It is hard to believe that it has been over a month since I watched the class of 2009 walk across the stage here at Watervliet Junior Senior High School.
As I read the names of each graduate as they crossed the stage, I could not help but think of our district’s mission and our community’s shared value of high expectations.
Each of the students who graduated in June met these high expectations and I have confidence that they will go out into the world and become highly successful individuals.
But even as we handed out diplomas that night the world moved forward, and the expectations of the class of 2009 were no longer high enough to meet the needs of a world that is changing and advancing at a rate that we can’t even begin to comprehend.
It is with this in mind that I turn my attention to setting new, higher expectations for our students, faculty and administration. Not too long ago a high school diploma was all someone needed to be ready for a fulfilling and prosperous career and life. This is no longer the case. Research shows us that post-secondary education is now the key to success in life. College and/or technical school is a necessity and the same old high school expectations will not prepare our students for the challenges they will meet at these institutions. We must set the expectation that every student who enters our school district, regardless of when they enter, will graduate on time and with an ADVANCED REGENTS DIPLOMA. An advanced Regents Diploma requires that students meet more rigorous standards than a regular Regents Diploma. Next year’s freshman (students entering WHS in fall 2009) will need to pass 8 Regents exams to qualify for an Advanced Diploma as opposed to passing five exams to obtain a regular Regents Diploma.
The most recent school report published by the Capital Region Business Review ranks our school district 76 out of 85. While there can be many excuses and “yeah buts” used to rationalize this ranking, the truth is the methodology used to calculate this score is logical and actually a valid measure of school success with students. The overall score is a weighted tabulation that takes into account data from five categories: scores on state tests in ELA/Reading, social studies, science and math; and the total number of students who graduated with either Regents Diplomas or Advanced Regents Diplomas. After much analysis of this report, it is clear that despite impressive gains in our NYS assessments, the number of students graduating on time and with advanced Regents diplomas (the sign of a truly rigorous high school curriculum) is an area of weakness that we must address.
I find this ranking unacceptable and have begun conversations with our administrators and board of education to address this area of weakness immediately. Our job as educators, is to set the bar high for our students. To that end, it is my intention to present the BOE with a proposal to adopt graduation requirements that mirror those of the NYS advanced regents diploma as our district requirements for graduation.
Our graduates deserve to leave us prepared not just to survive in the world but to excel. With Board of Education, faculty, community and student support I am confident that our students will meet this new expectation handily.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The end of the year is also the end of an era...
As an administrator, the end of another school year is always a time of reflection for me. I think back on all the things that went well over the past year and look ahead to the things I would like to work on improving next year. For all of us, it is a time to say goodbye to many people who have been important parts of our lives here at the Watervliet City School District. WHS seniors will cross the stage on June 26th and graduate, thus closing this chapter of their K-12 lives. We are so very proud of their achievements and wish them only the best as they move on to college or careers – whatever they have planned for the next stage of their lives. (Of course saying goodbye to our senior class requires a blog posting all of its own, so stay tuned!)
What I would really like to talk about today is saying goodbye to staff. Commencement is the most public of our goodbyes, but there are always the goodbyes that do not have the pomp and circumstance of a graduation ceremony. This is the time of year we also say goodbye to colleagues and friends from our instructional staff. This year Watervliet is losing two very committed educators, Mrs. Kathy Terpening and Mrs. Carolyn Proctor. Between the two of them, these educators have more than sixty years of service to the students of Watervliet.
Mrs. Proctor has served as a Teacher Assistant in the district for more than thirty years. During her time here she has always been someone who went above and beyond the contractual responsibilities of her position to help our students. Mrs. Proctor has been known to spend hours after school tutoring students in whatever subject necessary. Her own background and abilities aided her in being a tireless supporter of our students for whom English is a second language. Mrs. Proctor has been a true asset to our district and will be greatly missed by staff and students alike.
I first came to know and respect Mrs. Kathy Terpening through her role as Union President. As many of you know, the relationship between a union president and superintendent can sometimes be filled with conflict and, in the worst cases, contempt. This was not the case with Mrs. Terpening and I. I found Mrs. Terpening to be both honest and ethical as a union president. The more I have gotten to know her, I’ve realized she brings these qualities to everything else that she does. Over the years countless people have come to me to compliment Mrs. Terpening on what a great teacher she is and what a positive influence she has had on her students and her colleagues. As we start the process of looking for a teacher to occupy Mrs. Terpening’s classroom (I will not say replace Mrs. Terpening, because that could never happen!) I can’t help but feel that whomever we choose will have very big shoes to fill.
We wish both of these fine educators a long and happy retirement. You will both be missed.
