Dear Pardeeville Families:

The high school building received a new roof over a portion that had caused us constant leakage problems last year in the counseling area. This was a huge project and one that I am glad is almost finished. We’ve created new signage for the classrooms and have had many painting projects underway. Many other minor changes will be happening as the year goes on. However, cosmetic changes are not the only things that you will find at PHS this year.

We have become a Google school, which means students will be given gmail accounts and have access to Google applications. The planning phase for making the high school building wireless has also begun and the work on that will continue as the school year progresses. This is a very exciting time as we continue to improve our capabilities.

Some highlights of changes and things of note:

• A new bell schedule that has the instructional day now beginning at 7:50, with the doors opening at 7:30. 
•  Cell phone usage will now be permitted before school, during passing time and lunch. Students are still not allowed to use cell phones during study halls or in class. (see page 15 in the Parent/Student Handbook to see the consequences for failure to follow those guidelines).
• There is now a usable courtyard for high school students outside Door 11. This began as a project in Mr. Bouwkamp’s landscaping class and will provide students a place to eat lunch and to also use for study hall during nice weather. As funds become available we will continue to improve this area with better quality picnic tables and additional landscaping.
• We have modified the dress code slightly (see pages 13-14 of handbook), but we will continue to enforce a standard of dress that the school deems to be appropriate. Students who do not meet this standard will be required to change.
• Student agendas are being given out this year to all students. This will serve as a hall pass and a place to write assignments. All students must have an agenda. If it is lost there is a $5 replacement fee.
• Once again all high school students will be issued school locks. While it is strongly encouraged that students use the locks it is not required at this time. However, it is the responsibility of the student to hold onto the lock until the end of the school year, at which time the lock will be collected. If a student fails to return their lock they will be assessed a $5 fine. Many of the theft that occurred last year happened because students did not use a lock. I would encourage you to have your student use a lock to keep items safe.
• If a student goes to a medical appointment they need to present the office with a note from the doctor upon their return if they wish to be excused and eligible to participate in extracurricular activities that night or attend events.

Thank you for your support last year and I look forward to another successful year and hope to continue to build on the progress we have made. If you have questions please don’t hesitate to contact the office (608) 429-2153.