A Proven Pattern of Success - Clarkstown Central School District

Fall 2009
Excellence in Education
A Proven Pattern of Success
Clarkstown continues commitment to raising the bar on student achievement while ensuring fiscal responsibility
The ongoing improvement of student
achievement is the true measure of the
quality of an educational system. The 20082009 school year marked many notable
gains in numerous subject areas in all
buildings. Not only did the passing percentage
increase across the board, the number of
students attaining mastery (85 %or above in
Regent exams and a level 4 out of 4 in State
assessments) improved dramatically.
“In and of itself, the recent gains in a
wide-range of assessments and Regents
scores are impressive. When you add it to
the increases of the previous few years,
these results are even more notable,” said
Superintendent Dr. Meg Keller-Cogan.
“The realization of continued year-overyear increases is the result of the hard
work and dedication of our teachers,
staff, and a student population driven to
succeed,” she added.
Several factors contributed to the
impressive gains in test scores including
numerous initiatives that have been put in
place in recent years, such as enhanced
professional development programs that
are aligned with areas of greatest need.
Building level professional development
teams are in place in each of our 14
schools. They work to improve student
learning outcomes by using analyzed
student data and identifying plans for
targeted improvements in each school.
While we cut 7.5 million from the
District budget, we maintained all supports
at the classroom level. We continue to
review ways in which to control costs and
garner savings. Among the most significant
work being undertaken this year relates to
energy management; a plan is now underway
that will ultimately reduce District costs by
$6.2 million over the next 10 years.
REGENTS ScoRES RISE
New York State Test Scores in Grades 3-8 Improve 1% to 21% with Exceptional Gains in
Social Studies 5, ELA 5 and Math 5 Assessments
EVIDENCE OF CLARKSTOWN’S SUCCESS
At the Elementary Level
At the Middle School Level
At the High School Level
Students Who Reached Mastery
(level 4 out of 4):
• Math 4 increased 7%
(from 37% to 44%)
• Math 5 increased 9%
(from 33% to 42%)
• Social Studies 5 increased
21% (from 50% to 71%)
Felix Festa Middle School Students
Who Increased in Proficiency (meeting
standards):
• Math 8 increased 8%
(from 85% to 93%)
• ELA 6 increased 9%
(from 82% to 91%)
• ELA 7 increased 6%
(from 85% to 91%)
• ELA 8 increased 8%
(from 76% to 84%)
• Science 8 increased 8%
(from 76% to 84%)
Students Pursuing College Credits
While in Clarkstown’s High Schools:
• Enrollment of students in
Advanced Placement courses
increased 4% (from 32% to 36%)
• Enrollment of students in
International Baccalaureate
courses increased 80% (from
111 in 2006-07 to 200 in 2008-09)
•
838 students at NHS and SHS
participated in college-level
courses through Syracuse
University, SUNY Albany, SUNY
Cobleskill, and St. Thomas
Aquinas College
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School Board Welcomes New Members and Elects Officers
attends Prime Time for Kids.
As president, Phil looks to continue to
support the achievement and well-being of
all of our students and ensure that we
offer the highest quality educational
opportunities in the most cost-effective
manner.
Mr. Phillip DeGaetano
Board President
Mr. Phillip DeGaetano, board president,
is entering his first term on the Clarkstown
Board of Education. Phil brings an
extensive background in volunteerism to
the board.
Dedicated to participation and
community involvement, Phil is the
commissioner of parks and recreation for
the town of Clarkstown, a post he has held
for the past two years. As a parent of a child
with autism, one of his biggest joys has
been his ongoing involvement with ARC of
Rockland where he has served on the
foundation board for the past five years.
A graduate of Clarkstown South, he has
spent the past eleven years working for the
legal office of Wilson Elser as a manager of
consumer collections. Phil is also the owner
of three businesses in Rockland County.
Phil and his wife Sabina live in New
City. They have three children; one is a
student at Clarkstown North, one is a
student at Little Tor Elementary and one
Mrs. Donna Ehrenberg
Board Vice-President
Donna Ehrenberg, board vice
president, is entering her first term on the
Clarkstown Board of Education.
