Author Archive: Kyle Barber

Wynantskill UFSD welcomes Principal Shannon Toomey

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Wynantskill UFSD is thrilled to welcome Ms. Shannon Toomey as its new principal! Please see a letter to GD families below from Ms. Toomey:

 

Hello Gardner-Dickinson Families,

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as I assume the role of Principal at Gardner-Dickinson School starting July 1st. I have met many of the students and some of the families over the past few weeks while visiting school, attending the PTA and BOE meetings and during the recent meet and greet.  I am already feeling the strength and kindness of this community, both in the warm welcomes I have already received, but more importantly, in the conversations with the amazing children who come to GD every day.

I am thrilled to be joining the team at Gardner-Dickinson School. I am coming from 21+ years as a special education teacher and literacy specialist at Boght Hills School in North Colonie CSD. I have a strong background in behavioral supports and working collaboratively with staff and families.

Personally, I have two boys, Keene (age 14) and Kade (age 12). My spouse, Becky, is a school counselor and as a family we enjoy many outdoor adventures, including hiking, boating and fishing. During the summer and into the fall, I will work hard to learn as much as I can about all things GD. I hope to be able to meet all the students and families and gain insight into the things that make Wynantskill UFSD great as well as any things you feel could use improvement. I would like to learn what you feel my priorities and focus should include.

I hope to honor all the hard work and traditions already in place at Gardner-Dickinson while also bringing a fresh perspective. I am most interested in establishing strong communication and collaboration among all the stakeholders in the district. One of the most vital aspects of our important work as educators is ensuring that all students feel safe coming to school each day. We will do this by creating a warm and welcoming environment for your child or children, while working together closely and collaboratively.

I will be working set days throughout the summer and plan to attend the PTA meeting on 7/20 and hold a meet and greet beforehand at 5pm.  I hope the last few weeks of the school year go smoothly, and that everyone enjoys a fun-filled and rejuvenating summer break!

Please feel free to reach out to introduce yourself, set up a meeting, or with any questions or concerns. I look forward to working closely with all of you to continue to make Gardner-Dickinson an exceptional school community.

Shannon E. Toomey

WUFSD Welcomes Full-Time Resource Officer

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We are thrilled to announce a new addition to the Wynantskill Union Free School District; Officer John Yerry, who will be joining us as our full-time School Resource Officer (SRO) from the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department. Officer Yerry brings with him over 10 years of valuable experience from the Watervliet Police Department, and we are excited to have him as part of our team.

Officer Yerry’s primary role as the SRO will be to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and school community. He will work closely with school administrators, teachers, and students to foster a safe and secure learning environment, as well as educate students with programs such as D.A.R.E.

“I’m excited to join the Wynantskill UFSD in order to protect our kids and be a positive influence in their lives,” Officer Yerry said.

We invite you to meet Officer Yerry during our upcoming events. He will be attending the 8th grade graduation ceremony tonight, Wednesday, June 21st at 7 pm, as well as Field Day tomorrow, June 22nd. These occasions will provide an excellent opportunity for you to introduce yourself and get to know Officer Yerry. Welcome aboard!

GD Class of 2023 Senior Walkthrough

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On Monday, June 12th, GD welcomed the Class of 2023 for a graduation walkthrough of the school! Students cheered on the graduates and made signs that they presented to them to take home.
Congratulations to all the graduating GD alumni!

Special Board of Education Meeting June 5th, 2023

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There will be a special meeting on Monday, June 5th, 2023 to enter executive session for the reason of point 6, The medical, financial, credit, or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion,
discipline, suspension, dismissal, or removal of a particular person or corporation.

Click here for the agenda

Wynantskill PTA Officer Election Update

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For any members who would like to participate in the upcoming Wynantskill PTA Officer election, voting for Nominees will occur at the upcoming PTA meeting on 5/25/23.

 

The Nominating Committee met on 5/21/2023 with the following members present:

Susan Czubek, Committee Chairperson
Jaime Vooris

Jennie Brown

The committee acted in accordance with the Wynantskill PTA Bylaws and followed the guidelines set forth in the PTA Manual for the Nominating Committee. Voting for Nominees will occur at the upcoming PTA meeting on 5/25/23.

 

The following names are placed in nomination to serve as officers of the Wynantskill PTA for the 7/1/23 – 6/30/25 term.


President: Jennie Brown
Vice President: Jen O’Loughlin
Treasurer: Raquel Stevens
Secretary: Kyle Barber


Susan Czubek, Committee Chairperson

Jaime Vooris and Jennie Brown, Member Committee

GD Walkthrough for 2023 Seniors

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Attention 2023 Seniors who attended GD:

On June 12th at 12:30 pm, GD will be offering a walkthrough for any 2023 Seniors who attended GD! Walk through the halls of GD in your cap and gown, say hello to former teachers, and take a class reunion picture! Please RSVP to Kyle Barber and kbarber@wynantskillufsd.org if you’d like to attend.