PCHS PARENT News
August 17, 2018
First Day Reflections
What a privilege to be part of the first day for so many in our Pirate Nation. I saw upperclassmen working with Freshmen on their very first day of high school and the energy was contagious. Our new PLTW biomedical students were working on problem-solving testing variables in a collaborative experience. This was my 21st first day and thanks to all the students, staff, teachers, and parents…..it was the best! Pirate Pride!
Update on Mr. Messick, Assistant Principal
PCHS Families,
Many of you may know that Mr. Messick suffered a medical condition this summer that has caused him to be unable to fully use his legs. He is currently working with rehabilitation professionals, and no surprise, he’s making great strides! While Mr. Messick is on medical leave, former PCHS principal, Alan Bunch, will support our school during first semester, starting September 17. I know Mr. Messick would appreciate your positive thoughts and your prayers for a speedy recovery. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 858-2822.
Back to School Night - August 21
New Visitor Management System: Hall Pass
This year, we are implementing a new visitor sign-in process District-wide. Hall Pass Visitor Management System has been installed in all of our schools to improve overall building safety/security. The system will:
- Conduct a limited background check against the national database of registered sex offenders
- Log in volunteers to track their hours
- Be used to document late arriving students
Because this will be a change to our current practices, we want parents to be informed before coming to our school to visit or check a student out of the building. Whenever any non-student or non-District employee requests to enter any area of the building where students are accessible (anywhere beyond the front office) or requests to check-out a student, they will be asked to produce a government-issued ID:
- State driver’s license
- State issued ID
- Passport card
- U.S. Military ID
- Permanent resident card
The ID will be scanned, and a badge will be given to visitors or the student check-out will be processed. This new process is a key to maintain and improve the safe and caring environment we have established for our students and staff. If you have any questions, please contact the school office at 816.858.2822.
SOS Suicide Prevention Training Program
The adolescent years are marked by a roller-coaster ride of emotions, which can be difficult for both students and their parents. It is easy to misread depression as normal adolescent turmoil; however, depression (among the most common of mental illnesses) does occur in some adolescents. Depression is also a leading risk for suicide. In addition, self-injury has become a growing problem among adolescents.
To proactively address these issues, Platte County High School is offering depression awareness and suicide prevention training as a part of the SOS Signs of Suicide Prevention Program. This program aims to help students recognize the symptoms of depression and warning signs of suicide in themselves or their friends and to teach them the appropriate action steps they should take to get help. SOS is listed on Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices. In a randomized control study, the SOS High School Program showed a reduction in self-reported suicide attempts by 40% (BMC Public Health, July 2007). Our goals in participating in this program are straightforward:
- To reduce stigma and help our students understand that depression is a treatable mental illness.
- To explain that suicide is a preventable tragedy that often occurs as a result of untreated depression.
- To provide students training in how to identify serious depression and potential suicidality in themselves or a friend.
- To impress upon youth that they can help themselves or a friend by taking the simple step of talking to a responsible adult about their concerns.
- To help students know whom in the school they can turn to for help if they need it.
If you do NOT wish for your child to participate in the SOS High School Program at Platte County High School, please complete the form below and return it to the PCHS Counseling Office by Friday, September 21st. If we do not hear from you by this date, we will assume that your child has permission to participate in this program.
Platte County High School Counseling Department
PTSA
All meetings are at 6:30 pm in the library.
Aug. 23
Sept. 13
Oct. 11
Nov. 8
Dec. 13
- CONNECT WITH PTSA
- FACEBOOK: PlatteCountyHighSchoolPTSA
- TWITTER: @PTSAPCHS
- eMAIL: ptsapchs@gmail.com
Bullying and Safety Concerns
Safety is one of our district’s top priorities and to help safeguard our school community, our district is now using SafeSchools Alert, a tip reporting service that allows students, staff, and parents to submit safety concerns to our administration.
You and your child can easily report tips on bullying, harassment, or any safety issue you're concerned about through SafeSchools Alert.
Every tip SafeSchools Alert receives about our district is immediately logged in the system and our administration is notified so that they can investigate and take appropriate action. And, tips may also be submitted anonymously if you prefer.
Together, using SafeSchools Alert, we can make our district a safer place to learn!
Click the link below to submit a tip or concern.
Mark Your Calendar
August
17 - Football Jamboree
21 - Back to School Night, 4:45-7:35 pm
23 - Senior Class Meeting, 11:00, theatre
23 - PTSA Meeting, 6:30 pm, Library
24 - Sophomore Class Meeting, 11:00, theatre
27 - Junior Class Meeting, 11:00, theatre
28 - Freshman Class Meeting, 11:00, theatre
29 - PLC DAY, Early Dismissal, 12:40
30 - Senior Portraits & Senior Class Panoramic
31 - Senior Portraits
September
3 - NO SCHOOL - Labor Day
8 - ACT
Click here to view the full Platte County High School calendar on our website.
Upcoming Community Events
Thank you to our Pirates ROCK Star business partners!
Platte County High School
- Dr. Chad Sayre, Principal
- Shari Waters, Assistant Principal
- Matt Messick, Assistant Principal
- Stephanie Theis, Assistant Principal
- Phil Dorman, Activities Director
Email: sayrec@platteco.k12.mo.us
Website: www.plattecountyschooldistrict.com/plattecountyhs
Location: 1501 Branch St, Platte City, MO, United States
Phone: 816-858-2822
Facebook: facebook.com/PCR3HS
Twitter: @PCHSHalls