With our open enrollment policy for AP courses, proportionally, Manhasset has a greater number of students taking Math AP Calculus AB and Calculus BC than most schools throughout the country. This is a testament to the academic drive and excellence of our student body. Both the AP Calculus AB and BC programs showed dramatic improvement over last year. In fact, the Calculus BC results were outstanding, with percentages of students in the 3-5 range improving markedly over the previous year.

Manhasset’s performance for 2004 easily surpassed State benchmarks, with 90% of the students taking the exam reaching levels 3 and 4. The results represent a signifi cant increase over previous administrations of this test. In comparison, 91% of Jericho students, 88% of North Shore students, 87% of East Williston students and 80% of Locust Valley

students reached levels 3 and 4 on this exam.

While we are encouraged by last year’s results, we will continue to monitor the assessments and provide

support wherever necessary.

Results from last year were superb, as 96.5% of our students achieved a 3 or 4 on the exam. The results support the effectiveness of the elementary

mathematics program, “Everyday Math,” a program that is also rated by the U.S. Department

of Education as one of the best in the country. The results for the past three years have been consistently

positive, with a level of achievement comparable to other high achieving schools.

While consistent improvement has been made on every level, the Mathematics Department is not resting on its laurels. In the year ahead, it will remain committed to sustaining its effective programs and helping students reach the highest levels of achievement possible.

Nearly a decade ago, the Foreign Language Department developed a strategic plan that encouraged the teachers to address the Standards in the curriculum. With a curriculum that is challenging and not limited to textbook learning, student achievement has improved signifi cantly over the years. For the 2003-2004 school year, 100% of the Manhasset students taking a foreign language Regents exam passed, with 81% reaching mastery level (French – 86%, Italian – 83%, Spanish – 81%, Latin – 71%).

In Spanish, from 1996 to 2003, the percentage of students who had received a grade of 3 or above increased from 18% to 83%. In the past year, achievement levels reached even greater heights, as 94% of the students achieved a grade 3 or above.

Close analysis of the statistical data gathered on the performance of Manhasset’s students in math shows that the 2003-2004 school year was another year of excellent achievement for the district’s K-12 mathematics program. Assessments at the Grade 4, Grade 8 and Regents level were outstanding. In addition, Manhasset students averaged almost 600 on the mathematical portion of the S.A.T., a level which continues to place the district in a very strong position when compared to other schools in Nassau County.

Almost 100% (99.5%) passed the Math A Regents exam, a fi gure that was one of the highest in the county and one of the best in New York State. This exam is a requirement for high school graduation. Nearly 71% of the students passed the exam with mastery level.

The Manhasset School District’s Math Regents results continue to be outstanding, with 94.1% of 161 students passing the Math B Regents exam and over 52% achieving mastery level on the exam (a score of 85 or higher). This was the fi rst year this exam was administered in New York.

MATH

E X C E L L E N C E T H R O U G H E F F O R TMANHASSET PUBLIC SCHOOLS OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER ★ WINTER 2004

The primary goal of the Manhasset Board of Education and Administration is to build a culture of continuous improvement and excellence among the district’s student body and staff. While the district remains one of the top achieving school

districts in New York State, the district’s educational leaders will continue to push for higher levels of achievement.

Over the next several districtwide newsletters, we will examine various aspects of the Manhasset School District’s Annual Report of Student Achievement. If you are interested in reviewing the entire report, please do not hesitate to contact us at 516-267-7700 or view it online at www.manhasset.k12.ny.us.

BUILDING A CULTURE OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

(Continued on page 2)

REGENTS RESULTS

AP RESULTS

GRADE 8 ASSESSMENT

GRADE 4 ASSESSMENT

CONCLUSION

FOREIGN LANGUAGEhigher). This was the fi rst year this exam was administered in New York.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

REGENTS RESULTS

AP RESULTS

Page 2 ★Manhasset Public Schools Winter 2004 Newsletter www.manhasset.k12.ny.us

Dear Neighbors:

As we welcome in a New Year, we hope that each of you had a safe, healthy and happy holiday season. While students return to school after the extended holiday break, the Manhasset School District Board of Education and Administration continue to prepare for the

many challenges facing our district. As we begin to finalize the proposed operating budget for the 2005-2006 school year, critical issues must be addressed to insure the future success of the Manhasset School District.

