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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. 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. 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. Please check the archive pages to see if a question on your topic has already been answered or to search the entire grapevine for previously asked questions, enter a keyword/topic below:
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If your questions does not get answered it may be because it is in the archives. Check out the Grapevine Questions A-Z page and search topic areas.
Posted on May 22, 2012 I am the parent of a Chango 5th grader and cannot not attend the info session for new middle school parents at Gowana tonight. What other night(s) can I go?
All evening events have taken place. The parent can stop by Gowana to get a packet.
Posted on May 22, 2012 When is the 5th grade graduation at Skano?
Friday, June 15th at 9:00 a.m.
Posted on May 22, 2012 Do you know when the informational meeting for the summer assignment for AP US History is?
Thursday, June 7, 2:45, Little Theater, High School East
Posted on May 22, 2012 How many students are Juniors this year?
734
Posted on May 22, 2012 I was hoping you could give me a date for Orenda's 5th Grade Moving Up ceremony. I can't find it listed anywhere. Thanks!
June 20th at Michael’s in Latham.
Posted on May 22, 2012 Is there a form we have to fill out if we intend on pulling our daughter out of the district to a private school?
Please contact your child’s school to fill out Withdrawal paperwork.
Posted on May 22, 2012 When does information about Summer Driver's Ed. become availible?
It is available on the High School website.
Posted on May 22, 2012 Shame on the school board for protecting a fellow board member who owes $67,000 in child support -- when will you ask him to resign?
The board of education has no legal authority to act on this matter. Board members are elected as individuals, and it is up to the individual to decide whether or not to resign based on personal circumstances.
Posted on May 22, 2012 My child came home saying a man was seen with a gun on the orenda field today. Is that true?
No.
Posted on May 22, 2012 Can it please be explained why Shenendehowa purchases new buses every year, when it already has one of the largest bus fleets in New York State? The Community News recently stated that the school would be purchasing 19 buses for $1.89 million, 60% of which would be reimbursable by the state, meaning the school is still spending over $750,000 on buses. It is understood that Shen has a large student population, but on a daily basis, are all 200+ of the buses even used? When the same few buses are picking up and dropping off students each day, what purpose do the other buses serve, other than being backups? It seems that the number of buses this school district has is excessive, and money can be saved by cutting back on the number of buses purchased. Also, it is stated in a December CNWeekly article that Shen's enrollment is predicted to decrease in the next few years, meaning the number of buses used will be even less. With budgets being cut and some programs being cut all together, why are expenses still being spent on purchasing new buses for Shen, when the enrollment is decreasing and there are already hundreds parked in the enormous bus garage? These buses must be expensive to maintain, and if all of them are not utilized, what is the purpose of having so many?
We are not purchasing extra buses. We are purchasing buses to replace old, existing buses which are sold. All buses in the fleet are used.
Posted on May 2, 2012 Is the elementary report card grading system going to change next year?
A district committee is currently exploring ways to update the elementary report card.
Posted on May 2, 2012 When will seniors be able to pick up the caps and gowns, and graduation announcements they ordered?
Graduation announcements will be distributed by a representative from Jostens on May 7th and 8th. Caps and gowns will be distributed by a representative from Herff Jones on May 22nd and 23rd.
Posted on May 2, 2012 Will there be another opportunity to order a High School West yearbook?
Seniors will be able to pick up or purchase books the day after Memorial
Day, Tuesday, May 29. Juniors will pick up or purchase books Wednesday,
May 30. Sophomores and Freshmen will pick up or buy books on Thursday,
May 31. Books will be $75 and cash only at that time.
Posted on May 2, 2012 What is the date scheduled for Shen Idol?
Friday, May 11.
Posted on May 2, 2012 Where are the Junior and Senior proms this year? How much will each ticket cost? When will they be sold?
The Junior Prom is May 19th at the Albany Convention Center. Ticket
prices for the Junior Prom are $65 and will be sold the week of April
30th during lunches in the south hallway of the HSE Café.
Posted on May 2, 2012 when do tickets go on sale for senior prom? and what do we do if we want to bring someone that isnt a senior with us?
Tickets for the Senior Prom are tentatively scheduled to go on sale on May 7th. In order to bring a guest who is not a senior, a guest dance form must be completed and approved by the students grade level administrator. These forms can be found in the HSE CAPs office.
Posted on May 2, 2012 Does the Glow Dance replace the 10th grade semi-formal or is it in addition to?
No. It is in addition to and is sponsored by the National Honor Society.
Posted on May 2, 2012 Can you tell me the date of the 10th grade dance?
Friday, May 11th.
Posted on May 2, 2012 There is a lot being heard about the 8th grade dance. Is it like any other dance or is it more of a formal occasion ?
On Friday, May 4th, 2012, the Gowana Student Council and Community Club will be holding the Tri-Building Eighth Grade Dance “A Night in Paris.” The dance will take place in the Gowana Green Gym from 7-9:30pm. Refreshments will be sold. Please drop off and pick up your child promptly at the Gowana Green Gym entrance. THIS DANCE IS FOR EIGHTH GRADERS AT SHEN ONLY! Students will need their student identification cards for admittance. TICKETS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR. TICKETS ARE ONLY BEING PRESOLD FOR THIS EVENT! In order to attend the dance, you must be present for the entire school day. This is not a formal dance; the dress code that is enforced at school will apply. You do not need to dress up to attend, but you may dress up if you wish. Please refrain from the use of limousine transportation.
Posted on May 2, 2012 Hello, I am a child in the alternate education program this year at HSE and I was wondering how come other children know this program as special ed? As you may know it is not special ed. We have the same amount of work and take the same tests as other students. But what I do not understand is how come we are looked down upon by not just other students but other faculty members? For example a teacher once stated to a fellow student in the program "it may be okay to do that in your SPECIAL classes but not here" I was just wondering what the misunderstanding is and why they seem to think that it's a special program were they think we do nothing and that we act like savages. We are students to and I do not speak for myself when I say this other students feel the same way. Why we are not treated like every other students in the school. In my opinion that is wrong and unfair to us. thank you for your time.
All of our high school students striving for a Regents diploma are responsible for mastering the same curriculum and take the same tests whether they are in the regular, special or alternative education program.
Posted on May 2, 2012 I want to give a public thank you a HS East counselor. She has been a tremendous help for my daughter. She returns e-mail and phone calls so quickly and gets things accomplished. If she doesn't have an answer right away she always can point me to the correct person. She is a great counselor and she does her job very well!!
We are happy that you and your daughter have found our counseling center staff to be responsive to your needs.
Posted on May 2, 2012 Have the high school east staff stopped looking at parking passes? Every day I park and see juniours taking up parking spots that the seniors paid to have access to.
No. Thanks for the heads-up. We will be more diligent in checking passes.
Posted on May 2, 2012 how much money does the school budget have right now? because all of my teachers always complain about not having staples.
Enough to buy staples (approximately $150 million).
Posted on May 2, 2012 Were the boundary lines for Middle School redrawn recently?
Boundary lines at the middle school are tweaked frequently to balance enrollments.
Posted on May 2, 2012 Is it true that Shen will no longer have a Boys Freshman Lacrosse Team for the School Year 2013 ? Why would this be eliminated when Lacrosse has become such a popular sport in the area and next years freshman class will be the largest graduating class with a high number of lacrosse players ?
That depends on what other schools in the Suburban Council choose to do with freshmen lacrosse. If the schools that have freshmen teams keep those teams, then we would as well otherwise we will move to the modified/JV/Varsity model.
Posted on May 2, 2012 I find it quite weird that the Shenendehowa Field Hockey Team has one sectionals 2 years in a row (something not done since the 90's by Johnstown) and they aren't listed as a sport on the Shenendehowa Sports Web-Page. Please take notice and please change this. Our girls deserve representation. Thanks.
As far as we know, the field hockey team does not have a Web page and that is what that listing is for.
Posted on May 2, 2012 I understand that on Wed 4/25 an incident ocurred at H.S. West that I feel was handled inappropriately by the administration. A male student pulled down the pants and underwear of a female student at lunchtime in the cafeteria. I further understand that the only punishment this male student received was a one day in-school suspension. This was at the most sexual assault, and at the least, bullying. I understand that this male student previously told the girl on the school bus that no one liked her and that she should go home and kill herself. What is being done to protect this girl? She has to ride the school bus with this boy. The boy did not receive an appropriate punishment. I am outraged! Bullying and sexual assault CANNOT be tolerated in our schools!
The series of events, as described here, are not accurate. According to the information shared with the HSW administrator who did the investigation. In the crowded cafeteria that was dismissing, the male student’s hand was on the female student’s hip. When she moved away the waistband of the female student’s sweatpants were pulled down slightly. However, the female realizing that they were falling grabbed them to pull them up. The consequence the male student received is not consistent with the writer’s version. In addition, the students take different buses to and from school.
Posted on May 2, 2012 I just would like to say Okte is a great school. My son first year (kindergaten am)has been wonderful. with a great teacher. We truly have been blessed to have her as our son's teacher!
Nice to hear.
Posted on May 2, 2012 When will the testing schedule be released for the finals some classes administer what will be June 12th this year? I know the state has released the regents exams.
It will be shared with faculty next week and will be available to the public shortly thereafter.
Posted on May 2, 2012 Where can we find the current Board of Ed policies?
http://www.shenet.org/DL_BOE/BOE_Policies/BOE_PolicyManual.cfm
Posted on May 2, 2012 What are the "Upper Classman" Awards at the high school? What grades? Do you need an invitation to attend, and if so, when would you expect to receive one?
Students in grades 10 and 11 are invited and should have received an invitation.
Posted on May 2, 2012 Why is the theme for the Junior Prom this year Casino Night? Isn't that a little inappropriate? The majority of juniors are not legally old enough to gamble, and the school certainly shouldn't be promoting it.
The definition of casino is a building used for social amusements. No gambling will be taking place and the school will not be promoting gambling.
Posted on May 2, 2012 My daughter was mailed a letter inviting her to the HSE Underclassmen recognition night, is it possible to find out what award she has won before that night?
It will be for effort, achievement or a special grade 11 award.
Posted on May 2, 2012 when our high school transcripts are sent out, are all of our SAT scores or ACT scores included? Can we request that this information not be included on the transcript if it is, because many colleges allow score choice, where you choose which scores to send
SAT and ACT scores are not on the student transcripts.
Posted on May 2, 2012 Why was there a lockdown drill at west on Thursday and what were the dogs there for did they find anything?
It was part of a safety drill review. Nothing was found as part of the search.
Posted on May 2, 2012 So if Shen doesn't have a drug problem, why do they do random drug searches? These are very important things to me, a person who is thinking about moving to the district. Please answer.
While it is our belief that Shen doesn’t have a drug problem, there is no doubt that some Shen students use drugs. They will not be tolerated in school and these drills help to maintain an appropriate environment and sends the message about how the administration feels about drugs in school.
Posted on April 25, 2012 How often is the grapevine page updated?
It depends on how busy the public information officer is.
Posted on April 25, 2012 Has any thought been given to modifying questions; not the content but tone? With the push against bullying, especially cyber-bullying, it is important that we as adults model kindness and respect even if we disagree. The school is incredibly important in this effort, and I fear displaying anonymously posted venom works against this effort. Kids learn from adults' actions and they are reading. You wouldn't allow it in the classroom, why do you give credence to it on the internet.
It is often discussed among the administrators. When the site was first launched we did edit the questions, but people complained that we were trying afraid to post anything negative. That is why we try, as best we can, to model civility in our answers.
Posted on April 25, 2012 Do you plan on responding to the HS home room question any time soon?
Never saw a question about home room. The Grapevine submission form was down for a short time in March Please submit the question again.
Posted on April 25, 2012 I've noticed that the last 30 or so comments were all "posted" on the same day, and that you haven't responded to any questions in the last month. Do you respond to all of them on one day, or respond to them all as they come in, and simply post them all together?
We respond to questions in batches, not every day. If you need an immediate answer to a question, it is best to call.
Posted on April 25, 2012 How many students are currently in fifth grade?
832
Posted on April 25, 2012 In the 2012/13 proposed budget I note numerous locations where "meals & refreshments" are budgeted - to a total of $45,000.00 - can you define what these are? Example the District clerk has $800 budgeted - what is this for ?
The meals and refreshments codes are used for a variety of items. Superintendent's Conference days which provides meals and refreshments for staff since professional development sessions run the entire day. During the year, some meetings may run through mealtimes such that meals may be provided. Examples include arbitrations, hearings, negotiations, interview committee meetings, district-wide committee meetings, etc.. The District clerk budget code provides meals for the voting inspectors on the day of the budget vote as the workers arrive at 6:30 a.m. and conclude at 9:00 p.m. when the polls close. All expenditures for meals and refreshments comply with the District's meal and refreshment policy. In addition, the food service department is utilized as much as possible for these events and meetings.
Posted on April 25, 2012 What does the district plan to do about the bubbles taking place between Orenda and Karigon? Will you redistrict?? Will you inform??
Enrollment across the district is being closely monitored, and if appropriate a redistricting may be an option after extensive study.
Posted on April 25, 2012 My son is medically excused from gym. why is the PE coach making him change and keep score?
Please contact the Director of Athletics and Physical Education or your son's building principal to address the concern.
Posted on April 25, 2012 Will it just be KINDERGARTEN that spills into Karigon from Orenda or is it FIRST GRADE also??
The campus elementary schools were constructed as sister schools to maximize space and resources. As enrollment shifts occur, so too will the need to share space between buildings.
Posted on April 25, 2012 Does Shen allow single-subject homeschooling?
No. Schools are not allowed to offer single subject homeschooling…you are either all in or all out.
Posted on April 25, 2012 Are try-outs for the Shen baseball team open to all or is it INVITE only???
All try outs for freshmen through varsity are open to all in grades 9-12. Any middle school student recommended to tryout for a high school team must go through the selective classification process.
Posted on April 25, 2012 This morning i saw on the news a school giveing out meds with out parental super vision including birth control, do you, shen have the same program?
No.
Posted on April 25, 2012 The co-taught classroom in first grade at Karigon is INCREDIBLE! I was so hesitant about having my daughter in a co-taught classroom but it has been a wonderful experience for her. We are so blessed to have had this experience. She has phenomenal teachers and has grown tremendously.
Thanks, that's good to hear.
Posted on April 25, 2012 I was told that for the tri-building dance in May, my child can bring her boyfriend from a private school and who lives in the Shen School District, as long as both parents fill out a form. Is this correct?
The tri-building dance is for current 8th grade students who attend Gowana, Koda or Acadia.
Posted on April 25, 2012 If I fail math do I have to do the same math class as this year or can I go to summer school and go on to the next grade in math
You can repeat the class next year or take (and pass) it in summer school to move on to the next level.
Posted on April 25, 2012 can 9th graders do clubs that are in the East building?
Yes, and they are encouraged to do so.
Posted on April 25, 2012 You stated that "Food can be sold ... but not during the school day as it is direct competition to our [cafeteria workers] who do great work" This inspires two questions. For one, why can the school's special Ed. students host a bake sale during the day? Secondly, I was told by the workers at Shentique that sweets cannot be sold before lunch periods have ended (presumably in accordance with the "regulations" to which you referred". If that's the case, why can these bake sales begin so early? Where can I find out more about these rules and regulations that I keep hearing about?
Bake sales by the special education students occur in the mornings before lunch as a fundraiser.
Posted on April 25, 2012 My son is a junior at High School East. Throughout the year, he has reported that a teacher of his will "jokingly" make threats to him and other students. Apparently, a favorite "joke" is to threaten to break bones if assignments aren't completed. On Thursday, he threatened to kill my son's friend if he didn't finish a project on time. While neither my son or I believe the teacher represents an actual threat, I find these "jokes" very inappropriate. He has spoken with the teacher and nothing has changed. What is the district's stance on such behavior? Who should I contact with further concerns?
You or your son should contact the principal, Mr. Flynt.
Posted on April 25, 2012 When was the last RADON test in Skano and High School East? What was the result? How often are our schools tested? Radon testing is not a routine or customary test that is done in schools. We will share this information with our engineers and architects to deliberate any next steps, as well as see if any new guidance will be issued by the New York State Education Department. Could you please UPDATE the progress of Radon testing in our schools. Thank you
The District has communicated with the State Education on radon testing
and there have been no changes testing requirements from SED or other
regulatory agencies. The District has referred to testing done in the
Clifton Park area by NYS Department of Health in October 2011 which
shows average levels that require no action.
Posted on April 25, 2012 Is there a way to look at what the budget for professional development is?
Several of our grants cover a variety of costs associated with professional development. In addition, the District budgets in-service training in the account codes beginning with A2070.
Posted on April 25, 2012 How much did it cost the school for the new cameras at the middle schools?
$6,275
Posted on April 25, 2012 When is sign up for summer driver's ed?
Drivers Ed information and registration forms will be available approximately end of May in the High School Counseling Center and also on the Shen website summer school link.
Posted on April 25, 2012 When will the ceiling leak near the Technology Wing in East be fixed? That garbage can clogs up an already very crowded hallway.
The roof leak has been repaired. However, due to the construction style of the HSE roof, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact area that was causing the problem. Upon inspection over the winter, several areas were noted as potential problem spots. These areas were repaired during April break. We will continue to monitor the area and take additional corrective measures if warranted.
Posted on April 25, 2012 What is the school's policy on religious songs being taught in the elementary classrooms? My child's music class is being taught "He's got the whole world in his hands" and other religious based songs. I would call the school directly but I don't want this teacher to get in trouble if this is against policy but if it's against policy, it would be nice if some sort of reminder of the policy went out to the music teachers generally so this teacher would just stop without getting into trouble.
Board of Education policy 8360R addresses issues pertaining to religion and school. It is permissible to use/perform religious music as a vehicle to teach musical concepts and within the vain of historical context. “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands”, is a song that is in the approved music textbook used by music teachers across the district.
Posted on April 25, 2012 How much money has Shen saved on electricity so far this year as a result of the solar panels at East? Has the district considered putting solar panels on other buildings?
The solar panel project was made possible through a grant from NYSERDA. Estimated savings in utilities is approximately $10,000 per year. There are no further plans to add solar panels to other buildings
Posted on April 25, 2012 Shen's sex ed has been in the news and is currently under review. As a Shen parent interested in what the curriculum includes I have been referred to the health web page which has only an outline. Recently we were informed by email that this year's health final will consist of the students building a webpage online that is only accessible by them and the teacher. Is this the case in all health classes this year? When will Shen have a written curriculum that parents can access?
For our detailed curriculum outline in the middle school, you can go to
the following web site:
http://www.shenet.org/gowana/apreston/apreston.htm, Click on the Sexual
Health Unit box, and then click on "Outline." The Sexual Health
curriculum is currently under review.
Posted on April 25, 2012 I just saw the calendar for next year. Rather than setting the Spring break around the Easter holiday, why doesn't Shen choose a WEEK, rather than a HOLIDAY to schedule the vacation. There are only 5 weeks between winter break and Spring break. Makes the end of the year very long! If the NYS testing always happens during the same week, why not schedule vacation to follow the testing.
We comply with the regional BOCES calendar for the recess breaks.
Posted on April 25, 2012 FYI...the elementary principal's aide is NOT a Civil Service position.
Yes, it is a civil service position. The title is Senior School Monitor.
Posted on April 25, 2012 Senior School Monitors do not take Civil Service tests. The other offices positions are but not the Monitor. Ask them or check it out!
No one said they take a test. We said they are civil service. They are non-competitive CSEA positions.
Posted on April 25, 2012 What is the purpose of bringing the Ringling Brothers Clowns to Orenda Elementary (Circus Fit). I feel promoting an organization that abuses animals is wrong. We all know circus animals are hit, tortured etc.; it's a hennas form of behaviorism to make them perform. Yes, I understand just the clowns are invited; however this invitation supports what goes on behind the scenes, the mistreatment of their animals. These "Clowns" are representative of Ringling Brothers! Something so controversial should not be allowed into our school! Why is this allowed, and why couldn't the school come up with a more appropriate form of entertainment to illustrate fitness?
This is a PTA sponsored event being held afterschool.
Posted on April 25, 2012 Is there a school banking program at Acadia?
No.
Posted on April 25, 2012 as a new student to Shenedehowa, I'm just curious as to why there is a church across the road named the "Shenedehowa Methodist Curch". As a public school, isn't this sponsorship of a particular sect of Christianity illegal?
There is no affiliation with the school. The name Shenendehowa comes from the fact that all this land around the Rt. 146 corridor was part of a patent with that name hundreds of years ago.
Posted on April 25, 2012 What is the status of the negotiations between the district and the STA regarding the teacher's contract?
Ongoing.
Posted on April 25, 2012 Is there going to be a full time psychologist and guidance counselor in all the elementary buildings next year?
At this time and foreseeable future, yes. The model, like many other service provisions, is still being evaluated for effectiveness and future financial constraints.
Posted on April 25, 2012 Are principals required to stay in their buildings during their lunch time? Should they be leaving on a regular basis? If they are leaving regularly I would think this could result in negative consequences for the staff, students and parents. What signal does that send in terms of work ethic?!
Employees have a right to eat lunch, inside or outside the building. Principals take the necessary steps to ensure that things function smoothly in their absence, whether it is for lunch or other reasons.
Posted on April 25, 2012 Are all teachers, k-12, going to be required to maintain an electronic grade book that can be accessed by parents and students?
Not necessarily. The option is currently not available to all…it is a work in progress.
Posted on April 18, 2012 What is the job description of the person who is the Principal's assistant at the elementary level?
It is not a Principal’s assistant or an administrative position. It is a Senior School Monitor , Civil service position. The Senior School Monitor is responsible for tasks assigned by the principal which support the overall daily school functions which may include classroom support , disciplinary support and communication with parents as directed by the Principal.
Posted on April 18, 2012 Is it true that there will be no aide services next year for special education students. I don't see how the students can succeed without any support. I feel the students and the teachers will both suffer and not be successful.
Aide services are determined by the Committee on Special Education. Students who require aide services will receive them.
Posted on April 18, 2012 What is the difference between the Best Buddies group and the Peer Network group?
Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to
establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for
one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development
for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). At
school, the Best Buddies “club” strives to provide friendship
opportunities for students with IDD with a non-disabled peer.
Posted on April 18, 2012 Are there any cuts at the District Office level with this proposed budget?
Yes, at least one district-level administrative position is being abolished.
Posted on April 18, 2012 In the recent budget presentation and power point, there were savings outlined for STA (faculty) retirements and 7.7 Full time Instructional positions to be cut. So can you tell us EXACTLY how many teaching positions will be lost due to this proposed budget? Thanks!
As noted, a possible total of 7.7 positions are being considered for reduction, with 6 of those being a result of enrollment shifts, meaning fewer students at certain grade levels. All reductions will be through retirements.
Posted on April 18, 2012 How much will the OLWEUS program cost to implement? Which grade levels/schools will use it, and will it be paid for by grants or from the general budget? Why not utilize "in-house" programs that could be free? In a time of increasing budget cuts, shouldn't things like OLWEUS be put on the back burner? When will a final decision be made about if it will be purchased and implemented? Thanks.
