FROM THE PRlNCIP
AL...
Daniel Starr, Ed.D.
Several years ago, New York State adopted a new set of Learning Standards 28 standards across 7 subject areas. One of
the changes this has generated in our school is an increased emphasis on numeric data test scores, regent’s diploma
percentages, drop out rates, and suspension rates. Districts in New York State, Williamson included, use this information to
adjust instruction and establish new programs.
Our High School is resisting the temptation to be driven solely by these data. We know that a test score is, at best, a partial
measure of the students' learning. In many instances, the processes that occur daily in the classrooms are as important as the
knowledge that is tested. These processes include the ability to research a topic from a variety of sources, to work within a
group where the effective communication between the group members is a vital skill, to defend articulately an opinion or
hypothesis. All of these are skills needed when our students graduate and go on to college, the military, or jobs. ~
This is not to say that the numeric data is unimportant. We do pay attention to the
test scores and seek ways to improve them. Two major initiatives in our district
have grown from the Learning Standards and the performance of our students on
the state assessments. First, is the presence of Dr. Richard Strong to work with
our faculty. Dr. Strong is a nationally recognized expert on learning and
instruction. He has shared research and taught us practical strategies to use with
our students. Teaching is a
skill to be developed. It is good to see our faculty
grow with the help of Dr. Strong.
The second major initiative to evolve from all of the test data is known by its
acronym A.I.S. This stands for Academic Intervention Services. Schools across
New York State are required to provide A.I.S. for students we think may not meet
the State requirement in one of the 4 core subject areas English, Math, Social
Studies, and Science. We use test scores and teacher recommendations to
determine who should receive A.I.S. This is not an optional program for the
students we identify it is required by New York State that they attend. We have
provided additional teacher support and used l0th period to help our students.
Finally, just for the record, our Regents results tend to be good. We consistently
score in the upper ranges for most tests. An example of the data published by the
State Education Department shows that 100% of the students who entered 9th
grade in 1996 met the State requirement in both English and math. We are the
only high school out of 27 in the Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES that can make
this claim. Our goal is to have similar success across all of the standards.
FROM THE NURSE'S OFFICE...
Cynthia Showman, R.N.
Cold and flu season has hit us hard this year. We have been sending many students home from school In all three
buildings. Please be sure your students are getting lots of rest, drinking extra fluids, and dressing warmly for the weather. I
know this is tough to advise your "grown up" teens about these things, but it will help to keep everyone healthier. If your
student is ill, it would be best to keep them home away from other students. These cold and flu germs are being passed
throughout the whole district, as well as in the community. Every little bit helps. THANK YOU
for your attention to this
matter .
Spring sports season will be starting somewhere around March 5th. Lists of those students who are able to
participate will be posted outside my office by Friday, March 2nd. Please be sure your student hands in his/her
health form (there were due back in February).
WILLIAMSON CLASS OF 2001 PRO)ECTGRADUATION
It's hard to believe, but it's
time to start planning the next PROJECT GRADUATION for the Class of 2001!
Project Graduation is the name given to a communitysponsored, allnight party for high school graduates. Graduates
are asked to agree to no alcohol or drug use in exchange for a free night of fun to celebrate their high school
graduation. Williamson, along with a number of neighboring communities, has organized chemical
free parties
successfully for several years.
Once again, grads will be bused to the Bayview YMCA in Webster for their allnight party. The planning stages for the evening's activities are just
beginning. We need parents from all grade levels to volunteer some of their time to help make this a successful party. There are committees to be
filled such as the TShirt Committee (the Seniors design their own, a vote is taken and then it is printed); Parade Committee, Refreshments;
Activities; Publicity; Fund Raising and "Thank You". Much of the legwork is done, but needs someone to oversee it, especially
JUNIOR
PARENTS
to spend the night at the YMCA with the seniors as their Chaperones. So all of you Mary's, Eric's, Carol's, Tim's, Jill's, Nancy's
Laurie's,
Tammy's, Bob's, Jim's, Mark's, Cathy's, Dale's, Susan's, etc., etc MARK
YOUR CALENDARS
for this year's event:
SATURDAY, JUNE 23,
2001.
We need your ideas and active participation.
Please join us at our next meeting:
MARCH 19, 2001 at 7:00 p.m., in the High School Library.
We welcome your
thoughts, questions and suggestions as we work to make this a memorable and safe Graduation for the Class of 2001.
For more information, please contact Suzanne Putnam
@
5899575.
We look forward to having you join our Project Graduation
Committee.
THANK YOU!
The COMMITTEE FOR PROJECT GRADUATION
ATTENTION
SENIOR CITIZENS!!
Circle April
26, 2001
on your calendars for dinner and
dancing!!
Williamson High School Cafeteria
6:001:00
p.m.
dinner
1:009:00
p.m. dancing
to
SO's and swing
More details and ticket information in next month's
Newsletter.
Organized by the Williamson Class
of
2004.
==========================================================================================================================
==========================================================================================================================
Presented by
Coast Guard Auxiliary
Classes will be held
March 17,2001
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
April
7,
2001
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
All classes held at the Sodus Point Fire Hall
Bay Street, Sodus Point, NY
June
2,
2001
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Call Sodus Point Coast Guard Station
for information and to register
(315) 4839816
FROM THE LIBRARY...
Evaluatin2 Web Sites
Some of the important criteria for establishing the credibility of a Web resource are
identical. for the most part, to what we use to measure the quality of a print resource
authorship, accuracy, objectivity, currency, and coverage
.
Authority
Accuracy
Objectivity
Currency
Is the author's name listed?
What are his/her credentials?
Is the information reliable and free from errors?
Is the information presented with the least possible bias? Is the date
of the latest revision of the site clearly stated?
Coverage
Is the scope to the topic clearly stated?
Quick Analysis of a Web site:
Who posted the information?
What authority or special knowledge does the author have?
Does the site show bias or slant?
When was the site last revised?
Publication of the
WILLIAMSON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PO
BOX 900
Williamson, NY 14589
