Dear Parents and Students: 

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year at Eastchester High School! I hope that the summer months have provided you with opportunities to relax, pursue areas of personal interest, and spend time with the people who matter most to you.

One of the many reasons I love working in the field of education is the opportunity to start anew each year. Yes, we build upon the foundation laid for us and rely on lessons learned from the past, but each fall there is an unmistakable feeling that we have been given a fresh start and that we can shape our path forward. 

On a personal level, I am humbled by the prospect of leading this wonderful school community. Certainly, this fall will be an especially fresh start for me as I step into the role of principal here at EHS. I look forward to learning how I can best support our students in their academic, athletic, and artistic pursuits, while helping to build a school community where each student feels connected and supported. In essence, I’ll be earning my wings in becoming an eagle! 

While she may have already earned her wings as a math teacher and department chairperson, allow me to also formally welcome Ms. Erin Glindmyer as our new Assistant Principal. We are grateful to have her join our administrative team and look forward to seeing her grow into the role. She does excellent work in forging relationships with students, and she will provide valuable insights into our academic programming.

For our incoming 9th graders, welcome to Eastchester High School and the next chapter in your educational journey! The transition from middle school marks a significant shift for you, and while it can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming, I want to assure you that you are well prepared to take on this adventure. Embrace the many opportunities here at EHS — they will not only enrich your high school experience but also help you grow into the person you want to become.

Prior to the start of school, I ask that our returning students take a few moments to reflect on their EHS career until this point. What has worked well? What might you do differently given a second chance? Look to make this year your best one yet. For some, that may mean dedicating more time to their studies and others might focus on improved social interactions. Work hard and be kind, and you will have few regrets at the end of the year.

I am excited to see what the upcoming year has in store for us, and please know we are in this together!!

Please review the important logistical information below which should help for a seamless start to the school year. 

Student Schedules

Tentative student schedules will be available via Home Access on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 3:00 pm.  Please check the portal at that time.  Final schedules should be reviewed at that time, but please know that periods, not courses, may change during the last week of summer vacation as we seek to keep class sizes as low as possible.

In an effort to ensure all schedules are accurate prior to the opening day of school, we are going to provide virtual opportunities for your child to meet with his or her counselor.  Please note that schedule changes will be approved ONLY if a graduation requirement or lunch has been omitted.  Counselors will be available for discussion via Google Meet and links will be provided at a later date. The schedule is as follows:

12th grade – Friday, August 23 (8:00 am – 10:00 am)

9th grade – Friday, August 23 (12:00 pm – 2:00 pm)

11th grade – Monday, August 26 (8:00 am – 10:00 am)

10th grade – Monday, August 26 (12:00 pm – 2:00 pm)

****Counselors will be available at EHS for new registrants and any overflow at the following times: Wednesday, August 28 (9:30 am – 11:30 am) and Tuesday, September 3 (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm)****

Morning Arrival

• Our first day of in-person instruction will be Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
• Student IDs will be handed out on the first day of school and must be visibly worn as students enter the building each morning as well as throughout the day.
• Students should not arrive prior to 7:15 am and will enter through either the front circle or the “Shared Wing” (back).  Please enter via the front circle, if at all possible, as the back cannot support a large volume of traffic. We will no longer be using the gym entrance for student arrival. 
• Juniors and Seniors should not arrive until their first class of the day.
• BOCES will begin on Thursday, September 5^th.  Students only report to campus for EHS-scheduled classes.  Morning BOCES students will meet the bus at the front circle at 7:45 am.  Afternoon students will meet the bus at 11:35 (immediately after Period 5). 

Lockers

• Since many students opt not to use lockers, we will assign lockers only to those students who request lockers.  This will happen during the first full week of school.  Please remember that only school-issued locks may be used on school lockers.

Classes 

• Your child should plan on bringing their laptop or Chromebook to school on the first day of class.  The teachers will then discuss their expectations regarding regular use.
• Students are encouraged to “travel light” for the first few days of class.  They are asked to bring either ONE spiral-bound or 3-ring binder as classes begin.

High School Supply List

• For your reference, here is the high school supply list. Please note some items are teacher specific, so you might want to wait until after schedules are released to utilize the list in your purchasing. 

Food Service/Cafeteria

• The school district has contracted once again with Aramark this year as our food service company.  They have been asked to provide a full assortment of breakfast, snack, and lunch options throughout the year.
• Payment will occur in both cash and digital formats.  You can access information on MyPaymentsPlus on the Food Services website.
• Due to both security and management concerns, local vendors will not be allowed to make deliveries to the security desk.
• All food must be consumed in the cafeteria.

Free Periods:  Upperclassmen

• Both Seniors and Juniors will have opportunities to leave campus whenever they have a free period.  If students leave campus, they are asked to remain off campus for the entirety of the period.
• Students will be required to produce their student ID as they leave and as they return to campus.  If students do not show their ID, they will not be able to leave or return to campus.
• If upperclassmen do not leave campus during a free period, they will be asked to report to the cafeteria or library for that period.
• Underclassmen do not have free periods and are not allowed to leave campus.

Important Links and Documents

• Student-Parent Handbook – During homeroom early in the year, students will be asked to sign off and acknowledge that they have read and understand the student handbook. 
• PTA Membership – Please support the EHS PTA this year and throughout your years at EHS!
• SEPTA Membership – To submit your 2024-25 membership form and payment by mail, use the linked form or visit us at www.eastchestersepta.org and look for the link on the home or membership page.
• Sports Club Membership – For over fifty years, our Eastchester Eagles Sports Club has enthusiastically promoted and enhanced the athletic programs of the Eastchester school district.
• Military Recruiter Opt Out Form – If interested, please return to the EHS Main Office by September 30, 2024.

Go Eagles!

Chris Welsh Principal, Eastchester High School