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In an effort to improve communications the district has created this format to provide people with a place to get answers to questions and to address rumors and inaccurate information that sometimes circulate through the community. NOT ALL QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED. And, it may take some time to get answers to certain questions. For individual or private concerns, you should contact the school or district office by phone. We will not answer comments about specific individuals by name. However, for issues that we think impact a number of people in the community, we will provide a response on this page for all to see. Please submit your comments and/or questions in the white box on the right. Questions will be posted on this page for a couple of days, then moved to an archive page or deleted. Please check the archives on the right to see if a question on your topic has already been answered. Questions are e-mailed to the district's public information office. The PI Officer determines who could best answer the question and directs the question to that person. Once, the PIO receives the answer it is posted (that is why some responses take longer than others).
Posted on May 13, 2008 Why are books that are not elementary level offered at the school book fairs for youngsters to purchase?
Book fairs are run by the PTA in each school. You should contact your PTA president to offer suggestions or comments.
Posted on May 13, 2008 Is the Title IX regulation a school regulation or a state regulation?
It is a federal regulation.
Posted on May 13, 2008 Is the grapevine really a positive tool for communication? It seems to encourage complaining and disrespect for professionals. I will not let my child read the postings here as many have a complete lack of respect for adults we have taught him to 100% respect.
The purpose of the grapevine is to reduce the “ballpark” chatter and provide a place for people to get accurate answers. It provides anonymity so that people can feel comfortable coming directly to this district’s information source rather than getting the information from their neighbor or rumor mill which is frequently inaccurate. We try our best to modify the questions to make them less confrontational and/or more respectful while still conveying the meaning of the sender.
Posted on May 13, 2008 Is it true that there was an underground spring found where they're building the pool?
No. Just a lot of ground water that we knew was there.
Posted on May 13, 2008 Do girls have to wear dresses or skirts at graduation or can they wear dress pants?
Graduation is an important event. Please dress nicely and appropriately. Dress pants are acceptable.
Posted on May 12, 2008 What can students do to change it so that physical education classes aren't co-ed in future years?
Sorry, but it is mandated by the Title IX regulation that "specifically prohibits segregated classes in physical education (§86.34)." It goes on to say that "Physical education course must be conducted coeducationally for females and males.
Posted on May 12, 2008 When did the Grapevine start?
In February.
Posted on May 12, 2008 Are Grapevine questions ever answered over the weekend?
No.
Posted on May 12, 2008 If students are missing physical education classes for AP exams, do they have to make them up? If a doctor has written a note for a high school student to be excused from gym, is it mandatory for the student to make up the missed classes?
Physical education is New York State mandated course and required for graduation. The policy states that students who are absent from class are required to make up classes for course credit. In addition, they may need to make up any missed assessments, quizzes, and or assignments on the day they are out. Our guidelines are clearly listed on the Shenendehowa Physical Education web page, http://www.shenet.org/district/academicdept/PE/pehs.htm. It is the responsibility of the student to check with their respective teacher upon their return. If further explanation is needed please contact someone in the high school physical education department.
Posted on May 12, 2008 What are the categories of awards and what is the criteria for HS West? Who nominates the students? Explain to me how a student who is in accelerated program in all core subjects with at least 95% average throughout the year is not receiving or nominated for any award in 9th grade.
Students were recognized for academic success, academic improvement, character and attendance. From a class of more than 800 students, 217 students received recognition. Teachers and committees had to selected. High School West offers many recognition programs including a similar fall awards assembly, a character education program called Time to Shine and other events. The awards are listed below:
Posted on May 12, 2008 Why was the fence that the Softball Booster Club bought on its own fund raising funds used by other sports and consequently ruined with shreds and holes throughout?
The fence that is used at the softball field was purchased by the booster club and the former athletic director. This fence was also used at the soccer field, and unfortunately, is not durable. A new fence has been ordered for next year that will be exclusive to the softball field.
Posted on May 12, 2008 Who coordinates the photo sessions with students as they sign "letters of intent" to play sports with their chosen colleges? At what location are these photos taken? Are they taken during school hours?
