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BACK to Grapevine HOME | Shen HOME FACILITIES and GROUNDSOn this page: Buildings; Heat/Air Conditioning; Roadways/Parking; Fields and Grounds
Posted on March 10, 2009 What are the specific criteria for use of school facilities? Gyms and Fields? Can you provide a link to electronic version?
Use of facilities on the Community Services Web page. Buildings
Posted on September 15, 2010 Is there a map of the three middle schools that I can print off the computer?
Posted on January 21, 2010 Are any of the school gyms open on weekends for kids/families to play basketball? Thanks.
Posted on June 2, 2009 Not sure if this is the right spot to ask this question, and if not could you direct me. What is the largest Shen gym on or off campus, and how big is this gym. Who does one speak to in regards to signing out this gym for a possible function. Thanks in advance for your response.
The HSE main gym is the largest gym. It also seats the most. Contact the community services department for more information at 881-0612.
Posted on June 11, 2009 I heard a rumor that there is a bomb shelter under Gowana. Is this true? Thanks.
No.
Posted on November 10, 2008 Are the middle schools open on weekends? (not for extra help, but to maybe get things you left there?)
The buildings are closed on weekends and holidays. Only those entering for a pre-approved activities or event are allowed.
Posted on January 29, 2009 Why is the school going still building when they have clearly shown, via the pool, that they cannot perform construction without going over budget. The school is stating that they will cut out music and technology funding. Why not cut funds for a frivolous bell tower and keep funding for education?
No projects have actually come in over budget. By law, the district is not allowed to spend more than was approved for a construction project. Over the years and hundreds of projects, we have had a couple of bids come in over budget. By law, a vote was held to ask for authorization to increase the funds for those projects, both votes were approved. Second point, the school has not said that we are cutting out music and technology funding. Thirdly, the district is not paying for the bell tower and it is not being funded through property taxes. It is being funded by a not-for-profit organization who is in the process of raising money for it.
Posted on October 20, 2008 What is the reason/purpose for the yellow dots that are on the glass doors of all buildings in the district? Are such markers mandated by law? What is the policy for removing/replacing them if they are vandalized or removed as many often are, especially in the East building.
These are mandated so that people are informed that it is a glass door and don’t put their arm through it. The building custodian will replace them if it is brought to his/her attention.
Posted on September 30, 2008 How big and deep will the pool be? Thxs
The pool is 119'-1" long and 64'-0 1/8" wide. It has a maximum water depth of 14'-0" and minimum water depth of 3'-6"
Posted on August 29, 2008 A comment/question along the lines to the person who asked about another elementary school being built, specifically in Halfmoon.......you had answered that the district is "looking into options to obtaining land there........it would be something in long term planning, in relation to the growth of the district. I think one can safely say that this district is continuing to grow and grow some more! Just look at the graduating class size for 2008 and the many questions people write in regarding class size. If the school does purchase land in Halfmoon what is the possibility that a new middle school would be built? It is quite evident that every where one looks in Clifton Park new houses, apartments are being built. At this rate, isn't it inevitable that it is not a matter of IF a school will be built but WHEN? Thanks for your time.
While the district continues to grow, the rate of growth has leveled off significantly. Over the past several years, the district has added space to the middle schools, high school and elementary schools to accommodate “the largest graduating classes” going through the system currently. The district is currently trying to purchase enough land to accommodate an elementary, middle and high school (approx. 80-100 acres) because we have no more available land. This would put us in good shape if our growth begins to accelerate once again.
Posted on August 13, 2008 I heard the district is building another elementary school......which has been approved. I have seen construction trucks already beginning to clear the land along RT 236 in Halfmoon, across from Betts road. Is this correct? When will the school be completed and what does this mean in terms of redistricting students once again!!
Absolutely not. We currently do not own land in Halfmoon. The district is looking at options to obtain land there, but that would be for long-term planning purposes in the event of continued growth.
Posted on March 18, 2008 Does Shenendehowa rent out facilities such as auditoriums and the gym to the public? If so, which ones?
Yes, Shenendehowa facilities are available for use by community groups. For more information, go to our Community Services webpage.
Posted on February 15, 2008 Is it true that Shen has a complicated basement system and can hold students in case of an emergency?
No.
Posted on October 6, 2009 Did you know that the number 4 on the clock tower is wrong it should be IV not IIII?
Posted on October 7, 2009 Is it true that the bells on the clock tower do not actually ring?
Posted on October 7, 2009 Again - I am a proponent of the carillon bells being displayed for their historical value. However, I believe you need to correct the statement made on the website that funding is due to "a large grant from former Senator Joseph Bruno." Did the money not come from the taxpayers of the state of New York? Thank you.
Heat/Air Conditioning
Posted on March 10, 2009 Why doesn't Shen heat the school over the weekend?
The schools are all heated nights and weekends in an unoccupied setting to conserve energy, generally they run at about 60 degrees. The system automatically brings them back up to temperature beginning early in the morning so they are at full temperature before students and staff arrive.
