Friday, December 18, 2009
Six Staff Members to Retire
The Board also accepted the retirement of Tadeusz Wesley, a cleaner with the District for over 23 years.
Science Visiting Team Comes to Town
The assessment was organized around essential questions developed by the faculty and endorsed by the Board of Education:
To what extent does the K-12 science curriculum at Bronxville:
- Support scientific questioning and reasoning?
- Foster critical thinking?
- Integrate technological skills?
- Encourage applications of scientific knowledge?
- Balance high standards of achievement with the needs of all learners?
Bronxville teachers spent over a year preparing for the accreditation process. They reviewed the scope and sequence of the course of study and completed pacing guides for each course. They gathered and organized classroom materials to help the visitors understand our program. The written report is expected in five or six weeks.
For the Tri-State indicators, click below.
District Leaders Present Overview
The Board has charged the administration with preparing a zero-increase budget. Quattrone said, "It would be fair to say that the Board is reexamining the relationship between resources available and educational excellence. This series of presentations has been designed to provide the information and background needed to decide what constitutes a model of excellence that is sustainable in a time of economic scarcity, not just this year but in the years to come."
This most recent review touched on various elements of district management and leadership, including communications, fiscal stewardship, technology, facilities, quality of teaching, and student services. It referred to the strategic plan recommendations of 2005, international indicators of excellence, and the status of various improvement efforts.
The report can be viewed by clicking on the picture above.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Board Reviews High School Programs
Questions from the Board of Education focused on technology instruction and educational software, the role of colleges in improving our curriculum, extra-help opportunities, on-line courses, the daily schedule, and world languages.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Construction Update
At a special meeting earlier this month, the Bronxville Board of Education voted to terminate its general construction agreement with Xavier Construction, one of the District’s four contractors involved in the boiler room project. This action was taken as a result of the contractor’s failure to perform its work on the project in accordance with the terms and conditions of its contract with the District. In addition, the Board was concerned about significant and persistent safety issues at the work site.
Since taking this action, the District has taken steps to secure the construction site, eliminate all safety issues identified by our construction manager and architect, and ensure that the site is protected from the weather.
All the school’s utilities and heating infrastructure are in place and operational, and the District believes that this suspension of activity will not affect the normal operation of the school through the rest of the year.
The District and its representatives are currently engaged in discussions with the contractor’s bonding company concerning completion of this project in a timely manner. We will keep the community apprised of these discussions as we work toward a satisfactory resolution.
Projections Show Overall Stability, Changes by School
The annual enrollment projects, prepared by FACTSNY, show overall stability in Bronxville's K-12 enrollment. The 2009 total of 1538 is expected to decline slightly to 1503, a change of about half of one percent. As relatively large cohorts of students move into the Middle School, however, we see changes at each school. The Elementary School is likely to lose 67 students over the next four years (though kindergarten estimates are notoriously unpredictable). In contrast, the Middle School population is expected to rise from 363 to 412 -- 49 students. During this same period, the projections estimate a loss of 17 students. These fluctuations have implications for staffing levels and budget allocations that will be considered as the 2010-11 spending plan is discussed by the Board.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
One Person Can Make a Difference
Congratulations to all who participated and helped plan the event, especially Denise Lutter, Teacher Center Director. Barbara Dhyne and Marcie Frishman organized the International Club, the Fifth Grade Team supported Millie Guzman and the Ecuador project, and Mary Schenck worked with the eighth graders. Jim Agnello and Beth Agarabi have been active in the Nicaragua Bridges to Community project.
