08/21/2026
I hope everyone has had a fantastic summer. We are getting closer and closer to the start of another great school year, and I am incredibly excited to welcome our students and families back to Beekmantown High School!
The first day of school is Thursday, September 3rd. Our doors will open at 7:18 a.m., and classes will begin promptly at 7:25 a.m.
We want everyone walking through those doors ready to learn, ready to connect, and ready to make this a great year!
Our staff has been working hard all summer to get ready for you. Classrooms are being prepared, curriculum is being fine-tuned, and our teachers and support staff have been working behind the scenes to make sure we are ready to hit the ground running.
We also spent the summer supporting our students through Regents review sessions and exams. That commitment to our students doesn't stop when the school year ends and it certainly doesn't stop when the first bell rings.
We are ready, and we can't wait to see you!
One important reminder as we begin the year is the importance of attendance.
Being in school every day matters. Attendance impacts learning, relationships, academic progress, and ultimately your ability to earn course credit.
This year, we have updated our course-credit and attendance expectations. Students who accumulate more than 25 unexcused absences in a full-year course or more than 12 unexcused absences in a semester course must recover lost seat time and missed coursework in order to earn credit.
The good news is that we have opportunities available to help students recover that time, including Homework Club, Winter School, Regents Review, THRIVE, the Learning Center, and other approved opportunities.
Our message is simple: Be here. Stay engaged. Ask for help. And don't let an attendance issue become an obstacle to your success.
For our seniors, we have some exciting updates!
This year, student driving and parking privileges will be reserved exclusively for seniors. We have a limited number of student parking spaces, and this change gives more members of the senior class the opportunity to drive during their final year at BHS.
Seniors can drive to school beginning on the first day, but they must complete the required driving privileges form within the first week.
And seniors, don't forget about Senior Privileges! Applications are available through the high school website and the main office, with approved privileges beginning September 14th.
We are excited to make senior year special, while also making sure those privileges come with responsibility.
We also want everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy some of the great traditions that make high school special—Homecoming, dances, Prom, and Senior Banquet.
Remember, eligibility for these events is connected to academics, attendance, and citizenship. Stay on top of your work, come to school, make good choices, and take care of your responsibilities. We want you there celebrating with us!
A few quick reminders:
Personal cell phones and smart watches are not permitted for use during the school day and must be turned off and securely stored in student lockers.
If you need a school approved locker lock, they will be available at the Eagle Mart for $9.
Student schedules will be available in SchoolTool beginning Monday, August 24th, and students will also receive a printed schedule on the first day during their 1st period class.
And don't forget Picture Day is Thursday, September 10th!
Our incoming freshmen will receive their new Chromebooks on Tuesday, September 8th, so make sure previous devices, chargers, and cases are returned as required.
We have some great events coming up before and during the opening of school.
Our Freshman and New Student Orientation is Monday, August 24th at 6:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium. This is a great opportunity for our newest Eagles to meet staff, connect with classmates, and become familiar with the high school.
Then, on Friday, September 4th, we will have our Back-to-School Social, beginning with our Moving-Up Ceremony and followed by activities and time together on the athletic field.
These events are all about building connections and celebrating being part of the Beekmantown community.
Finally, families, please take some time to review the Student Handbook and all of the information included in our welcome materials. The handbook contains important expectations and updates for the upcoming year. Please reference the ParentSquare Welcome Letter and digitally sign the Student Handbook to ensure you are properly informed on our daily student expectations.
And remember, our Beekmantown High School website, SchoolTool, and ParentSquare are great ways to stay connected and informed throughout the year.
But most importantly, we want our students to know this:
We believe in you.
We believe that every student has the ability to grow, to learn, to overcome challenges, and to accomplish great things.
So, Eagles, enjoy these last few weeks of summer. Get some rest, get organized, charge those Chromebooks, and get ready!
Because on Thursday, September 3rd at 7:25 a.m., we are officially back and I couldn't be more excited about what this year has in store.
Welcome back, Eagles! Let's make it an incredible year together.
Go Eagles!
