9/3/25 First Day of School
Pawling High School
CONTACT INFO
- Helen Callan, Principal
- Ean Titus, Assistant Principal
- John Bellucci, Interim Athletic Director
- High School Main Office: 845-855-4620
- Fax: 845-855-2029
- First Bell 7:55 a.m.
- School day begins: 8:00 a.m.
- School dismissal: 2:40 p.m.
New York State Distraction-Free Schools
As you may or may not be aware, Governor Hochul and the NYS legislature passed legislation in the Spring as part of the agreement in the FY 2026 State Budget restricting smartphone use in K-12 schools throughout the entire school day.
The New York State distraction-free schools policy will take effect this fall for the 2025-2026 school year. While this new policy may result in a period of adjustment for our students at the beginning of the year, we are confident that this decision will result in increased academic engagement and positive social interactions for our students.
Pawling High School will be utilizing the Yondr Phone Free Schools program.
Our goal is a smooth transition for our students and staff. To walk through the program and how it will be implemented and answer all your questions, we will be hosting family information sessions on the following dates:
Wednesday, August 20th at 5:00 PM
Thursday, August 28th at 10:00 AM
As the start of the school year approaches, additional information will also be sent home regarding procedures and consequences for infractions.
Our students and staff have always helped maintain a phone free academic environment in the classrooms so we are sure that this transition will, absent a few bumps, go smoothly.
We appreciate everyone’s support and partnership as we implement these changes. If you are unable to attend the information sessions, please feel free to call the main office at the high school and we will be happy to return the call and explain the procedures.
Upcoming Events
Have a safe and relaxing summer!!!
Congratulations Class of 2025
Class of 2026 Senior Portraits
Upstate Images has been selected as the official senior photographer for the Class of 2026!
Please review the attached senior portrait information from Upstate Images. Sessions are being held in the high school's auditorium on August 18th and 19th.
Appointment sessions must be booked through Upstate Images. Please reach out to the photographer with any questions: 1-855-773-3321
Monthly Newsletter
Summer Work 2025
AP Government & AP Macroeconomics
*AP World History work is for incoming 10th grade students only*
Parking Application Procedures 2025-2026
Dear Parent/Guardian/Rising Seniors:
We will be sending seniors the student parking permit application and parking application procedures for the 2025-2026 school year via Parent Square on Friday, August 1, 2025.
Juniors will be able to apply for any remaining spaces in the student parking lot beginning in January 2026.
PARKING PERMITS PROCEDURES 2025-2026
Sincerely,
Helen Callan, Principal
Ean Titus, Assistant Principal
Criteria for Honor Societies
The Pawling High School has five Honor Societies. Please click on the links to see a description and the criteria.
- Spanish Honor Society - Advisor Ms. Farrand
- French Honor Society - Advisor Mrs. Spinelli
- National Honor Society - Advisor Mr. Ostyn
- Math Honor Society - CURRENTLY INACTIVE
- Science Honor Society - Advisor Mrs. Verhagen
Details on the criteria:
Attend Today...Achieve Tomorrow
The education of today’s youth requires a collective effort involving families, schools and communities. By supporting regular school day attendance, we help lay the foundation for a lifelong commitment to learning. When students attend school consistently, they develop routines and habits that carry forward into adulthood, equipping them with the tools needed to pursue higher education and career opportunities.
Missing school days can lead to gaps in learning, making it harder for students to keep up with the curriculum. In fact, starting as early as preschool and kindergarten, regular attendance is essential for students gaining the academic and social skills they need to thrive. Research shows that when students are chronically absent (missing 10% or more of the school year or 18 days over an entire year), they are less likely to read proficiently by third grade, achieve in middle school and graduate from high school.
Here’s what you can do to help your student build good attendance habits:
- Stay informed. Understand your student’s attendance to be sure absences aren’t adding up.
- Talk about it. Start a conversation about the importance of showing up for success in school and in life.
- Set expectations. Unless your child is sick, they should be in school every day.
- Sleep matters. Set a regular bedtime and morning routine to help your student be rested and ready.
- Be prepared. Get ready for the school day the night before and build in a little extra time in the morning.
- Make a backup plan. If something comes up, have a family member, neighbor, or another parent help you get your student to school.
- Schedule carefully. Try to plan medical appointments and extended trips when school isn’t in session.
The students of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Regular engagement in school equips youth with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and diverse perspectives needed to make informed decisions and drive positive change in their communities and beyond.
Attendance Matters!
When Am I Too Sick for School?
