Back to School Letter from Ms. Torok
Posted on 08/29/2022
Dear Students, Parents & Guardians,
On behalf of all the staff here at Rondout Valley High School, I want to welcome everyone to the 2022-2023 school year. We are excited to partner with you as we welcome our students back to school on September 7, 2022, and look forward to getting to know you, watching you learn and grow. We are committed to helping every student feel welcomed, connected, and part of our RVHS community. We strive each day to provide our students the opportunities and support they need to be successful, and that no child is overlooked. It is imperative that all our graduates are prepared for the demands of postsecondary education, meaningful careers, and effective citizenship. To accomplish this, each student needs to attend school regularly. We miss your child when they are not in school, and we value their contributions to our learning community.
We want students to not only challenge themselves academically, but we encourage all our students to find their passion and spend time in after school activities that bring joy and a sense of purpose. This includes staying with a teacher, joining a club, playing a sport, or cheering your peers on at athletic events, just to name a few. Remember, whether you are new to RVHS or returning, it is a great idea to get involved! There is no better way to make friends, no better way to enjoy the school year, and no better way to connect more deeply with your school.
I am honored to serve as the principal of RVHS. It is truly a privilege to be part of a community where families, teachers, and students care for each other and strive to build positive relationships that support academic and social growth. My door is always open and feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns, or ideas. Remember, we “R” better together! See you all on the first day of school, September 7th.
First Day of School
The school year begins on Wednesday, September 7. Students should follow their class schedule beginning at 7:46 AM. Attendance will be taken in each class throughout the day. Our daily schedule is listed below.
BOCES Career & Technical Programs
Students enrolled in Ulster BOCES Career and Technical courses will begin their classes on September 7. Additional information about BOCES is listed below.
Arrival & Parent Drop Off
The school day begins at 7:46 AM and we dismiss at 2:22 PM. Parental drop off will begin at 7:30 AM at the Welcome Center. Students are not to be dropped off or drive on campus until 7:30 AM. Please note that period 1 begins at 7:46 AM. All students being dropped off or driving to school are encouraged to arrive by 7:40 AM to ensure they arrive to their first class on time. Breakfast will be served daily in the cafeteria from 7:30–7:42 AM.
One of our goals at RVHS is to ensure that each student attends school every day. We do realize that sometimes absences cannot be avoided due to health issues or other circumstances. Please let us know how we can best support you and your child so that they can show up for school on time every day, because every day counts!
Bussing & Transportation
Please check the district website at www.rondout.k12.ny.us for transportation routes and information. If you have any questions regarding transportation, please contact our Transportation department at 687-2400 ext. 4815 or First Student at (845) 626-7143.
Bell Schedule
Period 1 7:46–8:30
Period 2 8:34–9:14
Period 3 9:18–9:58
Period 4 10:02–10:42
Period 5 10:46–11:26
Period 6 11:30–12:10
Period 7 12:14–12:54
Period 8 12:58–1:38
Period 9 1:42–2:22
Student Handbook
All high school students will receive a handbook on the first day of school. It will also be posted to our website. Teachers and administrators will take time to go over the handbook to ensure all students understand our expectations and our core values. Parents, please take time to review the handbook with your child to help us create a safe, fun, and a student-centered learning environment. There are several pages in the book that require parent/guardian signatures.
Counseling Office
We wanted to let you know about some exciting changes that are planned for the ‘22-’23 school year in regard to the school counseling team roles and responsibilities. The changes will be as follows: Ms. Miller will be the counselor for all 9th grade students. Ms. Klein and Mr. Hoffman will split students in grades 10–12 (Ms. Klein A–K, and Mr. Hoffman L–Z). Our new counselor, Ms. Guerrieri, who will be taking Ms. Marquis’ position for the next two years, will be focused on college and career readiness for all students. These changes are being made to increase supports in two identified areas: 1) college and career exploration and planning and 2) early interventions and supports for 9th grade students. We are also excited to announce that our Social Worker, Ms. Ciccone will be full-time at the HS. The previous supports that Ms. Marquis provided will be met by the entire team.
Again, counselor assignments and available student support services are as follows:
• Ms. Miller – Grade 9, ext. 4212
• Ms. Klein – Grades 10–12 (A–K), ext. 4256
• Mr. Hoffman – Grades 10–12 (L–Z), ext. 4209
• Ms. Guerrieri – College & Career Counselor, ext. 4257
• Ms. Ciccone – Social Worker, ext. 4269
• Dr. Stellavato – School Psychologist, ext. 4118
• Ms. Tosi – School Psychologist, ext. 4164
Student Schedules
All student schedules are being mailed home this week. Please use the QR code below for any schedule change requests and your counselor will get back to you as soon as possible. The deadline to drop a course is October 7, 2022.
5-Week Marking Period Ends:
October 7, 2022
December 16, 2022
March 3, 2023
May 19, 2023
10-Week Marking Period Ends:
November 10, 2022
January 27, 2023
April 14, 2023
June 22, 2023
Student & Parent Portal
Information regarding the student and parent portal was released from the District a few days ago. If at any time you have a question about your child’s grades or assignments, please contact your child’s teacher or counselor.
