Professional Documents
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Welcome Back!
The excitement was palpable on September 7, when Onteora kicked off the new school year by welcoming 1,544 students. At the Districts three elementary schoolsBennett, Woodstock, and Phoenicia gs there was much laughter, ol year brin of the scho e d nts. ri e s d u u b st t The firs Bennett o tw f o and plenty of hugs, as s e face smiles to th students reconnected with classmates and teachers after the long summer break. Even the first-time students were all smiles, as kindergarten classes invited parents to join their children on the first step of their Kindergarten students stand at atten tion after recess on the first day of school at Woodstock Elementary educational journey. School.
Lunch box in hand, a kindergart student arr en ives at Pho enicia Elementary School.
Charlotte Gregory
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hen a person turns 21, its a milestone worth celebrating. When a playground gets that old, its time to think about building a new one. For 21 years, students at Woodstock Elementary School have frolicked amid the towers, bridges, and hideaways of Wonder Works, the schools Walkathon participants march through downtown Woodstock. castle-like playground. These days, the wooden complex is showing signs of wear and tear, and the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is working to address the situation. On October 3, the PTA organized a Walk for Woodstock Elementary When the playground fundraiser to provide seed money for a was built in 1989, it playground project. Nearly 50 children and was given a lifespan of adults showed up on a glorious Sunday morning for the walk, which started at Andy 20 to 25 years. Lee Field and ended at the school. Lysa Ingalsbe, According to PTA president and Walkathon Co-chair walkathon co-chair Lysa Ingalsbe, the 40 students who registered for the walk were encouraged to ask 10 sponsors to donate $10 each. However, any and all donations were welcome. When the playground was built in 1989, it was given a lifespan of 20 to 25 years by the playground company, Mrs. Ingalsbe explained. As the playground enters its 21st year, its an optimal time to begin assessing the need to update the playground. Among those walking was Tristan Nielsen, a first grade student who participated with his parents and his preschool-aged sister, Sasha. Both children wore colorful walkathon T-shirts they had made at a PTA-sponsored family picnic under the guidance of art teacher Roberta Ziemba. Asked about the playground, Tristan declared that They need a new one; its old. Tops on his wish list, more secret rooms. Tristans mother, playground design committee member Sybele Nielsen, has a different wish. My goal is to have a little more visibility for adults, she offers, noting that she doesnt think its safe for young children to be hidden from the view of supervising adults. After traversing downtown Woodstock, the walkers bounded onto the school grounds, where they were greeted by snacks and drinks. Showing no sign of weariness, most of the children then headed straight for the playground. As of November 2, $2,800 had been raised, and money is still coming in.
Best in State
udos to the Onteora High School Business Department, named Department of the Year by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Jon Greenwalt, NYSED Associate in Business and Marketing Education, presented the award to Onteora business teachers Jean Douglas and Wilbur Prutzman at the annual meeting of the New York State Business Teachers Association, held in Tarrytown on October 14. The departments diverse offerings include courses in Sports/Entertainment Marketing and Hotel/Restaurant Management, as well as an innovative Law Enforcement class featuring guest speakers from the FBI, the Ulster County Sheriffs Department, and K-9 (canine) units. Students can also earn high school credit for work experience through a new Career Prep course, and college credits through a Business Computer Applications bridge course with SUNY Ulster. Marketing students engage in such hands-on experiences as planning concerts, managing the schools store during lunch periods, and running concession stands during home sporting events. They can also join DECA, a business and marketing club that organizes community events like blood and toy drives and competes in regional and national competitions.
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his year, something as basic as a table is changing the way some students are learning at Onteora High School. Young people enrolled in Brian Connollys Global Studies, Civics, and U.S. History classes sit not behind traditional school desks, but around an oval wooden table designed to promote reasoning skills and class participation. The table is a key component of the Harkness educational method, which originated at Philips Exeter Academy in the 1930s. Responding to a challenge from philanthropist Edward Harkness, the school replaced its huge lecture-hall classes with more intimate classes equipped with conference tables that gave every student a voice in the educational process. Harkness is a style of teaching that focuses more on what the students have to say, explains Mr. Connolly, who notes that the method has been adopted by some of the most prestigious schools around the world. Its more conversational than instructional though of course in a history class there is also a good deal of primary instruction! Exposed to Harkness-style teaching in college, Mr. Connolly jumped at the chance to introduce the technique to the High School. Last spring, encouraged by the Onteora administration, he wrote
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resident Michael W. McKeon was appointed to the Board of Education for the 2010-2011 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Trustee Donna Flayhan. Mr. McKeon currently teaches Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physical Science at Gilboa-Conesville Central School District in Gilboa, New York. He has a Bachelor of Science in Geology as well as a Master of Education in Counseling and Human Development from St. Lawrence University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Environmental and Resource Engineering at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse. Mr. McKeon has two children, both of whom attend school in the District. He has been a resident of the District for nearly six years.