The complete agenda, including a list of participants, can be found here. A power point sample of the evening is below.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Subscribe to Bronxville's Electronic Newsletter
In addition, the District publishes an electronic newsletter, Across the Bronxville Schools, that is e-mailed to all parents about once a month, usually following the Board of Education regular meeting. Parents receive this newsletter automatically and do not need to sign up. Interested members of the public -- including students, alumni, and current and former residents -- are welcome to subscribe to this newsletter by clicking on the link below.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Middle School Programs Reviewed
Drop by Drop You Make a River
A panel of student speakers, moderated by Dr. Viji George, President of Concordia College, will use the book as a springboard for discussing their own experiences in service projects across the world. The evening, aimed at secondary school students and their parents, is part of a broader global education initiative, linked to a number of related activities throughout the school year. At the Elementary School students will read Listen to the Wind, a picture book version of Three Cups of Tea, and the High School Student Faculty Legislature is planning its third annual special event exploring global problems.
Board Affirms District Goals
- Conduct a comprehensive budget review that minimizes taxpayer expense. Budget options resulting in flat and lower taxes will be considered. This year’s budget process will include comparisons of Bronxville’s per pupil costs and an analysis of staffing levels and key programs and services at each school and the district.
- Continue the three-year program development plans for global education and 21st Century skills, integrating technology, and knowing and engaging students.
- Update the Long Range Facilities Plan.
Activities related to the financial goals include concluding a Board/BTA study of health costs and benefits; completing negotiations with custodians, teachers, clerical staff, teacher’s aides and teaching assistants; pursuing resolution of outstanding construction litigation; and revising financial reporting formats. Activities related to the curriculum and instruction goals include updating the K-12 technology curriculum; designing and implementing student projects that reflect global awareness, critical thinking and problem solving, and technology as an essential tool for learning;expanding teacher access to student data as part of an evidence-based approach to improving learning results; forming a Board study group to identify “best practices” for board processes related to curriculum and instruction; and completing Tri-States evaluation of science curriculum.
Please Note Change in School Calendar
The revised calendar can be found here.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Launching the 2010 Budget: Elementary Review
"Tonight we resume a budget development process that began last year and is sure to continue over the next few years. Our goal is to establish a sustainable model of educational excellence that adapts our programs and services to economic realities. . . As we move from the technical fixes and trimming reflected in this year’s budget to more substantive changes, the decisions will be more difficult. We will need to determine if we are offering the right programs at the right scale, and whether or not some programs and services should be reduced or eliminated. As we go through this multi-year process we need to focus on two competing priorities – what we can afford and what adds the most value to student learning..."
The Elementary School presentation, delivered by Principal Tom Wilson and Assistant Principal Heidi Menzel, can be found here.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Enrollment and Class Sizes Remain Stable
K-12 student enrollment nudged upward by 1%, reported Superintendent David Quattrone at the September Board of Education meeting, with most of the increase at the Elementary School. The total K-12 population on September 9 was 1,542, up from 1,527 last year. The Elementary enrollment is 723, the Middle School enrollment is 363, and the High School enrollment is 452. Official enrollment figures will be finalized as of October 1st.
Class size patterns are also similar to previous years: The average class size for grades K-5 is 20.8, and the comparable figures for the Middle and High Schools are 18.9 and 19.3, respectively. The class size summary can be found here.
New Teachers and Tenure Candidates
Bronxville welcomed ten new teachers this fall, in addition to a number of leave replacements and interns. The Teacher Center sponsored a two-day orientation program led by Center director Denise Lutter and mentors Frank Viggiani and Julia Brogan. The program encompassed district purpose and vision, technology, support services, a Village tour, as well as logistical assistance. Pictured at the right are Danielle Green, psychology intern; Jillian Tomlin, school psychologist; Megan Garcia, special education; Camille DiSalvo, grade 4; Lorraine Voytek, kindergarten; Marge White, kindergarten; Sarah Wolf, elementary music; and Karine Schaefer, HS English.
Tenure Candidates
Each fall the district publishes a list of tenure candidates and probationary candidates, inviting parents to participate in the process through written, signed letters. Comments and concerns should be addressed to the school principal. All such letters are shared with the teachers named, and are part of a comprehensive performance appraisal process that includes multiple observations and supervisory conferences. The 2009 list can be found here.
