A Publication of the Spencer Van Etten Central School June 12, 2008

Superintendent’s Notes And the winners are……………….

Summer has arrived, at least summer weather has. However, this does not mean that the school year is over. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is the homestretch of a rather long and important marathon contest. The final results of this activity are based on the cooperative efforts of teachers, students, parents, and an extended support system designed and working to maximize learning. Just like the athlete, the race is not over until you pass the finish line. There are two full weeks of the school year left and how students perform during these two weeks will say a lot about how things progress from here. It is critical that all students focus their efforts on preparing for final and Regents examinations. Quality preparation includes plenty of review and studying, sufficient rest and a good breakfast the day of the test. The race is nearing its end and the real winners will be those students who have not only practiced good study habits during the year, but also those who are prepared the day of the exam. Good luck to all!

CONTRACT FOR EXCELLENCE As you may be aware, although all of our schools are in good standing and have been performing above the state and federal required standards for the past two years, we still find ourselves listed as a “Contract for Excellence” school. This classification limits how we can spend a significant part of our state aid. It also requires that we generate a plan to designate how this will be done. While there is no specific format for this process, we have generated an “Academic Improvement Plan” similar to the one we used for this current school year. Although the dollars in this plan are greatly reduced from over $800,000 to $307,214, it still limits many of our options. According to the state requirements, there are only five areas where the dollars may be spent. Our plan calls for the following. Teacher and Principal Quality: $15,000 for Curriculum Development Professional Staff Development Restructuring Instructional Services: $108,359 for Enrichment, Computer Aided Instruction, Art, Technology, and Library program enhancements and Increased Physical And Occupational Services. Increased Time On Task: $119,407 for extending the Summer Learning Academy, Academic Intervention Services, and an additional Teacher and Teacher Assistant for the expanded Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program Class Size: $64,448 for an additional Grade 4 teacher There is also an experimental area in which we did not participate. None of these expenditures are new. All of these expenditures were part of the budget presented to the public and approved as part of the public vote on May 20, 2008. However, should you have any questions or concerns about the “Contract for Excellence” or anything else school related, please contact me at the office at 589-7103.

PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE

CONTRACT FOR EXCELLENCE Tuesday, June 24th @ 6:30p.m.

Spencer-Van Etten Middle School Library Have a Great Week! Steve Schoonmaker

Spencer Van-Etten Elementary School Student Photo Show Opening a Huge Success

On Saturday, May 31, Mr. E’s 4th grade students packed in a crowd for their photography opening at the Main Street Café in Spencer. 21 students joined guest photographer Dede Hatch, art teacher Deb Youngling, and Mr. E to greet families and guests as they viewed the final project’s framed prints of their work. “Community: Through the Eyes of a Child” was the

culmination of four months of photography and discussion of the meaning of community. Works included a new-born infant, a night-lit Dandy Mart sign, cheerleaders, various landscapes, and the local cemetery. Guests were treated to snacks and a chance to discuss the art with the photographers. The photographs will now find their permanent home on the walls of the elementary school. Each child will also bring home a framed photo of their own.

June 23, 24

Mark Your Calendar , 25, & 26 – 11:30 a.m. Dismissal

S-VE Middle School

Immunization Requirement for 6th Grade Enterers

The New York State Department of Health instituted a new change in the immunization requirements for school entry related to diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine. The key points are:

• Students who are entering 6th grade and who are 11 years of age or older must receive an immunization containing tetanus toxoids, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap).

• If a students has received a Td, DT or STaP vaccination within the last 2 years, the

student’s Tdap vaccine should be deferred (with rare exceptions) until 2 years has lapsed.

• 10 year old students who are entering 6th grade will not be required to receive Tdap vaccine and will not be excluded from school but must be immunized when they turn 11 years old.

The two exemptions from this requirement are:

• A medical exemption written by a physician or

• A statement of religious exemption written by the parents/guardian of the student which must be approved by the superintendent or principal of the school

Once your child receives the immunization, the documentation can be mailed, faxed or brought to the Nurses Office. If your child does not meet the requirements, they will be excluded from school in September, 2008. If you should have any questions, please contact your child’s physician or local Health Department for additional information.

Special Education Quality Assurance Review Conclusion The New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) have completed the Special Education Quality Assurance Review in Spencer-Van Etten School District initiated this school year. The focused review examined the district’s compliance with selected Federal and State laws and regulations governing the education of students with disabilities. The review was conducted by VESID’s Special Education Quality Assurance office and a representative from the Special Education Training and Resource Center (SETRC), as well as staff from our school district. The review process involved an assessment of school records of selected students with disabilities, classroom visitations and staff interviews. Several meetings of the Committee on Special Education were also observed. The District focus areas for improvement include: evaluation/reevaluation procedures, specificity in present levels of performance on the individualized education plans (IEPs), restructuring of special education programs/services and clarity in assessment participation. An overview of the findings of the review were presented and discussed at the May 27th meeting of the Board of Education. A copy of the report may be obtained from the Superintendent’s office, located at the S-VE High School.

