February
22, 2010
Dear Parents
and Guardians,
I am
happy to be writing this letter to introduce myself to you
as the new principal of the Panther Valley High School.
It is with a great deal of optimism and enthusiasm that
I enter into this position. Today’s high schools are
faced with the challenge of preparing students to develop
the critical thinking skills and core academic competencies
needed to be successful in the diverse academic and work
environments of the twenty first century.
In order to ensure that each student acquires the skills
necessary to enjoy the post-secondary education, or the
rewarding vocational/technical career of their choice, we
will need to focus on the teaching, learning and understanding
of the test-eligible content within Pennsylvania’s
standards-based curriculum framework.
My prior administrative experience has given me the tools
to lead and develop collaborations within professional learning
communities. Within these learning communities teachers
are able to share student data and develop, modify or extend
lessons that address the needs of their students.
I do not want to conclude my letter without expressing my
gratitude for having been selected as the new principal
of Panther Valley High School. I am so impressed with the
accomplishments of the students and staff in and out of
the classroom, and I am honored to be part of the Panther
Valley tradition.
Cordially,
Mr. Joseph A.
Gunnels
The
After School Tutoring Program is underway. Schedules of
dates were sent home with the first quarter report cards
and will remain posted in each classroom. Students and parents
are reminded that transportation is available and snacks
will be provided for each session.
ASVAB
testing for Junior’s took place on December 8, 2009.
Testing took place in the cafeteria during the first four
periods of the day. Mr. Grazio explained and distributed
results to students for them to take home to their parents.
Making
It Count assembly program will be held on January 15th for
seniors and the 22nd for juniors. Making College & Career
Count offers valuable information for students to prepare
themselves for after high school. This program will touch
upon the basics of maximizing academic performances, obtain
characteristics that college and employers look for, prepare
for a successful job interview, effective time management,
networking for future career opportunities, and learning
about individual finances and avoid credit card debt. This
program has shown to be very effective for all students
as they continue their education or enter the workforce
after high school.
Financial
Aid Night will be held on Wednesday, January 20th from 6:30-8:30
PM. A speaker from McCann School of Business will be here
to review the FAFSA applications and help students and parents
with questions on how to complete the form and also answer
any questions on student aid. All seniors and their parents
are encouraged to attend.
Upcoming
Dates of Interest
Upcoming
Events:
January
11 H1N1 vaccine at the Elementary School
January 14 End of the 2nd Marking Period
January 15 Making It Count – Senior Assembly 1 PM
Auditorium
January 18 No School
January 20 Financial Aid Night 6:30-8:30 PM HS Room 63B
January 22 Report Cards Distributed
January 22 Making It Count – Junior Assembly 1 PM
Auditorium
HISTORY
Panther Valley High School, opened in 1973, is a four-year
comprehensive high school focusing on Career Pathways. A
member of Making Schools Work, PVHS has focused on key educational
practices to improve the quality of education. Students
desiring trade or technical courses attend Panther Valley
during grade 9 and complete grades 10 through 12 and Carbon
County Area Vocational Technical School in Jim Thorpe. There
are 514 students enrolled in grades 9 through 12. Students
have the opportunity to participate in over 18 different
organizations and 14 interscholastic sports at the AA/A
level of competition.
ACCREDITATION
Panther Valley High School is accredited by the Department
of Education, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
