Posted 5/31/12

Results of the 2012-13 Budget Exit poll

Posted 5/24/12

For four weeks beginning on Wednesday, May 23, Cumberland Farms will donate 20 cents from every Chill Zone beverage, iced tea, and coffee (iced or hot) purchased at its newly remodeled store at 1032 Route 146 in Clifton Park to benefit the Shenendehowa Educational Foundation’s Green and White Night fundraising event. The foundation aims to raise money to support arts, athletics and academic programs at the Shenendehowa Central School District. Cumberland Farms aims to raise at least $1,000 for the educational foundation.

Posted 5/16/12

The Shenendehowa Art Department is pleased to present the Annual K-12 Art Show! The exhibit is housed at Clifton Park Center in the storefront which formerly housed The Cotton Market. The show is open for viewing from May 15th-May 23rd during select hours. Click here for specific hours.

Posted 5/15/12

Letter From Dr. L. Oliver Robinson, Superintendent

Thank you to the Shen community for coming out and voting on the school budget, buses, and board candidates. The budget passed by a 69% margin 3,239 Yes to 1,432 No.

That is the highest margin of victory in Shen history. It sends an overwhelming message that you as a community, residents, and the voting public cares about the provision of a high quality education to our students, as well as the leadership, governance, and ultimately the future direction of the district.

The bus proposition passed by a very comfortable margin. Incumbent Board member Janet Grey had the most votes, followed by new member, Robert Pressley. We are pleased to have Mrs. Grey return, serving as a pillar of strength on the board during these interesting times of transition in public education. We are also pleased to welcome Robert Pressley, who brings a certain acumen and experience to help further the vision and mission of the district.

As superintendent, I speak for all employees when I say that we take your confidence in our efforts extremely seriously and will remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence.

The future is indeed a luminous place for our students and, with the continued support of our Shen community, we will continue to help our students realize their preferred dreams.

Budget PASSES: 3,239 Yes; 1,432 No

Bus Replacement Proposition PASSES: 3,105 Yes; 1,419 No

Board Election (two seats to the candidates with highest number of votes):

William Acker 1,820

Janet Grey 3,336

Anthony Morelli 1,808

Robert Pressly 1,980

Posted 5/14/12

Shen made the list for best high schools according to the U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News evaluated 22,000 high schools in 49 states, and ranked the top 2,000. Shen ranked 1,189 in the nation and and 152 in the state. http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/national-rankings.

Posted 5/14/12

Budget Vote, Tuesday, May 15, 7 am to 9 pm, Gowana Gym.

Letter from Dr. L. Oliver Robinson

I am writing to remind everyone of the importance of voting on your school budget on Tuesday, May 15th, at Gowana Middle School from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The importance of voting in a school budget cannot be overstated. Every vote has significance, every vote counts.

The goals in developing the 2012-13 proposed budget were to:
1) Preserve Quality Programs- The proposal allows the district to focus on providing quality services to children in well-maintained facilities rather than cutting staff and programs.
2) Be Fiscally Responsible-The proposal is less than one percent spending increase (0.82%).
3) Be Sensitive to Taxpayers- The proposal is below the State Tax Cap Limit.

Here at Shen, we understand and appreciate that the path to success for future generations begins with the parents and continues with our schools. The quality of our towns and neighborhoods are inextricably tied to the success of our schools. Shen continues to be the school of preference in the region and a primary source of attraction for new families and businesses.

We also understand the need for cost containment during these economic times. That is why for the last four years, we have made strategic reductions to reduce the “cost footprint” of the school district. In fact, our average spending increase during that time is below one percent.

If you have children, I also encourage you to bring them with you when you vote. Use this experience as a “teachable moment” so that your children can see by your actions the importance of civic responsibility and exercising the right to vote.

Posted 5/2/12

Congratulations to Shen High School business teacher Joe Murphy on being appointed as the next varsity girls’ basketball coach. Currently the girls' freshmen coach, he started at Shen as a volunteer assistant in the girls’ basketball program in 2004. As a member of Coach Strube’s staff, he has helped the team win Suburban Council championships in seven straight years, two Section 2 championships and a state finalist. He has also been an assistant coach with the Empire State Games Women’s Open Division Team and helped lead them to Bronze, Silver and Gold in consecutive years. He is the founder and director of the Shen/Clifton Park Girls’ Basketball Camp. He has also coached numerous girls AAU teams that have competed at the local, state, and national level.