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BACK to Grapevine HOME | Shen HOME ODDS AND ENDS
Posted on April 30, 2008 Is there a dress code for staff in the Shen school district? It appears that some of the staff are really pushing it with their attire.
This is what it says in the Code of Conduct: All district staff members are expected to give proper attention to personal cleanliness and to dress appropriately for school and school functions in clothing which is appropriately professional, safe and does not disrupt, distract or otherwise interfere with the educational process. Further, staff shall model appropriate dress and decorum for students, recognizing the significant role and impression they have on students.
Posted on April 30, 2008 Would Shen ever be interested in hosting other events that aren't school related at their gym such as a Professional Wrestling Event.
No. It is against our facility use policy.
Posted on April 30, 2008 Why aren't the school calendars on the website for class field trips?
Because the district does not maintain a master calendar for field trips. They are different depending on the teacher, grade, school, etc. For information about what field trips your child will attend during the year, contact his/her teacher.
Posted on April 30, 2008 Why aren't homework, tests and projects posted on the website?
That is up to the individual teacher. Many of our teachers have websites where they post homework and projects and many are beginning to use the parent portal.
Posted on April 29, 2008 I am a parent in the district and am wondering about any summer programs that the district might offer. I am looking for something that is not just a "babysitting" service but more of a structured program that is run by experienced/responsible instructors and promotes social skills, team building and education. Do any programs like this exist through Shenendehowa? If so, where can I find information?
There are a variety of summer programs that are offered at Shenendehowa. All of our programs are planned and supervised by licensed teachers and focus on skill building on some level (team building, educational disciplines, etc.)and having fun! Please feel free to visit http://www.shenet.org/district/community_services/shensumadv.htm through the Community Services page of the Shenendehowa website to view camp information and descriptions outlining all the opportunities that Shenendehowa has to offer students this summer!
Posted on April 29, 2008 I heard the school has a cell phone blocker to stop people from using their phones in class. Is this true, and might that be a problem if you need to use your cell phone to get a ride, etc.?
No. It is not true. However, some buildings have areas that are more difficult for cell phones to pick up a signal.
Posted on April 29, 2008 In the answer about fire lanes the district said "The campus is private property". I take great offense to this because as a taxpayer I believe the campus is indeed public property owned by the community. Can you please explain this?
Private property is a technical term that means that the roads, grounds, etc. are owned by the district and not maintained by the town, state or federal government (specifically, the district maintains and plows its own roads, sidewalks, maintains its own grounds, provides its own security, etc.).
Posted on April 22, 2008 Can something be done about all the parking done in the fire lanes at the elementary schools after school hours - I hope there is never a need for the emergency vehicles to get in. Isn't that what campus safety should be doing - I imagine they need more staff because they are acting as cross walk attendants at the middle schools at the time of the parking problems.
Security does advises illegal parkers with flyers advising them that they are parked illegally and they need to move to parking areas. Security also talks to illegal parkers about parking in fire lanes. Some listen, some don't. Everyone wants to park closest to the field that there child is playing on. The campus is private property, but we could ask the Town of Clifton Park to ticket cars in fire lanes or we could have cars towed. However, the District has chosen not to go this far at this point.
Posted on April 22, 2008 I love those small flowering trees (there are two in the landscaping) at the entrance on 146. Could you please tell me what they are? They look like puff balls on a stick. Thank you so much.
These are called Dwarf Korean Lilacs or the technical species name of Syringa Palibin. These are specifically grafted to a 4' graft stalk to give them that appearance.
Posted on April 22, 2008 Is there a department where students can sign up for summer work. I recall several years ago students were able to sign up if they were available for yard work, etc.
As a district, we have never had employed students for summer facilities and grounds work. However, it is a concept that has been discussed. There are many things kids can do through clubs and summer beautification programs. Someone asked about summer help, why didn't you mention Job Assist, which is affiliated with Captain at http://www.cliftonpark.org/jobassist/
Posted on April 22, 2008 Is Shen one of the districts being investigated by NYS Attorney General Cuomo for putting attorneys on the payroll instead of treating them as independent contractors?
The attorneys for the district are all on independent contract retainers, not paid salary. The district, like all districts across the state has received notice to review all employee relationships and will effectively do so.
