Category Archives: District

Pre-K Information

Pre-K Program to Start in Fall With One Classroom

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Pre-K InformationTo ensure the cost of creating a new Pre-K program does not impact existing programs for K-8 students, Wynantskill UFSD will start Pre-K with one classroom in the fall.

“We want to be fiscally responsible and start slow with the hope of growing the program over time if it’s affordable,” said Superintendent Dr. Thomas Reardon. “Our Pre-K program will not be subsidized by state aid so we want to be careful of the impact to our budget so we can maintain programs for our students.”

While New York State provides some state aid for Pre-K programs, it is limited to districts with high needs. Dr. Reardon confirmed with the State Education Department that Wynantskill UFSD does not currently qualify.

The Pre-K classroom will be run by CEO Headstart, an organization that runs numerous pre-kindergarten programs locally. It was selected through a Request For Proposal process.

“We had a chance to see them in action when our Pre-K Committee did site visits. They’ve responded to all our questions and share our vision. They’re also trained to provide early childhood education and have a lot of experience in different school settings so they can adapt to our program’s needs,” said Dr. Reardon.

The Pre-K program will serve 18 students who must be 4-years-old by Dec. 1. The district is developing its selection process which is expected to start in June. The district will provide more updates as they become available.

“We know it’s later than a typical registration process but the program is dependent on the building project because that’s where the classroom will be,” explained Dr. Reardon. “We didn’t want to promise something that might not be there but we are now assured that the building project will be completed by the fall.”

Gr. 4 students with Finelli Construction Superintendent Maurizio Cassano

Gr. 4 Learns About Construction

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Gr. 4 students learned about construction on Apr. 10 from Maurizio Cassano, Superintendent for Finelli Construction which is building the Capital Project addition.

Mr. Cassasno offered to speak with students about the project and tools that relate to student studies about simple machines.

Watch video.

U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko with students

U.S. Rep. Tonko Delivers Books to School

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U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko with students

Congressman Paul Tonko met with some of our students today while delivering 35 free books from the Library of Congress Surplus Book Program.

Library Media Specialist Linda Fecura applied to the program, which provides books that are no longer of use to the Library of Congress to institutions and organizations to help them build their library collections.

“I want to thank our school ambassadors. You make all the book connections so important because it’s your education that matters so much,” Rep. Tonko told students. “And I’d like to thank parents for being here, not only as partners for reading but for partners in education.”

More photos.

Students learn about owls

Guest Educator Teaches Students About Ecology

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Students learn about owl pellets

Gardner-Dickinson students are learning about ecology the week of Mar. 5 from guest educator George Steele, who worked in the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s Endangered Species Unit.

Mr. Steele is working with all grades from teaching kindergartners about how leaves make food to discussing owl ecology with 7th graders.

The activities tie into Partners As Reading Partners (PARP) month which has an environmental awareness theme.

School Safety

Message from Dr. Reardon About School Safety

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Superintendent Dr. Thomas Reardon would like to share the following message with our community about school safety.

Dear Wynantskill UFSD families,

To say that the events that transpired this past week at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School were tragic would be an understatement. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who are a part of this school community.

Please know that such events underscore why we as a district meet monthly to discuss our safety protocols, and why we engage in numerous drills throughout the year to ensure we are prepared for the unexpected.

As Superintendent it is my imperative to ensure the safety of your children each day when they arrive at 25 East Avenue. The safety of our school, from weather-related closings to working closely with the North Greenbush Police Department, has and always will be our number one priority.

Should you have any questions, please know you can reach me via email (treardon@wynantskillufsd.org), phone (518-283-4600 ext. 11), or simply stop in for a visit. Thank you for your continuous support.

Always,

Dr. Thomas Reardon
Superintendent of Schools

Students participate in Start With Hello Week

Students Participate in Start With Hello Week

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Gardner-Dickinson joined hundreds of schools across the country the week of Feb. 5 by participating in Start With Hello.

The initiative, created by Sandy Hook Promise, helps prevent social isolation by empowering young people to create a culture of inclusion simply by reaching out to others with a simple hello.