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NVD Back to School Newsletter
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Personalized, Prepared, Confident
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| Back to School Important Information Friday, September 2nd "A" Day 7:30 a.m. School Opens 7:40 a.m. Students report to Administrative Homerooms August 10, 2016 Dear Parents and/or Guardians, I hope that you and your family are having an enjoyable summer. It is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you back and look forward to a spectacular year together at Northern Valley Demarest. In my role as principal, I strive to honor our many traditions that have made NVD a nationally recognized school of excellence. Additionally, I set high expectations to meet the demands of our constantly changing environment and promote professional growth. Our school culture has thrived for 61 years on a spirit of collaboration among teachers, staff, students, parents, and administrators. In addition to providing a safe environment, we want to encourage students to seek answers to questions, challenge assumptions and develop a strong sense of self-worth. We expect individual excellence, aesthetic appreciation and moral integrity both from our students and ourselves. We believe in preparing students to be successful in a competitive global economy. To this end, we are proud of the work we have done in the areas of curriculum, instruction and assessments. This upcoming year, we will be working towards strengthening our 1:1 teaching and learning program, assessment literacy, student leadership programs, and Senior Options program. We will also be working to enhance our program of studies by our continued development of our career pathways. Please see the New for 2016-2017 Section for more details about these exciting initiatives. Furthermore, we value direct communication with parents and students to maximize efficiency, transparency and opportunities. The first day of school will be Friday, September 2 and will begin with an administrative homeroom at 7:40 a.m. where students will receive their schedules and other important information. In this newsletter, you will find valuable information pertaining to the modified bell schedule for 9/2, 1:1 information, security procedures, HIB policy, Communications, Lifetime Skills, Emergency Information, Academic Integrity, Athletics/Co-Curricular, Scoliosis Testing, Student Safety and Wellness Day, Point of Sale Cafeteria Information, Student Dress Guidelines, Release of Information, among other forms linked to this newsletter. Many of these documents were included in your InfoSnap re-registration that was sent to you in July. If you have not completed your InfoSnap re-registration, please do so as soon as possible as students cannot receive their laptops until this is received. If you have any questions, please contact the appropriate guidance counselor or assistant principal. On behalf of the faculty, staff and administration, I look forward to working with you to maximize your child's safety and academic opportunities, and to inspire your child to explore his or her passion. In advance, I thank you for your support of our programs, policies, goals and beliefs. Sincerely, James M. Santana Principal |
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NVD important Parent information
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NV Coalition
Providing students with a SAFE HOMES program to prevent substance abuse
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Music Parents Association
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Homework Free Time Frames
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New for the 2016-2017 School Year
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1. Student Leadership and Peer Mentor Training
Northern Valley Regional High Schools is proud to announce two powerful leadership training programs to assist in the development of student leaders. Beginning this fall, high school peer mentors will participate in the
Student Leadership Academy (SLA)
and Team Captains/Club Leaders will engage in
Lead with PRIDE (PRIDE)
. There will be initial training that will take place during the first week of school with follow up training throughout the year. All Peer Mentors are required to participate. Team Captains and Club Leaders will be selected by their coaches and advisors.
2. Advance Placement Program
In addition to the AP classes added last year, we have added AP Computer Science Principles, AP Economics, and AP Environmental Science for the 2016-2017 school year. We continue to make adjustments to the AP program to increase opportunities and choices for students and families while strengthening our program. Consistent with the changes during the 15-16 school year, the AP exam is optional for the 11 open enrollment courses: Art History, Computer Science A, English Language and Composition, European History, Studio Art (Drawing, 2-D Design, 3-D Design), Statistics, US Government and Politics, World History, Environmental Science, Economics, Computer Science Principles. Every student taking at least one AP course must sit for a minimum of one exam, even if this is an open-enrollment course. All AP students will take a summative assessment as part of the final course grade to provide data and meaningful feedback in order to evaluate the program.