The athletic department coordinates the letter of intent signings for any student-athlete who will be compete in intercollegiate athletics at the NCAA Division I level. The signings for these student-athletes and their families are held in the library after school, usually at 3:15 PM.
Posted on May 12, 2008 Is it true that the JV softball team will be playing in Utica or at an away venue on the weekend of memorial day, I do not see it on their schedule but have heard about it at school? thanks
The Junior Varsity Softball team will be playing a doubleheader at New Hartford High School on Saturday, May 24th. The times are 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Varsity will also be playing a double header as well on this date at the same site. These games were added to the scheduled by the coaches because of early season rain-outs.
Posted on May 9, 2008 Why did the high school principal take almost 10 minutes of class time 3rd period to discuss the dress code over the announcements instead of doing it doing homeroom when instruction was not taking place?
The issue of the dress code is extremely important to the high school for a variety of reasons. Primarily the dress code was created with input of the student body who attended a number of "speak out" presentations with the principal and district officials. Since they had a major role in its development and the fact that many have disregarded its guidelines, the principal felt that it was important to address students during 3rd period when students were not at lunch, were not arriving late to school or leaving early to go home. If you have further concerns about this topic, please contact the principal directly.
Posted on May 9, 2008 Why do some teams (specifically in Gowana) have co-ed in PE, when others don't?
Shenendehowa is moving towards co-ed physical education classes in order to be in compliance with state regulations. "The Title IX regulation specifically prohibits segregated classes in physical education (§86.34)." It goes on to say that "Physical education course must be conducted coeducationally for females and males. All PE classes will be co-ed at the middle school next year.
Posted on May 9, 2008 My child attends Gowana and the week before Spring break his class spent the entire week (5 days) watching a movie. In fact he watches movies quite a bit in all of his classes. What can be done?
Concerns about curricular items or the use of movies / technology in the classroom should be addressed directly with the teacher.
Posted on May 9, 2008 Is there any way to adjust the time for the middle school parent meetings? A large majority of the children are playing in the Clifton Park leagues (baseball adn softball) and have games at 6 pm.
We understand that there are many activities throughout the Spring, that is why most middle school meetings and events are placed on the district calendar well in advance so that parents can try and coordinate their plans.
Posted on May 9, 2008 What is the reason as to why you cannot bring water bottles to the middle school? This sounds absurd!
We have numerous water fountains throughout each building and various drinks are available in the cafeteria during lunch. The concerns with water bottles are: a) How do we know what is really in each one? b) When allowed, many of the empty ones wound up as litter in the halls - not in the garbage cans. c) They are often thrown or played with and could wind up hurting someone.
Posted on May 9, 2008 With 8th graders having so many state tests why isn't there better communication to parents advising them when these tests are so that parents may support their students and assure they are in school and prepared for these tests?
All of the New York State Standardized tests are printed on the district calendar that it mailed in August to every student household. They are also listed on the website on the events calendar -- http://www.shenet.org/events/index.asp.
Posted on May 8, 2008 Why aren't the drug sniffing dogs ever brought into any of the Shen buildings, except during educational presentations? Each year we hear of drug arrests, it is documented in the papers, yet no dogs?
Here is what it says in the Code of Conduct: Searches Using Canine Units - Administration may authorize canine searches by law enforcement personnel without advance notice or warning to students or school personnel. While we have the ability to make the request, routine searches are not common practice here or at school districts across the state. Our high school would require 5-8 dogs and there are currently not that many in the county. Typically, the canine units are used for drug interdiction (stopping drug trafficking) or big drug crimes/deals.
Posted on May 8, 2008 In The Times Union there was an article on May 8th that the school day would be made 45 minutes longer by adding 5 more minutes to each period staring September 2008. Is this true?
No. That was a story about the Albany School District.
Posted on May 8, 2008 Where can I find the HSE Code of Conduct on the Shenet.org website?
It is the Shenendehowa School District Code of Conduct. Here is the Web address: http://www.shenet.org/district/code_of_conduct/codeofconduct.htm
Posted on May 8, 2008 How does a team get their Sr night mentioned on the front page of the Shen website like the attached?
Have the coach e-mail the information to the webmaster.
