NEWS FROM THE PANTHER DEN
WEEK 14 EDITION
WEEK 14 REFLECTION
As we enter the final three weeks of December and approach our winter break, I want to take a moment to reflect on the spirit of this season—a time for giving, gratitude, and coming together as a community.
The season of giving is about more than gifts; it’s about the kindness we extend to others and the ways we contribute to the world around us. Whether it’s lending a helping hand to a classmate, participating in a community service project, or showing appreciation to those who support us, every act of giving makes a difference.
Here are a few ways we can embrace this season together as a Golden Panther community:
Spread Kindness: Simple gestures like a smile, a thank-you note, or helping someone in need can brighten someone’s day and create a ripple effect of positivity.
Participate in Giving Initiatives: Join our school’s efforts to support local charities, toy drives, or other causes that uplift our community. Your involvement makes a lasting impact.
Celebrate Togetherness: Attend school events like our Winter Concert, participate in the upcoming spirit week, cheer on your classmates, lesson plan with your colleagues, and take pride in the connections we have built. Together, we are stronger.
Reflect and Give Thanks: Take a moment to appreciate all that we have accomplished together this year. We continue to navigate a new schedule, new courses and new ways to provide instruction. Gratitude fuels a positive mindset and strengthens our bond as a school community.
To our Families, your support and involvement are vital during this time of year. Encouraging your children to embrace the spirit of giving not only helps others but also fosters valuable life skills and a sense of purpose. Thank you for all you do to enrich our community.
To our staff, you are the heart of this season of giving. Your dedication to our students and your willingness to go above and beyond inspire us all. Let’s continue to lead with generosity and compassion. Thank you for modeling what it means to give of ourselves each and every day.
As we close out this year, let’s make these final weeks meaningful by focusing on what truly matters: giving, gratitude, and unity. By doing so, we can head into the break with hearts full of Panther Pride, joy and holiday spirit!
Wishing you wonderful holiday season! #nocknation
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to the PTHS Educational Support Professional of the Year and the PTHS Educator of the Year for 2024-2025! These recognitions are based on nominations made by the Pequannock community made of staff members, parents and students. Congratulations to Ms. O'Connor and to Mr. Sutherland!
Ms. O'Connor - Educational Support Professional of the Year
Mr. Sutherland- Governor's Educator of the Year for PTHS
TWEET/INSTAGRAM OF THE WEEK
DOOR DECORATING CONTEST!
A reminder that our door decorating contest is underway. We have a few doors getting made already. All doors must be ready by December 13th. (Deadline extended!!!!!)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY - DECEMBER 10th
PTHS will have having a single session day on December 10th for Staff Professional Development. PTHS will dismiss at 12:26 pm.
WINTER SPIRIT WEEK
Get your holiday gear ready as we prepare for Spirit Week prior to break!
ANNUAL WINTER CONCERT
The holiday season will soon be upon us and nothing welcomes in the holidays like the PTHS Winter Concert. We hope you can join us for a festive night of music!
MENTAL HEALTH AND THE HOLIDAYS
Check out the newsletter from our Student Assistance Counselor, Mrs. Basilone that is focused on making the most of the holiday season!
PTHS HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS
Interested in nominating someone for the PTHS Hall of Fame? Click on the graphic!
FUNDRAISERS
SECURITY UPDATE
During unit lunch, if you are not in your classroom, the door should be shut and locked.
FOR YOUR PLANNING PURPOSES
IMPORTANT DATES
December 10th: Half Day- PD Day (Day 2)
December 13th: FBLA's Polar Express 4:00 - 8:00 pm
December 17th: PTHS Winter Concert 7:00 pm
December 19th: AP Government Debate (Block 3)
December 19th: Gym Dedication at 6:30 pm
December 20th: Winter Pep Rally
December 23rd: Half Day (Day 3)
December 24th - January 1st: Winter Break
December 27th and 28th: Blue and Gold Basketball Tournament at PTHS
January 2nd: School Reopens (Day 2)
January 4th: PTHS Cabaret 7:00 pm
GYM DEDICATION IN HONOR OF RUTH KELLETT
The PTHS Gymnasium will be dedicated on December 19th in memory of Ruth Kellett. Ruth was a teacher, coach and Athletic Director at Pequannock Township High School for over 34 years. She was the first female to coach a boys basketball team in the state of New Jersey. During her tenure, she coached Girls and Boys Basketball, Softball and Boys Golf. She earned division and county championships in Girls Basketball and a State Sectional Championship in Softball. She was also named Coach of the Year four years in a row in Boys Golf. Ruth, along with two other colleagues, started the Morris County Basketball Tournament for girls. Ruth was also one of the first (if not the first) female to become an Athletic Director in the state and was named Athletic Director of the Year in 1987. She became an unofficial representative for equitable practice scheduling and time for both men and women, serving on the NJSIAA executive committee. She was a trailblazer for equality in sports and role model for our students and community.
SCHEDULE RESOURCES
LUNCH SUPPORT BLOCKS AND PANTHER PERIOD INFORMATION
Lunch Support Blocks and Panther Periods will remain in place now that we are in the rotational schedule. Please see the link below for the schedules.
https://hs.pequannock.org/students/instructional-supportpanther-period
WEEK IN REVIEW
Ms. O'Connor celebrates with the Guidance Department
Holiday Door Decorating is underway!
Mr. Hayzler meets with the AP Government class to discuss the upcoming AP Gov Presidential Project
Mr. Sutherland was presented his recognition by his former AP Chem Students during his Chemistry class
Congratulations Ms. O'Connor!
Congratulations Mr. Sutherland!
Working on Accounting with Mr. Wehrhahn
AP History II working on a collaborative writing assignment
Mrs. Papendick modeling some art in Visual Art I
The choir testing out a Winter Concert piece for the main office
The Guidance office watching Nicole Chavez dance in Poland for Team USA!
Thank you to Alliance Orthopedic for providing massages to the staff this week for Staff Wellness Day!
Wrestling Practice in full swing
Henry Struble on the big screen at MetLife Stadium this past Sunday being recognized for Young Man of the Year
Angelo Cundiff on the big screen at Metlife Stadium this past Sunday as a Player of the Week
AP Stats doing an experiment with Mr. Kirkland
Thank you to our Brass Ensemble for participating in the Town Tree Lighting
Choir preparing for the Winter Concert. Mr. Hayzler even sang with them in their warm up!
Pequannock Township High School
Email: attendance@pequannock.org
Website: www.pequannock.org
Location: 85 Sunset Road, Pompton Plains, NJ, USA
Phone: (973) 616-6000