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Superintendent's
Corner
February 13, 2007
Dear Students, Families and Staff:
The weatherman is replete with predictions of heavy snow for
tomorrow. The halls are a buzz with “Is there school tomorrow”? What
an odd winter in Duanesburg? If the snow days remain three or fewer
than we will have a contingent holiday on May 25.
Duanesburg Days (DD) is just around the corner; mark your calendars
for March 17! You will receive the district newsletter in early
March with a schedule and list of activities planned for the day. My
favorite part of DD is of course reading and reviewing the student
projects. The children’s’ perspective on their community is always
enjoyable to read. I am also looking forward to Art Willis’ (town
historian) tour of Quaker Street and his discussion of the
Underground Railroad.
We have just revised the
language
of athletic eligibility to provide clearer language and we have
added a stricter penalty for second offenses (which have been rare).
Our student athletes are expected to set an example for other
students in the district. I remember attending varsity events while
I was in elementary school and how much I looked up to the high
school athletes. Many things in our culture have changed over the
years, but I suspect that our CYO basketball players and Pee Wee
wrestlers share the same admiration for the “high school” players.
I have been asked how parents find out about all of the activities
available to students in the district. There are a number of ways
students and families can remain alert to student activities. One
example is by visiting the district Web site at http://dcs.neric.org,
at least weekly. Information from our web master, Audrey Hendricks,
indicates that nearly 3,000 different people surf our Web site each
month. There is invaluable information available including upcoming
activities and events. In addition, senior, Alicia Cook, is working
on compiling a comprehensive list and description of the various
activities to post on the Web site for an honors senior project.
Each year the Board has approved the addition of new activities.
Last year we added a bowling team, JV volleyball, Moot Court and
doubled the number of elementary school Odyssey of the Mind teams.
Teacher volunteers have also added a high school ski club and a
poetry competition. My experience over the years suggests that an
active student is a better student.
Budget sessions with the Board of Education are well underway. The
Governor has submitted a preliminary budget that is favorable to
Duanesburg. We are simply not sure, however, where the political
discussions will end. Last year the Board’s deliberations led to an
average tax rate increase for residents of the Town of Duanesburg
consistent with cost of living increases in the region. That target
remains a goal, annually. The Board of Education values your
involvement. Please keep up with the web page and attend a meeting
of the Board.
In closing, I am glad that I recently tuned up the snow blower at
home. It sounds like Mother Nature is not finished with winter. I
can hear the plow trucks already…
Sincerely,
Mark Villanti, Ed.D.
Superintendent of
Schools>
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