Letter from the Principal

August 2010

Dear Students and Blind Brook High School Families:

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year!  We have spent considerable time in preparation of programs to ensure that students will have a rewarding educational experience.  In addition, our custodial staff has worked tirelessly to get our building ready for the opening of school on Tuesday, September 7th.

I would like to emphasize a few areas that will allow for an efficient start of the school year. In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint and paper consumption, we are using our website to communicate with families.  Please go to www.blindbrook.org and click on the high school to get important information regarding our school.  There you will find not only policies and practices, but forms that will need to be completed and returned to the school.  If you do not have internet access, please call the office at 914-937-3600, Ext. 3142, and we will provide hard copies.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Guidebook
Please check the High School website to view the current Family Guidebook. Please familiarize yourself with the Family Guidebook as students and their families are responsible for knowing and adhering to all district policies and procedures.

Attendance
Educational research has shown a strong correlation between attendance and academic progress and achievement. Last year, the district adopted a new Attendance Policy that will be in place this September. Please check the District website to view the new policy.

First Day of School
On Tuesday, September 7th, we will follow a Town Meeting bell schedule.  I will address all of the students at a whole-school assembly during the meeting period.

Student Parking and Drop-off/Pick-up
Only seniors will be permitted to park on campus once they have returned the required permission form and obtained a parking permit. 

Parents dropping off or picking up students are asked to follow the same procedure as last year.  Please form a single line into the property and drop-off/pick-up students at the walkway in front of the school.  For everyone’s safety, please heed the directions of the security staff monitoring the flow of traffic.  It is important that all drivers remain extremely focused while driving on campus to avoid accidents and injuries.

Parents are not permitted to drop-off/pick-up students at the side loading dock area.

High School Schedules
Our counseling team will be available starting August need date to answer questions regarding student programs. Please do not contact the Main Office to discuss student schedules, as the counselors are the most knowledgeable about students’ program needs and requirements for graduation and college placement.  Please call your counselor for an appointment in advance. The name of your child’s guidance counselor appears on the enclosed schedule.  Please check the sticker on the schedule for students’ locker assignments.

Enclosures
The items listed below are enclosed for your information. 

Emergency Information Card                                                                
Medication Form                                                                                    
Medical Information Update Form
Student Schedule

High School Website
Please refer to the high school website for the information listed below. Please read all the material carefully.  Forms that need to be returned should be printed and given to the responsible person by the date stated.  Students will not be able to assume privileges if applicable forms are not returned to the school.

Acceptable Use Policy Agreement Sheet                                            Free/Reduced Lunch Application
Senior Parking Letter (Gr. 12)                                                              School Lunch Program Information
Vehicle Information and Forms (Gr. 12)                                               Parent/School Communication Sheet
Off-Campus Permission Form (Gr. 12)                                                 BBHS Faculty/Telephone Extensions
Community Service Information Letter                                                  Code of Conduct Contract                      
Family Guidebook                                                                                  Family Guidebook Contract                   
Late Arrival/Early Dismissal Permission Forms (Gr.12)                        Soup Kitchen Letter
                                                                                                            
As the new principal of Blind Brook High School, I am looking forward to meeting you and welcoming you back to school soon.  Enjoy the last days of summer!

Sincerely,

Gina M. Healy
Principal