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Duanesburg CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

SoaringEagle

www.duanesburg.org

WINTER 2013-14

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The world and the opportunities available to graduates have changed dramatically. Preparing today’s student for the future is vastly different from the past.

Community participation essential for Jan. 9 Education Summit Register now to help DCS strategize for continued student success, future of district

Duanesburg Central School District is looking to the future, and as it does, it continues to face significant challenges. Schools across the state are faced with rising costs that are outpacing state and federal school aid and stressing their taxpayer base. As a result, many districts have made serious cuts in staffing and programs, including high school course offerings. This comes at a time when much more is demanded of graduates not only to succeed, but to survive in a highly competitive, economically turbulent, global society.

The district has made significant reductions in recent years, including cutting 10 full-time positions; reducing several staff to part-time; eliminating non-aidable equipment, software and books; eliminating afterschool late buses; and reducing the cost of supplies, out-of-district tuition, field trips, clubs and summer services. DCS has saved money by sharing transportation services, restructuring healthcare benefits, offering retirement incentives and participating in consortiums for healthcare, energy, purchasing and workers' compensation.

DCS cannot ratchet up expectations for students and continue cutting. It is the district’s mission and the responsibility of the Board of Education to provide an educational program that meets student needs while also being responsive and accountable to all residents.

DCS wants to be proactive and get the community’s input on how it can best preserve opportunities for all students, particularly for those who will soon make the transition from high school to the workplace, college or military service. The administration wants to make decisions that align with the community’s priorities.

Enclosed in this newsletter is a survey which reflects some of the initial thinking of the board and will enable DCS to listen to you. Please complete and return the survey by Dec.13, 2013, so the district may compile everyone’s responses and report back via the website and other communications. Community members can also complete the survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Duanesburg.

In addition to completing the survey, all community members are encouraged to participate in an Education Summit on

Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014 (snow date Jan. 15) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Duanesburg High School. The summit will feature a brief opening presentation, followed by small-group discussions of ideas, opinions and concepts. The goal of the summit is to gather community input to inform the development of a strategic plan that will guide the district through the next three to five years.

Responses to the survey, in conjunction with information from DCS’ January 2012 community forum, will be used to drive discussion at the summit and allow every community member to have a voice in the process.

“The Duanesburg Board of Education has been working to develop a district-wide strategic plan to ensure the long-term viability of the district and the success of our students. One of the first and most important steps in this process is to gather feedback from all stakeholders within the district – community residents, parents, faculty, staff and students. Listening to our community is the first step in helping us understand the needs and desires of those we serve.” said Board of Education President Robert Fiorini. “A strategic plan is a critical tool used by all organizations to make sure that day-to-day progress leads directly and efficiently to where we want to be in the future.

“In essence, we are developing a road map to guide us through times that continue to present financial, regulatory and educational challenges for Duanesburg. Our district has been fiscally responsible, our students are performing at a high level when compared to districts around the region, and we continue to keep our local share of taxes at one of the lowest levels in the region. That is a testament to the past work of our district leaders, the hard work of our students and parents and the dedication of our community members.”

2 Duanesburg CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

www.duanesburg.org

A year of positives for Duanesburg CentralStudents and staff are making school a more peaceful and productive place to learn

Parents of some Duanesburg students will be receiving letters about their sons’ and daughters’ behavior this year, but their children will be okay with that. In fact, the students will likely be as happy as the teachers and staff who wrote the letters: DCS’ Middle, High and Elementary schools all celebrated the kickoff of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program.

PBIS creates a school environment where appropriate behavior is the norm, so more time is used for learning and less for discipline. PBIS actively involves school staff, students and their families and has been successful in schools across the country.

School-based teams teach, model and reward positive behavior using research-based, classroom management techniques and provide extra assistance to students who need it.

PBIS is based on the idea that students learn good behavior in the same way they learn a subject: through instruction, practice, feedback and encouragement. Teaching behavioral expectations and recognizing students for following them is a much more positive approach than waiting for misbehavior to occur before responding.

In simple terms, PBIS makes learning respectful behavior fun.

Commenting about kickoff day in late September, Duanesburg Elementary teacher Christina Tygert said, “It started with a whole school parade around the track led by our fifth graders. Together, we sang ‘be safe, be responsible, be respectful!’, and held banners created by the art teacher and painted by each team. At an assembly, we watched a cool movie of our school's staff demonstrating PBIS rules to the tune of ‘Respect’. It got huge applause!”

Elementary students also enjoyed public safety demonstrations, gift certificates, carnival games, face painting and yoga.

At the Middle and High School, an Oct. 4 kickoff event began with a morning rally around the school’s theme of 3-D: Disciplined, Driven and Dignified. As a reward for their 3-D behavior, the students split off into groups for kickball, Frisbee, laser tag and computer games, as well as Tai kwon do, parking lot chalk drawing, tie-dying and s’mores.

Prize drawings were held, and school spirits were lifted, as the students look forward to a year’s worth of positive and learning-centered PBIS activities.

