Gr. 4 held its annual Famous New Yorker Wax Museum on Jun. 13 where students portrayed famous New Yorkers who they researched. Great job!
Category Archives: Elementary School
2018-19 Student Attendance Calendar
The one-page Student Attendance Calendar for 2018-19, which lists school recesses and holidays, is available here.
Students Encouraged to Take Gr. 3-8 Exams
Wynantskill UFSD would like to ask parents to please help us improve education for their children by allowing students to take the upcoming Gr. 3-8 ELA and Math exams.
“These exams provide us critical information that we use to strengthen our curriculum by showing us what teaching approaches work best for our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Thomas Reardon. “Test refusals create incomplete information which hinders our ability to improve the educational program for all students.”
Here are details of the tests and changes NYS has made to improve them:
- 3-4 exams take about 60 minutes to complete.
- 5-8 exams take about 80 minutes to complete.
- Students are given as much time as they need.
- Testing takes place over two days, not three days.
- There are fewer questions on each exam.
- Results have no impact on a student’s grade.
- Results have no impact on teacher evaluations.
- ELA tests may be read aloud to students with Individualized Education Plans.
- Exams help prepare students for similar tests such as Regents exams in High School.
“These proficiency exams are a great measure that tell us where our students are in relation to their grade level curriculum and standards. It helps ensure that we are providing all of our students with the enrichment and interventions they may need to be successful high school graduates earning a Regents diploma,” said Principal Dr. Mary Yodis.
If you have any questions or concerns about the exams, please call Principal Mary Yodis at 518-283-4600 ext. 10.
Pre-K Program to Start in Fall With One Classroom
To 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.”
Message from Dr. Reardon About School Safety
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
Reminder About School Bucks Program
The Wynantskill PTA would like to remind parents to turn in holidays receipts from Colonie Center to help Gardner-Dickinson in the School Bucks competition.
“Are you all finished with those holiday receipts from Colonie Center? Don’t forget to turn original receipts dated within 60 days to the Main Office or drop them off at the mall as soon as possible so GD can earn School Bucks points. Only the top 10 schools win money at the end of the contest, and we are currently in 12th place. Thanks!” said organizer Erica Quinn.
The Wynantskill PTA has again entered Gardner-Dickinson in the Colonie Center School Bucks competition for a chance to win up to $8,000 for the school.
Just turn in Colonie Center shopping receipts from any store to the Colonie Center Service Desk (located on lower level near Five Guys restaurant) within 60 days of purchase to help Gardner-Dickinson earn points. Regal Cinemas, Whole Foods, restaurants, and food court receipts also count. Only original store receipts are accepted.
You may also drop off receipts at Gardner-Dickinson’s Main Office in an envelope marked “PTA – Colonie Center School Bucks”. Please note receipts submitted at school will not be returned. Emailed receipts or copies can not be accepted.
Gardner-Dickinson will earn one School Bucks for for every dollar shown. At the end of the year, Colonie Center will give cash prizes to the top 10 schools valued at $500 to $8,000.
“Last year, GD came in 8th place and won $1,000,” said organizer Erica Quinn. “Let’s try to do even better this year!”
Please email Erica Quinn with any questions.
Gr. 2 Recreates Main Street for Social Studies Unit
Second graders created Wynantskill’s Main Avenue in Legos to complete a Social Studies unit.
To learn about rural, urban and suburban communities, students visited Ellms Family Farm, joined the Rensselaer County Historical Society for a walking tour of Troy, and worked together to create Main Avenue.
“The children were totally immersed in this project for two weeks. They did a great job researching each location to place it correctly on the display,” said Teacher Gina Mahoney.
Register AdvantEdge Card to Help GD
Help Gardner-Dickinson earn free equipment and supplies by registering your Price Chopper/Market 32 AdvantEdge card on their website. The school code is 15907.
Each time you use your AdvantEdge card you can earn points for Gardner-Dickinson which the school can redeem for school supplies, musical instruments, and playground equipment.
Free Summer Food Programs Available
While school is out, free nutritious summer meals for children 18 and under are still being served in our community.
To find a nearby location, click here.