Last night’s work session featured a presentation by our new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instructional Services, Dr. David Leach and our Director of Instructional Services, Dr. Kathleen Affigne. I couldn’t possibly summarize their presentation and do it justice and luckily I don’t have to. It will be available on our district website shortly.
Their presentation as a whole addressed the different types of assessments (formative vs. summative) and the meaning, purpose and goal of these assessments.
With regard to the Common Core, Dr. Leach said that WVCSD has chosen not to use the modules provided by NYS exclusively. Instead our district has, over the past few years, asked teachers to take a look at them and is finding out what modules are appropriate.
Dr. Affigne referred to “double-dipping” with the assessments, using a mandated test for our own purposes rather than administering an additional test. Both Dr. Leach and Dr. Affigne agreed that the goal is to streamline our assessments and focus our attention on instruction. Dr. Leach pointed out that our district's standards and goals are well above that of the common core. He was insistent that as we continue to build on instruction, the tests should and will become an after-thought.
The Board then had to the opportunity to ask questions of our speakers. This is but a glimpse:
Q: Are there consequences to a student that refuses the NYS Assessments year after year?
A: Dr. Affigne concentrated on the benefits of the tests and the consequence being depriving the student of the opportunity to benefit from them. She also said that of the assessments from grade 3 – 8, the eighth grade assessment is the last time that students are tested on a subjects as a whole. Once they enter high school, it’s not all of math, but specifics such as algebra, geometry, trig, etc. Dr. Affigne said that the eighth grade assessment is a great tool to determine where a student is on their path to college readiness and preparedness.
With regard to the district, Dr. Bryant clarified that the district would not lose funding if testing participation were to fall below 95% as claimed in the media. However, the district would be named, as “needs improvement” and would then be given the opportunity to defend itself. Dr. Bryant stressed that we would then be spending time and effort on defending our status to NYS rather than focusing on instruction.
Dr. Leach then also spoke about the possibility of Chromebooks. Keith Parsons asked about the cost of added technology and there was discussion of the inevitability of new technology and getting ahead of mandates.
Bob Howe brought up the fact that Rochester is being allowed to extend the school day and Dr. Bryant elaborated that they were being given this opportunity because it is a district in need of improvement. There is a certain amount of aid available for such districts.
The floor was opened up to the one person from the community in attendance, Laura Nokland. Though she had many notes and questions, she opted to email them rather than extend the evening.
Both Dr. Leach and Dr. Affigne have a wealth of knowledge and were able to, as Lynn Lillian said, “paint a very broad swath” over a wide range of information. They have agreed to work on a visual representation of the assessments, that are administered in our district, and the details that parents need to know, such as length, purpose, management, etc. This will be very useful to parents in navigating the changes that have happened due to new curriculum and testing. It will be made available on the website when it is complete. Dr. Leach asked for patience in waiting for this as it will take time to create something that is accurate and helpful.
The Board also discussed the possibility and merits of a Board resolution with regard to high stakes testing. This will be discussed further at the next work session.
This blog is but a summary, so please watch the video and view the presentation once they are posted on the district website. Our next work session will be about Strength of School next Monday, October 29th at 7PM in the Dorothy C. Wilson Center.
Submitted by Eilleen Gagliano
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Thoughts on Testing
When we created this blog, the goal was to allow you to get to know us better as fellow community members and parents with the same interests and concerns that you have. Many of us felt that to get to know the nine of us as an entity rather than individuals was a disservice. In keeping with this intention, I write today's blog to maintain this open platform.
To those who know me, my personal view on testing is not a secret. In fact, you don't have to know me well to know that I despise the number of hours that our children spend testing, particularly in the spring. I, like many of you, am not an expert on the subject, but find myself constantly researching and contacting our school administrators for answers to questions and a clearer understanding of the tests administered to our children.