An avid proponent of community service
and volunteerism, Donna has dedicated
herself to participating in the special education
PTA (SEPTA), which works with families
from preschool through high school. She
has held the position of president of SEPTA
as well as been a parent member of several
special education committees. She has also
participated in many focus groups that
involved hiring central administration.
Additionally, Donna has worked with YAI
(Young Adult Institute) and was instrumental
in creating a grant for a social skills program.
Donna received a BA in business
economics from Iona College, and then
worked for ten years for Merrill Lynch.
Presently, Donna spends her Saturdays
working in the social skills program
for YAI.
Donna has been married to Jules for
20 years. Together, they have four children
ranging in age from ten to fifteen years.
As vice president, it is Donna’s goal to
utilize her knowledge of working with
the District and parents to foster a
collaborative and responsive approach
and a continuing dialogue between the
community and the board.
Doug K atz
Board Member
Although just beginning his first term
on the board, Doug Katz is not new to
community involvement. A lifelong
resident of Clarkstown, Doug has spent
North High School Mobile Classrooms
Now Part of Clarkstown History
At the District's request, The New City
Fire Department planned for and
executed the demolition and burn of the
eight mobile units at North High School.
FALL 2009
The Clarkstown Graphic is published
for residents and friends of the
Clarkstown Central School District.
The firefighters conducted ongoing drills
at the site, and on Sunday, August 9,
were joined by other volunteers from
Congers, Bullville and Nanuet to ignite the
fire and burn the units.
We estimate that their efforts saved
the District $60,000 in carting costs.
The District extends its gratitude to
the volunteer firefighters for their heroic
work and time in helping us to address a
decades old concern.
Clarkstown Central School District
62 Old Middletown Road
New City, NY 10956
(845) 639-6300
Fax (845) 639-6488
Margaret Keller-Cogan, Ed.D.
Superintendent
The Clarkstown Graphic
Editor: Elise Markowitz
Marko Promotions
markopromo@aol.com
Designer: David Margolis
Damar Communications
www.damarcom.com
Photos: Phil Costa
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many years as an active participant in a
multitude of activities including the
Nanuet Rotary where he served as
president in 2006-2007 and again in
2009-2010, and served as secretary of the
Police Chiefs of Rockland Foundation. He
has been a member of several community
foundation boards including Meals on
Wheels of Rockland, Downtown New City
Corp., Rockland Traffic and Safety
Board, and the Clarkstown Education
Foundation. He has also served as
president of Eagle Ridge Homeowners
Association, president of 1200 Master
Association, board member for the Millers
Landing H.O.A., and golf committee
member for Police Chiefs of Rockland
and Dominican College Alumni.
A principal in Jacob J. Katz and
Company, a third generation family-run
insurance agency in Bardonia, Doug has
dedicated himself to his field, evidenced
by his participation in several business
boards and his receipt of a variety of
awards. He is a past recipient of the
Joel Pollack Award (young agent of the
year 2005), 40 under 40 by Rockland
Economic Development Corp., Independent
Agents of Rockland County Gerald O’Brien
Award, the IIANY chair of the year, and
a two-time recipient of the Presidential
Citation.
Doug and his wife, Geanette, live in
New City with their two children.
Meet Our New Administrative Team
Jackie Sinatra
Principal, Strawtown Elementary School
Jackie Sinatra has joined the
Clarkstown Central School District as the
principal of Strawtown Elementary
School. Ms. Sinatra has been an educator
for the past 17 years. As a new teacher, she
received the PTA Outstanding New
Educator award. During that time,
Ms. Sinatra received her master’s degree
in reading. She was also responsible for
designing and implementing the first
multiage gifted class in the Onteora
Central School District.
Ms. Sinatra also served as an
instructional specialist with Ulster County
BOCES for four years. In this capacity,
Ms. Sinatra worked with renowned
curriculum and instruction trainers.
She collaborated with teachers and
administrators throughout Ulster County
on curriculum mapping, assessment, unit
development, state assessment training
and scoring, and many federal grants. In
addition, Ms. Sinatra ran the Mentor
Program at Onteora High School, an
apprentice program for students in
grades 9-12. She grew the program
from 12 students to more than 50 over a
two-year period.
