Principal's Update 9-4-26

PVIS Families,

Our first full week of school is in the books. I hope that it was a good week and that the challenges were small and the wins were BIG. Middle school, the last great opportunity for young people to learn, grow, and develop can't be underestimated. Manageable challenges are a regular gift of opportunity for our students, we encourage trying and failing:)

This week Mrs. Egan our assistant principal, and I were in every science class, presenting/reviewing student expectations and the PVPUSD Board Policy (BP) 5145.9 against hate-motivated behavior and which prohibit actions or statements that degrade individuals based on protected characteristics. Our overall goal was to reinforce a safe, respectful, and supportive school environment where every student can learn and feel like they belong. We reviewed several important expectations with students and appreciate families reinforcing these messages at home.

Respect & Inclusion
PVIS and PVPUSD do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. Students were reminded that treating someone unfairly because of characteristics such as gender, race, religion, or disability is unacceptable. We also discussed how exclusion, teasing, inappropriate “jokes,” and ongoing bullying can negatively impact others/themsleves.

Academic Integrity
Students are expected to complete their own work and act honestly. We reviewed the difference between cheating and plagiarism, including copying another student's work, looking at someone else's test answers, or using AI to write assignments or provide answers when it is not permitted. 

Cell Phones: “Away for the Day”
PVIS is a No Scroll Zone during the school day. Cell phones should be silenced and remain in students' lockers. We appreciate parents supporting this expectation so students can stay focused on learning, friendships, and being present at school.

Being an Upstander & Asking for Help
Finally, we reminded students that resources are available when they need support. Students should feel comfortable reporting concerns or incidents to a trusted adult and know that concerns can be handled appropriately and confidentially. We emphasized student reporting, incident support, and confidentiality as important resources.

Be Legendary!

Micah J. Farrell, Principal

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News & Announcements

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All District programs, activities, and practices shall be free from unlawful discrimination, including discrimination against an individual or group based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.