Dear Parents and Students,
We are ready to begin the 2010/11 school year and like you, have to acknowledge that summer is coming to an end rather quickly. The high school has been a busy place with summer school, summer camps and all of the work to get the building ready for opening day. Our official first day is Tuesday September 7th but we do have an orientation for 9th graders and new students scheduled for Thursday September 2nd from 9:00 to 11:30am.
This is the second year we have offered this orientation on a Superintendent’s Day. Parents and students begin their day in the auditorium with general introductions and a mini lesson on how to read and follow the schedule which is slightly different from the one used by the middle school. Next, students are given individual schedules and asked to follow a condensed “A” day schedule while parents stay in the auditorium and have additional time with counselors and support staff. Students have the opportunity to meet teachers, check locker combinations and most efficient travel routes throughout the building before being joined by the other 1,000 students on the first day of school. Feedback from last year’s group was very positive as this day seemed to ease the transition.
Tuesday, September 7th is the first day of school. Upon entering the building, all students need to check postings in the cafeteria or main halls. Homerooms are listed by grade in alphabetical order. Students then report to this extended homeroom when the bell rings. There are only two times we have homeroom at Ballston Spa High School, the first day of school and the first day of 2nd semester. This time is used to review basic procedures, schedules and take care of “housekeeping items.”
September 7th follows an “A”day schedule and time in each class is reduced to accommodate the extended homeroom. Wednesday September 8th is then a “B” day with students reporting directly to room/subject listed on their schedule for first block. As confusing as it sounds, students quickly learn to follow their schedules.
The first few days of school are stressful for everyone involved but it is amazing how quickly everyone settles into a routine. By the second week of school it is as though we had never left. We also have a “Meet the Teacher Night” schedule for Thursday September 23rd. That will give parents an opportunity to follow the student’s schedule and find out a little about each course the student is taking.
As always, we have many opportunities for students at Ballston Spa. Please help us by encouraging your student to get involved and stay involved. Likewise, if there is anything we can do to make the experience more meaningful; don’t hesitate to contact staff by phone or e-mail.
Kristi K. Jensen
Principal
BSHS
