The Wolverine
A Monthly Newsletter for NFHS Students and Families
Hello NFHS Families and Students,
Welcome to the September edition of The Wolverine! For those of you new to our school community, this monthly newsletter for families and students is sent out at the start of each month and is a great way to stay updated on all that is happening at NFHS. We appreciate you taking the time to review the information each month. Here is what you need to know as we welcome students back this week...
Important Dates:
- Open House: September 3, 5:00 – 6:30 pm
- First Days of School:
- 9th Grade and all 11th/12th grade BOCES students: September 5 (A Day)
- 10th Grade: September 6 (B Day)
- 11th & 12th Grade: September 9 (A Day)
Opening of Schools:
- Schedules: Accessible via the Student and Parent Portal as of August 29. Ninth graders should have received a paper copy at Orientation. No schedules will be mailed home. Students will get paper copies of their schedules in their first period class on their first day. Schedule change requests will be addressed on the first day of school.
- Lockers: Locker numbers and combinations will be provided on the first day of school.
- Bus Information: Mailed home from the Transportation Department the week before school begins. For questions, contact ssamuel@nfschools.net or gstewart@nfschools.net.
- Supply Lists are available on the NFHS Facebook and Instagram pages, and the school website.
- Health forms, AUPs, lunch forms, and other paperwork have been distributed at Orientation and will also be given out on the first day. Students should return completed paperwork to their 1st period teachers as soon as possible.
Important Reminders for the School Year:
- Attendance: Regular attendance is crucial for success. A written excuse is required for absences, late arrivals, or early dismissals.
- Behavior: Review the complete Code of Conduct, Parent-Student Handbook, and Eligibility Policy at www.nfschools.net under the “Parent and Guardian” tab.Students must follow the directions of school employees and treat others with respect.
- Cell Phones and Headphones: Can be used appropriately in hallways and during lunch, but must be put away during instruction. Follow the “one ear bud” policy for safety.
- Class Attendance: Students must attend all assigned classes, including study halls and lunch, and be on time. Hall passes are required during class time. We will conduct "Hall Sweeps" multiple periods a day to encourage students to attend class and arrive on time.
- Appearance Code: Faces must be completely visible, and backpacks must remain in lockers.
- Daily Schedule: School runs from 8:00 am – 2:35 pm. Students may enter starting at 7:30 am. Extended day clubs begin October.
- Eligibility: To participate in extracurricular activities, students must pass four classes plus PE, have 85% attendance, and maintain good discipline standing. Unexcused tardies count as 0.5 absence. Students need a minimum of 4.5 credits per grade level to be eligible.
We thank you for your support throughout the year. Teenagers in this generation face many challenges, and it is our collective responsibility to teach and support them as they grow into productive adults.
Your Proud Principals,
Cheryl Vilardo, Ed Ventry, Bryan Rotella, Val Rotella-Zafuto, and Nick Ruffolo
Credit Recovery Classes:
Congratulations to the many students who completed Credit Recovery coursework over the summer. For those students who still have classes to make-up, look for Credit Recovery courses on schedules this fall. You will have the full year to complete these courses for credit.
NEW for 24-25 - Students will have in-person Credit Recovery courses scheduled into their school days whenever possible in order to get more support while completing these classes. Juniors and Seniors who owe a Credit Recovery or Regents exam are not eligible for Early Dismissal or Late Arrival until they complete these important graduation requirements.
Parent Portal
REMINDER - Report cards will not be mailed home! You should also use Parent Portal to check grades and attendance frequently.
Directions to set up your account can be found at https://www.nfschools.net/domain/74
The district code is BQRR
Parent Portal: Get up-to-date information on attendance, grades, progress reports, and report cards. Visit www.nfschools.net and click on the “Parent and Guardian” tab to sign up. For assistance, email manthony@nfschools.net.
Stay in Touch
- Social Media: Follow Niagara Falls High School on Facebook and Instagram.
- Monthly Family & Student Newsletters: Sent via email, text message, and posted on social media.
- Remind: Join NFHS Family Remind by downloading the Remind App and using the class code @nfhsfamily
- Calls/Texts: To receive school communications, ensure your contact information is up to date by calling 716-278-5800.
Required Immunizations
New York State mandates certain vaccinations for students to attend school. It is crucial that students provide documentation of updated vaccines ASAP or they legally must be excluded from school beginning September 14. We attempted to contact all students requiring a vaccine this fall via phone call, all text, and a letter over the summer. Please be sure you follow up!
School Supply List
Purchasing items off of the General Supply List will help you get started for school but please know that individual teachers will have specific requests and systems of organization that they will share in late August/early September. Please note that if you are unable to purchase supplies, our staff will be flexible and help your student once the school year starts. You may also email Ramona Sims (rsims@nfschools.net) for assistance with school supplies.
General Supply List
• Pencils • Pens • Two-pocket folders, notebooks, and/or binders (depending on teacher/student preference) • Highlighters • Loose leaf paper • PE – Sneakers, shorts/sweatpants, tee shirt/sweatshirt, bathing suit and towel • Sketchbook (depending on the art class/teacher) • Calculator (depending on the math class/teacher)
School-Issued Laptops
Laptops will be provided in each classroom for use during the school day. Students wishing to borrow a school laptop for use at home during the school year may receive a pass to the Main Office to sign one out at any time during the year. Students may also purchase their own laptops/tablets for use at home but these should not be brought to school.
Family Engagement Group
Class of 2028 Merch
Professional Learning
NFHS Staff Members spent their first few days back at work learning, planning, and getting ready to make this school year the best ever!
Student-Ready
NFHS Staff members have been busy getting the building ready to welcome students back to the 24-25 school year.
NFHS Microsoft Parent Team
Email dstonge@nfschools.net to join.