Posted on May 8, 2008 Regarding the budget vote, what criteria do you have to meet to vote? Do you need to register somewhere? Just show an ID with an address in the district?
To vote in a school district election you must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years or older and a district resident for at least 30 days prior to the vote. No pre-registration is required. Personal identification is required.
Posted on May 8, 2008 Where can I find a copy of the calendar?
The 2008-09 calendar has not yet been approved by the Board of Education. It was tentatively scheduled for approval at the May 6th meeting. That has been moved to May 27.
Posted on May 8, 2008 I am wondering why in the elementary schools (maybe not all) the children can buy and the cafeteria sells Little Debbie snack cakes, bags of chips, and other unhealthy snacks. On several occasions my child was able to buy two snacks (ice cream and snack cakes) in one trip up to the cash register. Why are children being allowed to purchase more than 1 snack each day and why sell unhealthy choices?
While we do have a variety of choices for children, we are making progress limiting what is available as well as the nutritional content as well. This year we pulled 12 oz sports drinks from the elementary level and we have not sold any Little Debbie products at any level. We have print outs available showing what the child has purchased and we have a lunch only setting. Unless we catch a blatant abuse of purchasing power by students it is not our practice to restrict the privilege. The school lunch department here at Shenendehowa, as well as across the state and country are self supporting businesses. Our goal has always been to keep the program affordable for families and to provide good nutrition.
Posted on May 8, 2008 Is the lunch account money transferred to the high school for the eighth grade kids moving up as it is for the kids moving from elementary to middle school?
All monies (positive and negative) follow the children from building to building.
Posted on May 8, 2008 Shouldn't elementary parents receive reports regarding their child's PE curriculum, assessments, behavior, attitude, progress, etc.? How are Physical Education teachers held accountable and how are children held accountable if there is no reporting system for this state mandated area of instruction?
Gr. 4-5 children are assessed in a number of skills, but the report cards have not yet been fully developed to reflect this. Currently, our report cards evaluate progress for 4th and 5th graders in fitness, work habits, participation level in physical activity, responsibility, and cooperation. As far as accountability, the PE profile is being developed, and will involve accountability on the part of our entire PE staff, also, the school district has a document, the Essential Content and Competencies, that outlines what every grade level should learn and be able to demonstrate. This document also describes the specific exit outcomes expected to be demonstrated by the end of 5th grade.
Posted on May 8, 2008 My child came home telling me that the bus driver lets them listen to fly92 on the radio. What is going on here?
Radios are on school buses are to used to occupy the students while in transit. Bus drivers are trained to use appropriate radio stations only. These kinds of concerns should be forwarded to the District transportation office immediately upon their occurrence so that they can look into and address these matters.
Posted on May 8, 2008 Will the Junior class rankings be listed anywhere to see who is what rank?
Rank for college application purposes is determined in the fall of the senior year. All seniors receive a copy of their transcript then, and it will have the rank on it. The entire class rank is not made public.
Posted on May 8, 2008 How come we did not have a Power of One presentation this year?
The Power of One is now called "Behind the Faces" and was offered in West last October. It will also be offered at West next year.
Posted on May 8, 2008 I heard that when a teacher sees a cell phone (maybe sticking out a child's back pocket) or if they are found using their cell phone that teachers freely snoop through their text messages and read them. Isn't this a violation of privacy? Even principals admit it's done but allow it.
Teachers do not freely look at students' text messages. Students are not allowed to use cell phones during the school day. This is a clear violation of the Code of Conduct.
Posted on May 8, 2008 If several of the seniors do a rather safe and appropriate senior prank would they get in trouble? Because their is much talk about not being able to graduate if a senior prank is carried out. Please clear this up.
With more than 2,500 people in HSE, there are no pranks that would be appropriate. Therefore, the administration will treat these according to the Code of Conduct. Consequences can range from warnings to detentions to possible exclusion from certain events, including graduation.
Posted on May 8, 2008 Why are students in High School East not allowed to eat in the courtyard?
Students are discouraged from eating in the courtyard because our animal friends sometimes then create a nuisance with the leftovers!