Posted on November 10, 2008 Why can't the heat from the kitchen be vented throughout the schools to help with heating the buildings?
NYS Education Department regulates that fresh air is brought into all buildings. Although a good idea, our exhaust systems are not the type that would make heat recovery an option.
Posted on October 10, 2008 Why doesn't the school turn the heat on when it is freezing out!?
HHeat controls are activated when the average temperature in the classrooms falls below sixty-five (65) degrees. Typically, the elementary buildings are turned on prior to the Middle School and High School. Controls are set to maintain an average temperature of seventy (70) degrees. Building principals can request that the buildings and grounds department energize the boilers. If you have concerns, talk to your building principal.
Posted on February 29, 2008 To add to the temperature of the building; why are doors open throughout the school day in the high school in the middle of winter?
Posted on February 24, 2008 Why is High School East so cold?
Roadways/Parking
Posted on November 12, 2009 Why are there so many spots (thirteen to be exact!) devoted to handicap parking for the sports field in the Skano/Tesago parking lot? Parking is already at a premium and with winter right around the corner, where will people have to park for school events, in the snow banks?
Posted on July 20, 2009 Do the police ever patrol the parking lot at the high school. What I saw on a recent day after Regents exams was unacceptable with many students driving too fast and numerous ones texting as they drove out of the lot. I saw security, but they can only do so much. Parents in this district need to talk to their kids about this irresponsible behavior before they harm someone else!
Police very rarely patrol the parking lots. We very often remind students about the need to drive carefully everywhere, but especially on campus.
Posted on March 10, 2011 I love how the town has connected the developments to the school campus, it was long over due. The blinking crossing lights are a wonderful way to keep students, joggers, and families safe while crossing Clifton Park Center Road and Moe Road. Why are there not crossing guards added during school times? (Mornings and afternoons)
Actually, it is the district that connected to the town paths and put the blinking crossing lights in through a grant we applied for and received from from NYSDOT. Security is there at key times to help children cross.
Posted on October 21, 2008 /p> Can you please leave the road blocking gates that separate Shatekon, Arongen, and YMCA open after school hours? Thanks!
Sorry, but that is not possible. That is a Department of Transportation requirement to limit traffic flow.
Posted on September 17, 2008 Will there be a stop light put in on Moe Rd once the business park opens across from the campus entrance? Just wondering what the districts plan is for being proactive in this already congested intersection.
The district does not have the authority to put lights on a town.
Posted on June 4, 2008 I was wondering, the schools that share the driveways coming into the schools off 146, why is it that there is no red light or a guard out there at the end of the day. If you are coming off the campus of Acadia , Koda, and you are leaving to go back to 146 at the end of the day, Most of the people from Gowana or the High School, will not let you out. You have to sit there for a long time, or try and get out, by rushing out. I know they made a right had turn there, but a lot of people have to turn left. It is not fair that a lot of people will not let you out. I heard at one time, people were nice and took turns letting the other one out, but now you sit and wait and wait. Why no stop light there?
By N.Y.S. Department of Transportation standards, we cannot put a stop light on campus. The right-hand turning lane has been effective in avoiding some of the more severe traffic back-ups. However, it really comes down to driver courtesy, since we cannot official hold-up traffic so close to a major intersection and roadway.
Posted on May 29, 2008 Why hasn't a traffic light been installed at the entrance to Clifton Park Center Road? There are many children that walk to and from school and it is very dangerous not having a traffic signal and crosswalks to help them cross safely into Clifton Knolls. It would also help ease the congestion at certain times of the day. Wouldn't Campus Patrol be better utilized there rather than strictly directing the middle school traffic?
TThe school district does not have the authority to install traffic lights. That authority lies with the town for town roads, county for county roads or state for state roads.
Posted on March 13, 2008 Traffic & parking on campus is so congested. Are there any plans to alleviate this big problem?
Several steps were taken this past September, which significantly improved the flow of traffic on campus. New turning lanes and parking spaces were constructed, new drop-off locations were created, and new entrance/exit patterns were developed. Further, parents are constantly being encouraged to have students ride the school buses.
Posted on March 14, 2008 Why are the school zone light on all the time, well past 8 pm and on the weekends at chango? No one adheres to them, cause they are always on.
Those are run by the Town.
Posted on April 22, 2008 Can something be done about all the parking done in the fire lanes at the elementary schools after school hours - I hope there is never a need for the emergency vehicles to get in. Isn't that what campus safety should be doing - I imagine they need more staff because they are acting as cross walk attendants at the middle schools at the time of the parking problems.
Security does advises illegal parkers with flyers advising them that they are parked illegally and they need to move to parking areas. Security also talks to illegal parkers about parking in fire lanes. Some listen, some don't. Everyone wants to park closest to the field that there child is playing on. The campus is private property, but we could ask the Town of Clifton Park to ticket cars in fire lanes or we could have cars towed. However, the District has chosen not to go this far at this point.
