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THERE WILL BE NO RESPONSES POSTED TO THE GRAPEVINE INQUIRIES UNTIL JULY 8, 2008 In an effort to improve communications the district has created this format to provide people with a place to get answers to questions and to address rumors and inaccurate information that sometimes circulate through the community. NOT ALL QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED. And, it may take some time to get answers to certain questions. For individual or private concerns, you should contact the school or district office by phone. We will not answer comments about specific individuals by name. However, for issues that we think impact a number of people in the community, we will provide a response on this page for all to see. Please submit your comments and/or questions in the white box on the right. Questions will be posted on this page for a couple of days, then moved to an archive page or deleted. Please check the archives on the right to see if a question on your topic has already been answered. Questions are e-mailed to the district's public information office. The PI Officer determines who could best answer the question and directs 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 June 25, 2008 I am concerned about the very little time Orenda has devoted for lunch break. The students only have 15 minutes and when there is something popular in the menu, the line is longer and it takes a more time than usual to buy. Moreover, one has to factor in the time they spend walking to the cafeteria and back and all of it has to be accomplished in this short time. Eating lunch in 15 minutes is unhealthy. These kids are young and they take longer than an adult to get themselves set. Could the school reconsider the amount of time the children have to eat lunch?
After lunch, students go out or back to the classrooms (when the weather is not good) but nobody is forced to leave the lunchroom. There is a table for those who eat slowly or need more time to finish eating. This leaves a lot of time for students to eat. That being said, there are times when students are not eating but just fooling around and, if this is habitual, it is addressed.
Posted on June 25, 2008 I have a question about the calculators. What should you do if you can't afford this very expensive calculator? I had spoken to a faculty member and I was told that he had to purchase it for his child. No help what so ever. There are a lot of lower income families that can't afford it. Is there enough to borrow and will it be able to come home for homework. Do I buy food and gas or the calculator?
For the graphing calculators required by the Regents curriculum, students/families have a choice. They can purchase their own or the district will provide one for use during the school year...to be used just like textbooks (can be taken home and are to be returned at the end of the year).
Posted on June 25, 2008 What, if anything, has been done about the computer virus that is being spread on USB thumb drives and infecting computers. Nothing has been announced or done, and now home computers are being infected. Is anything going to be done to fix this problem? It has caused a lot of damage to my home computer. What about some free anti-virus software to be installed on the workstations? It could prevent such problems in the future.
There was a virus on a few systems in the district that targeted flash drives. Those systems have since been repaired. It is recommended to maintain backup copies of all files on the network file server. This will reduce the risk of virus exposure that might occur on individual computers. Our computing environment (Shenet) is virus free at the start of every school year. We maintain this environment throughout the year with an industry standard imaging system. If a computer becomes infected with a virus from an outside source we reinstall all of the software applications (reimage) using this system. As such we do not requrie a desktop anti-virus solution. All file servers are protected by an anti-virus solution to protect the district data (staff & student). All files saved to a network drive or network space are scanned and cleaned of known viruses. Here are links to two free anit-virus programs that can be installed on home computers. AVG Anti-virus, Avast Anti-virus. This is in no way an endorsement of these products. Many Internet Service Providers (ISP) such as Road Runner and AOL offer anti-virus solutions to theie customers as part of their service. You can contact your ISP customer support to get further information on this.
Posted on June 25, 2008 Are all Shen employees mandated reporters? If not, than who is required to report situations of abuse?
No. By law, all certified and licensed personnel (teachers, administrators, nurses, psychologists, etc.) and board of education members are mandated reporters.
Posted on June 25, 2008 I heard that there is no funding available through the high school extra-curricular units for coaching color guard, dance team and crew. I also heard that cheerleading coaching is being funded through the athletic department. These extra-curricular activities have always been an important part of the Shen community. How will this issue be resolved? It has been unresolved for more than 4 weeks. The answer regarding whether or not dance team, crew, cheerleading and color guard were being cut was correct. They are not being cut. The STA no longer wants to pay the advisors. As a result, these clubs and the students in them are hanging in limbo waiting for an answer as to what now. Cheerleading has just become a sport so now they are covered under the Athletics Dept. but the remaining clubs are still waiting to hear. So I ask YOU, what's going on with these clubs? Who is paying their advisors? Why wasn't this question answered the first time I asked it?
All of these activities will operate through the high school administrative budget. The principal is in the process of advertising for the advisor positions. They are an important part of the Shen Community and they are being funded. Cheerleading is still not considered a sport by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. However, the athletic director and the principal will work together and the athletic director will supervise this group.