Posted on April 22, 2008 I heard that Shen was doing things to be more "Green". Can you give me information on exactly what Shen is doing and if there is a link to a page?
The district has has recently established a task force to look at increasing our efforts district-wide with regards to energy efficiency, green cleaning, air quality, recycling, and other sustainability initiatives. The Shenendehowa Task Force for a Better Tomorrow- Our World, Our Future, based on the interest and capacity of the group, will discuss, plan and implement a variety of endeavors--from grant opportunities to student-driven, community-service projects.
Posted on April 22, 2008 How come Shen doesn't require teachers to comply to homework requests? The entire year I've been out on and off for different lengths of time and have put in plenty of homework requests, yet many times I've received no work.
This matter needs to be addressed directly with the teacher, the principal, and the your guidance counselor.
Posted on April 22, 2008 Regarding the recycling question...It would be great to have a designated recycling container at the tennis courts. After matches the garbage cans are full of mostly plastic water bottles and plastic ball cans.
Great suggestions. We will look to do so.
Posted on April 22, 2008 I heard rumor of two new policies that are being discussed and may be passed by the Board of Education. One is a stricter academic code for athletes and one is a new academic code for students in extracurricular activities. Is it possible that you can put up the actual proposed policies on this website?
Yes, it it is true but, at this point, the policies are in draft format. Draft policies are not distributed or displayed for public consumption. Various constituency groups including parents, students, teachers, staff, and administrators are reviewing the draft document. The next step will be a review by the District Policy Review Committee. Then the policy goes is presented publicly to the board of education for a first and then a second reading. The final, board approved version of the policy will be on the website.
Posted on April 22, 2008 Didn't the Supreme Court rule that teachers do not have to let students out of class to use the bathroom if there is time allocated in the school schedule to do so between class periods?
We are not aware of that ruling please send copy to the superintendent.
Posted on April 21, 2008 There is a lot of good information about the 07-08 goals of the district and even specific action plans on the shen website. When can we expect to see the evaluation results? Without transparency in outcomes, the rest is not particularly meaningful.
Every year, the district administrators prepare and publicly present a mid-year and year-end report to the Board of Education. Last year, a summary of the year-end report was posted on the website. This year the entire year-end report will be posted.
Posted on April 21, 2008 Does the District send home information pertaining to local summer camps? I'm new to the area and would like to know what's out there.
Summer camp programs run by the district can be found on our http://www.shenet.org/district/community_services/shensumadv.htm website. The towns offer many summer camp opportunities as well. You can contact the town hall for information about those camps.
Posted on April 10, 2008 Why do you call foreign language LOTE? LOTE is not an acronym used anywhere else, and I don't see what's so politically incorrect about calling something not from this country "foreign."
We call foreign language LOTE because that is the New York State acronym for Languages Other Than English.
Posted on April 9, 2008 If a student leaves school during the day for a medical appointment, but returns to school after the appointment, how is recorded for attendance purposes?
Excused absence for the periods that are missed at the secondary level. At the elementary, with one period attendance, a notation is made when they left, where they went and when they returned.
Posted on April 9, 2008 Can a teacher say no to a student asking to use the bathrooms?
Generally, no. The use of the bathroom is a matter of health and welfare. However, if ample evidence or valid reasons exist to indicate that the student does not actually need to use the bathroom, but has other inappropriate intentions, the teacher may question the matter and use their best judgment. Those instances should be the exception and not at all the norm.
Posted on April 9, 2008 Is there any way we could be more assertive when it comes to recycling in our school I know for a fact that hardly anyone recycles in lunch and I feel like it is a problem that needs to be solved. Is there any way we could advertise it more?
The superintendent recently kicked-off a district-wide environment committee (first week in April). There was a tremendous response by district staff and faculty who will be working on various initiatives, many will include students. Furthermore, the district will be drafting a policy to be adopted by the board of education demonstrating its firm committee to environmental responsibility and sustainability endeavors. Shen is truly going "green".
Posted on April 9, 2008 Has the district ever considered block scheduling? For example, four blocks a day, with a rotated schedule?
Not district wide. However, as a part of the continuous review of the programs of study (course) offerings and the on-going goal of enhancing the district's ability to effectively meet the academic needs of students; a review of block scheduling is not out of the picture. But, no definite plans are in place to do so at this time.
