Archive for November, 2017

A question was recently posted asking for a list of all of the gender identities taught to Shen students. The response given by the district failed to list these identities. Please provide this list, as well as informing parents at what age this information is taught.

A.  In accordance with the Dignity for All Students act and policy 7555, students are taught about sexual identity and gender.  In covering these topics these are the following terms covered: The following are the vocabulary words discussed in classes: Gender, Gender Expression, Transgender, Biological Sex, Gender Fluidity, Gender Role, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender […]

You have stated that parents are not automatically notified if a student confides they feel they are transgender to a shen employee. What is the process shen follows in making this determination? Does Shen work with the Pride Center out of Albany? Has this group been invited into Shen classrooms? Does Shen use their gender identity information material in anyway? Please post the gender identity material currently taught to shen students. Every parent should be able to view this material on your webpage. Seems odd that you won’t publicly post the gender identity material you are teaching children.

A.  Each individual situation is different and requires specific attention to the student’s needs.  The district strongly encourages parent involvement and we would encourage the student to involve their parent/caregiver.  As for what is taught, in accordance with the Dignity for all Students Act students are taught about sexual identity and gender. The vocabulary words […]

Are sunglasses and/or hoods allowed to be worn during the school day at High School West?

A.  No, but with the following exceptions: Headwear may be worn in classrooms if permitted by the classroom teacher, or if it is for religious purposes; Sunglasses may be worn for medical purposes (with a doctor’s note submitted to the Health Office indicating the need to wear sunglasses while in school).

For sports that do not have girls’ teams such as wrestling and football are girls allowed to join the boys’ team?

A.  Yes, under New York State Education Department guidelines for mixed competition. 

Do D3 Athletes get to have a signing day in the Spring?

A.  We will be working with Stan Hudy from the Community News to do something for Division III Athletes in the spring.  The NCAA does not have Division III Athletes participate in the National Letter of Intent signing because technically at the Division III level there are no athletic scholarships offered by colleges or universities.

could i get recruited for by a college for doing a varsity sport senior year, or is it strictly for junior year? please respond to this, i currently can’t find anyone to contact for this info, esp. my coach or athletic department.

A.  Colleges recruit student athletes during their season and in the off-season.  Playing a sport does not necessarily mean you will be recruited. 

If you fail gym, does that hurt you in any way? Does it bring your average down

A.  Physical Education is not part of the GPA, but is a NYS Graduation requirement. 

For the green letter awards, is it above 95 for all quarters or just overall?

A. Overall.

Are elementary school students allowed to be kept inside for recess? My son says he is not allowed to go outside for recess because he did not answer questions from a book report. I strongly believe he should be allowed outside with the rest of the class for recess.

A. In accordance with BOE policy 5661 and 5661R at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wP_5DncMarWQxG16Rjaj77RCyj5drIuq7NWCdt2UGXg/view: Physical activity shall only be withheld if a student is a danger to him/herself or others. Recess or other physical activity time will not be cancelled for instructional make up time. The withholding or denial of recess time should be limited and used only as […]

Is there any plans to deal with the geese droppings? My son said he had to play soccer outside and there was a lot of goose droppings

A. We deal with it regularly.