Board of Education - March 10, 2014

6:00 p.m. - Public Hearing - Storm Flooding Correction

6:30 p.m. - Regular Board Meeting

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Kindergarten Registration - Monday, March 31, 2014

There will be a Kindergarten Parent Information Night for parents only on Monday, March 31st at 6:00 p.m. in the school library.

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Cultural Fair Held

In celebration of all of our families here at Menands School, the PTA is held a cultural fair on Thursday evening, March 6. For the second year in a row, our gym was transformed into a global arena with family run tables representing different countries and cultures, from around the world and within the United States. (photos)

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Honor Roll and Citizens and Scholars Assembly Held

The students named to the Quarter 2 Honor Rolls, and the Citizens and Scholars for Quarter 2 were honored in an assembly at school on February13.  (Honor Roll Students)  (Citizens and Scholars)

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Menands St. Patrick's Club 50th Anniversary

The Menands St. Patrick's Club has invited the members of the Menands School community to march with them in the annual Albany St. Patrick's Day Parade.  The parade will be held on Saturday, March 15th.  All students MUST have adult supervision to march.  Please (click here) for further information and permission slip.

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Winter Concert  Held

On the evening of Thursday, January 16, the annual Winter Concert was held, under the direction of Mrs. Sarah Horaczek, music teacher.  The Menands band played, and students in grades K-7 presented a wide selection of songs.  (photos)

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Third Graders Receive Dictionaries

As participants of the Dictionary Project, members of the Watervliet Lodge of Elks #1500 provided third grade students a personal dictionary.  We appreciate the support and collaboration of the Watervliet Lodge of Elks #1500 in providing our students with a valuable resource to be used for many years ahead.  (photos)

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Free Parent Today Subscription Available

Parent Today is a fee email service that offers parenting information and tips every two weeks and is sent right into your inbox. (how to subscribe and information )

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INCLEMENT WEATHER & SCHOOL CLOSINGS

When there is inclement weather, residents should tune to WGY, WROW or WTRY radio as well as TV channels 6, 10 and 13 for school closings or late openings.  If the Menands School is opening later due to weather, all bus runs will be delayed in Menands.  For example, if the Menands School is opening one hour late, then all buses transporting students outside the district will also be running one hour later.  If the Menands School is closed due to weather, transportation to high schools and private schools will be at the discretion of the Superintendent.  Also, when school is canceled during the day, after-school and night activities at the school are also canceled.

This is also an opportune time for you to sign up for First Call notification system so that information can be communicated to you via your home phone, your cell phone, your computer, your Smart Phone and your iPad.  Go to www.villageofmenands.com and follow the link to submit your contact information.

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Walking and Biking Safety Resources

Pedestrian Safety - Tips for parents and other adults

Bicycle Safety – Tips for Parents, Guardians and Kids_

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Grades 6-8 Math School Supplies List for 2013-14,

General Supplies for Grade 5, and All Supplies K-8

Please check our school supplies list for the upcoming school year. (school supplies) (6-8 math supplies)

general supplies grade 5

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Club Schedule for 2013-14

There are lots of great clubs at school this year. Please look at the many offererings and the schedule. (clubs)

 (club permssion slip)

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Dr. Long Comments on the Release of NYS Assessment Scores

Earlier this week, the State Education Department released the results of the April 2013 grades 3-8 ELA and math assessments. This was the first round of state testing based on the Common Core standards.  We should not be surprised or disappointed by these scores.  As indicated by the Commissioner, the drop in the number of students meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations was expected and should not be interpreted as a failure on the part of students to learn or teachers to teach.  In reality our students in Menands fared better than many of their peers across the region and the state. The scores released represent a new baseline.  We fully expect moving forward to see test scores rise as teachers and students continue to adapt to the new expectations and required shifts in teaching and learning.

 

Information will be shared with families in the coming weeks regarding individual student performance and results.  Please see the letter addressed to parents and families from NYS Education Commissioner John King at the following link. (letter)

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Register for First Call Notification System

New Online Meal Prepayment System Available Now

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Free and Reduced Lunch

If your family income or your family situation has changed, your child(ren) may be eligible to receive free and/or reduced priced meals in school. This includes both breakfast and lunch. For more information, please call our secretary, Mrs. Pattie Miller, or our school counselor, Mrs. Cheri Vandenberg, at 465-4561.
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