Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we approach the midpoint of the school year, we have several important updates regarding the end of the semester, upcoming state testing, and adjustments to our morning drop-off procedures.
End of Semester 1
The second quarter and first semester officially conclude on Friday, January 30th.
This is an ideal time to log into the parent portal, PowerSchool, to review your child’s academic progress and attendance record. We also encourage you to review their second-semester schedule with them to ensure a smooth transition into February. 2nd Semester courses begin on February 2nd.
Regents Testing Information: Tuesday, Jan. 20th
On Tuesday, January 20th, we will be administering state exams. There will be NO classes at PVHS that day. Only students taking Regents exams and those going to BOCES need to come to school. Please note the following:
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NYS ELA Regents: Administered to all juniors and any students who need to retake the exam. AM exam beginning at 8:00.
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Living Environment Regents: Administered to students previously identified for a retake. PM exam beginning at 11:30.
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BOCES: Sessions will run as normally scheduled for students not involved in testing.
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Transportation: We will run our normal bus schedule, as well as special midday bus runs. Please check the red banner at the top of our school website, PVHS Website, for specific midday timing.
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Students may not leave the testing room before 10:00 am for morning exams and 2:00 pm for afternoon exams.
Morning & Afternoon Traffic Procedures
With the Middle School and High School sharing a start time this year, congestion on Peekskill Hollow Road has increased. Our goal is to protect every minute of instructional time, as classes begin promptly at 7:50 AM.
Following a productive meeting with our Tigers Streak student leadership group, we are implementing the following to expedite the process:
Morning Drop-Off:
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The Middle Lane is for Staff/Seniors only: This is not a drop-off lane. Using it for drop-offs prevents staff and students from parking and getting to class on time.
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Pull Forward: Please pull as far forward as possible in the designated drop-off lane before letting your child out.
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Earlier Departure: Leaving your home just 5–10 minutes earlier can significantly help spread out the peak congestion seen between 7:35 and 7:45 AM.
Afternoon Pick-Up:
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Park in a Space: If you are picking up a student, please park in any available spot.
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No “Hovering”: Please do not idle in the driving lanes. This blocks our seniors from exiting the lot before the buses depart.
New Lateness Policy
We believe that “one minute late is too late,” and we thank you for supporting our efforts to get students into their seats before the bell rings.
While our recent use of after-school detentions has dramatically reduced lateness, our student leaders pointed out some inequities in the current system. In response to their advocacy, we are shifting to a “Three-Strikes” Policy starting Wednesday, January 21st:
New Policy: Students will be allowed two “grace” instances of morning lateness. A student will receive an after-school detention only upon their third late arrival.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our school running safely and efficiently.
Best regards,
Mr. Matt Mello
Principal
Putnam Valley High School