Posted on June 25, 2008 I find it very interesting that the parent portal "schedule" mode has been taken off line so parents can not view their child's grades at this very crucial time. Having 2 children in the district I check it often and have found several errors that have been corrected by the teachers only because it was brought to their attention. If an error occurs now and contact needs to be made, it makes it difficult as the teachers will be gone for the summer. Do you not want parents contacting teachers?
The “schedule” module has been temporarily shut down while teachers enter 4th quarter grades and final grades. We expect to have the schedule module turned back on Thursday, June 26th or Friday, June 27th for middle and high school students and June 25th for elementary students. Thank you for your patience during this process. Parents can always contact teachers with concerns over grading errors. The end of the school year with teachers gone after the report cards come out is the same every year, regardless of the portal. If parents notice an error on the report cards they are to call the school. The school administration will resolve any errors and the report card will be corrected. That process has not changed this year. The difference is this is the first time parents have had the chance to see grades before the report cards are mailed home or handed out during the course of the year.
Posted on June 25, 2008 My child came home and said somebody set off a stink bomb near the downstairs music room in Gowana. What is being done about this situation?
On the day in question, a used cell from a technology project was found in the stairwell. The smell of sulfur was also in the stairwell. Students were questioned but no responsible individual was identified. Our School Resource Officer also looked into the situation. Current practice is to strictly account for all fuel cells before use. Technology teachers will now be counting spent cells and using secure disposal as well.
Posted on June 25, 2008 Are there any required summer reading projects in the district? If so, for which grade levels?
For grades 6-8, click here. For 9-12, click here.
Posted on June 25, 2008 My child needs her working papers, how can we go about getting them?
Click here Working papers application
Posted on June 25, 2008 I just compared prices for pencils in Walmart and was surprised that a set of 24 Ticonderoga pencils that Shen highly recommends costs $4.36 but a set of 24 PaperMate pencils costs only $0.92. So, are these pencils so much better that parents should spend almost 5 times as much money? It all adds up when you have several kids.
As it says on the list, Ticonderoga pencils are "recommended" because the pencil sharpeners "eat" the other pencils. So you may need to buy more pencils of the other brand, therefore not really saving money in the long run.
Posted on June 25, 2008 My child is in middle school and has been sick so how will she make up her finals? Thursday is her last full day.
You need to contact your child's teachers.
Posted on June 25, 2008 The website says the Elementary Summer Survival Reading list will be posted on 6/13 - it doesn't seem to be up yet - any idea of when it is expected?
It has been fixed.
Posted on June 25, 2008 Did parents fill out a form that listed whom a child may be released to during the school day? My child was released to someone I did not give permission to (not a parent), and was told by administration there was really nothing that could be done about it since they do not have the authority to deny release. This can't possibly be accurate.
Yes, parents fill out a form. Typically, a student should not be released to someone else. However, you should contact the superintendent's office at 881-0610 and provide more details.
Posted on June 25, 2008 Why can't high school transcripts be requested through the Shenet site or via e-mail?
Because there is a fee that needs to be paid.
Posted on June 25, 2008 Why does the school year have to end so late in June? I understand by law that there is a required number of days in the school year but has the district ever considered perhaps eliminating some of these vacation breaks/days off so the school year can end earlier?? Do we really need a winter and a spring break?
The district's calendar is mostly determined by the NYS Department of Education regulations (180 days), the NYS Regents exams (held at the end of June), the Capital Region BOCES calendar (winter/spring breaks) and the Shenendehowa Teachers Association contract.
Posted on June 25, 2008 "Students will be using the pool during physical education classes"?? What students? All level students? Will it be mandatory? Are Physical Education classes now going to be grouped by swimming ability? Are Phys Ed. teachers going to be trained in lifeguard/swim training? How will a chango phys. ed. class get to and from the pool in less than half a day?
All good questions but the answers have not yet been determined. They will be discussed this year and a plan will be developed prior to the opening of the pool in May 2009.
Posted on June 25, 2008 Why was campus security stopping ALL cars entering campus from Moe Road at dismissal Friday afternoon, 6/13, and instructing the drivers of some to pull over to the side of the road? I understood campus security to be private security, not police or peace officers. On what authority was security stopping cars and directing drivers to pull over? What consequence is there, if any, for not pulling over?
It has been the practice on the last day of school to hold traffic at dismissal until the buses have gotten out and to reduce the congestion of vehicles going in and out of the parking areas. This is truly for the safety of all. This has been done for the past twenty or so years. The district's security force is here to protect the staff, students and district property. While they may pull someone over for speeding or doing something inappropriate, they don't have the authority to right a ticket. They typically ask people to stop and, if necessary, contact the police.