Our dedication to maintaining the academic integrity of our programs while exercising fiscal prudence has never been stronger. A variety of initiatives have been implemented over the past sixth months to improve the district’s accountability, responsibility and transparency, including the introduction of the Board’s Audit and Finance committees, and the recent restructuring of our business office. These initiatives were made to help strengthen the district’s internal controls and enhance its sound financial policies.

These new initiatives have enabled the Board and Administration to closely explore each cost center, including our contract with the Manhasset Educators Association and outsourcing district transportation. We recognize and value the excellence of our teaching professionals, and the service our transportation employees provide. However, the Manhasset School District can no longer take the “business as usual” approach. We need to consider the long-term fiscal health of the district to provide an environment that is most conducive to our students and residents. Therefore, we are developing programs and policies to ensure the best education for our children at a fiscally responsible cost.

In addition to the budget, the following months are crucial as the Board of Education will begin interviewing superintendent candidates to replace Dr. Bozzomo, who is scheduled to retire April 30, 2005. The Board recently selected the firm of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) to conduct a nationwide search for the district’s next superintendent, pending contract approval. Having provided similar assistance to almost 400 school districts across the nation, HYA will identify a talented pool of candidates from which the Board can select the next superintendent. The Board is looking

Aline Khatchadourian, Larry Belinsky, Deborah Klein, Cindy Cardinal andThomas Maimone (clockwise from back left)

A Letter FromThe Board Of Education

to engage all residents for their input on the qualifications and attributes for Manhasset’s next superintendent.

A tough road lies ahead, but for our exceptional children, it is a road well worth taking. After reading the news on our quality programs and the tremendous accomplishments of our students contained within this newsletter’s pages, we hope you agree.

Sincerely,

Manhasset Board of EducationThomas Maimone, President Cindy Cardinal, Vice PresidentLarry Belinsky Aline Khatchadourian Deborah Klein

(Continued from front cover)BUILDING A CULTURE...In French, 77% achieved a score of 3 or above on the exam (10 of the 13 students). The department’s goal over the next five years is to continue to increase the total participation in its French AP program.

This year, as in the past, Manhasset’s foreign language students achieved success consistently and in a multitude of ways. Student successes are not limited to scores on exams but are broad in range. The four language offerings address the varied interests of our students and provide students with an array of choices: students are offered courses from beginning level through AP. Additionally, students are provided with opportunities to demonstrate achievement through competitions with other schools. In the 2003-2004 school year, over 200 Manhasset students participated in local and national contests — garnering honors in a great many of these contests. These competitions provide benchmarks that will enable the district’s Foreign Language Department to gauge the success of its program.

The Manhasset School District prides itself in providing students with an exceptionally high level of academic services. In addition, the district offers its students many opportunities for cultural growth. Each year, students participating in Manhasset’s Arts Department programs receive local, regional and national recognition. Following are but a few of the highlights from the 2003-2004 school year.

§ Advanced Placement Studio Art – The preparation portfolio for this program involves over 40 pieces of artwork created over a two-year

period. This program has increased in size from three students in 2002 to 10 in 2004. In June of 2004, ten students submitted portfolios: three received scores of “3”; three received scores of “4”; and four received scores of “5.”

§ Hofstra University Shakespeare Festival – Participation in this program is by invitation only and is limited to twelve schools each year. Schools that do not present high quality productions are not invited back. In 2004, six Manhasset students performed scenes from

Much Ado About Nothing, while one Manhasset student received the Best Actor Award for his performance.

§ In 2003, the American String Teachers Association and the National School Orchestra

Association sponsored the first performance of the National High School Orchestra. Only two students were chosen from New York State. One Manhasset string student was chosen and participated, and one wind player was selected as an alternate.

§ The Nassau Music Educators Association sponsors four divisional All-County performing groups for Band, Orchestra, Chorus and Jazz. In January 2004, Manhasset

had 117 students selected for this honor.

