Principal's Message

Dear Boulder High School Community,
 
As we continue our efforts to ensure a smooth start to the school year, I want to thank you for your support and patience over the last few weeks. We continue to strive to deliver strong instructional practices in the classroom while providing a variety of extracurricular activities for our students. Trying to establish routines after a year of online and hybrid learning has proven to be challenging for everyone, which makes your support truly appreciated. In the end, we remain focused on removing barriers that will allow for all students to pursue academic excellence while empowering them to be critical thinkers and productive members of our ever-changing society. In the midst of it all, the priority always remains self-care and finding time each day to do something that makes you happy.
 
Because September is our first full month of school, this is usually a good time to issue some reminders for students and families that will make things run smoother. Please make sure you read through the information and reach out to any administrator if you have additional questions or need clarification. 
 
Tardies/Unexcused Absences 
As we work to establish habits that are consistent with successful student outcomes, we want to remind students that it is imperative you arrive to school and classes on time. Tardies can have a negative impact on a student's learning outcomes. Even arriving a few minutes late results in a student receiving fewer hours of instruction, ultimately becoming difficult for that student to show mastery of content. Being late also disrupts the learning environment and other students in the class. Please make sure that you are in class on time before the bell rings. Please review the BHS Attendance Policy for Tardies/Unexcused Absences to ensure that you understand the process and consequences of truancy and habitual tardiness. If you have any questions about this policy, please contact our Dean of Students and Engagement, Jane Moody, at jane.moody@bvsd.org.
Student IDs
At this time, every student should have received a student identification card (ID) with a door FOB inserted to access the main door. You must carry your ID with you at all times. Your student ID is also the only way to enter through the school’s main doors. Students who have not received an ID should go to the main office and see Ms. Norma Ramirez (norma.ramirez@bvsd.org). 
Level Changes 
Because we were able to maintain our enrollment numbers, coupled with fewer families open enrolling to other schools, Boulder High is once again at our enrollment capacity. Overloading a teacher’s class is not an option, so we have very little flexibility for students seeking level changes. Teachers are fully aware of this, and like in previous years, they will continue to work with students in their classrooms who are not granted a level change. 
 
Finally, according to the Crisis Prevention Institute, there are great benefits in fostering a positive school climate and culture. These benefits include higher levels of attendance and engagement for both students and staff, reduced bullying and harassment, reduced staff turnover, and improved academic outcomes for students. As we move deeper into the school year and face the daily challenges that life presents to us, I believe it is important to share that creating and maintaining a positive climate and culture at Boulder High is truly the foundation of our work. Without that, nothing we strive to do will succeed. It is equally important for our students, families, and staff to know where to go for resources and support when that positive climate and culture are compromised. If you need support—or anyone you know needs support—please go to the BHS Personal Support page to see the resources available. This page also includes information for Safe2Tell, a way to report anything of concern anonymously. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any administrator with questions or concerns. 

Sincerely,
James A. Hill Ed.D
 

James A. Hill, Ed.D
Principal