Words from Byrd
CLEAR THE VAPOR CONVERSATIONS
In 2025, Parents Against Vaping is thrilled to continue Clear the Vapor Conversations, an exciting year-long series inspired by our successful Clear the Vapor conference! Our 2025 series drew over 10,000 registrants and thousands of live attendees.
Like the conference, Clear the Vapor Conversations convenes researchers, public health advocates, and leading experts as they participate in informative discussions held throughout the year. The series addresses a variety of topics including: environmental harms caused by vaping; “creative” vaping cessation ideas; and engaging youth to quit. Each event features a moderated discussion with your questions answered live.
CLICK HERE to view the fliers.
WANT TO HAVE SOME NEXT WEEK?
The Family Center of Northern Berkshire County has a host of activities taking place during this vacation week! Click HERE to view all the fliers.
FOR YOUR CALENDAR:
APRIL 20-24: SPRING VACATION week. No school.
APRIL 27: Classes resume; high-school doors open at 7:15 a.m.
APRIL 28-29: 8th GRADE MATH MCAS
MAY 6: Half-day for students -- dismissal at 10:53 a.m.
MAY 12-13: MCAS GRADE 8 SCIENCE
MAY 19-20: MCAS GRADE 10 MATH
NEEDOH IS A NO
We are seeing an increase in students bringing NEEDOH to school, and they are beginning to create distractions in the classroom. Students have been passing them around, handling them frequently, and using them during instructional time, which can interfere with the learning environment.
Because these items are shared among students, they also present a potential concern for the spread of germs.
Please encourage your student to leave NEEDOH at home or keep them in their locker or backpack during the school day. They should not be used during class time.
Students who continue to use NEEDOH during class or do not follow staff directives regarding these items may have them confiscated and could receive additional consequences.
Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a focused and healthy learning environment for all students.
Click the pic!
Each student will start the day in homeroom and attendance will be taken at 7:30. Students must be in homeroom at 7:30 to be considered on time for school.
Policy: Students can be absent from school up to 20 days per year (10 for semester courses), before losing credit for each course taken that year. A student shall not receive credit toward graduation for each course for which a student is absent without an approved excuse for more than 20 days per year (10 days for semester courses). Approved excuses are documented appointments when seen by medical staff or appointments within the court system, or other approved by the school principal. If a family anticipates that their student will exceed the 20 allowable absences due to unusual circumstances, with the prior written application and documentation signed by the parent/guardian, school administration may, in very select and unusual circumstances, assign administrative absences. These 20 allowable absences should be used for illness not accompanied by a physician’s note, family emergencies, college visits, funerals, suspensions, etc. Credits for all courses will be granted at the end of the course based on a combination of grades earned and adherence to the attendance policy. Attendance will be calculated on a daily basis.
Absences from classes in excess of 20 days (10 for half year courses), regardless of excuses, will result in loss of credit, and will also automatically be referred for appeal.
Attendance is checked regularly. After eight absences within a 10-week period (or sooner if warranted), parents will receive a warning letter with information regarding Massachusetts General Laws.
3 Tardies in a 2-week period = After School Detention.
Hoosac Valley High School
Principal: Colleen ByrdAssistant Principal of Teaching and Learning: Regina Diesz
Dean of Students: Brian Wert
Website: hoosacvalley.org
Location: 125 Savoy Road, Cheshire, MA 01225
Phone: (413) 743-5200