Posted on June 25, 2008 In light of all the questions regarding class size, and the fact that some board members ran on the message of supporting lower class sizes, why is there such inconsistency among schools? It's ok for Okte to have at least 23 in their classes, but Skano and Orenda recently added K sections to lower their sizes? Why is the district not trying to make these numbers more balanced and consistent?
FIRST: The initial figures for classes are provided to schools for internal planning purposes only. Shenendehowa always has a large number of students moving in and moving out during the summer. These numbers could change all summer long. Let's remember that class sizes are monitored throughout the summer and nothing is finalized until August. The Board of Education has changed the class size policy and lowered the target class size guidelines by two students over the past couple of years. As for consistency across elementary schools, it will never be achieved because we have set boundaries. If the district were able to move children between elementary schools from year to year, we would be able to make class sizes consistent. However, that is not something the community would support. Most people like their schools and do not want their children to switch. That is why the board policy lists a class size range.
Posted on June 24, 2008 What time does the middle school get out on Wednesday?
12:15 p.m.
Posted on June 24, 2008 To whom can I submit comments or complaints regarding the Grapevine?
The superintendent at 881-0610.
Posted on June 24, 2008 What is the criteria for recognition as a varsity scholar athlete? Is this award selected individually by the coach of each team?
A varsity athlete has to carry a 90 average during the marking period that they participated in their respective sports season. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association handles the team awards for scholar-athletes. However, throughout the course of the year, coaches have the ability to nominate student-athletes for various scholar-athlete awards that are given locally, regionally and across the state.
Posted on June 24, 2008 Who supplied the answer for this question? "Is it true that the dance team, cheerleading team, colorguard, and crew are being cut next year?" RESPONSE: No.
The high school principal.
Posted on June 24, 2008 Why aren't topics or questions being answered, or asked, any more? Or is it because there isn't school any more so no questions will be asked anymore?
Because it is the end of the year and it is very busy.
Posted on June 17, 2008 I heard Shen is changing the way kindergarten screening is done. Will it be different in all the schools in September or just piloted in some schools? How is it different from the old screening? Will it be done during the first week of school? Will all the parents receive a copy of the results?
Kindergarten screening will be done as it has been in the past, during the first few days of school. Information gleaned from the screening will be reported to parents if there are any concerns raised during screening.
Posted on June 17, 2008 My child got a 741 on the NYS test for math. What is the best score you can possibly get?
The sores vary by grade level, by test and year. Here is the highest possible score for Math for the 2007-2008 school year by grade level.
Posted on June 17, 2008 I have recently heard that the 08-09 Kindergarten classes at Okte are unusually large topping out between 23-25 students including up to five Language Concepts children in a single class. According to a recent post here, the class size limits are between 18-24 for kindergarten. What will be done about these large class sizes if we are only in June and more students register from now until September? When will you add a fifth section of kindergarten? Will students then potentially need to be switched from am to pm or vice versa? This should be decided soon so that parents can make daycare arrangements.
Right now, the projected class size at Okte is 23 including students with special needs. While students move in to the district during the summer, students also move out of the district during the summer. All of this is monitored closely for all schools and all grade levels throughout the summer months.
Posted on June 17, 2008 While I personally have no problem with purchasing work books for my child I have to wonder why exactly do parents need to "purchase" workbooks? Why are necessary books not put into the budget? This past year I had to purchase a LOTE workbook, a Social Studies work book, and a vocabulary workbook. Clearly these books were a necessary part of the curriculum. Why are parents asked to purchase these items?
Textbooks are a book supplied to a student for a fixed period of time for his/her personal use and basic to the study of a subject. The Board of Education provides funds to be budgeted for the purchase of textbooks and related instructional materials. Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education designates the textbooks to be used. Workbooks refer to the type of book that provides spaces to write in and is consumed each year. It is usually paper-covered and designed to be used in connection with a textbook. The Board of Education must approve the expenditure of funds for the purchase of workbooks and manuals directly related to or required for a particular course. Typically, the district funds work books that are companion pieces to district authorized textbooks. Then there are Regents review books that are not funded by the district (see question below). If you have concerns about purchasing a particular workbook, contact your child’s teacher or principal.
Posted on June 17, 2008 If a review book such as the Regent Review books are used in the classroom why do the students have to pay for them? There are other options for review that might serve a particular student's learning style such as on line review sessions, on line flip cards and even the states Regent Review site. If it is required and being used in the classroom shouldn't the school provide it?
Regents review books are typically not funded by most school districts because they are not considered textbooks and they can change from year to year. And, by board policy, textbooks, once designated, cannot be superseded within a period of five (5) years except by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the Board.
