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MSHS Tuesday Newsday
September 19, 2023
PRINCIPAL NEWS
I hope this finds you well.
Great in-person PTO meeting this morning. Thank you to all of those who were able to attend. A few reminders:
1) Open House for both Middle and High School will be this Thursday, September 21, 6:30-8:30pm. Parents will follow their students "Day 1" schedule to visit each class for an overview of the curriculum. Schedules are available through the ParentPortal and should be printed to bring along.
2) Our Homecoming Dance for students in grades 9-12 will be on Friday, September 22, 7:30-9:30pm. This dance is only for current North Salem High School students. Tickets can be purchased through the Booster Club website.
3) Tomorrow is wear green for the Start with Hello program, please remind your student(s).
Thank you,
Mr. DiGrandi
What's Happening - Coming Up
9/20- BOE Meeting, 7:30pm
9/21- MS & HS Open House, 6:30-8:30pm (more information here)
9/29-9/30- Homecoming
9/22 - Homecoming Dance, Grades 9-12, 7:30-9:30pm
9/25- Schools Closed - Religious Observance
9/26-9/29 - Spirit Week
9/27 - Financial Planning Virtual Presentation, 7pm
9/28 - Standardized Testing Virtual Presentation, 7pm
9/29- Middle School Pictures
9/29-9/30- Homecoming
Middle & High School Open House
Drop Off Safety Concern
Please for the safety of our students, bus drivers, and faculty ensure that all student drop off in the morning and pick up in the afternoon is done via the main entrance from June Road and at the flagpole in front of the main entrance.
1. Parents are having their students practice driving to school, this holds the line up, making drop off in the morning take longer due to changing drivers. Please pull into the Sr. lot, in the turnaround and change drivers, if needed, so the traffic flow continues.
2. Parents, at pick up, there are students walking down the driveway to meet you, which is a safety issue, please come to the circle and pick up your student. Making a U-turn from the line is prohibited and causes safety concerns.
Thank you
Not Receiving Blackboard Communication
- Phone calls: Call the Blackboard Phone Hotline at "855-502-STOP (855-502-7867)" from the phone line that has been opted out.
- Text (SMS) messages: Reply START to "60680" from the phone line that has been opted out for non-emergency messages. Reply START to "54968" for emergency messages.
Users can opt out of:
- Phone calls: Call the Blackboard Phone Hotline at "855-502-STOP (855-502-7867)".
- Text (SMS) messages: Reply STOP to any Blackboard system text or to "60680" for non-emergency messages. Reply STOP to "54968" to opt out of emergency messages.
- Emails: Click the unsubscribe link from any email they receive.
Department of Health Notifications
Important information from the NYS Department of Health as we head into Flu season:
Parents: Fight Flu at Home and School
From The Counseling Department:
*October 18th – PSAT
On Wednesday, October 18th, we will be administering the PSAT/NMSQT to interested 10th and 11th grade students. It is strongly recommended that 11th grade students take the PSAT. Please click here for registration details. Registration is due by September 22nd.
The PSAT is now digital. See the video below for more information.
*Juniors and Seniors - college representatives will start visiting on Tuesday, September 12th and run through the fall. Please take a look at the list of upcoming visits on SCOIR. Additional visits continue to be added regularly. Please let Mrs. Lash know if there's a school not listed that you'd be interested in meeting with; she will try to schedule them.
*The Counseling Office has scheduled virtual presentations to discuss standardized testing and financial planning. Please click on the links below for more information on each and for registration details.
Financial Planning Presentation Wednesday, September 27, 2023 7:00 – 8:00pm
Standardized Testing Presentation Thursday, September 28, 2023 7:00-8:00pm
Westchester-Putnam College Conferences
- Southern Westchester College Fair at The Westchester County Center, White Plains NY, October 14, 2023 6-8:30 pm
- Northern Westchester College Fair at Jefferson Valley Mall Yorktown, October 25, 2023 6-8:30 pm
Upcoming NACAC Virtual College Fairs. Register at nacacattend.org
- Sunday, Oct 15
- Sunday, Nov 12
MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION
September is Suicide Prevention Month -- From NAMI-NYC-
September is here, and with it comes a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, and support. Suicide Prevention Month is a time for reflection, education, and action, and we are honored to have you by our side as we embark on this critical journey.