The problem that has surfaced along with the media focus on testing in public schools is the misinformation that accompanies it. Parents are unable to answer questions like, "What is the difference between a state and local assessment? Do any of the assessments count towards my child's grade? What is our district's personal goal with each assessment? What assessments would our teachers like to eliminate? Which assessments do colleges care about and why? Who grades each of the assessments? Who administers each assessment? How can you get a list of proposed assessments for the entire year? How far in advance are the assessments scheduled?
If you seek a better understanding of assessments in our district, you should attend Monday evening's work session this Monday, October 21 at 7:00 pm in the Dorothy C. Wilson center.
Submitted by Eilleen Gagliano
To those who know me, my personal view on testing is not a secret. In fact, you don't have to know me well to know that I despise the number of hours that our children spend testing, particularly in the spring. I, like many of you, am not an expert on the subject, but find myself constantly researching and contacting our school administrators for answers to questions and a clearer understanding of the tests administered to our children.
The problem that has surfaced along with the media focus on testing in public schools is the misinformation that accompanies it. Parents are unable to answer questions like, "What is the difference between a state and local assessment? Do any of the assessments count towards my child's grade? What is our district's personal goal with each assessment? What assessments would our teachers like to eliminate? Which assessments do colleges care about and why? Who grades each of the assessments? Who administers each assessment? How can you get a list of proposed assessments for the entire year? How far in advance are the assessments scheduled?
If you seek a better understanding of assessments in our district, you should attend Monday evening's work session this Monday, October 21 at 7:00 pm in the Dorothy C. Wilson center.
Submitted by Eilleen Gagliano
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Notes from October 7th BOE meeting
Notes from the October 7th BOE
meeting
Tonight’s Art Moment was performed by the Chamber Strings ensemble, which is made up of high school students and their talented teacher, Ms. Keely Blaikner. The group played two songs from their ‘On the Go’ repertoire. The Chamber Strings ensemble plays their ‘On the Go’ music often out in our community, any donations they receive for playing they use towards fundraising efforts. If you would like to hire these talented students for an event you can email Keely at: kblaikner@wvcsd.org. They were wonderful!
Commendations: Congratulations to All!
Semifinalist in the 2014 National Merit School Program
Kyle Roeloffs
Commended Students in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program
Andrew Brown, Thomas Hamling, Emily Mears, Evan Rzeznik, Hannah Tucker, and Kathleen McKenna
2013-14 Scholar for Excellence in Academic Achievement – National Hispanic Recognition Program, The College Board
Kayla Madden
Selected to Represent the Warwick Valley High School at the 2013 NYSSMA Conference All-State in Rochester, NY on December 5-8, 2013
Peter Moore, Jared Silbernagel, Travis Silbernagel, Maya Ramos, Morgan Kriegel, Faith Wilkens, Nick Ruggeri
The High School received a commemorative plaque for being recognized as a New York State "Reward School."
The school liaison report focused on school transitions per the Board’s request. Principal, Roger Longfield from Sanfordville Elementary had two fourth grade students, Mackenzie and John, report on their transition to SES. Principal Sandy Wood from Park Avenue Elementary selected the following student representatives; Laura (4th grade), Jake (4th grade), Ashley (4th grade), James (3rd grade), Nicholas (4th grade). All of the children reported they were nervous and sad when they found out they would be going to a new school, but they all agreed that their parents helped them to feel better along with all of their new friends, their teachers and principals. They have been excited to try new things and see some of their old friends. They all feel happy now.
The middle school principal, Cindy Leandro, had two students who are sisters, Rhianna (5th grade) and Angela (7th grade) speak about the middle school. They reported that the students were very excited to see all the classrooms ready and decorated at the start of school, all the 5th graders thought their classrooms looked beautiful. The students like the feeling of independence they get at middle school, they can choose where to sit at lunch and they like to switch classes for Social Studies and Science. They also liked the PBIS tours were they learned about positive attitudes and they are excited about winning tickets as rewards when they display good behavior. The 7th graders love to use their lockers and they also had a great time at the pep rally! It was a great way for all the students to come together and celebrate the beginning of a new school year.
