WINTER 2016
Geyser Road Family Math Night
On January 14, Geyser Road Elementary School held a Family Math Night where families were invited to bring and share a game that used numbers. Students enjoyed scales, geometric pattern blocks, dominoes, money bingo and many other activities and games. Students also observed number patterns in “what do you notice?” posters and estimated the number of snacks in a container at the “estimation station.”
Inside this issue: New Science Standards Coming.... 2 Superintendent’s Column............... 3 Personnel Development Update..... 4 Parent University Schedule............ 5 Literacy Committee Update............ 6 Hats Off To Our Achievers.............. 7
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FOCUS ON EDUCATION
New science standards: coming soon By Dr. Joseph Greco
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ver the past few years, the strengthening of our STEM education programs has been a major priority in the district. From large companies like GE and GlobalFoundries, to small local startups like Ant Hill and Windrush, we recognize that our students need early exposure to the skills necessary for success in our rapidly changing community. However, our teachers are still responsible for providing a K-12 science continuum that was developed over twenty years ago. To put that into perspective, our current science standards were developed before YouTube, Facebook, Netflix, and Google Maps. Additionally in that time, we have seen the human genome sequenced, found water on Mars, and even kicked Pluto out of the Solar System. The world of science and technology is changing at ‘ludicrous speed’ and we need standards that match the world that our students live in. Later this year, it is expected that the State Education Department will adopt a new set of standards that are largely based on the nationally recognized Next Generation Science Standards. While there will be some much needed content upgrades, the real change will be how science is taught. For example, the new standards will place more emphasis on students “doing science” as opposed to reading about science. The new standards will be less about memorizing scientific factoids and more about understanding the scientific phenomenon or bigger picture. These standards will also have a large integration of technology, engineering, and mathematics – all subjects that had previously been taught in isolation from science. While this is an exciting time for students and teachers, there is still much to be done to ensure that we are providing our students with the best possible STEM experiences. One of the biggest steps towards this goal was our introduction of Project Lead the Way (PLTW) to students in Grades K-5 (coming to Dorothy Nolan and Caroline Street in 2016-2017). These engineering modules are perfectly aligned with the new standards and will put Saratoga far ahead of other school districts in our readiness for these upcoming changes. Additionally, Saratoga has been working closely with the NYS STEM Master Teachers and
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our local BOCES to provide targeted professional development and curriculum writing support for the new standards. Saratoga has been, and continues to be, a leader in STEM education. The adoption of updated Science Standards will only help to enhance the quality of our programs and provide students with the skills they will need for success in college and careers. If you would like more information about the future of STEM Education in Saratoga or would like to contribute to the improvement of our K-12 programs, please contact Dr. Joseph Greco, Director of Math, Science, and Technology Integration at j_greco@saratogaschools.org.
Dorothy Nolan holds K-2 Science Fair
Dorothy Nolan Elementary School students participate in an air pressure activity at the K-2 Science Fair.
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n January 13, Dorothy Nolan Elementary School held a K-2 Science Fair. The event included many hands-on activities for students to make a connection to science lessons. One activity at the fair demonstrated air pressure by sticking two plungers together. Students tried to separate the plungers but found it very difficult. The plungers were stuck together because air was forced out of the cavity inside when they were pushed together leaving the plungers with a lower air pressure pocket inside, compared to the surrounding air pressure. Students learned that higher pressure always pushes and thus kept the plungers together.