Posted on April 8, 2008 If a building was in a lockdown situation, what would happen to the students who are required to store their medication in the nurse's office? In some cases, the inaccessibility to these medications could be life threatening.
The adult in charge of the room where a high risk student is located would follow proper protocols in an emergency situation, contacting the person in charge of the scene (incident commander). The school nurse would also work in cooperation with emergency, fire and police personnel on the site.
Posted on April 8, 2008 Why is the Orenda chorus and Gowana chorus concert on the same night? This is going to cause issues for many parents.
As we scheduled concerts for the 2008-2009 year ,every effort will be made to avoid scheduling of programs concurrent in the Elementary, Middle and High Schools. Some elementary schools offer a morning concert program which may provide an alternate solution for this year.
Posted on April 8, 2008 Why are the conversations with the superintendent always held during the day, when most people work and cannot be there?
Conversations with the Superintendent are always held on a Saturday. If you cannot make it, you can always make an appointment to meet with him at a more convenient time.
Posted on March 31, 2008 If a student is 18 or older, can he or she sign themselves out of school?
Procedurally, the process to sign out of school is the same for all students regardless of age.
Posted on March 31, 2008 What is your policy on students attending Shen from foreign countries?
In order to attend Shen, a foreign student would have to be staying with residents who have temporary custody of the student - or meet our requirements to be considered guardians. There are visa issues that the student/family would have to address under Homeland Security laws. Foreign students do attend Shen under approved exchange programs.
Posted on March 31, 2008 What is the district's policy on same-sex couples in regards to prom/dance attendance?
It is unlawful to discriminate based on sexual orientation so if a same-sex couple wanted to attend, it would be allowed.
Posted on March 31, 2008 I heard Shen spent approximately $20,000 on a grand piano. If this is true, wouldn't a donated upright have been just as effective? I had one I would have happily donated. Perhaps we could come up with ways to save money at Shen instead of ways of spending money "some" of us don't have.
That piano (used in the auditorium at High School East) was purchased entirely through fundraising efforts, not the school budget.
Posted on March 31, 2008 Why are study halls more important then musical education?
Both programs serve an important purpose and are not competing priorities.
Posted on March 31, 2008 Is it true that Shen will have the Friday before Memorial Day off due to unused snow days?
The district will be looking to finalize and then publicize the decision regarding that day by the beginning of April to ensure that we are out of the snow season.
Posted on March 31, 2008 I am curious to know if Shenendehowa has ever considered working with our public library to offer literacy programs to students in the district. I'm not talking about reading buddies I wonder if the two could partner together and offer a kindergarten wrap around program for early literacy and offer programs to students who receive AIS services.
The district has several initiatives ongoing with the library and welcomes the opportunity to do more. Please contact the Office of Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Snyder to share your ideas or plan. We strive to build strong and enduring partnerships on behalf of our students.
Posted on March 31, 2008 Every year everyone in the Shen district asks the same question, Why do we not have the day after Easter off?
Most years Easter precedes the April break week, so it is usually not a problem because school is closed the Monday following Easter. April break did not precede Easter this year because Easter was unusually early.
Posted on March 27, 2008 This school year seems to have seen a very high amount of infectious illness in our schools. Parents, of course, bear the greatest responsibility in monitoring their children's health and in helping prevent the spread of illness to others. However, at what point does the district or individual school step in to try and contain these outbreaks, beyond just sending an informative letter home. Shouldn't specific cleaning and disinfecting procedures be put into place when large outbreaks occur, or during "flu" season in general?
There has not been a greater outbreak of infectious illness this year as compared with previous years. If a large outbreak were to occur, the district would take specific actions to lesson the impact on students and staff.
Posted on March 27, 2008 When will the 2008-09 school calendar be available?
The Board of Education is scheduled to take action on the 2008-09 calendar on April 8th.
Posted on March 27, 2008 Is the High School being used by a religious group as a house of worship on the weekends?
Yes. Courts have ruled that churches must be considered non-profit groups and are therefore eligible to use district facilities.
Posted on March 26, 2008 What is the first day of school for the 2008-2009 school year?
The first day of school for grades 1-12 is always the Wednesday after Labor Day. For kindergarten students it is the following Monday.
Posted on March 26, 2008 Why are the BOE meeting minutes for June 12, 2007 not available?