Dr. Bryant did comment that going forward efforts will be made to include 5th grade students who remain at Sanfordville in any events that are scheduled for the 5th grade students at the middle school.
The Board recognizes that it has been an adjustment for many students, parents, teachers and staff in transitioning children to their new schools. We would like to thank all of you and our Principals and PTA groups for all of the hard work they are doing to make all the students feel at home.
The high school students reported that getting into college today is difficult, stress and pressure build when filling out applications, so specific skills are being taught and used so that students can help each other out. Students are collaborating with each other and are developing confidence in preparing for college. The students also reported that they felt that homecoming was a success this year. They had fun decorating hallways, having spirit day(s), participating in the powder puff ball game and of course enjoying the BIG game, which Warwick won!
All schools will be receiving anti-bullying posters to display. The posters have an anti-bullying pledge written on them for kids to say and follow.
Dr. Bryant will be hosting a breakfast for our new high school students who have recently come to Warwick high school from Greenwood Lake. The purpose of the breakfast is to talk with the students about their recent transition to our high school.
Dr. Bryant recommended to the Board that they waive the $15 dollar school fee for Odyssey of the Mind teams and US First Lego League teams. Both clubs will be able to use classroom space afterschool to practice for their competitions.
Dr. Bryant and Lynn Lillian reported on the recent 'Fair Funding for Our Schools' regional advocacy event. They thanked Maureen Westphal, Louise Hutchinson and NYSSBA members of Orange County for helping to plan and organize this large event. The evening was a success, good conversations about the demand for fair funding have been started throughout our region. You can follow us on FB at Fair Funding for Our Schools and twitter @fairEDfundingNY
Tim Holmes, Assistant Superintendent gave the board an update on facilities and capital projects. Projects in Phase 2 are complete or will be completed by the end of this week. They include: fire alarms, HS door replacement, HS roof, district network, the Energy Performance Contract, replacement of HS boiler, power management, water conservation; co-generation unit, Park Ave and SES security, weatherization and emergency management system. Phase 3 plans include: SES roof repairs, district office roof, HS curtain wall, pool-filter change out, and Park Ave. tennis court.
Reports from the Board:
Audit Committee: The 2012-2013 Independent Audit Report was approved. Board members who are on the audit committee met with the external auditor and they reported he is doing a great job and all of our books are in order.
Facilities: There has been interest from a few different groups in renting out portions of Kings Elementary School. The committee is evaluating building usage and fees.
Advocacy Committee: The next advocacy event will be on November 13, from 7-9pm at OU BOCES in Goshen. The purpose is to help other school boards and community members start advocacy groups in their own school districts, the featured guest speaker will be Chad Raddock from the Alliance for Quality Education.
Warwick Valley Community Coalition: Next meeting is scheduled for October 24th, at the Warwick Valley Community Center.
Warwick Foundation for Excellence in Learning: The first fundraiser for WVCSD is this Friday, October 11th at Jester's Comedy Club in Chester. For more information visit: A Night Of Comedy with Bobby Collins
Wellness Committee: John Connolly is putting together a presentation on the danger of concussions, 'How to prevent further damage and how to help your child recover.'
AG Liaison: A meeting was catered by the FFA at Pennings Farm for the AG team. Steve Pennings spoke with FFA students about his farm. Another meeting is scheduled for this month, date and time TBA. The focus will be on finding internships for FFA students who are looking to work in the field of agriculture.
Student Member: Gianna reported the following: sophomore and junior classes are preparing to take PSATs, a committee is working on creating a Haunted Hallway fundraising event, the high school will hold a Blood Drive next week on October 15th and October 26th will be the ‘Drive for Your School Fundraiser’ at Leo Kaytes Ford.
October 28th – November 1st, 2013 will be recognized as School Board Recognition Week.