Posted on June 17, 2008 Why do the drinks in the locker rooms cost $1.25, when the drinks in the teachers lounge cost $.75? Shouldn't it be the other way? Or equal? response?
The various vending machines located in buildings are run by different organizations, not the school district. These organizations set their own pricing.
Posted on June 17, 2008 Once again, you did not respond to the part of question concerning calculators that pertains to the May 19th Times Union article quoting the District spokeswoman: "State mandates are also driving up the cost of education in Shenendehowa, where it's costing more to give students the same basic education. Case in point: This year the state says Shen must supply all middle-and high-school students with calculators that cost $140 a piece." I have contacted the author of the Times Union article from May 19th and verified that the quote is accurate. The quote sounds like an inflated justification for the increased budget. In reality, as you state in prior postings on the Grapevine, you are NOT purchasing calculators for all Middle School and High School students and they are NOT $140. Furthermore, you state not to believe what you read in the paper. If the quote was incorrect, why was it not retracted by the District? The TU author has also confirmed that no retraction request was made. I am wondering what it will take to get a response concerning the May 19th quote. Will it take going to the Community News or back to the Times Union to get a response?
We don't typically ask for retractions from the newspaper because, typically, it is too little, too late...and small mistakes are made constantly. In this instance, the spokesperson is slightly misquoted. Minor alterations in the quote change the meaning: the word "all" for middle school and high school students was not said and the the words "that can cost as much as" $140 a piece...are missing. The reporter never asked for the amount that was actually budgeted. In the future, if you want an immediate response, this is probably not the best venue. You should contact the spokesperson by directly phone.
Posted on June 17, 2008 Why is the Orenda graduation ceremony held off campus, in a location that limits attendance to only parents? Why isn't the graduation held in the HS or MS auditorium?
The Orenda Fifth Grade Graduation has been celebrated this way for the past 18 years. It was designed to be a "special night" for the graduate and her/his parents. The celebration, which is a dinner & dance, gives the entire class an opportunity to celebrate this event together. The Orenda PTA pays for all the students. Parents are asked to pay for the meal, if they are planning to stay for the dinner and sock-hop. Because it is a busy time of year, the graduation takes place first so if students have other events that take priority, there is no cost involved. At no time are parents excluded because of the cost. Anyone who needs financial assistance should contact the Orenda counselor or Orenda principal and the cost will be covered confidentially.
Posted on June 17, 2008 My child is graduating. Can you tell me what the facilities at SPAC are like for families coming to the ceremony (i.e. will I need to bring lawn chairs or is there adequate seating, is the seating covered or out in the sun)?
There is seating for approximately 5,000 inside out of the sun. There is also seating on the lawn (in the sun).
Posted on June 17, 2008 When will there be a search bar for this website? I remember you mentioning something about establishing it or installing it later. But it has never taken action....When will this actually take action.
It is scheduled to be implemented some times this summer.
Posted on June 17, 2008 What is up with the middle school schedule? Why the hr delay? AND why is it hr delay on 6/20 then regular schedule on 6/23 & 24 and then hr delay on 6/25. When did your plan on letting parents of MS students know this info? Please make sure you answer all questions so the details are clear.
The two middle school half days that run on a later schedule are because they conflict with the elementary half days. We do not have enough buses to transport elementary and middle school students at the same time. The half day schedule is posted on each of the middle school Web pages.
Posted on June 17, 2008 Will students or just varsity swimmers, be using the new swimming pool that is coming out soon (is it 2009)?
Students will be using the pool during physical education classes and learn to swim programs will be held after hours for the community to use the pool as well.
Posted on June 17, 2008 I heard that a staff member smokes... IS that a POSITIVE or bad thing for the school? I mean the person IS a smoker because people CAN smell the stinky smoke smell. I thought Shen was supposed to be a smoke FREE school... Isn't that supposed to mean that NOBODY can smoke including staff?? This doesn't really make sense to me. Please clear this up for me! Thank You!
Smoke Free Schools means that no one can smoke in school or on school grounds. We have no control of what people do off school grounds but we have a number of programs to discourage smoking.
Posted on June 17, 2008 Why are there so few choices on the required summer reading list for 10th graders? My 7th grade child has tons of options. My 15 year old is very discouraged at the choices and she is a good reader. I thought that summer reading should ENCOURAGE our students, not the reverse.
All students are encouraged to read for enjoyment all summer long. The summer reading list is what is required for school based on the curriculum.
Posted on June 17, 2008 Why is it that in other elementary schools, the staff goes outside and supports their class during field day and not Chango? These are lasting memories for the students and the staff should be involved!