College Admissions Results Jump Up
At the September Board of Education meeting, Superintendent David Quattrone presented student achievement results for 2008-09. Overall patterns are stable with respect to state testing and advanced placement results. But college admissions at the nation's most competitive colleges and universities jumped by 16%. Nearly two-thirds of the Class of 2009 (65%) enrolled in colleges and universities ranked in the "most competitive" category by Barron's Guide. Typically, about 90% of Bronxville graduates attend colleges in the top three tiers - "very", "highly", and "most" competitive.
For the full presentation on achievement results, go here.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Next Level of Learning
Opening Remarks to the Bronxville Faculty and Staff by David Quattrone, Superintendent of Schools, September 8, 2009.
Welcome back, everybody. We are ready to open school thanks to the hard work of your own classroom preparation and summer curriculum projects, and the ongoing efforts of our maintenance, technology, and clerical staff. We have a number of facilities projects that we hope will improve the quality of life for the students and faculty, including nine renovated bathrooms funded by the PTA, new lighting and ceilings in various hallways and classrooms, new lockers, and a number of painting projects that we hope contribute to a positive quality of life. This morning we also welcome all new faculty and staff members.
Today we kick off a community wide read of the book, Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. The book recounts one man’s amazing journey to create new educational opportunities for children in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He started out with little more than mountain climbing experience and a deep commitment to making the world a better place. More...
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Six Achieve Tenure
As probationary teachers, faculty members are observed formally at least three times annually, with multiple evaluators in their tenure year. Tenure recommendations indicate a combination of proficient and distinguished ratings, supplemented by administrative assessments of capacity for future growth, leadership, and contributions to the department and school. Quattrone gave brief testimonials about each person.
Terry Barton, High School Principal
Mr. Barton has established a positive school climate, making decisions from a student-centered perspective and supporting numerous student-initiated projects. He has implemented improvements in school facilities, the master schedule, and expanded applications of technology. Through communication with students, parents, and teachers, he solves problems by listening, encouraging communication, and flexible approaches designed to help each student succeed.
Brian Senior, Elementary Physical Education
Mr. Senior brings to his teacher a strong foundation in child development. His teaching relates physical activity to other subject areas, and his team participation indicates strong connections with other faculty members and the broader interests of the students. Senior has also served as Boys Varsity Basketball coach.
Jean Windels, Middle School Science
Ms. Windels has distinguished herself as school leader and forward-looking teacher. She has represented the Middle School on the staff development Policy Board and served as 8th grade team leader. She has transformed the science club into a competitive and successful Science Olympiad team. Her teaching is characterized by a solid inquiry approach designed to foster thoughtful analysis and reasoning by her students.
Chris Yi, Middle School Mathematics
As Middle School curriculum leader, Mr. Yi has strengthened the communication and coordination with both Elementary and High School teachers, so that there is shared knowledge about expectations and clear criteria regarding placement. His leadership has also led to more consistent use of technology and and common assessments for common courses. His high expectations of students have contributed to our long-term effort to increase the number of students who have completed algebra by the end of eighth grade.
Dana Landesman, High School Social Studies
Ms. Landesman emphasizes collaborative group work in her classroom, with students taking responsibility for presenting information and learning from each other. Technology is well integrated into her teaching. Her dedication to content mastery is balanced with her genuine regard for young people. Her lessons are highly organized. She has collaborated successfully with colleagues, and is active in professional work beyond the school.
Ann Meyer, High School Science
Ms. Meyer has brought rigor, commitment, and enthusiasm to her work as a classroom teacher and as a positive force on the faculty. She has played a vital leadership role both within her department and across the school. As an advisor to the Student-Faculty-Legislature she has help launch and sustain school-wide events on global warming, human rights, and world hunger. She has also organized and implemented science seminars designed to interest students in careers in math and science. She brings a global perspective to her teaching, and as such she has been a strong advocate of high academic expectations, interdisciplinary approaches, and service to others.