October 21st – 29th will be Red Ribbon Week at all schools. The elementary schools will make a pledge to remain drug free and the students will see a video assembly. Terrence Fox, a former Warwick high school student will come in for the day to do assemblies for the middle school and high school students. There will be a door decorating contest at the middle school with prizes and the high school will be making a float with a giant Red Ribbon on it, the float will feature a positive message about health and drug and alcohol prevention.
The board accepted a donation of a used Concept 2 indoor rowing machine from Frank Petrucci.
Shannon Hockswender asked if the PIE grades could be studied for reconfiguration due to the large number of 5th grade students who moved out of their 4/5 PIE class to be with their fellow classmates in middle school. Dr. Leach will look into the possibility of adding a PIE 5/6 classroom to the middle school for next year.
The Girls Varsity Volleyball Team will attend the 2013 Horseheads Classic in Horseheads, NY on Saturday, October 19th. Good luck girls!!
The board accepted a check in the amount of $5,000 dollars for the “Be the Change for Kids” Award for the WVCSD’s Partners in Education program. Congratulations to PIE!
The board approved the 2013 -2014 APPR plan.
WVCSD will seek a waiver from the Commissioner of Education in regards to implementing the data repository (In-Bloom) and “Data Dashboard.” We currently assume cost of a student data management system/portals and cannot assume the cost of adding a second one. There are also concerns about where the data will go from the suggested In-Bloom data repository.
Comments from residents:
A resident would like the board to consider waiving a pool fee.
A resident would like the board to concentrate on keeping the Music and Art programs in place as they approach the school budget season. The resident also asked the board to reconsider holding the home coming parade in the village next year.
Submitted by Shannon Hockswender
Tonight’s Art Moment was performed by the Chamber Strings ensemble, which is made up of high school students and their talented teacher, Ms. Keely Blaikner. The group played two songs from their ‘On the Go’ repertoire. The Chamber Strings ensemble plays their ‘On the Go’ music often out in our community, any donations they receive for playing they use towards fundraising efforts. If you would like to hire these talented students for an event you can email Keely at: kblaikner@wvcsd.org. They were wonderful!
Commendations: Congratulations to All!
Semifinalist in the 2014 National Merit School Program
Kyle Roeloffs
Commended Students in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program
Andrew Brown, Thomas Hamling, Emily Mears, Evan Rzeznik, Hannah Tucker, and Kathleen McKenna
2013-14 Scholar for Excellence in Academic Achievement – National Hispanic Recognition Program, The College Board
Kayla Madden
Selected to Represent the Warwick Valley High School at the 2013 NYSSMA Conference All-State in Rochester, NY on December 5-8, 2013
Peter Moore, Jared Silbernagel, Travis Silbernagel, Maya Ramos, Morgan Kriegel, Faith Wilkens, Nick Ruggeri
The High School received a commemorative plaque for being recognized as a New York State "Reward School."
The school liaison report focused on school transitions per the Board’s request. Principal, Roger Longfield from Sanfordville Elementary had two fourth grade students, Mackenzie and John, report on their transition to SES. Principal Sandy Wood from Park Avenue Elementary selected the following student representatives; Laura (4th grade), Jake (4th grade), Ashley (4th grade), James (3rd grade), Nicholas (4th grade). All of the children reported they were nervous and sad when they found out they would be going to a new school, but they all agreed that their parents helped them to feel better along with all of their new friends, their teachers and principals. They have been excited to try new things and see some of their old friends. They all feel happy now.
The middle school principal, Cindy Leandro, had two students who are sisters, Rhianna (5th grade) and Angela (7th grade) speak about the middle school. They reported that the students were very excited to see all the classrooms ready and decorated at the start of school, all the 5th graders thought their classrooms looked beautiful. The students like the feeling of independence they get at middle school, they can choose where to sit at lunch and they like to switch classes for Social Studies and Science. They also liked the PBIS tours were they learned about positive attitudes and they are excited about winning tickets as rewards when they display good behavior. The 7th graders love to use their lockers and they also had a great time at the pep rally! It was a great way for all the students to come together and celebrate the beginning of a new school year.