There are many differences in programs and how programs are run at our elementary schools. As for lasting memories, Chango has programs that other schools don’t have including a school-wide picnic, scheduled times for yearbook signing, an evening science fair, a Monster Mash, a field trip to the Bronx Zoo and Author’s Day parties.
Posted on June 17, 2008 Why doesn't the Shen prom have a walk in like a lot of other school districts? Nobody gets to see anyone dressed up.
There are many things other school districts do that we don't and vice versa. The answer is that it has never been done because, with 800 students going to the prom, it would be quite a crowd control as well as a parking problem. However, if you are interested in pursuing the idea, contact the high school principal.
Posted on June 12, 2008 I have reviewed the mandate that your subsequent response points to and it does not state that graphing calculators must be available for all MS and HS students - just that they must be available to all students when they are taking the Integrated Algebra Regents Exam. Can you further explain the interpretation of the mandate to warrant the purchase of calculators extended to all MS and HS students?
First and foremost, we are not purchasing calculators for use by all middle school and high school students, only enough for students to use when taking algebra. However, you are correct that the mandate only requires that we have graphing calculators available at the time of the exam. But, the guidelines also state that students may not share calculators at the time of the exam. Thus, we need a one-to-one correspondence of calculators to algebra one students at the time of the exam. Moreover, it would be imprudent to provide the students a calculator at the time of the exam that they have not used routinely during the school year. Our textbooks are selected with graphing calculator exercises woven throughout. When students have access to these calculators, they can use this tool daily in class, as well as, on homework problems. As students matriculate through the math sequence, the graphing calculator tool becomes indispensible. The algebra two course calls for calculator use daily.
Posted on June 12, 2008 Will the Grapevine be responding to questions/concerns during the summer break?
Yes, but it may take longer to respond because of vacations.
Posted on June 12, 2008 I am so sorry if this seems to be a repeat question, but I have gone to the 'fixed link' for the mid day pickups, and still don't see a pickup anywhere near our neighborhood. We are off Ushers Road in Country Knolls.
Thanks for bringing that to our attention. You are absolutely right. Another route is now posted (16A).
Posted on June 12, 2008 On the MS half days that start at 9:55 (buses drop off at 9:40) will the middle school buses run on a one hour delay schedule?
Yes. The buses will be at the stops approximately 1 hour later (give or take a few minutes)
Posted on June 11, 2008 On half days, what are the elementary dismissal times?
On June 13 and June 20 AM kindergarten students report to school and their dismissal time is the same as normal. No kindergarten students have school on June 25. Dismissal for students in grades 1-5 on June 13, 20 and 25 is:
Posted on June 11, 2008 I understand that some of the middle school half days include an hour late start. I was not able to find this information on the middle school website. Apparently information on this was sent home with the interim reports, which I do not recall seeing. Could you please provide the dates, start times and end times for such days? Thank you.
Friday 6/20 and
Wednesday 6/25 - buses drop students off school at 9:40 a.m. (school
starts at 9:55) - 12:15 p.m.
Posted on June 11, 2008 In your previous response to an inquiry about parent notification about the art fair, you said that "All Shen art students should have received an invitation." My 4th grader came home today with a lovely drawing she had done that had been on display at the art show all week, yet we were NEVER told anything about it. And we just didn't have time this week to go walk around to "look and see". However, if we had known, we would have made the time. Why was this not communicated properly to the parents of students?
Each art teacher was instructed to provide an invitation to each student who had work displayed at the mall show. If you feel that your invitation was never given to your child, it must have been an accidental oversight and the art department apologizes.
Posted on June 11, 2008 "We believe that school success is closely linked to each student's positive self-concept". This is the philosophy behind Morning Program on Okte's website (and I believe the program is at a few other elem. schools ). If this is the philosophy why is it just for grades 1-3 and not 4 & 5. I was told they have too much work to do. Couldn't the younger kids get more work & learning in if the schools did away with this? It just seems hypocritical.
The schools that have a morning program use it to build a strong foundation, sense of community and a positive self image for our youngest students. Many curricular concepts and skills are integrated into morning program for those grade levels (i.e. geography, weather, time, public speaking, patriotism, history, etc.). While grades 4 and 5 do not attend everyday, they participate in morning program periodically by sponsoring certain events.
Posted on June 11, 2008 Is there a way for me to see my elementary school child's report card grades and comments on the parent portal?
Yes, elementary report cards have been on the portal since the fall. To access, click on reports and choose report card. You will see the grades and comments. However, since the grading window is now open for elementary teachers, this view will not be available until after the teachers have entered all of their grades and the report cards have gone to print (some time after June 19).
Posted on June 11, 2008 I heard something about a worm on computers in high school east that would fill flash drives with lots of small files when they are connected to the infected computer should I worry about my project being erased or anything?
