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BHHS
School Newsletter
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Vol. 26, No. 6
February 1, 2015
Notes from January 13 BHHS Principal’s Coffee
Important Information:
Gradebook
Key Points:
- Both students and parents have logins.
- Refer to FAQs on the portal. Click on the “?” on the
top right hand corner of the screen. There is also a
Parent Portal User Guide available on the home screen
– Document 3.
- Not a ‘real time’ source of information. Grades for
assignments and assessments will be shared with
students first before being posted on the portal so
students will have the opportunity to speak with their
teachers about any difficulties and develop plans for
improvement.
- Encourage your child to monitor their progress
through the portal and take ownership.
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 2:
Bobcat Booster at BHHS 7pm
February 3:
Board of Ed Meeting (tentative) 7:30pm
February 7:
ACT Test (not available in NYS)
February 10:
Board of Ed Meeting 7:30pm
February 13:
Registration Deadline for 3/14 SAT
Test (No Subject Tests)
February 16—20:
Winter Recess—Regular Athletic Schedule
for Varsity Sports
February 23:
Pre-Season Meeting for Spring Sports
7pm
February 26:
Site Based Team Meeting: 4-6pm at HCC
- Conduct periodic grade book reviews with your
child. Focus on things kids have most control over like
being sure that everything is handed in.
- Ask your child to look over their grade book and
report back to you regarding their performance. Focus
on conversation, information and behavior, not on the
bottom line grade first. Importantly, talk to your child
first! Avoid panic and crises which often lead to poor
responses. Gather information then have your child
talk to their teacher as a first step.
Complete Notes are attached including the following
topics on pages 9 & 10: Scheduling for Next Year; Google
Classroom; Standards-Based Learning and Grading
and Mentor Program Refinement
New Shows
from
f
BobcatTV!!
LOOK FOR THESE
AT TA C H E D F LY E R S :
February Calendar
Counseling Notes
Stage 2015—South Pacific
Notes from January 13,
Principal’s Coffee
 Race 4 A Cure Flyer
 Power to the Parent - Pizza Flyer
 PTSA - C.H.I.L.D.
 PTSA - New Members
 Armonk Baseball League
***OPERATION PROM***
On Tuesday, March 3rd, the senior and sophomore
grade activities boards are sponsoring an event
right after school in the cafeteria. Besides food and activities, students will be able
to donate used prom dresses and tuxedos
to help less fortunate high school students in our area. Operation Prom is the local charity that sponsors this program.
How to determine if your prom dress is appropriate to donate:
-prom, bridesmaid, or formal gowns (short/long)
-trendy and fancy (appealing to high school students)
-free of damages and stains
-no long sleeves or velvet
-sizes 0-26+
You can also donate tuxedos, evening bags, jewelry, and shawls. You cannot donate
shoes, suits, or other clothing. Please join us for this event. Have fun and contribute to a memorable prom for needy students. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Sandra Abt or Mr. David Hubbs.
Byram Hills High School will
be administering the American
Mathematics Competitions
COMING SOON:
A Grade Activities Board event
to in honor of the
Senior Class of
2015
FASHION BY BHHS:
Going Out in Style….
A Fashion show starring the
Class of 2014
Exam on Tuesday, February 2. The purpose of the AMC
is to develop excitement, interest and perseverance in solving challenging math problems
in a timed multiple-choice format. Questions
range from very easy to extremely challenging. Highly successful
students may then be eligible to
continue on to the next level of the
contest.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
7:30 p.m.
BHHS Theater
Any parents interested in helping please
contact Jennie Croke
[email protected]
See page 12 for more information
Feb. 16—21 Regular Athletic Schedule for Varsity Sports Only
Feb. 23 Pre-Season Meeting for
High School Spring Sports 7pm
March 8 Daylight Savings Time Begins
March 9 Varsity/JV Spring Sports Begin
March 15 Winter Athletic Banquet @ BHHS
March 28-31 Regular Athletic Schedule
April 1 Regular Athletic Schedule
April 2—5
No Athletic Events
April 6 and 7 Regular Athletic Schedule
May 1
Spring Sports Barbeque
June 1
Pre-Season Meeting for High School Fall Sports
June 14
Spring Athletic Banquet @ High School
*All parents and student-athletes are strongly encourage to attend the pre-season
meetings for Spring Sports (High School meeting - February 23). Attention Parents of Spring Athletes:
If your child is planning to participate in a spring sport here at BHHS, now is a good time
to send their updated physical exam into the nurse’s office. Any student who plans to play
a sport must have a copy of a physical exam that is less than 12 months old in the nurse’s office in order to be cleared
to play. Please either fax, scan or drop off these updated physical exams at your soonest convenience.