FOCUS ON EDUCATION
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WINTER 2016
Superintendent’s Column By Michael Piccirillo Superintendent of Schools
Preparing Our Students for Life
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his winter issue of FOCUS on Education is designed to update you on the progress the school district is making toward meeting the goals of Vision 2018. Specifically, you will get a glimpse into the work related to a number of ongoing initiatives. All of these initiatives are tied to the district’s mission, “… for every student to experience a personal connection to learning which will serve them for a lifetime.” My column will focus on the work of the Saratoga Business and Education Council (SBEC). The SBEC was created three years ago as a target under Vision 2018’s goal of Community. The intent of SBEC is to bring together representatives from the business community, higher education and K-12 education to develop common agreement about the academic, vocational and personal attributes students need to graduate with to be considered college, career and life ready. Membership in SBEC has included the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, GlobalFoundries, SUNY Adirondack, Empire State College, Informz and the Saratoga Springs City School District. In 2013 – 2014, SBEC began its work by developing a framework to be used as a guideline for identifying the knowledge, understandings, skills and personal attributes Saratoga Springs graduates would need to demonstrate upon graduation. The College, Career, and Life Ready Framework (CCLR) is divided into four broad competency areas: Core Subjects in a Digital and Global Environment; Learning and Innovation Skills; Life and Career Skills; and Character and Citizenship. Each competency contains key components and each component is further described by essential skills. For a closer look at the CCLR, please see the example on the right for the competency of Learning and Innovation Skills. As you can see from the example, the skills and attributes represented in this competency area can be measured quantitatively and qualitatively. The goal is to purposely build a balanced system of assessment, valuing the traditional hard data related to
demonstrating discrete knowledge and skills and the important soft skills, which focus on personal attributes. Work on the CCLR naturally led SBEC to the next phase of its work, the development of Personal Learning Plans. Throughout 2014 – 2015 and 2015 – 2016, SBEC has been working on another Vision 2018 goal, the establishment of Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) for all students. Beginning this year, all K-5 students will have goals established through the collaboration of their parents and teacher. In grades 6-12, students are being introduced to the online portal Naviance, which helps students to explore their personal and career interests. In the very early stages, PLPs will become another way to measure our students’ progress toward being college, career and life ready. In the near future, I will be scheduling presentations at building parent group meetings throughout the district to explain future plans for PLPs and their eventual connection to the CCLR. We are excited about the work we are engaged in and what the future holds as we prepare our students for their future.
FOCUS ON EDUCATION
Personnel Development update By Lynette Whaley he Personnel Development Department strives to recruit, nurture, support and retain district staff that will empower our students to make Vision 2018 a reality. Currently, the department is focused on hiring the best employees to support our students as well as provide relevant ongoing training to all staff. In addition to hiring experienced and knowledgeable staff, the district has emphasized looking at the "character" candidates exhibit as an important quality. During the past year, staffing additions have included ESL teachers to create a pushin model for our growing population of ENL students, at-risk school counselors to assist students with lifetime skills, teaching assistants to work with our special education students and bus drivers to support new programs. As you can see, the newly added positions have focused on supporting the needs of our students. The department also strives to continually refine professional development options based on the needs of our staff. Instructional staff are required by the district to complete six hours of professional development outside their contract day each year. During the past school year, the district offered 357 courses internally to support instructional staff in meeting those hours. Most of these courses were taught by our own staff members. Topics are selected to introduce new technology, and promote collaboration and research-based teaching strategies. In addition, non-instructional staff received training in areas relevant to their positions. Recent topics for teacher aides and clerical workers included: Dignity For All Students, supporting students with autism, and working with Office 365. Many of our teachers and administrators have attended professional conferences in their area of responsibility and expertise. For example, during the summer of 2015, ten staff members traveled to Syracuse for a conference on Professional Learning Communities that was led by the recognized leaders in that field, Richard and Rebecca DuFour. STEM, curriculum writing, cognitive coaching, positive behavior interventions, and restorative practices are a few of the common topics our teachers have studied at recent conferences.
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WINTER 2016
A Night of Inclusion at Saratoga Springs High School
The Best Buddies Club is pictured at their booth at “A Night of Inclusion.�
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n December 17, "A Night of Inclusion" was held at Saratoga Springs High School. The event celebrated all that the high school has to offer and included over 15 performances and displays from numerous clubs, teams and classes. In addition, the event raised awareness and funds for the Best Buddies Club. Best Buddies is an international organization created to help develop genuine relationships between people who have disabilities and those who do not, creating a more inclusive community. The membership at Saratoga Springs High School has grown to over 130 students in the past three years.
Division Street Elementary School Cultural Fair
Mrs. Dorflinger, a special education teacher, represents Thailand at the Division Street Cultural Fair.
