Back to School Letter from Principal Hawrylchak and FAQ

 

Dear TVHS Families,

I am excited to welcome our students and families to the 2021-2022 school year at Tech Valley High School. The first day of school is rapidly approaching and we are working to prepare to welcome all students back to school. Thank you to those who were able to either join me by Zoom or who reached out to me to provide feedback on our COVID-related protocols for this school year.

The State Education Department released guidance on Thursday, August 12. The guidance is consistent with our priorities at TVHS – (1) maintaining a safe environment for all, and (2), full time in-person instruction for all students. We will hold another Zoom feedback session on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. prior to finalizing our plan (further details will be communicated out to families directly). The final plan will be sent to parents and posted on our website.

This year will be the same and different in many ways. Our incoming 9th grade students come to us from 24 different school districts, joining our collaborative and innovative school. Prior to starting the school year, please take a moment to review our honor code and reflect on what these words mean to you.

TRUST
RESPECT
RESPONSIBILITY
STEWARDSHIP

I am incredibly proud to be the principal at Tech Valley High School, where our honor code is more than words on a website, but rather, a code that we believe in – one that helps to create a community where all are valued.

Below, please find a list of commonly asked questions that may help you prepare for opening day. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our picnic on Thursday, August 26, at the Tawasentha Park Large Pavilion in Guilderland, NY.

‘Can’t wait to see you again!

Amy Hawrylchak
Principal and Chief Academic Officer
ahawrylchak@techvalleyhigh.org

 

 

When is the first day of school?
The picnic is on August 26 at Tawasentha Park in Guilderland. All are welcome. The first day of school for 9th graders is September 8th. They will be joined by all the other grades on September 9th.

Where can I find the school calendar?
You can find the school calendar and many other great resources on our website, www.techvalleyhigh.org

What is my student’s schedule?
Students are allowed in the building no earlier than 7:30. Upon arrival, they should proceed directly to the Multipurpose Room (MPR) until 7:50, when they will be released to go to Advisory. The school day ends at 2:50. Though the PM bus run will take place at that time, students may stay after for extra help until 3:50 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, if they have transportation home.

Students schedules will be sent on September 1. If you have a question about the schedule, please call the counselor, Mrs. Lee, at 518-862-4961 or email her at llee@techvalleyhigh.org. Please note that all schedule changes must be completed by the first day of school.

What supplies will my student need?
The TVHS Supply list will be available by Friday, August 27.  Note that students will be issued laptops loaded with many software programs (including a TI-Nspire software program that can take the place of a calculator at home, if necessary). Students are expected to bring these laptops, with chargers, to school each day. They will need a bag with a laptop compartment to keep this equipment safe during transport to and from school.

How are students graded?
Students will receive quarterly grade reports with numeric grades. All classes have the same basic grading categories based on our School Wide Learning Outcomes. The categories are Knowing and Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Agency and Self-Direction, and Technology and Information Literacy. The purpose of these Learning Outcomes is to evaluate students not only on the content knowledge of a class, but also on the skills needed to be successful in colleges and careers. 

How can I keep track of my student’s grades?
At TVHS, we use a learning management system called Echo, on which you can access grades, class agendas, project information, and many other helpful resources. 9th graders will receive instruction on Echo during the first days of school and there will be a parent learning session at Open House.

What do I do for school lunch?
TVHS will again be contracting with Capital Region BOCES for food service during the 21-22 school year. You can view menus and order lunch at this website: https://www.techvalleyhigh.org/parents-students/food-service/.