machines for our lab and won them! The value was over 500k. Here is a picture of them being delivered. Our kids are going to love it.
RATTLER GEAR: 20% OFF: We're frequently asked about CHHS GEAR and where to purchase it. Here is one way: Please check this out before it closes in two weeks! We rotate items, so if you like something you see, buy it now!
Saturday School is BACK: If you have absences, you need to attend these Saturday Schools.
HOW IT WORKS: There is a link with a date (see below). The link opens on WEDNESDAY before Saturday. It begins on that day because we need to staff it appropriately. Years ago, we opened it on Mondays, and a large number of students signed up, but they wouldn't show. Then the staff showed up, and we had to send them home.
If you do not maintain proper attendance, you will start losing privileges if your attendance is not recorded correctly and cleared. Sign up below and see the following dates, and mark your calendar.
Calendar: Please note that Athletics has its own website, and information can be found in the section below.
Monday | Nothing |
Tuesday | Nothing |
Wednesday | Nothing |
Thursday | Nothing |
Friday | Nothing |
Counseling:
Please enjoy the first edition of the CHHS COUNSELOR CONNECTION
The CHHS Counselor Connection is your one-stop newsletter for important updates, deadlines, and opportunities at CHHS. Each issue includes:
Key dates (progress reports, field trips, workshops, etc.)
Grade-level announcements (college visits, presentations, resources)
Counseling and wellness updates to help you succeed
Stay in the loop and review it regularly so you don’t miss important events, deadlines, or opportunities that can impact your school year!
Athletic: ALL ATHLETIC INFORMATION- chrattlers.com
Athletics is a very complex program. It's like running a separate school altogether. While I can highlight a few things here, you must check that website daily and contact the proper coaches. This blog highlights sporting events with pictures and celebrations, but doesn't get into the operations of athletics. CHHS has one of the most extensive programs in the county and state.
The AW Weekly: This lets you know about all the home games happening around campus, so your students can get involved, whether cheering on their friends or participating directly. Your family can also come out and support you.
We can't wait to see you!
Dr. Erica Renfree
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