School and District Updates

View More Posts

Upcoming Events (Click calendar icon for monthly view)

  • SAT (not at JJHS)

    JJHS Events

  • BOE Meeting

    Katonah - Lewisboro School District

  • JJHS Bridges to Community Silent Auction

    JJHS Events

  • ACT (not at JJHS)

    JJHS Events

  • JJHS Art Show Opening

    JJHS Events

  • JJHS Fall Drama

    JJHS Events

  • JJHS Fall Drama

    JJHS Events

  • JJHS Fall Drama

    JJHS Events

  • Holiday Recess

    Katonah - Lewisboro School District

  • JJHS A Cappella Concert (Snow Date 2/9)

    JJHS Events
View Monthly Calendar

WELCOME TO JOHN JAY HIGH SCHOOL

What’s Happening Now

View More Posts

Quick Links

Principal's Community Letter

November, 2021

Dear JJHS Community,

I hope this letter finds you all well as we have reached the end of the first quarter of the school year.

What a first quarter it has been!

This is my 18th year in this role and there has not been a re-opening of school that has been as rewarding as this year’s re-opening has been. It is abundantly clear that everyone missed being present, connected, and in sustaining routines that are so important to our collective well-being.

In many ways, we have a chance to start over; to learn the lessons of the last year and a half and re-prioritize what matters. While strong academics has always been and will remain a focus of the JJHS experience, we have reminded again of the power of relationships, connectivity to each other, and the need to have fun while in school.

The first quarter of the school year has brought students outside more often, including outdoor pep rallies, freshmen retreats, and the resumption of important field experiences that promote and facilitate learning, for example. It has also brought out a more playful side of the high school as we experiment with music at the morning bell, in-between classes, and ending every Friday afternoon with a rousing, “Yabba dabba do!” over the PA system as the final bell.

Students are also seeking out more ways to connect. We had the great pleasure (and surprise) to see students creating a ping-pong club that drew a large crowd! It can be challenging to capture how joyful the students were, just enjoying each other’s company after school. Our current seniors have been very industrious in seeking to make up for lost time with many ideas to bring the Class of 2022 together.

It was also wonderful reconnecting with our community through the restoration of rituals, such as the opening of the Field of Honor, in time for Veteran’s Day. We seek to hold on to this spirit that has been evident since the start of school and expand it whenever and wherever possible.

As we head into the holiday season, I also want to thank this community again for all its support and positivity in what continues, at times, to be a challenging environment. Please be assured JJHS remains a place of learning, connection, and hope.

It is also my hope that all our families have a wonderful holiday season, and our students continue enjoying the restoration and renewal of the high school experience.

Sincerely,

Steven T. Siciliano, Ed.D.