With the PBIS kickoff activities now a happy memory, DCS faculty and staff hope the positivity will live on and prosper. For more information about PBIS, visit www.capregboces.org.

Being written up is now A GOOD THING

In simple terms, PBIS makes learning respectful behavior fun.

SoaringEagle 3

www.duanesburg.org

WINTER 2013-14

Duanesburg Community SurveyDCS wants the community’s input on how to best preserve opportunities for all students, while making

decisions that align with the community’s priorities. Thank you for completing and returning the following survey to the district office by Dec. 13. You may also take the survey online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/Duanesburg.

1. How would you rate the overall quality of the district’s educational program?

Excellent

Above average

Average

Below average

Unacceptable

No opinion

2. What are you most proud of about the Duanesburg Central Schools? (Please select all that apply.)

Educational program (academics)

Athletics

Music & arts

Other extracurricular offerings

Parent & community involvement

Facilities

Other (please specify) ___________________________________________________________________

3. How would you rate the quality of each of the following district programs/services?

Enrichment opportunities (e.g., Advanced Placement, gifted & talented, college-credit courses)

Excellent Above average Average Below average Unacceptable Don't know

Special education services


Response to intervention (e.g., academic supports, remedial classes)


Athletic programs


Music & art programs


Other extracurricular offerings



www.duanesburg.org

4. How important do you consider each of the following? Maintaining/expanding high school course electives

Very important Somewhat important Not important

Maintaining/expanding Advanced Placement/college-level course offerings


Maintaining/expanding extracurricular offerings for students


Maintaining/expanding athletics offerings for students


Maintaining/expanding academic support services


Maintaining/expanding enrichment opportunities for students in grades K-8


Maintaining/expanding art & music offerings


Maintaining/upgrading facilities


Improving school safety


Maintaining current class sizes


Keeping future tax increases as low as possible


5. Do you feel that the district’s school buildings are adequate and well-maintained?

Yes

No

Don’t know

If no, why not? _____________________________________________________________________________

SoaringEagle 5

www.duanesburg.org

WINTER 2013-14

6. How would you rate the district’s planning for future building needs (maintenance, repairs, adequate space and facilities etc.)?

Excellent

Above average

Average

Below average

Unacceptable

No opinion

7. How do you get most of your information about the district? (Please select all that apply.)

District newsletters

District website

School building communications

Board of Education meetings

School News Notifier (SNN)

Duanesburg’s Facebook page

Other social media

Local media (e.g., newspapers/television news)

PTSO

School district staff

Friends/neighbors

Students

8. How would you rate the quality and usefulness of the information you receive from the school district?

Excellent

Above average

Average

Below average

Unacceptable

No opinion

9. Do you feel the district actively seeks the input of parents and community members?

Yes

No

Don’t know

If no, why not? _____________________________________________________________________________


www.duanesburg.org

10. Do you have internet access at home?

Yes

Yes, but it is not high-speed/not reliable

No, but I have access elsewhere (e.g., workplace)

No, I do not have internet access at all

11. Please check ALL that apply to you.

Resident of the school district

Business owner in the school district

Current Duanesburg CSD student

Current Duanesburg CSD employee

Parent of child(ren) currently attending Duanesburg CSD

Parent of Duanesburg CSD graduate

Parent of preschool-age child(ren)

Parent of child(ren) not attending Duanesburg CSD

Other (please specify) ____________________________________________________________________

12. How long have you lived in the Duanesburg Central School District?

Less than one year

1-5 years

6-10 years

11 or more years

N/A

13. Are you a graduate of Duanesburg CSD?

Yes

No

Additional Comments Please add any additional comments you would like to share with the Board of Education and district administration.

SoaringEagle 7

www.duanesburg.org

WINTER 2013-14

Giving one’s self can be the best giftAsk those who volunteer how they can spare their time, and you’ll

likely hear that the return far outweighs the investment. Volunteering brings people together, builds goodwill, teaches new skills and accomplishes tasks that might otherwise go undone. It’s also fun, especially when volunteers find activities that suit their talents.

DCS offers a host of ways to connect to school and community as a volunteer. To learn more, contact the schools’ principals, your child’s teacher or the committee members listed below.

president is Brandy Fall; email [email protected].

■ A fall Red Cross blood drive is just one of the many service activities organized by the Leo Club, which is led and run by middle and high school students and sponsored by the Lions Club to promote leadership and volunteerism. Throughout the year, Leo Club members can be found beautifying school grounds, helping charitable causes and volunteering for events such as the annual Equinox Thanksgiving dinner. Karen Kanarkewicz ([email protected]) is Leo Club advisor.

■ The DCS Booster Club plays a vital role in assisting the school district by providing financial support for the after-school athletic program, raising money to support, promote and celebrate the accomplishments of all district athletes. In the past, the club has helped purchase non-budgeted items such as uniforms, awards for sports banquets, pep rallies and scholarships and flowers for graduates. For more information, contact Melanie Hulbert at 895-2793.