After receiving her administrative
certification, Ms. Sinatra was selected and
worked for seven years as principal of
Marbletown Elementary School in the
Rondout Valley Central School District.
School in Buffalo and Hamburg High
School. For four years, she also held the
position of district foreign language
coordinator for the Hamburg Central
School District. She moved into administration in 2004 as Assistant Principal of
Clarence Middle School, a position she
held until her move to Clarkstown.
Ms. Dahl received a BA in French
from SUNY Fredonia and attended the
University of Paris. She received an MA in
French from the University of Rochester,
and an MS in School Administration from
Niagara University. Her certifications
include French 7-12 and School District
Administrator.
Julie Dahl
Assistant Principal, South High School
Julie Dahl, who joined the District as
assistant principal of Clarkstown High
School South, spent the first 11 years of
her career as a French teacher at the Park
Amy Franchi
Assistant Principal, North High School
Amy Franchi began her career in the
Clarkstown Central School District in
1998 as a Spanish teacher at Clarkstown
High School North. She coached junior
varsity girls’ soccer and varsity
Rampagers, North’s step squad. In 2003,
Amy became the world languages
department chairperson at North
overseeing six different languages.
As a student, Ms. Franchi attended
Lakewood Elementary, Felix Festa Middle
School, and North High School. She
continued on to receive her bachelor’s
degree at SUNY Cortland in secondary
Spanish education. Her interest in
technology inspired her to obtain her
master’s degree in instructional technology
from the New York State Institute of
Technology. Her passion for leadership
and professional development led her
to pursue a Certificate of Advanced Study
in Educational Administration at SUNY
New Paltz. Throughout her time as
a teacher and department chairperson,
Ms. Franchi worked collaboratively with
different district and building level
teams working toward district-wide
initiatives. Leading the North Professional
Development Team and working closely
with the Frameworks for Teaching
have prepared her for her role as an
instructional leader in the position of
assistant principal of North.
CCSD Welcomes New Teachers
The Clarkstown Central School
District is pleased to welcome back our
professional staff for the 2009-2010
school year along with the addition of
four new part-time, twenty-seven new
probationary teachers and eighteen new
teachers serving as leave replacements
for our staff on child care leave. To help
them prepare for the start of the school
year, develop new bonds, and learn
about the District and its educational
practices, all new staff attended several
days of orientation.
Coming from a variety of backgrounds, our new educators bring with
them the creativity that comes with
educational diversity. These forty-five
teachers received undergraduate and
graduate degrees at more than 40 different institutions of higher learning.
Seventy-five percent (75%) have already
received graduate degrees.
Many of our new staff have had
some previous connection to the
Clarkstown Central School District.
Whether as a high school graduate, student teacher or having worked in a different capacity on staff, we are pleased
to watch the personal and professional
growth of this “home grown” talent.
The geographic background of the
schools also covers the country. The
appeal to work at Clarkstown has
brought us new teachers with educational
and professional experience from
across the United States and even Spain.
The highest percentage come from New
York schools and include St. Thomas
Aquinas, New York University, SUNY New
Paltz, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Cortland,
SUNY Oneonta, Long Island University
and Colombia Teachers College.
While many of our new staff
members are early in their teaching
careers, they also bring varied
experience including advertising,
professional music, business, scientific
research and publishing.
“We are very pleased with the
exceptional caliber of our new teachers,”
said Superintendent Meg Keller-Cogan.
“These staff members have the potential
to make significant contributions in the
lives of our students. We look forward
to supporting their success and in turn,
providing our students with positive
learning experiences,” she added.
