Dear Students and Parents of the Class of 2015,

 Welcome to Voorhees High School.  In a few short weeks, you will begin a very exciting and rewarding high school career.  In the next four years you will have many and varied opportunities for growth and success in academics, co-curricular activities, and student government.  I encourage you to get involved right from the start.  You will find that participation in one or more of these areas will add to your high school experience. The weeks and months ahead will be challenging, but please be assured that we will provide you with encouragement and support in every way possible.

 We have scheduled an orientation program for freshmen on Wednesday, August 24 beginning at 9:45 in our auditorium.  On that day, a bus will pick you up at your bus stop exactly two hours later than the time indicated on the bus pass you have or will receive under separate cover. Lunch will be available in the cafeteria for $3.60.  Students may also bring a lunch from home.  Drinks will be available for sale. The program will conclude at 3:10 PM at which time a bus will take you home.

 All students will report for a full day of school on Thursday, August 25. First period, which includes homeroom, begins at 7:45. Freshmen who did not attend Freshmen Orientation are to report to the Back Gym to receive their schedules.

Student IDs

Students at Voorhees are required to carry photo identification badges.  You will be photographed early in the school year and provided with a badge as soon as they are processed. 

PTSO

The Parent Teacher Student Organization plays a vital role at Voorhees.  One of its most important functions is Project Graduation.  Through a series of fundraisers throughout the year, the PTSO provides a substance-free night of celebration for our seniors following graduation.  You will receiving a membership form in a separate mailing.  Please join and lend your support to this very important organization. 

Parent/Student Handbook

The Parent-Student Handbook and calendar are available on the Voorhees website. We encourage you to become familiar with the information contained in this reference and mark the dates of important school events throughout the year.  Of particular note, please read over the attendance policy, the dress code and the electronic devices policy. These are areas that raise many questions every year for freshmen and their parents.

Most of the information we will provide you with throughout the year will be disseminated on-line.  If you do not have access to the Internet, please advise us so that we can be sure to mail information to you.

Home Logic

The North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District uses the Home Logic program to keep you informed of your child(ren)’s progress during the school year. You can view assignments, grades, and daily attendance. You only need access to a computer with internet capabilities, whether you are at home, the office, or a local library. The mid-quarter Progress Reports and the first three marking period Report Cards will not be mailed. The only Report Card you will still receive in the mail is the last marking period/end of year report card.  If you wish to continue to receive the first three marking period Report Cards in the mail, you must complete the opt-in form and return it to the school’s registrar.  The form and Home Logic instructions can be found at http://www.nhvweb.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Home-Logic-letter-8-4-11.pdf

Technology Acceptable Use Policy

Every student will be assigned a password that will provide access to the Internet. Before a password is issued, each student and his/her parent must sign the Acceptable Use form attached to this email.  Please have your child return this form to his/her homeroom teacher the first day of school. 

Back to School Night

Back to School Night will be held on Thursday, September 8 at 7:00PM in the auditorium.  This program is intended to provide an opportunity to meet your child’s teachers and receive an overview of the curriculum. The program is not intended for one-on-one conferences.  If necessary, conferences may be scheduled through your child’s guidance counselor.

Random Substance Testing

The North Hunterdon Regional District Board of Education has adopted a random substance testing policy. All students who participate in a co-curricular activity not required for graduation are subject to random substance testing. Any student planning to participate in a co-curricular activity must submit the enclosed yellow consent form signed by his or her parent or guardian, to be eligible for participation.  This form must be returned to the school on or before the first day of participation in an activity.  If you have any questions, feel free to call me at 638-6116.

Bullying and Harassment

Bullying and harassment of any kind are not tolerated at Voorhees High School. The complete Board of Education policy on bullying and harassment can be found on the Voorhees and district websites.

Again, on behalf of the faculty and staff, I welcome you to Voorhees High School.  I look forward to meeting you on August 24.  Until then, enjoy the remainder of your summer.

Sincerely,  

Ronald J. Peterson
Principal