Posted on May 8, 2008 I was surprised to read the response "Graduation rehearsal will held during English classes at the end of May". In the past a mandatory rehearsal was held one morning during regents week. So there will be no large group rehearsal during regents week then?
The administration has determined that the graduation rehearsal done in past years was not an efficient use of anyone's time The smaller group setting of the English classes appears to be more conducive to reviewing the expectations for graduation. These will be held in the next few weeks and will allow students to dialogue more effectively with the administration about the ceremony.
Posted on May 8, 2008 What kind of awards are given out on award night for HSE? Do you have to be invited?
There will be a number of awards presented including department, college and community based scholarships. All are invited, but only the recipients and their families received invitations.
Posted on May 8, 2008 Is it fair for one student for example to get 10 different scholarships while another gets no scholarships and worked just as hard?
Many of the scholarships that are presented to our high school students are chosen by outside groups and organizations. These are often announced after the school selects their recipients for the few that the high school staff is able to select. As a result, some students do earn multiple awards while some worthy students earn none. This should not diminish the hard work and effort of those students who comprise the Class of 2009. We are proud of them.
Posted on May 8, 2008 What is the 9th grade recognition night on May 8th and what criteria is used to chose students for recognition?
A number of awards will be presented including those for academic achievement, improvement, effort and attendance.
Posted on May 8, 2008 Does anyone take the minutes of the faculty meetings at HSE and if so, how can a support staff member get a copy of what was discussed at each meeting?
No minutes of the meetings are kept. If you are interested in the agenda for the high school faculty meetings, please contact Mr. Flynt.
Posted on May 8, 2008 Are juniors next year getting free periods or study halls?
11th graders will have a study hall next year if their schedule and course selection calls for a study hall.
Posted on May 6, 2008 As a parent of a middle school student, I was worried my child came home and told me of several students getting in trouble for having drugs and alcohol in school. What is being done about this? Why aren't drug dogs being used to help track this down? This isn't something that can be pushed under the rug. Action needs to be taken!!!
Action was taken. A couple of students (unrelated) violated the code of conduct (for three different types of infractions). The N.Y.S. Police were called and the students are being disciplined according to the code of conduct.
Posted on May 6, 2008 I have seen countless photo ops and articles in the local newspaper regarding student athletes who are awarded athletic scholarships to various colleges. Congratulations to all of them! However, aren't there students who are receiving similar scholarships from fine colleges for their academic, artistic, or other achievements? Why aren't they being recognized with news articles? Are athletic scholarships the only ones that are newsworthy?
We send academic and scholarship information on a regular basis to the newspapers. We are proud of all of our student achievements. The newspapers decides what and what not to print.
Posted on May 6, 2008 If you are graduating this year and in order to get your advance regents diploma, do you have to have 3 years of science and pass all 3 regents?
In order to get a Regents Diploma, you have to have taken and passed 5 Regents exams as follows:
Posted on May 6, 2008 Can a student take both the Sat 2 in Math and Science, even if they are scheduled for the same day (June 7th). Are they at different times?
Students can take up to 3 subject tests in one day without a conflict.
Posted on May 6, 2008 How come my son can’t take keyboarding as a 9th grader?
Keyboarding is not being offered due to low enrollment.
Posted on May 6, 2008 If a senior student receives just 5 credits this year (including all the required classes), and it amounts to exactly 22 credits, can h/she still graduate without the 5.5 credits required for full time status?
Any question regarding graduation should be directed to the school counselor who will review the student's transcript to accurately answer the question.
Posted on May 6, 2008 What are the prerequisites for a high school student to attend summer school?
This should be discussed with your counselor to ensure you receive accurate information based on your individual circumstances.
Posted on May 6, 2008 Will you receive a zero for a Regents exam if you don't show up? If so, is this true even if you don’t need the test for graduation?
Students are expected to take (and be successful) in all exams (Regents or final exams) offered in his/her classes.
Posted on May 6, 2008 Will you keep answering grapevine questions during the summer?
Yes.
Posted on May 6, 2008 If my son is taking 7th grade math and he is in 6th grade, why does he have to take the 6th grade NYS math test?