For some reason, that file was deleted accidentally from the website. You can obtain those minutes by contacting the district clerk at 881-0623.
Posted on March 26, 2008 How come there was not an announcement/notice on the shenet homepage on the boys and girls indoor track team's fabulous performance at nationals earlier this month? Collectively they earned a total of 12 All-Americans and they should have been congratulated.
To get athletic accomplishments on the website, the coach needs to e-mail the item to the webmaster.
Posted on March 20, 2008 Why can't you add a search feature for the Grapevine?
We are working on it. In the meantime: you can use the windows' search function by going to: edit> find on this page. Then fill in the search term you are looking for, e.g. "homework" or "high school". Click "find next".
Posted on March 18, 2008 Why are questions changed?
Questions are edited if they are disrespectful or too long. Opinions are also typically removed.
Posted on March 18, 2008 What is Shen doing to keep our kids safe while inside the building? The front door is unlocked and no would even notice if someone wanted to walk in and harm our children.
All buildings have strict protocols for visitors, the hallways are being manned by monitors and in some instances by security surveillance cameras. More cameras are slated to be installed in the future, starting at the high school. Further, students and staff alike are encouraged to inform the building administration of any suspicious activities or individuals.
Posted on March 18, 2008 Does the district receive additional funding from the state or federal government for students in the AIS program?
No. The AIS mandate does not come with additional funding. However, the district receives some federal assistance for remediation services that are generally complementary to AIS provisions, but are limited to only certain categories of economically disadvantaged students.
Posted on March 18, 2008 What is the enormous building being built right next to Shatekon? Will it impact traffic patterns and/or parking at Shatekon?
No, it will not have any impact on our parking or roadway. To find out what it is, you should contact the town.
Posted on March 18, 2008 How do my religious beliefs of creationism impact the teaching of evolution?
Science classes are obligated to teach the curriculum in accordance with the standards prescribed by the New York State Education Department and the Board of Regents.
Posted on March 18, 2008 Who is the webmaster and how do I contact them?
The district-wide webmaster is the Public Information Officer. However, different people are responsible for different pages. Your best bet is to look at the bottom of the page...every person who maintains a page on www.shenet.org must have their e-mail listed at the bottom of the page.
Posted on March 18, 2008 Where is the posted results of the student and parent survey that took place this past fall and what action is being taken regarding the results?
The results were never posted because the number of participants was too low and we believe that there was a problem with the scaling. The survey will be done again at another time.
Posted on March 17, 2008 When will the district's annual art show take place?
The art show opens on Friday, May 23, and runs through June 3 at the Clifton Park Center Mall.
Posted on March 14, 2008 Why are the school zone light on all the time, well past 8 pm and on the weekends at chango? No one adheres to them, cause they are always on.
Those are run by the Town.
Posted on March 13, 2008 How often are questions answered on the Grapevine?
As often as humanly possible.
Posted on March 13, 2008 Why isn't there a standard supply list for Middle School and High School students as well as Elementary student? They need to use the same sort of items on a daily basis. Schools should not have to purchase pencils, paper, tissues and pens for any grade level.
The district has developed and will be publishing a standard supply list for elementary parents later this spring. The lists at the middle schools are already fairly consistent, and those at the high school are unique to the specific courses. While we do not intend on purchasing consumable items for student use such as pencils and paper, the district always has extra amounts on hand so as to ensure that students are not educational disadvantaged for circumstances that they may not be able to control.
Posted on March 13, 2008 I find it very much unsettling that some of the school's flags appear disgusting and worn in color. I suggest that the flags be preserved and well taken care of. And those that are now unfit for the classroom be respectfully removed.
As a district we seek to uphold the Constitution of the US, and display the utmost respect to the flag. Steps will be taken to review and address this situation accordingly.
Posted on March 13, 2008 If the school budget is so low, then how come you bought a TV for the art at high school east but won't buy new stands and chairs for the music department?
It is not a competition between departments. Through the budget process the district identifies and prioritizes all areas of need throughout the district. For example, the district made a large investment in new musical equipment last year, while only a minor amount was spent on the art department.
Posted on March 13, 2008 Two people at my bus stop smoke cigarettes and I cant stand the smoke because of my asthma. Is there any policy for smoking while waiting for the bus?
