Dear Hoosac Valley High School Students and Families, 

Welcome back to another exciting year of Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Empathy (P.R.I.D.E.) at Hoosac Valley High School.  We are looking forward to a productive year where our focus will be on building relationships and connections. There are many new beginnings to celebrate as we look forward to welcoming you back to school on Wednesday, August 28th.

Each week you can expect an email from me called "Words from Byrd."  In that email I will update you on the happenings of the current week, and I will give you a preview of what's to come in the following weeks.  Feel free to send me ideas, information, and/or constructive feedback; I'm always looking for new ideas!

YOU received instructions in the mail regarding our new parent/student portal in PowerSchool.  PLEASE be sure to CREATE an ACCOUNT before you try to log in.  That wasn't part of the original instructions, and we apologize for that.  However, if you create an account FIRST, you'll then be able to log in.

We have new faces at HVHS and familiar faces changing positions; so, please join us in welcoming them to our FABULOUS school. Miss Christina Papadopoulos has been hired as a Math teacher for the high school, Miss Haley Diamond is taking over 8th Grade Science, and Miss Shelby Hiser has been hired to teach several 8th and 9th Grade English classes, as well as World History.  Mr. Paul Lemieux is replacing Ms. Holly Freadman, Marley Knysh is coming to us from the District Attorney’s office to work in our Learning Lab, and Miss Morgan Shafer is rejoining the Hoosac Valley High School family as our Chemistry teacher. We are lucky to have several dedicated, talented teachers who hold multiple teaching licenses. As such, Amanda Brooks-Clemeno will be taking over the 8-9 Inclusion Program, and Mr. Seth Jenkins is teaching students in our Bridges Program.  Last but not least, Mr. Patrick Mahoney has been hired as the Athletic Director. Mrs. Molly Meczywor has been hired as the permanent Dean of Students, and Mrs. Nanci Klammer will be the first smiling face you see when entering the main office. In addition, we continue to meet with wonderful candidates for the remaining positions that we have open.

As noted above, the first day of school will be Wednesday, August 28, 2019, and homeroom for high-school students begins at 7:30 A.M. sharp.  Our school day ends at 2:00 P.M., and we will continue to run a straight periods 1-7 schedule.  Bus routes will be available on the school district’s website the week before school starts and published in The Berkshire Eagle near that date. 

The main office has changed!  Families, community members, and students will now be welcomed by both the high-school and middle-school administrative assistants when they come through the main doors.  ALL business (tardies, dismissals, drop-offs, appointments, etc.) will be handled in the main office -- the NEW HUB of Hoosac Valley Middle and High School.  Please be patient as we work through any kinks in this new process, and remember that our entry procedures are to ensure a positive, helpful, and safe transition for all stakeholders.  Visitors will be expected to sign-in and wear a badge while walking the halls at HVMHS. 

Once again, we are lucky enough to be able to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students, and students are always welcome to purchase items from the cafeteria in addition to what’s being served on any particular day.

Most of our school’s policies and procedures can be found in our revised Student Handbook.  Hard copies of the handbook will be provided to all new students and all students entering 8th grade.  An electronic version of the handbook is available on the school’s website, and a document will be sent home with students regarding any specific changes, updates, or additions that were tweaked over the summer; school administration will meet with all students at the beginning of the year to review any pertinent changes that have been made.  

Meet Hoosac Valley High School (formerly Meet the Teacher) will be on Wednesday, September 11, starting at 6 p.m. in the auditorium.  Student Picture Day is scheduled for Wednesday, September 4, starting in the morning for all students.  Members of our Interscholastic Clubs and Organizations will provide tours for new students before school starts, and it will be helpful if touring students bring their schedules with them.  Tours will be held on Monday, August 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Monday, August 26, from 9-11 a.m. and 5-7 p.m.  

On Wednesday, August 21, from 6-7:30 p.m., we invite all 8th grade students and their families to a Step-Up orientation event in the HV auditorium.  Enclosed please find a flyer with more details.

Student-athletes and their guardians will want to mark August 26 on their calendars (the original date of 8.27 has been changed).  There is a mandatory meeting for all fall athletes and at least one parent/guardian, starting at 7 p.m. in the HV auditorium.  In addition, middle-school waivers were approved for 7th grade athletes to participate in Boys and Girls’ Soccer and Cross-Country.     

We’re looking forward to another challenging and rewarding school year, and are excited to welcome you back on August 28th.  Until then, please enjoy what remains of the summer, including plenty of rest and relaxation and time with family and friends. 

Mrs. Byrd