§ In 2004, eight pieces of art work were selected for display at the Fifth Congressional District Art

Exhibition, with one Manhasset student receiving the Best in Show award for Nassau County.

§ 202 Manhasset High School students performed at Carnegie Hall in May of 2004.

The Arts Department continues to provide students with an opportunity for personal development outside the core curriculum. Whether it’s music, art or drama, Manhasset students are continuously recognized for their hard work, dedication and talent.

CONCLUSION

ARTS

CONCLUSION

Page 3 ★Manhasset Public Schools Winter 2004 Newsletter www.manhasset.k12.ny.us

scientists discover, the technologists may apply to some practical use. Further, scientists use tools and equipment that technologists have designed and built to conduct their experiments.” Seventh and eighth grades are the only two grades with dedicated courses under the technology subject heading. In each year, the children spend half of the year in the Scan Tex Lab and the other half in a more traditional technology lab. The Scan Tex Lab is a computer lab in which there are stations for students to work on various aspects of technology, including graphics and animation, electronics, hydraulics, health management and CAD. In the traditional technology lab, students spend time learning about design and use hand tools and work benches to build and create things, such as a mousetrap-powered car. “Our technology program is an important developmental tool for the future success of our students as they prepare for the move into high school,” stated Richard McMahon, Middle School Principal. “Using technology from conception to production enables students to dissect and address problems from the early stages through completion — a valuable skill in advanced school years and beyond.”

NEW AND IMPROVED ARRIVAL PROCEDURES AT MUNSEY PARK

The safe arrival of the students is the foremost concern for everyone at Munsey Park Elementary School. In order to provide a more fl uid and safe environment for students at the beginning of the school day, the

SCA and administration teamed up to formulate new arrival procedures. They have collaborated on and introduced a redesigned procedure to help streamline morning drop-off. The ultimate goal of this procedure was to help speed up drop-off and increase the level of safety at Munsey Park.

Beginning several weeks ago, orange cones have been positioned to allow cars to pull directly in front of the auditorium to discharge students. An attendant inside directs students to the gym or their class line beginning at 8:30 a.m. To

avoid confusion, school personnel and SCA volunteers were on hand at key locations to answer questions or redirect traffi c.

To increase security, parents are no longer permitted in the building before the morning bell. For those parents whose children are late and must get a pass, or if you have fi eld trip duty, a classroom party or have another sanctioned reason to be in the building, the main entrance off of Hunt Lane is accessible after 9 a.m. This was implemented for two reasons: to help avoid confusion, as school monitors will not have to sort out whether adults have appropriate permission to be in the building; and it serves as another component to improving traffi c, as parents stay in their cars to facilitate the fl ow of traffi c.

For walkers, Munsey Park offi cials have directed students to enter school property via the walkway off Hunt Lane that leads to the main entrance, proceed left and follow the walkway to the new auditorium entrance. A staff member is present to meet walkers.

“Many parents drive their children to school and this was causing congestion,” stated Dr. Jean Kendall, Principal. “With Mimi Donohue, our SCA President and several parent volunteers, we now have a solution that provides our students and parents with a safer start to the day. I appreciate all the work the members of the SCA and our school staff have done to coordinate this new procedure.”

NEW AND IMPROVED ARRIVAL PROCEDURES AT MUNSEY PARKavoid confusion, school personnel and SCA volunteers were on hand at key locations to answer questions or redirect traffi c.

To increase security, parents are no longer permitted in the building before the morning bell. For those parents whose children are late and must get a pass, or if you have fi eld trip duty, a classroom party or have another sanctioned reason to be in the building, the main entrance off of Hunt Lane is accessible after 9 a.m. This was implemented for two reasons: to help avoid confusion, as school monitors will not have to sort out whether adults have appropriate permission to be in the building; and it serves as another component to improving traffi c, as parents stay in their cars to facilitate the fl ow of traffi c.