Thanks, Julie Gallagher, RN
Fax # (914)273-1256 or email [email protected]
Good Fan Behavior & Positive Sportsmanship
Cheer as loudly as you can FOR YOUR TEAM. A traditional cheer for Byram Hills is: “Oh
when the Hills…”
You should not make comments towards opposing players, team members, fans or officials.
Respect the feedback from the adult supervisors with regard to any cheer which in their opinion is
inappropriate.
Remember your role as a spectator is to encourage your team. The competition takes place on the
floor, not in the bleachers.
Be loud and be proud!
Go Bobcats!!
The Library @BHHS
Booklist Reviews 2014 April #2
Booklist Reviews 2012 May #1
*Starred Review* A novel to live in, learn from,
and feel bereft over when
the last page is turned,
Doerr’s
magnificently drawn story seems at
once spacious and tightly
composed. It rests, historically, during the occupation of France during
WWII, but brief chapters
told in alternating voices give the overall—and
long—narrative a swift
movement through time
and events. We have two
main characters, each
one on opposite sides in the conflagration that is destroying Europe. Marie-Louise is a sightless girl who
lived with her father in Paris before the occupation; he
was a master locksmith for the Museum of Natural History. When German forces necessitate abandonment
of the city, Marie-Louise’s father, taking with him the
museum’s greatest treasure, removes himself and his
daughter and eventually arrives at his uncle’s house in
the coastal city of Saint-Malo. Young German soldier
Werner is sent to Saint-Malo to track Resistance activity there, and eventually, and inevitably, Marie-Louise’s
and Werner’s paths cross. It is through their individual
and intertwined tales that Doerr masterfully and knowledgeably re-creates the deprived civilian conditions of
war-torn France and the strictly controlled lives of the
military occupiers. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.
This book is much more than it appears to be. It’s a
memoir about the author’s efforts to become a worldclass magician; it’s a lively introduction to the subculture
of magic (the kind practiced by stage magicians, that is,
not occultists); it’s an exploration of the links between
magic and the sciences (which are not as tenuous as
you might think); and it’s a portrait of some quite interesting characters, including the narrator, Stone, who
pursued a PhD in physics at the same time he
was studying magic,
and Wes James, a veteran
sleight-of-hand
master who was Yoda
to Stone’s Luke Skywalker (and who also
holds a PhD, in computer science). The author uses magic, which
relies on making the
audience think they’re
seeing one thing while
something entirely different is going on, as
a jumping-off point
to probe the ways in
which we perceive the ordinary world and how we often, and mostly subconsciously, allow our perceptions
to be colored by our expectations. A very entertaining
book for budding magicians, students of psychology
and neuroscience, and anyone who lands at various
points in between. Copyright 2012 Booklist Reviews.
PLANNING SPRING BREAK?
“Spring Break” has grown into a major industry that now attracts as many high school students as
their college counterparts. The potential for abuse of sex, drugs and alcohol remains a major concern.
In addition, the popularity of international resorts as Spring Break locations has occasionally led to the
exploitation of students who are vulnerable as minors and foreigners in unfamiliar cultures.
Before confirming any plans, we suggest that you check into http://travel.state.gov/ and click
on “travel warning” and the country under consideration. We also suggest that you check references
for any charter companies that you are depending on for flights and accommodations. Cancelled flights,
switched hotels, and even exploitation by local police have occurred to Byram Hills students in the past.
This information is provided for your edification. The school district does not support or endorse
“Spring Break” vacations or any companies that provide such services.