3. Senior Options and Career Pathways
We will continue to strengthen our Senior Options program and our Career Pathways Initiative. We believe that students should have opportunities to explore possible career interests prior to graduating high school to enhance their college and career readiness. To this end, the NV administrative team with the input from student, parents, teacher, counselors, and the NJDOE have developed comprehensive Career Pathways and Senior Options Programs.
4. Handbook
New for the 2016-2017 school year, the NVD Student Handbook will be distributed electronically prior to the start of the school year.
5. Facility Upgrades
Thanks to the support of our Board of Education and community, work continues on the items included in the recent referendum. We anticipate being able to access the new STEM and Forensics rooms at the beginning of the school year. Our track and tennis courts are also scheduled to be completed on or about September 1. The upgrades to our auditorium, security cameras, and HVAC will be ongoing during the 16-17 school year.
6. Junior and Senior Privileges
During the 15-16 school year, the NVRHS administration worked closely with our Student Assistance Coordinator, Superintendent, and BOE Policy committee to design a program in which students can earn back their privileges lost for certain attendance and disciplinary infractions. These new guidelines will be in the new student handbook and in BOE policy 5131.6.
7. Senior Parking
Due to an increase in staffing and programs, students will no longer be permitted to park in the front of the building. Beginning in the 16-17 school year, students are only permitted to park in the student lot which is located to the north of the administration building.
8. New Rotating Block Schedule
As communicated during the 15-16 school year, NVRHS has made some modifications to the bell schedule at both high schools. This modification will provide more opportunities for students throughout their four years. The biggest change is the times some science classes will meet. Please make sure your son or daughter becomes familiar with this new bell schedule prior to the start of school. Students will have an opportunity to see their schedules and ask questions should they have them during homeroom on 9/2. Please see the attached sample student schedule to help clarify.
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We encourage all of our families to carefully consider the Bring Your Own MacBook option. The process is designed to be non-intrusive and convenient and also allows for students to use one machine full time, even during the summer months when the school will not provide a computer for home use. If your child wishes to use and enroll their own MacBook, please indicate so in your InfoSnap re-registration.
10th, 11th and 12th grade only:
If your child participated in our school-issued laptop program last school year and would like to continue in 2016-17, we require the technology insurance fee payment for each student no later than Monday, August 15 as previously communicated in the July InfoSnap re-registration request. Payment of the fee on time is the only way to ensure that your child will receive the same exact laptop they used last school year, or else they will receive used or older model inventory.
Please pay the "One to One Device" annual insurance fee no later than Monday, August 15, 2016
.
The student and family will not be required to attend an orientation if you previously attended one together. Payment information will be updated in the PowerSchool "One to One Technology" screen prior to pickup dates for 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. If the fee is paid by Monday, August 15, the student may pick up his or her laptop on the appropriate date and time in the school auditorium.
NVD:
12th Grade - Thursday, August 25 - 1:00-4:00 p.m.
11th Grade - Monday, August 29 - 1:00-4:00 p.m.
10th Grade - Tuesday, August 30 - 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Last Chance Pickup for Returning 10th, 11th and 12th Graders - Wednesday, August 31 - 1:00-4:00 p.m.
9th Grade and Transfer Students:
Mandatory 9th Grade Laptop Orientation and Distribution:
NVD - Tuesday, August 30, 7:00-9:00 p.m
Last Chance - Thursday September 1, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
2. S.A.F.E. Homes (Support Alcohol Free Environment)
This is a program to raise awareness about underage drinking and illegal drug use in the community. S.A.F.E. Homes families sign a pledge committing their homes to be alcohol and illegal drug use free to minors. The NV Coalition is offering parents the opportunity to participate in the S.A.F.E. Homes Program. Details will be emailed to all parents in the fall and/or are available on the school district web site at
www.nvcoalition.org
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3. Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights
We will continue to be diligent in enforcing the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, which addresses harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) of school-aged children, which went into effect on September 1, 2011. The bill requires schools to: implement policies addressing HIB, train all school employees, educate students, establish stringent investigating and reporting procedures and establish a school safety team to evaluate school safety and climate in the building. Information about this law can be found at
http://dmhs.nvnet.org/
Parents and students were asked to acknowledge that you have reviewed
the
NVRHS guidelines
during the
re-registration
process.
