Dear Students, Staff, Alumni, Parents, Guardians, Community Members, and Fans of Port Jervis Schools,
The time has come. The New York State Education Department requires school districts with team names, mascots, or logos derived from or having connections with Indigenous people in the past or present to change them by June 30, 2025. Examples of these names include Warriors, Raiders, Braves, Chiefs, Indians, etc.
Our school district has a long history of being the Red Raiders, and it changed to the Raiders in 2001. Many people have a strong connection to our team names, past and present. However, the State Education Department is mandating a change for the next school year. This is NOT our choice, yet something we must do as a school district. Our team names, Red Raiders, and Raiders will forever be in our hearts.
Therefore, we are asking for your ideas. What team name(s) do you want us to consider? Please share your ideas by filling out the Google form below. The deadline to submit names for consideration is December 1, 2024.
Suggestion Google form, click here
Please forward this email to any alumnus, retired staff member, or local Port Jervis resident you may know. If you are not tech-savvy and want to drop off a written suggestion, please do so at the front office at 150 Pike Street.
Thank you for your understanding & consideration. #GoPORT!