Unfortunately, we cannot control the actions of students off of school grounds when they are not under district supervision. As a school, we absolutely prohibit and actively discourage smoking on school grounds or at school-sponsored events. Maybe a discussion with the various parents would be effective.
Posted on March 13, 2008 Is there an anonymous phone number that students can call if they have an issue w/ another student and do not want to be known as a 'tattle tale?
The district has a new phone number 371-4004, designed for the purpose of reporting matters that may have a negative impact on the safety, welfare, and security of students, staff, and school facilities. However, students are encouraged to speak to building administrators, school counselors, and/or school psychologists.
Posted on March 13, 2008 Is there a chance that our school days will be longer, in the future?
It is possible, considering the increasing demands being placed on schools and students to effectively address the increased rigor of academic standards. However, there are many factors to be considered before doing so.
Posted on March 12, 2008 What is the purpose of asking for a student's social security number at registration?
Social security numbers are needed for working papers, scholarship applications and transcripts for college. It is collected during the student registration process along with all other pertinent information to ensure that the child's file is complete and the information is available when needed.
Posted on March 12, 2008 Is it true that there is a "specific" dress code?
It depends on what you call "specific." Click here for the district's code for appropriate dress.
Posted on March 12, 2008 When is the last day of classes for High School West and Arongen Elementary?
The last day of classes for all high school students is June 13. The last day of classes for elementary and middle school students is June 25 (a half day).
Posted on March 12, 2008 It would be great if Shen has a way for parents to register for e-mail notices instead of paper notices?
We will soon. The new parent portal of the student information system has the capability for the district to send notifications to parents by e-mail and/or phone. We are in the process of testing it out now and hope to have it on line this fall. So make sure that you sign up for the parent portal. Click here for more information about the portal and the application.
Posted on March 12, 2008 In the music program, how come guitar lessons are not offered?
They are. It is part of the 7th grade general music curriculum.
Posted on March 11, 2008 Why is the school using its money on sports programs instead of school supplies? Why are the teachers being forced to pay for there own basic supplies?
Sports, like the numerous other extra-curricula activities in art, music, drama or otherwise, is a vital part of the overall educational experience. We are proud to say that a large majority of our athletes (in fact, typically more than 90%) are identified as scholar athletes . The skills learned on the athletic field - leadership, teamwork, risk-taking, determination, persistence, tolerance, humility, motivation and price - are live long skills. Teachers are not forced to purchase school supplies.
Posted on March 11, 2008 Is there a maximum amount of student absences (excused) during a year?
Students are expected to be in school every day. Very few students can maintain good grades if they are absent frequently (excused or unexcused). If a student is out for a large number of days due to illness, family illness or other long-term situation, the district will provide tutoring and other support. If students are out several days per month, we will contact the family and determine if there is a problem. If the problem is does not improve and/or the family does not cooperated, we will call social services or the district attorney for help. We will not continue efforts to keep the student up-to-date by sending lessons and homework home.
Posted on March 11, 2008 If residents pay school taxes why are some students required to buy workbooks or pay money to do certain projects? Why is the district spending money on a pool instead of eliminating these "hidden costs?"
The payment of school taxes by all property owners does not preclude parental responsibility for expenditures such as consumable supplies, special projects or even field trips or activities. The average tax bill does not cover the actual cost to educate one child at any grade level K-12. In general, public schools request that parents purchase items that cannot be re-used such as workbooks, pencils and tissues. In focus groups that we held in the fall, we heard a lot from parents about this topic. To address this concern, we developed a simplified, standard school supply list for elementary schools that will be put in to place for the next school year. As for the pool or any capital project, it was presented to voters with a full cost analysis and it was approved based on the benefits it provides to the students (physical education and athletics) and the community.
Posted on March 6, 2008 I heard that the district is trying to survey parents to find out what they want for their children in terms of instructional technology? Where can I complete this survey?
Yes. You can access the parent survey using the following link: http://www.shenet.org/district/TSnyder/diticparent.asp If you have students in grades 3-12 they can access the student survey at the following link: http://www.shenet.org/district/TSnyder/diticstudent.asp Both links will be open from February 27 through March 7. Thank you so much for your input.
Posted on March 5, 2008 I would like to know how the Scholars for Dollars scholarship got my home # to solicit money for the program?
