This year CMHS welcomes a new dean of students: Mr. Helmen. Prior to accepting the job, he was an assistant principal and special education coordinator at Lincoln County. After being in a meeting with  Principal McNeil and hearing CMHS had a position available, "I applied for it because I wanted to be part of something special," Helmen explained. He moved from Lincoln City to Clatskanie in July to prepare for his position. 
His main goal while he is here is to give a good education. He hopes to give as little referrals as possible and have a mutual understanding with the students. He wants to "have students understand that I do not do favorites." He has a daughter in 5th grade and a son in 8th grade and plans to stay until (and hopefully after) they graduate. 
Helmen has acquired a Bachelor's in Elementary Education, Master's in Curriculum and Instruction, Master's in Special Education, an Administer Certification, and is currently going for an EDS in Administration. As a hobby he enjoys playing golf and basketball, and of course spending time with his children. For those that were curious, he explained his heritage: he is part hispanic, african-american, and pacific islander. 

By Mariah Leatherman

Welcome back Tigers! After a much needed summer vacation, we return for our next year at CMHS. 

CMHS welcomes many staff members this year. Since Mr. Emminger's retirement, Butenscheon and Kay's leave, and Mr. Hazapis' switch to the elementary school, there were many areas to fill with new faces. Give a warm welcome to Tim and Jaime Erwin and Jim Helmen. 

This first week we have a strange bell schedule to guide students into the year. Wednesday and Thursday are career advisory schedules (no, not with early release) and Friday is the first PEP assembly (including career advisory). This means 40-45 minute classes each day. Not to worry - everything will be back to normal the following week.

Summer is a very free period of time to do what you wish, including late hours and mastering the art of procrastination. With school sweeping you off your feet, remember to not tire yourself early in these long nine months of education. Although it is said many times, a good night's sleep is vital to your mental and physical health. For some. mornings are rough and the extra hour or two of sleep can be a mood-changer.

Enjoy this year as much as possible - before you know it you'll be walking down to accept your diploma, then high school will be your past. Step outside your comfort zone and place yourself in new clubs that challenge you, or talk to individuals you have never talked to before. Your future is in your hands - only you can decide what to do with it.