This month, our focus is on raising awareness about suicide prevention, supporting those affected by suicidal thoughts, and promoting mental health as a priority. Here are some resources, programs, and educational events to get involved or send to those you love:
- Living with Thoughts of Suicide is a peer-led support group is a safe space to talk about what it’s like to have those thoughts, how to manage them, and find community.
- If you have lost a loved one to suicide, NAMI-NYC's Suicide Loss Survivors is a non-clinical support group offered in partnership with The Samaritans NYC to build a community with people who understand.
- Attend our upcoming Panel Discussion: Suicide & Mental Illness in the News for a conversation with journalists on how the media can report on suicide and the best practices to do so.
- Our Helpline is confidential and answered by trained family members and people living with mental illness. Call at 212-684-3264, Monday-Friday, 10 AM-6 PM. If you or a loved one is in a mental health crisis please call 988.
Together, we can shatter the stigma surrounding mental health and provide support to those in need. Thank you for being a part of our community. We look forward to the meaningful discussions and actions that will unfold throughout this important month.
Internet Safety
Resource: Raising Digitally Responsible Youth - A Parent's Guide from Safer Schools Together
News from the Nurse
Hello, North Salem Middle/High School Families!
I hope all your families are healthy and well-rested!
It's hard to think of fall during warm weather but it's just around the corner and so is the flu.
In the U.S. the season typically starts in October and continues to May. The busiest time for the flu is called peak flu season, timing can vary. A flu shot is the best way to protect yourself from the flu!! This year's annual flu shot will offer protection against four of the influenza viruses expected to be in circulation this flu season. Because flu viruses evolve so quickly, last year's vaccine may not protect you from this year's virus. New flu vaccines are released every year to keep up with rapidly changing flu viruses.
Anyone can get the flu. It can be spread by coughing, sneezing, and close contact. A flu vaccine is the best protection we have from flu and its complications and also helps prevent the spreading of flu from person to person (think of your loved ones)! All adults and young children 6 months and older can benefit from this preventative vaccination.
Please click on the links for further information from the NY State Department of Health:
FLU SYMPTOM CHECKLIST FOR FAMILIES;
THE FLU: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS;
English: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/family/flu-guide-for-parents-2018.pdf
Spanish: https://espanol.cdc.gov/img/cdc/ES_71006.pdf
Absence from School: Please contact the attendance office at x2165 or mshsattendance@northsalemschools.org to report your student's absence. Do not hesitate to contact me at x2017 to discuss your child's illness. I'm happy to answer any questions and address any concerns.
Important Information -- When to keep your child home from school
Please click here for IMPORTANT information about when you should keep your child home from school.
Immunization Requirements for students in grades 6-12:
Please click here for detailed information regarding the "2023-2024 School Year New York State Immunization Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance":
Mandatory Physical Examinations: New York State Education Department (NYSED) requires a physical exam for new entrants and students in Grades: Pre-K, K 1,3,5,7,9, and 11. Students who wish to participate in interscholastic sports (Grades 7-12) and for working papers require an annual physical. The physical exam must be completed by a NY State licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. A physical dated September 5, 2022 on is acceptable for the 2023-2024 school year. A copy of the health exam should be provided to the school within 30 days from the start of school.
The NYS Health Examination form is REQUIRED or the health examination form is considered invalid. The healthcare provider's electronic version of this form is also acceptable (please click on the link).
This and all medical forms are located on the school website under the Health Office tab.
Additional Important and REQUIRED Health Office Forms:
Provider and Parent Permission to Administer Medication at School/School Sponsored Events: REQUIRED for students who need medication in school, such as over-the-counter (OTC) medications, prescription medicine, or inhalers (except for Epi-Pens/Auvi-Qs). Please remember to complete the parent section.
Allergy/Anaphylaxis Action Plan: REQUIRED for students who require an EPI-PENS/AUVI-Q. Please remember to complete the parent section.
Provider Attestation and Parent Permission for Independent Medication Carry and Use: REQUIRED for students considered ready and capable of self-carrying an Epi-Pen/Auvi-Q and/or Inhaler ONLY.
