Sept1SuptCnr

Today marks the end of the first week of school. We are off to a very smooth start overall. Both buildings appear to be "on track" and very prepared for the start of school. Transportation, while always requiring a few days to work out scheduling "glitches", is running well.
On Wednesday we had a very unusual weather day that added a wrinkle to the afternoon. The combination of high humidity and newly waxed floors created a safety hazard at the elementary school. Floors began turning wet and slippery. It took a couple of hours before our efforts to open windows and doors, dry mopping floors, and operating fans in the halls reduced the problem. Veteran staff indicated that they cannot recall this phenomena occurring anytime in recent years. Regardless, our students and staff shortened and slowed their gate and all went well.
Parents may have heard that the Duanesburg Area Community Center is now operating the elementary after school program. DACC is also hoping to expand the middle school program that has operated for the last two years from two to five days per week. Please call DACC for more information at 356-6400.
The district web page (www.dcs.neric.org) is in the process of reconstruction thanks to the help of Joe O'Neill, systems administrator, and Judy Frost, BOCES communications department. One of this year's goals is to provide an informative and updated web page that is valuable to parents, students, and the community at large. We will be forming a parent task force that will meet to provide input to our Webmaster. Please feel free to email your comments and any suggestions or let me know if you are interested on serving on task force (that will meet only once or twice) contact me by phone or at mvillant@mum.neric.org
I hope that the first few days of schools went well for your family!

Sincerely yours,
Mark Villanti, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

September 17, 2004

Dear Students, Staff and Families:

The big news this week is the headline - DACC receives the Advantage After School Grant for $156K per year for five years! This funding will allow DACC and the district to develop a comprehensive program of after school services. Since this announcement has just been made it will take some time to establish the program. Ken Romanski, President of DACC, has indicated that they will be establishing a focus group of parents to generate ideas for activities. Kudos to Ken, John McKeeby, Center staff, and Lew DeFilippo who worked very hard to prepare this application.
Yesterday the district conducted bus drills. NYS law requires one bus evacuation from the rear of the bus each year. Drivers and teachers worked collaboratively to explain the various safety procedures for boarding and disembarking from a school bus. Unfortunately, I know personally someone who accidentally killed a child who was on his way to board a bus. It is very important that these drills are practiced correctly and seriously. A new law requires students to sit and then slide out the rear exit door area (as opposed to jumping from the rear exit door). That change slowed down the drill so some children may have arrived home a little later than unusual. It is worth repeating that a stopped school bus with red flashing lights cannot be passed legally. Yellow flashing lights are caution lights. Drivers can pass carefully a parked school bus with yellow lights flashing.
Both campuses seem to be off to a smooth start. I had the opportunity to stop in several classrooms during the last week and was very pleased with the work of our children and teachers. All early indications suggest that this should be an excellent year. One major educational initiative is to review our current middle school program structure and to provide a footprint for the future. The Board of Education's Education Committee has established this as a priority. We will be looking for task force members from parents and community members. Please talk with board members - Bridget Holmes, Alan Krieger, or Debbie Schardt if you wish further information.

Sincerely yours,
Mark Villanti, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

September 24, 2004

Dear Students, Staff and Families:

The school year is less than three weeks old and there have been two dances, countless number of sporting events, one back-to-school night, and planning for a large fitness ceremony and walk next Friday at the elementary school. Last week's back-to-school night for K-2 went very well. I am told that teachers and parents expressed great appreciation for the smaller class sizes this year.
Mr. LeForestier, principal, has modified the format somewhat for next Thursday's back-to-school night. He has sent information home this week with your child. Parents should expect teachers to discuss the following general areas at open house - overview of the curriculum; grading and homework policy; highlights of any special projects or activities; and their preferred method of communication. There is only ten minutes at the secondary level (9-12) per teacher. There is generally time for a few questions. Questions should be limited, however, to program or procedural topics. The November 19th parent conference that is scheduled will allow you to meet with your child or teen's teacher and discuss individual progress.
I hope that many of you are able to meet our new staff. This afternoon we are holding a reception. Students will be introducing each new staff or faculty member. This is the first year that we are inviting the public. The PTSO and student council are co-sponsoring this event with our Board of Education.
Just yesterday I learned that Senator Farley has found a way to earmark an extra $30,000 that we requested through a legislative grant. The Senator has always tried his best to respond to our occasional, special requests. This was a challenging budget year and we appreciate his efforts in recognizing the program and financial needs of the district.

Sincerely yours,
Mark Villanti, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

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