Updates from the Superintendent's Office
Give Back Days
At the most recent Board of Education meeting, three give back days were approved. Per contract, one is given back during the final week of school and one is given back on the Friday prior to Memorial Day. This year an additional give-back day was approved for Monday, April 22. If an emergency situation arises (i.e. late snow storm, building-wide plumbing issues), then school would be scheduled during the day prior to Memorial Day first, then during the give back day slated for the last week of school.
Budget and Hearing
The Board approved a 2019-20 budget to go to voters on May 21st. Budget development began in November and much of our work this year was guided by the question, "What do students need that we can't adequately provide"? While every student must meet proficiency standards defined by New York State in order to graduate, no student will be successful if their most basic needs aren't being met. Our students need to be fed and well rested, and they need to feel safe. Once basic needs are met, students must be provided with instruction at their level, and given support when they struggle. Importantly, instruction should include academics, social skills, character traits... much more than basic literacy or graduation requirements. To compound the issue, the struggles are as unique as the students, so time, creativity, resources, and resolve are needed if we are to be successful.
The 2019-20 budget is our best effort to meet those needs. Heuvelton Central School moved toward greater inclusion for our students with disabilities this past year, as Special Education teachers began to provide services in the General Education setting. A recent increase in special needs students requires additional staff to remain compliant with NYS regulations so one additional Elementary Special Education teacher will be added.
Other positions being added include one secretary and a Director of Student Services. The Director position combines CSE/CPSE chair responsibilities, oversight of all Special Education and Counseling programs and staff, and coordination of wraparound student services (i.e. outreach, home visits, collaboration with outside agencies). The CSE/CPSE chair and secretarial positions are both re-establishing positions that were reduced in past years. Also included in the budget is the creation of a four-week summer academic program for elementary students.
Staffing Updates
Mrs. Jordan has expressed interest in the Director of Student Services position and I will be recommending to the Board of Education that she be appointed in this capacity. Mrs. Jordan is in education to support students in need, and that work is the crux of this position. Having K-12 experience as a principal and counselor, and having served as a BOCES Supervisor of Special Education programs, she is well prepared to fulfill the varied requirements of this position. Importantly, she knows the staff, students, and culture of the district, and her work will continue to be for our collective benefit. Due to this change in positions, the district is advertising for a 7-12 Building Principal.
We Want YOU! Job Openings at HCS
The following positions are open at Heuvelton Central School:
- Substitute Teachers PreK - 12
- Substitute Bus Drivers
- Substitute Monitors
- Substitute Custodial Workers
To apply for positions, please visit the Applications for Employment page.
Pre-K Registration
Heuvelton Central School is presently accepting applications for the Pre-K program for the 2019-2020 school year. There will be both an AM and PM session offered but space is limited to 18 students per session. Student placements will be mailed by June 14, 2019. Students must be residents of the Heuvelton Central School District and must be 4-years-old by December 1, 2019.
Applications are available upon request at the District Office and must be returned no later than Friday, May 3, 2019. Please contact Tessa Herron, Elementary Secretary, at 344-2414 ext. 28891 or e-mail therron@heuvelton.k12.ny.us.
3-8 State Exams
Testing Dates
April 2-3
Grade 3-8 ELA Testing
April 30-May 1
Grade 3-8 Math Testing
Testing Tips
- Get plenty of sleep. A consistent bedtime routine helps ensure that a student is rested and has the stamina to do his/her best.
- Eat a good meal. Thinking is a work out, just like a practice or game. Be sure to fuel up with a healthy breakfast each morning.
- Exercise on a regular basis. Increased blood flow helps muscles, and your brain, perform at the highest level. Moderate exercise prior to testing helps ensure higher performance.
- Relax. The tests do not determine if a student passes or fails, it is simply an opportunity to show what you know.
For more information, click here.
|