OLWEUS is being piloted in two buildings – Okte and Orenda. The $3,300 cost for OLWEUS was made from last year’s budget (10-11) and qualified for BOCES aid (57.2% was reimbursed by the state in 2011-12). OLWEUS is a researched - evidenced based program that we may look to implement in other schools as requested by the building administration.
Posted on April 18, 2012 Are students allowed to put up Kony posters in the middle school?
Yes, with permission of the principal.
Posted on April 18, 2012 My kids would love to ride their bikes to school, but the intersection at the campus enterance at Rte. 146 is trecherous in the morning. So many cars, and school buses run the yellow and red light when taking a left into the campus. Until that's monitored, I don't think many parents would find it safe for their kids to walk or bike.
The Shen campus security is not authorized to monitor traffic on route 146 (a county road). It may be worthwhile to contact the Clifton Park Town Supervisor, who also sits on the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors for assistance with getting a crossing guard at that location.
Posted on April 18, 2012 How much do you get paid to sit around and answer these questions all day? Is that all you do?!
Sometimes I stand.
Posted on April 18, 2012 Will we get the Friday off before Memorial Day? We have extra snow days.
Yes.
Posted on April 18, 2012 Is there a district video policy? I have been shocked by how many full length films are shown in the elementary school. At the very least, PG13 movies should not be allowed.
We do not have a formal policy on showing videos as there are many video clips made especially for education that enhance student learning and understanding. Movies shown in class should be relevant to course content and appropriate to the age of the students. Parents with concerns should contact the teacher directly to discuss the matter. If it is not resolved, please seek input from the building principal.
Posted on April 18, 2012 I heard that the Orenda PTA auctioned off seats for the 5th grade play. Why does the school condone a practice that essentially allows parents willing to pay the (winning bid was over $900!) special access to school events? There are many who would have loved a chance to sit in the first row but could never afford the $900 it cost to 'purchase' the seats. If the PTA was desperate to make money off the event a raffle would have been more appropriate.
This decision was discussed and voted on at the March PTA meeting. The PTA meets monthly and welcomes the input from all.
Posted on April 18, 2012 In regard to the service dog on the buses and schools, what happens with the students who are allergic to them? What happens if the dog bites a child? Who is liable? What about teachers, aides and drivers who are allergic? Where and what are the rights of the other students and employees?
Pursuant to American with Disabilities Act, 28 C.F.R. Part 36, the
District acknowledges the responsibility to permit students and/or
adults with disabilities to be accompanied by a “service animal” in its
school buildings, classrooms, and at school functions. A service animal
is permitted to accompany the individual with a disability anywhere on
District property where others individuals in the same category
(student, employee, member of the public) are permitted to go.
Posted on April 18, 2012 Can a teacher or cap take a cell phone and look at the texts and pictures.
The practice at the HS or MS is that they are confiscated if there is an issue of inappropriate use or an investigation taking place.
Posted on April 18, 2012 What is the scholarship amount for the Neil Hesson Award?
There is no money associated with the PTA Neil Hesson Awards.
Posted on April 18, 2012 Are you allowed to pray in school?
According to BOE policy 7460: No Board of Education policy shall prevent, or otherwise deny participation in, constitutionally protected prayer in District schools, consistent with the Guidance Document and applicable law as enumerated above.
Posted on April 18, 2012 When will the Health Advisory Committee render a decision or offer its opinion on the sex ed curriculum?
The plan is to have a recommendation ready to present to the Board of Education prior to the start of the 2012-13 school year.
Posted on April 18, 2012 I asked this question twice before and I have not seen a response so I will keep asking... When will the decision be made on the new girls varsity basketball coach?
A new coach will be recommended to the board of education in May.
Posted on April 18, 2012 Please support the girls at Karigon. If their principal is not 100% in their corner, what kind of example is that?
The “Girls on the Run” program is a valuable afterschool activity for students. In order for afterschool programs to occur, any outside group must fill out paperwork and present proper insurance coverage to the Shenendehowa District. Without this paperwork, no outside groups are allowed to use school grounds. Skano is able to provide this program, since teachers are involved and it is run as an official school club. Hopefully, the group will find a way to gain insurance so that the girls can participate.
Posted on April 18, 2012 I have heard rumors, that high school staff have created false facebook pages to investigate student affairs. I'm curious as to the validity of this rumor, and as to the possible consequences to the students if such actions revealed illicit behavior in school, that otherwise went unnoticed. Thanks.
The high school administration has not created false Facebook pages, nor is the administration aware of staff doing this. Having said this, the administration does act on information brought to the school by students and parents from Facebook pages if they have an impact on the educational environment of the school community.
Posted on April 18, 2012 My daughter in HSE recently had an issue with her English teacher, the actions the teacher took were entirely inappropriate. I called, as well as e-mailed BOTH the head of the English Department, Mr. Flynt and Dr. Robinson about a month ago and have yet to hear back form ANY of them! I find this completely unacceptable, and I would like to know who to go to next? This issue may just have to go to my lawyer, because that seems to be the only person that would be able to get through to the school.
Please call Mr. Flynt since he (and the superintendent) is unaware of the specific incident.
Posted on April 18, 2012 Is the ninth grade semi-formal canceled?
Definitely not! The 9th grade semi formal will be held on Friday, May 4th at HSE from 7-10. Tickets will go on sale, next Wednesday, April 25th during all lunches. Tickets are $10 and that includes refreshments, unlimited photo magnets, glow sticks at the door as well a popular DJ! The theme for event is “Neon Night”, but students do not have to wear neon colors. We are asking students to make sure their parent contact phone numbers are up to date in the unlikely event that we need to contact a parent or guardian. We are looking forward to a great turnout and a fantastic night!
Posted on April 18, 2012 I am very displeased with the closing of restrooms in HSE. I understand you have the right to close them and even put up the rediculous sign-in sheets but, over a bit of grafetti? they're teenagers, you should expect this sort of behavior of them to begin with.
The bathrooms are all open and we have higher expectations for student behavior.
Posted on April 18, 2012 Why are abstances for a school sport counted as an excused abstance but if a student is out for arts and education, such as a ballet preformance, it is considered unexcused? Shouldn't there be equality unless Shen doesn't support the arts.
School sponsored events are considered excused absence. By state guidelines, unsanctioned events, even the arts, while certainly worthy and important, are not considered excused absences by the State education Department.
Posted on April 18, 2012 When is the high school walk through being held this summer?
August 29th from 10am-2pm at HSE and HSW.
Posted on April 18, 2012 This was on the Shen home page "The High School Team 20, The Rocketeers, was crowned Regional Champions at the Northeast Regional competition."... Ipad still dont have spell check yet?
What is misspelled (in the quotations)?
Posted on March 28, 2012 How much does it cost annually to maintain the football field? What are the entrance fees used towards? Is any portion of the entrance fees to pay for the players' banquet at the end of the year?
The banquet at the end of the year is funded by the Shenendehowa Football Booster Club. Admission (entrance fees) to games all go back to the district general fund. Maintenance costs on the field are very minimal. The main cost is to keep the facility clean for interscholastic sports teams, physical education classes, community groups and residents who use the track.
Posted on March 28, 2012 Who determines what units are acceptable to do in P.E. Classes. Especially the Dance unit?
Dance is a part of the New York State Physical Education curriculum.
Posted on March 28, 2012 Glad to see all Shen is encouraging students to bike and/or walk to school. If they do bike to school are there bike racks available in all the schools in a safe place that they can lock their bikes to?
Yes, there are bike racks and we will be adding more through another grant.
Posted on March 28, 2012 In the high school, what are those Cisco square boxes on the ceiling in the hallways and in the library?
They are wireless access points providing wireless access to the Internet.
Posted on March 28, 2012 When is the middle school semi-formal?
It is not a semi-formal, it is an 8th grade dance – held on May 4th.
Posted on March 28, 2012 What is Shen's position on homeschoolers participating in it's sports programs?
We do not allow home school students to participate because they do not attend our schools.
Posted on March 28, 2012 If there are layoffs in the district why is the high school getiing a new computer with a plasma moniter in the display case???
The Solar Panels and Kiosk Display Project at HSE were made possible
through funding obtained from the State Energy Program through the NYS
Energy and
Posted on March 28, 2012 Can you tell me exactly where in the Middle School Dress Code it says that children can NOT wear pajama pants to school? Today, my child wore YOGA pants to Koda. These are not new yoga pants and they HAVE been worn to Koda many times this winter. They are plain, grey yoga pants with nothing on them, just plain yoga pants. She was sent to the office and told that she could not return to class until I brought pants. I have looked at the dress code and can't find where this is in there. Can you clarify please? I am not happy that my child missed a good part of the morning because she was wearing something that was comfortable and did NOTHING to disrupt, distract or interfere with the educational process or participation in a school activity/function. Please clarify. Thanks!
You need to talk to the principal. The building leadership has the authority to determine if or when clothing is distracting and/or disruptive of the educational process.
Posted on March 28, 2012 If there is enough interest, could gymnastics for girls be brought back and be like the hockey team where parents pay a good portion of the fees?
At this time we are not looking to bring back the gymnastics team. There are only four schools left in Section 2 that compete in gymnastics and a few of those schools are also examining the feasibility of running the sport next year.
Posted on March 28, 2012 Is it true that there will only be 2 sections of first grade next year at Karigon?
Based on the current enrollment projections we are planning on a total of 6 sections of Kindergarten to be split between Karigon and Orenda. As to who will host what, that decisions has not been finalized.
Posted on March 28, 2012 When is the 3-8 NYS testing?
ELA (3-8) Tuesday, April 17 - Thursday, April 19
Posted on March 28, 2012 Does ten year apply for administration as well?
Yes, tenure applies to administration.
Posted on March 28, 2012 If we are signed up for Parent Portal does that automatically sign up for SIS Messanger emails? Or how would we sign up for that?
Yes.
Posted on March 28, 2012 Are messages posted by the school / district on Parent Portal also emailed to the parents' email address or not?
Sometimes.
Posted on March 28, 2012 Since all 3 Shen middle schools are connected and many kids have classes in all 3 throughout the day the district needs to send a message to all middle school parents (not just the home school) when there is an emergency or health or safety concern.
They do.
Posted on March 28, 2012 why has the school failed to to acknowledge the fact the JV Cheerleaders have won first place in three competitions this year? These girls and coaches work very hard to get ready for theses competitions and I think that it is a shame that they are not given the praise by the district that they deserve. Do not say it is because you did not know because this is not the first time that you have been told about the accomplishment. Please put a congrats to them on the website!
We can't acknowledge what we don't know. It is up to the coach to provide information for the Webmaster to post.
Posted on March 28, 2012 How many buses does Shen have?
201 vehicles in the bus fleet.
Posted on March 28, 2012 Are you think about putting ads on the sides of the school buses?
At this point that is prohibited by law.
Posted on March 28, 2012 I understand that the school has the ability to rent space to outside venues. This past weekend I was on campus and saw that the church group renting Gowana's space was hanging a huge church flag in the middle of campus. From a public school's non-sectarian point of view, I feel that this is going way overboard. Are there some guidelines concerning promotion of certain religions on the schools campus?
It is not inappropriate for a group to display a flag to help participants find the activity; such display would be limited to the period during which the group was authorized to use the premises. There is no principled distinction to be drawn between the conduct of worship services on district property and the display of a flag (during the period when services are being conducted) to help congregants locate those services, so far as establishment of religion is concerned.
Posted on March 28, 2012 Will unused snow days be added to Memorial Day weekend or Spring Break?
Not Spring break. The decision to add unused snow days to Memorial Day is not made until after Spring break.
Posted on March 28, 2012 With Junior and Senior proms coming up, rumors are afoot. Can same-sex couples attend prom as a couple? Can same-sex couples dance together? If not, why not? Thanks!
Yes.
Posted on March 28, 2012 Does shen take in income when NorthStar church uses the facilities. If so where in the financials is this info posted
The NorthStar Church is charged the same amount as any other facility user. Our facility use fees are posted on our Community Services Web page.
Posted on March 28, 2012 Do you know when the first day of school will be for 2012-2013? Thank you.
The calendar is going for BOE approval on Tuesday, April 3rd. The first day of school for students is set for September 5th.
Posted on March 28, 2012 How do you obtain the District ID for the Infinite Campus mobile app?
It asks you to find the school once you install the APP, then it and gives you the PIN…the PIN for Shen is PWNSJS
Posted on March 28, 2012 What is the dress code for prom? for example, would we be allowed to wear dresses that perhaps show a tiny, i mean an inch of our side? or our back? i understand the problem with showing other areas but i do not think backs are an issue especially since they are not a "distraction" or a safety hazard for an academic area. and are strapless dresses allowed? please answer, many of my friends are wondering the same thing and do not want to buy a dress and be sent home
The guidelines what you can wear to a prom and to school are different.
Posted on March 28, 2012 Is Shen using Pink Slime in our kids lunches?
We use three providers for our beef products. The majority of the beef
we use comes from two manufacturing companies Tyson Food Service and JTM
Food Group. Both of these companies have issued statements indicating
that they DO NOT use any of the lean finely textured beef in the
products that we use. The third source United States Department of
Agriculture, (USDA) has allowed (LFTB) to be used as a raw material in
the ground beef they purchased since the early 1990s. In the ground beef
purchased by the USDA in 2011 for the National School Lunch Program,
LFTB comprised approximately 6.5 percent of total volume.
Posted on March 28, 2012 Can you tell me what the dates are for the 2012-2013 school year February and April Vacations?
Feb. 18th – 22nd
Posted on March 28, 2012 So what is the deal with a service dog being allowed on school buses now? What about the hundreds of students that have severe allergies. Why is it ok to endanger many to accommodate one, when that student should be on their own bus.
By law school districts must allow service dogs in the school. A service dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability is permitted to accompany that individual anywhere on District property where other members of the public are permitted to go so long as it is housebroken and under the control of the individual with a disability, or a trainer.
Posted on March 13, 2012 School districts in New York State are required by law to file their actual tax cap amount, including the exemptions, with the State Comptroller's Office by March 1. Why hasn't Shen publicly announced their tax cap amount? Is it because you want to break the tax cap and are afraid to tell the public?
An estimated tax levy cap was presented to the public on January 24 at the Board of Education meeting which is video taped and put on our website. The Powerpoint presentation of the tax levy cap used that night was also posted under breaking news and on our 2012-13 budget Web page on January 25. The official tax levy cap that was due on March 1 was presented publicly to the board on March 6. This meeting, like all others was also videotaped and the presentation was posted on our breaking news and the budget Web page on March 6.
Posted on March 13, 2012 If there are layoffs in the district why is the high school getiing a new computer with a plasma moniter in the display case???
This is part of a NYSERDA grant that includes solar panels on the roof of HSE. The monitor is meant to measure the energy that is produced by the panels at various times throughout the day. The cost of the monitor, which was included in the grant, was funded by NYSERDA.
Posted on March 13, 2012 Is there a Spring SAT review course offered by Community Ed? Thank you
Community Education no longer offers this course.
Posted on March 13, 2012 When will the results of the QUEST test be sent home to parents?
Parents who requested their children (grades 3-5) be assessed with the CogAT for possible placement in QUEST or Critical Inquiry will receive results by the end of March.
Posted on March 13, 2012 Do you know if Kindle or E-reader devices are allowed in the middle schools?
Yes. However, we are not responsible for them (lost, stolen, broken, etc.)
Posted on March 13, 2012 Hi, I saw the post on the grapevine Acadia is having their middle school walk-through on Aug 29. Does that date apply to Koda as well? If we are unable to make the walk- through date, am I able to schedule a time and date with Koda personnel so my son could view the school?
All of the middle school walk-throughs are on the same day. And yes, you can contact the main office at Koda to walk through the building on a different day.
Posted on March 13, 2012 what was the name of the rock band that performed 7th period in hse?
Frank Palangi Band
Posted on March 13, 2012 Why was a freshman cheerleader allowed to stay on the team and cheer for the remainder of the season AFTER being caught with marijuana, in her bra, AT A GAME?
No freshmen cheerleaders were physically caught possessing marijuana while cheering during an athletic competition. However, an incident did occur and the student was disciplined according to the Code of Conduct.
Posted on March 13, 2012 My friend on the color guard said that coins were thrown at them while they were performing on Respect day and some coins even got stuck in their props. On a day honoring and respecting others why is it acceptable for some students to be so disrespectful to others? These girls work just as hard as an other team that have long practices , camps and win numerous competition locally and nationally. I understand that if the aids did not see this happening then they obviously could not do anything to stop the kids but shouldn't a message be made about how disrespectful this is specifically on a day celebrating how much respect we have for each others talents at shen .
No one reported to the administration that this happened. Certainly this type of behavior would have been addressed if it was witnessed. The Colorguard students are to be commended for their dedication and hard work. Your friend should see Mr. Flynt, high school principal if she/he has any information about this.
Posted on March 13, 2012 Can I get a parking pass for HS East on my motorcycle?
Please see Mr. Heckman who oversees the parking permit process.
Posted on March 13, 2012 I heard that a freshman boy was suspended for threatening to kill a teacher. Will he be allowed back into HSW? And what is being done to keep the students and teachers safe? This is very unsettling!
This event did not happen, although a student did make some remarks to a staff member that were considered inappropriate. The students was disciplined according to the Code of Conduct. Students and staff are safe in our buildings. Security cameras, monitors, and quick responses by the school authorities all help. Perhaps more important, however, is that the students who hear of threats or who witness poor judgment that impacts safety, speak to the administration. We all need to work together to keep our school’s safe.
Posted on March 13, 2012 I heard that the Maddog program is what is in place of Shen providing a boys modified program. Is this true, and why isn't there a boys modified but there is a girls program?
In the Suburban Council, Shen boys and girls lacrosse play three levels. On the girls side it is Varsity, JV and Modified. On the boys side it is Varsity, JV and Freshmen.
Posted on March 13, 2012 Kudos to whoever thought of the Parent Portal mobile app. I find it easier to use than the online version. My kids are asking if they can check grades and assignments on it!!
We think it is an improvement too. Yes, students can also use it to check their own accounts.
Posted on March 1, 2012 When was the last RADON test in Skano and High School East? What was the result? How often are our schools tested?
Radon testing is not a routine or customary test that is done in schools. We will share this information with our engineers and architects to deliberate any next steps, as well as see if any new guidance will be issued by the New York State Education Department.
Posted on March 1, 2012
Please add to the Shen Dashboard the number of kids per grade and per
school who are in each accelerated and each honors class, K-12.
We don’t report specific class data.
Posted on March 1, 2012 Back in October 2008, I heard it through this Grapevine that the Administration was looking into changing the practice of having four days off for the Winter Regents. What did the Administration conclude? It seems that the Administration could find a way for the Winter Regents, and any prepartory midterms, to be administered during the course of the school day. In fact, many neighboring school districts have done exactly that. Seems like another way for our students to race to the top given the length of the school year we currently have.
Agreed! The high school administration is looking at ways to more effectively use these days and will present the ideas to the superintendent soon.
Posted on March 1, 2012 Has the process for the newly vacated assistant football coach started? If so,what does this process involve and when will the new assistant be announced?
The filling of the varsity assistant position created by Coach Clawson’s promotion to head coach is currently being discussed. As of this time, no decision regarding any staff changes in football have been determined.
Posted on March 1, 2012 How much influence do coaches and board members from outside organizations (such as Clifton Park Baseball or Miss Shen) have on tryouts and selections for the school teams? It appears that some are requesting and being granted favors for their children and/or players on their teams.
Roster selection for any team is done by the coaches that are hired by the school district.
Posted on March 1, 2012 Can you explain how the "club" sport situation works? For the hockey team, for example, I know the parents of players pay a good portion of the expenses, but what expenses are paid for by the school district for games, practices, scrimmages, etc?
Hockey is not a club sport. It is an interscholastic sport. The district pays for coaching salaries, officials fees, transportation within the section, certain equipment and supplies and part of the expense of ice time.
Posted on March 1, 2012 The other day, there was an article in the Times Union where it was mentioned that Shen currently offers 20 foreign languages and is considering adding Chinese. I thought that only Spanish, French, German and Latin were currently being offered. How did they arrive at the number 20 of languages being offerend? Thanks!
It may have been in the mistaken context that our English as Second Language students speak over 20 different languages. We teach only 4.
Posted on March 1, 2012 I was unable to attend the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library's Community Conversation with Dr. Robinson and the Chamber of Commerce about cultural changes in the community and the impact on schools. I was wondering if there is a way of finding out what was discussed pertaining to the schools. Thank you.
Due to the time constraints, not a lot of specific details were
provided. The superintendent noted several points:
Posted on March 1, 2012 When and where is Senior Prom?
June 2 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center.
Posted on March 1, 2012 I heard a rumour that the in school suspension students are sent to work in the construction site off campus? Is this true??
No.
Posted on March 1, 2012 How is it decided which school / district messages are sent to parents via email vs. put into parent portal message box vs. posted on the website? Can parents somehow choose how they want to receive such information?
Board policy:
Posted on March 1, 2012 Why are there no questions or answers on the Grapeline sports section since Sept. of last year?
Because Grapevine questions for the year are archived over the summer.
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 What is the date of graduation this year?
6/22.
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 Will the name of the student that wrote the bomb threats in the middle school bathrooms? Also will their punishment?
No. Student disciplinary records are protected under FERPA (Family Rights and Privacy Act).
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 If a student-athlete participates in a sporting event with a club team over the weekend, is it right for their Varsity coaches take them out of a meet as a result? How much control over a student-athlete's weekend does a coach have-- excluding violations of the code of conduct?
We expect that student-athletes are fully committed to their interscholastic team during the season that they are competing. This is especially true in sports where roster spots are limited. While student-athletes can participate in other club sports during their season, they have a responsibility to make sure that the details of doing a club sport simultaneously are worked out with their school coaches well in advance. Student-athletes who violate the team rules regarding participation in outside club sports can be disciplined by the coach. These rules are established by the coaches and are dependant on the sport and the coach. For further information regarding this, please contact the Director of Athletics at 881-0396.
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 What happens to a student's portal accounts post-graduation?
It becomes inactive and no data is available once the new school year begins. (The school years begins on July 1)
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 The Parent Portal indicates that you can now get a mobile app. Can you confirm if this is just for the Apple products, or if it is available for Droid, too? I looked in the Droid market, but wasn't able to find it. What a great idea! Would love if I could access remotely! Thanks!
Currently, it only works for Apple products.
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 Why don't they show how many high school credits you recieved in the portal anymore?
Infinite campus has changed the way the Grad Planner works and as a result, the credits are not displaying as they used to. We are trying to resolve this issue with the vendor.
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 I see that there is a new survey out about use of the Parent Portal, but that it requires you to log on to the Portal to do the survey. I never use the Portal, thus I don't remember my log on info. This makes it unlikely that I will take the time to request my log on information and thus take the survey. The survey is virtually self-selecting its respondents. Can a new SIS-message be sent out with a different access point so that more of us can answer it?
The whole point of the survey is to gather information from parents who
use the portal. The questions are geared towards how parents use the
information available to them. If you don’t use the portal you cannot
provide feedback on how it works.
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 Does the Parent Portal Inbox have a "delete all" message feature. It appears I can only delete one message at a time.
