Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from students and their parents, who are new to PTHS.

1. How often are progress reports sent home?

There are six official progress reports that are mailed home, occurring about every six weeks.  Parents should expect a week delay between the end of the grading period and the report card being mailed home.  Specific grading period dates are listed on the PTSD student calendar, which is mailed home to all families.  The format for these progress reports are as follows:

1st semester

Progress Report 1 - 6 week progress report

Progress Report 2 - 12 week progress report

1st Semester Report Card – grades are posted to official high school transcript

2nd semester

Progress Report 3 - 6 week progress report for second semester

Progress Report 4 - 12 week progress report

2nd Semester Report Card – grades are posted to official high school transcript

2. What absences are allowed within the 12 day absence policy at PTHS?

The only absences that do not count against the 12 day absence policy are those absences that are school approved for school related activities.  These include PTHS teacher directed field trips and athletic or ASB events.  Students in their junior and senior year can receive up to two days per year for college visits that do not count against the 12 day policy.  These absences require a note from the parent and must be pre-arranged with the Principal.  A complete explanation about the high school’s 12 day attendance policy is available on our website (under attendance policy) and in our high school handbook.  The attendance policies are administered and supervised by Assistant Principal, Tom Kent.

3. What is the difference between an excused absence and an unexcused absence? 

Student absences may be excused by a parent for a legitimate cause, such as illness or a medical appointment.  Unexcused absences are those that do not have a legitimate reason for the student having missed school, such as skipping class or truancy.  Excused absences still count against the 12 day attendance policy.

4. Can a student from another school attend a PTHS dance?

Yes, a student from another school can attend a PTHS dance when coming as a guest of a PTHS student.  Dance permission forms are available in the main office and must be filled out and returned to the office for the Principal’s approval before the guest can attend.

5. What is homeroom?

Homeroom is a 30 minute interest-based class that occurs only on block days.  Students sign up for a homeroom depending on their needs and interests.  Some popular homeroom classes are Study Hall, Math Homework Help, Films and Movies and Creative Writing.  Homeroom time is also an opportunity for some clubs to meet,  including FBLA and Knowledge Bowl.

6. What is the best way for a parent to keep track of their child’s progress in school?

The school sends home a progress report approximately every six weeks.  For parents who would like more frequent grade checks on their child, students may go into the Counseling Office at any time and pick up a ‘grade check form.'  The student then gives the grade check form to individual teachers for a current grade and signature.  The form is then taken home to the parent.  This is a great way for high school students to take responsibility for staying aware of their progress in individual classes.  If a student repeatedly forgets to pick up the grade check form, parents are encouraged to call the Counseling Office (379-4523) and we will have a grade check form sent to your child in class.  Additionally, for students who are struggling in particular classes as evident on the grade check or progress reports, parents are encouraged to contact teachers through telephone (379-4520) message or e-mail.  A complete list of teacher  e-mail addresses is available by clicking here.  Teachers are expected to return phone calls and e-mails within a timely 24 hour time period.  Parents who do not get a timely response from a teacher may call the high school main office (379-4520)  or counseling office (379-4523) for assistance in making contact with a teacher.

7. How does my child receive teacher feedback about their progress in individual classes?

Teachers use a number of strategies to give student feedback.  These strategies are affected depending on the size and nature of the class.  The most common method used is returning graded papers on a regular basis.  Some teachers print out regular (weekly) progress reports for select classes.  Others post individual assignment grades on a student board in the classroom (posted using individual student ID numbers to maintain privacy).  Teachers with small class sizes or specialized areas (i.e. Advanced Media) spend the majority of class time consulting with students about their work on an ongoing individual basis.  Parents who have concerns about teacher feedback are encouraged to contact the teacher.

8. What kind of additional help is available for my child?

For focused individual assistance, students in the National Honor Society can provide one on one student tutoring.  This can be set up by contacting the high school (379-4520) and leaving a message for NHS advisor, Lois Sherwood.  Teachers are also readily available and willing to provide help for students who need it either after school, during lunch or during homeroom time.  Please contact your child’s individual teacher to arrange after school help from the teacher.   Additionally, for parents who are interested in paying for private tutoring services, the high school can assist parents in making contact with a retired teacher or current substitute teacher that may be interested in providing those services.

9. Does the school provide a ‘late bus’ for students who stay after school for extra help?

No. There is not a special bus that comes by to pick up high school students after school hours.  However, the buses leave Mt. View Elementary on their regular bus routes at 3:30.  For students who normally ride the bus home, it has been possible in the past for a few PTHS students to walk down and catch the Mt. View bus.  If there are special circumstance requiring transportation for a child who needs to stay after school for academic assistance, please contact us and we will try to accommodate the need.

10. What resources are available to find out more about PTHS?

Check out our website.  Links to all the schools are available through our District’s web page at  www.ptsd.wednet.edu 

Call the school and request a PTHS student handbook.  These handbooks are distributed to each student at our Back to School day in August.  They have a red cover and are updated each year.