Welcome to Freshmen Orientation “Building for a Better Tomorrow”

Mission Statement of VCSD To develop responsible and productive members of society by providing a quality comprehensive educational program in a safe and innovative environment, where students are motivated to think critically, communicate effectively and achieve excellence in active partnership with the community and a knowledgeable and dedicated staff.

Mrs. Jayme Ginda-Baxter: Principal Contact me at: x17510

School Administrators Mrs. Jayme Ginda-Baxter: Principal Mr. Thomas Balducci: Assistant Principal Mr. Joseph DiMaio: Assistant Principal Mrs. Millicent Lee: Assistant Principal

VCHS PTSA Executive Board NamePosition Mary McCabePresident Karen McDermottCo-President Jen BrachTreasurer Shawn RoebuckRecording Secretary Catherine O’ConnorCorresponding Secretary Jan BrachStudent Vice-President Michael PetrilliStudent Council Delegate Daniel ValastroStud. Council Del. Alt.

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!

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

Student Member Opportunities 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

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

Millicent Lee- AP Contact me at: x rd Year at VCHS Office located in main office Responsible for: Master Schedule, EHS, AIS, Discipline, 504s Students: Osb - Z

The Guidance Department Student’s Last NameCounselor Name & ext. A – ChapinJoseph DeBold x Char - DeLaGlenn Taylor x Delb - HasMelynda Kane x Hay - MafEileen Purcell x Mag - PerpColleen Gluszak x17614 Perr – SpeaPamela Dixon x Spec - ZCynthia LaRuffa x 17615

Student Services NameJobExtension Nancy BrotherNurse, RNx Jill CucuzzaNurse, RNx Lynn CaroliNurse, RNx Jim HessionSACx Frank JordanPsychologistx Christine MelloPsychologistx Kenneth ByrnesSRO x 17530

Thomas Balducci- AP Contact me at: x th Year as an Assistant Principal Office located next to the nurse’s office Responsible for Link Crew, State Testing, Tutoring Program, Discipline, 504s Students Geo - Ortiz.

VCHS Spirit Week – September 27th – October 2nd Tuesday, September 28th 1. Powder Puff Football 2. Pep Rally 3. Bon Fire Friday, October 1st 1. Valley Central Homecoming Events 5:00PM 2. VC Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions 6:30PM 3. Homecoming Football Game 7:30PM Saturday, October 2nd 1. Homecoming Dance

Extra-Curricular Activities Alpha Pi Beta Tau Comp & Tech Club Dance Club Environmental Club For the Animals French Honor Society Link Crew Literary Magazine Marching Band Math Team Mock Trial Multi-Cultural Club Music Production National Art Honor Soc. National Honor Society Odyssey of the Mind OC Academic League

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

Athletic Teams: Athletic Director, Michael Bellarosa Contact at x 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

The Freshmen Class Class of 2014 Class Advisors: Mr. Forman & Mrs. Korpics Clubs & Activities: Extreme Frisbee, Coffee Houses, Battle of the Bands, Poetry Slam Trips: 14 th Annual Freshmen Trip Events: Homecoming, Freshman Idol, Guitar Hero Contests, Ice Skating Trips, Dances, Class Officer Elections

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

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.

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.

Joseph DiMaio- AP Contact me at: x rd Year at VCHS Office located in main office Responsible for AI, Parking, Attendance, All Night Graduation, Discipline, 504s Students A – Gen

Lockers Buy lock($5) at the school store prior to 1 st period, during lunch or post-session Advise not to fake lock, especially in gym May use own lock temporarily until purchase school lock Locker number located on top of schedule Middle School locks acceptable

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

Identification Cards Must have at all timesMust have at all times Receive them on first day during HRReceive them on first day during HR If not sign the Missing Id sheetIf not sign the Missing Id sheet Needed to utilize library and school eventsNeeded to utilize library and school events If lost during school year, see Mrs. Cassisi; cost is $5If lost during school year, see Mrs. Cassisi; cost is $5

Planners Will be given to each student on the first day during 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

Attendance and Lates Attendance: If absent call VCHS at x Always bring in a note the following day signed by parent or legal guardian Lates: If late bring in note After every 5 illegal tardies = AD

Electronic Devices Powered off from 7:25-1:52 & in PS class If student violated procedure, s/he will be directed to surrender it; consequences will follow We have the right to return it at end of day, hold it until parent picks it up and for repeat offenders 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

Mrs. Jayme Ginda Baxter: Principal Contact me at: x17511

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

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Parent Partnership Main Goal: Assure children are prepared for post high school life Research indicates that parent involvement increases achievement It’s all about building a stronger, unified educational community

What is Parent Involvement? 1.Becoming an advocate 2.Attending school functions 3.Volunteering school activities 4.Responding to school obligations

Parent Involvement (con’t) 5.Providing encouragement at home 6.Modeling appropriate behavior, work ethic 7.Building a working rapport with staff, guidance, administrators 8.Monitoring your child’s work, progress, attitude, and extracurricular activities

Vince Lombardi “The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.”

IN CLOSING ….. PLEASE help your student(s) meet responsibilities and obligations. PLEASE call with any questions or concerns. THANK YOU FOR COMING!!!