No. The newer versions of Infinite Campus do not have a “Delete All” message feature.
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 I have become aware that the Acadia lunch ladies are charging the children more than normal. My child's account had over 35 dollars last week, and now she has less than 10. Even if my child had bought snacks everyday, that would still not add up. Please explain this.
The basic better for you “value meal” consists of 5 food categories; meat/meat alternate, bread/grain, fruit, vegetable and fluid milk. A child must select at least 3 and as many as all five for the “value meal” price of $2.10 elementary, $2.35 at middle schools and $2.60 at high schools. If they do not select items from these categories all items will be sold at a la carte pricing plus any additional snack/beverage items. Please contact the cook manager at your child’s building for a print out of their spending. PayPams is also a great way to see your child’s purchases daily.
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 Hello, Is 65% considered a passing grade in middle school classes?
Yes: 64 – failing, 65 - passing.
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 My daughter will attend Acadia in Sept. Is there a walk through/open house in the summer for us to attend? If so, do you know when that will be? I want to make sure we don't plan a vacation during that time. Thank you.
August 29 from 2:00 to 5:00.
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 I hear that the EDK program was being dropped due to budget cuts. True or false?
False.
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 What's school policy about students missing school to play soccer out of state? It seems a local soccer program asks kids/parents to skip school so they can travel on a bus 8-10 hours. Also it's my understanding Shen teachers are coaches in this program, what are we teaching our kids here? The last trip they returned home 4 am Sunday night how many kids are coming to school on Monday? NICE MESSAGE DISTRICT!!!
The district has no oversight of outside programs, even if some of the coaches are affiliated with the program. Further, the decision to attend a trip, participate on a team, or to go to school the next day after a late night trip, is the responsibility of the parents. If the parent of a child finds it problematic, they can choose not to participate. It is that simple.
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 What are the national awards that Shen Grapevine has won?
A Golden Achievement Award for exemplary public relations activity from the National School Public Relations Association.
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 Are highschool students allowed to carry backpacks throughout the day?
Yes.
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 I heard several chidlren were suspended in the 9th grade building for selling drugs?
Over the course of the year, individual students have been suspended for possession, use, or sale of drugs. In a class of 750 the numbers of students who are suspended for this is not out of the ordinary. The vast majority make good decisions related to this and their behavior is consistent with our expectations.
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 Could something be done so exams scheduled in the small gym at the high school have adequate lighting? The lights are not all on and the teachers say it will require replacing the bulbs but no one has done it. Right now it is like taking an exam in a fog.
The lights in the gym are fully functional and are maintained appropriately by the custodial staff.
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 You stated " Several years ago, the district convened a District Instructional Technology Integration Committee (DITIC) charged with developing recommendations to use innovative technology for instructional purposes." Have students even been on this committee? and if they have not why not?
As the District Instructional Technology meetings have taken place during the school day, students have not been members of the committee. Student members are on the Instructional Program advisory council and contribute a great deal to the discussion. In the past , we have been asked for feedback on instructional technology and at times, high school students have presented or attended depending on the agenda. The suggestion is a good one to identify students to participate on the committee and and will be shared with the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment.
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 Would you please provide a link to the Sex Ed curriculum? My child does not have health this year so she has no health teacher. And there is no such info on the health page. Thank you
http://www.shenet.org/high/hsacaddept/Health/HealthEdCurriculum.htm
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 Why does the assistant principal at the high school now need an assistant? With the possibility of layoffs in the district - how does the administration justify additional staff?
The assistant principals at the high school do not have assistants.
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012
Why do my friends in the Alternative Education program get special
privledges? They went bowling the other day, they don't have to do
homework and they can leave class whenever they want. Why am I working
so hard?
The students who are in the Alternative Education Program do complete homework, have the same Regents exam and graduation requirements as everyone else, and occasionally have activities, such as bowling outside of the school. They are not allowed to leave class whenever they want. Like everyone else, they need a pass. You should continue to work hard because with hard work comes more opportunities!
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 If my child is accelerated in English, and they already have taken 4 years of english, do they have to take it their senior year?
High school requirements in New York State include 4 years of high school English. Students are encouraged to take 4 years of all core subjects even ifthey earn a credit while in middle school.
Posted on Februrary 17, 2012 The procedure for paying for AP exams is never very clear. I have a flyer in front of me that does tell me the cost and who to make the check out to, but that's it. It says fees will be collected starting Jan. 17, but when is the final due date? If your child is taking more than one AP exam, can you write one check for both exams? Is there any form to turn in with them so the office knows what the check is for? If you have more than one child taking an AP exam, can you write one check for both students? Thanks!
Yes. We will make the flyer more clear in the future. You can make out one check for siblings taking AP exams, or one check for an individual student taking multiple AP exams. Payment was due by 2/13/12. The office has a roster of students in the class and when payment is made, it is noted by the secretary collecting the payment.
Posted on February 8, 2012 When will shen announce who the new varsity football head coach will be?
PE teacher and Shen coach Brian Clawson was appointed as the new varsity football coach. Social studies teacher and Shen coach Jonathan Bain was appointed as the new varsity soccer coach.
Posted on February 8, 2012 Will there be a physics field trip to the great escape this year?
The science department is planning, as always, to request permission from High School Administration to take students on this trip.
Posted on February 8, 2012 Race to The Top was promoted as a competitive program that would reward successful school districts. Shen is a successful school district. Why does it only get $15,937 per year? It seems like a very small amount. All of that sum was paid to BOCES to cover only some of the compliance mandates. If you factor in the employee hours needed to comply with the mandates and any other supplies that are needed isn't Race To The Top costing us hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars to participate? In these difficult financial times wouldn't we be better off opting out of the program?
For school districts and communities like Shenendehowa, RTTT had minimal financial benefit. We are earnestly hoping that the funds will be appropriately used to bolster the capacity of the NYSED to better serve all schools across the state. Without that, it is indeed costing the district significantly more to comply with the corresponding mandates that all schools must now comply with since the NY Board of Regents has adopted said mandates.
Posted on February 8, 2012 My son told me that his teacher told the class that another student was missing from class because they had been suspended. I am suprised this would be allowed. Isn't this a violation of privacy?
The only time that information should be shared is if the student presented a health and safety risk to others.
Posted on February 8, 2012 Who decides who edits these and which ones to print? Not an open process!
Most questions are printed unless they have been answered already. Questions are not edited unless a name is used or the questions is offensive. As for being open, we were the first school district to offer something like this and have won national awards for doing so.
Posted on February 8, 2012
I believe the question about "who" is on the Health Advisory Council is
asking for specific names. Not the types of people who make up/will make
up the council. Is there a way to get the names of the people on the
council?
The committee has representatives from all sides of the issue. They will discuss the sexual health program over the next couple of months and develop recommendations. These meetings are not open to the public. Once the committee is ready to put forth recommendations it will do so publicly at a Board of Education meeting and the names of the committee members will be released at that time.
Posted on February 8, 2012 Can you tell us when the Health Advisory Council meets? Can we attend those meetings?
No.
Posted on February 8, 2012 will that health committee be giving regular updates at BOE meetings?
No. Their recommendations will be presented at a board meeting.
Posted on February 8, 2012 Is there an 8th grade modified boys lacrosse team? if yes when are tryouts and who do we contact? thank you
We do not currently have a modified boys lacrosse team.
Posted on February 8, 2012 I appreciate the fact that The Grapevine answers the questions that make Shen look like a fantastic school! Instead of answering questions that are minor but important. The question is regarding the late buses. Why were they cut to only 11 buses that are extremely overcrowded. The area they have to cover is more costly due to the fact that they are out for more than an hour. What was the thinking behind the change?
That question has been answered. Late bus runs were reduced as part of an effort to make up for a $6.9 million reduction in state aid.
Posted on February 8, 2012 Is it true that there will be no winter Regents week next year?
Not to our knowledge.
Posted on February 8, 2012 Is this thing still alive?
Yes.
Posted on February 8, 2012 I have been reading "The Grapevine" for a year and a half now and am astounded at how many rude and ignorant comments are posted. Our children go to one of the best school districts in the state. Let's be grateful for that and show some support for the administrators and teachers that work with our children everyday. The nasty comments don't accomplish anything. It bother me that there are parents out there who think such negative communication is appropriate. Keep up the good work Shen!
Thanks.
Posted on January 26, 2012 Is there any information regarding when Shen Tennis tryouts will be?
Spring sports will begin on Monday, March 5, 2012. Tryouts for the boys tennis team will be scheduled for that day or sometime during that week. For additional information please feel free to e-mail Coach MacArthur (e-mail addresses for all coaches can be found at http://www.shenet.org/district/AthleticsDept/Coaches.cfm).
Posted on January 26, 2012 So still no answer on who is on sex ed panel? Secret? Will have to show up at school board meeting and ask why you refuse to discuss!
That question was answered in Dr. Robinson's letter that was sent out via e-mail to all parents and posted on our Web site and Facebook page. "As we move forward, the sexual health program at Shen will be reviewed by the Health Advisory Council. This group of educators, administrators and parents will be charged with providing an objective assessment of the program."
Posted on January 23, 2012 What is Shenendehowa's annual share of the nearly 1 billion dollars of Race To The Top funding that NYS receives?
Shen received a total of $47,811 over three years, averaging $15,937 per year, which was all paid to BOCES to cover the cost to implement the newly mandated Inquiry Data Teams and new APPR (teacher/administrator evaluation) plan.
Posted on January 23, 2012 Driver's ed registration states that students will be accepted on a first come/first in and seniority basis. How will we be notified if my child has made it into the class?
Students will be notified via the student portal email no later than January 30. Community Education is doing their best to accommodate all students that apply.
Posted on January 23, 2012 I saw a student from your school wearing a shirt with a large profanity on it at Jiminy Peak on Wednesday. Do you have rules against that or are they allowed to wear anything off campus?
Yes. The student was told to turn the shirt inside out by the ski club advisor and his parents were called.
Posted on January 23, 2012 Do the shen middle schools have a "graduation" or "cross over" ceremony for 8th graders?
Yes, it is called a "moving up" ceremony.
Posted on January 23, 2012 Jan 4th posted a response regarding teachers having "facebook pages" for their classes. I assume that this would be for the high school and that parents would be notified of what student information is to be posted?
Teachers are permitted to create a class Facebook page to communicate with parents/students. We comply with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act which requires that we provide parents with the option to opt out of the use of student directory information (name, photograph, honors and awards, etc.) in district communications. If you chose to opt out, you must notify your child's principal in writing annually and we will not use it in any of our communications (i.e. press releases, Web sites, social networking sites, etc.).
Posted on January 23, 2012 Is Skano stopping the Morning Program? The Skano MP calendar lists a "Closing" on 1/31/12 and there is a Morning Program Closing Letter link listed on the Bulletin page that does not seem to be working. This is such a wonderful program for the kids and solidifies a sense of school community for them. I'd hate to see it end.
No. The “closing” listed on 1/31/12 refers to the monthly closing for January. The presentation will provide a summary of what students learned over the course of the month. The closing letter link doesn’t work because we no longer do closing letters each month. We are in the process of removing the link.
Posted on January 23, 2012
I heard Full Day Kindergarten was approved for the Fall of 2013 is this
true?
No.
Posted on January 23, 2012 Where can I find background checks on the entire High School faculty? Thanks
To our knowledge you can't.
Posted on January 23, 2012 Do the emails to the school board email go to all the board members, and if not, who selects which ones do? This question has been asked repeatedly but not answered. It raises agian the appearance that Shen is hiding the truth.
Yes and this is the first time we have received this question.
Posted on January 23, 2012 Is it true that the Gowana student council's dress to impress dance in may (8th grade semi formal) is requiring students to wear ONLY black and white?
NO… There are no color requirements or dress requirements. We encourage students to wear semi-formal attire but it is not required for admittance.
Posted on January 23, 2012 My daughter said that a new student just started on her at Gowana who lives in colonie. The girl claims she didnt like her teachers at colonie so transferred here. What is Shen's policy on students from other cities attending shen? I dont think this is fair when we barely have enough room for Clifton Park kids in shen classes.
We do not allow students to attend from outside our boundaries unless the family can prove that they are building or purchasing a house within the district and moving in during the current school year.
Posted on January 23, 2012 I moved to the Shen community 6 years ago and was shocked to find out that there were no student computer stations in the Elementary School Classrooms. 6 years later, still no computers. There is a wonderful football field and glorious pool, but no computer stations for students in their class. I understand they get 30mins. a week in a lab but that is no substitute for a computer station in your own classroom. My question is..... since administrators are getting their tablet computers to prepare themselves for the 21st century, when will the students get their computers? Some have already graduated and now their children are waiting.
Several years ago, the district convened a District Instructional Technology Integration Committee (DITIC) charged with developing recommendations to use innovative technology for instructional purposes. Each elementary school was equipped with a computer lab for student use. At the secondary level, computer labs were added as the demand for technology increased . Computer labs offer a classroom setting and access for all students . Many classrooms are outfitted with LCD projection units. The use of Interactive white boards and video conferencing equipment have also enhanced the instructional program. The district also decided to invest in other innovative tablet devices like eReaders in the library. As we progress, we will look to have more tablet devices in the hands of students. Information about the DITIC goals and instructional technology is available on the website . There are many, many examples of innovative technology use in all of our schools, and more yet to come.
Posted on January 23, 2012 What are the qualiifications for the high school students to tutor in the ARC? My daughter frequently goes to the ARC and the current high schools tutors give her incorrect answers, which damage her grade.
Students who are in the ARC are our honors level students and are not there to give answers but to guide students to finding answers, formulating ideas, and developing strategies to be successful in a particular course.
Posted on January 23, 2012 How does the school monitor which students are ineligible for participation in school events? For example, a school dance - is there a list of ineligible students that is checked at the door?
No, it is checked before the event and than double checked at the door.
Posted on January 23, 2012 If there is a situation in which one guy calls another guy a "fag" and there is a teacher RIGHT THERE, then that teacher SHOULD do something and not nothing!!!
Bullying is not to be tolerated on school grounds, therefore, it would be expected that an adult would intervene. If such actions occur, please report it to the principal, teacher, or other school personnel.
Posted on January 23, 2012 I heard that Shen asked the Black & Latino student group from the YMCA to go into the school on MLK day to clean. That's not right if you ask me.
They were not asked. However, we discussed coming into school that Saturday to participate in the National Day of Service (actually scheduled for 1/16/12) as promoted by President Obama. However, that day turned out to be inconvenient day we are working on a date later in the year when several clubs will be invited to participate.
Posted on January 23, 2012 Is there a policy on adults who work with students and are not Shen employees (ex volunteers, guest presenters) such as with clubs, sports, drama etc. Do they have to go to some sort of training to make sure they are not sex offenders?
There is a BOE policy 3150.
Posted on January 23, 2012 Forgive me if you posted this, but I can't seem to find information on the Jr. Prom. I found the date, but where is it being held? Thank you!
It is at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center.
Posted on January 23, 2012 does Shen have English and social studies books on line that can be accessed as you have for math?
High School English--the English department uses a variety of texts.
Many are paperbacks and most of these can be accessed on line. Many
teachers have web pages and post both assignments and links to
resources.
Posted on January 23, 2012 A press conference for a retiring coach. Seriously? I'm wondering when there will be press conferences for the folks who teach our kids to read, learn history, calculate etc. Honestly, these "legendary" coaches are just too self-important. So my question - when will Shen start giving press conferences for all of their retiring teachers?
The reality is that the media wouldn't cover it. Hundreds of teachers retire every year in the Capital Region. While we had three long-time coaches retire this year, that is highly unusual. We appreciate the efforts of all of our employees and that is why we recognize their efforts on the web site and with press releases, our 25-year club and our tenure reception.
Posted on January 23, 2012 Are teachers permitted to visit a student's home without their permission?
It depends on the situation...any concerns should be expressed to the appropriate administrator.
Posted on January 23, 2012 What is the district's policy regarding public humiliation as a disciplinary technique in an elementary classroom?
We are against it and see such actions as a form of bullying. Any such matters should be reported to the appropriate administrators, and the matter will be thoroughly reviewed.
Posted on January 17, 2012 There seems to be a little confusion regarding the upcoming half day for middle school students. Koda's morning announcement page states that there is a half day on Friday, January 22nd (the 22nd is actually Sunday, no Friday). Is the half day on Friday, January 20th or Friday, January 27th? Thank you.
January 27 is a half day for elementary and middle school students.
Posted on January 17, 2012 The district has boasted shared decision making (including administration, teachers , parents and students) for many years. When Dr. Robinson began his tenured he talked about his want/need for transparency in the districts decisions and policies. That has all seemed to have gone out the window since the District Office and the Superintendent are able to make unilateral decisions because as they say "It's their perogative". Many people are seeing this view as very unsettling
In New York State public schools, decision making authority is vested,
by law, in the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools. To
facilitate effective and efficient decision making, the Board of
Education and the Superintendent may delegate or "decentralize" decision
making authority--meaning that many people representing different levels
of an organization possess decision making authority.
Posted on January 17, 2012 What's up with Times Union and their strong support of Planned Parenthood? They must be getting serious advertisement dollars from them. I can't believe how irresponsible the newspaper has been- telling people to vote no on the budget unless the district changes its decision and let Planned Parenthood back in. Wow, that is so unprofessional. I hope all the subscribers to the TU in the Shen school district drop their subscriptions. I am and I am encouraging all our neighbors to do so. Is the TU the official newspaper for the district? Drop it.
As a school district we remain committed to the needs and best interests of our students, even if it means tackling highly sensitive or politically charged topics or organizations. The district will address the matter of sexual health education in a measured and objective manner, using established protocols. Our programs cannot be influenced by the bias or opinions of external organizations. Dr. Robinson is always willing to talk to reporters and journalists. The TU editorial staff has never contacted the district for a comment and/or explanation of the decision and subsequent steps taken. As for openness, we provide many opportunities to express opinions and ask questions about any and all concerns...from the Grapevine, the Web site, Community Conversations, public comment at board meetings, the boe@shenet.org e-mail, the Student Information System and our Facebook. We are doing many great things for our students, and they are performing at high levels in academics, athletics and the arts. That should be the ultimate measure "in time for the finals in May--also known as the budget vote and school board election.
Posted on January 17, 2012 I hope the AD and the committee he puts together is looking to fill the Girls varsity basketball position with a female coach. It's about time we have some positive female leadership in this program. I am well aware there are two female volunteer assistants but what example is this setting to our young student-athletes and community?
The AD and the committee he puts together will select the best person for the job.
Posted on January 17, 2012 My son/ daughter has recievied so much cult/lit homework lately its insane. Who do i talk to to have this changed? Its insane!
Start with the teacher.
Posted on January 17, 2012 Dr. Robinson thanks for sending the letter about the sex education issue out to all parents. I am amazed how people want the reason for your decision to be something sleazy. What's wrong with the district taking a step back and evaluating? I bet many of the people who are protesting have never really supported Planned Parenthood before and are not really supportive of an organization that have been caught on tape allowing under-age children to have abortions without their parent's permission, or support pimps with getting contraceptives for teenage prostitutes. This is a group that the US Congress is looking to defund, and people are up in arms that our school district decided to evaluate their usefulness. Those who are screaming should do their homework and take a step back before blindly objecting. Personally, I don't care about Planned Parenthood issue. I only care that our school district is providing our students with a great education, and Shen has a great reputation for do so.
Thanks. Whether you agree with decisions or not, we provide many opportunities to express opinions and ask questions about any and all concerns...from the Grapevine, the Web site, Community Conversations, public comment at board meetings, the boe@shenet.org e-mail, the Student Information System and our Facebook.
Posted on January 17, 2012 I read that someone threatened to not vote on the school budget because Planned Parenthood may not be in the district. Really? How stupid is that? I hope this community is smarter than that? I really don't care one way or another about the issue. But, I do care that our children get a good education, graduate ready for college, and can find success. The last time I checked, Planned Parenthood wasn't teaching our children how to read, do math and science. That type of threat to the district is a disgrace. We have a great school system. Don't let people's personal beliefs about a lightening rod group distract from all the good things happening for our kids. There are thousands of people who support our schools, they will be at the polls to show that support. The focus needs to stay on our students, and not on polarizing and fanatic adult beliefs. Dr. Robinson, continue keeping our children's best interest in mind.
The Times Union had an editorial that basically told people to vote no on the school budget over this issue. The editorial board to this date has never contacted us to ensure that their information is accurate or to ensure a "balanced" perspective.
Posted on January 17, 2012 In this entire PP sex ed debate as well as at the BOE meeting, why is it that we have not heard directly from the health teachers as to what has been taught in their classrooms? I get the impression that they have been quite "silenced" which is too bad since they observe all the PP lectures.
The health education teachers have met with parents who have raised concerns and they will continue to do so. Honestly they are disheartened about the misinformation that has been circulating in the media that has diminished their role in teaching the curriculum.
Posted on January 17, 2012 As a parent who has a daughter in 12th grade taking health 3rd quarter how do I get info on what is to be presented in the class since there is no meet the teacher for classes not starting in sept? Is there something I should expect that I need to sign? I know there is so much debate on this right now but think you need to communicate more details on this info directly to parents with students currently affected than maybe what you are trying to say to the community as a whole not directly affected.
Your child's health teacher sends home an outline of the curriculum at the start of the course. You can review it and discuss any questions with your child's teacher.
Posted on January 17, 2012 Is is true that there is a rubiks cube competition at HSW on February 8th?
There is an informal club at HSW that meets on Wednesday before school with Miss Hulme in Room #43. On Respect Day, February 17th, a demonstration and informal competition is planned. There may be other related events planned later this year.
Posted on January 17, 2012 We have been lucky with unseasonably warm temperatures this winter. However, last week, my Elementary age student at Orenda said that the students were told to go outside for recess on a morning when the temp was in the teens. The kids were so cold, they came back in almost immediately. The school supposedly has a policy (5661) that says children should not go out for recess if the temp or wind chill is below 20. Is this just a guideline or an actual policy?
While we really want our students to go outside for recess, Orenda strictly adheres to the district’s policy that says that children should not go outside if the temperature or wind chill is below 20. They are very careful to monitor the temperature everyday before making a determination. They also consult with the other schools before making a determination on questionable days. Parents are reminded to send in snow pants, boots , gloves and a hat. With temperatures above the 20 degree mark students will feel cold without the proper clothing and may be restricted from going outside.
Posted on January 17, 2012 Is there an internal reason for 3 successful and distinguished coaches recently stepping down. We've been hearing that coaches who do not currently teach in the district are being pushed out. It would be a shame if that's the main reason for these most recent resignations.
Shenendehowa has been extremely fortunate to have had three iconic coaches and the legacy they leave serves as a tremendous foundation for continued success in our athletic program. In no form or fashion are the retirements a result of anything sinister or otherwise. It is simply a function of decisions they have made after 30+ years of coaching.
Posted on January 17, 2012 On page 65 of the District Goals it indicates that one goal is to improve relations with the American International School of Kingston, Jamaica. This begs the question, why? Also, in this time of fiscal prudency, when classes are at 30 plus students and staffing cuts have occurred, why have we sent administrative staff to Jamaica, in January? What is the cost of this venture to fulfill a rather odd high school level district goal?
