NEWS FROM THE PANTHER DEN

This week, we took time to recognize and honor the men and women who have served our country in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and express our gratitude to those who have made a commitment to protect our nation and defend the freedoms we enjoy every day.

When we think about Veterans, we often think about courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. But we should also remember that behind every uniform is a person with a family, a story, and a reason for serving. Some served during times of war, others during times of peace. Some spent years away from home, while others made sacrifices that we may never fully understand. Each of them answered a call to serve something greater than themselves.

As students and staff, we may not all serve our country in the same way, but we can certainly learn from the example veterans have set. Their commitment reminds us of the importance of responsibility, perseverance, looking out for one another, and putting the needs of others ahead of our own. We have our freedoms today because of their sacrifice. ,

November is a month when we begin to think more intentionally about gratitude as we approach Thanksgiving. We often talk about being thankful for our families, friends, opportunities, and the people who make a difference in our lives. Today, I hope we will add our veterans to that list. If you have a family member, friend, neighbor, or someone in your life who has served, take a moment to thank them. Those two simple words, thank you, can mean so much.

To all of the veterans in our PTHS family and throughout our community, we are grateful for your service, your courage, and your sacrifices. We recognize that the freedoms we enjoy are not guaranteed, and we are forever indebted to those who have helped preserve them. If you have time, please visit our Alumni Veterans Wall that honors all those who walked the halls of PTHS and served our country.

As we move through the remainder of the year, let us remember that honoring our veterans should not be limited to one day on the calendar. It should be reflected in the gratitude we express and the respect we show throughout the year. May our gratitude be our compass as we give thanks for the freedoms we have. #nocknation

Congratulations to our student athletes who have committed to college to play at the next level.

Marking Period 1 Report Cards are available on the Genesis Parent and Student Portals at 3:00 pm today.

Check out what our Academies have been up to in Marking Period 1! Alot going on in Allied Health, STEM AND ASCEND!

Kiley McGowan, a 2026 Graduate is involved in a fundraiser at the University of Delaware. See her message below:

"I'm in Freshman For the Kids, a subcommittee of UDance, a student-run organization that raises money and awareness for childhood cancer. UDance partners with The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation to provide financial support to families affected by childhood cancer and fund research. Since 2007, UDance has raised over $21.9 million to help children and families affected by cancer. This year, I've set a goal to raise $1,000 for our dance marathon this spring. I would be honored if you would help support me in this cause."

https://www.udancede.org/bepos_partpage.aspxeventtag=UD2027&partid=207681

Check out this month's newsletter from the Office of School Counseling!

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

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

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 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