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Who’s New at CCSD
PROBATIONARY TEACHERS
BIRCHWOOD
Ms. Lisa Cavallo – Bachelor’s, SUNY
Oneonta; Master’s, St. Thomas Aquinas
Mr. Ryan Hurm- Bachelor’s, University Of
Maryland; Master’s, George
Washington University
DISTRICT
Ms. Marianna Artale-Dougherty –
Bachelor’s, Ramapo College Master’s,
Bank Street College
Ms. Erin McGrath – Bachelor’s, SUNY Cortland
FELIX FESTA MIDDLE SCHOOL
Ms. Marietta Bennett – Bachelor’s, SUNY
Geneseo; Master’s SUNY Geneseo
Ms. Dora DeBiase – Bachelor’s,
Marymount University
Ms. Niamh McCabe – Bachelor’s, Our Lady
of Mercy College; Master’s, Lehman
College
Ms. Barbara Mencher – Bachelor’s,
Dominican College; Master’s, Lehman
College
Ms. Dianne Pinto – Bachelor’s, Seton Hall
University; Master’s, City College
Ms. Audrey Smith – Bachelor’s, St. Joseph
College
LAKEWOOD ELEMENTARY
Ms. Lisa Imperial-Donato – Bachelor’s,
SUNY Oneonta; Master’s,
Manhattanville College
LAUREL PLAINS ELEMENTARY
Mr. Jeff Partridge – Bachelor’s, St. Thomas
Aquinas; Master’s, St. Thomas Aquinas
LINK ELEMENTARY
Ms. Jennifer Kilb – Bachelor’s, University of
Scranton; Master’s Long Island
University; Master’s, Iona College
LITTLE TOR ELEMENTARY
Ms. Julie Lundemo – Bachelor’s, SUNY
Potsdam
NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
Ms. Kim Bennardo – Bachelor’s, St. Thomas
Aquinas; Master’s, St. Thomas Aquinas
Mr. Daniel Gartshore – Bachelor’s, Dominican
College; Master’s, Manhattan College
Ms. Elizabeth Gartshore - Bachelor’s, Fairfield
University; Master’s, St. Thomas Aquinas
Ms. Joan Jordan – Bachelor’s, Manhattan
College
Ms. Christa Mallozzi – Bachelor’s, Marist
College; Master’s, SUNY New Paltz
Ms. Andrea Miranda – Bachelor’s,
St. Thomas Aquinas
Ms. Katrina Smith – Bachelor’s, Skidmore
College; Master’s, Lehman College
SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Khris Arvanites – Bachelor’s, St. Thomas
Aquinas Master’s, St. Thomas Aquinas
Ms. Montserrat Ballina-Llosa – Bachelor’s,
University Francisco De Vitoria, Madrid
Ms. Jill Fliesser – Bachelor’s, SUNY Albany;
Master’s, SUNY Albany
Mr. Kevin Hurley – Bachelor’s, Arizona State
University; Master’s, St. Thoma Aquina
Mr. Joseph Stefania – Bachelor’s, Pace
University; Master’s, St Thomas Aquinas
WEST NYACK ELEMENTARY
Ms. Marietta Bennett – Bachelor’s, SUNY
Geneseo; Master’s SUNY Geneseo
Ms. Cara DeGroat – Bachelor’s, Valley
Forge Christian College
LAKEWOOD ELEMENTARY
Ms. Catherine Titone – Bachelor’s, Hofstra
University; Master’s, Queens College
LAUREL PLAINS ELEMENTARY
Ms. Susan Hopp – Bachelor’s, James
Madison University; Master’s, College of
New Rochelle
Mr. John Rodriguez – Bachelor’s, St. Thomas
Aquinas
LINK ELEMENTARY
Ms. Jane Dinnegan – Bachelor’s, Pace
University
Ms. Jill Verrino – Bachelor’s, Marist College;
Master’s, College of New Rochelle
NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
Ms. Astrid Allenge-Mobray – Bachelor’s,
SUNY Albany; Master’s, College of New
Rochelle
Ms. Nora Bourghol – Bachelor’s, Boston
College; Master’s, Columbia University
Ms. Meredith Polansky – Bachelor’s,
Ramapo College
Ms. Gina Terranova - Bachelor’s,
Dominican College; Master’s, Long
Island University
LEAVE REPLACEMENT TEACHERS
SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
Ms. Ruth Gazzola – Bachelor’s, St. Thomas
Aquinas; Master’s, Iona College
CONGERS ELEMENTARY
Ms. Katherine Magnatta – Bachelor’s, St. Thomas
Aquinas; Master’s, Columbia University
STRAWTOWN ELEMENTARY
Ms. Carolyn Locke – Bachelor’s, SUNY
Cortland; Master’s SUNY Cortland
FELIX FESTA MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mr. Stephen Barrett – Bachelor’s, Queens
College; Master’s, Dominican College
WOODGLEN ELEMENTARY
Ms. Jessica Fox – Bachelor’s, SUNY Albany;
Master’s, Iona College
COME SWIM
WITH US
In addition to providing an
exemplary instructional program for
the FFMS students and a home to our
varsity swim teams, our indoor pool
will once again host an exciting
community swim, lifeguard training,
and learn-to-swim opportunities.