Board Adopts 2009-10 Budget
A budget newsletter providing the public with budget detail will be mailed to all residents in the next few weeks. The Board presentation is here.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
March Mayhem
On Saturday, March 28, 2009 the Bronxville School’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) held its major fundraiser for 2009: The March Mayhem Bash. The event was a great success with over 400 people in attendance and over $200,000 raised for the school. In addition to dinner and dancing, the event included an extensive silent auction of internship opportunities, vacations, sports tickets and an extensive wine auction. And as luck would have it, one of the most exciting games in the March Madness tournament was played on Saturday night and aired on a big screen at the club, providing great entertainment and revving up the enthusiasm in the room. The PTA is incredibly grateful to the event co-chairs, Melinda Dempsey and Jennifer Mackesy, and to their entire committee of volunteers for all of their hard work. Many thanks are also owed to the greater school community – administrators, teachers, custodial staff, parents, students and local residents - for supporting the event in its organization, attendance, and in auction participation. It was a terrific school-wide effort and a great testament to the strength of the Bronxville School and community.
Foundation Considers 2009 Grant Applications
The Bronxville School Foundation meets next week to consider a variety of grant applications aimed at supporting, enriching, and improving the Bronxville Schools. Applications include requests for student leadership development, professional development, technology, instructional equipment, and supplementary classroom materials.
The photo shows a wind turbine project in the AP Environmental Science course, funded by the Foundation.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Proposed Budget Shows Lowest Increase in Over Ten Years: 1.37%
After months of deliberation and reductions, the Bronxville Board of Education appears ready to endorse a school budget with the lowest increase in the last decade - a 1.37% budget-to-budget rise. Based on preliminary information available, the projected tax rate increase is likely to be the second lowest in Westchester County. The proposed budget totals $44, 227,561.
In November, the Bronxville Board of Education asked the administration to prepare a rollover budget that supported existing programs and accounted for contractual obligations yet added no new services or staffing. During a number of planning sessions throughout the winter, the budget was further reduced by about $870,000, involving the equivalent of 4.4 positions as well as reductions in various co-curricular and athletic activities and other accounts. The March 19 presentation can be found here. At that meeting the Board reviewed the impact of staff reductions on class size, tax rate comparisons, and the requirements of a contingency budget.
The Board will be asked to approve a budget in April, with a final hearing on May 7th and a school budget vote on May 19th.
Two BHS Students Win Global Service Learning Grants
Two Bronxville High School students, Nora Gerson (11th grade) and Amed Ebrahim (10th grade) have won prizes of $2,500 each to support service learning projects this coming summer. The students will be traveling to Tanzania to work in an orphanage under the guidance of Jim Agnello, school counselor.
The awards, supported by a community donor, support four goals:
- Promote increased understanding of complex issues facing the global community
- Improve students’ capacity to successfully engage in cross-cultural collaborations
- Foster an understanding of the reciprocal nature of service to others
- Improve the learning environments of children in the developing world.
Board Approves 2009-2010 Calendar
The approved calendar is here.
SFL Endorses Honor Code
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Tuition and Residency
Each year questions arise about how the district handles families who move out of town during the school year or who may no longer be residents eligible to attend our schools. State law and Bronxville policy are very clear. Only students who reside in the Village of Bronxville may attend tuition-free. For those who leave the District during the year, tuition is pro-rated. District policy on pupil residency can be found here.
When a credible inquiry about residency is received, the district verifies residency through the use of investigative services. Anonymous complaints are typically disregarded. Since September 2008, the district has investigated eight claims of non-residency. In each case, residency has been verified, tuition has been charged, or non-residents have withdrawn from school. At the present time there are five pending cases.
Friday, January 16, 2009
What's New in Fifth Grade?