According to Ms. Theiss, such gear is ideal for reaching todays students. This generation is living in the age of technology, she comments. Allowing students to use their technological skills in the classroom increases their interest and excitement, she believes. When using the student response system, all students are participating and are able to compare their answers to the rest of their class, she points out. It is a wonderful tool for students to assess themselves and for teachers to assess whole-class learning. Ms. Weisz believes that the new equipment is helping to promote a relatively new kind of literacydigital literacy. There is general assumption that todays students are competent with technology, she explains. This assumption is not entirely true, in her view. The ability to text, search Google, and use social networking sites does not translate to true digital literacy, she asserts. I have found that access to this exciting technology encourages both students and teachers to engage in activities that will improve information-seeking skills and promote digital literacy.
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half century. Thats how long Bennett Elementary Working with teachers School has been nurturing to recognize the schools young minds. To mark the schools big 50th year was the perfect birthday, a 50th anniversary combination of using the committee staged a gala celebration on October 8, building for a community complete with art, music, event and recognizing the exhibits, picnic fixingsand a hearty dose of nostalgia. history of the school. The committee was composed Gabriel Buono, Principal, of current and former Bennett Elementary staff members, as well as representatives of the Parent Bennett graduate Mike Olson points to a photo of his kindergarten teacher, Mimi McLoughlin. Teacher Association (PTA). Speaking about the event, those profiled were an entrepreneur, a pilot, a doctor, a Bennett Principal Gabriel Buono remarked, This is the business executive, and several teachers. first attempt to have a picnic at our school. The PTA The Many Faces of Bennett display, featuring has always had it at a local park. Working with teachers photographs of current and former staff members, to recognize the schools 50th year was the perfect combination of using the building for a community event was a hit with former students like Mike Olson, whose own children attended Bennett for and recognizing the history of the school. several years. Pointing to the picture Music teacher Paul School Song Bennett of his kindergarten teacher, Mimi Schubert and consultant member of Bennett McLoughlin, he exclaimed, She was By Barbara Moncure (mother of a teacher Nicole Ryan revived Schools first graduating class) the best; no doubt about it! the Bennett school song for During tours of the building, the occasion, recording a the blue and lofty Catskills inst Aga alumni could be heard admiring the CD that was played during Bennett proudly stands. student artwork lining the hallways the celebration. Nicole sang To thee we pledge our loyalty and reminiscing about their own the song, and I accompanied With hearts and hands. school dayswhen the gymnasium her on the piano, In the years that lie ahead, did double duty as a cafeteria, when Mr. Schubert explained. Bennett well be true. the auditorium was crumbling (before . Plans call for an instrumentsyou er emb ll rem Bennett and blue mountains, we its recent renovation), or when only version of the song to some classes were held in a modular be played during Bennett To thee we sing our gratitude structure. graduations. For everything youve done. In the cafeteria, young and nt, Students congregated spe er eth For many hours tog old alike feasted on hot dogs and near a Guess Who? display, . In work and fun hamburgersand birthday cake, of ad, which invited people to In the years that lie ahe course. Judging by the enthusiasm identify current staff members Bennett well be true. . you er emb rem ll shown by those attending the we , by their elementary school ains unt mo Bennett and blue event, its evident that sentiments picture. Another exhibit, expressed in the Bennett school song still ring true: In Bennett Grads: Where the years that lie ahead/Bennett, well be true/Bennett and are They Now?, presented a sampling of the careers blue mountains, well remember you. embraced by alumni of the Elementary School. Among
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ts been 50 years We had a very since they graduated, but it special school seemed like yesterday and staffwe to members of the were very lucky Onteora Class of 1960, who celebrated for that. their golden reunion Roger Schreiner, the weekend of Onteora Class of 1960 July 30-August 1. Graduates Members of the Class of 1960 pose for a group graduation shot. came from all over the country for her classmates first attended one- or two-room schools the reunion, which featured a casual gathering at the scattered throughout the District, moving as fifth grade Boiceville Inn on Friday, dinner at the Rondout Golf Club on Saturday, and a Sunday afternoon picnic at Davis students to the new Onteora school when it opened in September 1952. In those days, the school served Grades Park. About 50 percent of the surviving class attended, K-12. Eventually, Elementary School students got their according to Roger Schreiner, the administrator of the class website, www.onteoraclassof1960.com. We averaged own schools, and the building serving High School and Middle School students was expanded. The main about 25 classmates per event, including six teachers at building is the same, but corridors and wings have been the Saturday dinner, he reported. added and many areas are being put to different uses, she Highlights included a slide show featuring 600 commented. nostalgia-provoking images, as well as a guided tour Like many of her classmates, Ms. Lowenstein was of the High School/Middle School. According to excited by the opportunity to re-connect with longtime reunion chair Jane Lane Lowenstein, she and most of friends. As I get older, I appreciate very much the comfort and ease that comes from being with people with whom I shared so many early life experiences, she explained. The sobering realization that many of our classmates have already passed away also increases the motivation to see people now, not wait for some distant time that may never come. For Mr. Schreiner, the event reinforced his knowledge that Onteora High School has played an important role in his life. High School is a very special time, he mused. I have maintained more friendships with my High School classmates than with my college classmates. We had a very special school and staffwe were very lucky for that. Reunion attendees gather beneath the school banner.