SVE High School

High School Social Studies Department

As the school year nears the end, many students face the realities of Regents testing. There are two major Social Studies Regents exams. After two years of Global Studies, students take the Regents in Global History and Geography. After one year of American History, students take the United States History and Government test. Both tests are similar in their organization. Each test contains a 50 question multiple choice section, a thematic essay, a document based question (DBQ) section, and lastly an essay based on the same documents. Students have three hours to finish the exam. The Global test will be in afternoon on June 18 and the United States Regents exam will be in the morning on June 20. If you have any questions about the Social Studies Regents exams please contact the high school.

In other Social Studies news in the high school, many juniors are presently writing research papers with their English and Social Studies classes. Students choose their topics based on an area of interest in American History. The wide variety of topics includes the Cuban Missile Crisis, the effects of Prohibition, changes in New York City zoning after the Triangle Fire, and the Exxon Valdez accident. Students are required to find primary and secondary sources for their projects. Many of these sources are now online. For example, Time magazine now offers an archive that dates back to 1923 while Sports Illustrated offers an archive that dates to its inception in 1954. Many students have encountered limitations with online sources such as the reliability of these sources and access. Some databases charge a fee to access articles. These students have found resources in the school’s library or obtained material through inter-library loan. Others have also traveled to some of the college and public libraries in the region for further research. The final paper must be completed by the end of the school year.

Important Dates:

June 12th – 16th – Final Exams June 17th – 25th – Regents/RCT Exams

June 26th – Baccalaureate – Auditorium – 7:00 PM June 27th – Graduation – Gymnasium – 7:00 PM

Fond Farewell S-VE is saying farewell to several long time staff members. We would like to say thank you for your many years of dedication to the district and good luck in your retirement years ahead. Russ Anthony –Head of Buildings and Grounds

Russ started with the district as a cleaner in 1973. He worked his way up through the ranks and became Head Custodian in February of 1986. His dedication and steady leadership particularly over the last 22 years has helped the district through several hurdles. If it was too hot, too cold, no electric or too much snow- you name, it Russ was the man to call. Although he will be around for a while in his new role as Clerk for the Excel Capital Project, we will surely miss his presence in the years ahead.

Connie Clark – Lead Cleaner Connie has worn many hats (or in this case uniforms) in her 26 years at S-VE. She started in 1982 as a Food Service Worker, moved to a Baker, then Senior Food Service Worker and ended up as a cleaner in 1991. Connie’s actual retirement date is in September, however she will be enjoying some much deserved vacation time prior to that date. Her quiet leadership will be missed in the elementary school.

Georgia Ervay – Elementary Teacher

Mrs. Ervay (known as Ms Redder in an early life) has taught in the district since 1975. She began as a Kindergarten teacher, had a concentrated time in Reading and has been the pillar of the Pre K program since 1985. More than one generation of district families have graduated from her class. We wish her well enjoying the third generation of her own family.

Janet Goodrich – Senior Food Service Worker Janet started in the district in October of 1975 as a Cafeteria Helper. In 1980 she left only to return in 1985. She has worked since 1995 as a Senior Food Service Worker. Her kind personality and smiling face will certainly be missed in the Middle School.

Mary Ruth Ingersoll - Art Mrs. Ingersoll came to the district in September of 1974. She has worked in all three buildings and with all grade levels in her tenure at S-VE. She has been in integral piece of our creative side and will be missed by many.

Dave Jackson – Vocal Music

Mr. Jackson also came to S-VE September of 1974. He has been an inspiration to countless students. He implemented the current girls trio and boys group combination in addition to his classroom and regular chorus responsibilities. He has been integral in the successful development of the quality music program we enjoy. “Jam Master Jack”, as he is affectionately referred to, has left a lasting and lyrical impression on us all.

Clarence Windnagle – Bus Driver

Clarence came to the district as a driver in January of 1978. His long term commitment to the district has helped the transportation department weather through difficult times. His gentle and caring nature has endeared him to his young passengers and co-workers alike. We wish him well in his “golden years.”

“You and I will meet again, When we're least expecting it, One day in some far off place, I will recognize your face, I won't say goodbye my friend, For you and I will meet again” Tom Petty