Relax, unwind, and learn:
• Early Morning Adult Swim (September through January, 6:15 - 7:45 AM)
• Tuesday and Thursday Evening Adult Swim (September through
January, 8:00 - 10:00 PM)
• Weekend Adult and Family Swim (September through January,
Saturdays 7:00 - 10:00 PM and Sundays 12:30 - 3:30 PM)
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
• American Red Cross Learn to Swim Classes for All Ages
Updated program opportunities, downloadable registration forms, pool
rules, and general pool information are available on the CCSD website:
www.ccsd.edu/community
For additional information, contact Dr. Christopher Serra at
624-3970 Ext. 5565 or cserra@ccsd.edu.
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Ms. Miriam Moccio – Bachelor’s, Empire
State College
Ms. Vittoria Stillo – Bachelor’s, Vassar College
Ms. David Wright – Bachelor’s, Western
New England College
Ms. Leslie Melton – Bachelor’s, Ramapo
College; Master’s, Long Island University
PART-TIME TEACHERS
FELIX FESTA MIDDLE SCHOOL
Ms. Kathleen Fitzpatrick – Bachelor’s,
Villanova University; Master’s,
Fordham University
Ms. Samantha Priore – Bachelor’s, Five
Towns College
Ms. Connie Weissman-Large – Bachelor’s,
University of Wisconsin; Master’s,
Adelphi University
NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
Ms. Nawal Rizk – Bachelor’s, University of
Cairo; Master’s, SUNY New Paltz;
Master’s, Hunter College
PROBATIONARY TEACHING ASSISTANTS
WOODGLEN ELEMENTARY
Ms. Patricia Roughan
FELIX FESTA MIDDLE SCHOOL
Ms. Brittany Chiodo
Ms. Meghan Liska
NEW CITY ELEMENTARY
Mr. Christopher Speno
LEAVE REPLACEMENT TEACHING
ASSISTANTS
BIRCHWOOD
Ms. Michelle Candullo
STRAWTOWN ELEMENTARY
Ms. Alana Winnick
PART-TIME TEACHING ASSISTANTS
NEW CITY ELEMENTARY
Ms. Dara Ritter
CCSD Supports NEW CIVIL
its Senior
SERVICE
Citizens
EMPLOYEES
All Clarkstown seniors age 60 and
older, be sure to get your Gold Card
and receive District-wide benefits
including:
• Passes to all athletic events in
the District
• Free tickets to school musicals
and plays
• Free admission to the pool for
early morning adult swim,
Tuesday and Thursday evening
adult swim, and weekend swim
• Discounts on Community
Learning Center courses and
programs
To get your Gold Card, contact the
Office of the Superintendent at 6396418 or go to the District website
www.ccsd.edu/community and visit
the For Adult Seniors site.
Ms. Teresa Carroll – Purchasing Supervisor
for the District
Mr. John Kubanik – Security for
Chestnut Grove
Ms. Mary Kay Humenn – Nurse for
North High School
Ms. Denise Maguire – Clerical for
West Nyack Elementary Library
Ms. Helene Parker – Clerical for FFMS,
Athletic Office
CCSD “People Who Have Made a Difference” Awards
Opening Day Ceremony 2009
supportive school and/or District
climate
4.Helps to improve the quality of
learning
5.Demonstrates the highest ethical and
professional behaviors
6.Improves parent or community
involvement
“We are so proud of the many
achievements and accomplishments of the
employees of this District,” said Deputy
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deborah
O’Connell. “This award gives us the
opportunity to applaud their efforts and
publicly thank them for their dedication
and exemplary work,” she added.
