November 14, 2003
| “The dream begins, most of the time, with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you on to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth.” - - Dan Rather
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Greetings from Wayne Central School District. Below are some items of interest.
Newsletter:
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| Full Day Kindergarten – I want to thank the Board of Education for considering the full day kindergarten proposal that was presented Wednesday evening. As you can see, the administrative team and teachers spent a considerable amount of time researching the issue before they developed the final proposal for your consideration. Wednesday night I neglected to thank Michelle Scheik, who was instrumental in reviewing the special needs of our incoming kindergarten children in order to insure we would have the special programs necessary for their success.
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I ask that you spend the next four weeks reviewing the proposal we left with you. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to email or call me. If I do not have the answer, I will find it and get back to you. Also, I am preparing a question and answer sheet regarding full day kindergarten. It will help answer some of the questions that parents may pose to you. I will include that in next week’s letter. Again thank you for your consideration.
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| Physics - As you may have seen in the press, the New York State Regents have decided to rescore the physics test. This will include students who took the test this past June and those who took it the previous June. The new scoring chart is scheduled to be ready in December.
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| 55-65 – Area school districts have begun making recommendations to their Boards of Education to establish a 55 or 65 passing score for regents. As of right now, about 1/3 are opting for 65 with the remainder staying at 55. We are still pondering the issue and hope to bring a recommendation to you in January.
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| Roof Leaks – We had Clark Patterson at the high school on Wednesday to look at the on-going roof problem behind the auditorium. They have been working on it for some time, but still have not solved the leak problem. I am sending them a letter stating that since they were the architectural firm that designed the roof and the construction management firm that oversaw the correct installation, I hold them responsible for solving the problem.
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| Ken Schaumberg – On Wednesday I met with Ken Schaumberg, WTA president Pat Yates, and area NEA representative Jeff Trout regarding the decision to rescind Mr. Schaumberg’s appointment as track coach. They are not happy with our decision. They say that other coaches are also unhappy and the WTA may file a grievance. I will keep you informed of developments.
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| American Education Week – This is American Education Week with several activities in each building. During this time, we recognize all our staff members as integral parts of the educational process. Attached is the letter I sent this week.
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| Thanksgiving Holiday – Due to the short work week (Monday and Tuesday), we will not be sending a board letter out next week. Safe travels to all who will be visiting with family and friends. I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy the day and reflect on all that we have to be thankful for.
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| Nov. 21-23 – NAC “Hello Dolly” @ PAC – Friday/Sat 7:30 p.m.; Sat/Sun 2:30 p.m.
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| Nov. 26, 27 & 28 – Thanksgiving Recess
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| Dec. 6 – “Holiday Traditions” Christmas Variety Show & Benefit – PAC – 7:00 p.m.
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| Dec. 9 – NYSSBA Workshop “Student Rights & Discipline” – Albany Desmond
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| Please let Lori know if you wish to attend
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| Dec. 13 – Four Cty Legislative Position Paper Workshop II – Ramada Inn, Geneva
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| 8:30 – Noon, buffet brunch
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| Please let Lori know if you wish to attend
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| Dec. 16 – Four Cty General Membership Mtg., Club 86, Geneva
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| 5:30 – social; 6:30 buffet diner, 7:00 program, “Everything you want to know about video conferencing, teleconferencing, email and other electronic communications.”
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| Please let Lori know if you wish to attend
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Athletics:
12/3 – Boys JV & V BB vs. Williamson – 6:00 & 7:30
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| American Education Week Letter
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| NYSSBA Workshop Information
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| Walworth Town Board Meeting Minutes – 11/6
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Att. a
The following story seemed appropriate for American Education Week. It reminds us why we do what we do. Please accept this token of appreciation for being an important part of our children’s lives.
THE HAND
Thanksgiving Day was near. The first grade teacher gave her class a fun assignment - - to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful.
Most of the class might be considered economically disadvantaged, but still many would celebrate the holiday with turkey and other traditional goodies of the season. These, the teacher thought, would be the subjects of most of her student’s art. And they were.
But Douglas made a different kind of picture. Douglas was a different kind of boy. He was the teacher’s true child of misery, frail and unhappy. As other children played at recess, Douglas was likely to stand close by her side. One could only guess at the pain Douglas felt behind those sad eyes.
Yes, his picture was different. When asked to draw a picture of something for which he was thankful he drew a hand. Nothing else. Just an empty hand.
His abstract image captured the imagination of his peers. Whose hand could it be? One child suggested it was the hand of a farmer, because farmers raise turkeys. Another suggested a police officer, because the police protect and care for people. Still others guessed it was the hand of God, for God feeds us. And so the discussion went – until the teacher almost forgot the young artist himself.
When the children had gone on to other assignments, she paused at Douglas’ desk, bent down, and asked him whose hand it was. The little boy looked away and murmured, “It’s yours, teacher.”
She recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here or there, as she had the other students. How often she had said, “Take my hand, Douglas, we’ll go outside.” Or, “Let me show you how to hold your pencil.” Or, “Let’s do this together.” Douglas was most thankful for his teacher’s hand.
Brushing aside a tear, she went on with her work.
The story speaks of more than thankfulness. It says something about teachers teaching and parents parenting and friends showing friendship, and how much it means to the Douglases of the world. They might not always say thanks, but they’ll remember the hand that reaches out.
By Steve Goodier ©2001
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