We don't know. The Dollars for Scholars program, like other organizations that fundraise to provide scholarship opportunities for students, is independent of the school district.
Posted on March 5, 2008 Wouldn't it save the district money if all computers and monitors were required to be shut down before staff leaves the rooms or building for the day. If so, why is this not stressed?
Most systems in the district are shutdown at night. Having said that, it can be better communicated to staff and students the importance of doing so. First, it does in fact conserve power and save the district money. Second, it provides increased protection against an electrical surge if one occurred overnight. Third, it provides a "clean slate" for the days work when turned on the next morning. We will work to improve this communication going forward.
Posted on March 5, 2008 Why should parents have to purchase classroom items such as Lysol wipes, facial tissue, paper towels and baggies?
District employees should no longer request that students bring in any type of cleaner or cleaning product. As for tissues, that is requested only because of the personal use and disposable nature of the product. As for the plastic bags, they are used directly by students to transport personal projects, papers, and paperback books between home and school, and serve as an organizing tool for students.
Posted on March 5, 2008 Is there a district policy regarding cameras being brought into school? If a parent is visiting a child during lunch, can a parent take pictures?
As part of our safety protocols, there are restrictions on allowing student photos to be taken. Specific requests should be discussed in advance with the building principal.
Posted on March 5, 2008 How is Shen trying to help reduce the amount of obese children and teenagers?
The district has formulated a wellness committee that is focused on planning various programs and initiatives that can be implemented.
Posted on March 5, 2008 Why does staff employed at the high school have access to soda vending machines that have bottles, but elementary schools only have cans?
Soda machines in the faculty room are provided by the Shenendehowa Teachers' Association. That request can be sent to the association.
Posted on March 5, 2008 Why is the YouTube website blocked from school computers?
YouTube is blocked from student computers based on the advice of a Saratoga County task force on internet safety. YouTube has many suitable applications, but there are also clips that are inappropriate for student access. If students need a YouTube clip for a project, they may ask their teacher to download the clip from a teacher station or they can download it at home and bring it in on a thumb drive or other accessory.
Posted on February 29, 2008 What can be done about students using addresses of grandparents or other family members to attend Shen schools when they clearly live outside of the district?
Posted on February 20, 2008 What is the new dress code?
Board of Education Policy Guidelines #3410A
Posted on February 19, 2008 How can I find out if a specific book is available to children in the library?
Call the librarian in your child's school.
Posted on February 15, 2008 When there is an emergency lock down, students are provided with a letter for parents about why. Is there any public follow up regarding the end result for students and parents?
No, unless the unless special circumstances warrant it.
Posted on February 14, 2008 When is the district going to update their computer hardware to newer/faster computers? Also, will the school ever switch to Windows Vista? Or would we ever switch to MacIntosh?
The main concern is that the computer hardware supports software applications meeting (and in many cases exceeding) the minimum specification. Computer hardware is regularly updated and older, obsolete computers are phased out as new systems are implemented. It is on a scheduled replacement plan that cycles throughout the district. Vista is currently being reviewed for possible implementation. There are no plans at this time to move away from the Windows platform.
Posted on February 11, 2008 Does the district publish a state of the district report yearly?
The district publishes a financial report each year that is submitted to the state. The district also publishes a mid-year and year-end report on the goals.
Posted on February 11, 2008 Why is Shen a abstinence only school and how are students informed about preventing STDs and pregnancies?
By law, all schools must promote abstinence. In addition, the district must also teach units on sex education as part of the health curriculum.
Posted on February 11, 2008 Is Latin going to be cut from LOTE?
No.
Posted on February 11, 2008 Are clubs allowed to go on field trips? How can they be approved
Club related activities should be discussed with the advisor who would then submit any proposal to the principal for consideration.
Posted on February 7, 2008 Is the 2008-09 school year calendar available yet? When will it be?
The new school year calendar is typically presented to the Board of Education in the beginning of March and they usually approve it in the beginning of April.
Posted on February 7, 2008 What is the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP (students with special needs)? Why is the school district trying to get all the 504s turned into IEPs?
