Next Board of Education Meeting -
Monday, December 9th________________________________________
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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Transportation Bids
For bid specification information (click here)
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2nd Trimester Clubs -
begin on December 9th and run through March 21, 2014. Club permission slips are available through your child's homeroom teacher, the front desk or the "Clubs & Activities" section of the website.________________________________________
Honor Roll and Citizens and Scholars Assembly Held
The students named to the Quarter 1 Honor Rolls, and the Citizens and Scholars for Quarter 1 wer honored in an assembly at school (Honor Roll Students) (Citizens and Scholars)
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Playground Now Open
We are pleased to announce that as the result of the
time, effort, and dedication of a number of volunteers from within
and beyond our school community, our improved Intermediate
Playground is now open for use. After months of planning by the
Playground Committee, and with the combined efforts of many
individuals, the concept came to reality this past weekend by way of
a Community Build. Because of this true community effort, we now
have a wonderful play space that will benefit our students and
community for years to come. Thanks so much to all who made this
possible.
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Fill A School Bus Project
Folmsbee Transportation, Inc. is sponsoring the "Fill A School Bus" Project to support Catholic Charities' "Christmas Store" which helps families in the capital district at no cost to them fulfill their children's Christmas dreams. (see more)
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Halloween Parade Held
What fun we had on Halloween! Led by Mrs. Schroeder, students in grades K-4 paraded around the gym. Please view the photos and join in the excitement. (photos)
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Safety Presentation at School
Menands students joined village representatives, numerous representatives from various agencies and Whistle Willy to learn more about pedestrian safety and strategies to use while walking. The students also had the opportunity to meet the School Crossing Guard, Diane Maguire. (photos)
Walking and Biking Safety Resources
Pedestrian Safety -
Tips for parents and other adults
Bicycle Safety –
Tips for Parents, Guardians and Kids
Students Present Treasure Island
On Saturday, October 12, Menands students performed in Treasure Island under the direction of the Missoula Theatre Company. After an intensive 5 day rehearsal period, the students presented a wonderful musical play! Thanks go to the Menands PTA, Mrs. Christina Pustay,and Mrs. Kelly Masline, PTA members, for organziaing the week Check out the photos to experience the special moments! (photos)
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Grade 8 At Camp Chingachgook
The Class of 2014 went to Camp Chingachgook for their annual outdoor education program in September. The students participated in team building activities, climbed the high ropes, learned how to do archery, and climbed a mountain. In addition there was a campfire, songs, and lots of fun! (photos)
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Share Our First Day of School!
We had a wonderful first day of school! The Menands Association of Teachers sponsored the annual Welcome Back Breakfast and everyone had a wonderful time. The teachers and students gave Dr. Long a very special welcome, including a quiz about her favorite things and a top ten list of why she came to Menands. In addition, each student wrote something about him or herself on a pawprint. All pawprints were presented to Dr. Long so that she could learn more about each student. Please share our day in these pictures! (photos)
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New state law means homeowners must re-register for Basic STAR program by December 31, 2013, to continue receiving tax breaksIf you’re a homeowner who has benefited from reduced property taxes under the state’s Basic School Tax Relief (STAR) program, it’s important to note that you must re-register with the New York State Tax Department by December 31, 2013, in order to continue receiving the exemption in 2014 and beyond
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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)
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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)
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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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Menands Welcomes our New Superintendent,
Dr. Maureen A. Long
Dr. Long joined the Menands School community on July 22. She has been busy meeting with staff, students, and community members, and making sure everything is ready for the 2013-14 school year. Dr. Long can be reached at mlong@menands.org
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Menands School
Crosswalk
Representatives of the village and representatives of the school district are working together to discuss long-term steps that will lead to increased safety at the intersection of Wards Lane and the school driveway. For the short-term, a Menands police officer will be present on some mornings and some afternoons to assist traffic. It will not be possible for a police officer to be present at all arrival and dismissal times, however, and drivers and pedestrians need to be extremely careful in this intersection. Elementary grade students should not be walking to or from school unless they are accompanied by an adult.
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Register for First Call Notification System
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New Online Meal Prepayment System Available Now
We are pleased to offer a new option to help make your life easier. Myschoolbucks.com is an on-line system that allows you to make deposits into your student’s cafeteria account.
Click here for more information. My School Bucks (PDF)
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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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Town of Colonie Sex Offender Watch
The Menands School District works closely with parents and guardians to ensure the safety of students at all times. Parents can become informed about convicted sex offenders living in this area by following this link to the Town of Colonie Police Department website. (more information)
Dr. Maureen A. Long
Superintendent
Mrs. Antonietta Schroeder
Principal
Phone: (518) 465.4561
Fax: (518) 434.2840
19 Wards Lane
Menands, NY 12204
