SVHS December 2024 Newsletter

Dear Red Hawk Families,

The holiday season is approaching and it is time when we tend to reflect on what we are thankful for. I must express my gratitude for the warm welcome I have received from our entire school community. I have already begun to feel at home and attribute that to each of you.

Our students have been wonderful. I have seen your children working hard, persevering through obstacles, and challenging themselves. I have seen many acts of kindness through volunteer efforts, community service, or just day to day interactions that help others to feel valued. Reviewing the end of the first marking period data proved the strength of our kid's minds, and the character and compassion I have witnessed proves the strength of their hearts.

The SVHS staff have been remarkable, they are going above and beyond each day. In this newsletter you will find data from the Parent Feedback Survey I shared earlier in the year as well as a link to a presentation I delivered to your children summarizing a survey I gave them. Both sets of data clearly indicate the greatest strengths of our district are the people who comprise it, how we come together, and the dedication and love our staff put into our students.

I am truly excited about what lies ahead and continuing to serve you, our students, and our community. I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season. Thank you for your partnership and support!

Yours in education,

Michael Flagg, Principal

mflagg@svcsd.org

(315) 839-6315

“Work hard, learn to your fullest potential, but most of all, be good to each other.”

Sara Steinbacher was nominated by Mrs. Kemp for this month's Positivity Award! Mrs. Kemp explained "Sara is always smiling, friendly, and helpful to others. I never hear her complaining about anything and she is a positive role model."

Staff members are able to nominate students for demonstrating positive behaviors. Each month, a winner will be drawn. Each winner will receive a certificate to the Willowvale Diner, courtesy of the Sauquoit Valley PTO!

Congratulations Sara!

Lilith Zehr was nominated by multiple staff members for this quarter's Perseverance Award! In her nominations, her teachers wrote:

“Lilith has demonstrated great improvements and works hard every single day. Her grades reflect this effort and perseverance and she is doing quite well this year. She is also kind and helpful to others daily and enjoys Drama Club. I am so proud of her!” - Mrs. Zuroweste

“She has demonstrated determination, dedication, and persistence in her academics and attendance this quarter.” - Mrs. Kempney

The Sauquoit Valley High School Perseverance Award is presented to students who consistently demonstrate perseverance. Perseverance – one of our primary Power Skills – is defined as persistence in the pursuit of achievement, particularly when faced with a challenge. We created this award because we know how important it is for our students to develop the skill of perseverance, and we want to celebrate those who exhibit it. Lilith will receive a certificate and a $25 Amazon gift card courtesy of the Sauquoit Valley PTO. Congrats, Lilith!

Hannah Miller was recognized as the Junior of the Month by the Rotary Club of Sauquoit. She and her parents were invited to dinner at Orchard Hall where Hannah was presented with a certificate and a $50 check by the Rotary Club. Congratulations to Hannah for demonstrating excellence and leadership in her academics and extracurricular participation!

The Addams Family Musical was a resounding success! The cast and crew did an amazing job displaying their creative, musical, and artistic talents! Each performance drew a huge crowd and everyone who saw the show remarked about the incredible talents of our students. Thank you to Mr. Decker for leading the production and thank you to our PTO and the many students, staff members, and families that helped to make the Addams Family Musical happen! Great things happen when our community comes together!

The Harlem Wizards brought a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and excitement to Sauquoit! It was a night filled with fun, laughter, and a great game of basketball! Thank you PTO for organizing this awesome event!

Our Fall student athletes were recently celebrated at the winter sports banquet, an event that is planned and implemented by our amazing Sports Boosters organization. Congratulations to all of our winter student athletes on their accomplishments! Please consider supporting our Sports Boosters organization if you are able!

Some of our Senior Seminar students volunteered at Mother Mary Ann's Soup Kitchen on 11/25 to prepare meals and support our local community. Students who volunteered their time include Jamie Allen, Julia Burton, Ella Dischiavo, Daria Kachanovich, Olivia LaSalle, Addison Lazarek, Sydney Marceau, Mia Morgan, Sophia Sacco, and Sydney Sallustio. Thank you being difference makers and contributors to your community!

Thank you to all who participated in the Parent Feedback Survey! The data is graphs above provide a nice visual of the responses. The following is a brief summary of the feedback received:

General Observations:

• 91.7% of families prefer communications via email or text message
• 100% of respondents indicated our school provides excellent academic instruction
• 80.6% of respondents are satisfied with communication and partnership
• 91.6% of respondents are regularly at school events
• 58.3% of respondents believe discipline practices are fair and consistent

Top Three Strengths:

• Many comments stated that staff go above and beyond to help students
• The community is cohesive and supportive of students, the school, and each other
• There are a variety of options for students academically and in regard to extracurricular activities

Three Areas for Improvement:

• Increase focus on mental health and emotional wellness for students
• Increased communication from the school
• Consistency with discipline, restorative practices, and inclusion for all students

Please also be sure to check the "Student Assembly Link" below which offers insight into what your children shared through their responses. While there is an overwhelmingly positive atmosphere in Sauquoit Valley CSD, we will use this information or guide our practice and grow. In the past weeks, we have implemented procedures to structure passing times more effectively, planned new opportunities for students to come together as a school and celebrate being a school family, have created plans to enhance the physical environment of the school to reflect school spirit and pride, and are exploring new partnerships within our community to provide rich experiences for our kids. As we move forward, your voice and partnership will be valued and called upon. Thank you!

Link to Student Assembly, 11/20/2024:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1o0ui_jBQ_qIFGlpJXeF2sFwjiUtzXe0Agp2IQF-IMRE/edit?usp=sharing

Link to November Issue of the Sauquoit Star:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17OX4rzeFHYT2FCDZzGjDWV-QlvaWAbMr/view?usp=sharing

Sauquoit Valley High School

Mail: 2601 Oneida Street, Sauquoit, NY 13456

Web: http://highschool.svcsd.org

Phone: (315) 839-6315

Instagram: @SauquoitValleyHS

Helpful Links: Daily Announcements | Student Handbook | Teacher Websites | Parent Portal | Parent Resources | Staff Directory

Our mission is to ensure that each student will become a life-long learner and a responsible citizen in an ever-changing world.