NEWS FROM THE PANTHER DEN

This is the first in a seven part series on our "Navigate with Purpose" theme to kick off the year.

There is something special about the beginning of a school year. Long before our students walk through the doors, there is an incredible amount of preparation taking place behind the scenes. Over the past several weeks, the administration and staff have been preparing classrooms, refining lessons, learning new systems, and thinking about how we can make this year a successful one for every student. As we begin this journey together, our first PURPOSE focus is P — Prepare with Intention. The work we put in before the first bell matters because preparation creates the foundation for success. When the students entered the building on Wednesday, greeted by the Drumline and all, we were ready.

This year, that preparation has included some important changes. We are beginning the implementation of our new cell phone policy, requires cell phones and other internet devices to be turned off and put away. While we recognize this is a big change, we know the students are up for it. They responded incredibly well and we look forward to continuing to partner together as we navigate this new expectation. It has already let to increased conversation in the hallways and lunches. We are also transitioning to the new Genesis Student Information System, creating a new way for students and families to access important information throughout the school year. These changes require preparation, patience, and a willingness to learn something new. Most importantly, they are intended to create an environment where our students can focus on what matters most. Learning with their teachers, building relationships, and figuring out who they are as individuals. When we are intentional about our focus, our results can be extraordinary.

Perhaps nowhere is preparation with intention more evident than with our Grade 9 and new students, who are beginning an entirely new chapter at Pequannock Township High School. They are learning new hallways, new routines, new expectations, and a new level of independence. Our staff has been working to make that transition as smooth as possible. The students have done a tremendous job over the past three days adapting to high school and setting themselves up for success. These first days matter. The preparation, encouragement, and relationships we establish now can help our newest Golden Panthers feel that they belong here.

This year you will be hearing a lot about our Profile of a Graduate initiative. The Profile of a Graduate serves as our compass. It is a symbol of direction, purpose, and the journey toward becoming the individuals we want our students to be. Throughout this year, we will look to that compass and explore what it means to develop the skills, character, and mindset our students will need well beyond their years at PTHS. Preparing with Intention is our first step. We may not know every challenge or opportunity that awaits us, but we can control how we prepare for the journey. The first three days help set that foundation.

I am excited for this year. Let us begin by preparing with intention as we take our first steps together. Let's Go Panthers! #nocknation

On September 11th please join the Pequannock community in wearing Red, White and Blue as we remember those who lost their lives and those who assisted others and that fateful day.

The first two days of drop off were outstanding! Keep it going! All tardy procedures will be in full effect beginning Wednesday, September 9th. If a student is not in their first block by 8:05 am, they will be marked late for that block.

Let’s give our amazing teachers and staff the warm welcome they deserve! We’re collecting donations to host a heartfelt breakfast that sets the tone for a great year.

Here’s how you can help:

• Click here to donate or make monetary donations
• Drop-off deadline: Thursday, September 24th by 4 PM at the main entrance/security booth (please ring the bell)
• Alternate drop-off: Back to School Night
• Label all items with your name
• Want to help set up? Email us at paws@pthshsa.org or Volunteer here

Please see the schedule below for Panther Periods and Lunch Support Blocks. You can begin setting up your flex periods in SmartPass. Please title it "Mr. Hayzler- LUNCH Support (Room #)" and Mr. Hayzler PANTHER PERIOD (Room #)

LUNCH SUPPORT

PANTHER PERIOD

Returning to school after summer vacation can bring a variety of emotions for both students and parents. Whether your student is a freshman entering PTHS for the first time, a senior inching closer to the end of their high school career, or any student in between, back to school anxiety affects students of all ages, and each transition comes with its own challenges and opportunities for growth.

Students might experience back to school anxiety for several reasons including fear of the unknown, change in routine, academic pressures, social changes, and separation from home. Below are some tips to help your student (and you!) ease some of that back to school anxiety.

• Re-establish routines early into the school year. Help your student ease back into school bedtimes, wake up times, and mealtimes from the first day of school. Predictability and routine helps students feel more secure!

• Acknowledge your student’s feelings. Reassure your student that feeling nervous is normal! Share with them some times where you felt anxious about something new but managed and overcame it.

• Encourage independence. Whether it’s packing their backpack, organizing their agenda, or making their own lunch, small responsibilities build student’s confidence and reduce anxiety.

• Communication is key. Ask your student open-ended questions like, “What are you most looking forward to this year?” or “What do you think might be a challenge for you this year?” Frequent open communication shows you’re there to listen and makes it easier for your student to share their worries and excitement with you!

• Focus on the positives. Talk with your student about the exciting aspects of school, like learning something fun, trying new activities, and seeing and making friends. Balancing worries with positives can help shift perspective!

Remember, it’s normal to feel a bit worried or anxious about new starts and changes in life. Many students settle into their new school routine within the first few weeks, and feeling supported both at school and home can help ease your student into another great school year!

All attendance-related emails must be sent to attendance@pequannock.org.

If a parent receives a Robocall after 9:00 A.M., this means that the school received neither an email nor a phone call pertaining to their absence. If you receive this call, you must contact the schoo

Any families that might benefit from free and reduced lunch are encouraged to check out the district’s website and consider applying. If you qualified last year, please be sure to apply again this year as the program requires annual updates. Also, some families might also qualify under the New Jersey Expanded Income Eligibility (NJEIE) program. Students will receive lunches identical to those of their peers and their information remains confidential.

Please read the following letter that was sent to families regarding the cell phone policy for 2026-2027 along with a FAQ document.

Attached is the link to the 2026-2027 Student Handbook.

Student Handbook 2026-2027

For your planning purposes, the Pequannock Township School District will have two "no homework" weekends this year. During these weekends no assignments are to be given to students in an effort to support the importance of family time. The two weekends are:

• Thanksgiving Weekend
• Memorial Day Weekend

September 7th: District Closed (Labor Day)

September 8th: School Reopens (Day 3)

September 9th and 10th: School Pictures

September 18th: Senior Sunrise 6:30 am

September 23rd: Student Activity Fair during Unit Lunch

September 24th : Back to School Night

September 26th: Homecoming Dance 7:00 pm -9:00 pm

October 2nd: Fall Pep Rally and Homecoming Game

See a football player to purchase a card!

Email: attendance@pequannock.org
Website: www.pequannock.org
Location: 85 Sunset Road, Pompton Plains, NJ, USA
Phone: (973) 616-6000