Senior Awards Ceremony on 6/3! 🎓🎉
We are excited to announce that the Senior Awards Ceremony will be held on Monday, June 3, at 6:30 PM in the HS auditorium. Invitations to seniors who will be receiving awards were mailed home before the Memorial Day break. However, all seniors are welcome to attend the ceremony. The event is open to everyone in the community.
We remain grateful to our generous community, which has donated thousands of dollars in various awards and scholarships. Gander pride, community wide!
Athletics!
Mark your calendars for a day of excitement and camaraderie as we host the Special Olympics on June 13 from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Main Campus. Join us as athletes showcase their skills and determination in a variety of events. It's a wonderful opportunity to show our support and cheer on these incredible athletes as they compete. Don't miss out on this inspiring event!
Celebrating Our BOCES Graduates! 🎓🎉
Congratulations to all our BOCES students who graduated last week! We are immensely proud of your achievements and dedication to career and technical education at RVHS.
To honor your hard work and success, we will be hosting a celebratory breakfast for our 12th grade BOCES students and their families on Friday, June 7, in the High School Cafeteria from 9:00-10:00 AM.
PM BOCES students will be excused from their Rondout class during this time and will depart to BOCES at their usual time. AM BOCES students will be excused from their BOCES program for the day. Parents/guardians, please enter through the Welcome Center when you arrive. We hope you can join us for this special occasion as we celebrate together!
Regents Review Schedule!
Check out our full listing of after school review for Regents and Final Exams. Review sessions will start at 2:30 PM in assigned locations. To view, click HERE.
Algebra 1 Regents on June 4!
The Algebra 1 Regents Exam will be administered on June 4 at 8:00 AM to all students who are enrolled in an Algebra 1 course as well as any other students who need to take this exam on Tuesday, June 4. As a result, there will be no instructional classes held on June 4. Only students taking the Algebra 1 Regents exam will report to the high school on Tuesday, June 4.
Students taking the exam will arrive at school on their regular morning bus runs, and will be transported home after completion of the exam. Additional information regarding the exam will be shared with students. There will be No AM or PM BOCES on June 4.
Important Testing Information:
- Student arrival is 7:30-7:45 AM and report to the cafeteria upon arrival.
- Exam begins promptly at 8:00 AM.
- No student will be allowed to enter the exam site after 10:00 AM.
- Students who arrive late must complete the exam by the scheduled end time. For example, if you arrive late to a morning exam at 9:45 AM, you will only have until the scheduled end time to complete the exam, which is 11:00 AM.
- Students arriving to school after the 8:00 AM exam start MUST enter through the Welcome Center and will be escorted to testing location.
- Absences from NYS Regents exams CANNOT be made up until the next scheduled administration in August.
- CELL PHONES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON SITE! All backpacks, cell phones, smart watches, i-Pads, Chromebooks, and other electronic devices will not be allowed during the exam or during any breaks. If a student brings any of these items to school, the items will be collected upon entering the testing room; however, the school district will not be responsible for electronic or valuable personal items. All valuable items should be left at home. Per NYSED, "Test proctors, test monitors, and school officials shall retain the right to collect and hold any prohibited electronic devices prior to the start of the test administration. Admission to the test shall be denied to any student who is in possession of a cell phone or other prohibited electronic device and refuses to relinquish it. Possession of such a device will cause the student’s examination to be invalidated.”
- Students are required to be in their testing site for a minimum of 2 hours. After that, they can leave with teacher permission and 1) go directly to the cafeteria to wait for the bus or 2) if they have an arranged ride home, they are to leave campus.
- A healthy breakfast and lunch will be available in the cafeteria. Please be sure your student gets a good night’s sleep and comes prepared to do their best!
- Please note that the results of this exam will not be available until the state releases the conversion tables during Regents week.
June Regents Exams
Be sure to review the June Regents exam schedule below. If you have questions, please contact your student's counselor directly. Please note that all morning exams will begin at 8:00 AM and all afternoon exams will begin at 12:00 PM. Additional testing information will be released next week.
PE Make-Ups!
PE Make-Ups will be held during Regents Week from 8:00-10:00 AM in the Weight Room. Please ask your PE teacher for specific details.
Students attending PE make-ups may take their normal bus to school and will be provided transportation home on the mid-day bus. Don't miss this opportunity to catch up on any missed PE classes!
Science Symposium on June 6! 🔬🧬
Get ready for an evening of fascinating exploration and discovery at our upcoming Science Symposium! Join us on June 6 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM in the high school auditorium for an enlightening showcase of research and innovation.