Munsey Park SCA President Mimi Donohue helps with new arrival procedure

Seventh grader John Creighton

INVENTION AND INNOVATION IN MIDDLE SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Technology is everywhere and it impacts our lives on a daily basis. From the computers we use at work or in school, to the equipment doctors use to determine the health of a patient, technology is all around us. For seventh and eighth grade students at

Manhasset Middle School, technology education is an integral part of their everyday schedule. Evolving from the old industrial art programs of the 1950’s through the beginning of the 1980’s, today’s school technology programs have moved beyond the manual skill courses, such as auto body and woodshop, to teaching the tools necessary for more comprehensive technology applications like monitoring weather and Computer Aided Design (CAD). In implementing a technology curriculum for its students, Manhasset educators have followed the defi nition of technology supplied by New York State: “The application of knowledge and the use of tools to transform resources in order to satisfy human needs and wants.” This includes a knowledge base where kids learn about the tools, resources and the processes of technology, and an active part, or the process, which includes design, problem solving, engineering, invention and innovation. Manhasset’s program features learning experiences in engineering design, tools, resources and technological processes, computer technology, technological systems, history and evolution of technology, impacts of technology, and the management of technology. These topics come from the New York State Mathematics, Science, and Technology Learning Standards. “Technology runs hand-and-glove with science,” stated Scott McMullen, Coordinator for Science and Technology for the Manhasset School District. “We contrast that science answers questions and technology solves problems. Science is used in technology because what

Page 4 ★Manhasset Public Schools Winter 2004 Newsletterwww.manhasset.k12.ny.us

The Manhasset School District is proud to announce that six members of the High School’s Science Research Team have qualified as regional semi-finalists in the Siemens Westinghouse Competition in Math, Science

and Technology. With its six representatives, Manhasset High School has the second most students in traditional public schools throughout the United States selected for this prestigious honor. Only Troy High School in California has more, with seven. Those whose work was recognized include: Brinda Alagesan, Ashish

Bakshi, Nick Calluzzo, Amrit Das, Nikhil Gupta and Eshin Jolly.

The Siemens Westinghouse Competition recognizes high school students who are willing to challenge themselves through science research and provides them with an opportunity to attain national recognition for science research projects they complete in high school. Students may submit research reports individually or in teams of two or three. Projects are then judged by an impartial panel of research scientists from leading universities and national laboratories. Nikhil and Amrit received recognition for their study on the effects of applied taxol and oryazalin on cotton fiber quality in G. hirsutum, variety MD51; Eshin and Ashish for their report on designing a system for versatile semi-autonomous robots; Brinda for her work on dynamics of genomic DNA on micropatterned surfaces; and Nick for the role of MMP7 in the formation of ovarian cancer.

“Under the direction of Peter Guastella, our Science Research Program’s students have continuously received recognition in national competitions,” stated Scott McMullen, Coordinator for Science for the Manhasset School District. “These students have dedicated a tremendous amount of free time to doing the work necessary in successful scientific research. Along with the students and Mr. Guastella, I would like to commend the district’s entire K-12 staff, because together, we work with our students to create an environment of learning, success and pride in accomplishment. That is why Manhasset students excel at competitions like Siemens Westinghouse.”

MANHASSET HS TOPS AMONG LONG ISLAND SCHOOLS WITH SIX SIEMENS WESTINGHOUSE SEMI-FINALISTS

Manhasset High School Siemens Westinghouse semi-finalists withScience Research Advisor Peter Guastella

This September, the Shelter Rock Elementary School began a pilot program to further improve the district’s already solid reading assessment practices. Having attended a workshop on the mClass Running Records system, an assessment program

enabling teachers to utilize a handheld Palm Pilot to track student reading ability, Geralyn Marasco, reading specialist at Shelter Rock, wrote a grant to the Teacher Research Center to obtain funding to initiate and test the success of the program with the school’s first and second graders. So far, the results have been outstanding.

The regular Running Records system, used in schools across the world, calls for teachers to manually record a child’s reading behavior as he/she reads from a book. This recording system helps determine a child’s reading proficiency by allowing the teacher to identify errors the child has made while reading the text. Errors include: substituting another word for a word in the text; omitting a word; inserting a word; and has to be told how to pronounce a word by the person administering the running record. Additionally, teachers would gauge fluency by counting the words pronounced correctly. Prior to the introduction of the mClass pilot program, teachers needed to make all of these notations by hand — an extremely challenging and daunting task. For the eight volunteers using a Palm Pilot under the mClass Running Records system, tracking and measuring a student’s progress has become significantly easier.