Dr. Bryant did comment that going forward efforts will be made to include 5th grade students who remain at Sanfordville in any events that are scheduled for the 5th grade students at the middle school.
The Board recognizes that it has been an adjustment for many students, parents, teachers and staff in transitioning children to their new schools. We would like to thank all of you and our Principals and PTA groups for all of the hard work they are doing to make all the students feel at home.
The high school students reported that getting into college today is difficult, stress and pressure build when filling out applications, so specific skills are being taught and used so that students can help each other out. Students are collaborating with each other and are developing confidence in preparing for college. The students also reported that they felt that homecoming was a success this year. They had fun decorating hallways, having spirit day(s), participating in the powder puff ball game and of course enjoying the BIG game, which Warwick won!
All schools will be receiving anti-bullying posters to display. The posters have an anti-bullying pledge written on them for kids to say and follow.
Dr. Bryant will be hosting a breakfast for our new high school students who have recently come to Warwick high school from Greenwood Lake. The purpose of the breakfast is to talk with the students about their recent transition to our high school.
Dr. Bryant recommended to the Board that they waive the $15 dollar school fee for Odyssey of the Mind teams and US First Lego League teams. Both clubs will be able to use classroom space afterschool to practice for their competitions.
Dr. Bryant and Lynn Lillian reported on the recent 'Fair Funding for Our Schools' regional advocacy event. They thanked Maureen Westphal, Louise Hutchinson and NYSSBA members of Orange County for helping to plan and organize this large event. The evening was a success, good conversations about the demand for fair funding have been started throughout our region. You can follow us on FB at Fair Funding for Our Schools and twitter @fairEDfundingNY
Tim Holmes, Assistant Superintendent gave the board an update on facilities and capital projects. Projects in Phase 2 are complete or will be completed by the end of this week. They include: fire alarms, HS door replacement, HS roof, district network, the Energy Performance Contract, replacement of HS boiler, power management, water conservation; co-generation unit, Park Ave and SES security, weatherization and emergency management system. Phase 3 plans include: SES roof repairs, district office roof, HS curtain wall, pool-filter change out, and Park Ave. tennis court.
Reports from the Board:
Audit Committee: The 2012-2013 Independent Audit Report was approved. Board members who are on the audit committee met with the external auditor and they reported he is doing a great job and all of our books are in order.
Facilities: There has been interest from a few different groups in renting out portions of Kings Elementary School. The committee is evaluating building usage and fees.
Advocacy Committee: The next advocacy event will be on November 13, from 7-9pm at OU BOCES in Goshen. The purpose is to help other school boards and community members start advocacy groups in their own school districts, the featured guest speaker will be Chad Raddock from the Alliance for Quality Education.
Warwick Valley Community Coalition: Next meeting is scheduled for October 24th, at the Warwick Valley Community Center.
Warwick Foundation for Excellence in Learning: The first fundraiser for WVCSD is this Friday, October 11th at Jester's Comedy Club in Chester. For more information visit: A Night Of Comedy with Bobby Collins
Wellness Committee: John Connolly is putting together a presentation on the danger of concussions, 'How to prevent further damage and how to help your child recover.'
AG Liaison: A meeting was catered by the FFA at Pennings Farm for the AG team. Steve Pennings spoke with FFA students about his farm. Another meeting is scheduled for this month, date and time TBA. The focus will be on finding internships for FFA students who are looking to work in the field of agriculture.
Student Member: Gianna reported the following: sophomore and junior classes are preparing to take PSATs, a committee is working on creating a Haunted Hallway fundraising event, the high school will hold a Blood Drive next week on October 15th and October 26th will be the ‘Drive for Your School Fundraiser’ at Leo Kaytes Ford.
October 28th – November 1st, 2013 will be recognized as School Board Recognition Week.