In recognition of the exemplary
contributions of the dedicated employees
of the Clarkstown Central School District,
we are pleased to present the winners of
the second annual “People Who Have
Made a Difference” awards.
This prestigious award recognizes
one member from each of the following
union affiliations: Clarkstown Administrators
Association (CAA), Clarkstown Association
of Support Services (CLASS), Clerical,
Clarkstown Teachers Association (CTA),
Clarkstown
Teaching
Assistants
Association (CTAA), Facilities, Food
Services, Nurses, Non-Aligned, Student
Assistance Counselors, Security, and
Transportation. To be considered for this
award, nominees must demonstrate
excellence in at least one of the following
areas:
1.Exhibits proven leadership ability
as demonstrated by multiple
contributions to our system; is a role
model for others
2.Establishes high expectations for all
students and/or staff and self
3.Contributes to a safe, orderly and
Community Learning Center Reaches
Growing Number of Clarkstown Residents
The 2008-2009 school year marked a
notable growth in Community Learning
Center (CLC) enrollment. Overall participation
increased by 36.1% with approximately
2,300 people participating in a wide-variety
of classes and programs. The addition of
after school and summer enrichment
programs and three-day mini-camps
during school breaks were well-attended
and well-received.
Initiated during the 2006-2007 school
year, the CLC was created to provide
additional learning opportunities for
pre-schoolers through senior citizens.
Senior citizens have been enthusiastic
participants of the CLC’s adult education
classes, attending approximately 34% of
classes offered. Clarkstown seniors, age 60
years and older, can apply for a Gold
Card and receive a 20% discount on most
CLC courses.
The CLC recently added online
education, including job training and
certifications, as an alternative way to
learn. Students can choose from over
300 online courses. Each runs for six weeks
and costs $89 per course. The CLC’s
driver education program draws about
325 students a year.
The CLC looks forward to continuing
This year’s “People Who Have Made a
Difference” award winners are:
• Dianne Basso
• Mary Benvenuto
• Sofia Gianakouros
• Karin Hastings
• Eileen Hroncich
• Nancy Khafif-Diamond
• Charlton Machado
• Frank Mirabella
• William Molloy
• Marcia Simon
• Dario Vasquez
• Mary Vaughn
Congratulations to all of our
deserving award winners!
CORRECTION FROM
GRADUATION GRAPHIC
to develop programs that support
community interest and meet continuing
education needs.
Visit the CLC website at
www.ccsd.edu/CLC.
ERIC JELEN
• Roger Williams University
Achievement Scholarship - $9,000/yr
• Alfred State College All-American
Scholarship - $3,790/yr
• Maritime College Scholarship $1,000/yr
• Alfred University Dean’s Scholarship $10,000/yr
• Stevens Institute of Technology
Presidential Scholar - $15,000/yr
• Dominican College Academic Merit
Scholarship - $11,000/yr
• Clarkstown South Lacrosse Club
Scholarship - $200
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THANKS TO CONTINUED COMMUNITY SUPPORT…
With the support of the Clarkstown community at budget time and throughout the year, we have been able to
accomplish the following improvements in our school facilities:
Bardonia Elementary School
• Replaced the existing PA/Intercom system
Congers Elementary School
• Installed new vinyl treads on all stairwells
• Replaced railing on loading dock
• Installed new centralized clock system
Lakewood Elementary School
• Installed new shades in cafeteria
• Made drainage improvements for playground
• Installed entrance ramp to front doors to meet ADA requirements
Little Tor Elementary School
• Installed concrete pad for dumpster and recycling
Link Elementary School
• Completed new fencing to separate play area from
existing woods
New City Elementary School
• Relocated Food Service
• Created office space for the Family Resource Center
• Completed installation of two basketball hoops
Strawtown Elementary School
• Replaced decking on bridge
West Nyack Elementary School
• Installed new security cameras for playgrounds
• Installed new card access on exterior door
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Woodglen Elementary School
• Installed new cabinets and countertops in 4 classrooms in the lower floor
• Completed fencing of play area
Felix Festa Middle School
• Replaced pool main drain grates to comply with federal mandate
• Replaced rubber nosing in classroom with tiers
• Replaced or repaired shades
• Installed new fencing around the running track and field
North High School
• Removed the mobile units
• Completed upgrades to the intercom and PA system
• Installed additional exhaust fans (new addition)
• Refinished main gym floor
• Refinished annex gym floor and replaced wall pads
South High School
• Replaced flooring in Guidance area
• Made improvements in technical shop area to support computer
technology
• Completed press box and concession stand
• Replaced air-conditioning unit for data and telephone room
• Installed curb cuts in front of building for ADA accessibility
• Refinished main gym floor
Chestnut Grove
• Installed new pad and screening for dumpsters
Transportation Building
• Replaced existing boiler with high efficiency boiler
CCSD
POSITIONS
AVAILABLE
The FooD SERVIcES
DEPARTMENT is looking for
substitutes. If interested, please
call Food Services at
(845) 639-6546.