Our senior Science Research Program students will be presenting their cutting-edge studies, covering a diverse range of topics:
- Luke Kotsides: Investigating Inequalities in Access to Covid Testing
- Django Accardi: Testing the Existence of Batesian Mimicry in Northern Water Snakes and Eastern Copperheads
- Jakob Baron: Application of GPR in Detecting Small to Midsize Fossils and Artifacts
- Siddhartha Lama: Assessing the Potential Application of a Targeted Basic Income Program in Hamilton County NY
- Nick Laskowski: Energetic Efficiency of a Tidal Turbine
- Adeline Delessio: Simulating the Environment of Europa to Investigate the Lifetimes and Degradation Rates of Amino Acids When Irradiated in the Presence of Salt
Our sophomore students will also be showcasing their research posters, featuring the work of:
- Ceci Kwiecinski
- Ruby Powell
- Tristan Post
- Jeffrey Ulrich
- Borny Patwoary
The evening's schedule includes three initial presentations, followed by approximately 45 minutes for refreshments and exploring the poster displays. Students will be available during this time to answer any questions. Then, we'll conclude the night with the remaining three presentations. The event will be emceed by Amelia Dunphy.
Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to celebrate scientific inquiry and innovation within our school community! We hope to see you there! 🌱🧬
Order Your Yearbook Now! 📚
Yes, you can still order a yearbook! You can order at any time (even years from now), but if you want it signed before the end of this school year, the time to order is now.
To order, go to www.treering.com and click "Buy Yearbooks." Then enter the passcode: 1014540845314295. Yearbooks cost $48. If you already ordered one and need to pick it up, please see Ms. Burns. See Ms. Burns, our yearbook advisor, if you have any questions.
Ms. Whitney Burns
Yearbook Advisor
Join Us for Our Final PTSA Meeting of the Year!
We invite you to our last PTSA meeting of the school year on Wednesday, June 5 at 6:00 PM in the High School Library. This important meeting will cover reflections on this past year and outline our plans for the upcoming year.
In addition, there will be a special presentation on Title I funded programs. Principal Torok will provide an in-depth look at the Academic Intervention Services available at RVHS and our reading program. We will also explain the academic assessments used to measure student progress, the proficiency levels expected of our students, and the crucial role you, as parents, play in your child's education. Your participation is valuable, and we hope to see you there!
Summer School Info
This year, summer school will be held in person at RVHS from July 10 through August 20 (8:00 AM-12:00 PM). Students who do not successfully pass courses or their Regents exams will be notified by their school counselor so that arrangements can be made for summer opportunities to recover course/exam credit. August Regents exams are scheduled for August 18-19.
Student Chromebooks!
Be sure to read the following below which outlines the plan for collecting the student devices. Questions about student devices, textbooks and all other district supplies, please contact the AP office x4207/4208.
- Grade 12: Seniors will drop off their Chromebook when they pick-up their cap and gowns at graduation rehearsal on Monday, 6/24.
- Grades 9-11: All students in Grades 9-11 will keep their device over the summer.
Returning School Supplies & Textbooks!
As the school year winds down, teachers have begun collecting textbooks, library books, and other materials. Questions about student devices, textbooks and all other district supplies, please contact the AP office x4207/4208. All district supplies must be returned by Thursday, June 13.
Attention Seniors & Families!
Important information about graduation, rehearsal, and other end-of-year festivities was released on May 22. To read the letter sent to all seniors and their families, click here. Make sure to stay informed and prepared for these exciting events!
FAFSA Workshops Offered This Month! 💰🎓
Attention, seniors! The time has come to complete your Financial Aid application, and SUNY is here to help. Take advantage of virtual hands-on workshops to navigate this crucial step in your academic journey. These workshops provide invaluable guidance and support as you navigate the complexities of the Financial Aid process from the comfort of your own home. Click here for more details and to reserve your spot! 💰🎓
Resources for Managing Test Anxiety
We realize that testing can raise stress and anxiety in students and would like to remind everyone that tests are not a measure of who you are or what you are capable of. To assist with managing test anxiety, we wanted to share two valuable resources: “10 Ways to Overcome Test Anxiety” and “High Stakes Testing – For Parents.” Remember, you are more than just a test score! 🌟
Bravo to Our Young Professionals! 👏
We are thrilled to announce that several outstanding students from Rondout Valley High School have been inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) through the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center. This prestigious honor is awarded to students who excel in occupational and technical education, demonstrating remarkable scholastic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to high standards of personal and professional conduct.