That is not a goal. That is one action to help accomplish the following goal "Foster an ambitious and entrepreneurial perspective among staff and students to create and promote innovative learning environments." The expenses for this specific venture as well as the impending partnership with a school in Ecuador and a school in West Africa, are all sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. We are very fortunate that we have several people on staff who have established these networks, enabling our students and staff to build relationships with students from across the globe. This is just the beginning of international and national connections. The district makes all attempts, when feasible, to time them around breaks or holidays to minimize the time staff and students are out of school such as the MLK Holiday in January, February break, and April recess.
Posted on January 17, 2012 From what I have read about the ongoing Planned Parenthood issue, I understand that PP was invited as an unpaid guest speaker to "enhance" the current sex ed curriculum. My question to you is what exactly were these PP speakers talking about to the kids in the classrooms? Were they stressing abstinence? Or were they stressing birth control? Was this more of a lecture or open discussion with the students? Were parents notified that PP would be speaking at their child's health class and were they sent home any printed material regarding what PP would speak about? Just curious since I have an 8th grader who will be taking Health next quarter. Thank you for answering my questions.
Your child's health teacher sends home an outline of the curriculum at the start of the course. You can review it and discuss any questions with your child's teacher. The Planned Parenthood presentation has been put on hold for this year, so they will not be in your 8th grader's class.
Posted on January12, 2012 I heard Shen is getting rid of teen talk
Shen doesn't run Teen Talk.
Posted on January12, 2012 All this Planned Parenthood talk vs health educations teachers and the delivery of the "message". Who is anyone kidding here......everyone likes to point fingers, play the blame game and you know mostly all of the kids have their "information" already via the internet/social media, all available on their smart phones/laptops. Sex education is and should be an ongoing discussion which should take place beginning when kids are young and therefore perhaps all these parents wouldn't be in such an uproar. I think the district has bigger fish to fry then this! The people who live in this distict should stop "presenting" like they are so liberal.
This is one of many issues the district has to contend with.
Posted on January12, 2012 Is it true that there are not going to be anymore special education classes for students in the elementry schools and that all the students are going to be in co-teaching classes.How can this work? My child is in one of these classes now and his grades have been going down. I also know for a fact that the special ed. teacher in not in the room much. It does not seem fair to any students.
The district provides a continuum of special education services per NYS Part 200 Regulations. Services are based on a student’s academic, social, and physical needs and must be provided in the least restrictive environment.
Posted on January12, 2012 You say that you often review the instructional programs and that this is not new. When have you done that before?
As a matter of fact, last year we eliminated the 6th grade health program entirely because of budget reductions and there was no advocacy. A couple of years ago we elimated the 6th grade LOTE (Languages other than English) program because we wanted to offer a full year in gr. 7 and 8 instead. We are currently deciding if we are going to revamp the extended math program at the high school that allows students to take a year and a half to complete a math course. Last year, we changed our policy on field trips putting many more regulations to increase the oversight ensuring that the trips are aligned with curriculum and/or the New York State Learning Standards and provide instructional enrichment by engaging in activities that cannot be replicated or experienced through any other means within the classroom.
Posted on January12, 2012 Last night (1/10), my wife and I attended Mrs. Funyak's meeting on the fifth grade health program. She gave a professional and informative briefing and we fully support her program. However, as we were leaving, we were accosted by someone from the "Shen Parents' Choice Coalition". Who are they and what side of the Planned Parenthood debacle are they on?
That is the group who has concerns with the use of Planned Parenthood as a guest speaker.
Posted on January12, 2012 Did Shen actually pay for Planned Parenthood's speakers? If so, how much? And how could this be justified when so many other cuts were made and staff losing their jobs when the health teachers could teach the same material?
No, the district does not pay Planned Parenthood.
Posted on January12, 2012 How do I find out how many credits I have?
The counseling center or the parent/student portal.
Posted on January12, 2012 can i opt my child out of health education?
No. By law you can opt out of the Aids/HIV lesson.
Posted on January12, 2012 Is the new position created for retired boys soccer coach a paid position? If so how can this happen in these hard economic times with all the cuts we are seeing?
A new position was not created. A vacant position in the soccer program will be redesigned to allow the coach to work across program levels- freshman and JV primarily.
Posted on January12, 2012 Did Dr. Robinson and the director of policy and community development ever address the claims made in the local church bulletin with the pastor and his superiors?
No.
Posted on January12, 2012 The link to the BOE school attendance policy is not working, please fix.
It works for us, not sure why it is not working for you.
Posted on January12, 2012 What happened outside of campus on 1/10? There were fire trucks everywhere.
There was a fire in the woods.
Posted on January12, 2012 You replied that the Times Union never contacted the BOE to get any facts about the decision to let Planned Parenthood go. At the board mtg last night the BOE did not offer any facts, which we were aware of beforehand. Many of us are frustrated with the lack of transparency from the School Board, and lack of any facts!, in this whole process. Who made the decision to notify Planned Parenthood that their services were no longer needed? Was it only Dr Robinson or was there a School Board vote? Was it someone else? Was Dr Robinson aware this was going to happen, if it was not him? Dr Robinson spoke last night of respect. Speaking of respect, why were there no mtgs or votes on this action, as required, out of respect for all the parents and families who might object to this unilateral and drastic action? Could this have broken any laws? Were those complaining parents notified that their children would be given the Sex Ed classes? Did any attending Shen Sex Ed certified teachers object to any class content prior to the parents' complaints? What were the specific complaints? How do the complaints jive (or not) with the requested, and approved, course content? How can I get a copy of the Sex Ed course curriculm? Thank you for your time!
No, we replied that the editorial board of the TU never contacted the district to get the facts for their editorial. It is not law, policy or procedure to hold meetings or votes on the use of guest speakers in a school district, curriculum delivery or curriculum for that matter. Information about the health curriculum is on the health teachers' Web pages.
Posted on January12, 2012 Thank you to the district for reconsidering having Planned Parenthood speak in health classes. I appreciate that they are listening to the concerns of both sides of the issue. It's unfortunate that some choose to label others as "small-minded" or "sheeple", simply because they have a different view. That is truly small-minded. Whichever the way the issue is resolved, I appreciate the district keeping us informed via Grapevine, etc. Is there a way that we (both sides) can express our concerns to the subcommittee which will be studying this issue? Thanks.
The subcommittee is charged with providing an objective recommendation based on the what is best for all students.
Posted on January11, 2012 I recognize the need to provide age appropriate sex education instruction to the students and trust that the administration and the board of education will make sure the curriculum meets that standard which should include providing factual information to the student body and should be free from advocating for or against any particular opinion on issues such as sexual orientation, pro-choice, pro-life, etc. One aspect that concerns me and I'd like to know is why the district has engaged the services of an outside vendor to teach this curriculum when a current health/science teacher who is already on the payroll could do this at a lower cost to taxpayers. Even if this has been going on for 20 years as is being reported, in this financial time this is the perfect opportunity to eliminate this contract and in-source this function with current Shen staff.
First, we did not eliminate a contract with Planned Parenthood and insource this function with currrent staff. The health program is a 20 week course. Sex education is provided for 10 days by our health teachers. Planned Parenthood comes in for three of these days as a guest speaker. We never had a contract with them. Also, we are not eliminating them, we have just put their services on hold until we can evaluate the value it adds to the program. As for why they were brought in originally, we don't know. That decision was made a long time ago and has just been continued without evaluation.
Posted on January11, 2012 Thank you to the district for reconsidering having Planned Parenthood speak in health classes. I appreciate that they are listening to the concerns of both sides of the issue. It's unfortunate that some choose to label others as "small-minded" or "sheeple", simply because they have a different view. That is truly small-minded. Whichever the way the issue is resolved, I appreciate the district keeping us informed via Grapevine, etc. Is there a way that we (both sides) can express our concerns to the subcommittee which will be studying this issue? Thanks.
The committee is charged with providing an objective review of the program based on its merits and its educational value to students, not on public opinion.
Posted on January11, 2012 Will the district please share information about how and why the decision to remove Planned Parenthood was made so this issue can be put to bed? It's very unfortunate to keep reading negative stories about our great district in the paper.
The superintendent made the decision in conjunction with the health administrator based on concerns that were expressed about the delivery of the curriculum. When we receive concerns that students are feeling uncomfortable or pressured or even “bullied” into talking about things that they do not feel comfortable talking about, we believe it is something that needs to be reviewed. The curriculum is the curriculum and that is unchanged. But we need to ensure that we are delivering the curriculum in a way that all students feel safe and respected.
Posted on January11, 2012 "The Fire Department had the fire distinguished by 3 p.m." Nice word choices. Shouldn't your Ipad catcch these kinds of mistakes?
Ipad might, phone didn't. In a rush to get information out quickly, sometimes mistakes are made. We will try to do better.
Posted on January 9, 2012 I heard that the democratic party sent out an e-mail telling people to attend the board meeting in support of Planned Parenthood. Are they responsible for the Times Union editorial? Why is a political party getting involved in our schools?
We have heard many different things from the democratic party asking people to attend the board meeting in support of Planned Parenthood to a a church sending out a bulletin asking people to attend the board meeting against it. None of these things have any impact on the curriculum that we have and will continue to teach our students. The fact of the matter is, every year we get concerns from parents about the program and since it is used to enrich the program and is not necessary to teach the curriculum, we decided it should be reviewed. The Times Union editorial staff never contacted the district to get the facts. We do not know who they talked to for their editorial.
Posted on January 6, 2012 In response to the question answered regarding the cell tower by the ball fields....this is true, and the town is looking to place cell recievers by the baseball fields on the Clifton Commons
I thought they meant our baseball field. Concerns over what the town does should be addressed to the town.
Posted on January 6, 2012 Where can we get a copy of the health education curriculum having to do with sex education so we know exactly what is and is not being taught to our children?
It is handed out to all students prior to the start of health class and posted on the health teacher's Web pages.
Posted on January 6, 20122/p> What is the best way to communicate to the BOE my support for re-instating the Planned Parenthood education program for Middle & High School students?
The speaker for the Planned Parenthood Program was put on hold this year until a subcommittee of the Health and Wellness committee could review it after several parents expressed concern about it. The subcommittee has been established and will meet soon to begin looking at it. The important point here is that the content of the course has not changed, and our certified health educators have presented and are more than capable of effectively presenting the materials to students. The involvement of Planned Parenthood, or any other outside agency for that matter, is merely a complimentary component of the program. Students will still be informed about resources within our community, of which Planned Parenthood is one of several.
PPosted on January 6, 2012 I support the recent Shen decision to not use Planned Parenthood instead of teachers in the classroom. I did not know this was happening and never received a form before giving me the option to opt out. How can I let those in charge know I support this change?
We never used Planned Parenthood instead of teachers. Planned Parenthood, or any other outside agency for that matter, was merely a complimentary component of the program. As far as the decision, it is under review by a subgroup of the Health and Wellness Committee.
PPosted on January 6, 2012 So, how exactly is the information going to be delivered? Who is it going to be presented by? How do we know the information isn't going to change? If the information isn't going to change, what's the point in taking Planned Parenthood out of the equation? They are by far the best people to do this, and isn't giving our kids the best what Shen is supposed to be all about?
The content of the course has not changed, and our certified health educators have presented and are more than capable of effectively presenting the materials to students. The involvement of Planned Parenthood, or any other outside agency for that matter, is merely a complimentary component of the program. Students will still be informed about resources within our community, of which Planned Parenthood is one of several.
PPosted on January 6, 2012 It appears that the reason that Planned Parenthood is no longer involved is because a local Catholic church became aware of their involvement, included a piece in their weekly bulletin and rallied the troups, so to speak. Explain to me how a church is dictating who teaches what at Shen?
We never heard from a church. We began receiving letters from parents to the board e-mail last May asking us to review Planned Parenthood's involvement in the health program. The bulletin you refer to was published this September.
PPosted on January 6, 2012 Please don't try to insult our intelligence by saying the the decision to stop using Planned Parenthood as a resource was not a political decision. This area is very heavily Republican and Republicans have an irrational dislike of Planned Parenthood. What's next- teaching creationism as science? Thank you for reinforcing my opinion that Shen is the most overrated school district in the area.
Our job is to educate all students and fulfill all of the NYS requirements and laws for public education. We do that with our health education curriculum provided by certified health education teachers. The decision to review the Planned Parenthood Program at parents' request is reasonable when it has no impact on our ability to deliver the proper health education to our students. So it will be reviewed by a subgroup of the Health and Wellness Committee. The involvement of Planned Parenthood, or any other outside agency for that matter, is merely a complimentary component of the program. Students will still be informed about resources within our community, of which Planned Parenthood is one of several.
Posted on January 4, 2012> When is the snowball for HSE?
1/14/12.
Posted on January 4, 2012 I heard that the elementary schools will be cutting recess due to children not being able to focus quickly enough afterword. Wouldnt this be the same issue with gym classes? is it true that recess is being cut?
No. Recess is regulated under BOE regulations http://www.shenet.org/DL_BOE/BOE_Policies/BOE5000policies/BOE5661R.htm
Posted on January 4, 2012 I just have to weigh in on the removal of the Planned Parenthood guest lectures for health class. Shen is allowing a group of small minded people to make decisions for the larger community. I would rather have the kids get proper information in a classroom setting rather than getting their info on the streets. Hopefully this can be rectified, if only the sheeple break ranks.
For many years, Planned Parenthood has been a guest lecturer in our health classes speaking about abstinence, birth control and sexually transmitted diseases--all mandated topics according to the Commissioner's regulations on health education. Each year a few parents typically object to their presence in the classroom. In accordance with NYS regulations, BOE policy 8211 allows for students to be excused from the lesson on the prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS instruction, so parents can opt out of that particular lesson. After a larger than usual group objected, the district decided to evaluate whether the enrichment program was necessary when the material can just as easily be taught by our health teachers. Once again, the curriculum is not changing, just the person delivering it.
Posted on January 4, 2012 First I would like to say I don't know why anyone would question staff attending professional conferences, In most professions you attend these and they cost far more than that. I think it is great they are getting the training to continue to better our school and technology. My only question with students having access to more at home would be, would summer classes or an evening class be offered on-line such as health which is not always easy to fit into schedule when you are trying to fit more important classes into schedule?
The district is developing many different options using technology. In fact, we began offering an online health course two summers ago and hope to expand those options in the future.
Posted on January 4, 2012 Rumors are circulating that a teacher at Karigon was involved in the car accident involving a Shen school bus. Many parents and students are concerned about their teacher's well-being, but haven't heard anything official from the school or district. Is any of this true?
Yes, a Karigon teacher was injured in a car accident before the break. Nothing was sent out from the district to respect the person's privacy. Karigon's crisis team has been working to notify parents and students in that building.
Posted on January 4, 2012 how long does power need to be out before you send the freezing students home?
It depends on many things...estimates from National Grid, time of day, can we get buses and/or drivers to get everyone home, will parents be home to watch children, etc.
Posted on January 4, 2012 Again... Are 9th Grade Honors classes weighted or no? Thanks
Yes.
Posted on January 4, 2012 I want to watch past boe meetings but I need a user name and password. How do I get that?
You don't need a user name and password, just click on the "Home" button.
Posted on January 4, 2012 What is the district's policy on allowing teacher's to create a Facebook page for their class? What if a parent doesn't want their child's picture on the internet at all?
In an effort to take advantage of the various communications tools available and to avoid potential conflicts of personal versus professional information being shared inappropriately, we are allowing staff members to set up professional social networking accounts using their shenet.org e-mail address.
We have one policy for public release of student directory information.
Parents have the right to object to the inclusion of information
concerning their child. Directory information includes: name, address,
telephone listing, e-mail address, place and date of birth, photograph,
grade level, major field of study, dates of attendance, degrees, honors
and awards received, most recent previous educational agency or
institution attended, participation in officially recognized activities
and sports, and weight and height of members of athletic teams; if your
child participates on an athletic team, your child’s weight and height
may be included in Directory Information.
Posted on January 4, 2012 I heard a rumor about a cell phone tower being placed near the baseball fields. The tower would be dangerously close to Tesago/Skano. I don't want my children spending 6 hours/day for 6 years anywhere near a cell tower. Any truth to this rumor?
No.
Posted on January 4, 2012 Is there a schedule out regarding testing times/dates for Regents and midterms during the January regents week?
It will be included in the Principal’s Newsletter that will be emailed on Friday, January 6, 2012.
Posted on January 4, 2012 Why is it that students who have a failing class must stay after school on Thursdays for Homework club? My child was told that it was mandatory, but there has to be more options as he has other commitments after school.
As a parent, you certainly have the right to exclude your child, who is failing, from Homework Club.
Posted on January 4, 2012 What is Shen doing about the drug problem (cocaine sales and marijuana) that seems to be surfacing in Gowana and the freshamn building?
For the 11-12 school year, Gowana has no VADIR incidence of use, sale or possession of drugs or alcohol. To date for the 11-12 school year, there have been no reported parent, teacher or student concerns over drug issues to the main office administration. As for the HSWm, any report of drug possession, sale, or use is investigated and students receive consequences consistent with the Code of Conduct.
Posted on January 4, 2012 I heard that students who were absent more than 10 days during the school year will not be able to take the regents. is that true???
No.
Posted on January 4, 2012 Why are Albany students attending our high school?
We are not aware of any Albany student attending Shen.
Posted on January 4, 2012
What student records can be released to a third party without the
parents/guardians consent and under what circumstances?
See BOE policy 7240
Posted on January 4, 2012 Is there a problem with middle school's lockers being broken into?
No.
Posted on January 3, 2011 The high school administrators attended a conference where they each received an ipad. I've heard this conference cost $1000 per attendant. Who paid for the administrators to go, the district? If so, how can that be justified when positions are being cut causing class sizes to be too big? If the administrators paid themselves, is it wise to have most of them out of the building all day?
Investment in professional development for employees is an essential component to ensuring that best practices are engaged and that the district remains progressive. Approximately 25 administrators used their contractual staff development funds to attend a technology conference to learn about innovative technology and relevant applications to work at Shen. The conference was sponsored by BOCES through our Model schools program and attended by administrators in several districts in this area. The New York State Association for Teaching and Learning through Technology (NYSCATE) coordinated and provided the instruction for the course and the ipad2 equipment. Applications and training for instructional and administrative use were provided to the participants. Some of the cost ($799 per person) will also be reimbursed through the model schools program. This is part of a planned and concerted effort to move to a digital environment using virtual technology to shift and transform pedagogy and enhance student learning. The testing of ipad technology at the administrative level is just a very small piece of the bigger picture. The district has begun opening up wireless networks and virtual desktops are being piloted so that students will eventually be able to access the district's network from home or wireless devices. The use of innovative instructional technology will be common place at Shen, transforming how teachers teach, administrators lead, and students learn. We are excited about the shift and see it as the means to sustain our unwavering commitment to excellence.
Posted on January 3, 2011 Is it true that Shen severed their long standing ties with Planned Parenthood - Mohawk Hudson? Why wasn't the community made aware of this?
As with any course, the district frequently uses different organizations and/or enrichment activities to enhance the curriculum including guest speakers, performers and field trips. Planned Parenthood has provided several complimentary components of the health education program over the years. Contrary to conflicting statements, the content and focus of the district’s health education program has not changed. Certified health education teachers will continue to provide the curriculum that fulfills the Commissioner’s regulations. As with all enrichment activities, the role of Planned Parenthood will be evaluated regularly as it relates to enhancing the curriculum for health education.
Posted on December 27, 2011 Posting the Shen girls soccer comment was not necessary. What is the purpose of this site? The condescending attitude in the answers is bad enough without bring up topics that do not need to be discussed in this forum. The girls lost the game on a bad call and they were upset at the time. Let it go. I used to read this site to find out school news, but I will not be reading this again. My tax dollars could be put to much better use than staffing this gossip site.
The purpose of the Grapevine site is to correct ANY misinformation that is stirring within the Shen community. We understand the agony of defeat, as well as the thrill of victory. As a district we are not ashamed of standing up in public and admitting when a wrong has occurred, even an error in judgment stemming from heightened emotions. Similarly, we are also proud to acknowledge achievements. The coach has taken accountability and we applaud her for doing so. This has been a teachable moment and we will never apologize for being open and honest in our communications.
Posted on December 21, 2011 Did someone fall off the roof at HSE as a result of low flying birds?
I don't know the reason, but yes, a student enrolled in the Construction Technology Systems class slipped, and fell sustaining minor injuries.
Posted on December 21, 2011 I think this whole Grapevine thing is completely childish and stupid and I cannot get over the fact that the school runs it. I was unaware that the enitre staff was so immature and childish enough to come up with a site that just causes an unbelievable amount of trouble, blows things out of proportion, and brings unneccesary attention to such petty things. Why is it necessaery to have this when there are so many other, mature, reasonable ways to find out information about the school?
It’s unfortunate that you feel that way. We think that providing open
communications and easy access to accurate information is very
important. We would rather have people come directly to us then report
things on the media tip lines, sound offs or blogs.
Posted on December 21, 2011 When will Naviance be updated with new SAT scores? Thanks :)
The SAT scores are updated to Naviance within two weeks of the HS receiving them. However, students can go to their College Board account for the most up-to-date score.
Posted on December 21, 2011 At the Gowana 6th Grade Chorus concert with the Chango 4th and 5th Grade Chorus, it was a very chaotic evening. The auditorium was packed with standing room only. Elderly people were left standing in the back. I'm sure the number of people in there exceeded the fire code. When the Chango performance ended, the kids were excited out of the auditorium, while they were hanging out in the hallway it was very loud (with the doors closed) making it difficult to enjoy the Gowana chorus. Please consider keeping elementary school events combined with other elementary school events. Overcrowding the auditorium for the sake of space made it an uncomfortable experience.
Thank you for the feedback. The crowd was larger than anticipated and other venues are being sought in the future to help remedy the situation.
Posted on December 21, 2011 How does someone go about requesting the assistance of a "parent advocate" for help/advice with dealing with issues such as instituting an IEP or 504 plan?
There are organizations such as Parent-to-Parent and Legal Aid who provide free advocacy.
Posted on December 21, 2011 What is going on with the Skano principal position? I recently heard they were moving to a permanent leader but have not seen a job posting yet.
The job was posted on November 28, the application deadline was December 19th.
Posted on December 21, 2011 Varsity Sports: isn't the point of varsity sports for seniors and juniors? and possibly exceptional sophomores? then why are there freshman on some varsity sports? it seems a little ridiculous because some kids work their hardest and are equally as god as those younger then them. things shouldn't be about "potential" it should be about skill level and age.
Varsity sports in not exclusively for juniors and seniors. Varsity sports is for any student-athlete who’s ability dictates that they can play and compete at that level.
Posted on December 21, 2011 When are we getting a new weight room?
At this time, we are not building a new weight room. However, we are continuing to explore opportunities to enhance our current one.
Posted on December 21, 2011 How can a music teacher give higher grades to students who pay for lessons compared to the ones who take lessons in school who have to take playing assements?
