At Lowville High School, we are guided by our Mission: to empower all students with future-ready skills, preparing them for personal success and meaningful impact in their communities. Our Vision is clear: building on our tradition of excellence to create a world-class learning community for all. This month, we are proud to share highlights from three key areas: Culture & Climate, Academic Achievement, and Student Safety.

Culture & Climate

We launched our Distraction Free Policy this September, and the results have been remarkable. Students have embraced the initiative—spending more time engaged in academics, building stronger peer connections, and reducing distractions from technology.

This policy was developed with input from families, students, and staff and aligns with New York State law, which requires all districts to restrict internet-enabled devices during the school day. Research shows that limiting phone access in school leads to significant benefits for students. With fewer distractions, students are able to focus and pay closer attention in class, which strengthens their learning. Reduced screen time also lowers stress and anxiety levels, helping students feel calmer and more present. In addition, less phone use encourages healthier face-to-face relationships and more active participation in class activities. Together, these changes contribute to stronger overall academic performance.

Raider Day is an important Lowville tradition—a celebration of school spirit, student success, and the pride of being a Raider. Held during Homecoming week, Raider Day provides students and staff a chance to step away from daily routines and connect through games, activities, and community-building experiences. At its core, Raider Day is about belonging, school pride, and celebrating the values that make Lowville strong.

Our High School Building Level Team has launched an Attendance Awareness Campaign to help families and students see the real impact of missed time. Even small amounts of missed school add up. Missing just two days of school each month adds up to 20 days over the course of a year, which means by graduation a student will have missed more than an entire year of instruction. Likewise, arriving just 20 minutes late each day results in nearly two weeks of lost learning time every school year. This results in nearly a full year of learning. 

Attendance is directly tied to academic success, school engagement, and graduation outcomes. This campaign reminds our community that every minute counts—attendance is one of the most important ways students can stay connected and succeed.

Academic Achievement

We are proud to announce outstanding student performance across multiple areas. The EDGE Program continues to stand out, with 100% of EDGE students earning college credit and gaining a valuable head start on their college journey. Advanced Placement (AP) courses such as AP Calculus AB, AP Language & Composition, and AP Government also achieved remarkable success, with student scores averaging above 4.7 out of 5—well above the state average. In addition, Regents results in Global 10, U.S. History, and English Language Arts were highly effective, with overall passing rates exceeding 90%.

These achievements reflect the Academic Excellence of our teachers and students, and demonstrate our commitment to preparing students with skills and knowledge that will serve them well beyond high school.

Student Safety at Lowville Academy

At Lowville Academy, safety remains our top priority. This month, staff completed emergency response training with our School Safety Officer, Mr. Tuttle, and students have adapted well to our open campus lunch procedures. We also upgraded our security camera system with higher-quality video and expanded coverage, further enhancing our ability to monitor and protect the building.

General safety practices continue to guide our daily operations. All doors remain locked during the school day, and visitors must sign in at the main office. Students participate in regular fire, lockdown, and evacuation drills, while staff receive annual training in collaboration with local law enforcement.

We are equally committed to digital and social safety. Students are guided in responsible online use, and parents will soon be invited to a presentation on digital safety at home. Our anti-bullying policy, clear communication channels, and reminders to report unsafe behavior help maintain a safe and respectful school environment. Working together with families, we remain dedicated to creating a secure and supportive community where all students can thrive.

As we look forward to a successful school year, we remain dedicated to fostering academic achievement, a positive school culture, and a safe learning environment. Thank you for partnering with us to make Lowville High School a place where students are respected, challenged, and supported every day.

Best,

Brian P. Hanselman
High School Principal