Unless a child is accelerated by a whole grade (skipping all of sixth grade to participate in the whole seventh grade curriculum) the child is considered a sixth grader and must take the NYS math exam per NYS Education Department regulations.
Posted on May 6, 2008 I heard there is a middle school transition program or camp for incoming 6th graders at Gowana over the summer. Is this true, and if so, when is it, and where can I find more information?
There is a SEEC camp run through our Community Education Department. Click here to go to that webpage.
Posted on May 6, 2008 Do you need to do anything special if you want to bring someone from an upper grade to the semi formal or can you just buy them a ticket and go?
The only students allowed at the grade 8 dance are grade 8 students from Koda, Gowana or Acadia - no students who are younger or older are allowed to attend and no students from another school district. The high school dances, you need to fill out a form and get advanced permission. Click here for the form.
Posted on May 6, 2008 In regards to not being able to have water bottles in the middle school, what exactly qualifies a day to be "dangerously hot"?
When it is forecasted that it is going to be "dangerously hot," the school administration will announce that water bottles will be allowed.
Posted on May 6, 2008 Can an 8th grader bring a 7th grader to the 8th grade dance?
No.
Posted on May 6, 2008 I heard that in 9th grade students do not have a choice of what band they are going to be in, is this true?
Yes. The Grade 9 Concert Band and Grade 9 Symphonic Band are carefully constructed of equal ability and balanced instrumentation. Students are placed into these ensembles accordingly.
Posted on May 6, 2008 Is it true my child has to miss an academic class to go to band lessons? Why aren't band lessons offered before school, after school or during study hall?
Sometimes. Lessons are offered on a rotating basis throughout the day.
Posted on May 6, 2008 Can you tell me when Field Day will be at Karigon?
May 28th…rain date is May 29th. Details will be sent home to parents next week.
Posted on May 6, 2008 If a student plays a sport in the high school, would it be appropriate for that student to carry a water bottle on game days if okayed by the teachers?
The high school administration allows any students to carry a water bottle during the day. However, teachers have discretion in the classroom, especially where there are computers and electronics equipment.
Posted on May 6, 2008 As a parent of a hockey player, I think it would be very entertaining to have a spirit band play during the games instead of regular music. It would be a unique tradition to Shenendehowa hockey. Is there any way of making this possible?
The athletic department is always open to find ways to add school spirit to the games and contests. The idea of a 'pep' band has been and is continually being discussed with the music department chairperson.
Posted on May 6, 2008 I have been told by several wrestling team members that a boy from another school who does not live in our district is training with the Shen wrestlers at least once a week. Why are we sharing facilities and possibly training opponents?
The interscholastic wrestling season ended in March. Shenendehowa is the host school for an open gym wrestling program that is available to all students throughout the area. It is advantageous for us to conduct the program on our campus as it allows many of our wrestlers the opportunity to train in the off-season.
Posted on May 6, 2008 Is it true that all Booster clubs will be required to use the same logo and order through the same vendor?
Many of our coaches have complained that over the years our sports teams and programs have utilized different logos and styles in representing the Shenendehowa Athletic Department. In an effort to add some consistency across programs, we have encouraged coaches and booster clubs to use the script "Shen" logo. The athletic department has also encouraged coaches to work with booster clubs to use vendors who can provide us with the greatest opportunity to maximize our dollars.
Posted on May 6, 2008 Why were the JV Track Girls not given a bus to their meet on May 1st and had to pay for a charter bus?
This is not true. When the district does not have enough buses to transport student-athletes to contests, we contract out with charter bus companies. The athletic department is responsible for this cost.
Posted on May 6, 2008 Approximately when will the scores for the standardized tests given this year to 4th graders in English, Math, and Science be available on the parent portal?
According to the NYS Education Dept., ELA scores will be released in May, math in June and no date has been given for science. Once the state releases the information and it is available in electronic form, the district will be able to post the scores in the portal.
Posted on May 6, 2008 Does the district plan to have an alert system such as in the case of an emergency or school closing [due to the weather] the parents can be notified via email and/or a general phone message?
The district is currently testing a messaging system through the student information system which is expected to be operational by the fall.
Posted on May 6, 2008 What is an illegal absence?
