LOWER LAKE, Calif. – With the end of the school year approaching it may be a good idea to start thinking about looking into college.

Julie Colfax, a counselor for various schools in our district, is offering college counseling on Mondays. It is a great way to have an insight on the process to get into college, make a plan and, in addition, gain high school elective credits.

A seafood boil was hosted on Friday, Feb. 22, and Saturday, Feb. 23. This event was a great opportunity for students to gain community service hours, which are required for graduation.

Marco Perez, Hunter Kaher, Kelsielee Kaher and Jose Carrillo attended and helped volunteer at this event. Carlé’s secretary Angie Harris was one of the youth coordinators and helped bring this volunteer opportunity to our school.

Carlé was under review by Amy Blackstone and Carol Holtz, both part of the Western Association for Schools and Colleges, otherwise known as WASC, on Feb. 25 and 26. They observed all our classrooms, collected data and interviewed various stakeholders of our school.

Once this is done they submit their gathered information to the state, which will communicate with our principal and district on feedback and goals. This gives Carlé the accreditation required to make our diploma valid and be recognized as a fully qualified high school diploma and is up to par with California standards.

“Carlé is a really positive place. You can tell students feel safe and secure, and are provided with good education,” said Blackstone.

“The staff is passionate about their students and want to see them succeed. This school has some of the best behaved students I’ve seen,” Holtz said.

Thank you to both woman for such positive feedback! It means a lot to both students and staff of Carlé. Carlé had been awarded the highest accreditation possible a full six-year term.

To show our appreciation for the WASC visit, student Marisa Wynn made special mugs for Amy Blackstone and Carol Holtz. In other news, Sami Strowbridge made aprons for Chef Robert Cabreros and Chef Anne-Marie of Woodland college. A special shout out to Wynn, Strowbridge and the rest of the students in media class for helping us give back to our community.

We also want to thank students Maria Griffith and Emily Nichols for bringing penny wars to our school in order to fund money for the 2019 graduation class. Every cent counts!

Congratulations to Maya Dittemore and Jason Alexander-Fata for being awarded students of the week!

Teacher Alan Siegel nominated Dittemore. “Maya is a phenomenal person, she does work even when she doesn't need the credit, and cares about her community. She sets up the bulletin every morning, and is an admirable person overall.” he said.

Lexi Fredericks nominated Alexander-Fata. “Jason is always working hard despite any distractions. He is always polite and kind with his interactions,” she said.

Crystal Quezada is a student at Carlé Continuation High School.