October 21st – 29th will be Red Ribbon Week at all schools. The elementary schools will make a pledge to remain drug free and the students will see a video assembly. Terrence Fox, a former Warwick high school student will come in for the day to do assemblies for the middle school and high school students. There will be a door decorating contest at the middle school with prizes and the high school will be making a float with a giant Red Ribbon on it, the float will feature a positive message about health and drug and alcohol prevention.
The board accepted a donation of a used Concept 2 indoor rowing machine from Frank Petrucci.
Shannon Hockswender asked if the PIE grades could be studied for reconfiguration due to the large number of 5th grade students who moved out of their 4/5 PIE class to be with their fellow classmates in middle school. Dr. Leach will look into the possibility of adding a PIE 5/6 classroom to the middle school for next year.
The Girls Varsity Volleyball Team will attend the 2013 Horseheads Classic in Horseheads, NY on Saturday, October 19th. Good luck girls!!
The board accepted a check in the amount of $5,000 dollars for the “Be the Change for Kids” Award for the WVCSD’s Partners in Education program. Congratulations to PIE!
The board approved the 2013 -2014 APPR plan.
WVCSD will seek a waiver from the Commissioner of Education in regards to implementing the data repository (In-Bloom) and “Data Dashboard.” We currently assume cost of a student data management system/portals and cannot assume the cost of adding a second one. There are also concerns about where the data will go from the suggested In-Bloom data repository.
Comments from residents:
A resident would like the board to consider waiving a pool fee.
A resident would like the board to concentrate on keeping the Music and Art programs in place as they approach the school budget season. The resident also asked the board to reconsider holding the home coming parade in the village next year.
Submitted by Shannon Hockswender
Friday, October 4, 2013
Education Commissioner's Roundtable
I had the opportunity to attend an Education Commissioner’s
Roundtable on September 24th, the second one that was held this month by the New York State
School Board’s Association (NYSSBA). A second roundtable meeting was held
because there were so many school board members from across the state who wanted access to Dr. King,
the Education Commissioner, which was thought to be a reflection of the anger
and angst that is so prevalent among school board members these days.
About 30 people from all over the state were seated around a
rectangular table. A pre-meeting was held to review questions to ask to Dr.
King and many strong concerns were expressed. Participants were encouraged to address
concerns to Dr. King in a civil and constructive manner. I asked if the State
Education Department took into account the costs of unfunded mandates to school
districts. Dr. King’s reply was that those were the concerns for the governor
and the legislature, not the State Education Department.
A number of questions were about the emotional impact of the
excessive testing now underway in our schools. Dr. King answered, “Children
don’t set the tone around assessments, adults do.” Another unresolved issue
that school boards across the state will have to discuss is whether of not
Superintendents should share teacher’s APPR scores with their school boards.
Although it seems necessary when tenure decisions are being made there is a
fear that it could be a violation of an individual’s rights.
A board member from Chappaqua asked the last question. He
stated that he was from a very wealthy school district that is very high
achieving. He went on to say that his Board of Education felt that the Common
Core Standards were below their own standards and that the time spent on
testing was interfering with their ability to teach. He asked if they could opt
out of the entire program. Dr. King’s answer was, “No.”
There were many other topics covered. Most board members
seemed to not have a problem with the content of the Common Core Standards, but
they were concerned with how it was being implemented in classrooms along with Annual
Professional Performance Review (APPR) for teachers.
Much time was spent discussing APPR, but the more interesting
conversations were held over lunch, where the common assessment of the current
actions of the State Education Department and the Governor were examined. The
consensus among board members was that our public education system is being
destroyed by the lack of leadership in New York State. Not really news to many
of us, but eye-opening to hear it from so many people who are watching it at
ground level and wondering what we are in for. I am sharing this with all of primarily
to remind us all of what we are up against, and who we are up against, in
providing a sound basic education for our children.
Submitted by Dave Eaton
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