All students, regardless of whether they take private lessons or not, take playing assessments in school. Grades are, in part, determined by playing assessment results. Additional factors that influence grading include participation in the ensemble, participation in required performances, and preparation/performance in lessons.
Posted on December 21, 2011 While the Chango concert at Gowana was beautiful last night.. the location DESPERATELY needs to be moved someplace bigger. Every yr standing room only gets bigger & bigger. There are MANY fire violations being broken.
In the future, the Chango concert will not share the same venue as another school for a concert.
Posted on December 21, 2011 I take algebra 1 Honors is that a weighted course?
Yes. The weighting is 1.03.
Posted on December 21, 2011 How can you tell who is on the SHEN SWIM TEAM this year? Simple, anyone walking by with hair that is completely bleached out or looking greyish green! They say that the levels are within guidelines but something has to be wrong because this is extremely noticable where it hasn't been in the past. These students shower after practice and meets, yet hair and suits are taking an unusual and very noticable beating! Could this be looked into further?
We will look into this further. The pool chemicals are controlled by an computerized system. A certified pool operator must perform routine checks of pool water levels three times per day. If the system sees a spike in bathers it can over shoot the balancing of water sanitization to compensate for the actual bather load. Also colored hair is much more sensitive to chlorine and muriatic acids.
Posted on December 21, 2011 My friend who is a student at Shen does not stand and say the pledge for religous and political reasons. He has been late to class unfortunately and is being instructed not to say it but to stop. I understand your idea of respect for others while they say the pledge, but isn't stopping to respect it just as acknowledging and respectful as saying it. If you have a law about free choice to say it or not, why would you enforce a rule requiring students to stop for it?
Students are not obliged to recite the Pledge, but out of respect we ask that they stand or stop if they are in the hallways.
Posted on December 21, 2011 Why can't food be sold by clubs at hse?
Food can be sold under certain guidelines, but not during the school day as it is direct competition to our food service( State Education regulations) who do great work in feeding our students and staff.
Posted on December 21, 2011 I am a room mother for Skano...why am I being asked to email information to my class on behalf of the PTA?
Please contact the building principal.
Posted on December 21, 2011 I have a question ~ why, on my elementary student's report card, are the "days absent" incorrect. I contacted the proper person at our school & was told to go to the portal, which I did. I understand the District has put into place, a new attendance program, that has elem. teachers doing attendance throughout the day. My daughter takes violin lessons. So, even though she has not missed 1 day of school this year (to date), for some reason, the system is showing her missing complete days of school (as it shows on her report card). The response I got from our school was that all of her "absences" were excused, since she was at lessons, but they could NOT explain why it was showing up as complete days missed on the report card. Why is this? Is this going to be cleared up in the future? And why doesn't the portal match what is on the report card? Her "total days absent" does not match how many lessons she went to. THANK YOU, for answering these questions & FOR ALL YOU DO!
We would need further information to get the exact details on this situation. That being said, we are experiencing a few minor issues with attendance recording due to the new attendance-in-subject-area requirement. Missing a class due to a music lesson should absolutely not count as a full day absence. It is an excused absence from the subject area class being missed. We are currently having our report card attendance formulas modified to account for new attendance rules. We should have this all worked out by the end of Q2.
Posted on December 21, 2011 Do you have any idea when the Community Education Spring Brochure will be available. Thank you
It will be mailed out in February.
Posted on December 21, 2011 I have a daughter in HSW and I drive her to school everyday. I was wondering on bad weather days, that shen doesn't cancel school if she will be punished for being late or absent. I would have her ride the bus but it comes at 6:28 am that is ridiculous.
From time to time, there are weather conditions that impact student arrival to school. On those occasions, we would take that into consideration as there would be several students arriving later than usual. Aside from that, students are expected to be in school on time. Each late to school is investigated on an individual basis and dealt with accordingly.
Posted on December 15, 2011 When will the PSAT scores be available to the sophmores who took the test?
Counselors are meeting with students regarding PSAT results prior to the holiday break.
Posted on December 15, 2011 Do all sports team receive the same level of financial support from the school to cover costs associated with coaches, equipment and uniforms? Does the level of support vary by level of team (e.g. freshman, JV, varsity)?
Interscholastic athletics has an overall budget. The needs of each team are determined by the athletic director and the coaches within the programs.
Posted on December 15, 2011 I have reviewed the district calendar for budget planning. Having gone through the layoff process last year, I would like to know when we might know what potential layoffs will be this year. Is there any particular area or group being targeted this year. Thanks for the info.
The budget is a comprehensive process, in which we assess and analyze all aspects of the school districts. The primary goal is to preserve core programs and provide ample capacity to meeting the varied needs of our students. We are still in the first phase, of a five phase process. Right now we are focused on defining the budget assumptions and expectations- the driving forces behind the budget (phase 1). The next phase (2) will be clearly defining program needs. Once complete, we will focus on assessing the existing capacity to meet the existing and emerging needs (phase 3), which is when we start looking at potential staff reductions, reassignments, and even possible addition. The last phase is when we simulate the various options to assess the tax impact, which is largely driven by state aid (phase 4). The final phase is the presentation to the public and the referendum (phase 5).
Posted on December 15, 2011 Who decides the amount of homework given to freshmen taking world cult world lit. The amount given to my daughter is completely inappropriate. Our kids need time to be kids, watch t.v. , talk to their family, go to practice, etc. Cult Lit has literally taken over my child's life and is negatively affecting her. Who comes up with the criteria for this class?
The teachers.
Posted on December 15, 2011 We saw that Elizabeth Wood was "promoted" from Shatekon Elementary to Asst. Superintendent. Why is this move necessary mid year when another Asst. Superintendent was already in place?
The current assistant superintendent for curriculum is shifting to the unanticipated vacancy in Human Resources, effective December 19th. Former Okte principal Deborah Price will serve as interim principal at Shatekon until a new one can be hired.
Posted on December 15, 2011 Do the nurses in high school east distribute condoms?
No.
Posted on December 15, 2011 In this age of electronic file transfer, why does it take over three weeks to send out a college transcript once it has been requested? Seniors are competing for a finite number of spots and getting transcripts to a college in a timely basis is critical to the review process.
For each transcript request, counselors must complete a “Secondary School Report Form”, and also must write a personalized Letter of Recommendation for each student. Counselors work very hard to meet the college application deadline date, and they prioritize completing applications by deadline dates. By adhering to the deadlines that colleges set, students are given equal opportunity to compete for spots available for acceptance. Students and parents are asked to notify the counselor if there are special circumstances which require documents to be sent prior to the college’s official deadline date.
Posted on December 15, 2011 How did security know to stop the individual who was carrying a concealed weapon on campus? I have been told it was due to this same individual holding up someone on campus the prior week. If that is true, then please provide us with the entire story regarding this situation and not just half the truth.
That is not true. They saw something suspicious and checked into it.
Posted on December 15, 2011 The music teacher at Karigon has held chorus practice twice during regular 5th grade music time. The chorus participants have practiced for their concerts on stage while the non-participants have mostly done busy-work. If this is going to continue to happen I think that the non-chorus students should be allowed to stay in their classrooms for study hall. This has been extremely frustrating for the non-chorus children who feel like they are being punished every time this happens. What is the point of having music class for all children if the time is used so poorly?
The non chorus 5th grade students joined the chorus students to play a recorder song learned in music class during the school wide morning assembly of the Holiday Concert. One 5th class has chorus students that will be on the stage as they cannot all fit on the risers. Those students went one time into the cafeteria so they could see where they would stand and they all played their recorder song in the cafeteria- both chorus and non-chorus students.
Posted on December 15, 2011 When will the middle schools post the Achievement Lists for Quarter 1 on their websites? some are outdated & still showing last years list
They are posted.
Posted on December 15, 2011 I go to vo-tech, i was wondering that if we have two hour delay. Do we still go to albany? if we dont what do you do for that time period. Also do seniors have that time free?
On a day where there is a 2 hour delay, VOTEC students in the morning would be supervised in the cafeteria.
Posted on December 15, 2011 I think that it is unfair that my son has to have band lessons during their lunch period. It is the only time they have to enjoy time with their friends. Also the band teacher gives them less then 20 minutes to eat so they are forced to eat their lunch very fast. The lessons should be changed to not be during any ones lunch period.
Talk to your child's principal.
Posted on December 15, 2011 The Orenda FLL Robotics team won the regional championship this past weekend. The kids and coaches did a great job preparing for this competition. So why isn't this news worthy enough to be placed on the Shen district website?
It was. They won on the weekend and it was posted by Wednesday.
Posted on December 15, 2011 I was a winner of the VFW essay contest at the same level as the Shen 8th grader featured on the shen main page. Many other shen middle schoolers won as well. I know there was a group photo y wasnt that featured? instead only 1 student was featured.
A group photo of the winners is posted on the main Shen website. The one student featured in a separate photo won not only on the local level but also the VFW district level which includes thirteen counties in New York State, and, his essay has been submitted to the state-level competition.
Posted on December 15, 2011 I heard the coach of the girls varsity soccer team let them destroy their section finalist plaque and then burn it because they were so upset over their loss. How is this acceptable? This is absolutely outrageous and the coach should get fired or questioned and punished for this awful behavior. Coaches are supposed to be role models, not be so negative about losing a game and destroy what was school property. This is not fair for the players who worked so hard. What can be done about this nonsense?
As a district we do not condone any such display of poor sportsmanship. The director of athletics is investigating the matter and appropriate steps will be taken.
Posted on December 2, 2011 I heard a rumor today regarding a Shen bus driver. I heard he was fired several years ago for either being under the influence of marijuana or possesion of marijuana. Is it true that Shen recently re-hired this individual? Can standards really be this low? Please set the story straight.
Two years ago, the school district terminated a bus driver who tested positive for marijuana. Yesterday, the district received notice that the state Appellate Division ruled that the driver must be reinstated to the position. At this point, the driver has not been reinstated and the district is in discussions with our lawyer to determine what the ruling means exactly and what our options are going forward.
Posted on December 2, 2011 Is it true that a student got taken out by cops at hsw on Wednesday?
No.
Posted on November 30, 2011 Why can't we get an answer about whether or not the high school will have classes during January Regents week? I've called HSE and been told that schedule changes "would be announced." I've posted this question several times here. We're now heading into December -- hasn't the schedule been decided? Parents and students may want to make plans, especially those students trying to visit colleges during any possible breaks.
It is posted on the high school Web page. Exams, both mid-term, final, and regents exams will be given, but no classes held during January Regents week for students in grades 9-12.
Posted on November 20, 2011 Are the student grade pictures on the portal going to change each year?
Yes.
Posted on November 20, 2011 What ever happened to the HS graduation planner on the portal, it was very helpful for juniors to see if they were "on track ".
Due to recent upgrades to the Infinite Campus system we are no longer able to use the Grad Planner to track HS credits. We removed it so as not to cause confusion. We hope to have the Grad Planner operational in the near future.
Posted on November 20, 2011 My bus is overcrowded almost everyday . My bus driver said that my has 70 plus students on it. How is this safe?
If buses are overcrowded it should be reported to the transportation department to be addressed.
Posted on November 20, 2011 Bullying at Skano is out of control. School should focus more on the bullies, instead of the kids who were bullied. That way maybe they won't be scared of talking and feeling sorry for themselves.
Skano has many bully prevention programs in place that discuss the
repercussions of being a bully as well as what to do if you feel you are
being bullied. Both situations are important to address. Skano programs
include: Bullying Prevention Week in October (District Wide Program), a
“No Put Downs Program” that lasts throughout the school year, a “Bucket
Filling Program” that students are introduced to during morning program,
and lunch buddy programs that take place throughout the year.
Posted on November 20, 2011 At teacher told me that since my final average was an 89.899 will it appear as a 90 on my transcript, is that true?
Yes.
Posted on November 20, 2011 Why aren't male teachers allowed to break up fights?(between girls)
There is no such rule about that…district personnel are asked to intervene as appropriate to ensure the safety of any student…male or female.
Posted on November 20, 2011 Is there a plan in place if there is a snow storm on one or both of the Elementary Parent-Teacher Conference days (12/8-12/9)? Will the conferences on that day be cancelled? Rescheduled? Do you know how the parents will be notified? Thank you for any information you might have.
If school is cancelled, those conferences will be cancelled. New days will not be rescheduled. Subsequently, meetings with parents will have to be arranged by the teacher.
Posted on November 20, 2011 I have tried to find the Shenendehowa BOE policy that says a student must make up a missed swimming PE class but can't find it. Can you please print it in the Grapevine? You probably can't because I really don't think there is one. I saw your response to the previous question about making up a swim class. "We think" is not a vaild reason. My child missed a football class due to participation in a Shen sports team. Now she is missing swimming becasue she has her period and is taking "unprepareds" because she is not swimming this week. She didn't have to make up the football class she missed. Why should she have to make up swimming? Why is Shen shoving the pool down our throats?
You are correct, there is not a specific BOE policy that says a student must make up a missed swimming PE class. Administrators and teachers are authorized to appropriately and accurately assess students progress, and to provide the necessary assignments and opportunities to master course content. A PE class is no different from students needing to make up missed assignments in English or math when the student is absent. These are standard administrative protocols and practices.
Posted on November 20, 2011 I have heard there is no respect day this year, is this true?
No. It is scheduled for Friday, February 17, 2012.
Posted onNovember 20, 2011 Hi. I would like to know if cult/lit is weighted?
Yes, by 1.03.
Posted on November 20, 2011 The high school east library has been EXTREMELY loud during the day. Is anything being done about this? Librarys are suppose to be a quiet place to study and work, not talk!
Libraries are working areas and if the staff in the library believes that the noise level is manageable, it will continue to be at the same level.
Posted on November 20, 2011 There was a post on November 9th by a parent who wanted to find a tutor for their 5th grade student, and you responded that there was not an available tutoring program. However, I would like to correct this. The National Honor Society actually can attempt to provide tutoring for all Shen students. All requests should be sent to the NHS Vice President. Thank you for correcting this!
Thanks, but I can't post your personal e-mail and name.
Posted on November 20, 2011 I cannot view my own grades on the Portal. It tells me that I "do not have the rights to view data from this person". Do I not have the rights to view my own grades?
You should contact the computer lab aide in your school for a first-hand look. Without a name, we can’t do much.
Posted on November 29. 2011 Who will be the new principal of Shatekon now that Mrs. Wood has been promoted?
An interim principal will be selected until a new principal can be hired.
Posted on November 29. 2011 Who do I contact if my child has missed the bus?
Your child's school.
Posted on November 29. 2011 My daughter came home very upset today. Because she was warned several times to finish her 'ham' that is included in the lunch meal at Skano. Many families do not eat pork for several reason, please have staff educated. Thanks.
The aides have been notified not to pressure students into eating their food.
Posted on November 29. 2011 Why did the shen football team get to ride in a nice coach bus and the cheerleaders had to go in a school bus? This is 2011 and women still are short changed?
Section 2 pays for one bus (per team) when that team advances beyond sectionals into regional and state championship play. The expense for the cheerleaders to travel is incurred by the district. It is important that the cheerleaders go to support the team, but the most cost effective way for them to travel is by using a school bus.
Posted on November 29. 2011 In respose to reading about the Dignity for All Students act, I am wondering what the process is for a student to report a concern involving an adult empolyed by the school?
The adult's supervisor.
Posted on November 29. 2011 This comment is to follow up on something that I read on the Grapevine about a teacher not showing up to class to supervise the student teacher. My child also told me that this was the case for one of her classes. I found it surprising that the teacher would not show up to supervise the student teacher and just wanted to let you know that this is happening at Shen.
Student teachers have a “solo” week as determined by their cooperating teacher and college advisor. They should make this clear to the students and be available if needed.
Posted on November 29. 2011 Can a student previously on a varsity sport make jv the next year?
It depends on the sport and circumstances.
Posted on November 29. 2011 My question is: why did shen football team get "new" jerseys for the game and why was it televised? Why does the soccer team get treated like 2nd class citizens. Their game was not televised, they have won 19 games straight, they had no student bus, but they played just as awesome as anyone! I can't wait to hear the answers.
The football team did not get “new” jerseys. The team wore their away white jerseys in the last game of the season against Newburgh. Shenendehowa has nothing to do with what sports and games are televised. That is determined by Time Warner television. As far as a student bus goes, if students ask and there is interest, we run them. We are proud of ALL our fall sports teams this year.
Posted on November 29. 2011 Is it true that the boys cross country team made it to nationals this year?
No.
Posted on November 29. 2011 I heard a rumor today that a boy in 8th grade at Acadia brought a "tazer" to school. Supposedly he was put on in school suspension. Is this true?
No.
Posted on November 29. 2011 When will the new football coach be announced?
February break.
Posted on November 29. 2011
I am not sure that the book Thirteen Reasons Why is appropriate for 7th
grade. The book is extremely disturbing. I read the book and could not
sleep due to the subject matter. Yes the subject is important but this
book is for older readers. Maybe high school at the very earliest would
be a better time?
A letter was sent home to parents before the book was started cautioning them about the content. Two sections are reading it with groups, but as always-other choices were available.
Posted on November 29, 2011 My daughter has recieved a 3 in effort in her math class but i know she comes home and studies every night. Who should I contact?
The teacher.
Posted on November 29, 2011 Are bus drivers allowed to ask students for cigarettes? My son reported this activity to my today and I am very concerned.
No.
Posted on November 29, 2011 We heard there was a stabbing on the Y trail on Monday. Why were we not informed?
We communicate school district news only. With that being said, we have no knowledge of anything happening on the Y trail.
Posted on November 29, 2011 I have asked this question before and will do the same, Why were we taking such a disusting 114 question test in gym asking us if we did drugs and things of that sort? I had contacted my parents about this and even took pictures of the exam as proof, my parents were outraged and want something to be done. Please answer this question or i will continue to repeat it.
A letter was given to students to take home to their parents stating the purpose of the survey. Since 2006 the district has been administering the PNA (Prevention Needs Assessment Survey) to students every two years. It measures alcohol, tobacco, and drug use as well as information to determine which factors place students at risk for problem behaviors and what can be done to protect them. It was totally voluntary. Students did not have to give a reason for not participating. Students were not required to answer all questions, only those that they wanted to answer.The survey is designed to protect a student's privacy. No names or any other identifying information is requested or recorded.
Posted on November 29, 2011
We learned about the incident on WTEN news before the school even
notified parents of the incident involving a gun. Our HS students
reported that the principle never came across the PA system to explain
what was happening despite teachers reporting that the principal would
make a statement. A letter should have been sent home or parents sent an
email. We have deep concerns, especially given recent incidents at other
neighboring high schools. What confidence do officials have that the
person who was not deemed a "threat" did not intend to hide that weapon
on campus. We have no comfort level regarding this matter or how it was
handled.
The school district ensures that necessary precautions are taken and matters are properly investigated prior to officially sharing information with the public, students, parents, and the community at-large. A notice was posted on the Web site at the same time it was given to the media. The e-mail to parents went out shortly after that.
Posted on November 29, 2011
Why did the administration wait until the end of the school day to
inform anyone as to the presents of the police? Why was their no lock
down to protect the student from any harm until it was determined the
threat was not existent? If it was a legitimate threat what could have
resulted prior to action being taken by the police?
The administration notified the staff as a courtesy. No lock down was necessary as the both the administration and police did not view the messages as a threat, rather a poor choice of words by the writer of the original text.
Posted on November 29, 2011
In light of this weeks event in regards to the gun "non
incident/incident". What training does the Shen security staff have in
regards to situations as these? They are not armed security personnel -
what do they do if the situation was much more severe? Are they NYS
Peace officers? Do they actually have the law on there side to subject
persons to searches? I am concerned that A)should they infringe on the
rights of a person it would jeopordize a criminal case and B) Hold the
District (taxpayers) responsible and liable in a lawsuit for acting
unjustly. NYPD has a school division - perhaps having the Sheriffs
Offices work in a similar manner would be a cost effective alternative
to the situation.
Our security personnel are expected to contact the NY State Police or Sheriff's Department upon knowing about or encountering a potentially criminal matter prior to engaging a potential suspect. With both law enforcement agencies being within minutes of the campus, that relationship has worked effectively.
Posted on November 17, 2011 Did a student in High School East bring a loaded gun to school?
No. Earlier this week, after school hours, a
person was stopped by the district’s security crossing through the
campus with a package containing a gun. The police were called and they
handled the situation. Although it was determined that the person was
not a threat, the possession of a weapon on school grounds is in
violation of state laws. It was determined there was never an intent to
harm students or school personnel.
Posted on November 9, 2011 Is there a Rubik's cube competition at High School West on Pi Day?
There is no Rubik’s Cube competition at High School West on Pi Day.
Posted on November 9, 2011 Was curious as to why many events seem to be held at the HS West auditorium when the East auditorium is much bigger and could accomidate more people? It seem many events ie. chorus concerts,musicals and plays are held at West and they always sell out of seats or its very crowded.
The person directing the event is responsible for selecting the venue and typically considers the size of the event, length/duration, stage accessibility, technological needs, consecutive availability, needs of other facilities, when making the decision. The East auditorium, while newer, does not always provide the best fit or consistent availability.
Posted on November 9, 2011 What is the district policy on teachers tutoring students and getting paid? Shouldn't they offer after school help?
Parents are encouraged to speak directly to their child’s teacher regarding extra help sessions . Parents may employ a certified teacher as a private tutor. Private tutors are not allowed to conduct tutoring sessions on school property and are not approved by the school district. If a student is eligible for home tutoring due to an extended absence Policy 8450, regular classroom teachers may provide tutoring after school hours for payment.
Posted on November 9, 2011 I am concerned with many issues at the Transportation Department. My daughters bus is packed, sometimes students are even standing. We were told there were cutbacks and less bus routes. How is this safe? We voted in new buses, yet you have many buses just sitting in the parking lot every a.m. and p.m. we counted over 50 buses just sitting there in the morning. How many other buses are traveling the roads overcrowded? Don't you have enough drivers with the cutbacks? How many drivers are there for Shenendehowa? It seems like we could use more if there is a safety issue. Can this be looked into? I know I am not the only parent complaining about this. Kudos for the drivers who I'm sure have no say in the matter.
Safety is the first consideration in route planning. Overcrowded buses should be reported to the transportation department for evaluation. The transportation department does not plan routes such that students are forced to stand so any standee situation should be reported as well.
Posted on November 9, 2011 Do the years of foreign language taken in middle school get reported as a year of FL to colleges? For example, would a student who stops taking foreign language after his/her junior year be listed as having 3 or 4 years of FL to colleges?
Beginning this June, students who pass the Checkpoint A Second Language Proficiency Examination given in Grade 8 will receive a high school unit of credit. That is what will be reflected on transcripts.
Posted on November 9, 2011 A group of kids park every day on the grass at the top of the hill near the parking lot at HS East, driving over the grass sometimes right from the road. They park here even when the parking lot is empty. Is this legitimate parking? If not, what message does it send to allow this destruction that taxpayers will ultimately pay for?
We try to let as many students as we can park on campus. On some days it is necessary for students to park on the grass. Since not everyone drives every day, some days this is not necessary. We do not have the resources to find students to have them move their vehicles on days when less students drive.