Keep Informed
www.ccsd.edu
Sign Up for CCSD
E-Mail Notification
CCSD offers residents the opportunity
to be notified by e-mail about district
news. If you do not have children
attending one of the schools in the
district, you can register for the
e-mail notification list at
www.ccsd.edu/subscribe.
Clarkstown PTA Council
Unit Presidents
2009-2010
PTA Council President: ...............................Dorothy Atzl
BARDONIA ELEMENTARY
President.....................................................Loren DeNicola
CONGERS ELEMENTARY
President.....................................................Donna Gereg
LAKEWOOD ELEMENTARY
President.....................................................Kristine Hayden
LAUREL PLAINS ELEMENTARY
Co-Presidents ..............................................Michele Hughes, Mary Maloney
LINK ELEMENTARY
Co-Presidents ..............................................Kim Gifford, Alison St. Louis
LITTLE TOR ELEMENTARY
President.....................................................Mary Stroud
NEW CITY ELEMENTARY
Co-Presidents ..............................................Dawn Ludwig, Tara Mandel
STRAWTOWN ELEMENTARY
President.....................................................Cathy Samuels
WEST NYACK ELEMENTARY
Co-Presidents ..............................................Kathy Klassen, Karen Moore
WOODGLEN ELEMENTARY
Co-Presidents ..............................................Hollie Bialek, Joan Braunfotel
FELIX FESTA MIDDLE SCHOOL
President.....................................................Gail Farrell
Clarkstown New Hires Seek Housing
Teaching positions in Clarkstown
attract strong, talented candidates.
However, concerns about affordable
housing can be discouraging and are
often the reason candidates accept
employment elsewhere. We can attract
these candidates; you can help us to
retain them.
If you have a room, apartment
or house that you’d like to rent
on a long or short term basis,
and can do so lawfully, we’d
like to include it on a list
we are keeping for new
hires. We are hoping
to help you rent
your space while you help us hire
employees who will make our school
district better than ever. Please call the
Personnel Office at 845-639-6430 or
email us at rent2me@ccsd.edu if you
are interested.
Pesticide Use Notification
Dear Staff Members and Parents:
The Clarkstown Central School District, as part of its ongoing
program, is providing you with important information concerning the use
of pesticides in these facilities. The District uses, as its primary control
method for dealing with pests, a technique known as Integrated Pest
Management. This method of pest control involves using strategies other
than pesticides, but they may be required in some situations.
Pesticides may be used periodically throughout the school year both
inside the buildings and on the surrounding grounds. These applications,
when required, will be made by certified individuals in accordance with
label directions. Individuals who wish to be notified forty-eight hours in
advance of a pesticide application should complete the attached form to
the (school district) indicating their desire to be on the notification list.
Prior to any scheduled application, the representative, CCSD, shall provide
notification to all parties on the list. This notification will supply
information regarding the application, its location, and the date of the
application, the material being applied and how to obtain more information
about the product. Should you have any questions regarding pesticide
application and the notification list, you should contact Jim Cramsie at
845-639-6433 during normal business hours.
Clarkstown strives to provide a safe environment for all of our
students, staff, and visitors and your time and attention in this matter are
greatly appreciated.
Request to be placed on the 48 Hour Pesticide
Notification Listing
In accordance with the provisions of section 409-H of the education law of
the State of New York, I wish to receive 48 hour written notification of
pesticide applications in the:
School name(s)_____________________________________________
(If more than one, list all that pertains to your children or yourself.)