FOCUS ON EDUCATION
Parent University schedule
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arent University continues to be a priority in our school community. As a parent or community member, you play a vital role in shaping our students’ lives and helping them to become successful. Parent University encourages involvement and participation in the education of our community’s students. We hope to see you at an upcoming Parent University event listed below:
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Tuesday, April 19: "Patience. Kindness. Curiosity. A Conversation About Learning" presented by Andrew Genovese. Caroline Street Elementary School Library at 7 p.m. More information about events can be found at www.SaratogaSchools.org/ParentUniversity/
Scholars “Shark Tank” event at Division Street Elementary School
Tuesday, February 9: “Why No Respect? Learn How You Build Respect Quickly in Your Home” presented by Dr. Randy Cale. This program will be held at Greenfield Elementary School at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 23: “School Emergency Response: Knowing What to Do” presented by the Saratoga Springs School District’s Emergency Response Team. The program will be held in the Maple Avenue Middle School Large Group Instruction Room (on the second floor) at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 3: "Communication: Practical Skills for Understanding Teens and Handling Difficult Conversations" presented by Mediation Matters. The program will be held in the Maple Avenue Middle School Large Group Instruction Room (on the second floor) from 7-8 p.m. Monday, March 7: “Motivating the "Unmotivated" Child” presented by Dr. Randy Cale. The program will be held at the Division Street Elementary School at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 10: “Voice of Recovery: Understanding Addiction and How It Impacts Individuals and Their Families" presented by the Prevention Council. The program will be held in the Saratoga Springs High School Library at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 22: “Bullying: It is your Business” presented by Wellspring. The program will be held in the Maple Avenue Middle School Large Group Instruction Room (on the second floor) from 7- 8 p.m. Monday, April 4: “How to Keep the Distractible Child on Task” presented by Dr. Randy Cale. The program will be held at the Lake Avenue Elementary School at 9:30 a.m.
A Division Street Elementary School Saratoga Scholar group presents their innovation called the “Makerbottle.”
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n January 14, the fifth grade Division Street Saratoga Scholars hosted a mock "Shark Tank" event. The event was part of a 3D digital design and duplication lesson where students applied the engineering design process to solve a problem in their school, homes or community. Each group conceptualized, designed and 3D printed prototypes of a product that would solve a problem that they sought to fix. The innovations included the Makerbottle, a container that filtered and flavored water; the Magic Filter, a water filter that attached to school drinking fountains; the Neighborhood Park, a three-part playground that could be installed in small areas; and Computer Glasses, a pair of prescription glasses that also projected a computer screen. The teams presented their innovations to a team of "sharks" that included Michael Piccirillo, superintendent of schools; Freya Mercer, director of humanities; and Kim Wegner and Eileen Minder of WSWHE BOCES. The students and "sharks" negotiated deals to get product investments just like on the TV show “Shark Tank.”
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Saratoga Springs Literacy Committee update By Freya Mercer
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WINTER 2016 In January the group read “The Biggest Snowman Ever” by Steven Kroll, “Penguins, Penguins Everywhere” by Bob Barner and “One Winter's Day” by M. Christina Butler. In keeping with the winter wonderland theme, students also painted snowflakes.
he ongoing enhancement of literacy is an important initiative of Vision 2018. The Saratoga Springs Literacy Team is made up of K-12 classroom teachers, special education and reading teachers, literacy coaches, and school psychol- District art gallery reception ogists, as well as building and district administrators. The team members work together to develop common expectations in literacy across the district through data-driven instruction, curriculum review and revision, research, professional development, and discussion. This school year, the literacy team has been studying best practices in independent reading through a book study of “No More Independent Reading without Support” by Debbie Miller and Barbara Moss. The team is also working on refining the district’s Response to Intervention process for both struggling students and students who exceed benchmarks in Jennifer LaPlanche, an eighth grader at Maple Avenue reading and writing through the development of flow Middle School, poses with her artwork. charts, written guidance, and resources for teachers. Another priority for the team is to develop a n art gallery reception was held in the glossary of common literacy/language arts definitions MacFadden Administration Building on that can be used across the district for terms like main January 14. The reception showcased the art idea, summary, and theme. created by over 100 students in the district. The show in the administrative wing represents a Preschool story program at cross-section of artwork by students in the six eleGreenfield Elementary School mentary schools, the middle school and the high school. The artwork highlights a variety of skills and techniques, use of different mediums, reference to various artists and styles, and inclusion of art history. Freya Mercer, K-12 director of humanities integration, Dawn Talley, art department head; Sandy Lajeunesse, senior typist, and art teachers K-12 collaborated to select, collect, and display art along the hallways of the administration building. "I am always amazed as the new art goes up on the walls at the district office at the creativity and talent of our students and teachers. Our teachers clearly keep things fresh with new projects and our students execute them Preschool students attend a story program once a month beautifully," Mercer said. at Greenfield Elementary School. The artwork will remain hanging for a year, demonstrating the wide range of artistic talent nce a month, Greenfield Elementary School throughout the district and illustrating the growth stuholds a preschool story program. As a group dents show from kindergarten to commencement. they read stories together and work on a related craft.
