Once again this year at Carlé High School, students received their academic schedules after easing into the new school year with a three-week thematic unit.

When progress reports or report cards come out each student is given their individual credit sheet, and has a one-on-one discussion with their advisor to determine what is needed to focus on.

This year Carlé has added a “test chat” to help students realize how few questions answered correctly

it takes to get better test scores.

“All the teachers at Carlé are working hard with each student in their advisory by reviewing and explaining all their data,” said Principal Ed Zander said. “By doing this we are empowering our students to take charge of their credit history and test scores. These chats are educating each student about meaningful data for their future.”

All the data is then put into the students' hands to define and take charge of their own graduation progress. Carlé feels that this helps instill self-motivation and dedication as well as adult behavior in our students.

“I think it's a very effective method of keeping students on track by giving them a visual of the closeness of graduation,” said student Stevie Cook.

New students who were welcomed with open arms to experience the “Carlé Way” are Vincent Adams, Troy Bailey, Josh Guerrero, Shawn Merrick, Stephanie Newman, and Erik “Salsa” Salsedo.

We hope they enjoy and take advantage of their time at Carlé.

Student government now steps forward, with each advisory choosing student reps including Jeremy Burton, Aaron Mearns, Tyler Lawson, Travis Yudnich, Erika Streckfuss, Bianca Frias, Rachelle Addington Brandon Haggard, Christine McQuown, Stephanie Trout and Nia Edmonds.

They join student government officers including President Stevie Cook, Vice President Karalena Cole, Secretaries Holly Brumbac and Leah Davidson, k, Sergeant of Arms Rachelle Addington, Treasurer Jorge Vieira and Activities Director Tyler Gillam.

Students of Carlé High School would like to give a special thanks to Lawrence Lauteborn from Mug Shots for capturing such timeless photos for the classic high school “picture day.”

We would also like to give a special thanks to Yuba College¹s Pamela Bordisso for giving a college-prep discussion to each of our career students concerning Yuba College. Her advice shows students that everything is possible and her words were indeed inspiring to many.

At Carlé High School we like to honor the students who show focus, drive and dedication.

The first Student of the Week of the new year who was proudly honored for his hard work was Joe Maninger. He has gone through an Apple Certification course, and is probably the best Mac-savvy person Carlé has ever had, according to teacher Alan Siegel.

The next student to be honored was David Echols for being “an awesome student who is always looking towards his future,” said Verna Rogers.

This week's student to receive the honor is Christine McQuown. “She has the incredible ability to analyze reason, and is a fair-minded natural born leader,” said Alan Siegel, who has recently returned from a trip to Sacramento on behalf of the yearly committee deciding the 2011 California State Teacher of the Year.

It will be exciting to see which phenomenal teacher will get this prestigious award.

The 2010 Lake County Teacher of the Year was Middletown¹s Jennifer Kelly who will be honored on Oct. 9, at the 2010 Lake County's Educator of the Year Dinner.

Carlé's heart and soul, District Employee Of The Year Barbara Dye, also will be honored that night. On the same day many Carlé High School students will be volunteering to help out with the annual Land Trust Dinner.

“They preserve habitat through Lake County,” said community service organizer Angie Siegel.

As you can see much is already happening at this three-time model school that just received a six-year Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation. This school does not sit on it laurels it strives to continually get better each and every year.

Karalena Cole is a student at Carlé Continuation High School in Lower Lake, Calif.