March 4, 2005

Dear Students, Staff and Families:

Good morning sports' fans! The primary mission of schools is education. If schools do not focus on core academics all the enhancements to education - such as technology, extra-curricular activities (ECA), and field trips have little meaning. On the other hand, education takes many forms. What do you remember most about school? What lessons stick with you today? Memories of athletic events, the school play, or club activities are frequently cited by adults as having shaped their character, developed a variety of skills, and simply put, were just fun and motivated you to go to school.

My greatest memories as a high school student were football and lacrosse matches. The lessons learned on the field about how to win, sportsmanship, and the lifetime friendships acquired shaped my life. What a great winter season at Duanesburg - the boys' and girls' basketball teams earned the scholar athlete team awards (wrestling and cheerleaders ended just short with 89%+); wrestling won another league championship, captured the Section II sportsmanship award, and three wrestlers compete this weekend for a state championship at the Pepsi. Our cheerleaders had two members qualify for state competition.

This Saturday our elementary school students will participate in our first Odyssey of the Mind competition. Our second year moot trial team won it's first competition this past week and our web design class competed in Life Smarts (a quiz bowl like competition) finishing second in the region. From the school play to the basketball court, activities like this leave lasting imprints. 

So…if you have time, attend the Pepsi Arena this Saturday (we may have our first ever NYS Champion) … admire Marissa Dwyer's record setting basketball in the trophy case…or attend the elementary school play March 16 or 17 (you just might watch the next "American Idol")! Go Eagles!

Sincerely,

Mark Villanti, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
895-2279

March 18, 2005

Dear Students, Staff and Families:

Spring time, April and early May are critical times in the year of a school district. Let me cite a few examples of why this is the case.

a Academically, it marks the "stretch run" for our students. Students who are able to maintain their focus when the weather turns pleasant have a great advantage. Over half of a students' GPA (grade point average) is based on performance during last two quarters of school.

a Budget planning is completed in April. There is general consensus among area superintendents that this year's budget has been the most difficult of any in the last four years. Operating aid declined in the last three years and was felt hardest by districts like Duanesburg (who receive almost 50% of their income from NYS). As of the date of this letter, revenues declined again and expenses like pension and health costs have caused distress for all districts regardless of size or wealth. The Board of Education is faced with establishing a tax rate that they believe the community will support weighed against the possibility of further program cuts. 

a Our annual Duanesburg Days will be held, Saturday, April 2. A schedule of activities is described on our web page. I am planning to hold two-budget information sessions on Duanesburg Days at 11 AM and 1 PM. I encourage local voters to ask questions.

a Spring sports have begun. The weather has not cooperated so we have been forced to cancel next week's home games. There are few activities more enjoyable than watching a ball game on a nice spring day.

As I pen this letter Thursday morning I watch (hopefully) the last significant snowfall of the year. I did say it was spring, didn't I?

Sincerely,

Mark Villanti, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
895-2279

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