■ Friends of Music helps support DCS’ music program so that it remains well-rounded and continues to flourish. Members raise funds to replace instruments, fund field trips, and provide enrichment programs and scholarships. In recent years, instruments have been purchased for the band and elementary music program. The group also raised funds to offer students the Missoula Theater summer program at DCS. Music teacher Mary-Clare Waltz ([email protected]) has more information.

■ The Duanesburg Education Foundation, Inc. (DEF) raises and collect funds for not-for-profit, tax-exempt charitable educational organizations that provide support to students and academic programs in Duanesburg. By doing so, DEF helps the district to provide an educational program superior to that which could be provided if the district were solely dependent on public financing. In addition to helping fund programs, services, technology and other items for students, DEF also finances grants and scholarships, sponsors events and works with partner organizations to secure funding. DEF meets bi-monthly to approve funding for projects that are available to a wide range of students and enhance educational opportunities for students without supplanting the normally budgeted education program. Wendy Graves ([email protected]) is DEF president.

■ Last June, third through fifth grade students in the Duanesburg Elementary School Community Service Club collected and sold used books, raising $260 for the Moore (Okla.) Public Schools Tornado Relief Fund. The fund helps teachers and children impacted by the May 20, 2013 tornado with school and classroom supplies, transportation, after-school care, food, clothing and shelter. The Community Service Club advisors are Erin Goodwin ([email protected]) and Theresa McCabe ([email protected]).

■ Parent-Teacher-Student Organizations (PTSOs) have a long history of bringing together families and schools. Duanesburg’s PTSO is committed to enhancing educational opportunities for all students in the district. The PTSO holds a variety of fundraisers to sponsor extracurricular activities and clubs and to provide students with scholarships, equipment and other materials not covered in the district’s school budget. The PTSO would not exist without the support and dedication of its many parent and guardian volunteers. The PTSO


BOARD OF EDUCATIONDuanesburg CENTRAL SCHOOL D ISTR ICT

133 School Drive l Delanson, NY 12053

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit #4

12053

CURRENT RESIDENT

Superintendent Christine Crowley

Business Administrator Lauren Poehlman

High School Principal Leslie Wehner

Middle School Principal Penny Hardenstine

Elementary School Principal Andrea Conover

Transportation Harry Folckemer/ Karen Weiler

Produced in cooperation with the Capital Region BOCES Communications Service 11/2013.

Robert Fiorini President Dirk Felton Co-Vice President Tina Gamache Co-Vice President Christina Loukides Kent Sanders Ken Meyer Paul Munson Editor Monique Jacobs

www.duanesburg.org

Peace Cranes take flight at Duanesburg Elementary

As the district embraces a year of positives, messages of peace and understanding written by Erin Goodwin’s second-grade class literally took flight on Sept. 21 as part of the Peace Crane Project of the International Day of Peace.

The students learned how to use the art of origami to create small paper birds out of folded paper squares upon which they had written and drawn their thoughts. They then sent the paper cranes, which could be folded flat, to relatives in Colombia, Germany, the Philippines and the U.S. In turn, the students will receive cranes from other children participating in the project.

Learning how to make a crane wasn’t easy, but the results drew a chorus of oohs and ahhs from the children. Why cranes for peace? “It is a kind bird,” one second grader suggested. “Because its wings look like a peace sign,” said another.

The goal of the Peace Crane Project is to place or exchange cranes on every continent, nation, school, home, community center and place of business in the world. “No matter how small this community is,” Goodwin said, “The children can communicate with people around the world.”

When asked what peace looks like, the students responded, “No fighting.” “Being nice to people.” “Showing harmony to others.” “Using manners,” and “No guns.”

The class also read the book “Yoko’s Paper Cranes,” by Rosemary Wells, in which a young girl who had moved to America sends paper cranes to Japan to celebrate her grandmother’s birthday. Origami cranes originated as a symbol of peace through the story of WWII survivor Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who folded a thousand paper cranes to be granted one wish—to live.

“We observed the International Day of Peace with the Peace Crane Project along with an estimated one million children, but the students’ efforts will continue throughout the school year,” Goodwin said. “Kids may look different all around the world, but we all need to be peaceful and respectful.”

The Peace Crane Project was developed by Sue DiCicco, an author and artist whom Goodwin met through a college friend. After founding Armed with the Arts Inc. following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Connecticut, DiCicco was invited by the United Nations International Day of Peace team to create a global art project for children. Visit http://peacecraneproject.org for information and to see a video that includes some of Goodwin’s students from last school year.

“Our children are growing up in a global, complex and highly competitive society that demands much more than a basic education,” said Duanesburg Superintendent Christine Crowley. “It is our duty and mission to provide students with the depth and breadth of educational programs and services so they have the skills and knowledge to be college and career-ready, whether their plans include higher education, the workplace, a trade or craft, family business or the military.”

Individuals volunteering to participate in the Education Summit are asked to pre-register by contacting Jeanne Beach in the DCS district office at (518) 895-2279 or via email at [email protected].

DCS is proud of its schools, students and community, and committed to moving forward as a place where people want to live, raise and educate their children. The district encourages the community to be a part of that process and help prepare students for the future.

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