At the January Board of Education meeting, the fifth grade team explained how these new approaches strengthen their students sense of community, self-reliance, and social responsibility. Curriculum Leader Adrienne Laitman and Erin Cramer, representing their colleagues, made the presentation. In addition to Laitman and Cramer, the fifth grade team includes Lisa Britvan, Stephanie Kennedy, and Bruce Meyers. Micki Kennedy and Karen Albers provide special education support.
The teachers highlighted the most significant aspects of their work together. The students developed five guiding principles ("Try your best.") as a fifth grade community, not by individual classes. This approach has led to a positive identity and fewer behavior problems. The organization of the daily schedule reflects a planned transition between the self-contained classroom at grade four and the secondary model in which the students change teachers every period. During a portion of the day the students have an opportunity to select activities that best meet their needs, ranging from extra help, to technology enrichment, or time to work on long-range projects. The student-led conferences have given parents, teachers, and the students themselves a new perspective on student's assuming responsibility for their own learning. These programs - and others - reflect the benefits of team planning and collegial support among the teachers.
Students and Faculty Plan World Hunger Event
Scheduled for Monday, February 2, the day will feature a keynote speaker and an opportunity for students to participate in a variety of action activities. The keynote speaker, Joel Berg is the executive director of the New York City Coalition Against Hunger and a former Clinton administration official. He is also author of a new book, All You Can Eat: How Hungry is America? The afternoon activities will encompass such activities as letter writing, further study, fund-raising, and a food drive.
This event is also direct outgrowth of the global education initiative that began with seven teachers' trip to China in 2007 and has since become a major theme for professional and curriculum development in the district. The Middle School faculty is planning a related event in April.
Carlin Outlines Budget Options
With that backdrop, Carlin described the "rollover budget" projecting what it would cost to operate this year's programs in 2009-10. This projection incorporates contractual obligations, utility increases, and the known cost of benefits. The projected figure, $45,257,442, represents a budget-to-budget increase of 3.73%. This figure - with no additional funds for new programs - is the lowest in ten years except for last year's increase of 3.63%.
However, Carlin added, we also anticipate shortfalls on the revenue side, including reductions in state aid, investment income, and sales tax proceeds. This gap in revenue places more pressure on the need to raise tax monies, and would result in a tax levy increase of 4.99%.
Finance Committee chair Tibi Guzman made a distinction between the tax levy (the net amount needed to operate the schools) and the tax rate, which varies with property appraisals and certioraris. Carlin went on to describe the amounts that would be needed to further reduce the budget. In order to reduce the tax levy to 3%, about $759,442 would need to be cut from the rollover budget. In order to reduce the tax levy to 0%, an additional reduction of $1,145,268 would be required. As a point of reference, Carlin estimated that $1 million would be the equivalent of ten or more teachers.
The detailed budget will be presented to the Board of Education on Saturday, February 7, at 9:00 Am in the Yeager Room.
District Conducts Second Satisfaction Survey
The survey, to be conducted by Harris Interactive of Rochester, NY., will be distributed to district stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, and staff. Using the company's School Poll program, the district will collect data using a set of standardized survey instruments. Students in grades 3-12, along with teachers and staff will be surveyed during the week of Jan. 18. The survey, together with a business reply envelope, will also be mailed separately to district parents. All responses will be confidential and anonymous.
The district first conducted such a survey in 2006 with the support of the Bronxville School Foundation. This year's results will track changes in stakeholder satisfaction over the past three years and provide benchmark comparisons with other survey participants. Quattrone said the survey approach was an important part of a comprehensive, balanced system of measuring excellence. Establishing a system of measurement is one of this year's Board/District goals.
The survey will focus on three key areas important to district performance. They include:
- Levels of satisfaction with regard to the atmosphere of the district, its equipment and facilities, its communications, administration, and its principals and/or superintendent.
- The frequency of specific events within the district, such as availability of extra help during the school year, parent involvement, etc.
- The effect specific events have on stakeholder satisfaction, and a prioritized list of issues that should be addressed to improve satisfaction.