Stories read by the children are available on the Palm Pilot, allowing the teacher to follow along and make notations as the student reads from the book. Upon completion of the lesson, data on the student’s performance is instantly displayed on the Palm Pilot, letting the teacher know how well the student did. The teacher then uploads the data and a graphical report describing each error, error type and the corresponding miscue analysis is provided. This information enables the teacher to monitor the progress of each student and make quicker adjustments to help meet the instructional

READING ASSESSMENT PROGRAM’S A HIT AT SHELTER ROCK

needs of the student. These reports are also used as comprehensive explanations on student progress during parent-teacher conferences.

“Those using the mClass Running Record system believe that this is an excellent program for assessment — providing immediate feedback, which gives us the opportunity to make instantaneous alterations in instruction,” stated Ms. Marasco. “We will monitor the success of this system throughout the school year and determine the feasibility of continuing the project next year.”

Along with Ms. Marasco, the other teachers using this system include: Margaret Admirand, Cheryl Fritz, Edwina Lano, Vickie Lundin, Teresa Pistorino, Ann Marie Puleio and Judy Zoller.

Shelter Rock’s mClass Running Records team

Page 5 ★Manhasset Public Schools Winter 2004 Newsletter www.manhasset.k12.ny.us

MANHASSET HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT

SELECTEDWENDY’S HIGH SCHOOL HEISMAN AWARD STATE

FINALIST

Chris Peyser, a senior at Manhasset High School, was recently selected as

one of 1,020 state fi nalists in the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award program sponsored by Wendy’s and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Nearly 15,000 students were nominated for this prestigious award honoring senior female and male students who have excelled in academics, athletics and community service.

From the 1,020 state fi nalists, one male and female student per state will be named state winners and awarded a silver medal. Of the 102 state winners, twelve students (six male/six female) will be named national fi nalists and will travel to New York City for the Wendy’s High School Heisman Weekend celebration. The 12 national fi nalists will then be the guests of honor at a banquet and other activities in New York City with each national fi nalist receiving a gold medal. One male and one female will be announced as the 2004 Wendy’s High School Heisman National Award Winners and each will receive a specially designed trophy.

Chris Peyser

Building on its recent history of musical excellence, the Manhasset School District will

send 109 students to perform in the Nassau Music Educator Association’s All-County concerts to be held at the Tilles Center in mid-January. Barbara Tancredi, interim director of Music and Arts for the Manhasset School District, proudly revealed the names of students selected for this honor.

Students scheduled to attend include:

Munsey Park: Nicholas Bilotto; John Brakatselos; Stephan Leavy; Caroline Mazzei; and Irene Tsai.

Shelter Rock: David Cappellini; Michelle Chyn; Audrey Edelstein; Kevin Grimm; Raymond Luong; Megan Malafronte; and John Prufeta.

Manhasset Middle School: Olivia Amato; Caterina Anastasio; Christopher Armienti; Alina Bougal; Joseph Calderone; Kevin Cheung; Kevin Chyn; Stephen Cobos; Allison Conte; Gabrielle Cramer; Matthew Demitroff; Christopher Dorogoff; John Duvnjak; Julie Egor; Marianna Geiger; Nitasha Gupta; John Hannan; Douglas Horowitz; Matthew Joe; Christian Kapper; Kelly Klein; David Knowles; Tori Kosaka; Melissa Leeolou; William Letzler; Jack Meyer; Lauren Nevitt; Kyle Smith; Colette Soloff; Jessica Stanley; and Amit Vora.

