Message from the superintendent

SCHOOL NEWS
Dr. Valencia Douglas
Superintendent
June 3, 2011

Dear Parents/Guardians,

How fast the year has gone. In September, when I first wrote to you all, it seemed as if we had so much time to do all of the things I wanted to accomplish. And now we are in the final days of school and I feel as if I have only begun to accomplish many of the goals I set for myself.   Of course, as I review the accomplishments of this year, I know quite a bit was accomplished.  For example, we have a new interdisciplinary pre-kindergarten program, OWLS, and a new kindergarten through second grade reading program, Reading Street, from Pearson.  This is a comprehensive reading and language arts program designed to promote diverse literary experiences, utilize research-based and differentiated instruction, foster critical analytical skills, and integrate technology.

Reading Street fully meets the expectations of the new and more rigorous New York State Common Core Learning Standards, while simultaneously supporting the Response to Intervention framework which support students who are having trouble in developing and applying reading strategies.  Reading Street is designed so that teachers are able to take advantage of the program’s vast resources and still embed additional rich literary experiences they have already developed.  The 2011-2012 implementation process is scheduled for pre-kindergarten through second grade; third grade through sixth grade teachers are currently evaluating the program as well.

We are in the process of identifying a new science series for our kindergarten through sixth grade, entitled Science 21.  Science 21 is an integrated, content-rich K-6 science curriculum originally developed and continuously updated at the Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES that is fully aligned with the New York State Learning Standards for Mathematics, Science and Technology.  The program, which has been carefully sequenced to support the development of science content, processes, and vocabulary, emphasizes relevant, teacher-guided investigations that are hands-on and inquiry-based.  It is filled with non-fiction and fiction reading connections, differentiation guides, SMARTBoard lessons, and opportunities for home involvement.  For teachers, there is also ongoing and comprehensive professional development, as well as access to a peer support network.  In fact, at the beginning of each unit professional development is given to the teachers to enable them to begin it fully and freshly trained in the scientific principles presented and the labs.

Our students have excelled in many areas this year.  They have been recognized for their achievements in French - in fact 12 of our students won awards at the Grand Concourse National/National French Contest.  Twelve of our students also became members of the National Junior Honor Society.  This is an honor that is only achieved by students who are academic scholars and have shown leadership, character, and citizenship. One of our students was awarded the American Dreamer Award from Southern Westchester BOCES.  This is an honor awarded to students for community volunteerism. In addition, over 70 of our students were recognized for being on the honor roll for at least two quarters, as well as for community service.

While we are proud of our students’ accomplishments, we know that without our parents and guardians our students would not be able to achieve these and other honors.  Working together we have accomplished so much, and I am confident that in the coming years we will continue to graduate students whose accomplishments instill pride in all of us.

I say “all of us” because whether you still have children in the school or they have graduated, your involvement is valued and needed.  The recent budget vote that you cast not only approved the lowest budget in recent memory but also set a new academic course that positions our students to be prepared to access rigorous science/math in the high schools of their choice.   These changes include more rigor in our classes and a closer relationship with our feeder high schools that will enhance our students’ competitiveness in the schools of their choice.  Your vote for our students’ - your children’s future - is greatly appreciated.

As I end this newsletter, I want to say a special thank-you to the leadership and members of the PTA and Foundation for a great year.  The work and time you all put into Pocantico Hills is amazing.  The many events that you supported to make your children’s school experience so memorable is astonishing.  Beginning in October with the walk in Rockefeller State Park, the Halloween parade, and Fun Family Nights, and going all the way to May and candidates’ night, all of these wonderful events contributed to the uniqueness that is Pocantico Hills School District. The co-presidents of the PTA, Laura Dineen and Stephanie Zednik, and volunteer parents such as Carolyn Kaplan, Lauren Amsterdam, Brenda Misuraca, Alyssa Jacobs and Rachel Gumina, have contributed enormous time and energy.  These parents represent all of you and they have done a wonderful job.  The president of the Foundation, Shelly Marchese represented the Foundation wonderfully throughout the year. The Foundation united with the PTA to have a fundraiser that resulted in the sale of over 180 bricks with special messages on them to memorialize their contribution to our new pool and our school.  This year, thanks to the Foundation, our students were able to have three videoconferences.  The 4th grade classes visited the lower East Side Tenement Museum; Mr. Cook’s 8th grade class became environmental scientists as they they tried the actual techniques used in the cleanup of ocean oil spills; the 2nd grade classes brainstormed what they know about the American flag and Pledge of Allegiance today through a videoconference entitled, “Our Flag, Then and Now.”

In closing, thank-you for allowing me to lead The Pocantico Hills Central School District during this most interesting time in our history. I particularly want to thank the Board of Education led by Board President, John Conrad.  The guidance of the Board members has been invaluable to me as I worked throughout this year to meet the expectations and goals we have for this work.  I will be here throughout the summer, so drop by - I would love to talk with you.  Spend some time at the beautiful new pool; I am sure you will see lots of friends and neighbors. 

The following are dates to remember for the rest of the school year.

Tuesday, June 7           School Board Meeting – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 8      Sports Awards Dinner – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 14         Neighbors North & South Luncheon (5th Grade) – 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 15    2nd Grade Play – Charlotte’s Web - 9:15 a.m.
Thursday, June 16       Field Day – 10:00 a.m.
                                            (Rain Date – Friday, June 17)
Tuesday, June 21         School Board Meeting - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 22    8th Grade Graduation - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 23     11:30 a.m. dismissal for students
Friday, June 24          11:30 a.m. dismissal for students – Last Day of School

Sincerely,

Valencia F. Douglas, Ed. D.

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