What I would really like to talk about today is saying goodbye to staff. Commencement is the most public of our goodbyes, but there are always the goodbyes that do not have the pomp and circumstance of a graduation ceremony. This is the time of year we also say goodbye to colleagues and friends from our instructional staff. This year Watervliet is losing two very committed educators, Mrs. Kathy Terpening and Mrs. Carolyn Proctor. Between the two of them, these educators have more than sixty years of service to the students of Watervliet.
Mrs. Proctor has served as a Teacher Assistant in the district for more than thirty years. During her time here she has always been someone who went above and beyond the contractual responsibilities of her position to help our students. Mrs. Proctor has been known to spend hours after school tutoring students in whatever subject necessary. Her own background and abilities aided her in being a tireless supporter of our students for whom English is a second language. Mrs. Proctor has been a true asset to our district and will be greatly missed by staff and students alike.
I first came to know and respect Mrs. Kathy Terpening through her role as Union President. As many of you know, the relationship between a union president and superintendent can sometimes be filled with conflict and, in the worst cases, contempt. This was not the case with Mrs. Terpening and I. I found Mrs. Terpening to be both honest and ethical as a union president. The more I have gotten to know her, I’ve realized she brings these qualities to everything else that she does. Over the years countless people have come to me to compliment Mrs. Terpening on what a great teacher she is and what a positive influence she has had on her students and her colleagues. As we start the process of looking for a teacher to occupy Mrs. Terpening’s classroom (I will not say replace Mrs. Terpening, because that could never happen!) I can’t help but feel that whomever we choose will have very big shoes to fill.
We wish both of these fine educators a long and happy retirement. You will both be missed.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Thanks for your support!
Once again, our community has overwhelmingly approved our school district budget. The faith and trust that our community has shown our schools and our mission is truly inspiring. This district could not succeed in our work to inspire educate and challenge every student, every day without them.
I would like to personally thank this community for its unwavering support. Since I came to this district 4 years ago, our voters have approved each of our annual
budgets, two capital projects totaling more than 30 million dollars and a transportation proposition that allowed us to acquire three brand new school buses.
We're 7 and 0, and that's a nice place to be!
I would like to personally thank this community for its unwavering support. Since I came to this district 4 years ago, our voters have approved each of our annual
budgets, two capital projects totaling more than 30 million dollars and a transportation proposition that allowed us to acquire three brand new school buses.
We're 7 and 0, and that's a nice place to be!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Great Flip Flop Debate
Every year as the weather gets warmer our district’s dress code becomes a matter of debate with students and some parents.
The Board of Education has adopted a dress code for the Watervliet City School District that requires students to dress in attire that meets our health and safety standards and does not interfere with the learning process. There are a few very specific items that are cited in this policy (tube tops, bandanas, hats, clothing that promotes violence, drugs or alcohol) but there are items that are not mentioned that the policy leaves up to the discretion of building-level administrators (principals and assistant principals).
It is the job of our building administrators to determine if student dress violates the policy in terms of health, safety and appropriateness. While they dutifully perform this function, I can tell you with certainty that they do not enjoy it. Our District's Mission is to inspire, educate and challenge every student, every day - not to be the fashion police.
The number one issue that comes up throughout the spring is the wearing of flip flops to school. No one will debate the fact that flip flops are a staple in most people's summer wardrobe (I have a pair myself), but this footwear is neither safe nor appropriate for school. Flip flops do not provide appropriate support for every day activities such as playground recess, physical education class or even just navigating our stairs and hallways. How many of us have thrown a flip flop just walking normally? I know I have. The foam sole provides little protection should a student step on something sharp accidentally and in the case of an emergency situation such as a fire drill they do not promote the ability to move quickly.
Lastly, flip flops are not appropriate for school in general. We must prepare our students for the expectations of the real world, and I know of no employer who would look kindly on their employee showing up to work in flip flops(unless your career choice is lifeguard or salesperson at Hollister).
I ask that parents understand the reasoning behind our stand on flip flops and discourage your children from wearing them to school. As a rule of thumb, we ask that you send your student with safe, multi–purpose shoes to school every day. Shoes with the proper support (heel and sole support) that are consistent with what is appropriate for the atmosphere that is our school building.
I thank you for your help with this matter. We would much rather spend our time in productive discussions surrounding the best way to inspire, challenge and educate our students rather than debating the merits of the ever-popular flip flop.
The Board of Education has adopted a dress code for the Watervliet City School District that requires students to dress in attire that meets our health and safety standards and does not interfere with the learning process. There are a few very specific items that are cited in this policy (tube tops, bandanas, hats, clothing that promotes violence, drugs or alcohol) but there are items that are not mentioned that the policy leaves up to the discretion of building-level administrators (principals and assistant principals).