Posted on September 12, 2008 Was there any thought to using a portion of the "safe route to school" grant to provide a safe route to OKTE? It seems that our children would benefit from a sidewalk on Crescent Rd.
The Town of Clifton Park applied for, with the district’s endorsement, and it is our understanding that it received a grant to do that work. For information on that project, contact the town.
Posted on June 1, 2010 I know for some this is a no brainer but I could really use an answer: Does the 15 mph rules still apply to campus AFTER school hours? Thank you.
Posted on October 8, 2008 Why are political candidate advertising being allowed on school property along Moe Road?
Where they are being placed "is not" considered school district property but rather the state and town right of ways. If the signs are placed between the sidewalk and "state road" they are on the State right of way. If they are on the back side of the sidewalk between the sidewalk and school, they are considered to be on school property and promptly removed. It is our understanding that if you were to complain to the Town or State Highway, they would have the authority to remove them.
Fields and Grounds
Posted on June 1, 2011 During the summer months, is it allowed for students/the public to run on the Shen track?
Yes.
Posted on November 8, 2010 Why are the lights on when there is no activity on the football field. This is a waste of electricity and money. Isn't there someone who can fix this expensive problem.
We turn the lights on and off based on use in that facility. A detailed schedule is developed between the athletic office and campus security for field use. However, sometimes campus security can not turn the lights off at the exact time a team or group leaves the field. Plus, after events, people stay behind to clean up.
Posted on September 15, 2010 I am so thankful for the new sidewalks on the main campus and crosswalks on Moe & CP Center Rd. As a taxpayer, however, I thought the vote was for more sidewalks criss/crossing through campus and actual traffic lights on Moe & CP Center. Were the plans changed from the original design? I just don't think the blinking lights for the cross-walks are appropriate for such congested streets.
Posted on February 2, 2010 How many times around EACH ring of the Shen track is a mile? I think the innermost ring is four?
Four laps around the track is a mile. That is measured from the inside. The further out you go on the track, the further you will be running. If you choose to start outside, look for the staggered start boxes so that you know you are running a mile.
Posted on August 25, 2008 Would you please refresh my memory and post the exact dollar amount that was approved by voters for the football field improvements. Thank you.
The total cost that was approved was $3,510,409 with $1,783,886 paid for through state aid.
Posted on August 21, 2008 The goose poop situation is out of control! Our children are playing on these fields for recess and sports. What is going to be done about it?
WWe agree. They are hard to get ride of in a humanitarian way. We have a sound system that blasts a horn periodically that is supposed to scare them away.
Posted on April 23, 2008 Has Shen ever considered having handball courts (a concrete wall that can be used to hit a ball against with a racquet or by hand)? It would be great practice for tennis when you can't find a partner. Thanks!
No. It has never been considered.
Posted on April 22, 2008 I love those small flowering trees (there are two in the landscaping) at the entrance on 146. Could you please tell me what they are? They look like puff balls on a stick. Thank you so much.
These are called Dwarf Korean Lilacs or the technical species name of Syringa Palibin. These are specifically grafted to a 4' graft stalk to give them that appearance.
Posted on February 12, 2008 What is the district's policy on use of the district's outdoor facilities (tennis courts, track, etc)?
This link will take you to our Board of Education Policy #3280. It addresses public use of all district facilities.
Posted on March 17, 2009 In a statement made on /310 "The football field does not have operating and maintenance costs. In fact, over time it will reduce maintenance costs. " If there are no maintenance costs how will it be reduced?
The current grass field has maintenance costs. It costs money to water, fertilize, paint lines, mow, etc. The new turf field will eliminate those maintenance costs.
Posted on March 17, 2009 Many people who voted for the turf/track project were led to believe that the project was going to have a full sized soccer field (75 yds x 120 yds). Why is the soccer field not full size?
It was said many times at public meetings and at a meeting with coaches and booster club representatives that the field meets the technical requirements for soccer, but most soccer coaches prefer a wider field. To make the field wider would have been a much more extensive project requiring that we move bleachers, lights, paving, etc. The project included money to add more bleachers to the current soccer fields, a new scoreboard and it will take the lacrosse teams off the soccer fields providing less wear and tear on those fields.
Posted on March 20, 2009 Do you realize that the life expectancy of artificial turf is only 10 to 15 years and we will be paying for replacement fields forever? Isn't that a hidden "maintenance" cost?
Yes. That is not a maintenance cost but a replacement cost that can be bonded as a capital project in 15 years.
Posted on October 20, 2009 Does the mini plainsman football pay for the use of the football field and to have the lights on at night during their games?
Posted on October 16, 2009 Why doesn't soccer games take place on the new turf field? Those kids work hard too and should be able to play on the new field.
Posted on October 30, 2009 Maybe you can at least tell me why this question is so hard to answer. What is the policy for using a school field when that field is not in use by a school team? The example I gave was a 15U boys hockey team doing some "dry-land" work on the girls field hockey field. The field was not in use yet the field hockey coach came over and kicked them off.
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