To My Rising 9th Graders,

Entering High School can be an overwhelming experience that brings a wide range of feelings to the majority of students. Nervousness, excitement, fear, curiosity and so many more emotions are common as you process for yourself how you may fit in as a successful learner and social component of this school. Being a graduate of CCHS as well as an educator here for over 23 years, I’d like to offer a few simple nuggets of wisdom:

• Sincere cordiality and kindness will take you far

• Adults in this building entered a profession because their desire in life is to help children, allow yourself to be helped

• Challenges are opportunities for greatness

• There is no substitute to an uncompromising work ethic

• Get to know your Grade Level Principal and Counselor; he or she might become your greatest resource

• Communication, collaboration and a level-head can solve any problem experienced in a high school and beyond

• Failure is not detrimental, it is the foundation of growth and typically a catalyst for success

• From my Father, “No one has ever learned anything by talking first, listen with the intent to truly hear and understand someone else.”

• Your judgment of others ends up defining your own character (see bullet #1)

• Opportunities are plentiful here, from college courses, to apprenticeships, to internships to a wide variety of extracurricular activities, get involved and stay involved

• Find 1 thing that is intimidating or uncomfortable and overcome that fear

I wish you all a wealth of positive experiences and I’m excited for you and our next 4 years together.

-Mr. Kachadurian