There was a virus on a few systems in the district that targeted flash drives. Those systems have since been repaired. It is recommended to maintain backup copies of all files on the network file server. This will reduce the risk of virus exposure that might occur on individual computers
Posted on June 11, 2008 Why is it that Grapevine will waste time and space repeatedly answering the SAME QUESTIONS (calculators, HS ID tags, and Elementary Supply lists), but when I submitted a question concerning the disparity between qualifications for NHS there was no response? Per the NHS organization website, students with an 85 average are eligible, but I'm told that Shen requires a 90 average for their chapter of NHS. Is this true? If so, at what point is the average calculated? Is there someplace on the Shen website that I can look to see what Shen's requirements are?
Each question is important to the individual
who is asking it. Some questions take more time to be answered and
some have already been answered.
Posted on June 11, 2008 How much does it cost to go to Shen summer school if you are not a Shen student?
$253 per course. Go to http://www.shenet.org/high/summerschool/summerschool.htm for more information.
Posted on June 11, 2008 Is driver's education offered in the summer?
Yes. Go to http://www.shenet.org/high/summerschool/summerschool.htm for more information
Posted on June 11, 2008 My child attends Arongen, and she has an event that family is "encouraged to attend" on the 11th, 16th and 19th. Wouldn't it make sense to have all these events on the same day? It's hard for working parents to take time off every few days for an event, especially when it's at 1:30! In the future, please consider having all events on the same day or even have the event first thing in the morning.
You should have that conversation with your child's teacher.
Posted on June 11, 2008 Which calculators is Shen buying - TI83 or TI84? And I thought it was only for some high school math classes, not middle school. Can you please clarify?
Only students taking Enriched Algebra at the middle schools (an accelerated course) will be using the TI-84 calculators purchased by the district.
Posted on June 11, 2008 Why isn't there any air conditioners installed in classrooms?
Largely due to the significant expense of retro-fitting buildings that were not originally designed for air conditioning. Further, to get several significantly hot days in a row while school is in session in the northeast is the exception. In such instances, accommodations with fans and/or relocation to air conditioned spaces are provided.
Posted on June 11, 2008 Are teachers given a guide line as to how much time they should spend reviewing for Regent Exams during class? Also it does not appear that teachers are using the best methods for review....review books are a standard but research shows that they are not the best way for many students to review. Shouldn't students have a choice?
Teachers have the responsibility to prepare students appropriately for those exams. Students also have a responsibility to take advantage of review opportunities and to prepare on their own. The success of both is evident in the district's high passing rates.
Posted on June 11, 2008 In the Orenda/Karigon schools today, I noticed many exterior doors were propped wide open during school hours. I know it is hot, but this really violates our children's safety.
No, it doesn't if the staff in those buildings are practicing due diligence in monitoring those areas.
Posted on June 11, 2008 You indicated that the school uses 320,000 gallons of fuel per year and that the budget is $576,000. Does that mean that you will go over budget on fuel?
Yes. The district is $236,000 over budget on fuel.
Posted on June 11, 2008 My math teacher told me cell phone are not allowed to be on you during the Regents. Is that true and can they be in your purse ? Also, what if you need to be able to call your ride?
Cell phones are not allowed in the testing room (the purse isn't either). A room is provided for students to store backpacks, purses, etc. during the exam.
Posted on June 11, 2008 I know when the Regents exams begin, but how long does it take to take one?
It varies by exam and by the individual student. Talk to your teacher.
Posted on June 11, 2008 Are cats allowed on school campus? My daughter needs to know for a health project.
Only with prior approval and you must fill out the Pet Visit form.
Posted on June 11, 2008 Is it true that Shenendehowa does not close the school because they will not receive state aid?
No. State aid is not calculated that way.
Posted on June 11, 2008 How come the elementary summer reading list is available yet?
There will be no formal suggested reading list at the elementary level. On Friday (6/13) the elementary librarians will be posting a Summer Reading Survival Page!
Posted on June 11, 2008 My child does not want to sit next to a certain child in class due to a bullying incident. What are the districts policies regarding assigned seating and bullying?
There is no specific policy that addresses those two things in combination. Talk to your child's teacher about your concerns.
Posted on June 11, 2008 What are the nine sports that Suburban Council athletics is grouping into northern/southern divisions as part of the two-year pilot program?
The following nine sports were approved to move into a two-division geographic breakdown starting in the 2008-09 school year. It was approved unanimously 12-0 by league athletic directors at the December 7, 2007 Suburban Council League meeting. The nine sports are: Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Softball, Baseball, Boys Volleyball, Girls Volleyball and Boys Bowling
Posted on June 11, 2008 A Shen Varsity coach has been managing the Shen Pride AAU in the spring/summer, he attends practices and works with the players ages 15-17. In section 2 it's against rules for a coach to be practicing with players in their program during the school off-season. What can be done?