I know this information can be confusing. Never hesitate to contact me, I'm happy to answer any questions and address your concerns.
Enjoy the rest of the summer, I'll see you soon!
Sincerely,
Rita Driscoll, R.N.
MSHS School Nurse / 914-669-5414 x2017 / rdriscoll@northsalemschools.org
Athletic Department
Athletic News for September 18th-
2023 Homecoming
Spirit Week: September 25th through September 30th.
Homecoming Dance Grades 9-12: Friday, September 22nd, 7:30-9:30pm
Homecoming Games : Friday, September 29th & Saturday, September 30th
North Salem Athletic Calendar: https://northsalemcentral.tandem.co/
*All practices and games are posted on the Athletic Calendar. Subscribe for notifications.
LIVE STREAMING- There will now be live streaming at Tiger Stadium. The HS Gymnasium will continue to have live streaming. Local Live Link
TIGER STADIUM- Tiger Stadium Rules
TOMPKINS FIELD UPDATE- Tompkins Track is currently open to the public for walking and running. Please be advised that during school hours and after school, the track may be used for students in PE class and for our Track and Field Teams. During this time, the track will be closed to the public. Park only in assigned parking spaces. Please do not park along the driveway entrance at any time. ***The grass field is closed until further notice.
FITNESS CENTER- The Fitness Center will be OPEN on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:05-4:05pm. The first day is Tuesday, September 12th. Late buses are available at 3:45pm.
SPORTS YOU: Please subscribe to Sports You and enter your code for the sport that you have signed up for in Family ID. All HS and MS coaching staff will be communicating to our families through this platform. Sports You Link: sportsyou.com
**The codes are the same from each school year for each level of the sport.
Stay Healthy, Stay Safe, and Stay TIGER STRONG!
Sincerely,
Denise M. Kiernan, CAA
Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics
Somers Holocaust Memorial Commission
The organization known as the Somers Holocaust Memorial Commission (SHMC) is being re-imagined and broadening its scope. The SHMC will now be known as the Hudson Valley Human Rights & Holocaust Commission (HVHHC). Our mission is to educate students and residents about the Holocaust and promote fundamental human rights.
For the last 26 years, thousands of North Salem students, many of whom now are parents themselves, took part in the Commission’s annual Spring memorial event - a Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day. North Salem students have both learned about the history of the Holocaust in their classes and have participated in a Commission sponsored artistic competition, which has awarded thousands of dollars in artistic prizes to North Salem students over the years. Winning submissions have poignantly emphasized the lessons of the Holocaust, making the world a place where rights are honored and horrific instances of genocide cease to occur. The Commission has also awarded thousands of dollars in graduation scholarships to graduating Seniors who have displayed a keen interest in the Holocaust and human rights issues throughout their high school careers.
Thank you to all of those who have supported the work on the Somers Holocaust Memorial Commission over these many years. We look forward to continuing to serve North Salem and its surrounding communities in the years ahead as the Hudson Valley Human Rights & Holocaust Commission.
Hudson Valley Human Rights & Holocaust Commission Re-Imagined Event
HVHRHC Logo Contest
The Hudson Valley Human Rights & Holocaust Commission is proud to announce a contest for the design of a new logo for The Hudson Valley Human Rights & Holocaust Commission, formerly known as The Somers Holocaust Memorial Commission. The winning design will be awarded $200 and will be used for print and web media for the HVHRHC’s future communications and general publicity.
The HVHRHC remains resolved to educating young people about the Holocaust and other human rights violations, hoping to inspire in them a commitment to ensure that such violations are never repeated again.
The contest is open to students 18 years of age and younger. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Senior Portraits
PTO Membership
Paraprofessionals Needed
North Salem Middle / High School is looking for full-time One-to-One Paraprofessionals for the 23-24 school year. Our 1:1 Paraprofessionals work individually with students with special needs and provide assistance (academic, social, and emotional) throughout the day in specialized classrooms.
The schedule follows the school calendar (Sept - June) and the hours are 7:15 am to 2:15 pm.
If you are interested in applying for this position or would like to know more about this rewarding work experience, please contact Dr. Kathleen Murphy, Assistant Principal by email: kmurphy@northsalemschools.org.