February 2015‐FOCUS SUNDAY MONDAY 1 8 HYPE Event # 3 2‐8 3‐1 Bobcat Boosters @ BHHS 7 pm AMC Math Test period s 7 + 8 Board of Ed. Mtg. 7:30 pm (Tentative) 9‐4 10‐5 One World/ Byram’s Got Talent Event 7:30 15 22 4‐A 11‐6 THURSDAY FRIDAY 6‐3 7 ACT Test (not available in NYS) 12‐7 13‐8 17 18 19 20 23‐A 24‐1 25‐2 26‐3 27‐4 Site‐Based Team Meeting @ HCC 4 – 6 pm Schools Reopen Pre‐Season Meeting for High School Spring Sports 7 pm 14 Flower Delivery Period 1 ‐ Senior GAB 16 Regular Athletic Schedule for Varsity Sports Winter Recess Schools Closed/Offices Open SATURDAY 5‐2 Board of Ed. Mtg. 7:30 pm WEDNESDAY BHEF Board of Directors Mtg. @ DO 7 pm Regular Athletic Schedule for Varsity Sports Winter Recess Presidents’ Day Schools & Offices Closed TUESDAY Last Day for Schedule Changes Regular Athletic Schedule for Varsity Sports Winter Recess Schools Closed/Offices Open Regular Athletic Schedule for Varsity Sports Asian Lunar New Year Winter Recess Schools Closed/Offices Open 21 Regular Athletic Schedule for Varsity Sports Winter Recess Schools Closed/Offices Open 28 Phone (914) 273-9200 -- Ext. 4930
February 2015
COUNSELING
STAFF

COURSE
SELECTION
Chairperson—Dr. Michael McGrath

Counselors—Susan Buchman, Anne Kaplan, Gary
McCarthy, Robert Sammon, and Kristina Wilson

Secretaries— Margherita Nordstrom and Kathy
Triolo
Beginning in late February, students will
meet with the counselor to discuss their
course selections for next year.
Parents will be able to see the student
courses in late April in eSchool Data
portal, and will have adequate time for
review and input before the schedules
are finalized.
Mid-year grades are being sent to every college that a senior student has applied to, including those accepted through
Early Decision, Early Action and Rolling Admissions. Grades will not be sent to schools that denied admission to a
student. Seniors should continue to work hard as acceptances are based on the successful completion of the
senior year.
The Junior Parent’s Night was held on December 3, 2014. The counselors provided detailed information regarding the
college selection process. Parents also had an opportunity to meet with their child’s counselor for small group question
and answer discussions. All junior parents are reminded to set up their family conference with their school counselor if
they have not done so already.
th
We will be meeting with 10 grade classes in March to provide a program called “Sophomore Success.” The counselors
will visit individual classes to present an interactive activity where students will explore some of their strengths and how
they could relate to possible college and career choices. Importantly, sophomores will start to create resumés for the
college search process and part-time employment.
Now that mentor has ended, we encourage students and parents to seek out their school counselors if any concerns or
issues arise.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER IN FEBRUARY
February 13……………………..…..
Last Day for Schedule Changes
Registration Deadline for 3/14
SAT Test (No Subject Tests)
February 16 – 20……….………….
February 23………………….………..
Winter Recess School Closed
Schools Reopen
SAVE THE DATES
April 15……………
College Night for special needs students cosponsored by C.H.I.L.D. and the School
Counseling Department
May 20…………….
BHHS Alumni College Night for juniors cosponsored by the PTSA and the School
Counseling Department
For Office
Use Only
Order Name:
Order
Order Contact Phone and E-Mail
March 5 - 7, 2015
Sold by:
Byram Hills
Stage2015
Thursday March 5, 7:00 PM
Special Contributions
Adult Tickets @ $15.00
Stage 2015 appreciates donations from
Sponsors, Benefactors, Angels & Friends.
Our donors receive special
recognition in the program.