Anything which does not fit any of the nine reasons below is an illegal absence: personal illness or injury, death in the family, medical appointments, appearance in court, suspension from school (during which alternative educational services are offered or provided), Internal restriction, military obligation, religious observances, school sponsored/authorized activities.
Posted on May 6, 2008 Is it true that Shen is on the list of Schools in Need of Improvement from the State Education Department?
No. The high school was on a "school requiring academic progress" due to special education performance as a subgroup on the comprehensive English Regents exam. That subgroup has now met the "safe harbor" requirements for 2006-07.
Posted on May 6, 2008 Do teachers have access to view a students academic record through the portal?
Only parents and students have access to the portal. Teachers have access to the student information system but can only access information about students in their class.
Posted on May 5, 2008 I will be in 7th grade next year and want to try out for the freshmen cheerleading team. How competitive is it and what do I need to do at the try out?
You cannot try out for the Freshmen team as a 7th grader. You must be in ninth grade in order to try out. There is the Junior Plainsmen Cheerleading program available for 7th graders. Cheerleading is very competitive: tumbling, high jumps, flexibility and a great cooperative attitude are just some of what you need to develop in order to be competitive.
Posted on May 5, 2008 Why are we not the plainsmen any more? If we still are then why do we not have an Indian or some thing of that nature as our mascot not a horse.
Shenendehowa loosely translated means “great plains.” That is why we ARE still the Plainsmen. We stopped using the Native American mascot/logo many years ago because many Native Americans expressed concerns about its use. Since then, the Commissioner of Education has also mandated that schools stop using Native American mascots and logos. In the meantime, students asked if they could develop a new mascot. Mascots were designed by students and then the entire student body voted and selected the horse.
Posted on May 5, 2008 We hear so much about the dress code suggestions, guidelines and rules...but never consequences. What are they consequences and do they differ for the severity of infraction?
The consequences are generally that students are told to correct the violation of the dress code by changing the inappropriate clothing. They may also spend time in supervised study or if the student consistently disregards the directive of the administrator, they would be given harsher penalties for insubordination. In some cases, depending on the violation, students may also be given a warning.
Posted on May 5, 2008 One of the District's Instructional Objectives for this school year for elementary schools was "Assess the effectiveness of the processes for identification of students for acceleration or enrichment offerings, serving to ensure consistency across buildings." What kind of analysis was done? Can you please post the results / statistics?
The assessment of the process for identifying students for acceleration and enrichment is complete and is consistently used across all eight elementary buildings. Data is collected from different assessments and the data is reviewed by the building's Child Study Team. Recommendations for children's programming come forth from the Child Study Team. Currently, there are no statistics to report.
Posted on May 5, 2008 What are the Professional Learning Communities? Does each school have one? How are they used?
A Professional Learning Community is an approach to education that focuses on student learning. It is based on the research of Richard and Rebecca Dufour. Professionals plan common assessments of a specific content area and review the outcomes in order to plan for instruction. Many teachers and administrators at several schools across the district have participated in professional development to hone the practices associated with the Professional Learning Community. It is not so much a matter of each school 'having one' but more a focus on student learning.
Posted on May 5, 2008 Has the district considered getting laptops for students for use in classrooms?
The district is looking at ways to increase student access to computers during the day. Laptops are one option being reviewed but not so much for individual student usage as for mobile labs for some locations. Currently, laptops cost considerably more to purchase and maintain than desk tops so in our interest to increase access, it is more likely that we can obtain more computers by purchasing desk tops rather than laptops.
Posted on May 5, 2008 Why does Shen promote abstinence?? Don't you think students should be well educated?
Our health curriculum comes from New York State and we follow its guidelines for sex education.
Posted on May 5, 2008 Is it true that the kids that made the Freshmen baseball team all paid $300 to take a class with the high school coach? I think that the coach should not be permitted to charge anyone for a class, that is a conflict don't you think? It is also very unfair to the boys that have parents who can not afford the $300.
The baseball coach runs an winter instructional camp and has been doing so for more than a decade. The camp is open to all students in grades 7-12 throughout the capital district. This camp complies with all Suburban, Section and State Regulations. It is completely optional for students to attend.
