Jan. 15, 2021

I am very proud of the fact that we have been able to keep the doors of the school open despite several challenges presented by the coronavirus and thanks in large part to the flexibility of our teachers and teacher aids. Additionally, we have not had a secondary contamination as a result of a possible exposure to an individual with a confirmed positive COVID-19 case. This is a direct result of the procedures we have put in place to minimize the spread and the willingness of everyone to follow them. A great thanks goes out to the true heroes behind the scene, our maintenance and custodial staff who work endlessly to maintain a clean and safe school building and our office staff who magically arrange to overcome our daily challenges. Keeping the school building open is a result of everyone doing their part- it truly is a team effort.

We have arrived at the midway point of this school year. The 2nd quarter and end to our first semester will be on Friday, Jan. 29. The new semester will begin on Monday, Feb. 1. Second quarter report cards should be available on School Tool by Thursday, Feb. 4. Our next Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25 from 5- 7 pm. Should parents have concerns about their child’s academic progress you do not have to wait for our scheduled conference day. You are welcome and encouraged to contact teachers and request a conference at any time.

We are currently working on plans for the second semester in relationship to responses of the recent parent educational planning survey, in which parents identified changes to the hybrid learning plan for their children. Our goal is to be able to notify parents of whether we were able to accommodate their requests by Monday, Jan. 25. Only parents who have requested a change will be notified, otherwise students will continue to follow their same learning plan as in the first semester.

We conducted a student survey recently to receive feedback on our hybrid-learning program. As a direct result of the survey, we will be changing our Wednesday schedule. Wednesday, Feb. 3 will be the first day with the new schedule. We will continue to rotate “C” and “F” days on Wednesdays. The new Wednesday schedule is below. Please note that the first period begins at 8 am. This new schedule avoids conflicts for our CTE students in the afternoon and allows students a shortened day to catch up on class assignments.

 Secondary Wednesday Schedule (Grades 7-12)

• Period 1
  8- 8:30 a.m.
• Period 2
  8:33 – 9:03 a.m.
• Period 3
  9:06 – 9:36 a.m.
• Period 4
  9 :39 – 10:09 a.m.
• Period 5
  10:12 – 10:42 a.m.
• Period 6
  10:45 – 11:15 a.m.
• Period 7
  11:18 – 11:48 a.m.
• Period 8
  11:51 a.m. – 12:21 p.m.
• Period 9
  12:24 – 12:54 p.m.

The PSAT for students in 10th and 11th grade will be given at school on Tuesday, Jan. 26 from 8 am – 12 pm. Students who are on remote learning will have to fi nd transportation to and from school on the day of testing. There is still time to register to take the test. Please contact our guidance department to sign-up. The National Merit scholarship program is based upon students taking the PSAT when they are in 11th grade. While many colleges are not requiring the SAT this year for admission selection, it is highly likely the SAT will be necessary for College admissions next school year. Current Juniors looking to enter college in the fall of 2022 are encouraged to plan and prepare to take the SAT in the spring. We are still planning to give the PSAT to all of our current 9th grade students this year- additional information will be forthcoming.

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) will be given on Tuesday, Feb. 9. While this test is required for students entering the Military upon graduation, all 11th and 12th grade students can take the ASVAB. The ASVAB in conjunction with the Career Exploration Program helps students to identify strengths, skills and interests, explore career interests and to develop their plan for when they graduate from school. Taking the ASVAB in no way commits a student to joining the military.

I am pleased that we are able to offer our students participation in a variety of virtual clubs and extra-curricular activities including student council, student government, FBLA, Art Club, Math Club, Jazz band and our school newspaper. With our Theatre Club beginning, we are hopeful to produce an “old time” radio show play this year. We recognize students’ school experiences are more than just academics. I encourage students to get involved in their school through participating in our clubs and extra-curricular programs. Low impact sports, indoor track and field (grades 7-12) and skiing (Varsity level), begin Monday, Jan. 19. Please contact Mr. Jason Closs for more information.

Sincerely,

David C. Pulley
Secondary Principal