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Enterprise En April 11, 2015
2015
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A Denton Publication
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Serving the Upper Hudson River Region
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This Week MVAC names Scholar Athletes JOHNSBURG Ñ The Mountain and Valley Athletic Conference (MVAC) announces Scholar Athletes for the 2015 Winter Sports Season. One male and one female athlete are chosen for each sport season. The criteria for selection are a minimum of an 85 percent average, one who excels in academics and sport of the season and exhibits good sportsmanship and a positive attitude.
For Cuomo, the state’s ed. reforms are transformative. But for one powerful union, they’re a disgraceful By Pete DeMola pete@denpubs.com
ALBANY Ñ The stateÕ s public education system saw the most significant changes in years last week when the legislature passed reforms that will reshape the field across the board, from tenure to testing. Gov. Andrew Cuomo made a $1.3 billion boost in school aid contingent on legislative approval of reforming the teacher evaluation and tenure process. His reasoning was simple: Despite the state spending more than any other state on a per pupil basis, 25 percent of its schools containing some 250,000 students are failing. But since 99 percent of the stateÕ s teachers have been rated effective, change was needed. In an interview with the Capitol Pressroom last week following passage of the bill, Cuomo acknowledged the reforms would be divisive. Ò Change is constant in the private sector,Ó he said. Ò The government is opposite, they like the status quo.Ó TOTAL OVERHAUL Under the new reforms, teachers will be graded on a four-point system that will lean more heavily on student test scores Ñ chiefly the Common Core and the Regents
Indian Lake Central School Cheyenne Wilder-Senior, Dominick MillerJunior Johnsburg Central School Elizabeth OrdwayÐ senior, Jimmy Morris-sophomore Long Lake Central School Lillian Duchene-Freshman, Curtis Seaman-Senior Minerva Central School Astasia Mylar-Senior, Drew Deshetsky-Sophomore Newcomb Central School Bethanie Viele-Junior, Aiden LaCourse-sophomore
Hundreds of protestors, including some from Minerva Central School, recently attended a rally in Plattsburgh against Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed education policies. Organized by NYSUT, other North Country stops on the “Call Out Cuomo” tour included Massena and Watertown. Photo by Pete DeMola
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All invited to No. Country Ministry’s benefit 4
EDITORIAL
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LETTERS
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LEGALS
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By Thom Randall thom@denpubs.com
LAKE GEORGE Ñ A charitable organization that helps thousands of families in need across northern Warren County will soon be holding its annual benefit gala, and the public is invited to join the fun. Tickets are still available for the event Ñ the premier annual fundraiser for North Country Ministry Ñ set for Friday April 17 at the Hiland Park Country Club in
Queensbury. The event, titled Ò Celebrating the Adirondacks,Ó features live and silent auctions of various upscale wares and services, hors dÕ oeuvres and a sit-down dinner, Adirondack music by singer-songwriter John Kribs, and convivial socializing. Featured in the live auction, conducted by Martin Seelye, will be fine jewelry by Frank Adams Jewelers, Adirondack artwork and handcrafted furniture, Saratoga Race Track box seats, tickets to various regional
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events, and dining gift certificates. Proceeds of the event support North Country MinistryÕ s array of programs for families in need. North Country Ministry is an ecumenical, not-forprofit outreach organization that provides services to individuals and families facing various challenges, including job loss, financial hardship, and emergency needs. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
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Schroon Lake Central School Molly Wisser- Senior, Tanner Stone-Senior
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