Welcome to Freshmen Orientation 2011-2012

1. Welcome to Freshmen Orientation 2011-2012 “Building for a Better Tomorrow” http://www.vcsd.k12.ny.us/valleycentralsd/site/default.asp

2. Mrs. Jayme Ginda-Baxter: PrincipalContact me at: 457.2400 x17511

3. School Administrators • Mrs. Jayme Ginda-Baxter: Principal • Mr. Thomas Balducci: Assistant Principal • Mr. Joseph DiMaio: Assistant Principal • Mr. Jedd Beukelman: Assistant Principal

4. Link Crew is….. • A freshman transition program that lasts all year. • A leadership training program. • A school community building program.

5. Link Crew Objectives • Empowers juniors and seniors as role models for freshmen. • To increase academic success through support of peers. • To develop leadership skills in students on our campus.

6. Link Crew Objectives (con’t) • To allow successful older students to pass on positive traditions to younger students. • To teach students that by working together they can be successful and enjoy one another. • To help create a supportive and positive atmosphere.

7. NWEA Assessments • District will begin to pilot assessment program • Assess student basic skills in Math & ELA • Given 3 times a year to monitor improvement & inform teaching • For more info go to www.nwea.org (search Parent Tool Kit)

8. TIMES OF CHANGE Federal Impact: Race to the Top (RTTT) State Impact: Common Core Curriculum New Teacher Evaluations

9. VCHS PTSA Executive Board

10. VCHS PTSA • The PTSA is an organization where students, school staff, parents and community members work together to make the High School experience all it can be. • Have questions, suggestions or concerns, then utilize the support of the PTSA. • Want to stay involved in your child’s schooling at a time when they start to become more independent? Then join the PTSA!

11. Fall/Spring Student Achievement Nights Arts in Education “Reflection Program” Volunteer Appreciation Night VCPTA Council Scholarship Battle of the Bands Founders Night Mini-Grants Commencement Day Filming Revelations All-Night Grad Events and Contributions

12. Basketball concession stands Homecoming tickets Mid-term munchies baskets Junior Prom tickets Commencement Videos Senior Ball tickets Yearbooks H.S. seniors who are PTSA members are given special consideration for VC PTA and PTO Council scholarship awards Staff, parents & community members are eligible to win gift certificates to local restaurants Student Member Opportunities

13. Please join the PTSA! We will all work together for our students!

14. The Guidance Department

15. Jedd Beukelman- APContact me at: 457.2400 x17522Email: jbeukelman@vcsd.ouboces.org • First full Year at VCHS • Office located in main office • Responsible for: Parent Portal, Attendance, EHS, AIS, Discipline, 504s • Students: Pap - Z

16. Student Services

17. Attendance and Lates Attendance: • If absent call VCHS at x 17507 • Always bring in a note the following day signed by parent or legal guardian Lates: • If late bring in note • After every 10 illegal tardies = AD

18. Attendance Matters! Did you know that: • students are expected to be in attendance at least 90% of the school year? • at least 90% attendance = missing 4.5 days/quarter over the school year? • studies show that children who are frequently absent from school often score lower on state exams?

19. Attendance Matters! Did you know that: • 90% of youth in detention centers for delinquent acts were truant (unexcused absences) from school? • truancy has been clearly identified as one of the early warning signs of students headed for potential delinquent behavior, social isolation, and/or educational failure?

20. Parental Portal • Online, web-based tool designed to enhance communication & parental involvement • 24/7 access to student’s records; completely secure • Only requires a single login account for access to information for all children in the family. • Including schedules, progress reports and report cards; may include individual classroom assignments and corresponding grades

21. Parent Portal Hints • When signing up, parents need to input their name and their email address as it appears in our computer system • Only Parents may sign up and then device to give their child(ren) access • Will only permit a parent/guardian to view own child(ren)’s records once registered • You can apply for a Parent Portal account online by visiting https://esd- parentportal.mhric.orgOR visit our school website http://www.vcsd.k12.ny.us and click on the eSD Parent Portal link

22. Rachel’s Challenge • Rachel Scott first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. • Her acts of kindness and compassion is the foundation of one of the most life-changing school programs in America. • Want to inspire, equip and empower every person to create a permanent positive culture change in their school by starting a chain reaction of kindness and compassion.

