We wanted to thank you for all you have done to make our first marking period of the 2020-2021 school year such a successful one. The reopening of school at VTHS has proven to be a challenging journey for our students, our families, and our staff members. We sincerely appreciate all you have done behind the scenes to ensure that your children are "arriving for school"--whether that be virtually or in-person-- prepared and ready to learn each day.

Whether your children are Exclusively Virtual or Hybrid Learners, we are delighted to have the opportunity to work with each and every student attending VTHS this year! We would like to thank all of our parents/guardians who took time out of their busy schedules to attend our Virtual Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences this year. We ask you to continue to keep the lines of communication open as we conclude the first marking period.

If you would take a few minutes to complete the information below, it would help us to update our records. We want to be sure that we have the most accurate and updated information in case of an emergency. Thank you, as always, for your anticipated cooperation!

As always, if you have questions and/or concerns about your child's educational experience, please reach out to your child's teacher first. The teacher is the best one to assist you with questions about specific classes, assignments, and assessments. We truly believe that when the home and school work collaboratively, students receive a quality education. Thank you for being our partners in education!

As we begin November, please be reminded that the first marking period is rapidly coming to a close. Please continue to check Genesis for current grade updates for your child(ren) and reach out to teachers and counselors with concerns.

Here are important dates regarding the close of the first marking period:

• The first marking period will close on Thursday, November 12th.

• Report cards will open for parents/guardians on Wednesday, November 18th at 4:00 pm.

Thank you for partnering with us for your child's high school educational experience.

Expectations for Students Participating in Synchronous Virtual Instruction

• Students should follow the VTHS Daily schedule as if they were in the school building.

• Check Schoology daily for class correspondence and review daily expectations.

• “Arrive” to class on time whether participating in a live Zoom, Schoology Conference, or accessing classwork for the day.

• Be present. Attendance is required during live lessons and will be recorded as a participation grade

• Find a quiet location prior to participating in virtual instruction.

• Remain in one location for the entire class period.

• Dress appropriately as if attending school.

• Anything visible in the background of a student’s video must be school appropriate.

• Students should NOT be driving while on a Zoom due to safety concerns.

• Students must be in a structured virtual learning environment while attending school virtually.

• Students should not be working a job or attending to personal matters during instructional times.

• Students should keep their cameras on unless instructed otherwise by their teacher.

• Students should be respectful at all times.

Parent/Guardian Roles and Responsibilities

• Please set clear expectations and routines for your child’s remote learning days.

• Encourage your child to communicate directly with teachers when they have questions or concerns.

• It is important that families partner with their children’s teachers and reach out should any challenges arise.

• Please do not join your children’s live classes or be visible on your children’s screens during their classes.

Please review the calendar below for the most updated information:

If Blue/Gold students will be absent on their designated Cohort days, parents/guardians must call Mrs. Hopper (973-764-5950) to report the absence or report if their child will be learning virtually that day.

Students marked absent in their classes (A7) will be marked absent for the day, unless notification is received from parent/guardian.

This takes effect on Monday, November 2nd, and prior attendance records will be adjusted accordingly.

The VTHS Media Center web address changed last year.

Students, faculty and staff may access the site by following these steps:

1. Log on to VTSD.COM

2. Click on "Schools."

3. Click on "Vernon Township HS."

4. Click on "Media Center Research Links."

Our "Research DataBases" can be accessed (from school and home), as follows:

• JSTOR: Username: vernontownship Password: vikings
• EBSCO: Username: vths Password: Vikings@1
• PROQUEST: Username: vthslibrary Password: library

THE YEARBOOK STAFF NEEDS THE ASSISTANCE OF ALL STUDENTS --

BOTH THOSE WHO ARE EXCLUSIVELY VIRTUAL AND THOSE WHO ARE HYBRID!

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS NOW!

The 2021 Yearbook Staff is looking for your assistance!

We would love to see your pictures!!!!

Use form below and follow the directions to upload any of your amazing photos you have taken so far this year. If you haven't taken any yet, there is still time. Here is your chance to showcase your amazing skills and have the opportunity to have your pictures printed in the 2021 Explorer yearbook.

Do you have pictures in school, of teachers and students, of school sponsored events, sports, spirit weeks, or just great pictures you want to share of you and your friends? Now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity to help the 2021 yearbooks staff capture as many memories as possible!

With many of the daily changing pandemic restrictions, the staff collaboratively decided, it was important that we give our Vernon family the opportunity to become a part of the 2021 Yearbook. We don't know what this year has in store for us, but we wanted to make sure that we ALL worked TOGETHER to make sure the Class of 2021 can gather as many of the positive memories they will be making during these challenging times. We hope we can COUNT on you!!!

Sincerely,

Mr. Labar & The 2021 Yearbook Staff

Undergraduate Picture Retakes/Make-Ups are scheduled for Thursday, November 19th

Please be advised that the retakes/make-ups for undergraduates is currently scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19th. If you are an Exclusively Virtual student, please contact Mrs. Flores to set up an appointment (dflores@vtsd.com or 973-764- 5774).

Blue/Gold students who have not yet had their picture taken have already been scheduled and may see Mrs. Flores in Room 139A for their appointment time.

This information is being brought to you by Mr. Coleman, Mr. Down and Miss Gonnelli for their sophomores:

• Tuesday, November 10th - Blue Team Students (Periods 1-4)

• Wednesday, November 11th - Exclusively Virtual Students (Beginning at 2:00 pm)*

• Thursday, November 12th - Gold Team Students (Periods 1-4)

*please be advised that our Exclusively Virtual are not required to attend this testing session, but may schedule their own testing at a future date.

BREAKFASTS AND LUNCHES ARE CURRENTLY FREE OF CHARGE FOR ALL STUDENTS!

Students can receive a free breakfast at one of the four kiosks around the school and/or pick up their pre-ordered "Grab and Go" free lunches at the kiosk located at the front door. These forms are available under the "Student" section of the main VTSD website.

All information will be shared with the head coach of the appropriate sport and the coach will be in contact with you.

If you child is due for a physical, now is the time to make a doctor's appointment and take care of that requirement!

Paperwork for physicals may be found on the district website:

• www.vtsd.com
• Athletics
• Registration/paperwork tab

GO VIKINGS!

In addition, thanks to Andrew Wiik, a former VTHS graduate and owner of Packix (an e-commerce platform for software), the event was free for all attendees! We would like to sincerely thank the Student Life Committee and Mr. Wiik for a memorable evening for the Class of 2021!

We are looking forward to continuing to work with you and your child(ren) during the upcoming school year. If there is anything we can do to assist you or your child(ren), please do not hesitate to reach out to us.