There is no violation of the Suburban Council 'off-season rule' for a coach to attend a practice of an AAU team. Also, this is a league rule and not a Section 2 rule. The coach has the right to help organize and manage the off-season program. However, they should not be coaching in games or offering instruction in AAU practices. Should there be a concern please contact the Director of Athletics.
Posted on June 11, 2008 Is it true that the dance team, cheerleading team, colorguard, and crew are being cut next year?
No.
Posted on June 11, 2008 You didn't answer the question. Why do we need two buildings for the high school? Why can't we just have one building all together and not have the 9th grade cut off from the other high school?
It is a space issue. There is not enough room to house the 9th grade in High School East. Also, this configuration allows students from all three middle schools to come together and bond as a class before blending with upper classmen.
Posted on June 11, 2008 You said one of the reasons for the administration considering ID badges for students at the high school is security. Is there a security issue that the parents have not been informed about at HS East? I am not aware that security is a problem.
While there has been no decision on the use of student ID badges at the high school, security is always being evaluated at all of our school buildings and district wide. Each school is required to have a safety team that makes proactive recommendations to improve safety and security.
Posted on June 11, 2008 Why is there only one route for the afternoon exam pickups on June 16, 18, & 20, and it only covers Malta and northern Halfmoon? Will students be able to wait at school for 4 hours before their regents exam if they take the morning bus?
That was a mistake, there are 15 routes. The link is fixed now, click here.
Posted on June 10, 2008 Why is Shen NOT closing early due to the heat today (Tues) like all the other surrounding schools? Also, why are some schools such as Chango still going out for recess when Skano is not and the heat index is over 100 degrees?
When there is a heat index warning, staff is informed to be mindful of this as students go outside for physical education, recess, class activities or for team practice. Indoor options for physical education and recess are recommended. If students go outside, it is recommended that they are provided with frequent rests and water breaks to ensure that they stay appropriately hydrated. School closing occurs when weather impacts our ability to safely transport students to and from school or there are major system failures (i.e. water, electricity, plumbing).
Posted on June 10, 2008 Why are the end of the year assessments / tests (or at least the grades) not sent home to the parents of the elementary school students? This question was not about state tests, but about tests teachers give in May / June.
They are included in the final assessment of the student in the fourth quarter report card. If you want to know a grade on a particular test, you should contact your child's teacher.
Posted on June 10, 2008 I just noticed that the middle schools have several half days coming up that start at 10 a.m. Am I correct in assuming that the buses will still provide the transportation for the students?
Yes, buses will provide transportation to and from school on the middle school half days.
Posted on June 10, 2008 Why are the end of the year assessments / tests (or at least the grades) not sent home to the parents of the elementary school students?
They are, but we haven't received them from the state yet.
Posted on June 10, 2008 My son said Senior Prom was very enjoyable, but I was offended when he informed me of all of the mischievous activities that took place after. Next year could you try to provide the students with a safer alternative for after parties?
There already is an after-prom party that is sponsored by CAPTAIN. This year it was held at Northern Lights.
Posted on June 10, 2008 In a district that makes many major changes in the name of consistency (i.e. everyone has the same supply lists), why are class sizes so different from school to school? Some schools have 19 students per class while that same grade level in another building has 26 students. I know both numbers fall within the district's range". How is that fair to the children in the larger classes? I want my child in a class with fewer children as research has shown that to impact learning. How do I go about changing schools so we can benefit from smaller class sizes since consistency doesn't seem to be a district concern when dealing with class size?
I am not sure where you are getting your numbers from, because there is no discrepancy that large projected for next year. Most of the variations are between 2-3 students. However, most of our parents would not want the upheaval of redistricting school boundaries on an annual basis which is really the only solution if you are looking for exact and consistent class sizes.
Posted on June 10, 2008 When do the summer required reading lists come out? I have a sixth grader at Acadia and we have not received it yet.
They are posted on the Web site. Grade K-12 Summer Reading lists
Posted on June 10, 2008 Is it true that all clubs are not being funded next year?
No.
Posted on June 10, 2008 It says that school officials do not go looking for students on Senior Skip day. However, if school officials are told of locations where large groups of students may be congregating and engaging in behaviors that are inappropriate, the school has a responsibility to take action in an effort to protect these students who should be in school, by law, at that time. Last year the drama club was found eating breakfast at Cracker Barrel by the administration. I do not believe eating breakfast is "engaging in behaviors that are inappropriate". Why are my tax dollars going toward hunting down students who skip an occasional day of school?
