By Lori BODNAR, intern

Crescenta Valley High School held back to school night (BTSN) on Thursday, Aug. 29. Thousands of parents and students came to the campus to hear from various teachers what was expected during the school year. To kick off the evening, Prom Plus held a fundraising barbecue offering meals of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, sausage or franks, along with chips and a drink. Prom Plus is in its 25th year and is an after-prom event for CVHS seniors and their guests, held at the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA. It is a safe, fun, alternative after-prom party.

At BTSN, the CVHS marching band and color guard performed as did the CVHS dance team. Junior ROTC posted the United States flag colors, followed by the CVHS Charismatics choir singing the national anthem. The ASB student president and the principal welcomed the large group before the bell rang and parents and students raced off to go to their classes.

Assistant principal Bill Gallimore said, “For nearly 60 years, Crescenta Valley High School has helped the community in many ways. I am proud to be a Falcon and CVHS is an amazing place.”

Students went to BTSN to learn about teacher expectations for the school year, and parents had the chance to meet their students’ teachers.

Samuel Yang is a a ninth grade student at CVHS.

“It is fun being a freshmen at CVHS but it can get overwhelming at times,” said Yang. “I am looking forward to making new memories with friends.” 

Julianna Cheney is a junior at CVHS.

“I’m looking forward to my sports this year,” Cheney said. “I’m taking AP psychology because I’ve always been interested in understanding how people think. I’m also taking AP language to improve my writing skills, and I am taking the ACT this year.”

Teachers were pleased with how many parents made BTSN a priority. Dr. David Platt is a physics teacher at Crescenta Valley High School.

“I am thrilled that my classroom was packed with parents,” said Platt. “The parents at CV are so supportive to the kids. I want my students to develop a love for physics but also to creatively find new ways of learning and studying. I want them to be brave and courageous to find methods of studying that work for them.” 

He also remarked that it is a testament to the hard-working students at CVHS that, though physics is an optional class, so many students requested physics that the school offers has eight physics periods this year. This is more than the four other high schools in GUSD combined!

Kristen Milano is an English teacher at CVHS.

“I’m so excited to begin my 20th year of teaching. My hope for the year is to teach my students to value the power of literature,” Milano said. “I hope they learn to think deeply about the world around us. I firmly believe the future of our world sits in my desks every day. I can’t wait to see what this year has in store.”

  Lori BODNAR