Sponsor Donation $250 or more
Student/Senior Tickets @ $10.00
Total # Tickets for Thursday, 3/5
Total Thursday Money due with this order
Friday March 6, 7:00 PM
Adult Tickets @ $15.00
Benefactor Donation $100 or more
Student/Senior Tickets @ $10.00
Angel Donation $50.00
Total # Tickets for Friday, 3/6
Total Friday Money due with this order
Friend Donation $25.00
Saturday March 7, 2:00 PM
Adult Tickets @ $15.00
Total Special Donations
Make Checks payable to BHHS
MAIL TO: Stage ‘15, Byram Hills High School,
12 Tripp Lane, Armonk, NY 10504
All tickets will be held in your name at the box office.
Student/Senior Tickets @ $10.00
Total # Tickets for Saturday 3/7 matinee
Total Saturday Mat. Money due with this order
Saturday March 7, 7:00 PM
For additional information call the
Stage ’15 TICKET HOT LINE:
(914) 273-9200, ext. 4550
or email [email protected]
Adult Tickets @ $15.00
Because all reservations are processed
the day they are received, we regret that
no special seating requests can be honored.
Total Saturday Eve. Money due with this order
Student/Senior Tickets @ $10.00
Total # Tickets for Saturday 3/7 evening
Total Money due with this order
2014 - 2015 Season
Note from January BHHS Principal's Coffee
Important Information:
BHHS Guidance Discussions: Wednesday, January 28
School Counseling Discussion Group: 9am
First year transition program for freshmen parents: 10am
Next BHHS Principal’s Coffee: Tuesday, March 3 at 9am
The BHHS 2020 Vision will be discussed.
Additional topics will be announced a few days prior to the meeting.
Open PTSA BHHS Positions
Contact Jessica at [email protected] for descriptions of the positions
Complete details from past years will be provided to the new committee chairs
- Graduation Reception Chairs
- Graduation Breakfast Chairs
Scheduling for Next Year
Principal Chris Borsari spoke with all grades about the upcoming process. Students are
beginning to sign up. Contact your Guidance Counselor with any questions. The January
28 guidance meetings for parents is a forum for further discussion. You can schedule
individual meetings as well. Students should begin by talking to their teachers about their
selection of next year’s course in that subject area.
Students and parents should develop a schedule that works within a holistic/complete
picture. Outside interests, time commitments and overall wellness should be
considered. Students don't need to do everything. Focus on your own best interest.
Everyone is different.
Gradebook
The new Gradebook on the Parent Portal was made available on December 19.
Thus far, there have been 2806 parent logins and 812 student logins. Students have their
own Id/pw. Principal Borsari will send a reminder to them.
Each school within Byram Hills created their Gradebook differently, to be most effective for
their curriculum.
The Gradebook is a new experience for everyone, including teachers, and will take some
time to utilize optimally. Updates and improvements will be ongoing, as appropriate, as with
any system.
Principal Chris Borsari: "Used appropriately, the grade book will serve as a tool that
promotes rather than replaces communication between the parent and their child. Directing
questions about grades to the students first keeps the responsibility for the grades where it
belongs... On the learner."
Key Points:
- Both students and parents have logins.
- Refer to FAQs on the portal. Click on the “?” on the top right hand corner of the
screen. There is also a Parent Portal User Guide available on the home screen – Document
3.
- Not a 'real time' source of information. Grades for assignments and assessments will be
shared with students first before being posted on the portal so students will have the
opportunity to speak with their teachers about any difficulties and develop plans for
improvement.
- Encourage your child to monitor their progress through the portal and take ownership.
- Conduct periodic grade book reviews with your child. Focus on things kids have most
control over like being sure that everything is handed in.
- Ask your child to look over their grade book and report back to you regarding their
performance. Focus on conversation, information and behavior, not on the bottom line
grade first. Importantly, talk to your child first! Avoid panic and crises which often lead to
poor responses. Gather information then have your child talk to their teacher as a first step.
Principal Borsari will send ongoing email blasts alerting parents about midpoint and final
quarter timing. He will also be providing more information on the portal including best
practices. As Byram Hills continues to transition away from paper, be sure to keep your
eyes open for email communications.
