Dear PVHS Families,
We had some exciting happenings at the high school today. This morning we had a brief lock-in due to a small black bear on the softball field. No students were allowed outside the building for approximately 20-30 minutes until Deputy Meury cleared the area and the bear went on his way to Lakeland High School.
At noon, approximately eighty of our students participated in a national walk out in support of students at Uvalde, Texas. Students were extremely polite, well-mannered and respectful during the entire hour that they were outside. Many students spoke on topics of kindness, love, positivity, anti bullying, social media dangers as well as mental health issues. The statements were profound and gave us all hope for a better future with these young people in charge. I am very proud of how these students conducted themselves and I look forward to their ideas on how we can support them in their work towards a better world. Deputy Meury as well as other officers from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and the New York State Troopers were on hand throughout the parking lot to secure the area. As always, we appreciate their dedication and service to keep our schools and our children safe.
Last night, Mr. Odell led the Concert Band, Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble in an energetic concert where we celebrated all of our musicians and soon to be graduates in the band. There was a great turnout and spirit in the audience. Next week will be our PVHS Chorus Concert on Thursday, June 2nd. We hope to see you there!
Tonight we have a special evening with our annual Science Research Symposium led by Mr. Zupan. The night begins with a potluck dinner and a presentation of student work in the library. Science Research is a rigorous program and we are proud of the many students who challenge themselves in this area. Some students have already published their research!
IB/AP testing is finished and we are very proud that almost 400 students sat for an IB or AP exam. This is quite an accomplishment for our small school and for our students who took exams. All student scores will be sent from the IB Organization or the College Board at the beginning of July.
There are only a few short weeks until local and final exams. The last day of school will be Monday, June 13th for 9th, 10th and 11th graders. The Regents and Final Exams schedule will be posted next week on the Website as well as sent home. But routes will run at the normal times in the morning and afternoon with an addition of a 11:30 bus run after the Regents exams are over.
If students have both a morning and afternoon exam, they may not leave the building. They will be required to stay in the Cafeteria until testing time. If students are not taking the midday bus home, they are required to bring a note to Mrs. Yvonne Mazza, the Attendance Officer. If students plan on leaving after their exam they must bring a note from a parent or guardian by 8 am. Notes received at the last minute or permission via the phone will not be taken.
Due to COVID issues, the Regents score in students’ Final Averages will be reduced to 12% of the students’ final average with each quarter counting 22%. We have also adopted a “No Harm Policy” which states that if a child has passed a course the entire year, a failing Regents score will not prevent the student from passing the course for the year.
Please remind your children of the following: No cell phones or smartwatches are allowed into the testing room. The only beverage allowed to be consumed during testing is water. All students who are testing on a particular day are required to be located outside of the gym by 7:45 am for morning exams and 11:45 for afternoon exams.
Beginning on Monday, June 6th, we will run a traditional 1-9 period schedule to ensure that all students see every one of their teachers/classes in preparation for exams.
Seniors last day of traditional classes will be Friday, June 3rd. June 6th-June 13th is Senior Week with many important activities to celebrate the culmination of high school as well as provide preparation for life ahead, Graduation will be held Friday, June 17th at 7pm on the Turf Field. 12th grade parents should have received graduation information as well as Senior Week information at the beginning of the month. If you have any questions on graduation please contact the Class of 2022 Advisors, Mrs. Lewis or Ms. Wilson,
If you are concerned about how your child is performing in a class please contact your child’s guidance counselor or teachers for academic support for your child. We are here to help!
I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend with your families. We are grateful to all those who have sacrificed for our freedoms.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sandra Sepe