A 504 plan is a plan that is developed for a student who has a disability/condition that requires special modifications/accommodations in the school setting in order to allow for equal access to the educational environment. Typically, 504 plans are for students with significant physical impairments who require special equipment, ramps, special bathroom things, etc. Some students may need test accommodations, etc. An IEP is developed when a student has an educationally handicapping condition (learning disability, language disorder, blind, emotional disability) and requires special education in order to develop skills and strategies that have not been previously developed due to a specific disability.
Posted on February 7, 2008 Who decides on field trips? The teachers, principal, administrators? As a parent it can be tough coming up with the money but I don't want my child to stay behind.
Field trips are selected by the teaching staff and approved by the principals. They should be related to the curriculum. Click here for the board of education policy on field trips. Currently, the district administrations is looking at field trips and efforts to contain costs.
Posted on February 6, 2008 What is the size of the class of 2011?
The opening enrollment for 2011 was 807 students. For 2010, it was 756 and for 2009 it was 676.
Posted on February 6, 2008 When school is in session is it true that the district is paid by the state for the amount of students who are attending and are not absent for the day?
Attendance used to figure into the state aid calculation, but it no longer does. Now the foundation aid formula uses enrollment data to calculate the district's operating aid. It looks at the number of enrolled students and the number of days that the school is in session. Other factors are figured in such as the CPI (consumer price index), regional cost factures, pupil need index, etc.
Posted on February 6, 2008 On the back of the field trip form, students are now required to have each classroom teacher give their permission for the student to miss their class that day and attend the field trip? Why is this required for educational field trips and yet missing school for a sport does not even require a permission slip signed?
We are attempting to place greater oversight regarding any issue that takes students out of the classroom by allowing other teachers an opportunity to provide feedback regarding individual students and their performance in class. This is another example where we want teachers to work together to oversee and evaluate students' classroom performance. We do not do this for sports because it is rare that athletic teams are released early from school except in the event of a league or sectional commitment.
Posted on February 6, 2008 Earlier this year, there was a survey posted on the Shen website. Have those results been compiled? How and when will they be reported to the community?
The survey did not provide enough responses (less than 1%) to do any effective analysis. We will be running it again in the late spring and will hopefully have greater participation.
Posted on February 5, 2008 What is the graduating class size for 2008 compared to 2016? Will the current high school have enough room?
The class of 2008 currently has 769 students enrolled and the class of 2016 has 780.
Posted on February 5, 2008 I was just wondering, who provides the answers to the questions on this page?
The questions go to the district's public information office. The PI Officer determines who could best answer the question and e-mails the question to that person. Once, the PIO receives the answer it is posted (that is why some responses take longer than others).
Posted on February 5, 2008 On the Board of Education page why are the last minutes posted from December?
Minutes are posted after they are approved by the Board of Education. They are typically approved at the next business meeting which are typically held the second Tuesday of the month. So January's minutes will be approved at the February 12 meeting and will posted shortly after.
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Archives Dress code for staff Use of Shen gyms Field trips on website Homework on website Summer programs at Shen Cell phones Private property Illegal parking Trees on campus Summer work for students District attorneys Going green Homework requests Recycling Athletic Code of Conduct Supreme Court ruling District goals Summer camps LOTE acronym Absence Student bathroom use Recycling Block scheduling Substitute Teachers Chorus concerts Medications Community Conversations Process for signing out • Students from foreign countries • Couples at dances • Piano • Music vs study halls • Unused snow days • Partnering with library • Monday after Easter • Lockers at MS gyms Infectious illness 2008-09 calendar • Schools used for church services • First day of school • Board minutes • Indoor track team • Searching the grapevine Search grapevine Questions edited Building safety AIS funding Building next to Shatekon Evolution Webmaster Parent Survey Annual art show School zone lights Grapevine questions Supply lists Displaying flags Stands for Music Bus stop smoking Anonymous number Longer school days Social security numbers Dress code The last day of classes E-mail notifications Guitar lessons Special Education School supplies Workbook costs Instructional technology survey Dollars for Scholars Shutting down computers at night Classroom supplies Electronic devices for staff Teacher demonstration Photos taken in school Child obesity Soda machines YouTube Qualifications of monitors Non-residency issues • Personnel issue • Dress Code • Library books • Lock down follow up District computers State of the district report Health curriculum Latin Field trips for clubs • Calendar 504 vs IEP Selection of field trips Size of Class State aid Field trip forms Drop outs Web survey What questions get answered
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