Posted on November 9, 2011 Why are the bathrooms closed? There was an announcement saying they were being monitored but they're just being closed now? Teachers are getting annoyed because instead of walking right outside the classroom to the bathroom, we have to take extra time out of class to walk to the other side of the school. Are cameras not enough to monitor the bathrooms? I understand that they were being misused. But can't you just punish those who were misusing it, not the whole population?! There are lines at certain times of the day just to use the bathroom. When will these unnecessary actions end? Just punish the people that deserve it and get on with it.
All the restrooms are open and this was announced in homeroom on October 27 and 28th.
Posted on November 9, 2011 My daughter missed the bus leaving HSE yesterday because she had to use the rest room. She says there's only one available girl's rest room at the end of the day, and the line is ridiculous. It is also very unsanitary under such extreme use. I had to go out of my way to pick her up at school. When will the other rest rooms be available again? If this is a deliberate attempt to keep the girls from using the facilities, will the administration begin driving home those students negatively impacted by such a petty decision?
All the restrooms are open at the end of the day and have been for quite some time.
Posted on November 9, 2011 Has the list of students receiving the Green or White awards been posted on website? I didn't find it anywhere and was just curious. Thanks
It is posted now on the high school page.
Posted on November 9, 2011 If I missed the Green and White Awards, where can I go to get my award? Thanks
Mr. Flynt’s office.
Posted on November 9, 2011 I would like to find a tutor for my child who is in 5th grade. I am aware his elementary school provides a "master list" of tutors available (teachers, aides) but at the going rate of $40/hr I simply cannot afford it! Does the highschool offer tutuoring through their students in the National Honor Society program? I would like to find an affordable alternative that would benefit my child, my wallet and give an honor student a chance to "attain community credit hours". Please let me know if such a program like this exsists or who I could contact in the highschool. Thanks
We do not have a program like this.
Posted on November 9, 2011 Why is tailgating not allowed before the football game I can understand if there was alcohol but there wasn't no one saw it as being bad even parents. I think the adminstration needs to chill down a little bit. They think there so powerful but there not the people with real power in the world or cops and judges who can indeed put people away for life
Have you seen the parking lot before games? It is extremely crowded and it is a safety issue. We do not have the resources to “police” the groups who want to tailgate and maintain a safe environment for those attending the game.
Posted on November 9, 2011 Who schedules the gyn time for the travel basketball teams of Clfiton Park? Why aren't the days consistent? And why is the actual gym time under 3 hours for a week? For any team to be competitive they must have at least 3 to 4 hours of gym time a week. My child's team is getting 2 hours a week. It should be equal for both the girl and boy teams.
Each basketball group gets a certain amount of time. The group contact person for each group assigns gym time to each team. We try to fill requests for extra gym time if at all possible, and replacement gym time when canceled as a result of a school program. There are many groups that use our gym space, including school athletic teams, Clifton Park boys' and girls' travel basketball, Clifton Park boys' recreation basketball, Miss Shen softball, Clifton Park baseball, Halfmoon baseball, NY Attack volleyball, Clifton Park soccer, NY Elite soccer, Shen Colorguard, community education classes, adult basketball leagues, staff wellness groups, adult volleyball leagues, Clifton Park badminton etc.
Posted on November 9, 2011 Did the district exceed the maximum capacity for HS East when it required all chorus students (and many other music students) to participate in the Yellow Jackets concert? Every seat was full and there were 700 students on and around the stage.
No. The building has a count for seating capacity and for standing capacity.
Posted on November 9, 2011 I'm a student who uses the portal frequently and would find it very useful if I could see my high school transcript on the portal. Thank you!
That is not possible at this time.
Posted on November 9, 2011 Does the district divulge a particular students grade marks to their grandparents?
Information is only shared by the school with the parent or legal guardian.
Posted on November 9, 2011 Is there a schedule out regarding testing times/dates for Regents week in January? Does this include mid terms as well as Regents?
The schedule is not yet complete. However, regents/mid-term week is scheduled for January 24-27, 2012.
Posted on November 9, 2011 Why are students not allowed to wear Hooters shirt? The dress code states in part 11: Students' dress/accessories shall not promote and/or endorse sexual activity of any kind, the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs and/or encourage illegal or gang-related activities, including violence, depictions of guns, knives, and other weapons. A Hooters shirt does not have any inappropriate pictures or phrases. So what's the problem?
The implied message (as defined in Webster's Dictionary) is inappropriate for the school setting.
Posted on November 9, 2011 If you email a teacher or principal how long should you wait to hear back from them?
It is up to you. If you don't get a response to your e-mail in what you think is a reasonable time frame, pick up the phone and give them a call.
Posted on November 9, 2011 Shen teachers in grades 4-8 are being held accountable for state test scores. Is it true that Shen is one of only a few school in NYS that do not have full day kindergarten? Wouldn't this help with early intervention and thereby help raise test scores and student performance? Our students are being assessed without the same background of education as students in other districts. Is it also true that the superintendent would rather be fined by the state then implement the state mandated full day kindergarten?
That's the first time we heard that one. The state would never fine the superintendent because full-day kindergarten is not mandated. In fact, kindergarten is not mandated at all. Our students perform very well on standardized tests and we have programs in place to support kindergarten students who are at risk of not performing well. We do not have full day kindergarten because we do not have the classroom space.
Posted on November 9, 2011 What's with this no open flame rule in the classroom? My child came home saying that they couldn't use fire anymore, because it's a new district rule. How can they do this, considering fire is used in many of labs? This seems absurd, and slightly harsh.
It is routine practice for the science department to review activities and labs to ensure they comply with local, state, and national safety protocols for educational settings. This includes evaluating the educational value of the lab in relation to the potential risks or hazards. The department gives careful consideration to how labs should be conducted to ensure safety while continuing to provide a rich, rigorous hands-on educational experience.
Posted on November 9, 2011 Trying to figure out why swimming must be made up if missed. No other PE class is, right? Please explain. Thanks!
Because swimming is a unique unit providing life-long safety skills, we believe a student who misses the class should make it up.
Posted on November 9, 2011 I feel it is unfair that the winter sports teams do not have a prep rally wile other sports do. This is unfair, Why is shen football so important?
Please remember that the homecoming pep rally is more about tradition. It starts the school year by building school spirit. It was also for all fall teams, not just football. It is not possible to do it for winter because we don't have a facility that would hold the entire high school student body and staff.
Posted on November 9, 2011 According to NYSED.gov, "New York State Selection/Classification is a model program that may be implemented at the discretion of all local school districts. It is not mandated." Why then, does the athletic director insist on following the model to the letter, despite the expert opinion of a coach and consent of parents?
We believes that the process of selection classification, as established by the State Education Department and the New York State Public High Scholl Athletic Association, works well and we will continue to adhere to its rules and guidelines for the promotion of student-athletes in 7th and 8th grade into the interscholastic program. If there are specific questions regarding your child with the selection classification process, please contact the Director of Athletics.
Posted on November 9, 2011 What grade do you have to be in to be on the competion cheerleading team?
You have to be a freshmen.
Posted on November 9, 2011 Is it still possible to sign up for the peace program and be able to go France?
Program Coordinators are accepting deposits only from students who hosted until November 18. Spaces available after that will be first come, first served. See Mrs. Bonventre in HSE for more information.
Posted on November 9, 2011 Why is it when my son buys two lunches he is charged ala cart for the second?. His bill is over $7 per day when two lunches should be less.
The National Breakfast and Lunch Program in which Shenendehowa participates allows for one breakfast and one lunch per student, anything purchased outside the one lunch or breakfast would be a la carte.
Posted on November 9, 2011 When will modified lacrosse tryouts be?
Lacrosse is a spring sport. Listen for the announcements in March.
Posted on November 9, 2011 Does every h.s. sport award "special awards" for their teams given by the coaches in addition to their JV or V letters or is it just certain sports such as football?
It is up to the individual program as to whether or not teams give individual recognition and who they chose to recognize.
Posted on November 9, 2011 Where is the proper drop off place to drop off students before school at HSE? There are cars EVERYWHERE and no clear cut place designated as "drop off"
The back of the building.
Posted on November 9, 2011
I have been witness to two accidents this year already on Moe Road and
the student/bus entrance/exit at the 3:00 p.m. dismissal time. We have
asked for over a year to have a light device that only is "on" during
dismal time. Instead we get blinking warning lights with one of the
crosswalks outside of the blinking lights and one inside it and still
have 40 mph posted. Numerous accidents, students crossing everywhere,
buses leaving, students leaving... all at the same time. Obviously the
accidents aren't enough to get a light... what will it take??? Is Shen
waiting for a student to be hit? Whose fault will it be when something
worse happens?
WE DO NOT have the authority to do anything to town, county or state roads.
Posted on November 9, 2011 I do not want to repeat this, and I expect it to be answered. My child was buying lunch today, and she bought a snack(separately. I know she watched the Lunch Aid type it in, and they took off $1.25, and when she went back up, they said they were only supposed to cost $.60. Please explain?
Contact your child's school or the food service department.
Posted on November 9, 2011 How many graduates were there for Shen Class of 1981? What is the biggest class of graduates that Shen has ever had?
http://www.shenet.org/DL_ProfileOfShen/EnrollmentInfo.cfm
Posted on November 9, 2011 I am wondering why i have to pay 6 dollars to get into a shen football game when i already go to shen? shouldnt we be able to get in for only a dollar? thanks
Section II sets the prices for sectional games.
Posted on November 9, 2011 The event calendar does not indicate when the first report card for elementary students will be sent home. It tells when the first quarter ends. Is that when the report card is sent home?
Parents get elementary 1st-quarter report cards at the parent/teacher conference. They are not sent home.
Posted on November 9, 2011 Why aren't all of the sports pages current? The boys soccer shows varsity information from 2010 and jv from 2008. There isn't even a link for golf.
Clubs and sports maintain their own Web pages. There isn't a link for golf because nobody from golf created a page.
Posted on November 9, 2011 In a recent article in one of the local newspapers, Oliver Robinson was quoted as saying that Shen Teachers do not proctor exams in their own content area. Does he want to make a correction because either he is misquoted or is misinformed.
One word makes all the difference. Our teachers do not SCORE their own students' exams. In fact for 3-8 testing we used a cadre of retired teachers to do the bulk of scoring.
Posted on October 26, 2011 Are the students in High School East allowed to wear costumes to school for Halloween? Of course following the usual no masks, don't be inappropriate, no weapons, etc..
While it is allowed, it is discouraged. However, all dress code and Code of Conduct rules will be in effect.
Posted on October 26, 2011 When calculating class rank and Gpa, is the grade on the report card the one used or the ACTUAL grade in that class. For example, a 94.49 and 93.5 both round to a 94 on the report card and it doesn't seem fair that the 94 would be used to calculate gpa and class rank because there is almost a point difference in the two grades.
The actual grade.
Posted on October 26, 2011 Shen teachers in grades 4-8 are being held accountable for state test scores. Is it true that Shen is one of only a few school in NYS that do not have full day kindergarten? Wouldn't this help with early intervention and thereby help raise test scores and student performance? Our students are being assessed without the same background of education as students in other districts. Is it also true that the superintendent would rather be fined by the state then implement the state mandated full day kindergarten?
Full-day kindergarten is not mandated. In fact, kindergarten is not mandated at all. So, we are not sure where you got the idea that a district superintendent could be "fined" by the state. The fact of the matter is, we don't have the space for full-day kindergarten and our students score well above the state average on assessments.
Posted on October 26, 2011 Could sophomores be part of the National Honor Society?
The Shenendehowa Dwaaskill Chapter of the National Honor Society is set up to invite students to apply based on the GPA at the end of the third quarter of the junior year.
Posted on October 26, 2011 Is there Regents week this year? thanks
Yes. It is January 24 (Tuesday) through January 27, 2012 (Friday).
Posted on October 26, 2011 Could you please tell me what happened on the 24th of October at High school east? Several of the girl restrooms are closed and it's causing annyance. Thanks!
Some of the bathrooms were misused. As a result we locked them, but others remain open.
Posted on October 26, 2011 Will Shenendehowa be providing support for the Mobile Infinite Campus "Campus Portal" available in the Apple APP store?
As soon as the district gets the next upgrade for Infinite Campus we will be able to support the “Campus Portal” App. We do not yet have a date for when that will occur.
Posted on October 26, 2011
Why does the Shen Girls basketball program take direction from the
Clifton Park Girls basketball organization, regarding who can tryout for
freshman hoops? We were told only certain girls are allowed to try out
this year, and next year no girls will be allowed to try out due to a
large number of girls in the class of 2016.
They don't. All decisions are made by those in the athletic department.
Contact the athletic director if there are concerns.
Posted on October 26, 2011 Can anything be done about the traffic on Moe Rod entering and exiting the school? No matter what entrance you try to come out of it is an accident waiting to happen. I often see the security guard sitting in his car on campus, but he is never out on the main road directing traffic. Why is this and what is the school doing to make it safer for drivers and walkers.
Our security, by law, cannot direct traffic on town or county roads. We have been in communications with town officials and NYS DOT, and we hope to see some future changes to enhance safety.
Posted on October 26, 2011 Can you explain why the guidance counselors have been changed. My child a (senior) has had the same guidance counselor since 8th grade and now (senior year) he has a new guidance counselor who doesn't know anything about him, and from our experience so far does not offer much "guidance".
Counselors changed because there was a reduction of one counselor at the HS level as a result of budget cuts. We did make sure that all the juniors kept their counselor from last year.
Posted on October 26, 2011 Will Gowana be selling entertainment books again this year?
Gowana will not be selling entertainment books this year. If interested, Acadia is selling them.
Posted on October 26, 2011 Shen HS holds an Annual Spirit Rally to honor Fall Sports Teams...I don't recall hearing about a similar event last year for Winter & Spring Sports Teams. Is there another event later this year for those teams are or those teams not recognized?
The spirit rally is part of homecoming week in the fall and the only teams selected at that point are the fall teams.
Posted on October 26, 2011 Can middle school kids try out for freshman indoor track or do they have to be invited?
They have to be recommended by the coach.
Posted on October 26, 2011 Who would one contact to set up a link to the math team website on the Shen webpage? Thanks
A staff member or administrator has to contact the public information officer.
Posted on October 26, 2011 Are you allowed to try out for more then one sport during the same season.Then if you make both teams,pick the one you want to play?
No. You will need to pick a team to try out for in a season. If you do not make a team, the student-athlete should stop in to see the director of athletics about trying out for another team. In many cases, we have more students trying out for a specific sport than we have roster spots.
Posted on October 26, 2011
How is it possible that all positions needto be applied and interviewed
for, but the position of human resources can just be filled? Seems like
there is a different set of rules for different groups of people within
the district.
It is possible because the superintendent has certain prerogatives, taking into consideration contractual and legal stipulations.
Posted on October 26, 2011 When my child entered 7th grade two years ago, we were told that by taking a full year of a language in 7th and 8th grades they would be receiving 1 high school credit toward the high school/Regents language requirement (their class was the first ones to do this). Now that they have taken two full years and are starting a 3rd year of language in 9th grade, I am told that the will not, in fact, be receiving the 1 credit for the 7th and 8th grade years. Why is this the case?
Students in Grade 8 LOTE will be taking a Comprehensive Checkpoint A exam in June. Students who receive at least a 65 on the exam will receive a HS unit.
Posted on October 26, 2011 We have a student teacher for english and she teaches 100 percent of the time. I mean my real teacher hasn't shown up to class since the fifth day of school. Some one had a big oral project which she didn't even come to grade them so the student teacher had to. I'm just wondering is it okay that the teacher is not supervising the student teacher with us? From past experiences there has always been another teacher in the room while the student teacher is teaching.
If what you say is true, it is not okay. It is being looked into.
Posted on October 26, 2011 The archive link for Honor roll does not work. Can you tell me the requirements for Middle School Honor roll and how a student's eligibility is calculated? Thanks
It is fixed now.
Posted on October 26, 2011
Did a chem teacher get fired or quit. Many rumors are saying she is no
longer going to be a here at shen, is this true?
Neither one is true.
Posted on October 26, 2011 When is the deadline to drop a full year class?
11/24/11
Posted on October 26, 2011 It is my understanding that the Shenendehowa Grapevine was originally intended to, "nip those rumors about the district in the bud." As I read many of the submissions, it appears this anonymous platform has become a venue for the public to essentially "cyber bully" staff members. In addition, it states on the site, 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. I can see at least one post in which a staff member is referred to by his/ her name. In addition, there are many positions in which only one person occupies a certain job. The name may not be typed, however, based on the post, it is obvious who the staff member is. There are multiple posts that degrade and berate current staff members who work extremely hard each day to provide a safe and academic environment for the students of Shenendehowa. This venue is not protecting those individuals, but rather, is continuing to fuel the rumors this site has sought out to stop. I find it unfortunate that the district would post multiple submissions and comments about one particular issue when one factual post was already made to put a rumor to rest. Continuing to post additional comments only continues to fuel these rumors rather than stopping them. It is my hope that the district will more carefully consider which submissions to post. This is an anonymous venue in which people can hide behind a posting rather than following proper protocol to resolve an issue.
The first paragraph on the site says what the purpose of the Grapevine is: to provide people with a place to get answers to questions and to address rumors and inaccurate information that sometimes circulate through the community. This was essentially created to stop the "ballpark chatter," to give people a place to get answers other than talking to their neighbor who, most likely, does not have accurate information. The statement about individual concerns is regarding students. We don't want the Grapevine to replace personal interaction between parents and teachers or administrators about individual student issues. Regarding staff members, if people have a question or concern regarding the roles and responsibilities of a position, policies regarding a position, why we have a certain position, etc. we will address it in an effort to be open and transparent. There are many positions in which only one person occupies the job, we stay focused on addressing the concern about the position. People may not agree with the answer, but at least they have a place to go to get the answer.
Posted on October 26, 2011 What is going on with the HSW school pictures? How do we know if our child needs a retake if we haven't even seen the first take? This is absolutely rediculous! Could you please pass along the picture information???
Questions about student pictures should really be directed to your PTA representatives. School pictures are a PTA program in all of our schools. All of the proofs went back to students on Tuesday of this week. For those that ordered packages, the packages are coming, but most students only received the proofs this week in case they want to take a retake next Friday. There were some students who did get back packages already, but everyone who ordered a package will get one in time. At this point, the company just wanted to make sure that everyone got a proof to look at for retakes next Friday, October 29th. You may want to contact Lifetouch, the company, directly, if you need more information. For customer service, call 866-955-8342.
Posted on October 20, 2011 My Okte 1st grader came home with an elaborate story of a robber entering school today. Was the lock-down just a drill or something more?
We initiated our standard lock down procedures as a precaution to protect a child who was in duress. At no time were Okte students considered to be in any danger. Lockdowns occur for a variety of reasons and the confidentiality of our students must be respected and protected. The children for followed the lockdown procedure perfectly.
Posted on October 20, 2011 I would like to thank Shen for letting us (firefighters) of the local fire departments train on the campus with rescue and extraction, on two buses! It was a great experience and training for all! It was a once in a life time training experience and hopefully we do not have to use that training! THANK YOU Dr. Robinson and the transportation department!
You are welcome. Thanks for all you do for the community.
Posted on October 20, 2011 You stated in a previous question that the requirement for the tennis, dance, and cheer teams have to wear yoga pants under their skirts.. Why is it that dance team wore their skirts last Friday and tennis team wore them today and no one said anything? This is ridiculous and completely unfair. Get your rules straight for everyone, it's not fair for those who have a rule but others don't.
The tennis players that the administration saw were wearing long shorts under their skirts. If you have a concern address it that day with an administrator.
Posted on October 20, 2011 What is going on with the administrators at Shen.?! Where is Jill Bush going? Is she taking another position in Shen. or is she also leaving the district?
Mrs. Bush is not leaving Shen. She accepted the position of Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Professional Development to begin on December 19. This came about due to the recent resignation of Amy Bianchi. The district will be looking to hire an Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment position internally. The goal is to have that position filled by December 19th. In the mean time, Mr. Frank Tedesco will serve in an interim capacity in Human Resources until the transition of both positions are complete.
Posted on October 20, 2011 Is the "full time certified athletic trainer" paid for by the district??? If so, there is some of the "waste" Governor Cuomo is talking about!
Yes, it is paid for by the district. As far as waste, it depends on your point of view. More than 700 student-athletes compete each season (fall, winter and spring) at hundreds of games, meets, etc. At Shen we are very fortunate that we are able to provide this health and safety support to our student athletes particularly at a time when athletics is pushing the envelope and the contests and training are becoming more highly competitive and strenuous.
Posted on October 20, 2011
Re: Athletic trainer. He is a resource not the final say in treatment.
Maybe the althetic director is unaware how often the trainer tells
kids"do not go to the doctor/emergency room" And more importantly how
many coaches reinforce that mentality.I personally saw a football player
being dressed down(quite loudly)in front of the entire team because his
parents took him to the doctor. Said coach even threatened that the
child would not play for the rest of the season. Parents have to do what
they believe is best for their child and coaches need to RESPECT those
choices.
Parents always have the right to do what they think is in the best interest of their child. The district is fortunate to have a certified athletic trainer on staff who is trained in dealing with injuries related to athletics. If parents are not comfortable with the trainers recommendation, they should always seek a second opinion.
Posted on October 20, 2011 Are lunch portions the same for all elementary school grades? My 5th grader is still hungry after eating the full lunch, and should not be.
Federal regulations establish the requirements for Enhanced Menu Based Food Planning that we follow grades K-6. Each meal consists of 8 oz of fluid milk, 2 oz meat/meat alternative, 2 servings of fruit and or vegetable and 2 servings of bread/grain (12 servings over the week).
Posted on October 20, 2011 My child was injured when he slipped while playing basketball during recess at Shatekon. Can loose sand please be kept off the basketball court? Can the aid with the key stay close to the door so that there would be no delay in getting the child to the nurse because the door was closed for security? I hope these issues can be addressed to avoid future incidents. Thanks!
The principal’s aide, recess aides, and nurse do not recall an incident that fits this description. If a student is injured, we ask they please let an adult know so proper attention can be given to the student. In the event of emergencies, the nurse is contacted via the walkie-talkie and meets the child on the playground. The aides do have keys to the doors and the basketball court was examined and found to be free of sand. If we have missed something, please contact us at Shatekon so we may be more responsive in the future.
Posted on October 20, 2011 When will the seniors be shown how to use the Naviance System for their college transcript and teacher recommendation requests? My son is planning to apply to several schools Early Action and will need to send in his college applications late October. Is this system up and running?
Counselors went into all 12th grade English classes in late September to present the steps for the Naviance college process. They also held a parent information night on Wednesday October 5 at HSE. The counselor will be available starting this week during lunch periods to trouble shoot any questions students or parents may have regarding the process.
Posted on October 20, 2011 Can you explain to me why study halls cannot be utilized as "study" halls. My kids have repeated told me that when they try to work and get help with their homework, they are told not to talk. My daughter's teacher actually spoke to her aide and was told that it was the school's policy not to allow students to work together during study halls. If it's suppose to be a "wasted period," put the students in a class.
We typically run our study halls as “quiet” study halls. Many of our study halls have over 100 student in attendance. It is very difficult to have group work in an area in a large area with an abundance of students. We do our best to allow students to ask questions of one another as needed.