It is the job of our building administrators to determine if student dress violates the policy in terms of health, safety and appropriateness. While they dutifully perform this function, I can tell you with certainty that they do not enjoy it. Our District's Mission is to inspire, educate and challenge every student, every day - not to be the fashion police.
The number one issue that comes up throughout the spring is the wearing of flip flops to school. No one will debate the fact that flip flops are a staple in most people's summer wardrobe (I have a pair myself), but this footwear is neither safe nor appropriate for school. Flip flops do not provide appropriate support for every day activities such as playground recess, physical education class or even just navigating our stairs and hallways. How many of us have thrown a flip flop just walking normally? I know I have. The foam sole provides little protection should a student step on something sharp accidentally and in the case of an emergency situation such as a fire drill they do not promote the ability to move quickly.
Lastly, flip flops are not appropriate for school in general. We must prepare our students for the expectations of the real world, and I know of no employer who would look kindly on their employee showing up to work in flip flops(unless your career choice is lifeguard or salesperson at Hollister).
I ask that parents understand the reasoning behind our stand on flip flops and discourage your children from wearing them to school. As a rule of thumb, we ask that you send your student with safe, multi–purpose shoes to school every day. Shoes with the proper support (heel and sole support) that are consistent with what is appropriate for the atmosphere that is our school building.
I thank you for your help with this matter. We would much rather spend our time in productive discussions surrounding the best way to inspire, challenge and educate our students rather than debating the merits of the ever-popular flip flop.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Education needs to be nimble
There is an old saying that changes in education are evolutionary not revolutionary.
There is a great deal of truth to this saying. In today’s world we in education must change this
We must become nimble.
Nimble is defined as quick and light in movement; moving with ease; agile and active.
Do not confuse being nimble with being reactionary or rash. Being nimble means we must have the ability to move quickly, efficiently and effectively to meet the challenges that face education.
As I reflect on our budget development process, I realize how difficult it is for a school district to be nimble. We are planning our spending and programs for next year based on old knowledge, old data and old assumptions. As all of you know, technology that is purchased today is out of date quickly, sometimes even before we purchase it. New best practices in the classroom emerge on a daily basis. It would take a crystal ball to know exactly what new and improved technology and knowledge will be available to us come September, yet we formulate schedules and budgets that reflect what we have done in the past.
Schools face the specter of being under-funded and over-regulated in these very hard times. This adds to our plodding nature and makes becoming nimble seem nearly impossible. The call for greater and greater accountability stifles our desire to take risks of any kind.
But we can’t let these factors become excuses.
To overcome these challenges and become nimble we must build flexibility and calculated risk taking into our budgets, schedules, lesson plans and policies. We must put in place processes to review our actions quickly and, based on current data, take corrective action in a moments notice. We must be quick and light in movement, agile and active.
Throughout the spring our district will be working to align and update our curriculum to ensure rigor and relevance. During this process we will be able to build in opportunities for risk taking, language that allows for the flexibility and emphasis on research and innovation in the class room.
It is steps like these that will put us closer to one of my main goals - helping Watervliet become a nimble school district.
There is a great deal of truth to this saying. In today’s world we in education must change this
We must become nimble.
Nimble is defined as quick and light in movement; moving with ease; agile and active.
Do not confuse being nimble with being reactionary or rash. Being nimble means we must have the ability to move quickly, efficiently and effectively to meet the challenges that face education.
As I reflect on our budget development process, I realize how difficult it is for a school district to be nimble. We are planning our spending and programs for next year based on old knowledge, old data and old assumptions. As all of you know, technology that is purchased today is out of date quickly, sometimes even before we purchase it. New best practices in the classroom emerge on a daily basis. It would take a crystal ball to know exactly what new and improved technology and knowledge will be available to us come September, yet we formulate schedules and budgets that reflect what we have done in the past.
Schools face the specter of being under-funded and over-regulated in these very hard times. This adds to our plodding nature and makes becoming nimble seem nearly impossible. The call for greater and greater accountability stifles our desire to take risks of any kind.
But we can’t let these factors become excuses.
To overcome these challenges and become nimble we must build flexibility and calculated risk taking into our budgets, schedules, lesson plans and policies. We must put in place processes to review our actions quickly and, based on current data, take corrective action in a moments notice. We must be quick and light in movement, agile and active.
Throughout the spring our district will be working to align and update our curriculum to ensure rigor and relevance. During this process we will be able to build in opportunities for risk taking, language that allows for the flexibility and emphasis on research and innovation in the class room.
It is steps like these that will put us closer to one of my main goals - helping Watervliet become a nimble school district.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Keeping on mission!
Our mission is to inspire educate and challenge every student, every day. And here in the Watervliet City School District we are living this mission.