The NTHS celebrates the success of students who maintain an average of 90 percent or above, have excellent attendance, and exhibit exemplary citizenship. By promoting the ideals of honesty, service, leadership, and skill development, the NTHS encourages students to become leaders in America’s workforce.
Congratulations to the following Rondout Valley High School students on their well-deserved recognition:
- Clifford Bush, New Visions Education Careers
- Tucker Chase, Robotics & Advanced Manufacturing
- Joseph Ciancio, Welding & Metal Fabrication
- Gage Davis, Cisco & Cybersecurity
- Kaylin Decker, Small Engine Mechanics Repair
- Daniel DeLaura, Automotive Technology
- Preston Demorest, Welding & Metal Fabrication
- Andrew Dingman, Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
- Ashton Engel Deppe, Welding & Metal Fabrication
- Adriana Faso, Animal Science
- Savannah Freer, Cosmetology
- Bhumin Gajjar, Transitional Occupations Program C
- Gabriella Goodrich, Animal Science
- Ashtyn Gray, Automotive Technology
- Brayden Hanigan, Digital Design & Programming
- Keara Johnson, Animal Science
- Nash Kennedy, Welding & Metal Fabrication
- Matthew Kowalik, Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
- Hayden Lazzaro, Culinary Arts
- Joseph Lightstone, Culinary Arts
- Abigail McGuinness, Cosmetology
- Colby Merck, Welding & Metal Fabrication
- Tyler Mitchell, Digital Design & Programming
- Evan Moylan, Welding & Metal Fabrication
- Justin Nazario, Electrical Construction
- Elliott Read, Music Production
- Thomas Rearick, Digital Design & Programming
- Lucas Russell, Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
- Ryan Sheremetta, Automotive Technology
- Brayden Soura, Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
- Antonio Striano, Small Engine Mechanics Repair
- Madelyn Tuscanes, Fashion Design & Merchandising
- Michael Vanorden, Transitional Occupations Program C
- Alexeah Walsh, Business & Entrepreneurship
- Chloe Warren, Electrical Construction
- Abbigail Williams, Culinary Arts
- Chase Yark, Graphic Visual Arts
Bravo to all these young professionals for their hard work and dedication! We are incredibly proud of your achievements and look forward to seeing your continued success in your respective fields. #GanderPride
Congratulations to Our New Peer Leaders!
We are excited to announce the Peer Leaders for the Newcomers Uplifted Program for the 2024-25 school year! This year’s selection process was highly competitive, and we are proud to acknowledge the exceptional students who have been chosen based on their outstanding applications.
The Newcomers Uplifted Program encompasses the entire ninth-grade class, with the aim of helping all students integrate positively into the high school community. Our goal is to foster a sense of unity and mutual responsibility for each other’s success and safety.
A crucial element of this program is the leadership provided by these students, who will guide and support small groups of ninth graders. Throughout the school year, leaders will meet twice a week: once to prepare for group meetings and once with their group, during all or part of the lunch period. This commitment runs through January, and each group will consist of 6-10 ninth graders, with 2-3 co-leaders assigned by the Student and Staff Coordinators based on balanced partnerships and common lunch periods.
This program is a significant contribution to our school community and a fantastic opportunity to develop your leadership skills while providing valuable community service.
Congratulations to the 2024-25 Peer Leaders:
- Fahad Bhuiyan
- Rowan Boyd
- Serafina Broome
- Julia Brown
- Carlo Bueti
- Hannah Chapin
- Grace Curran
- Dahlia Davis
- Kendell Erlwein
- Freja Ermer*
- Maven Flamhaft**
- Stori Gallicchio
- Vivian Gonzales*
- Liz Hanigan
- Hannah Heijink
- Ryan Helm
- Kadi Holt
- Henry Hutchins
- Lauren Ivan
- Madysen Kiersted
- Jocelyn Leahey
- Alicia Lyons
- Camille McMillan
- Zachary Mickelson
- Aidan Nolan
- Ruby Ortner
- Hudson Paley
- Flora Parker-Myers
- Borny Patwoary
- Ruby Powell**
- Penelope Roosa-Dunphy
- Clara Samko
- Juno Soi
- Addisyn Spano
- Gianna St Hilare
- Greta Sutherland-Roth
- Millina Tully
*Student Coordinator for 2023-24 school year
**Student Coordinator for 2024-25 school year
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to making RVHS a supportive and inclusive community. Go Ganders!
