NEWS FROM THE PANTHER DEN

November is one of my favorite months. With my birthday, wedding anniversary and Thanksgiving all packed into it, November allows me the chance to put things into perspective. It makes me pause and realize the many things that I am grateful for that, in the "busyness" of life, I don't really take time to recognize. I find myself thinking a lot about gratitude this month. Recently, I came across a social media post that suggested making each day in November an opportunity to give thanks for something in our lives. One day, it might be the people who make us smile. Another, the opportunities we sometimes take for granted. Perhaps it is a small act of kindness, a conversation with a friend, a lesson learned, or simply the opportunity to begin another day. The post stayed with me, and it got me thinking about how often we move through our days without stopping to recognize just how much we have to be thankful for.

As I think about our theme this year, Navigate with Purpose, I cannot help but consider the role gratitude plays in finding our direction. This year, each month I will be focusing on the theme of a compass and how it guides our way. Last week we focused on the "Leadership Compass." For November, may our "Gratitude Compass" guide what we do, what we say and who we are as Golden Panthers. It reminds us of where we have been, helps us recognize what matters most, and influences how we move forward. When we lead with gratitude, we begin to see challenges differently, appreciate opportunities more fully, and recognize the impact that others have on our journey.

Here at PTHS, there is no shortage of things to be grateful for. It is found in our teachers who go above and beyond, the staff members who make a difference in ways that often go unnoticed, the students who inspire us with their determination, and the families and community members who continually support our schools. It is found in the everyday moments that may not make the newsletter but help define who we are. Sometimes, the greatest things to be thankful for are the things we see every day but do not always take the time to acknowledge.

As we begin November, I encourage everyone to take a moment each day to identify one thing for which they are grateful. It does not have to be something extraordinary. In fact, it is often the simplest things that mean the most. A kind word, a helping hand, a shared laugh, or someone who takes the time to ask how you are doing can change the direction of an entire day. Perhaps that is where gratitude begins. It is not with having more, but with recognizing more of what we already have.

Throughout November (and beyond), let gratitude be our compass. Let it guide our perspective, strengthen our relationships, and remind us that even when the road is not always easy, there is always something worth appreciating along the way. I am grateful to be a Golden Panther. What are you grateful for? #nocknation

Please read the letter from Mr. Shea, our Chief Technology Officer about the test of our Emergency Broadcast on November 16th. With winter weather coming, it is always important that you know you might get that snow day call!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1v2KXlV7rnMuLsyZIp5fwkHP7nOlgx2UFabKH3NGp5Kk/edit?usp=sharing

The first marking period ends on Wednesday, November 4th. Grades will be due on Thursday, November 12th at 12:00 pm

The district will be closed for Teacher's Convention on November 5th and 6th. School will reopen on Monday, November 9th.

Habitat for Humanity's Fall Food Drive will run until Monday, November 23rd. Last year our food drive was able to help out many families in our community and we appreciate your support again this year! Check your period 1 classroom for a list of needed items and a bag to collect donations in! The first period class that brings in the most items wins Dunkin Donuts! Thanks for your generosity!

It is that time of year where PTHS is accepting nominations for Teacher of the Year and Educational Support Professional of the Year for the 2026-2027 school year. When nominating a teacher or support professional, please consider the following:

1. How does the educator demonstrate their dedication to their students and school?
2. How does the educator demonstrate leadership and innovation inside and outside of the classroom?
3. What role does the educator play in the community as well as in the school?
4. How can you show the respect and admiration that students, parents, administrators and colleagues have for the educator?

Please complete the nomination form attached and give it to Rich Hayzler by November 14th.

The following teachers/support professionals cannot be nominated because they have earned the recognition in the last five years: Anthony Streifer, Lee Ann Brensinger, Dan Sutherland, Kristen O'Connor, Gayle Lipari, Lexy Blau, Bryan Rescigno, Sharon Foti, Amanda Dooley, Kim Buscher

Please check out the links and flyer below for information from our Student Services Office:

1. "A Parent's Guide to Using AI for Advocacy in Special Education" - This one focuses on how parents can use AI to help navigate the special education process and advocate for their children.

2. "Artificial Intelligence in Special Education" – This one provides more general information about the use of AI in special education, including benefits and considerations.

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

The PTHS PAWS HSA is proud to support programs and opportunities that enhance the students' experience, including senior scholarships, college and career events, student activities, staff appreciation, and more.

HSA membership is just $25 per family, and every dollar directly supports these initiatives.

Join or renew your membership here: Dues

A reminder for families of future graduates: to be eligible for an HSA senior scholarship, families must maintain HSA membership for all years their student attends PTHS. We are excited to announce that this year we will award $10,000 in scholarships to the class of 2027.

In addition, families who wish to further support their student's graduating class may make an optional class donation. These funds do not go to the HSA. Instead, they are given directly to the class officers or representative for deposit into their class account and help support senior-year activities such as prom, the senior cruise, and other class events. Starting to build class funds early gives students more opportunities to fundraise and helps offset the cost of senior-year activities.

Support Your Student's Class: Class Donations

Whether you join, renew, donate, volunteer, or attend our events, your support helps create meaningful opportunities and lasting memories for our students.

We continue to ask for your partnership in bringing students to school each day when they are well, and scheduling vacations around school days. Please note that the state still counts all absences, even those with doctor's notes or a parent phone call (even ones that we mark as "excused"). At 10 or more days absent, we will often request a conference or a phone call where we can help develop personalized strategies to improve your child's attendance. Please reach out if you notice any signs of school avoidance, or if you have questions about whether to keep your child home. As always, thank you for your support!

November 4th: End of Marking Period 1

November 5th and 6th: District Closed for Teacher's Convention

November 9th: Start of Marking Period 2

November 19th -21st: PTHS Fall Play 7:00 pm

November 25th: Single Session Day for students and staff

November 26th and 27th: Schools Closed (Thanksgiving Recess)

December 3rd: PTHS Hosts a Physics Roundtable for Teachers 12 - 3 pm

December 10th: National Honor Society Induction 7:00 pm

December 15th: PTHS Holiday Concert 7:00 pm

December 18th: Winter Pep Rally

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