I am proud to inform you that in the 2007 – 2008 school year our students met our annual yearly progress goals in every category, in every sub group and at every level. It is the hard work and commitment of our faculty and staff that has made this achievement possible.
While it is important that we take time to celebrate this achievement, we can not rest on our laurels. In an environment of continuous improvement we must ensure that this upward momentum continues.
A key way to do this is to ensure that we have a rigorous and relevant curriculum that is not only aligned with the New York State learning standards, but is aligned with our mission.
Recently, I was at a meeting of the leaders of community groups in our city. At the end of the meeting a line formed in front of me. Almost to a person, these community leaders sought our students for one activity, function or another. It gave me great pride to hear the positive comments about our schools, our teachers and most importantly – our students. But with that pride, came a feeling of great responsibility. This community depends on our ability to prepare our students to be the future of their city, the state and our nation.
They depend on us to deliver rigorous, relevant education with curriculum that is aligned with learning standards and prepares them for the challenges of the 21st century.
I want to thank our faculty and staff for they work they do towards fulfilling this challenge, and all that they do for every Watervliet student, every day.
I am proud to inform you that in the 2007 – 2008 school year our students met our annual yearly progress goals in every category, in every sub group and at every level. It is the hard work and commitment of our faculty and staff that has made this achievement possible.
While it is important that we take time to celebrate this achievement, we can not rest on our laurels. In an environment of continuous improvement we must ensure that this upward momentum continues.
A key way to do this is to ensure that we have a rigorous and relevant curriculum that is not only aligned with the New York State learning standards, but is aligned with our mission.
Recently, I was at a meeting of the leaders of community groups in our city. At the end of the meeting a line formed in front of me. Almost to a person, these community leaders sought our students for one activity, function or another. It gave me great pride to hear the positive comments about our schools, our teachers and most importantly – our students. But with that pride, came a feeling of great responsibility. This community depends on our ability to prepare our students to be the future of their city, the state and our nation.
They depend on us to deliver rigorous, relevant education with curriculum that is aligned with learning standards and prepares them for the challenges of the 21st century.
I want to thank our faculty and staff for they work they do towards fulfilling this challenge, and all that they do for every Watervliet student, every day.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Cannoneers hit the books, and crush the competition
Our student athletes are getting the job done in the classroom and on the court/field. Earlier this month we were informed that our Girls Bowling, Boys Basketball and Boys Indoor Track teams were named Scholar Athlete Teams by the New York State High School Athletic Association. This follows a fall that saw four other teams also receive this honor; Girls Tennis, Girls Volleyball, Girls Soccer and Varsity Boys Football.
A team must have a combined overall average of 91 or better to qualify as a scholar athlete team.
Not only are Watervliet’s student athletes hitting the books, but they are crushing the competition as well. Section II titles were won in Football, Girl’s Basketball and for the first time ever, wrestling. In fact, our Football and Wrestling teams combined both a sectional championship and a scholar athlete award.
While many argue that athletics have little to do with student achievement, the academic accomplishments of our students clearly show that the two go hand in hand. Cannoneer athletes are held to a high standard and must perform in the classroom or they are not allowed to compete in their chosen sport. Our Athletic Director and all of our coaches share this philosophy and instill this value in each of their team members.
We are very proud that our students have the self discipline and commitment needed to be champions of both academics and athletics.
As an added honor, Varsity Football Coach, Erick Bernard and Wrestling Coach, Dennis Lane were both named Coach of the Year. These two gentlemen happen to be the coaches of our two teams that achieved both a sectional championship and a scholar athlete award. Is this just a coincidence? I think not?
The pressure is on spring coaches and teams. You have big shoes to fill!
A team must have a combined overall average of 91 or better to qualify as a scholar athlete team.
Not only are Watervliet’s student athletes hitting the books, but they are crushing the competition as well. Section II titles were won in Football, Girl’s Basketball and for the first time ever, wrestling. In fact, our Football and Wrestling teams combined both a sectional championship and a scholar athlete award.
While many argue that athletics have little to do with student achievement, the academic accomplishments of our students clearly show that the two go hand in hand. Cannoneer athletes are held to a high standard and must perform in the classroom or they are not allowed to compete in their chosen sport. Our Athletic Director and all of our coaches share this philosophy and instill this value in each of their team members.
We are very proud that our students have the self discipline and commitment needed to be champions of both academics and athletics.
As an added honor, Varsity Football Coach, Erick Bernard and Wrestling Coach, Dennis Lane were both named Coach of the Year. These two gentlemen happen to be the coaches of our two teams that achieved both a sectional championship and a scholar athlete award. Is this just a coincidence? I think not?
The pressure is on spring coaches and teams. You have big shoes to fill!
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