4. Safety and Security
In accordance with 18A:41-1, NVD will conduct monthly security drills such as lockdowns, evacuations and fire drills. Upgrades have been made to our day-to-day security as well. We will continue to use a buzzer system on our main entrance door. Seniors who have met the criteria for off campus privileges will be able to access the main entrance with their ID cards; however, they will still be required to swipe in and out of the building at the security desk. Parents will be required to use the buzzer system between 7:55am - 6:30pm. Parents and other visitors will also be required to register with our Lobbyguard system using their driver's license when they visit the school. To help facilitate these procedures, we ask parents to visit NVD only for official business. NVD does not permit student lunch drop-off. Another security upgrade includes additional interior security cameras. We will continue to use special officers from the Demarest Police Department to provide additional security.
5. Communication
As most parents are aware, we often communicate with you using our Constant Contact and Honeywell notification systems. This allows us to disseminate information to a large amount of people at one time. Our goal is to send as much information as we can via email and only use the phone system when necessary. Parents should log onto the Honeywell system to enter valid email addresses.
This will be the email address we use for both systems. Additionally, to help process classroom concerns in a timely and efficient manner, families are encouraged to follow the administrative 'Chain of Command.' Our goal is to resolve misunderstandings and to problem solve conflicts as close to the source as possible. Please see the student handbook for more detail.
Please take some time to again review the attached Honor Code with your child that was included in our InfoSnap re-registration.
7. Social and Emotional Lifetime Skills
We are extremely proud of our Character Education initiative that focuses on four primary tenets: Respect, Integrity, Responsibility, and Citizenship. With these principles guiding us, we strive to teach our students life skills such as resiliency, building positive relationships, making good choices and communication in order to better deal with life's challenges.
Other programs will include:
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Veterans and Memorial Day observances
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NJDOE Week of Respect and Violence Awareness Week in October
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Senior Options projects and internships by students
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Assemblies/Parent Programs
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Pre-Prom presentations regarding substance awareness
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DUI Simulation
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Programs offered in conjunction with the NV Coalition to support Substance Abuse Awareness
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Suicide Prevention
8. Emergency Authorization/Information
Included in your InfoSnap re-registration was our annual emergency authorization/information.
It is imperative that this information is completed. In the event of a crisis response situation, it is critical that that we know individuals to whom students may be released and vital health information.
9. Athletic/Co-Curricular Activities
There is a $50 annual fee for students who participate in athletic or co-curricular activities
. Payment is due before the student(s) participate in athletic or co-curricular activities. Online payments can be made through your InfoSnap registration.
Please make special note of our student expectations of participants in all extra/co-curricular activities. Click here to view the form.
10. Scoliosis Testing
Current 9th and 11th grade students will be examined on Friday, September 9th. If you do not wish to have your child examined, please complete the form available here and on the
www.nvnet.org
website and return to Ms. Mogelesky, School Nurse. Also scheduled on September 9th will be ID pictures, bus safety, and class meetings.
11. Student Dress Guidelines
Northern Valley believes the manner of dress should reflect the context of the educational environment and that students should dress with that in mind. The purpose of guidelines is to enhance the health and safety of students and to avoid distractions or disruptions to the educational process. Parents are encouraged to observe their children's appearance before they leave for school. Please refer to the student handbook which your child will be able to access for a more detailed explanation or contact an administrator if you have questions about what is appropriate.
12. POS - Point of Sale
Pomptonian Food Service, the cafeteria concession, offers a computerized Point of Sale system (POS) in our cafeteria. Parents or students are offered the convenience of putting cash or checks into a debit account to be used for the purchase of lunch items. If you would like to have your child use POS, please have your child bring to the cafeteria cash or a check payable to Northern Valley Regional High School Cafeteria Account with your child's student ID number on the memo line of the check. Questions may be referred to Pomptonian Food Service Office at Demarest, 201-768-3200 x 13220.