Skipping school is deemed "inappropriate" by law, period.
Posted on June 10, 2008 You still have not answered our question - how and when might we as students contact the administrators regarding the lanyard topic?
Any time. Just call the high school principal.
Posted on June 10, 2008 You said "The guideline now is that parents will provide personal, consumable supplies within reason and the district will supply reusable classroom supplies and cleaning supplies." So why do parents need to supply "2 large boxes of tissues for classroom sharing"? They are for classroom sharing (not personal supplies) and therefore should be supplied by the school. And previously you requested 1 box per student. Do you really need twice as many tissues?
Tissues are personal and consumable. They are for classroom sharing because a box of tissues would talk up too much room on every student's desk. Storage wise it just makes sense to have one box open in a classroom at a time. The district master list regulates the maximum at two boxes. However, if you go to the individual school lists, some grade levels only request one and some request none.
Posted on June 10, 2008 Why don't we have the Carillon Bells out anymore? Is the school going to bring them back anytime soon?
The Carillon Bells are in storage. They were taken down because age and the elements began to take their toll on the Carillon Bells. The district has received a grant from Senator Bruno and Assemblyman Reilly. That, in combination with funds raised by the Shen Foundation for Excellence, will be used to help build a bell tower on campus for the Carillon.
Posted on June 10, 2008 Is it possible for the high school to give out their supply lists in the summer. Last year myself and a few hundred parents from other districts were stuck in Staples fighting for supplies on the first day of school.
The high school has prepared a general supply list. It is now on the high school web page.
Posted on June 4, 2008 The question concerning calculators has still not been answered - In the Times Union on May 19th, cited as a reason for Shen's budget increase is that "This year the state says Shen must supply all middle- and high-school students with calculators that cost $140 a piece." So, if Shen is buying and supplying them to all MS and HS students of about 4800 in total, a greater than retail price is the best price possible? If, as you cite, the premium calculator sells in Target for $129 full how does that justify budgeting $140? And, your response sounds like you are advising us where we can purchase them - my understanding is that my tax dollars are paying for them. Please explain.
Don’t believe everything you read in the newspaper! On the state contract the TI84 is approximately $95 and the TI83 is $58. Parents can purchase calculators or students can use a district-owned calculator, it is their choice. The $140 quote came from parents talking about how much it cost them to purchase at some retail outlets.
Posted on June 4, 2008 I've heard rumors of possibly all high school students being required to wear colored name tags/lanyards next year. Is that true? And what is the point of them?
FOR ALL THOSE WHO KEEP SUBMITTING THIS QUESTION---The High School administration is investigating the possibility of having students wear identification tags to increase accountability, safety and security. IDs are already required for admission to most co-curricular events. This will allow the school staff to identify students at all times throughout the day. In addition, almost every major employer in the Capital Region, including Shenendehowa Central Schools, requires employees to wear ID tags. While the administration is currently investigating this, no plan has been initiated and the administration is open to ideas, recommendations and feedback.
Posted on June 6, 2008 Just a clarification on a back to school supply for Tesago 5th Grade - the list states "1- 3 ring binder w/ tab dividers w/zipper" - That means that the binder needs to zip close?
That is the district's master list. The Tesago 5th grader students do not need a binder at all. The list has been modified.
Posted on June 6, 2008 Why is there a High School East and High School West? Why not just one high school?
There is one Shenendehowa High School with two buildings identified as East and West.
Posted on June 5, 2008 Are there class size limits at Shen? If so what are they for ES, MS and HS?
According to Board of Education Policy: The district strives to establish and maintain class sizes for each elementary grade at the mid-point of each of the following ranges:
At the secondary level, all attempts shall be made to maintain reasonable teacher-pupil ratios in all courses.
Posted on June 5, 2008 Is the 8th grade moving up ceremony Thursday a tri building ceremony or just Gowana?
Just Gowana.
Posted on June 5, 2008 A packet was mailed home regarding graduation policies which prohibited bubbles, beach balls, fun, etc. I understand that these practices are inappropriate at certain times during the ceremony, however I also believe that graduation should be a celebration of the seniors' accomplishments over the last four years. Why are such practices banned?
The administration wishes to create an atmosphere that is conducive to such an important milestone in the life of the students, as well as their families. Bubbles, beach balls, toys, air horns and games may be a part of a graduation party, but they are not allowed at the graduation ceremony as it takes away from the happy, yet serious and dignified tone of this ceremony.
Posted on June 5, 2008 Why isn't there more security when students come out of the high school to stop illegal behavior (i |
