Welcome Back NHS

Dear Newcastle High School Families,

It is my pleasure to welcome you all back to NHS for the 2021-2022 school year!  My name is Bryce Hoffman, and while I may be a recognizable face to some, I may not be to all, so I would like to introduce myself to you as your new principal at Newcastle High School.  It is our goal that your student will attend a positive school environment in which they feel safe, supported, and cared for.  Additionally, myself and our teaching staff are preparing for a year in which we are focused both on student learning and student social/emotional health.  During this time, we will challenge your child to grow in alignment with their personal goals for the future. 

We offer a diverse academic program to students at NHS, and I encourage students to take advantage of this to explore and grow within their interests.  It is my belief that you get out of an education what you put into it.  I ask that you encourage your student to be on time, focus on learning throughout the school day, and advocate for themselves when they are struggling academically or emotionally. 

One big change you may notice this school year is the districts’ move to an Early Release Friday.  During this time, our staff may not always be available for student academic support, however they will be planning and preparing for targeted academic support during the school day Monday through Friday.  Our daily schedule allows for 2-hours of targeted support throughout the week for your student to take advantage of.  If they are struggling, please reach out to see how we can work together to better utilize their time. 

Another change which may be of interest to you will be the enforcement of our Cellphone and Electronic Communication Devices policy during class time.  There has been some rewording to the policy, but the real change will come in the expectations of upholding consistent standards schoolwide.  Students will not be allowed to use cellphones during learning time, and they will be confiscated on sight.  Please have a candid discussion with your child regarding this and reach out if you have any questions. 

I am also happy to introduce that I will be providing weekly e-mails to all students and parent/guardian(s).  The intent of this message will be to inform all stakeholders of weekly activities and happenings at Newcastle High School.  If you are ever still unsure about activities or events schedules and timelines, please feel free to reach out to our team and we will make sure you have the information you need. 

Below is a list of important dates to help you plan:

  • Office Hours: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm
    • Monday, August 16th --- Senior Laptop & Locker Checkout
    • Tuesday, August 17th --- Junior Laptop & Locker Checkout
    • Wednesday, August 18th --- Sophomore Laptop & Locker Checkout
  • Freshmen Laptop & Locker Checkout 12:30-3:30 pm
    • Thursday, August 19th
  • Freshmen Jump Start
    • Tuesday, August 24th --- Freshmen Jump Start
      • 8:10 am to 3:30 pm
    • Meet your teachers, Learn about the High School, Find your Classes!
  • Fall Sports
    • Monday, August 16th
      • Athletes must have their physical form completed and turned in prior to participating.
    • Fees to Know
      • Laptop Fee: $25.00
      • PE Uniform Fee: $20.00
    • Registration Information:
      • At the beginning of each year, all students must be registered online by going to our district website at wcsd1.org and selecting “Online Registration” at the top of the page. However, all students that are new to our district will need to come to the high school office to complete a paper registration beginning August 10th. 
      • A letter with your student’s information is enclosed to help assist you with the required information for registering your child. Please note that if you have completed this process before, you do not need to make another new account; you can log-in using your same existing information.  Once you log-in, you can then start to complete the necessary forms. 
      • If you are unable to complete registration online, please stop by the office to complete the paper forms.
      • The online registration process helps ensure that all your contact information is up to date prior to the start of a new year, and also enables you to pay necessary fees online like our computer maintenance and usage fee or for PE uniforms. You can pay these fees in-person at the NHS office as well, but the sooner you complete the online registration process, the better.

 

In closing, we are grateful to be working with your family and your child during their time at Newcastle High School.  We truly believe that this is a team effort, and that it takes participation from all of us to ensure your student has a successful and valuable experience at NHS.  If you ever have any questions, concerns, or ideas on how we could improve, please contact me so we can discuss further.  We look forward to this partnership with you and your student as we work together to challenge them and stretch their minds.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bryce Hoffman – Principal

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