Print Name: ________________________________________________
Print Mailing Address: ________________________________________
CLARKSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL NORTH
President.....................................................Donna DeLay
CLARKSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL SOUTH
President.....................................................Astrid MacDowell
SEPTA
Co-Presidents ..............................................Denise Green, Dawn Lafasciano
JESSE KAPLAN
President.....................................................Dee LaNave
Signature:______________________________Date: ________________
Please return this form to the District Representative
at the following address:
Jim Cramsie, 62 Old Middletown Road, New City, NY 10956
7
Making the Grade with the New K-5
Standards-Based Elementary Report Card
The marks will be listed in four
categories:
Level 4 - Meeting Learning
Standards with Distinction:
Student performance demonstrates a
thorough understanding of the knowledge
and skills expected at this grade level.
Level 3 - Meeting Learning Standards:
Student performance demonstrates an
understanding of the knowledge and skills
expected at this grade level.
Level 2 - Partially Meeting Learning
Standards:
Student performance demonstrates a
partial understanding of the knowledge
and skills expected at this grade level.
Meet Our New Administrative Team...............................3
CCSD Welcomes New Teachers.....................................3
CCSD Supports Its Senior Citizens ................................4
Excellence in Education
CCSD “People Who Have Made
a Difference” Awards......................................................5
Community Learning Center Reaches
Growing Number of Community Members....................5
Pesticide Use Notification ..............................................7
Making the Grade ...........................................................8
Fall 2009
Thanks to Continued Community Support.....................6
President: Mr. Phillip DeGaetano
Vice-President: Mrs. Donna Ehrenberg
Come Swim with Us.......................................................4
Board of Education
New Civil Service Employees .........................................4
Clarkstown Central School District
62 Old Middletown Road, New City, NY 10956
Who’s New at CCSD.......................................................4
Dr. Margaret Keller-Cogan, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Deborah O'Connell, Deputy Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Valerie Henning-Piedmonte, Assistant Superintendent for
Instruction and Professional Development
Dr. Deborah Leh, Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning, K-12
Mr. Jeffrey Sobel, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services
North High School Mobile Classrooms
Now Part of Clarkstown History.....................................2
Mr. Kevin Grogan
Mrs. Diane Hoeneveld
Mr. Doug Katz
Dr. Lisa Lieberman
Mr. Joseph Malgieri
School Board Welcomes New Members
and Elects New Officers .................................................2
Board of Education Members
RESIDENTIAL
CUSTOMER
Proven Pattern of Success.............................................1
Clarkstown PTA Council Presidents
& Co-Presidents .............................................................7
For more information on the new
standards-based report card system or to
view curriculum maps and rubrics,
visit the curriculum webpage at
www.ccsd.edu/curric.
Monsey, NY 10952
PAID
Permit No. 56111
IN THIS ISSUE
progress for a content area expressed as a
letter; the letter grade indicates an average
of achievement across the entire marking
period. The sixth grade year continues to
serve as the transitional year between
elementary and secondary schools.
Non-Profit Org.
Level 1 - Not Meeting Learning
Standards:
Student performance does not demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge
and skills expected at this grade level.
The District’s sixth grade report cards
will remain unchanged and provide a grade
that communicates the student’s overall
U.S. POSTAGE
In an effort to better illustrate a K-5
student’s grasp of subject matter, the
Clarkstown Central School District is
moving from a traditional, four-quarter
grading system to a standards-based
report card system based on a trimester or
three marking periods. Elementary
(standards-based) report cards provide
performance levels (4, 3, 2, and 1) that
communicate how well the student has
met specific standards within each subject
by the end of the marking period.
A standards-based report card
highlights the most important skills
students should learn in each subject at
each particular grade level. In a
standards-based learning environment,
students receive a mark for the skills
associated with each learning area/standard
that shows “how well they mastered each
skill.” By breaking down standards (or
learning) into specific skill sets, it will be
easier for parents to pinpoint the particular
skills that may require additional attention.
Additionally, as all teachers will be using
the same marking period rubrics to evaluate
student progress, there will be consistency
between teachers and schools.