Manhasset High School (grades 9 and 10): Caitlin Abdo; Pushpa Bhat; Sarah Choi; Ryan Clarke; Patrick English; Peter Fendt; Marc Grbic; Amanda Joe; Evangelia Karanikas; Sanya Kennedy; Dominick Maimone; Keri Mate; Megan McCarney; Tristan Miller; Matthew Nabavian; Emmett O’Hanlon; Andrew Oppo; Kathryn Papa; Nancy Peterson; Corinne Riggin; Jordan Roher; Douglas Sabo; Ryan Saldhana; Parsa Sharifi ; Perry Sherman; Kristin Sockett; Brian Sternemann; Timothy Tan; Jacky Yeh; and Anjali Vora.

Manhasset High School (grades 11 and 12): Katherine Aitken; Luis Alvarez; Adam Amato; Ashley Ayarza; Christopher Barnes; Kristen Calogero; Francesca Capone; Eric Chan; Joanna Choi (for both chorus and band); Pauline Choi; Teresa Ciaccio; Peter Cobos; Nicholas Dionisiou; Tiffany Dyer; Dorothea Ehrhardt; Justin Feiner; Allison Fleming; Jon-Paul Gabrielle; Nikhil Gupta; John Hong; Michael Kwon; Tara McCarney; Bryan Meskell; Alex Moadel; Jesse Muñoz; Paulette Nabavian; David Nevel; James O’Hanlon; Hannah Pavlovich; Jessica Pinckney; Kimberley Poissant; Katelyn Shelhaas; Kim Taylo; Michael Zito; and Christopher Zuar.

“I commend all of our students for their dedication to their music and for being selected for this exceptional honor,” Tancredi stated. “Along with our excellent students, our teachers deserve recognition for their commitment to the children of Manhasset and to the district’s music department.”

Music educator’s sending students to the NMEA’s All-County concerts at the Tilles Center on January 14, 15 or 16, include: Sandra Baskin; Joseph Capodicasa; Beth Hsu; Sarah Kleinendorst; Randy Knudsen; Eileen Murphy; Sean Quinn; Elizabeth Rosenthal; Alice Shorter; Mark van Schenkhof; Kenneth Vetter; and Nancy Weiss.

P roject Sweet Tooth, a program organized and coordinated by the Munsey Park School Community

Service Committee to collect excess Halloween candy for distribution to the less fortunate, was a complete success. Thanks to the efforts of the Munsey Park students, approximately 780 pounds of candy was collected and donated to the INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network) of Hempstead, an organization that addresses the issues of hunger and homelessness on Long Island by providing food, shelter, long-term housing and supportive services to those who seek help.

Notices regarding Project Sweet Tooth were sent home with the children, informing them of this worthy cause. Collection bins were placed near the main offi ce in early November and once all the candy was collected and sorted, it was delivered to the INN where it was distributed in bag lunches that are given to guests.

PROJECT SWEET TOOTH A SUCCESS AT MUNSEY PARK

NASSAU MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCATION’S ALL-COUNTY SELECTIONS

FROM MANHASSET

MANHASSET READING TEACHER NAMED

EDUCATOR OF EXCELLENCE

The New York State English Council has named Margaret Admirand, a reading teacher at

the Shelter Rock Elementary School, an Educator of Excellence. Teachers and administrators in English Language Arts and Reading from across New York were nominated by submissions that supported this year’s conference theme, “Courage to Teaching: Facing Today’s Challenges.”

A reading teacher for 32 years, Ms. Admirand has worked at Shelter Rock Elementary School for the past 19 years, where she currently teaches Reading Recovery, Preventing Academic Failure, and remedial reading and writing to fi rst grade students. According to Anja Groth, district coordinator of English Language Arts and Reading, Ms. Admirand has made outstanding contributions to Manhasset as a reading teacher. During her tenure with the Manhasset School District, Ms. Admirand has conducted numerous workshops for parents during SCA meetings and was closely involved in the K-12 English Language Arts Curriculum Review Committee Phase IV presentation to the Board of Education.

Ms. Admirand received her award at the New York State English Council’s (NYSEC) 54th Annual Conference, which was held in Albany. NYSEC, a professional organization for English Language Arts teachers, serves educators throughout New York State. Conference participants attend numerous workshops and discuss the latest developments in English Language Arts with well-known keynote speakers.

