Archive for September, 2016

Is there a limit to the length of a students’ bus ride. My grandchildren leave Tesago at 2:15 and the bus drops them at their house in the Oaks at 3:05. This is their regular time. I thought it seemed rather long

A.  There are many factors that impact the school bus ride home. The NYS Commissioner of Education has ruled on numerous occasions that a bus ride of 1.5 hours is not unreasonable. The Shen school district attempts to keep bus rides under one hour when possible. We strive for both safety and efficiencies. Note, while […]

Why does SHEN have so many TALENTED athletes who are GOOD enough to make a SHEN team, But are not Good enough to play in the actual game?

A.  Equal playing time is not guaranteed in any sport. 

Why are Coaches children, and non team students aloud on the Football field sidelines ?

A. Some are team water boys and some are ball boys and some are just with their parents on the sidelines.  

How come there is a Spanish Club, French Club, and German Club but no Latin Club? I’m a Latin student and I think learning more about ancient civilization in Rome would be fun!!!

A.  There is a very active Latin Club at the high school. For more information, see either Ms. Armstrong at High School West or Mrs. Armstrong at High School East.

Is it possible to see your child’s NY state test? Not just the results. Thank you.

A. Yes, parents may request to see portions of their child’s NYS assessment. Please contact your child’s principal to make arrangements.

Is the SHEN weight room open to alumni?

A.  It is only open to current students.  It is utilized by students from 6:00 am in the morning until 8 pm in the evening. 

Why can athlets wear their uniform that break dress code to school and don’t get yelled at ,but a normal kid who wears the same thing will

A.  The athletes wear uniforms that conform to the dress code.  They wear additional clothing under their uniforms.

Can non SHEN students play on Shen sports teams or join Shen extra curricular clubs if they attend private schools or are home schooled but live in the Shen district?

A.  No, not allowable by law and/or policy.  From NYSPHSAA Handbook: BONA FIDE STUDENTS: Regulation of the Commissioner of Education: A contestant must be a bona fide student of the high school represented and must be taking at least four subjects including Physical Education.

Do I need an adult to go to homecoming?

A. Middle school, elementary and preschool children require an adult to enter.

The practice of granting religious holidays off is archaic and discriminatory. I understand that Christmas is a Federal Holiday, but Yom Kippur and Good Friday are not. If Shenendehowa is truly committed to culturally responsive practice, It will modernize the school calendar and stop giving preference to certain religions, as many schools in New York State already have.

A.  Thanks for sharing. All students have the right to celebrate religious holidays with their families as deemed appropriate and the district policies are respectful of those choices.