Dear parents/guardians:
Thank you for all you have done to help keep our schools safe since the beginning of the school year. We remain #SpartanStrong and hopeful in anticipation of 2021. Queensbury High School students have much to be proud of as we begin the new year. Over the past few months, they have managed to make a significant impact on our community by participating in toy and food drives, making charitable donations and providing community service. Visit our website and follow us on social media to view all the photos and positive messages @Mr_SwitzerQHS. Our musical groups also put on outstanding virtual concerts, and our low/moderate risk sports were still able to compete with skill and sportsmanship. Student success in the classroom was equally impressive, with more than 53% of our entire high school population of 1,100 students earning a G.P.A. of 85 or higher for the first quarter.
Our students and staff continue to work hard and persevere through the challenges brought on by the pandemic. They are achieving academically, artistically and athletically. Their Spartan Pride is evident, and we are excited by their commitment to their classes, their peers and their community. I am pleased to share this good news as I wish you a happy and safe new year!
The start of a new year also provides an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment. We value your support from home and encourage all students to stay focused on their goals by working hard, and being present (both virtually and in-person) in all classes. I would also like to call your attention to the following important announcements and reminders for the second semester of the school year, which are listed on the back of this letter. Please call if you have any questions/concerns about your child’s well-being and/or academic progress. Stay healthy and safe!
Sincerely,
Damian Switzer
Principal
@Mr_SwitzerQHS
Spartan Safe
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the school community, our safety protocols and procedures are working effectively to mitigate the spread of COVID. Face coverings and physical distancing remain the required ‘gold standards’ for safety, and both students and staff members must continue to complete the daily wellness self-screening app at home. Hand sanitizing stations remain in place throughout the building. The custodial staff cleans high touch point areas throughout the day, and the entire building is disinfected daily, after all students have been dismissed. Please remind your child to be #SpartanSafe outside of school.
Senior Ball
The Class of 2021 Senior Ball will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27 and Sunday Feb. 28 in the Queensbury Room at QHS. For this event, senior students will sign up for assigned time slots in groups of 20 to safely gather for a catered meal provided by the Queensbury Hotel. Senior Class Advisors, Mrs. Britt and Ms. Straut (Pagano) will be sharing additional information soon regarding ticket prices and sign ups. We hope to provide the Class of 2021 with a memorable senior experience.
Course selection begins for 2021-22
Counselors will begin the course selection process for all current 9th, 10th and 11th graders Jan. 6-14 via in-person and remote formats in the Queensbury Room. Grade-level assemblies for Pathways to Graduation presentations have also been scheduled. School counselors are available to answer any questions and to make sure all graduation requirements are being fulfilled.
Please review and approve the courses that have been recommended by your child’s teachers and selected by your child, discuss all options and future goals, and encourage your child to take a challenging, full course load next year. Course selection forms require a parent/guardian signature. A letter from the counseling center was mailed on Dec. 15 with additional details.
Students will be registering for selected courses online from January 6-14. The last day to change selected core classes is Friday, May 7, 2021.
Exams and report cards
There are only two weeks left in the second marking period. Although NYSED has canceled January Regents Exams, shortened midterm and semester final examinations will be administered in class beginning Tuesday, Jan. 19 through Friday, Jan. 29. Please note that these are regular days of instruction for all students in grades 9-12. The second quarter officially ends on Friday, Jan. 29. The first day of the new semester is Monday, Feb. 1, which is also a regular day of classes. Second quarter report cards will be distributed in homerooms on Friday, Feb. 5.
Midterm exams will count as 10% of the student’s final second quarter grade, and exam marks will be indicated on the second quarter report card. Classroom teachers will provide additional information regarding midterm exams this year. Please remind your child about first semester deadlines to ensure all assignments are complete and up to date. Teachers are available by appointment after school for extra help.
Second quarter report cards will be mailed home to all students for accessibility for all hybrid and fully virtual students. Included in the mailing will be a copy of the students core course teacher recommendation for review.
Communication
Our district utilizes SchoolMessenger to send out emails and messages. Please make sure your email and contact information are up to date in SchoolTool by logging into the Parent Portal. You may contact Mrs. DeJesus or Mrs. Nelson in the Guidance Office (sdejesus@queensburyschool.org or knelson@queensburyschool.org) to make any necessary changes. The high school web page is also a valuable resource for up to date information on school activities and events.