By Mary O’KEEFE

Crescenta Valley High School has a new outlet for students to share information. The Box has been established at the school as a confidential resource for students to share their concerns on a variety of topics from drugs and bullying to teachers and safety.

“It is based on the Rosemont [concept],” said CVHS Principal Michele Doll who was a principal previously at Rosemont Middle School.

Rosemont Middle School had placed The Box in the hallway just in front of the office several years ago as a way students could anonymously share their concerns about their school. It has been used successfully since its creation.

“What I want is for kids to be my gate keepers,” Doll said. “If they are concerned about a friend or another student or teacher, they could [place a note] in The Box.”

The idea is to give students an ownership in their school. No one knows their campus like those students that attend the school. Often they are worried about sharing what they know for a variety of reasons, including a negative reaction from other students, teachers that they may want to criticize, or the student does not want to appear to have turned on another student.

Doll said that whatever is put in The Box will be held confidential. Students do not have to identify themselves and if they do their names will be held in confidence. The notes obtained will be handled by the official that is most directly involved with the issue. Both Doll and Associate Principal Mike Bertram will review the information from The Box.

The campus has been busy this week with 10th graders taking the California High School Exit Exam. Students are required to pass the CAHSEE before they receive their high school diploma. There is a math and English section; students must pass both. If they do not pass one or both sections, they will continue to take the exam until they are successful. The high school offers courses designed to help those students who are struggling to pass the CASHEE.

CVHS students and staff are getting ready for the school’s open house on March 29. Those who have students at the school or are heading to high school are invited to see what the school has to offer. There will be a VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts) assembly and an art show in the 4000 building.

Visitors are invited to bring questions and their appetites. Prom Plus will be holding their traditional open house barbecue from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Prom Plus is an organization that will be celebrating its 20th year in 2013. The non-profit offers an after prom party for CVHS seniors and their guests in partnership with the Crescenta Cañada Y after prom from midnight to 5:30 a.m. The funds from the barbecue will go toward supporting the $25,000 needed to support the event.

  Mary Okeefe