Chromebooks (Grades 10–12 ONLY)
All students in Grades 10–12 will continue to use their school-issued device from last year. If your child needs a charger or their device isn’t working properly, please email our IT specialist, Vlad Havrada directly at [email protected]
Chromebooks (Grade 9 ONLY)
All students in Grade 9 received a Chromebook at orientation last week, August 25th. If you were unable to attend orientation, students may pick up their device on September 7th during periods 5 & 7 outside the cafeteria.
Technology Support
Our technology department is available to assist students with their Chromebook. Vlad Havrada, our school’s technical service specialist, is available to assist students with their Chromebook. Please email him directly at [email protected]
Hallway Lockers
All high school students may sign-out a hallway locker. Please stop by the AP office during your lunch or study hall to receive your locker combination. Lockers can be issued at any time throughout the school year. Students are encouraged especially during the winter months if they need a place to store their coats.
Lunch
Lunch will be served in the cafeteria; however, we are happy to announce our Gander Garden, which is our outdoor dining area will be available when weather permits. Student who wish to enjoy a quiet space during their lunch can go to our library; however, no food is permitted in the library.
Free and Reduced Lunch Application
The United States Department of Agriculture program that provided free school meals to all students during the COVID-19 pandemic ended on June 30, 2022. This means that unless qualifying families turn in a free/reduced price application, they will need to pay full price for meals when school starts in September.
Please keep in mind that it is very important for families to fill out this form since doing so provides additional benefits for students and families, and helps our District receive funding. The additional benefits include, but are not limited to, discounts on things like SAT, ACT, and AP fees, home internet costs, college applications, and student programs and services, please fill out the free and reduced application. Applications can be submitted at any time throughout the school year but a student will be charged full price until their application is processed. For more information, please contact Amy Finkbeiner by emailing [email protected]
Open House
This year we will have Open House on September 29 at 6:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you there and hope you join us for a time to get to know your child’s teacher and learn about our school.
Smoking/Vaping
Vaping is dangerous, illegal for minors, and a violation of school and district policy. While it is always our preference to keep students in school, our student handbook strictly prohibits the use or possession of drugs and/or drug paraphernalia on school grounds and during school events. The Rondout Valley administration will continue to take steps to educate our students and families on the dangers of vaping. Working together, we remain vigilant on our commitment to protecting our students from this dangerous trend.
Student Driving
Students, if you have not returned your 2022-2023 driving application form you may do so at the Assistant Principals’ Office. All vehicles must be registered for safety purposes. Please remember that driving and parking on campus is a privilege that is earned and may be lost. Please be sure to read the updated guidelines which are available in the Assistant Principals’ Office and posted on our school website.
BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE)Students
All BOCES CTE students will begin attending the Career and Technical Center on September 7. Students will be transported daily to their BOCES program. Students will not be permitted to drive themselves to BOCES. PM BOCES will be released from their 4th period class at approximately 10:30 AM for lunch prior to boarding the bus. AM BOCES students who do not have a lunch scheduled may get lunch in the cafeteria when they return from BOCES, then go directly to their 6th period class.
Extracurricular Clubs & Athletics
We want students to not only challenge themselves academically, but we encourage all students to find their passion and spend time in after school activities that bring joy and a sense of purpose. This includes staying with a teacher, joining a club, playing a sport, or cheering your peers on at athletic events, just to name a few. Remember, whether you are new to RVHS or returning, it is a great idea to get involved in activities at RVHS. There is no better way to make friends, no better way to enjoy the school year, and no better way to connect more deeply with your school.
Extracurricular Activities
• Art Club
• Diversity Club
• Drama Club
• FFA Club (Future Farmers of America)
• Environmental Club
• Human Rights Club
• Math Team
• Mock Trial
• Musical
• National Honor Society
• Newcomers Uplifted
• School Newspaper
• Science Olympiad
• Stage Crew
• Student Congress
• Tech Club
• Theatre in the Arts Club
• Ultimate Frisbee Club
• World Language Club
• Yoga Club
• Youth in Action/Key Club
There are many clubs and organizations at RVHS. We urge you to check into the ones that interest you and find out more about them. Listen for announcements at the beginning of the year and we encourage you to GET INVOLVED!
Stay Connected!
We have several opportunities for students and families to be engaged and informed.
School Website: Visit our school website at https://rondoutvhs.sharpschool.com/ throughout the school year to stay informed of school events.
Newsletters: Our newsletters are emailed to families and students and posted on our school website.
SchoolMessenger: This callout service provides timely communication to parents and staff members about district emergencies, weather-related closings and delays, and reminders about school activities and important dates.
Parent Portal: Information about accessing the portal will be released by the District in the upcoming days.
We look forward to an extremely successful 2022-2023 school year! Rondout Valley High School is a great place to be. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions or concerns. Enjoy the last few days of August and we will see you on Wednesday, September 7th!
With Gander Pride,
Jessica Torok
Principal, Rondout Valley High School Principal