School Opens Smoothly

This school year began with an unfamiliar schedule, with two school days sandwiched in between Labor Day and Rosh Hashanah. In order to get down to business promptly, we opted not to hold a full teacher conference day for classroom preparation and various meetings. That would have led to a one-day school week. Instead we began with two delayed openings, with the students arriving at 10 AM. Despite the different format, school opened smoothly, with full attendance:

• New teachers completed a comprehensive two-day orientation program the week before school opened.
• The facility was ready, with a number of internal improvements, such as window replacement and painting.
• A + A Maintenance, our new custodial services company, responded well to the rush of demands that come with the new school year. We are working cooperatively to set expectations for quality of service.
  
• Our technology was fully operational.
• Our new food service provider, Chartwell, made a rapid and effective transition to operating our cafeteria.

Informal feedback about the late start was very positive, with teachers appreciating the decision to forgo general meetings, and parents appreciating the additional time to get ready for school.

Enrollment, Class Sizes Remain Stable

Superintendent David Quattrone gave the Board of Education a brief report on class size at September's regular meeting. He reported that district enrollment was stable, with 1,544 students in grades K-12 (up 6 from last year). Overall, class sizes were also very similar to previous years, with exceptions at grades 2 and 3. Second grade classes have aide assistance for part of the day.

For the full report, go here:

Opportunity for Parent Feedback

We strive to sustain a positive, trusting relationship between school and home. Parents with questions about school procedures or individual classroom practice should feel free to share their concerns directly with the teacher, counselor, or Principal. Such informal interaction is a daily, constructive occurrence at each school, and everyone benefits from an atmosphere of open, civil communication.

Parents also have the opportunity to register compliments or concerns in connection with employment decisions. This article describes how parents may comment on a probationary teacher, administrator, or tenure candidate. Parents or other community members may share their perceptions through a signed letter addressed to the Principal, in the case of faculty, or to the Superintendent, in the case of administrators. Such letters will be acknowledged in writing by the supervisor, and shared with the individual teacher or administrator, and with the Superintendent and the Board of Education. In light of the timetable calling for tenure recommendations, any such letters should be received not later than March 1st of the teacher’s or administrator’s tenure year. Input even earlier in the tenure process, including years prior to the tenure year, allows more time for professional growth or recognition. It is important to note that parental feedback is only one aspect of an assessment of staff performance that encompasses preparation and planning, classroom management, instruction, and professional responsibilities.

For a list of 2010 probationary teachers and tenure candidates, go here.

Welcome Back!

As the summer draws to a close, we have been busy preparing for the new school year. Our active summer has included a range of curriculum and professional development projects, a number of interior classroom renovations, hiring and orienting new faculty and staff, and moving forward on our boiler project. We are ready for school to open next Tuesday, September 7th at 10:00 AM. This is a different pattern than in the past, as there was no practical way to schedule a teacher conference day given the quirks of this year's calendar. (School will be closed on September 9 and 10.)

Classes on the second day of school, Wednesday, September 8th, will also begin at 10:00 AM. This delayed start will give teachers time to prepare their classrooms. To help us ensure a smooth start, please do not send your child to school early (Ninth graders have a special orientation schedule that will be sent separately). Thanks for your cooperation, and we look forward to a great school year.

For the full school calendar, click here.

Superintendent Reports High Levels of Student Achievement

At the August meeting of the Board of Education, Superintendent David Quattrone presented an annual profile of student learning results on NY State Assessments, Advanced Placement Examinations, and college matriculation. He reported that levels of achievement for the 2009-10 school year remain high, with stable patterns and trends.

A new wrinkle this year stems from the higher cut-off scores set by the Commissioner of Education. The higher standards for determining proficiency reflect the state's expressed commitment to ensure that all high school graduates are college ready. The new standards will lead to higher numbers for whom intervention and academic support is required, beginning in 2011. Quattrone reported that the district already extends those services using local criteria and will continue to do so. Last year during the budget process, the Board affirmed the importance of a strong skills program, and the District remains in a good position to deliver these services to a wider group of students.

Quattrone also announced a plan to hold a series of "curriculum conversations" with the Board throughout the year, focusing on "the next level of learning" - the development of higher order thinking skills.

New Teachers Get an Early Start

Bronxville welcomed new faculty members at a two-day orientation held the week before Labor Day. Led by veteran teachers Toby Gillen and Dana Landesman, and supported by Denise Lutter, Bernadette Borbee and the Teacher Center, the program included presentations by district administrators, technology training, and a tour of the Village.

Participants included classroom teachers, leave of absence replacements, psychologist interns, and (not listed below) three student teachers from Iona College:

Elementary School: Katherine Bryce (Grade 4), Justin Chao (Grade 4), Vanessa Janec (Grade 4), Louise Lebrini (Grade 2), Zach Nilva (Science).

High School: Courtney Alan (Art), Jennifer Rosenzweig (English), Cassie Sullivan (Latin), William Meyer (Social Studies), Suzanne Wilson (Science), Michael Viele (Social Studies).

Special Education: Christine Collesian (ESOL), Lauren D’Angelo (ES Special Ed.), Jennifer DiPasquale (Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant), Sara Kaufman (MS Special Ed.), Nicole Buch (Psychologist Intern), Jordana Vigoda (Psychologist Intern).