About Pontiac District 90

Mission Statement:
We are committed to our development as adaptive learners, global thinkers, and responsible citizens through collaboration across our school community.

Motto:
Enter to Learn.  Depart to Serve.

Our Compact:
The Compact outlines teachers’, parents’, and students’ responsibilities for success as well as provides guidelines for maintaining open communication with teachers and becoming involved with Pontiac Township High School. We are committed to helping every student attain his or her highest level of success. The highest level of success can only be achieved through a collaborative effort across our community.

High-Quality Curriculum:
All teachers employed with Pontiac District 90 are classified as “highly qualified;” furthermore, we engage in professional development throughout the school year to help us create effective and supportive learning environments. The District Leadership Team (made up of administrators and teachers) in conjunction with the Staff Development Committee (made up of teachers and support staff) offers the staff professional development based upon our students’ needs (student data and our school improvement plan).

Learning at Home:
You can help support your child’s learning by reinforcing our school’s Educational Philosophy, Goals, Keys to Classroom Success, and Code of Ethics as found in the Student Handbook. Please monitor your child’s progress by accessing his or her online gradebook and/or reviewing all progress reports and report cards through Skyward Family Access. Encourage your student to take advantage of opportunities to help him or her succeed: use the available technology, record assignments and due dates in a planner, seek-out help when needed.

Communication:
Another way in which you can support your child’s learning is through regular communication with his or her teachers. Teachers welcome the opportunity to discuss your child’s grade or behavior and are often available to talk with students and parents on Wednesdays from 2:50pm - 3:30pm unless they have extra-curricular responsibilities at that time. We are committed to timely response to parent needs utilizing electronic communication when personal contacts are not possible. Our email addresses are listed under the Directory Tab on the school webpage and voicemail can be left by calling the school at (815) 844-6113.

PTHS holds two open houses every year, where teachers are available to meet briefly about your child’s academic progress. If you would prefer a more in-depth meeting, you are welcome to schedule a conference at another time.

School Community:
We encourage all parents to become actively involved in their child’s education. Attend all conferences, whether they are individual or open houses. Join a committee, we have several from which to choose from.  Please call the main office at (815) 844-6113, if you are interested in joining a committee or if you would like to volunteer.  

Our Pledge:
Our Pledge demonstrates the important roles we each play to promote student learning. We are committed to these expectations, and we will communicate with one another when we believe expectations are not being met. A student’s greatest potential can only be achieved through meeting the expectations established throughout the Compact.

Teacher’s Pledge: I will…
(1) uphold our school’s mission, philosophy, and goals, (2) regularly communicate with my students and their parents/guardians, (3) create a safe and welcoming environment for my students and their parents/guardians, (4) monitor my students’ progress and adjust my instruction to give all students the opportunity to succeed, (5) continually work to improve my own expertise (as an educator and as an expert in my field) to help all students be successful, (6) place a priority on creating a rigorous and relevant curriculum, (7) promote literacy through real world and global connections, (8) integrate 21st Century skills to develop college and career readiness.

Parent’s/Guardian’s Pledge: I will…
(1) place a priority on education in my home, (2) support our school’s mission, philosophy, and goals at home, (3) monitor my student’s progress in his or her classes, (4) regularly communicate with my student’s teachers, (5) provide a quiet place for my student to study at home, (6) attend open houses and conferences, (7) promote regular attendance to school.

Student’s Pledge: I will…
(1) be responsible for my own learning, attitude, and behavior, (2) strive to achieve our school’s mission, philosophy, and goals, (3) monitor progress in my classes and communicate regularly with my teachers, (4) advocate for a safe school environment, (5) utilize the keys to classroom success as found in our handbook, (6) be respectful, prepared, and involved, (7) be on time and attend school regularly.