Fun in the Sun at RVHS!
It felt more like summer than spring at our annual Spring Fest on May 22, with temperatures soaring into the upper 80s and bright sunshine lighting up the day. The event kicked off with a spirited tug-of-war between the classes, with the Class of 2024 showcasing their brute strength to take the victory!
After the exciting start, students enjoyed a variety of activities. Tables set up by different groups offered snacks and games of skill as fundraisers. Sports enthusiasts participated in soccer, kickball, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball. Meanwhile, yearbooks were distributed and signed, creating lasting memories.
One of the most popular attractions was the dunk tank, which drew crowds of students eager to douse their teachers. Another hit was the Pie-a-Teacher table, where students purchased tickets for the chance to smush a pie tin of whipped cream in the faces of teacher and administrator volunteers. These fun activities provided fantastic ways to celebrate and make memories as the school year winds down.
A huge thank you to all our Student Congress members and Ms. Edmonds for their exceptional leadership in organizing the event. We also extend a special thanks to our dedicated staff for their help in making Spring Fest possible, fun, and safe!
Celebrating Excellence: 2024 Distinguished Service Award Recipients!
At the May 22 meeting, the Rondout Valley Central School District Board of Education proudly awarded eight remarkable individuals with the annual Thomas King Distinguished Service Award. This prestigious accolade honors outstanding contributions made by our dedicated staff, fostering a tradition of excellence within our school community.
The Distinguished Service Award was established in 2010, with Thomas King, a long-time science teacher at the Junior High School, being one of the first recipients. In 2011, Mr. King unexpectedly passed away. Known for his deep respect among colleagues and students, his impactful time at Rondout Valley left a lasting legacy. To honor his memory, many of his colleagues requested the award be named after him.
Congratulations to the 2024 recipients:
- Joe Morgan
- Christine Vedder
- Rebecca Litchfield
- Joan Sohm
- Marianne Hawryluk
- Randy Loder
- Cynthia Murphy
- Donna Kearney (not all pictured)
We are especially proud to announce that four of the recipients are from the RVHS family. Congrats to Ms. Litchfield, Ms. Hawryluk, Mr. Loder, and Ms. Murphy! RVHS finest! Go Ganders!
These individuals were nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, and other members of our community, who shared heartfelt words at the meeting, highlighting the significant impact these awardees have made. We are grateful for their exceptional service and dedication, which continues to inspire and uplift the Rondout Valley community. Bravo to all the recipients for their well-deserved recognition!
Gander Merch!
Gander gear is available for purchase online! This store is open all year and all orders are shipped directly to the buyer. Orders are customizable and there is something for everyone! Click here to shop now! If you have any questions, please contact our athletic office. Go Ganders!!!
Jeff Panek
Director of Athletics, Health and Physical Education
687-2400 ext. 4287
Night School Schedule & Info!
Night School started on Monday, October 2. Night School & Regents Prep will be held from 2:35-4:30 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Questions about Night School, contact Ms. Balestra.
Night School Supervisor
Ms. Balestra
687-2400 ext. 4252
After-School Expectations
We wanted to take an opportunity to remind students about after school expectations.
- Students are not to be in the building after school unless under the direct supervision of a staff member, which includes club advisor, after school help, Night School, or detention. Students must remain with the supervisor for the duration of time. When a club advisor or teacher dismisses you, students must report to the cafeteria and wait for the late bus.
- After school buses depart campus at 3:30 and 4:35 PM daily.
- Anyone wishing to stay after to complete schoolwork, but not with a specific teacher must report to the cafeteria.
- All students are to report to assigned areas by 2:30 PM. Those found in the halls without passes after that time will be given an office referral and may face loss of after school privileges.
Campus Parent (Parent Portal)
The Parent Portal through Infinite Campus allows families to monitor their child’s progress, grades, and attendance. If you need assistance accessing the portal the portal, please email Randi Chase at rchase@rondout.k12.ny.us. If at any time you have a question about your child’s assignments, please contact your child’s teacher or counselor.
View Past Newsletters
RVHS News 2023-24
September 14, 2023
From Ms. Torok
Email: jtorok@rondout.k12.ny.us
Website: https://rondoutvhs.sharpschool.com/
Location: 122 Kyserike Road, Accord, NY, USA
Phone: (845) 687- 2400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RondoutValleyCentralSchoolDistrict/
Twitter: @RVCSD