State of the What?
Last week was BUSY! Aside from the cold weather day, we had several rescheduled athletic events, concerts, professional development opportunities, and meetings. This week should be more of a "normal" week as far as those things are concerned, and I am really happy for that!
Students Organize a 'Pink Out': It goes without saying that we have compassionate students. One example came last week during a home boys basketball game when two of the players organized a fundraiser for the family of a staff member who passed away last year. They organized a "pink out", recognized the family, and raised some money for a great cause. They also went on to win the game. Great kids! This is not to minimize all of the other fundraising efforts for the community that happens throughout the District each and every day. This was another new effort that deserved some recognition!
Learn Ways to Advocate: There are a few things happening outside of our school district that you might find interesting. First, the Central New York School Boards Association has organized an event called Our Kids, Our Schools, Our Future (http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1107312969070-211/Final+FLYER2014-1.pdf) that is being held on February 5 from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at North Syracuse Junior High School. This forum is for all people interested in the future of public education to organize and learn about ways to lobby for continued resources for schools.
OCM BOCES Vote: The OCM BOCES is also in the process of trying to get away from leasing buildings to house their programs and are investigating the purchase of a building that will house the programs many of our students take. This is a cost neutral effort but would give BOCES more overall control. The vote day is January 23. Plenty of information about voting locations and the actual referendum can be found here: http://ocmbocesnews.blogspot.com/2013/12/ocm-boces-facilities-referendum-january.html.
The Governor Speaks: Last week was the State of the State address by Governor Cuomo. In relation to education he mentioned:
- "merit" pay for highly effective teachers in poor or chosen school districts;
- a commitment to borrow money to provide more technology (again mostly to poor or chosen schools);
- initiatives for teachers to use more technology to deliver instruction and for students to be able to learn at their own pace; and
- resources for universal pre-kindergarten.
There were not many details given about these initiatives, but I will be sure to provide details and my thoughts as soon as more information becomes available.
Talk with the Superintendent: Lastly, please remember that our Dialogue with the Superintendent is going to be held this Wednesday, January 15 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in the high school large group instruction room. The first hour will be for regular questions and the second hour will be a discussion on the common core learning standards and all that surrounds them. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Have a great week!
Chris
