March comes in like a lion

And goes out like a lamb

January 2, 2020   Dear Parent or Guardian,    This letter ushers in the New Year and welcomes you and your family back to school. The New Year is filled with hope and promise and signals the beginning of the second and final semester of the school year.  With that will come special challenges we are ready to meet head on.   The second set of i-Ready testing is about to begin. The information derived from the first and second administration will inform our decisions about the teaching and learning process, and pinpoints where modifications need to be made. Information derived from i-Ready tests are used at team, parent, and RtI meetings.   Students in the accelerated math (Algebra 1) program will be administered the mid-term exam. Teachers have been preparing students for this test in their classes. I am confident students will be successful and perform at the highest levels.   When people speak of college and career readiness they are not implying that college is the only pathway to career and economic propersity.  The trades are as important and valuable to our economy as any other profession or occupation. With that in mind, we added two new modeules to our technology program: welding fabrication and residential wiring. Welding is being offered to 8th graders, while residential wiring to 7th graders. Together, they expand student learning opportunities and expose them to valuable skills and competencies they can use in life.   There is value in students knowing how to successfully prepare for and take tests of all sorts. This is generally referred to as test literacy. Test literacy includes, but is not limited to, teacher-made tests, state tests, SATs, ACTs, and LSATs.  The ability to take tests will serve students well in the long run.  I am currently working with students in preparing a video on test-taking strategies to share with the entire student body.  The goal is to strengthen the ability of students to take tests with increasing confidence.    In closing, please keep in mind the following important dates: 7th and 8th Grade Dance - Friday, January 24 Half Day for Students - February 14 Spring Pictures - March 13 Griffin Stage Production - March 13 and 14 International Night - April 17 (snow date April 23) 8th Grade National Junior Honor Society  April 24th                      (snow date April 29) 8th Grade "Moving Up" Ceremonies - June 4 and 5 8th Grade Semi Formal - Thursday, June 25 at the Villa Borghese If you have any questions, please contact the school. Thank you.   Sincerely,   Dr. Steven H. Shuchat, Principal       Van Wyck JHS Mission Statement   Values lifelong learning Welcomes diversity Judgment free Highly professional; harmonious environment Student-centered Growing responsible members of our community Responsive to and respectful of all needs Integrated and standard-based instruction Focused on building community Forward thinking Innovative ideas Network of support Strong leadership   Van Wyck JHS is proud to be a fully designated "Essential Elements: Schools to Watch" award recipient. Click here to read our designation letter.  Van Wyck JHS  is a member of the NYS Tristate Consortium. Van Wyck JHS is a member of the Statewide Network of Middle Level Support Schools that serve to:  1. Advocate for Middle Level Education 2. Site for Showcasing Promising Practices 3. Resource for Advice and Guidance		Principal's Messages Decemeber 2019 Holiday August 2019 Welcome Back  All Principal Letters
Contact Us Tel. 845-227-1700 Ext. 20000 Address: 6 Hillside Lake Road. The Main Office hours during the school year Mon-Fri 7:30am-2:30pm. Click here for all Van Wyck contacts.            Follow @GriffinPride2

Wappingers CSD is now using Anonymous Alerts® 

The Anonymous Alerts® reporting app was created to help students, parents or community members choose a school official to contact, type of incident to report, school building and/or a specific location, set a priority level of normal or high and upload a photo, screenshot or video related to the incident.  This reporting system is meant to allow for anonymous reporting but still provides for District and Building Administrators to respond (via the app) to the person who submitted a tip to the District. 

If you plan on submitting an alert anonymously please be sure to check the "message center" in the application itself to see any responses to your tip, or requests from District Officials for additional information.

The purpose of the app is for members of our school and community to report suspicious activity, bullying or student-related concerns to a school administrator. For all other reports, please contact your child's school directly. If you feel the need to keep this submission anonymous that is OK, we completely respect your right to privacy and appreciate you making us aware.

• Download the Anonymous Alerts® app for your Apple IOS or Android Device
• Start the App, and enter the Activation Code:  wappingerscsd
• Submit reports to District & School Officials and check the message center within the App for additional correspondence with the District
• Add a screenshot, photo, or video about an incident

Van Wyck Junior High School
6 Hillside Lake Road
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

845-227-1700

Click here for all WCSD school building contact information.