13. Additional Forms and Information:
14. Assessment
The guidelines for posting grades and providing feedback to students can be found in this
link. During the 2016-2017 school year, we will continue to strengthen assessment literacy of teachers, staff, students, parents, and community. Additionally, similar to the Social Studies Department in 15-16, we have decided to pilot replacing mid-term and final exams with more frequent, smaller, common unit assessments with the Science Department. These smaller unit assessments will align with our newly developed units of study.
During the course of the year, we will assess the impact of this pilot in the following areas:
- Grading
- Placement in future classes
- Stress on teachers and students
- Instructional time
- Assessments
- Unit Plans
As we saw last year with the pilot in Social Studies, this expansion will have an immediate, positive impact on instructional time across the district because it will allow us to add two days of instruction and shorten the testing black-out period prior to mid-terms and finals.
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August 10
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Fall sports begin
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August 15
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All other fall sports begin
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August 22-26
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Band Camp (All Marching Band)
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August 25
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12th grade laptop pick up 1-4 pm
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August 29
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11th grade laptop pick up 1-4 pm
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August 30
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9th grade orientation and laptop pick up 7-9 pm
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August 30
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10th grade laptop pick up 1-4 pm
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August 31
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Upperclassman last chance laptop pick up 1-4 pm
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August 31
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Freshman/Transfer Orientation 12:45-2:30pm approx.
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September 1
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Freshman last chance laptop pick up 7-9 pm @ NVD
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September 1
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Student Leadership Training 12:00 pm - 2:45 pm
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September 1
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Fall Sports Athletes Assembly 2:45 pm
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September 2
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First Day of School 7:30 am
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September 7
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Freshman and New Parents Orientation 7:00 p.m.
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September 8
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Senior Parent Night 7 pm
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September 8
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Pep Rally
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September 9
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Student Safety and Wellness Day P.M.
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September 10
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ACT Testing at NVD 7:30 a.m.
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September 21
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Back to School Night - 6:30 p.m.
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October 1
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SAT testing 7:30 a.m.
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October 3-4
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Rosh Hashanah (No School)
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October 6
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PLC - Delayed opening for students 9:30 a.m.
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October 6
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Peer Mentor Follow Up Training 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
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October 11
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Student Leadership Follow up Training 1:45 p.m - 3:15 p.m.
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October 12
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Yom Kippur (No School)
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October 13
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NVD 8th Grade Parent Orientation Meeting 6:30 p.m.
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October 14
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NVD 8th grade Student visit
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October 15
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PSAT Testing
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October 20
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College Night at Pascack Valley - 7:00 p.m.
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October 26
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Junior Parent Autumn College Primer 7 pm
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October 27
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NJDOE School Violence Awareness/Respect Week Student Assembly
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| Wednesday 9/2 Bell Schedule |
Friday, September 2, 2016
(Day A) Bell Schedule will be modified as follows
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| Students arrive 7:30 a.m. |
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| Homeroom |
7:40 - 7:48 |
8 minutes |
| Period 1A |
7:52 - 8:47 |
55 minutes |
| Period 2A |
8:51 - 9:46 |
55 minutes |
| Period 3A |
9:50 - 10:45 |
55 minutes |
| Lunch |
10:50 - 11:39 |
AM Science Lab = 10:45-11:14 (29 min)
PM Science Lab = 11:14 -11:43 (29 min) |
| Period 5A |
11:43 - 12:38 |
55 minutes |
| Period 6A |
12:42 - 1:37 |
55 minutes |
| Period 7A |
1:41 - 2:36 |
55 minutes |
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Welcome to new to Demarest staff
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| Math |
Rebecca Wegner |
| Related Arts |
Carol Brooks, Janine Nehila |
| Science |
Danielle Baydar, Nicholas Murphy |
| World Language |
Cathay Coleman, Diana Colondres, William Gibney |
| Special Education |
Adina Eaton, Jessica Schoales, Denise Morrissey |
| Nurse |
Kathleen DePlautt |
| Office Professionals |
Gayla Brewer, Soci Kayserian |
| Tech Services |
Eric Daley |
| Custodial |
Patrick Elliott |
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Stay Connected
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