Category Archives: District

Sheriff Russo with students

Sheriff Russo Reads to Kindergartners

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Sheriff Russo with students

Kindergartners had a special guest reader Apr. 12, Rensselaer County Sheriff Patrick Russo.

Sheriff Russo explained to students that he was visiting because his “#1 employee”, a sergeant with the department, has a child in the class.

Sheriff Russo read one of his favorite books, “5 Pennies to Spend,” a story about a child who decides to buy items for friends he meets on the way to the store instead of buying something for himself.

Sheriff Russo also handed out deputy stars to students.

Thank you for visiting our students today!

Honor Rolls

3rd Quarter Honor Rolls Announced

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Honor Rolls

High Honor Roll

Grade 7: Ryan Bates, Madelyn Comenole, Molly Graiff, Anya Kulzer, Rita Lin, Mia Lucey, Keely Panichi, Taylor Schoonmaker, Athena Seebald, Laura VerWys and Abram Weatherwax.

Grade 8: Leonardo Clemenzi, Maryssa Crosier, Lauren Czubek, Kaya George, Emma Gilooly, Christian Kim, Cooper Murray, Ryan Strang and Michael Zakarka.

Honor Roll

Grade 7: Braden Ceresia, Sydney Davey, Madeline Defreest, Samantha Flagg, Gabriella Geise, Ethan Hallenbeck, Jireh Henriquez, Owen Hirokawa, Angela Lanesey, Aaron Martin, Isabela Niver, Olivia Palmer, Alivia Reo, Tim Thomas and Carter Zimmerman.

Grade 8: Matthew Blaisdell, Theresa Crawford, Kassidy Duda, William Eccles, Isabella Marte, Joseph Parrottino, Mia Perrotti, Tyler Quinn, Philip Ryan, Anthony Sano, Baylee Terry and Ryan Therrien.

School Safety Award

District Receives School Safety Award

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School Safety Award

Wynantskill UFSD was honored with the highest School Safety Excellence Award from Utica National Insurance Group in March. This is the fifth year in a row the district has received a safety award from the group.

Each year Utica National recognizes schools for safety in categories such as playground safety and bullying prevention.

“Safety and health concerns continue to be a priority in our school districts,” said Brian Saville, a Senior Vice President with Utica National. “Districts that go ‘above and beyond’ to provide a safe, healthy and focused culture for learning are to be applauded, and we’re pleased to count Wynantskill Union Free School District among them.”

Students tour WNYT studio

Students Tour WNYT Studio

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Students tour WNYT studio

Gardner-Dickinson’s News Media Team, who put together the school’s morning news program each day, enjoyed an opportunity to learn about television news production during a trip to the WNYT studio on Mar. 13.

Students toured the studio and watched behind the scenes as the noon news was produced.

Thank you WNYT for hosting our students!

Students listen to Dr. Seuss book

Kindergarten Celebrates Dr. Seuss

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Students listen to Dr. Seuss book

Kindergartners celebrated Dr. Seuss Week with the author’s books and special themed days.

On Thursday, for example, students wore hats, listened to a reading of “The Cat in the Hat” and participated in Dr. Seuss-themed activities.

As teachers read books they engaged students by asking them which words rhymed and encouraged children to think about the characters in the books and inquired what they would have done in the same situation.

Great job!

More photos.

Wynantskill UFSD

Parent Letter About Internet Hoax

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Dear Gardner-Dickinson School families,

We want to inform you of an internet hoax called “The Momo Challenge” that while not real, can still be distressing to students.

The so-called Momo Challenge started as news reports of a new internet challenge that caused students to self-harm or commit suicide. There is little to no evidence that actually occurred.

However, while fact-checking organizations have largely debunked the Momo Challenge, a disturbing image associated with the hoax has spread on social media. (The image is actually an unrelated sculpture of a grinning figure with dark hair and bulging eyes created by a Japanese special effects company.)

We have alerted our faculty and staff about this and we are taking proactive steps to deter students from seeing the image or sharing false information about the hoax. We do not believe students are intentionally trying to frighten classmates; it is more a curiosity.

However, given the nature of the internet, it is difficult if not impossible to completely shield students from this unfortunate hoax. We recommend you talk to your child to reassure them in case they have heard about it or are concerned. Here are some talking points.

  • If they have seen the image, tell them it is not real and cannot harm them.
  • If they have heard about the Momo Challenge, tell them it is a story someone made up.
  • Reassure them they are safe.
  • Remind them that not everything they read online is true.

If you would like to learn more about the hoax, here is a flier from the National Online Safety.

Please also feel free to contact me if you have further concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Thomas Reardon
Superintendent of Schools

Wynantskill UFSD

High School Selection Information

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Dear Parents of 8th Grade Students,

The final year at Gardner Dickinson can be very busy with planning for graduation, the 8th grade trip to Washington D.C., and the high school selection process.

In order to help you and your child make the most informed decision, there are several opportunities to learn about the area high schools. In the fall we participated in a program at Tech Valley High School (your child also participated in a spring session during seventh grade). In January we hold our High School Fair, and in late winter the students will have the opportunity to visit one high school during the school day. Prior to the fair, I will be working with your child during the day to develop questions, and assist them developing skills to make an informed decision.

This year, our High School Fair will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 15 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. in our cafeteria. Students will have an opportunity to meet with representatives from each of the high schools in order to learn about course offerings and extra-curricular activities. Families are more than welcome to attend, but this is not a requirement. The schools participating in the Fair are Averill Park, Brittonkill, Columbia, Troy and Tech Valley. Please be aware that residents of the North Greenbush Common school district may select from Averill Park, Columbia and Troy High School.

In addition to our fair, each of the schools offers an open house for students and families entering ninth grade. These programs are typically presented by the school principal with assistance from the counselors and teachers. This is a good opportunity to visit the school and ask any questions you may have.

Tech Valley High School requires that students who are interested in their program attend a parent/student information night at their school. The next session will be held on Thursday, Jan. 10 at 6:00 p.m. at Tech Valley High School. The other open houses are listed below.

  • Columbia High School – Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Averill Park High School – Thursday, Jan. 31 6:30 p.m.
  • Tamarac (Brittonkill) High School – Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Troy High School – Thursday, Mar. 7 at 6:00 p.m.

I encourage families to learn about all of the schools in order to make a very well informed decision. I will be asking for your selection no later than Friday, Mar. 15. Students who select Tech Valley High School will need to let me know by Friday, Feb. 15. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have about this process.

Sincerely,

Amy Murphy
School Counselor