The CHIEF December 2025

PTHS Updates By: Logan McCabe

Wrapping up the month of December, it is safe to say that many events and festivities took place to enhance the already wonderful time of the year. Moments including the new remote learning policy, school dress-up days, club involvement, and a new fluffy addition to Pontiac Township High School offer a sufficient closing to December. Recently, Dr. McGuckin, PTHS Superintendent, has taken a strong role in introducing the school's new e-learning policy. The weather got cold quickly, and it applied remote learning days in the case of harsh cold weather. In previous years, if the weather were to cause unsafe travel to school, the day would be called off. Along with that, the missed day would then be tacked on to the end of the year, adding on day by day of school into summer break. With remote e-learning days, that issue is no longer occurring and the end of school is set to its exact date. 'Twas the season to be jolly, in which this year the school created fun dress-up days leading into the Christmas-winter break. Every day, students and teachers fit the theme for that day, creating a fun reminder of the upcoming winter break. Along with that factor, students prepared for the school-wide final exams on December 17 - 19. Meanwhile, with the help of Pontiac Student Council, Key Club, and the National Honor Society, students worked hard to help raise donations for the Christmas Toy and Food Drive. On December 2nd and 11th during the basketball games, the students strived to get as many donations as possible to send to children and families. Donations included toys, canned/boxed food, and monetary donations. Last semester, a brand-new exciting announcement came to our attention involving a new certified therapy dog for the school. With info from Ms. Fox, we learned the wonderfully trained Maple has worked hard to make sure she is calm, gentle, and ready to help as many students around the school. Maple turned one last October and is roughly new to interactions. With that, Maple is slowly being introduced to the school environment and students to ensure she feels comfortable at the new level. Once she feels at home, Maple plans on staying at the school three days a week to offer many benefits for students at PTHS. She can help students struggling in stressful situations and improve their mood. Maple creates strong relationships and eases students into a peaceful and welcoming environment. Maple will be a wonderful addition to PTHS and students and teachers are looking forward to her being a part of the school as well.