Winter 2012

            As you may be aware, one of the Board’s goals this year is to determine the feasibility and instructional impact of restructuring the two elementary schools from two K-6 buildings into one K-2 and one 3-6 or one K-3 and one 4-6 building.  To accomplish this goal, the Board contracted with the New York State School Board’s Association to conduct a feasibility study.  The study has been completed and the report will be presented to the Board and the community on Thursday, January 19th at 7:00 PM in the HS Auditorium.  All are welcome.  There will be three follow-up meetings on January 31st, February 1st and February 6th, so that members of the community will have the opportunity to read and react to the report and provide information for the Board’s consideration.  Community members may attend any of the meetings. 

            There have been many changes coming from the State Education Department with respect to student assessments and teacher and principal evaluations.  On a regular basis the requirements are being revised. We are doing our best to keep up with the information and to share it with the staff, students and parents.  Most recently we learned that the two day testing periods for ELA and for mathematics, in April and May respectively, have increased to three days of testing and three days of make-up tests for each subject.  Tests for all grades will be administered on the same three days, whereas in the past tests were staggered by grade level.  This recent change impacts some of the activities and events already listed in the district calendar that was mailed home last August.  For example, Rhame Avenue Kindergarten screening, the Elementary Spring Concert, and the Centre Avenue Science Fair must be rescheduled, as well as some other events.  We will be updating the district calendar, posted on the website, to reflect these changes.  Please use the web based calendar to confirm dates for important events.  Other important changes include the number of assessments we are now required to administer.  The new regulations mandate that all students be locally assessed at least three times a year, in each subject area, in addition to State tests, in order to measure student academic progress.  Please make sure to read all information sent home regarding the assessment changes.

            As we develop the 2012-2013 school district budget, we are mindful of the recent legislation to cap the tax levy.  Although it has been promoted by the Governor as a 2% tax cap, it is not a 2% tax cap on the individual homeowner’s school taxes.  Furthermore, it may not be a 2% levy limit for every district once allowable exclusions have been applied.  To learn more about this and to participate in the discussions about the 2012-2013 school district budget please join us at the Budget Advisory Committee meetings.  An open invitation, with the dates and location, is posted on our website. 

            As always, I welcome your participation at our activities and events and I thank you for supporting the learning experiences of the children of the East Rockaway Schools.