23. Rachel’s Challenge at VCHS • Student Assemblies: October 18th • Parent Assembly: October 19th in Middle School Cafeteria • For more information visit the school website http://www.vcsd.k12.ny.us/valleycentralhs/site/default.asp or call Mr. Beukelman @ 457.2400 x17522

24. Joseph DiMaio- APContact me at: 457.2400 x17524Email: jdimaio@vcsd.ouboces.org • 4th Year at VCHS • Office located in main office • Responsible for Master Schedule, AI, Parking, Discipline, 504s • Students A – Garc

25. VCHS Spirit Week:September 12th – 17th • Tuesday, September 13th 1. Powder Puff Football 2. Pep Rally 3. Bon Fire • Friday, September 16th 1. Valley Central Homecoming Events 5:00PM 2. VC Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions 6:30PM 3. Homecoming Football Game 7:30PM • Saturday, September 17th 1. Homecoming Dance

26. Alpha Pi Comp & Tech Club For the Animals French Honor Society Link Crew Literary Magazine Math Team Mock Trial Multi-Cultural Club Music Production National Art Honor Soc. National Honor Society Extra-Curricular Activities

27. Peer Leaders Photography Club Student Government Science Club Science Honor Soc. Science Olympiad Spanish Honor Soc. Tri-M Music Hon Soc. VASA Viking Voice Volunteer Club of VC Yearbook Youth in Government Extra-Curricular Activities (con’t)

28. Boys: Baseball Basketball Cross-Country Football Golf Lacrosse Soccer Swimming Tennis Track Wrestling Girls: Basketball Cheerleading Cross-County Golf Lacrosse Soccer Softball Swimming Tennis Track Volleyball Athletic Teams: Athletic Director, Michael BellarosaContact at 457.2400 x 17886

29. The Freshmen Class Class of 2015 Class Advisors: Mr. Forman & Mrs. Korpics Clubs & Activities: Extreme Frisbee, Coffee Houses, Battle of the Bands, Poetry Slam Trips: 15th Annual Overnight Freshman Trip. June 2012 to Boston and Six Flags New England. Dates to be announced Events: Homecoming, Freshman Idol, Guitar Hero Contests, Ice Skating Trips, Dances, Class Officer Elections. Updates: Information on upcoming events will be made during Freshman Assembly on the VCHS Website under Activities – Freshman Class, P.A. Announcements and VCTV.

30. Thomas Balducci- APContact me at: 457.2400 x17520Email: tbalducci@vcsd.ouboces.org • 5th Year as an Assistant Principal • Office located next to the nurse’s office • Responsible for Link Crew, State Testing, Tutoring Program, Discipline, 504s • Students Gard - Pan.

31. Lockers • School approved lock: purchased from the Middle School or High School store/ main office for $6 at cost • Advise not to fake lock • Gym lock can be bought outside of school • Notices placed on lockers that do not have a school approved lock stating that they must be removed within 24 hours • ICE Administration can open locker with key • Locker number located on top of schedule

32. Emergency Forms • Given opening day during HR • Complete and submit to main office or nurses’ office • Updated cell numbers, addresses, etc. • Especially important for district wide emergency notifications

33. Identification Cards • Must have at all times • Will use it for Automated Lunch System • Receive them on first day during HR • If not sign the Missing Id sheet • Needed to utilize library and school events • If lost during school year, see Mrs. Cassisi; cost is $5

34. Planners • Given to each student on 1st day in HR • Read, review rules and procedures • Each student will be asked to sign it • If lost, planner cost $5 • Hallway passport (hall passes) located in the back; if need more main office has copies

35. Electronic Devices • Powered off from 7:25-1:52 • If student violated procedure, s/he will be directed to surrender it; consequences will follow • No warnings; parent pick-up required; for repeat offenders MAY hold for up to 30 days • Rule applies for hats and other inappropriate accessories • For a complete version, read the planner or visit school website

36. Imagine, within the next five years, your child will…. • Graduate high school • Select a college/career/military that will affect them for years to come – if not for ever. • Develop new friendships that may last a lifetime • even if you resent it • Start dating • even if you resent it • Drive a car • even if you are fearful of it • Be exposed to alcohol and drugs • even if you are overprotective and are perfect role models • Decide whether to use alcohol and drugs • even if your family values/practices oppose it and you are perfect role models • Make decisions about their sexual activity • even if you have those uncomfortable conversations with them

37. Q & A Session