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HATS OFF
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Dorothy Nolan Elementary School holds holiday give back parties
TO ALL OUR ACHIEVERS!
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Elementary Teacher awarded 2016 Shape America Grant
ongratulations to Mr. Jake Zanetti, a physical education teacher at Lake Avenue Elementary School, who has been awarded the 2016 SHAPE America JRFH/HFH Grant. The grant committee selected Mr. Zanetti for his passion and commitment to physical education and the Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart programs. Mr. Zanetti will receive $1,200 for the purchase of equipment to enhance the school’s physical education program and a professional development stipend to attend the 2016 SHAPE America National Convention and Exposition in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Dorothy Nowhitney receives National Board Certification
ongratulations to Dorothy Nowhitney, a foreign language teacher at Saratoga Springs High School, on earning her National Board Certification in November 2015. Ms. Nowhitney started the National Board process in January 2013 after attending an awareness session presented by Tom and Maureen Shiland. “I was inspired to take a closer look at my experiences in the classroom, my interactions with students, parents and colleagues and determine how I wanted to move forward in light of all of the changes taking place in our profession. For me, the National Board process was the answer,” said Nowhitney. National Board Certification is achieved through a performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete. While state licensing systems set requirements to teach in each state, National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) have successfully demonstrated advanced teaching knowledge, skills and practices. The advanced teaching credential is valid for 10 years.
The Fifth Grade classes at Dorothy Nolan Elementary Schools held a holiday give back party. Warm socks filled with goodies were made for Code Blue and Fleece blankets with "feel better" bags were made for the Mollie Wilmot Radiation Oncology Center.
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t Dorothy Nolan Elementary School, each grade held a holiday give back party to support a different community organization. The organizations that benefited were Franklin Community Center, Esterville Animal Shelter, Square One, Maplewood Manor Nursing Home, the Snac Pack program, Saratoga Oncology and Code Blue.
Caroline Street writing challenge
Caroline Street Elementary School students Maha Gillani, Jenna Rich and Devan Carter participated in the monthly writing challenge by writing a short essay. Each month there is a new prompt or task that K-5 students can participate in.
FOCUS ON EDUCATION
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WINTER 2016
FOCUS On Education INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Saratoga Springs City School District
Geyser Road Family Math Night New science standards coming soon Superintendent Michael Piccirillo’s column Personnel Development update Parent University schedule Saratoga Springs Literacy Committee update Hats Off to Achievers Continuing Education; Graduation date
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3 Blue Streak Boulevard Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866
BOARD OF EDUCATION
JoAnne Kiernan, President Russell E. Danforth, Vice President John Ellis Regina M. Gapczynski Steve Grandin Michael Ladd Mia Pfitzer Robert Shafer Stephen C. Verral
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Albany, NY Permit #370
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS Michael Piccirillo
EDITOR
Maura Manny
Spring Continuing Education
The District's Continuing Education program is offering more than 200 course sessions during the spring semester, giving residents the opportunity to attend a wide variety of programs and seminars at a reasonable price. The spring 2016 course brochure will be mailed to residents and available online on January 25, 2016. The brochure includes course offerings as well as information on Parent University programs and concert dates. You can access the online brochure at www.saratogaschools.org/ceregistration or the PDF of the brochure at www.saratogaschools.org/cebrochure. Courses begin the week of February 22.
High School Graduation scheduled for June 23 The graduation ceremony for the Saratoga Springs High School Class of 2016 has been scheduled for 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 23, at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Parents of prospective graduates will receive a letter in May regarding a rehearsal and other information concerning graduation. SPAC has been the site for the high school’s graduation ceremonies since 1967. www.saratogaschools.org