Posted on May 1, 2008 What is the Math Science Technology Academy? Is it just a new semester long interdisciplinary course that students can take in high school in addition to their other courses?
MST Academy is a full year integrated program of Math, Science, and Tech. It will be three periods of instruction per day in a student's schedule. The program is designed to provide students with the 3rd unit of math and the 3rd unit of science required for graduation as well as an additional elective credit in Technology. Approximately 50 - 60 juniors and/or seniors will be admitted to the academy and it will be co-taught by 3 teachers (one from each department...Math, Science, and Technology.)
Posted on May 1, 2008 It has been brought to my attention that the first grade teachers at Okte leave for "meetings" every Wednesday at about 2:30. Another special area teacher in the building covers and dismisses these classes. This is 30 minutes each week that our children are not being instructed by their teacher. What is the policy for such weekly meetings, and are other buildings and grade levels doing the same?
Every Wednesday beginning at 3 p.m. first grade teachers meet as a team. Their classes are covered until the 3:10 dismal begins by special area teachers and sometimes the building principal (the last 10 minutes of the school day).
Posted on May 1, 2008 How come administrators have access to YouTube but students don't? It seems very unfair to me. You guys make the rules, so why can't you follow them?
Administrators and teachers have access to YouTube so that it is available for use in the classroom when appropriate. It is filtered for students because there are many things on it that are inappropriate for a school setting.
Posted on May 1, 2008 Why is there no Marching Band at Shen? I think it is an outrage that a school of this size and caliber does not have a Marching Band.
Years ago Shen had a march band, but due to what was believed to be a lack of interest and budget concerns at that time, the program was eliminated. It has not since surfaced as a priority need, which would require several years of planning and coordinating to get started.
Posted on May 1, 2008 Why doesn't Shen offer SIGN LANGUAGE as a LOTE language? Other school districts in New York teach this, but Shen doesn't. This is madness! Is there any plans or talk ever of adding this language?
This has been discussed and may be offered in the foreseeable future. Currently, many elementary students are taught some signs as a part of "morning program" activities.
Posted on May 1, 2008 Do the Shen cleaners get the Friday before Memorial Day off?
Time off for all employees is strictly stipulated in their contracts. Individual employees should refer to their contract or seek clarification from their union representative or the human resource department.
Posted on May 1, 2008 Has the district considered getting laptops for students for use in classrooms?
The district is now in the process of taking a comprehensive look at instructional technology and its integration into the curriculum. Access to computers is a prominent component of the plan, but not necessarily lap tops.
Posted on May 1, 2008 Thank you to the few teachers that were wearing ribbons in support of us (your gay students), but why were NO administrators showing their support? They support other causes.
As an organization, the district supports the rights of students to participate in various activities and actions to the extent allowable under laws and state regulations. The individual support by staff members is a personal decision, and a lack of presence or involvement is not necessarily a reflection of a lack of support.
Posted on May 1, 2008 I was surprised to see that the district decided to make a calendar change on June 13, having AM K students attend instead of PM to make up for the large number of school delays. When will the district make-up the discrepancy in time the PM K students in Chango receive vs. the AM students? Are there any plans to address this discrepancy this year?
The discrepancy in time for Chango PM students is a matter that will be addressed for future years. Due to the series of snow delays, the district was compelled to make a good faith effort to make-up for some of that time for AM Kindergarten students across the entire district, knowing that the length of the school day for Kindergarten is not stipulated in regulations.
Posted on May 1, 2008 In a previous post, it was stated that the 2008-09 school calendar would be approved in early April and then posted. Have you posted the calendar for next year?
No. It was moved to the May 6 school board agenda.
Posted on May 1, 2008 Will the senior physics classes be going to the Great Escape this year?
Yes.
Posted on May 1, 2008 While driving through the campus, you can't help but drive through all the water spilling out from large hoses by the pool construction. This water seems to run 24/7 even though it is so dry out. Where is it all coming from and how can construction continue on such wet ground? I've heard the concrete was even poured on wet ground!