Posted on October 20, 2011 I went to search the archives for something, but neither the Elementary, Middle, or High School links are operational.
It is fixed now.
Posted on October 20, 2011 When does the high school decide senior superlatives?
The high school senior superlatives were voted on during the week of 10/17/11.
Posted on October 20, 2011 Do you know what comes up when you go to www.shennet.org?? Admin should check it out! JUST one N.
Yes, we do know but we do not own that domain, so there is nothing that we can do about it. Precautions have been taken to ensure that students and staff cannot access that site for a school computer. We strongly urge parents to monitor what their children do on home computers and hand-held devices.
Posted on October 20, 2011 Hello, Who can I contact about a concern I have with a stump that is a few inches above ground level near the sidewalk and the Arongen sign at the Clifton Park Center Road entrance. It is a stump left over from a sign that has been removed. Thank you for your help.
This was addressed. It appears it was a broken post from where it was run over by a vehicle. It was removed.
Posted on October 20, 2011 How is the district going to spend the $870,000 grant given by the NY state department of alcoholism and drug abuse? Where can parents see a copy of the survey given by this group to 7th graders on up?
Actually, the Federal Grant did not go to the Shenendehowa School District. Instead it was awarded to the Shenendehowa Community Coalition which is made up of a variety of community members/groups and organizations (Saratoga Prevention Council, The town of Clifton Park, the Shenendehowa Central School District, the District Attorney’s office, to name a few). To answer your question about how the money will be spent the parent and student survey is one piece along with ther coalition activities. It is important to collect data to fully understand the underage drinking phenomenon in our area. This grant has been awarded to other states and other communities over the past 3 years in an effort to lower underage drinking.
Posted on October 12, 2011 What if you didnt submit a senior picture in time do you just not have a picture in the yearbook? thanks.
Seniors who want to be pictured in the Senior Portrait section of the yearbook, but have not had a portrait taken to date, should contact the Yearbook Club advisor, Ms. Somogie, in room 156B or by email: somogwen@shenet.org as soon as possible.
Posted on October 12, 2011 Is there anything we can do as a district to bring back the DARE program? The sheriff's office said it was cancelled because of "manpower". Not even sure what that means.
The DARE program is run by the sheriff's office. Shenendehowa does cover the same topics in health classes.
Posted on October 12, 2011 Can someone please explain why the High School coaches insist that the athletets "see the trainer" instead oof a physician when injured? While he can be extremely helpful for minor injuries he is NOT a doctor nor can he do an xray. Also, he CAN and Does make mistakes-sometimes "icing it" just isn't enough. Several coaches have gotten angry with their athletes for daring to see their own doctor. It is at the parent's discretion that a child plays a sport and also a parent's discetion to seek medical advise as THEY deem necessary. The coaches need to respect that and not penalize a child for this.
The district’s certified athletic trainer is responsible for the health and safety of student athletes. He is here to provide risk management and reduce the liability to the district by having a trained, qualified and licensed medical professional on staff. When an injury does occur it is highly recommended by the athletic coaches for a student to “see the athletic trainer” for an evaluation. The athletic trainer works directly with the Chief School Physician, family practice, pediatric and orthopedic physicians as well. If an athlete needs to be seen by a physician it is the job of the athletic trainer to help facilitate this, which in turn, ensures the athlete is seen by the appropriate medical professional in a timely manner. Shenendehowa student athletes and parents are fortunate to have a full time certified athletic trainer as a resource where most districts do not.
Posted on October 12, 2011 At Karigon, does the lunch price of $2.10 include milk or is that an additional .55? Thank you.
The complete meal price of $2.10 includes; meat/meat alternative, bread/grain, fruit, vegetable and fluid milk. Children must choose 3 of these items and can choose all of them for there meal.
Posted on October 12, 2011
I recall that, a couple of years ago, there was a committee tasked with
studying field trips across the district, looking at, among other
things, cost, academic relevance, and consistency. Were the results ever
published, and where can I see a copy of the results and
recommendations? Thank you.
Policy 8460 was revised and regulations and procedures were put in place for all staff to ensure consistency in practices In addition, there are annual field trip plans that are submitted each October to the district for review.
Posted on October 12, 2011 When will progress reports be sent home for elementary students this year? Is the reporting schedule posted on the web site anywhere? Now that conferences are not until December, it seems that there should be a progress report or some communication from teachers prior to December.
It is on the events calendar.
Posted on October 12, 2011 Could you please tell me what happened to all of the "old" computers from the middle school? No one there seems to know.Thanks
Computers removed from the Middle School were 9-10 years old and replaced with newer models, per planned obsolescence. Those that were breaking frequently and/or not able to run the Windows 7 operating system were disposed of. Computers that were in good working condition and met the requirements for Windows 7 were re-deployed elsewhere.
Posted on October 12, 2011 Can Parent Portal be modified to make it more user friendly? Two examples: 1. As it is now you have to click on each individual class to view grades - why can't there be an option to bring up all of the classes/grades at the same time? It's very inconvient when I'm trying to get a handle on how my child is doing overall and I have to print out grades for each class individually. A consolidated report would be helpful 2. The calendar for assignments - I see 14 dates with assigments due, but again there's no way to view these as one consolidated report. I have to click on each date to view what the assignment is. Am I missing something? Is there a way to do these things already?
Not at this time.
Posted on October 12, 2011 Hi. I heard a rumor that a new middle school club (glee club) may be starting up. Is this true, and if so, how do I get information about it, as my daughter is very interested.
Not to our knowledge.
Posted on October 12, 2011 How do you join track?
Check the Shen Sports Web site and listen for announcements in your building.
Posted on October 12, 2011 When are the try-outs for Freshman Boys Basketball?
Check the Shen Sports Web site and listen for announcements in your building.
Posted on October 12, 2011 Why are political candidates signs allowed to be posted on school property at the entrances to District schools?
They are not allowed on district land and will be removed. If they are up, then it means they are on town land.
Posted on October 12, 2011 what is votec?
BOCES occupational education.
Posted on October 12, 2011 So who is Frank Tedesco? and where did Amy Bianchi go?
Amy Bianchi resigned her position as Director of Human Resources to take a position with an different organization. Frank Tedisco is the interim director of human resources.
Posted on October 12, 2011 Where can I find a coaches email adress?
On the sports web page under listing of coaches.
Posted on October 12, 2011 Why is it that the cheerleaders are not allowed to were their uniforms to school but it is ok for the dance team and tennis team to wear them? The cheerleaders are wearing "spankies" which are like shorts underneath the skirts. If you are going to put a rule in place for one team you should put it in place for all of them!
It will be in place for all.
Posted on October 12, 2011 What is the money collected for football games used for? Does it go directly to the school?
It goes into the school district's general fund budget, not athletics.
Posted on October 12, 2011 why do the sports teams...mainly soccer have to have 3 people to a seat and kids on the floor for road games?? why cant we just get another bus?
As a budget reduction in the sport of soccer, teams need to travel together on one bus for both boys and girls when they play at the same time.
Posted on October 12, 2011 I was stunned to hear a Plainsmen football coach call a 5th grade student a vulgar curse word this past weekend. I would hope this is something that is not tolerated.
Please contact the Athletic Directors office if there is a specific concern.
Posted on October 12, 2011 Why is the Wifi in the High School East Cafeteria not on? If they're going to lock students in there 20 minutes into the period, at least give them internet access...
There was a failure of the WiFi that was repaired on Friday. If you experience difficulty with accessing the wireless services again, contact a staff member and ask them to report the problem to IMS for repair.
Posted on October 12, 2011 Kudos to the modified football coaches who do a great job managing over 65 kids, letting them play the positions they want to play, and rotating them in fairly. They get what the modified level is about.
Thank you. We appreciate the support. The coaches do try their best to manage such a big roster.
Posted on October 12, 2011 If you are not able to attend the Green & White awards night, do you still get your letter or pin from the school and if so where would I pick that up? Thanks
Students who are unable to attend the ceremony will get their awards in school on Friday.
Posted on October 12, 2011 Can you please let us know if the HSW will be having a talent show? Thanks.
Talent shows and other events are organized through high school clubs. All high school students are welcome to join clubs and attend their events. The high school page on shenet.org provides both a morning announcements and a clubs and extra curricular activities link with this information. Students can listen to morning announcements during homeroom for more information about how to get involved in high school activities.
Posted on October 12, 2011 noticed that the Middle School Treble Choir has a new teacher this year. We will miss Mrs. Feeny very much! It looks like there will also be boys in this group this year? Is this true?
Mrs. Messare is the Treble Choir director this year. The group remains all female.
Posted on October 12, 2011 does high school west have a prayer at the pole club
The Prayer Club is a High School club for grades 9-12. Clubs usually meet at one or the other high school building depending on various factors. Students at HSW interested in joining this or other clubs that meet before school at HSE may go to the meeting at its location and take a shuttle back to HSW for homeroom. If the student is interested in attending a club before school, please have them contact the main office about the shuttle location and pickup. For further information regarding clubs, go to the high school page of shenet.org where there are links for morning announcements and clubs and extracurricular activities.
Posted on October 12, 2011 Are students allowed to go into school over the weekend and pick up homework from their locker if they forgot it?
At the high schoo...yes, as long as someone is there to let you into the area of the building where your locker is located. At the middle school, we prefer that student do not come in during the weekend. If it is an emergency, a parent should escort their child in to the building and report immediately in to a custodian
Posted on October 12, 2011 So much confusion about the high school pictures...how are we paying/ordering?
When the proofs arrive you may place your order using the form enclosed with the proofs, or you can plan on a retake.
Posted on October 12, 2011 My question/comment is based to the Middle Schools. My child is taking Math Honors & Accelerated 7/8 SS & ELA she was required to read 6 books and then work on 6 reports. Two were very extensive for ELA & SS. The other four were never even collected? How is this fair to make these children give up a good chunk of their summer for 6 books and then reports afterwards when you aren't even going to collect them. I believe having to complete 6 books plus these reports is very excessive for a summer break. These kids are not being given time to be just that...KIDS! Why can an a student taking average classes get away with 2 and then Honors and Accelerated students are being basically punished with an additional four. Don't the average student courses need just as much practice if not more. I think this needs to be looked into further. As a parent I sat back and watched my child work very hard all summer for work that was never collected and obviously never should have been assigned.
The students are required to read two books for the summer projects for ELA & social studies (those were collected) and then any other two novels of their choice, for which there is no assignment. We do have graphic organizers and students use those to write about their summer reading when they return to school. The accelerated open house for parents is this Thursday, October 13th.
Posted on October 12, 2011 It is to my understanding that my child, who is a senior, has to SIGN IN TO GO PLACES ON HER FREE PERIOD?? I find this to be absolutely unnacceptable, my little baby will be moving out of the house in one year, and yet, her every move is being monitered as though she were some sort of convict!Here's a simple solution-when a child has an appointment and needs to be picked up, maybe they should be SMART ENOUGH TO KNOW THAT THEY NEED TO LEAVE.
Yes. To ensure that we are able to find students during their free time, we need to know where they are going. They are not restricted from going to these locations, but we need to know where they are.
Posted on October 12, 2011 On what days does the dance team have practice? My daughter wants to do this and several other clubs.
Please contact the dance team advisor Ms. Linda Shady at Gowana.
Posted on October 12, 2011 Is 10th grade Math class for double accelerated 8th graders during zero period?
No, the Geometry Honors class is during the day in the middle schools.
Posted on October 12, 2011 October is near and Halloween is coming quickly. We are so careful to not talk/celebrate over do Christmas but yet Halloween at Karigon is a NIGHTMARE for security reasons. Is there a policy on Halloween/wearing masks at school? If there isn't someone needs to tell Karigon to tame it down. Last year I dropped off my child and was hesitant to send him in as a strange person in costume was on the bus port.
The “strange person” on the bus port was Mr. Wing, the Principal dressed up as Albert Einstein. As students walk by they always can be heard saying, “Good morning Mr. Wing” Each year the students, staff and faculty look forward to this event. There is a security plan in place for the release of students which was developed with parent, teacher, aide and the principal’s input.
Posted on October 12, 2011 Is it true the prom will be held in the gym??
No.
Posted on October 12, 2011
When is the deadline to drop classes?
Semester course – 10/7-10/17
Posted on October 12, 2011 If a student begins taking a language in 7th grade and enjoys it, is there an option to take another language in the high school? Also, is there a chance that a student can skip a grade of LOTE and accelerate to the next grade?
We have had a program with beginning courses in the high school alternating languages as budget has allowed. With our expanded program in the middle school we are examining options to see how to best make these fit in the program offerings of the high school.
Posted on October 12, 2011
Can a 10th grade student move up from regular English into Cult Lit
after 5 weeks, or can you only move out of honors?
This may only be done with permission from the Academic Administrator
Posted on September 29, 2011 Hey is it too late for senior pictures if you are one?
You have until Sept. 30 to submit senior portraits.
Posted on September 29, 2011 I have gone through the archives and not found anything on what Shen is doing about the disgusting goose poop that is all over the campus! There is no way to avoid the droppings and stepping in them. Our children walk through it for fire drills, playground activities, going and coming to classes, basketball courts, playing fields, going to the pool, soccer and field hockey fields - it's just plain nasty and a health concern. Parents from other schools are talking after having to walk through it for Shen home games! Pets are not allowed because of feces but these geese are everywhere! what will be done?
The district has tried many techniques to disperse the geese and resolve
the problem. We have been in contact with various agencies including the
Department of Health and Department of Environmental Conservation. This
is a huge problem not only at Shen but at many other facilities across
the state with no proven or cost effective solution to solve it.
Posted on September 29, 2011 How much did Shen recieve in the Mandate Relief program after the tax cap was placed or what is the expected amount Shen is going to receive?
There were no funds provided as a part of the "Mandate Relief" program. The governor's intent was to identify ways for districts to save costs, while living under a stringent tax cap. Unfortunately, the governor's office, or the state legislature for that matter, has yet to identify a single mandate relief that remotely saves districts any money. So Shen, and other districts across the state, are compelled to plan for further cuts in programs and staffing in 2012-13 particularly because there are no more federal stimulus funds to offset the loss in state aid.
Posted on September 29, 2011 Do your cheerleading teams compete or just sideline cheer?
The fall team is a cheer team while the winter team is both a cheer and competition team.
Posted on September 29, 2011 Is their a snowball dance this year for HSE, if so when?
That will be decided by the National Honor Society.
Posted on September 29, 2011 I think the new dress code is good and really appreciate that it's now being enforced. I'm wondering how the district justifies the cheerleading uniforms being worn to school though? Surely they are not within the guidelines? If the debate club decides to have uniforms with short skirts and/or tube tops, will that be allowed?
We recognize this and have worked with the coaches on this issue. They will adjust the uniforms during the school day to meet the dress code.
Posted on September 29, 2011 Why do some girl's sports teams wear micro spandex shorts? Aren't these against the new dress code considering they leave nothing to the imagination? Do the boy's teams wear the same micro spandex shorts? If so, why not?
The athletic uniforms are meant for an athletic contest, much different than the academic setting. These uniforms are designed for competition. However, these teams will adjust the uniforms if they plan to wear them during the school day to meet the dress code.
Posted on September 29, 2011 Why would Acadia have a school dance the same night as homecoming? This is poor planning and difficult for parents who have particpants in homecoming.
Many middle level students do not have an interest in Homecoming at the High School or in football. Acadia has held the dance on homecoming in the past and it is always well attended. Having it the same night may in fact help the High School with supervision issues at the game. One of the concerns each year at homecoming is the number of middle level students in attendance without proper parental supervision.
Posted on September 29, 2011 Would it be possible to have the Koda clubs web page updated? The current page is for the 2009 - 2010 school year. I notice that the tri-building drama club's web page is also from 2009. Is the drama club still in existance? I'm also trying to find out what days of the week each club meets, so we can fit my daughter's club choices into the family's schedule. Thanks.
They are working to make sure the updated list will be online in time for the Koda Open House which is next week.
Posted on September 29, 2011 Am I missing something or is the page on the portal that used to show credits/progress toward graduation gone? If yes, why? And if no, where is it? Thanks for this great resource.
Due to recent upgrades to the Infinite Campus system we are no longer able to use the Grad Planner to track HS credits like as in the past. We removed it so as not to cause confusion. We hope to have the Grad Planner operational in the near future.
Posted on September 29, 2011 Why did Gowana take away the honors pass? My children always worked really hard to get to a 90 average so they could get the passes.
In collecting data over the past year, over 50% of our students received Honors Passes. By continuing Honors passes, the fact that there are considerably more study halls this year and no hall monitors, we felt that the privileges resulted in too many students potentially in the halls and not accounted for. All students were notified of the change at our recent Rights and Expectations meetings. Students were encouraged to share their ideas for new incentives with the building principal. Gowana’s Partnership Team will be looking at implementing an alternate incentive for those students who achieve at a high level.
Posted on September 29, 2011 Is there going to be semi for 8th graders this year? I heard that it was cut because of the budget.
There will be a an 8th grade tri-building dance on Friday, May 4th.
Posted on September 29, 2011 What groups participate in CEIP?
CEIP is available to all seniors. However, following course selections in the spring, students selecting CEIP must complete an application packet. There are a limited number of seats in CEIP so some students may not be accepted. Students with excellent attendance and behavior records are given preference. It is also important to note, CEIP students must provide their own transportation to and from their internships. This is all explained in the Shenendehowa High School Program of Studies which is posted on the district web site http://www.shenet.org/DL_CurriculumLearning/HS_ProgramOfStudies2011_2112.pdf
Posted on September 29, 2011 How does a student get into 10th grade Cult Lit?
Usually a teacher who has the student in 9H or Global Studies will recommend he/she for World Cult/ World Lit, occasionally a student will choose to take the course who has not been in 9H but who has been successful in English 9 and Global.
Posted on September 29, 2011 Is the decision to eliminate the Powder Puff game a final one, or are administrators willing to work with the event organizers and students to address their concerns?
The school is not sponsoring the game.
Posted on September 29, 2011 Approximately how many students are receiving white letter awards and how many are receiving green letter awards? How many are receiving both? Will they get a certificate of recognition?
About 375 Green Awards and 175 White Awards. They receive letters or pins to recognize their accomplishments.
Posted on September 29, 2011 How do I set up an computer login for my foreign exchange student? How do I make it so my child can not buy snacks during lunch?
To set up a network login account, have your foreign exchange student
contact the main office or the lab aide in the building that they are
located. They will provide the forms and help them through the process.
Posted on September 29, 2011 In Okte this year they are starting a new program called "Co-teaching". This was never explained to the OKTE community, so to my suprise when I recieved my childs welcoming letter from the teacher this year, was shocked to see that my childs class was in the afternnon being run by a special ed teacher. Since my child is not special ed, what is being done to insure that these students in the class are on the same academic schedule as their peers. The report card is not a good guide since the grading system is subjective. We should not rely on word of month, but this should of been addressed before last school term was over.
Shenendehowa has been implementing a Coteaching model at various grade levels for the past five years. Coteaching is two teachers sharing responsibility for teaching the students assigned to a classroom. It provides the expertise of two professionals for lesson planning, instructional delivery, and problem solving; allowing for increased differentiation and increased student achievement. All students receive instruction following the core curriculum and high learning standards. Students who require additional support are able to receive the support in a regular classroom.
Posted on September 29, 2011 My daughter is in 7th grade Honors english in Acadia. She has 35 kids in her class. Isn't there a limit to class size at Shen? I understand the tough times due to the economy but this number seems excessivly high.
With budget and staffing cuts combined with a steep enrollment at the middle schools, many classes are bigger than they have been in the past. However, we are more fortunate than other school districts in that we are still able to offer these courses.
Posted on September 29, 2011 I heard about the "recess before lunch" program. Can you tell us if/when we might be able to expect to see it implemented at Tesago?
Tesago will not be implementing the recess before lunch approach at this time for several reasons, the most important being the impact on the schedule. We successfully implemented co-teaching teams in our building and have accelerated math at various levels. We have preserved our morning instructional blocks, which is a priority. Each school has a different infrastructure in place, and Tesago has decided not to change in recess at this time.
Posted on September 29, 2011 Since the elementary teachers do not meet with parents until December, will the report cards be sent home in November? I would prefer to have some information from the teacher prior to the first meeting in December. Also, I think it is important to see the report card before the conference so a parent can be prepared for the meeting.
Report card information will be available on December 7th through the portal. The date for the parent- teacher conference is only a week later than it has typically been in the past. It was difficult to choose a date due to the Thanksgiving break and the few days of instruction in the first quarter of the school year. As a best practice, teachers keep parents informed of their child’s progress without sending home an official report card throughout each quarter. The report card is reviewed at the parent teacher conference so that the format and grading processes are clear. The monitoring of student progress is ongoing, if you have a question or concern , please contact your child’s teacher at anytime during the school year.
Posted on September 23, 2011 Can you please clarify what the legal vs. illegal absences are?
Excused Absences According to Commissioner’s
Regulations 175.6:
Posted on September 20, 2011 Will there be t-shirts for Homecoming this year? If so, when do they go on sale and how much will they cost?
Yes, they are on sale now for $6.00. UPDATE:
Homecoming t-shirts are sold out.
Posted on September 20, 2011 Becoming a Senior in high school is rite of passage and because of the poor decisions of a few, All must get punished with these latest new rules at SHEN? Other districts such as Colonie Central,Shaker and Bethlehem to name a few allow SENIORS to have Photo ID clearly worn on a lanyard indicating grade, photo and privileges they've earned to move about during free periods and not get treated like a potential criminal or safety concern. Underclassmen are a different issue...they haven't earned it...WE, THE SENIORS HAVE!!! So cut us some slack and stop insulting the overall majority of the Senior Class!
Seniors can still move about during free periods. We only ask that you sign out to a location so that we know where you are when we need to find you.
Posted on September 20, 2011 In Okte this year they are starting a new program called "Co-teaching". This was never explained to the OKTE community, so to my suprise when I recieved my childs welcoming letter from the teacher this year, was shocked to see that my childs class was in the afternnon being run by a special ed teacher. Since my child is not special ed, what is being done to insure that these students in the class are on the same academic schedule as their peers. The report card is not a good guide since the grading system is subjective. We should not rely on word of month, but this should of been addressed before last school term was over.
Shenendehowa has been implementing a Coteaching model at various grade levels for the past five years. Coteaching is two teachers sharing responsibility for teaching the students assigned to a classroom. It provides the expertise of two professionals for lesson planning, instructional delivery, and problem solving; allowing for increased differentiation and increased student achievement. All students receive instruction following the core curriculum and high learning standards. Students who require additional support are able to receive the support in a regular classroom.
Posted on September 20, 2011 I recently learned Kindle readers are not allowed in the schools because of theft or the student possibly losing it, I wish the district would reconsider this. They are very convenient and easier for students to carry. The school is not responsible for them the person carrying it is.
Others do not feel the same way. See stolen items archive.
Posted on September 20, 2011 Is it standard to have classrooms with 32 students and not enough desks for each student?
No.
