January 2024
Dear VCMS 8th Grade Families and Students,
We know that just hearing the words high school can generate feelings of excitement and also apprehension for both families and students. Our goal at Valley Central Middle School over the next few months is to provide the resources and information that will ease the transition and address questions that students and families may have prior to entering 9th grade. Since entering the Middle School, students have participated in various interest and career exploration surveys in order to prepare them for the various pathways and requirements of High School. We are continuing with this process and are excited to share with you that our work with 8th graders is in full force for their transition to High School.
The following has been planned in order to support students in the areas of scheduling, knowing their resources and understanding the layout of the High School complex.
Starting January 3, 2024: MS guidance counselors have been going into 8th grade classes to talk about HS requirements and electives. We will share the powerpoint of HS elective offerings in an email and it will also be posted on the student guidance google classroom. Students will be asked to choose three electives to discuss with their counselor by January 26, 2024.
January 18, 2024: Parent presentation of High School requirements and elective choices. Mark your calendars for January 18th at 6pm. Log onto video call link: https://meet.google.com/usm-ksmo-gez
Or dial: (US) +1 256-667-1425 PIN: 358 614 010#
Starting February 8, 2024: MS guidance counselors will be meeting with each 8th grader to discuss elective interests, required classes and plan their 9th grade schedule. Parents/guardians are welcome and encouraged to participate in these discussions. If you are interested in participating, please contact your child’s respective counselor.
A-F – Jennifer Pacione (Department Chair)- jennifer.pacione@vcsdny.org ; 845.457.2400 ext. 16613
G-O- Michelle Hutchison – michelle. hutchison@vcsdny.org; 845.457.2400 ext. 16611
P-Z– Kimberly D’Alessandro- kimberly.dalessandro@vcsdny.org; 845.457.2400 ext. 16612
Spring 2024: The transition to a new building can be overwhelming, so in addition to the traditional Freshmen Orientation at the High School held in August, we are planning to conduct building tours for the 8th graders in the upcoming months. More information to follow on this.
June Events: We are currently working on our end of the year event schedule. More information to follow.
Tentative dates scheduled thus far:
June 7 – 8th grade Trip-Lake Compounce
June 21- 8th grade Dance
June 25 – 8th Grade Moving Up & Awards Ceremony
Please reach out to the 8th grade class advisors with specific questions related to the trip and/or dance. Michelle.DeZemo@vcsdny.org, Anthony.Vallo@vcsdny.org, or Joseph.Collins@vcsdny.org.
We are looking forward to a great second semester and supporting our students in these upcoming months.
Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Jayme Ginda-Baxter