The water is from 12 to 14 feet below ground and that is the average depth of the water table for that area on campus. No concrete is poured on unstable ground at any time. We pump out the water to be sure it is BELOW the depth we will be pouring the concrete for the bottom of the pool while we are actually doing the work so the ground is stable. We have dropped the level over 2 feet doing this. Once the concrete has cured to its designed strength we will no longer need to run the pumps. The pools structure has been designed knowing our water table situation and it can withstand ground water up to within 4 feet of the TOP of the pool, which is a very unlikely possibility.
Posted on May 1, 2008 Why can't the scoreboard by the lacrosse fields be used for games? If it's broken, why can't it be fixed?
The scoreboard at the soccer/ lacrosse field is old and needs to be replaced. A new scoreboard for this field was included in the Track/Field/ Trails project that was approved by voters in December. As far as fixing the current one for now, we have spent more than a thousand dollars having that scoreboard repaired over the last two years but now the parts are too hard to find. We would just ask that people be patient and understanding of the situation until the new scoreboard can be installed.
Posted on May 1, 2008 I heard that our athletic director is responsible for submitting our team rosters to the Times Union. Where is the Shen Lacrosse roster? The season is halfway over!
Each coach is responsible for submitting the rosters to the media outlets. The newspapers and television stations have different information that they are looking for from our coaches, so we leave it up to the individual coach to provide the requested information. However, if you scroll down to the bottom of the Shen Lacrosse page, the roster has been listed. Click here for the link.
Posted on May 1, 2008 Why are track athletes not allowed to take their shirt off during hard workouts and runs at practice? I am a male track athlete and can accurately represent all the other male track athletes that is extremely uncomfortable to wear a t-shirt when it's over 70 degrees outside.
In accordance with the Shenendehowa Code of Conduct, all students must be appropriately dressed. This includes wearing shirts at practice. This rule has to be applied consistently across the board for all sports and all athletes (boys and girls) in order for it to be fair.
Posted on May 1, 2008 Are you looking for a volunteer to dress as the Shen mascot at next year's football games?
The mascot is part of SFA Senate. Any individual interested in becoming the Shen Mascot should speak to Mr. Silverman or Mrs. Radko (SFA Senate Advisors).
Posted on May 1, 2008 When are varsity tennis team tryouts for the 08-09 season?
All varsity tryouts for the 2008 fall sports season start August 18th.
Posted on May 1, 2008 Do all schools use Styrofoam lunch trays? If so, why not switch to paper/cardboard trays? They are recyclable or, at a minimum, do not contribute to the plastic waste stream. Is cost a consideration?
At this time Okte, Chango, Arongen and Shatekon are using a reusable tray. The food service department is looking into alternative biodegradable style trays, however, the cost of these items is 2 1/2 to 3 times more than the Styrofoam that we are presently using.
Posted on May 1, 2008 Your answer about senior prom seems very unemotional. If I were a senior I would be very upset if I was not able to attend my prom. I don't understand why the school cannot find a location large enough to support the entire class?
All seniors who requested tickets received them. There was a waiting list, but all seniors who tried to buy tickets during the advertised sale period did receive tickets. As far as we know, The Crowne Plaza and the Marriott are the only two venue's that will host proms that are big enough to accommodate 800 people at a sit down dinner and still have a dance floor.
Posted on May 1, 2008 Don't you feel like all seniors should be guaranteed a prom ticket?
Yes. We were able to accommodate all seniors who wanted to go. While there was a waiting list, all seniors who requested tickets received them.
Posted on May 1, 2008 Why can't the students who qualify to get a free prom ticket, get a free one for their date as well?
The fund is set up for Shenendehowa students only.
Posted on May 1, 2008 I was wondering if we bring a date to senior prom and they do not attend Shen, do they have to bring identification?
Yes. They must have ID to get in.
Posted on May 1, 2008 Do you know when Graduation rehearsal is?
Graduation rehearsal will held during English classes at the end of May.
Posted on May 1, 2008 Why isn't the senior trip going to be rescheduled?
The class council planned a trip to Gore, but it was cancelled due to lack of students signing up. At this point, there is not enough time to plan another trip.
Posted on May 1, 2008 Who comes up with the senior trips because I sur |