committee was with the benefits star attraction. We are very fortunate to have a wonderful and generous talent like Levon as part of our community, to help us in our efforts to enrich the students of the Onteora District, she declared. Levon contributes so much in so many ways, and we are deeply appreciative of his willingness to perform on our behalf. Kudos are also due to Levon Helm Studios staff members, says Mrs. Wood, as well as to Helms manager, Onteora alumna Barbara OBrien. All of them, she feels, went above and beyond the call of duty to create a truly memorable eveningone that will ultimately help enhance arts education efforts throughout the District.
We are very fortunate to have a wonderful and generous talent like Levon as part of our community.
Sharon Wood, Parent Volunteer
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t Phoenicia Elementary School, learning isnt confined and yellow beans, parsley, red potatoes, and Swiss chard. to the classroomit also thrives outdoors, in a Supplementing the students harvest with a few other garden brimming with fresh produce the students have vegetables, Chef Devin cooked up various dishes for grown themselves. This October, the youngsters enjoyed the students to try. The students also enjoyed tasting the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor, working with nasturtium flowers, Ms. Resnick adds. staff members, parents, and local restauranteurs to make During another outing, Onteora Food Service nutritious, delicious food for the Manager Christine Downs helped school community. the children bring the harvest to According to parent volunteer the table, working with various Maxanne Resnick, Phoenicias Go classes to help them prep the vegGreen Garden was started several etables for cooking. The students years ago under the guidance peeled and tore the veggies with of two members of the Parent their hands, while their adult Teacher Association, who inspired helpers used knives. The vegstudent designs and amalgamated etables were then brought down them into a unified garden plan. to the schools cafeteria cooks, Ella A subsequent grant from the Gille and Tina Jansen, who used Trinity Foundation Charitable the vegetables to make a deliTrust allowed the students vision Students in Jane Wolfroms first grade class show off cious minestrone soup, which the vegetables harvested from the garden at Phoenicia for the garden to become a reality. students and staff sampled. Elementary School. In addition to planting beds, the The garden is a wonderful garden now boasts a stage, a vegetable stand (perfect for teaching tool, Mrs. Downs comments. For the kids to be pretend sales), and a river made of blue flowers and blue right out in the garden tasting what they grew is priceless. rocks. Principal Linda Sella is thrilled with how much the Last year, Ms. Resnick recalls, we hosted the children have learned from their garden. The project has Governors Executive Chef, Noah Sheetz, who took the exceeded nearly all our expectations, she exclaims. Not harvested produce brought to him by the children and only has it taught our students about good nutrition and cooked it in front of them to taste. Some students ate and healthy living from the land, but they have also learned enjoyed vegetables theyd never tried before. about good stewardship and helping others. This fall, during New York Farms to Table Week, In addition, the garden provided an opportunity to give Devin and Marybeth Mills, co-owners of the highly back to the community. We were able to harvest enough regarded Peekamoose Restaurant and Tap Room, joined Swiss chard during the summer months to take to the local students in the garden, helping them harvest a cornucopia food pantry, Mrs. Sella notes. One of our goals is to grow of vegetables, including cherry tomatoes, squash, green bigger and better and give more!
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DISTRICT OFFICE...........................................................................(845) 657-6383 Interim Superintendent of Schools Charlotte Gregory............657-6383 x264 District Clerk Fern Amster..................... 657-6383 x264 Asst. Supt. for Curriculum & Instruction Dr. Kathleen A. OBrien....657-6383 x285 Asst. Supt. for Business Victoria McLaren..........657-6383 x286
Athletic Director Nick Millas.........................657-2373 x256 MIDDLE SCHOOL 657-2373 Principal, Jennifer OConnor Transportation Supervisor BENNETT ELEMENTARY 657-2354 David Moraca.......................657-2537 Principal, Gabriel Buono
HIGH SCHOOL 657-2373 Principal, Lance Edelman Asst. Principal/GED Coordinator, Jessica Robertson
Interim Director of Pupil Personnel School Lunch Manager Jim Walker............................657-3320 Christine Downs.......... 657-6383 x241 Universal Pre-Kindergarten Jim Walker............................657-3320 Facilities & Maintenance Jared Mance........................657-6384
PHOENICIA ELEMENTARY 688-5580 Principal, Linda Sella WOODSTOCK ELEMENTARY 679-2316 Principal, Bobbi Schnell
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