Posted on September 20, 2011 In the Orenda Cafeteria, when my child buys the hot lunch, she has to ask for some of the items. She's had to ask for peas and on another day she had to ask for watermelon. I understand not wanting to waste food, but if I'm paying for a full lunch, then that is what my child should receive. Making the kids ask for the healthy part of the meal doesn't make sense. Most kids will not ask for the veges/yogurts/fruits, but if they were automatically on their tray, there's a much higher chance they'll eat them. Again, if you are charging me $2.10, then I expect my child receives all the food - not just part of the meal. How can we fix this? I don't want fruits and veges being left up to my 1st grader or 5th grader to request - and therefore become an optional part of the lunch. Let's help the kids eat healthier!
Shenendehowa is participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. These programs operate on, offer verses serve allowing for children to make choices. The child orders from our lunch lines (hot) the food components they would like to eat at each meal. The cold side salads, vegetables and fresh fruits are located within reach of the child for them to make a healthy selection. PayPams allows the parent to see the choices their child is making. This information could be used to have a conversation with your child on meal choices.
Posted on September 20, 2011 I sent a question to the Grapevine several months ago about why the district chose to build a pool instead of another gymnasium. When the question was answered, it was heavily paraphrased, with chunks of it missing and poorly spelled as opposed to the question I submitted. This allowed the webmaster to "answer" my question without addressing several key points, which I will resubmit in hopes that they will be answered. (Unless the answered question was not my question in the first place; this therefore means that it was completely ignored.) HOW is a pool "better" than a gymnasium? I'm sure that the swim team enjoys using it, but why can't they use the pool at the YMCA (which Arongen and Shatekon P.E. classes seem to be able to use without any problems)? An additional gymnasium would be available continuously and would allow each middle school to have its own, whereas, according to the Aquatics Center page, each class only uses the pool for four weeks before it has "served its purpose" for the year. A gym can be used for multiple sports, like basketball, gymnastics, wrestling, etc. but the pool is used for one sport only. (Also, this would help to accommodate the 2,319 students you mentioned in your previous answer.) No matter how you look at it, a gymnasium is much more useful to the district (and the students). Additionally, the pool has not been entirely available for use by high-schoolers. Ninth grade P.E. classes do not use it, and sophomores, juniors, and seniors must choose to take an Aquatics Center class as an elective instead of it being incorporated in the normal P.E. curriculum. Finally, hasn't the district realized that pool maintenance is much costlier than gymnasium maintenance? Heating the 433,500 gallons (according to the site) of water in the pool to a constant temperature (especially in the winter) is not cheap, not to mention maintaining the movable 4' stainless steel bulkheads (also according to the site) and draining the entire pool to repair loose tiles (according to the Grapevine) as well as filters and other systems in the Aquatics center.
Never received your question. No one said a pool is "better" than a gym. The district needed an additional physical education space. The community was given the option to vote to build a pool or a gym and they selected a pool. The swim team was not allowed to use the Y pool because the evenings and weekends (when the team would need it) are the busiest time. Shatekon and Arongen use it during the school day. The pool is used continuously just like our gyms and provides something that our many gyms can't, swimming. High school students wouldn't use a middle school gym either. The district knows exactly what it costs to run the pool and takes that into consideration when charging fees to organizations for its use. Draining the pool to fix loose tiles cost the district nothing.
Posted on September 19, 2011
Is the Law enforcement aware of the Marijuana and other drug use
that goes on inside the Y trails outside of the school?
That is a question for law enforcement.
Posted on September 19, 2011 I've noticed the Shen sports teams having fundraisers, specifically girls soccer. Just curious....do sports teams get any money from the district, and what is the fundraising money spent on? Thank
The district funds some, but with tighter and tighter budgets, fund raising is becoming increasingly important to the athletic teams.
Posted on September 19, 2011 Are classes held at the elementary schools during the parent-teacher conference days?
No. There is no school for students in grades K-5 on those days.
Posted on September 19, 2011 Why has the Grapevine not been updated? I have submitted a question that has not been answered?
Been busy moving last year's questions into the archives so that people can find answers easier and we don't have to keep answering the same questions over and over again http://www.shenet.org/Grapevine/Archives/A_ZGrapevineArchive.htm.
Posted on September 19, 2011 Do you know what Mrs. Gavlik's email address is? There isn't a link for the accelerated science teacher on shenet.org.
There is an e-mail directory for staff posted on the Web site at http://www.shenet.org/DL_StaffDirectory/staffdirectory.cfm.
Posted on September 19, 2011 Why aren't sporting events checked with other school events? There was NO PARKING in the Skano/Tesago parking lot for Skano's Open House. Not only was there a soccer game going on but I believe Tesago also had an event at the same time. Of course there were 13 spaces dedicated to handicap parking, which was occupied by one car. Why can't those spaces be used during school events especially in the winter when clearly there are no sporting events happening on the fields?
While we try to manage the schedule as best as we can, there will be conflicts from time to time just because of the size of the district and the number of activities to schedule.
Posted on September 19, 2011 At what age/grade can a student join shen Crew?
See their Web site at http://www.shencrew.com/
Posted on September 8, 2011 You said that students in Crew do not get Varsity letters because it is not a sport, but the Crew Web site says "Shenendehowa High School does recognize the program with varsity status and thus provides Varsity Letters to qualifying crew members."
That statement on the Crew Web site is not accurate. The club may purchase and provide their own varsity letters but they are not purchased or provided by the high school and /or athletic department because it is classified as a club, not a sport.
Posted on September 8, 2011 What time and what school is advanced tech at?
Two sections of Design and Drawing for Engineering (DDE) are located in rooms 919 (Mr. Lewicki) and 930 (Mr. Nagy) at the middle school (Gowana wing). There is also one section of Introduction to Technology that is located at High School West in room 57. All three sections are offered during period zero (8:00-8:40).
Posted on September 8, 2011 Hi! I'm in double accelerated math and this year I'm in 8th grade, so I'll be taking 10th grade math. Will I have to go to the highschool in the morning or will there be a program in the middle school? Thanks.
Geometry Honors will be held at the middle schools.
Posted on September 7, 2011 Is it possible for a highschool student to be exempt from gym class if they are competing at a national level in a sport not sponsored by Shenendehowa? We are new to the district, but at his last school he was exempt from gym because he fences a minimum of 2x per week for 2-3 hours, competes on weekends and conditions on off days.
No athletes are exempt from physical education.
Posted on September 7, 2011 When a girls is on a jv or varsity sports team, specifically basketball or field hockey, is there a specific color of shoes/cleats they need to purchase?
They are not required to buy a specific color, but we would strongly recommend white, black or forest (shen) green
Posted on September 7, 2011 There has been a lot of publicity on the Shen Web site about a football coach retiring. I am writing to you with the concern that another great coach has retired and no one, other than the players that had him as a coach know about it. I am just concerned that Shenendehowa does not value all of the athletics it has, only ones that bring publicity to the school. I am looking forward to your response so the Shen community is able to see this post. Thank You.
In the case you are referring to, the lack of publicity was at the coach’s request.
Posted on September 7, 2011 Please explain why there will not be a Powder Puff football game at SHen this year. This game is a part of Shen history and tradition. It is always well attended and the girls look forward to it. In fact, girls are often turned away because the desire to play is great and the number of spots on the teams are limited.
The powder puff game is an on again, off again event leaving it an inconsistent tradition at best. That being said, there have been enough issues in the recent past (including the way students are selected for the limited spots as well as injuries) to cause the administration to reevaluate the value of the event.
Posted on September 7, 2011 When are the hours for the Community Education Office in high school west?
The office does not have set hours as the secretary only works a few hours during the year. For questions you can call or email mail the office. Contact info is in the CE brochure & website.
Posted on September 6, 2011 This is the third time I have asked. please respond. When will Jan. Regents be held and per the superintendents news letter is passing changing from 65 to 75?
The first part of your questions has been answered already on September 2. The second part: if you read the letter it says that "NYSED has proposed changing the passing score from 65 to 75.
Posted on September 6, 2011 Hello, Many us have been wondering what you mean by "no fitted clothing" and the rest of the new and strict dress code. Many girls wear these often (fitted skirts,shorts,dresses, etc.) and I know I just bought many fitted skirts during school shopping. Do you expect people to return these items because most people are not fortunate enough to go out and buy more(which are expensive nowadays) clothing for school. Because of the dress code now, many families I have talked to can't afford going out to buy new clothes for there daughters with "fitted" or "short" clothing.So please explain. Thanks.
As long as the pencil skirt is not to short. And this is the last dress code question we are answering. When in doubt, use common sense.
Posted on September 6, 2011 Why is it that Chango requires FIVE boxes of Ticonderoga pencils and Orenda only asks for ONE box? I spent over thirty dollars on pencils and Twelve dollars on dry eraser markers for 2 students.
The class list is determined by the grade level and varies from school to school. The district's policy regarding elementary school supplies is that all supplies must be on the approved list and must be within the $30 PER CHILD limit. We do not limit amounts of a particular supply. Ticonderoga pencils are an approved item and the list you are refering to is within the $30 per child limit. If you are curious about what the teachers are doing with all those pencils, you can e-mail the teacher directly.
Posted on September 6, 2011 Zero period technology in Acadia, does this start on September 7th?
All Accelerated Tech courses will begin on Thursday, September 8th.
Posted on September 6, 2011 Are flip flops allowed in the high school this year?
Yes, as long as they stay on your feet.
Posted on September 6, 2011 f dress codes are SO IMPORTANT then why do some kids get in trouble (like me and my friends "unpopular" who arent REALLY wearing anything innapropriate) and "popular kids" dont when their "stuff" is hanging out?
We try to implement the dress code with all students. If you notice an inequitable implementation of the code, please see Mr. Flynt.
Posted on September 2, 2011 My son will be entering 5th grade this fall at Okte. We are new to the district and are excited. Unfortunately, I cannot seem to find a list of extra curricular activities available. He is a drama student and a "budding scientist". Just searching to keep him well rounded as a student durring this transition
Each school is different. You can contact the main office at Okte to find out what is available.
Posted on September 2, 2011 Question on Elementary Schools having recess before lunch. I see many organizations advocate for recess first, but I don't understand the correlation between recess first and childhood obesity. Is it because physical activity should lessen the child's appetite? Everything I read says recess first encourages kids to eat more. It also says they'll drink more fluids, focus better in class, etc, - which I get are positive things, but I don't understand how eating more will curb obesity. I see kids eating more as not a good thing! They indulge because they'll be even hungrier than they normally would have been. Please explain more so that I can be educated on this. Thanks!
Students who go to recess after lunch are often thinking ahead
to recess and rush to finish their lunch rather than taking
the time to eat a well-balanced meal. When students go to
lunch before recess, the National Food Service Management
Institute notes, “The lunch [these students] do consume tends
to consist of high-protein and high-fat foods, such as the
entrée. If students have already participated in recess, they
still eat their entrée, but will also eat more foods
containing calcium and vitamins, such as milk, vegetables, and
fruits.” (“Insight,” Spring 2004).
Posted on September 2, 2011 Can we have zip up binders in 7th Grade in Gowana?
Students should follow the guidelines listed on the school supply lists on the website. If they have already purchased a zip up binder, hang on to the receipt and ask their teachers on the first day of school.
Posted on September 2, 2011 On my middle schoolers schedule for her alegbra honors class the teacher and classroom are listed as TBD, when she know where her class is
On Wednesday morning when students report to homeroom all students will receive a new copy of their schedule with finalized room numbers and staff names – this is the schedule all students are to follow.
Posted on September 2, 2011 In middle shool,can you go to other school dances or only the dances of the school that you attend?
Only the dances of the school you attend unless it is advertised as a tri building grade level dance.
Posted on September 2, 2011 Hi I just got the district calendar for 2011-2012 but no date was noted for Shatekon's 5th grade moving up ceremony. I also tried searching on Shen's sight but was not able to find any information as well. Any idea of the date?
Shatekon’s Moving-Up Ceremony will be held Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 12:00
Posted on September 2, 2011
I forgot my PIN number for lunch. How do I get it back? Students changing buildings will be receiving a new pin number in the mail this week. If you have misplaced or forgotten your pin number you can see your cafeteria manager when school reopens. Elementary students the cashiers will have homeroom lists and your number will be given to you at the cash register at the time of purchase.
Posted on September 2, 2011 Is SUNY Spanish an AP course?
No, but college credit is given through SUNY Albany.
Posted on September 2, 2011 Is it possible to send the ELA scores that we received for re-evaluation?
No.
Posted on September 2, 2011 I've heard through the "grapevine" that honors and AP classes are being cut do to budget passed this spring.
Not true at all. If fact, we are looking to add honors and AP courses.
Posted on September 2, 2011 Is it true that there will not be a powderpuff game this year?
The school is not sponsoring a powder puff game.
Posted on September 2, 2011 If student ID is needed to attend Shen athletic games, what should a student show if attending a private school?
A license of private school ID.
Posted on September 2, 2011 Now that regents exams are restored for January 2012, there will be no classes for high school students during this week. Is this correct?
The final development of the January Regents week has not yet been determined.
Posted on September 2, 2011 At last year's Senate Banquet, Mr. Flynt stated that he was looking forward to working with the Senate this year to revise the dress code. Why was the senate, or the students in general, not given the opportunity to provide input on the dress code?
They were. In fact 4 members of Senate, along with parents, staff and administration worked on this at the end of June to develop the guidelines.
Posted on September 2, 2011 Is it too late to apply for early release? I didn't realize I would have 9th period free every other day, but I just learned that I do and could really use early release.
There will be more information shared by the administration about this and the guidelines for eligibility.
Posted on September 1, 2011 What do you do if you need to have a change made in your schedule?
Contact your counselor.
Posted on September 1, 2011 Are class schedueles randomly generated?
Yes, for the most part.
Posted on September 1, 2011 Why does the superintendent feel the need to push his politics on us by sending out a letter asking parents to over ride the tax cap? In all honesty, he talks about kids doing without opportunities....compared to whom is my question? We are a very rich district, I highly doubt that our kids will "suffer." Seems to me, the superintendent and many of the administrators and teachers can cap and cut their salaries to more than make up any difference felt. But I know the superintendent doesn't want to reduce his $198k income, nor would any of the teachers or other administrators making over a $100K. The superintenedent should stop his politics by using scare tactics.
Posted on September 1, 2011 Dr. Robinson so eloquently wrote:"It is not an overstatement to say that future students will not have access to the same programs and opportunities as students do today without the support from you as parents and this community to over-ride the tax cap with a 60% majority approval." How are we as a community supposed to do this? I am 100% against the tax cap, but how do I vote it down?
We are awaiting guidance from the Office of the State Comptroller as to how the budget process will change due to the new legislation.. As soon as that information is available and understood, we will clearly outline all the options to the public.
Posted on September 1, 2011/p> Is it true that you can not wear yoga pants, jeans with rips in them, and high heals?
Use your common sense. If your ripped jeans show off your undergarments, then don't wear them. If you are trying to pass tights off as yoga pants, don't. If you think you may fall in your heels or be late to class because you can't walk, don't wear them.
Posted on September 1, 2011 Where can i find a map of Acadia?
At the school. We have been told by law enforcement not to put maps on the Web.
Posted on September 1, 2011 Can you change your schedule before school starts?
Call your counselor.
Posted on September 1, 2011 Are the dates set for the Junior and Senior Prom for 2012? If so, would you be able to share the dates? Thanks!
They are listed in the events calendar.
Posted on September 1, 2011 Can 9th graders go to their lockers during a study hall?
Generally, students only need to go to their lockers a few times throughout the day and usually that is in between classes where they will have five minutes pass time. Given the size of High School West, five minutes is ample time to walk to classes, go to the student’s locker and socialize with friends.
Posted on September 1, 2011 The 1st day of 9th grade is orientation, what exactly does this mean? Will we be going to classes?
Students will have an extended homeroom, morning assembly and then follow their schedule the remainder of the day. Teachers will provide various lessons helping students to acclimate to high school including use of an agenda book (which will be provided), students expectations in the school environment and how to join clubs.
Posted on September 1, 2011 Went to the walk thru today at gowana middle school with my son.what a waste of time. none of his teachers were even there and all of his classrooms were locked. what was the point of the whole thing, finding a classroom was not that complicated
The walk-thru is simply an opportunity for students to see where their classrooms are located and get an idea of what their traveling pattern will be come September 7th. That being said, 60% of the Gowana faculty were in attendance even though it is not a scheduled work day.
Posted on August 24, 2011 Thanks for joining facebook! It is great to be able to follow upcoming events, closings and emergency notifications in many different ways. Great work keeping your Shen family updated!
You are welcome. Looking for information about important dates,
emergency notifications, school closings, delays, etc? Follow news and
announcements about the Shenendehowa Central School District on Facebook
and Twitter.
Posted on August 24, 2011 Can a student "letter" with Shen Crew as they do in other varsity school sports?
No. It is classified as a club, not a sport.
Posted on August 24, 2011 I'm going into 9th grade this year, and heard that we are allowed to wear hats in the building, of course as long as it's appropriate. Is this true?
Yes, you may wear hats in the high school.
Posted on August 24, 2011 What is the reason for not announcing teacher assignments until 9/2? We all know that the students have already been assigned. Why not wait all the way until 9/7, what's 5 days? Rumor has it-the office does not want calls all summer long. I'm not sure what's worse though-the calls spread out throughout the whole summer or a "gizzlion" calls in 5 days?
Posted on August 24, 2011 Have all Regents exams in LOTE been eliminated by NYS? If so, is it possible for students graduating in 2012, and who were pursuing an Advanced Regents Diploma by taking Spanish, to obtain that diploma?
Yes. Students in NYS will continue to have the opportunity to take a locally developed Comprehensive Checkpoint B Examination and receive an Advanced Regents diploma.
Posted on August 1, 2011 I am a highschool student, is it possible to add an additional elective class now?
Yes. Please email the request to your counselor and to Mr. Ripchik, the Director of Counseling, ASAP.
Posted on August 1, 2011 I recently have heard about the new dress code for HS students. I heard girls are not allowed to wear yoga pants and/or leggings, and also jeans with a rip in them? Why?? They clearly do not violate anything, or are suggestive in any way. Myself as being a student, I have a problem with this along with every other girl considering we wear them everyday. So are you really expecting us to go buy a new wardrobe?
Yes, as long as they do not reveal any undergarments.
Posted on August 1, 2011 So why are high heels being banned for this upcoming school year? I have honestly never heard of that. I understand no leggings as pants but no high heels? That's alittle ridiculous.
They are not being banned, but if safety and appropriateness becomes an issue, the student will be advised not to wear them again.
Posted on August 1, 2011 What are the new rules for the dress code for the high schools this upcoming school year?
Posted on July 29, 2011 This will be the third time that I have asked. Does the school have a written policy on bullying and if so, where it is located? Why is this question so hard to answer but questions can be answered about the price of tix for events. If there is "zero tolerance" for bullying why is this policy not posted on the website?
It is in the Code of Conduct which is posted on every page on the district site as well as in the board policies. It is in the calendar that is mailed to every student household and it is distributed by each school every year.
Posted on July 27, 2011 Are "yoga pants" banned from the high school dress code this year?
It depends. Some of the leggings that are in fashion don't leave
much to the imagination if they are not covered by something
else. Trying to pass stockings, leggings or tights off as pants
is not allowed (then you must have a skirt, dress or shorts to
cover them).
Posted on July 27, 2011 Would it be possible to find out how our student compares to the Shen average, as well as the overall NY State average, on specific Regents Exams? Does this data exist and is is accessible to parents?
The New York State School Report cards contain comparative data. Follow the link: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/irs/reportcard/2010/home.html You can view the state and then compare it to Shen.
Posted on July 27, 2011 Do you need to pass thegeometry regents to graduate?
No, in order to graduate with a Regents diploma, students must have three credits of math and pass one Regents exam (usually the Integrated Algebra exam). For an advanced Regents diploma, students must have three credits of math and pass the Integrated Algebra, Geometry, AND Algebra 2 exams.
Posted on July 27, 2011 How come my daughter came home the day of the earth science regents saying that it was A LOT harder then all of the practice ones she took? And apparently her algebra teacher did not teach her everything on the integrated algebra regents!!!!
The test varies from year to year, but typically the level of difficulty is the same from year to year.
Posted on July 27, 2011 In order to get the award for 95 and above average all 4 years in high school do you have to have a 95 average + every year or 95 or above when you add them all together and divide them by 4?
A cumulative 95% GPA.
Posted on July 27, 2011 My son failed one of his regents this year but he passed the class, does this mean he has to take summer school? Or can he just take the regents review class?
He can just take the review class.
Posted on July 27, 2011 I checked out a summer reading book from the HS library and finished it. Is there any way I can return it to the library before September? Please answer!!!
Please drop it off at Mr. Flynt’s office and he will get it back to the library.
Posted on July 27, 2011 I have a child who just finished her freshman year but takes all excellerated 10th grade courses, except for gym and French. She consistantly scores very high in all classes but , has never been recognized at award ceremonies. Is there any sort of recognition for children who excellerate outside their grade level? Is there a policy that pertains to high honors students in excellerated classes? We would love to see her recognized, as her grade level peers are.
There is no special award for accelerated students. However, these students are in a good position as they prepare to apply for college and scholarships that are a part of the college experience.
Posted on July 27, 2011
We received a complaint that 8th grade students will not be receiving
art next year. Please let me know what is what. Thanks. Art 8 was cut for the 2011-2012 school year. However, Shen is fortunate to be able to still provide many art opportunities for students through these tough financial times. Three sections of Studio Art will be offered to selected students.
Posted on July 27, 2011 Are business classes being cut?
With one exception, all business electives are running in 2011-12. However, there were a number of students that had to be removed from sections due to over enrollment. With recent staffing reductions the district was not able to run as many sections as in the past. While it is very unfortunate that some students were denied Business electives, Shenendehowa is fortunate to sustain all Career and Technical Education programs through these tough financial times. This is not the case for some schools in our region.
Posted on July 27, 2011 On sites detailing the 12th grade english courses it says that Modernism H has a specific summer assignment. Nothing actually says what that assignment is, however. Does anyone know what the work is or where to find out? Thanks for the help.
The two teachers who teach Modernism usually offer an assignment but this year they did not. Sorry for the confusion.
Posted on July 27, 2011 I am all for a dress code that in enforced, but shouldn't the staff be setting an example too? I have seen teachers at all grade levels wearing some clothes not really appropriate for school.
Bring it immediately to the attention of the respective building principals. Matters reported after the fact cannot be effectively addressed.
Posted on July 27, 2011 I heard athletes have to recieve/ turn in their physicals over the summer regradless of what season sport they play. my child plays a winter sport and he would always turn his physical in by late october, but now i hear he cannot turn it in then and must turn it in by the end of the summer?
Student-athletes may still turn in private physicals prior to the start of their season. The change made this year is that school offered sports physicals are only being held on three dates this summer (6/27, 7/20 and 8/3). Students who rely on school offered sports physicals need to make sure they attend one of these three dates. Students who have their physical through their private physician can provide their physical and health history form within 30 days of the start of their season and be cleared for tryouts. Additional information can be found on the Shen sports page at: http://www.shenet.org/district/AthleticsDept/Athletics.cfm.
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