Google Classroom
Google Classroom is becoming an important resource in the BHHS classrooms. Although still
a work in process, there has already been significant improvement in interactive learning
and feedback between teachers and their students, resulting in greater learning and mastery
with less focus on final grades. There is also significant increase in the quality and quantity
of conversation between students about schoolwork outside of the classroom and the school
day.
To help your child, look for trends in your their grades over time. When do they dip and
fall? Talk to your child about better utilizing the resources they have available to them –
teacher extra-help before and after school, feedback from teachers, etc.
Standards-Based Learning and Grading:
At Byram Hills, important goals are to master subjects and to enjoy learning. In an effort to
reduce focus on grades and increase focus on learning. Standards-Based Learning and
Grading is being developed at BHHS to students can learn at their own pace and all
eventually master the material. For seniors, the AP AB Calc course is piloting this new
direction. Principal Borsari will be elaborating on this topic at an upcoming Principals Coffee.
Mentor Program Refinement
The review of the Mentor Program was completed last spring and revisions to the program
are being implemented this year and will continue next year. Some areas of improvement
are on helping 9th graders with executive function skills to manage and navigate more
complex environments like BHHS.
Be on the lookout for this sticker Super Bowl Weekend!
For the third year in a row Byram Hills students will participate in an annual
campaign to raise awareness about underage drinking in Westchester County. Youthto-Youth club members and Peer Leaders working in partnership with North Castle
Cares Coalition will place stickers on four hundred pizza boxes from Broadway North
Pizzeria for pizzas delivered Super Bowl Sunday, February 1st.
This “sticker campaign” highlights a recent survey conducted by the Westchester
Coalition for Drug and Alcohol Free Youth that revealed that 71% of high school
students find it “easy” or “very easy” to access alcohol. That’s about as easy as getting
a pizza. And the easier it is to get alcohol, the more likely youth are to drink and to
suffer the consequences of drinking, including car crashes, academic struggles,
unplanned/unwanted sexual activity, hangovers, fights, and possible overdose and
addiction. The purpose of this campaign is to support parents in their efforts to help
prevent underage drinking.
The North Castle Cares Coalition (NCCC) is a community organization encouraging
youth to make healthy, safe and substance-free choices. For more information about
NCCC got to: www.northcastlecares.org and for more information about other
Westchester County coalitions go to: www.powertotheparent.org
C.H.I.L.D. CHILDREN HAVING INDIVIDUAL LIFE DIFFERENCES
Dear C.H.I.L.D. Members and Friends,
Check out our calendar below for upcoming events. Additional information can be found at
www.bhptsa.org. If you have an idea for future programming, or would like to join the planning
committee, feel free to email Kara or Denise at [email protected].
MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!
FEBRUARY 2015
Transitioning from Coman Hill to Wampus
Wednesday, February 4th, 2015, 9:15 a.m. at Wampus Multipurpose Room
For parents of children currently receiving special services at Coman Hill: Join Special Services
administrators and Byram Hills parents to learn more about the transition from Coman Hill to Wampus.
Meet Ms. Jill Boynton, the New Director of Special Services and Health Services at Byram Hills
Tuesday, February 10th, 2015, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at HCC Cafeteria
C.H.I.L.D. CHAT: Transitions- Moving Up to the Next School
Thursday, February 12th, 2015, 9:30 a.m. at 6 Thornewood Rd., Armonk
Meet with other parents to gain or offer practical advice in a casual setting.
Please rsvp to [email protected].
MARCH 2015
Language-Based Learning Disabilities
Wednesday, March 4th, 7p.m. at HCC
Dr. Kirstin Cullen-Sharma, Clinical Psychologist at the NYU Child Study Center will offer
strategies for parents to help support children with language-based learning disabilities.
ARMONK BASEBALL LEAGUE
2015 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL
Register for both Armonk Baseball & Softball
at www.ArmonkBaseball.org
Early bird registration ($100 discount)
October 15, 2014-January 31, 2015
$275 for first child
Regular Registration Rates 2/1/15-2/15/15
$375 for first child
$100 discount for any additional child in the family
2015 BANNER ADVERTISING SPECIALS. SEE
WEB FOR DETAILS