August 5, 2024
Dear Onteora High School Families,
I hope that everyone is well and enjoying the summer break. We are currently busy planning for the upcoming 2024-25 school year and I wanted to provide you with some preliminary information. An updated letter will be sent prior to the start of the school year.
Fall Sports
The fall sports season will begin on Monday, August 26th for high school students. Registration through FamilyID is now open. Please note that all student-athletes must be registered and cleared on FamilyID before they can participate in fall sports. Students may not register themselves on Family ID, as a parent/guardian must complete the registration process. In order for a student to be eligible to begin tryouts and practices, the student must be cleared by our Medical Director. An updated physical must be on file. To request a school physical, please send an email to our school nurse, Sabrina Blakely, at sblakely@onteora.k12.ny.us. Additional information can be found on the Athletic Department’s website.
Student Schedules
Preliminary student schedules will be available on the student/parent portal by Friday, August 30th.
Transportation Information
Transportation schedules will be available on the student/parent portal by Wednesday, August 28th. Please note that you need to re-check your pick-up time the day before school starts for the most accurate information.
Cell Phones & Personal Electronic Devices
In light of ongoing concerns, extensive research, and pending legislation, we have taken the initiative to review and revise our school's cell phone/personal electronic device use practices. The increasing prevalence of cell phone usage among teenagers has raised significant concerns regarding its potential harmful effects. As a result, it has become crucial for us to explore the latest research findings and consider the necessary measures to ensure the well-being and academic success of our students.
Personal electronic devices often interfere with the academic environment of the school. Considering the potential for distraction and additional problems, all equipment must be turned off and not visible (including accessories) during school hours (7:40-2:35) unless authorized by the school administration. Any student observed with such devices will have the device confiscated by a staff member and the student will be referred to the building’s administration. High school students must not have phones on their person and must keep their phones out of sight throughout the instructional day. Students are encouraged to place their phones in their lockers or in their backpacks.
*Please note that if a parent needs to contact a student during school hours, they may call the high school office at (845) 657-2373 x2110.
Specific consequences for noncompliance by students will be outlined in the 2024/25 Student/Parent Handbook, which will be available online.
We will continue to evaluate the impact of cell phones and personal electronic devices as the school year progresses and will adjust our procedures accordingly. Please review these expectations with your student and assist us with promoting positive and responsible behavior.
Change in Bell Schedule
In response to student and staff feedback, we have revised the bell schedule so that homeroom occurs later in the day, during third period. This will allow us time to make sure that all pertinent information is available and communicated to students. It will also accommodate students who have late arrival to school.
| Period | Time |
| Period 1 | 7:40 - 8:22 |
| Period 2 | 8:26 - 9:08 |
| Period 3 (HR) | 9:12 - 9:17 |
| Period 3 | 9:17 - 9:59 |
| Period 4 | 10:03 - 10:45 |
| Period 5 (MS Lunch) | 10:49 - 11:31 |
| Period 6 (HS 9/10 Lunch) | 11:35 - 12:17 |
| Period 7 (HS 11/12 Lunch) | 12:21 - 1:03 |
| Period 8 | 1:07 - 1:49 |
| Period 9 | 1:53 - 2:35 |
High School Calendar/News
I encourage students and parents to check the high school’s website often for current information. The calendar on our site has been updated for the upcoming school year. You will also find announcements posted in the “Onteora High School News” section.
Over the next few weeks, we will be solidifying schedules and plans for the new school year. I will send an updated letter prior to the start of the school year. I look forward to seeing all of our students back in the building for the first day of school on Wednesday, September 4th.
Enjoy your summer break!
Sincerely,
Lance Edelman
High School Principal