Welcome to the 2018-19 school year!  I hope you were able to enjoy the summer months and got a chance to relax and rejuvenate.  We are starting the school year a little earlier this year with the first day with students being Thursday, August 16^th.  This will allow our students to take their final exams prior to winter break.  It is imperative that students are in school the days immediately before break if possible, PLEASE do not make plans to leave, as early exams will not be given.

We did have some construction throughout the summer, this was the last phase planned.  Many of our Science rooms were updated and will allow better areas for our students to be hands on in those classrooms.  Throughout the construction process, we have brought some beautiful spaces to our school.  I know our students will continue to appreciate their surroundings and take full advantage of the learning opportunities.

Once again, students who live beyond a mile and a half from the high school will be provided bus transportation.   As always, but even more so now, students are expected to be on time when school starts at 7:55 am.  It is imperative that our students be on time to class and ready to learn.   Last school year we implemented a rule that no outside food or drink would be allowed in after 7:55 am.  We saw too many students who arrived late to school carrying outside food and beverages.  These students would have been on time to school had they not stopped at a local establishment.  We provide both hot breakfast and on-the-go breakfast free of charge to all of our students.  With that being said, we will continue this rule of students not being allowed to enter the building tardy with outside food or beverage in hand.  If your student will be late to school or absent for a day, it is very important for the parents to call into the attendance office to excuse them.  Without that phone call, the students will be considered unexcused.  The State of Illinois looks at our attendance very carefully to determine state funding, so that phone call is VERY IMPORTANT.  Please be aware that, as parents, it is your responsibility to inform the school of your child’s attendance.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation. 

Speaking of collaboration and partnerships, we invite ALL of our parents to our Open House that will be held on Thursday August 23^rd.   We will begin with a program in the auditorium at 6:00 pm.  You will then be able to go and meet all of your student’s teachers throughout the building.  It is an opportunity for you to hear from the different curricular areas that your child will be participating in this year. 

The start of a new school year also offers an opportunity for our students to get involved in new activities or athletics.  With our beautiful facilities, I am hoping that all our students find their niche at EA.  There is a club or sport for EVERYONE.  I encourage all of the students to seek out something that interests them and get involved.  Research has shown that there is positive academic success the more a student feels connected to their school.   It is our goal to get more of our students involved at EAHS.  We will be promoting these activities at the beginning of the school year.  Please encourage your student to get involved in at least one club or sport this year.  

Our collaboration as school, home and community is imperative for the success of East Aurora High School.  I look forward to working with everyone and invite you to be a part of the Tomcat Parent Advisory Committee (TPAC).  These meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6:00 pm in the main cafeteria.  We discuss topics that are important in our school and will bring in guest speakers as well to discuss various subjects.  The meetings are conducted in both English and Spanish.  I encourage you to attend and I ask you to bring a friend or neighbor to join us. 

I am looking forward to the 2018-19 school year and seeing every Tomcat achieve their full potential.

Marina Kosak, Principal