JOHN SHORTER ELECTED VICE PRESIDENT

OF STATE THEATRE ASSOCIATION

A t the fall conference of the New York State Theatre Education Association, held at SUNY Purchase College in

early October, John Shorter was reelected Vice President of the New York State Theatre Education Association. This is Shorter’s second term serving in this capacity for the organization. He also served two terms as President.

John has worked closely with the New York State Education Department on the creation of the Arts Standards document, the pilot Theatre Assessment and the Specialty Area Test for Certifi cation in Theatre Arts. In addition, he was a contributor to and a reviewer of the NYS Teacher Resource Guide in Theatre Arts. John has been the Secondary School Theatre Program Director for the Manhasset Public Schools for the past twenty-eight years.

In addition to being named VP of the State Theatre Association, Mr. Shorter was recently honored as Man of the Year by the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce also honored Manhasset teacher Eileen Murphy as its Woman of the Year.

Margaret Admirand at awards reception

Week of February 14--CASA Wellness Week, District CASA Presentations at all schools

Page 6 ★Manhasset Public Schools Winter 2004 Newsletterwww.manhasset.k12.ny.us

Manhasset Board of EducationThomas Maimone, PresidentCindy Cardinal, Vice PresidentLarry Belinsky, Aline Khatchadourian, Deborah KleinSuperintendent of Schools, Lawrence E. Bozzomo, Ed. D.

Non-Profi t OrganizationECRWSS

U.S. PostagePAID

Permit No. 18Manhasset, NY 11030ECRWSS

POSTAL CUSTOMERMANHASSET, NEW YORK, 11030

MANHASSET PUBLIC SCHOOLS • v is i t our websi te a t : www.manhasset.k12.ny.us

Board MeetingsThursday, January 208 p.m., Board RoomThursday, February 38 p.m., Board RoomThursday, February 178 p.m. Board RoomThursday, March 38 p.m. Board Room

Tuesday, January 18Munsey Park, Shelter Rock KindergartenRegistration, 6-9 p.m.

Thursday, January 20Munsey and Shelter Kindergarten Registration, 4-6 p.m.Wednesday, January 26

Munsey and Shelter Rock KindergartenRegistration, 5-8 p.m.

DATES TO REMEMBERThursday, January 27SCA High School/Middle School Joint Parent Councils, 8 p.m., HS Cafeteria

Friday, January 28End of 2nd Marking Period, Grades 7-12

Thursday, February 10Joint SCA, Munsey Park/Shelter Rock Parent Councils,9:30 p.m., at Munsey Park

The Board and Administration have heard the message loud and clear from the Manhasset community to look everywhere it can to control costs without adversely impacting the quality of education for our children. Therefore, the district has focused

on areas outside the classroom to reduce costs. In doing so, the Board of Education and Central Administration are examining every cost center, including transportation. The Board recently authorized that an RFP (Request for Proposal) be put out to bid. At this point, the Board has not made any decision to outsource transportation. Issuing an RFP does not obligate the Board to take any action.

Please note that while we are examining the costs associated with our transportation department, the safe transportation of our children will always remain the primary concern of the Board and Administration. While the Board has authorized a request for bids, they do not have to accept the bids. At this point, the bids will serve as a true cost comparison relative to what the district is currently paying for its in-house transportation department.

Moving forward, the Board has assembled a community advisory committee to examine the qualitative factors involved in a possible outsourcing of transportation and has charged the CAC for Finance with creating a sub-committee on transportation to review the economic aspects of outsourcing. In addition, the Board has directed Administration to make a closer examination of our in-house transportation department to determine whether greater effi ciency is possible to help reduce costs. During this process, the Board will continue to engage the public for input on this matter.

DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION SNAPSHOTSFROM AROUND THE DISTRICT★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The Manhasset Board of Education is interested in increasing the fl ow of information from the school district to residents. Any resident interested in receiving pertinent information from the Manhasset School District via e-mail, can submit their e-mail address to

listserve@manhasset.k12.ny.us. Shortly after submitting your e-mail address, you will begin receiving updates from the school district regarding critical issues, innovative programs and important events. Thank you for your interest in Manhasset’s wonderful school system.

STAY INFORMED