The Attica Times

Dear Attica Families,

I hope this message finds you enjoying the final days of summer! Whether your student is entering 9th grade or preparing to graduate, we are excited to begin this next chapter with you.

High school is a time of growth, challenge, and opportunity. Our staff has been working hard over the summer to ensure that this year is filled with engaging learning experiences, strong support systems, and a continued focus on academic excellence.

Our outstanding facilities team has done an awesome job of getting our learning spaces ready, and many of our teachers have spent time over the summer updating curriculum and participating in professional development - all with the goal of providing your children with the highest quality educational experience.

Enjoy these last days of summer. We're looking forward to a fantastic year ahead and can't wait to see our hallways full again on September 3rd!

Warmly,

Mr. Jansma

Morning Drop-Off:

• Students may be dropped off starting at 7:45am in the bus loop (Door 29). Upon arrival, they must report to the cafeteria and remain there until 8:05am.
• At 8:05am, students may enter the building through either the lobby or Door 29

Afternoon Pick-Up

• Pick-up begins at 3:10pm in the bus loop.
• Please note there is no after-school pickup at the high school lobby door during dismissal.

Freshman orientation is happening on August 28th from 10am until noon. If you have not signed up yet please contact the main office 585-591-0400 ext. 1108. This is a great opportunity for our students to learn about what to expect and to familiarize themselves with their schedule for the new year. Bonus we will provide lunch for the students.

Seniors if you are interested in painting a parking spot this year please see below:

• Sketch out a design and have it approved by a senior advisor
• $20 payment can be made on August 18th from 11:15am - 12:30pm or on August 20th from 11:15am - 12:30pm. If you cannot make one of those times you may stop in the main office to see if an advisor is in the building
• Once paid, pick your parking spot (these are on a first come, first served basis)
• Paint! Once your design is approved, you've paid, and a spot has been picked out you can start painting.

Start Date for all Varsity and JV Sports is Monday, August 18th.

Practice Times and Locations are as follows:

• Boys JV & Varsity Soccer 9 - 11 am on the Turf
• Girls JV & Varsity Soccer 7 - 9 am on the Turf
• Cheerleading 8 - 10:30 am in the Auxiliary Gym
• JV & Varsity Football 4 - 8 pm on the Turf
• JV & Varsity Volleyball 4:30 - 6:30 pm in the HS Gym

Attendance

School attendance is essential for students to be successful both in school and in their extracurricular activities. Therefore, a student will not be allowed to participate in that day’s practice/game/event if they:

1. Are absent all day from school (with the exception of a verified full day medical appointment, which means a note from a doctor or a follow-up call by the school nurse to the doctor.

2. Come to school after 8:20 a.m.

3. Leave school during the day (with the exception of verified medical appointments or permission from an administrator). Extenuating circumstances will be considered with prior notification to the school administration.

4. Leave school due to illness during the school day.

If the student violates the above attendance policy on a Friday, they may not participate until the next day of school attendance or with the permission of their physician. If the violation occurs prior to a vacation period, they may not participate until they have been in attendance at a game/practice and not participated in that game/practice (whichever comes first), or with the permission of their physician.

If a student is in school, but does not participate in Physical Education class, they are ineligible to participate in that day’s practice/game/event. Any extenuating circumstances must be approved in advance by the High School Principal or their designee.

Please note that if a student is assigned a detention or an extended detention through the High School Office, they will not be eligible to practice or compete until that detention is served.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY-

Standards 1-5:

1. The eligibility standards will apply to all students in grades 7-12.

2. A failing-grade list will be issued on a 3-5 week basis.

3. Eligibility or ineligibility will commence on the date stated on the Failing Grade List/Ineligible List.

4. Incompletes will be designated as failing grades until rectified.

5. Student-athletes who are failing two or more classes will be designated as ineligible. The following guidelines will be put into place for students who are ineligible in order for them to continue to attend their extra-curricular activity:

If a student is failing two or more academic classes…

A. The student-athlete must attend a regularly scheduled “Academic Support” period. (i.e., learning lab, advisement, after-school help)

C. The student-athlete may practice, travel, and play in games and performances as long as A and B from above are taking place (graded events being the exception).

Students who need to stay after school for an extracurricular activity and plan to take the late bus must sign up by 12:00pm (noon).

A laptop is available in the main office for students to complete the sign-up.

As we prepare for the 2025–2026 school year, I want to take a moment to share an important update regarding our district’s approach to student cell phone use during the school day. Following extensive discussions with stakeholders—including students, staff, families, and community members—Attica Central School District has adopted a bell-to-bell cell phone ban for all students beginning in September 2025.

This decision was made in alignment with New York State’s ongoing efforts to support student mental health and reduce digital distractions during instructional time. Our focus remains on fostering safe, respectful, and engaging learning environments that support academic growth, social development, and emotional well-being.

The updated policy was officially approved by the Board of Education on July 10, 2025 and is available for your review using the link below. The policy outlines expectations for student use of personal devices and defines clear guidelines for appropriate use during the school day from bell to bell.

We have also developed the following resources to support families in understanding this change:

· Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Document – This resource addresses common questions about the bell-to-bell policy, including exceptions for educational use and medical needs.

· Updated Cell Phone Policy – A detailed copy of the approved policy.

· June 26, 2025 Informational Meeting Presentation – A recording and slide deck from the informational session outlining the rationale, research, and implementation plan.

You can access these resources on our district website here:
[Cell Phone Policy Website Link]

We are committed to working collaboratively with students, families, and staff to ensure a smooth implementation this fall.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in creating a school environment where every student can thrive.

Please see the link below in order to sign your user agreement form.

https://www.atticacsd.org/article/2267505