Board Notes:

BOARD NOTES - NS SCHOOL BOARD REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 10, 2013
- Minutes Approval Debate
- District Withdraws from  Race to the Top - But Still  Must Administer Tests 
- International  Baccalaureate Program  Presentation and  Discussion
- Parents and Students  Speak in Support of Gym  Teacher and Coach
- Board Agrees to  Procedure for Video  Recording Public Meetings

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BOARD NOTES - NS SCHOOL BOARD MEETING, 9/26/13
-HS LIBRARY PACKED FOR TESTING DISCUSSION
- MANY IN AUDIENCE EXPRESS CONCERNS OVER IMPACT OF TESTS
-TEST PREP V. TEST PRACTICE
-DEBATING SYNTAX

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BOARD NOTES - North Shore School Board Meeting, September 12
Headlines - 
-BOARD DISCUSSES INTERNET ACCESS AND LIVE-STREAMING OF MEETINGS
-BOARD PASSES RESOLUTION TO HOLD PUBLIC VOTE ON $19.6 MILLION BOND
-TESTING, ARTS AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE DOMINATE PUBLIC COMMENT
- OUTSIDE FIRM TO CONDUCT REVIEW OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS   

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August 29 North Shore Board of Education Meeting

- BOE EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR $19.6 MILLION BOND VOTE
- DISTRICT GOALS FOR 2013-14
- MEETING START TIMES NOW AT 7:30 pm
- SCHOOL LUNCH PRICE INCREASE
(click here for details)

PAST MEETINGS

July 1 Meeting
- New trustees Sara Jones, Michael Nightingale, and Maryanne Russo were sworn in for their three year terms.
- Trustee Tom Kniernam nominated Trustee Herman Berliner for the office of President.  The nomination was seconded by several of the other trustees.  Trustee Berliner was unanimously elected School Board President.  Trustee Beyer nominated Trustee Kniernam for Vice President and the nomination was seconded.  Trustee Nightingale nominated Trustee Amy Beyer for Vice President and was seconded by Trustee Russo.  Trustee Beyer declined the nomination but thanked Trustee Nightingale for his kind words and support.  Trustee Kniernam was elected unanimously to serve as School Board Vice President.
- Superintendents Report - 
    - Dr. Melnick announced that North Shore Senior Adriana Rubertone was selected for the American Legion's Empire Girls State convention and that an article would appear in the July 2 edition of Newsday.  Link to Newsday article.
    - Dr. Melnick warned the audience that  North Shore residents may see their  school taxes increase as much as 19% in the 2014-15 School Year.  The  increase is result of a new proposal worked out by the state legislature and  Governor and a reassessment of LIPA's Glenwood  property.  
    Under the state  government's proposal, LIPA would see its assessments on its power  plants decline by about sixty percent over a ten year period beginning  in the fall of 2014.  In addition, LIPA will discontinue its efforts  to recoup what it claims are tens of millions of dollars in tax overpayments to  school districts and local governments over the past several years.  Melnick explained that North Shore will be  hit particularly hard because of a recent reassessment of the value of  LIPA's Glenwood property which was reduced from $210 million  to $105 million.  LIPAs tax obligation to the district would be  reduced from $22 million to $9.6 million.  $7 million  would be shifted to residential taxpayers. 
- Public Participation 
Emily Stanton a resident of Glen Head announced the formation of a community group, the North Shore Parents Action Committee (NSPAC) which is devoted to reforming New York State standardized testing policies and is calling on the state to adopt a more responsible and alternative assessment approach.  Tom Murphy said that he has been involved with NSPAC as well.  Ms. Stanton encouraged residents to e-mail her if they would like to become involved.  Her address is [email protected].  Ann Sheeran asked about the bond that is likely to be put up for a vote this fall.  Dr. Melnick stated that bond service is exempt from the tax levy limit and that districts that paid off the debt have actually faced greater financial challenges with the tax cap.  He cited Manhasset as an example. Another audience member stated that he believed it was a good idea to adopt a resolution calling on the State to reform it testing policies, that how Districts respond to the testing is often more harmful than the testing itself and that the district ought to work to minimize the impact of the testing on students.  
Discussion - Standardized Testing 
Trustee Labatte initiated the discussion expressing her concerns about standardized testing and asked the board to consider a resolution similar to those passed in other districts calling on the state to reform its testing policies.Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edward Melnick, provided  some historical background to the discussion.  Prior to 2010, he stated,
the district paid little attention to the tests  but that in the fall of
that year, the district’s scores appeared to decline dramatically from previous years.  In reality, he said, this was a result of the
recalibration of the  cut-off scores for 3’s and 4’s (3=meeting state  standards, 4= exceeding state  standards).  The students’
raw scores, however, were similar to previous years, but because the cut  off score for a 3 was raised, many students who would have had a “low 3” in  previous  years, ended up with a 2 (approaching state  standards). This, Melnick asserted, was something that had happened across  the state.  As a result of the decline, many parents expressed their  concerns at a Board meeting in the fall of  2010 (See minutes of Sept 30,
2010, Oct 28, 2010, and Nov. 16, 2010  meetings).  The Board
responded  with a change in district policy outlined in a “white paper”  that called for  more attention to be placed on preparing students for the  assessments during  regular daily instruction.  Melnick  stated  that Ms. Labatte, not a trustee at the time, was a lone voice speaking  out  against moving too far in favor of test  preparation.  
      Referring to comments  made during public participation earlier in the  meeting, a few trustees  stated that the district had to do more than just make  statement, and take
action to reduce the emphasis on test preparation during  regular  instruction.
     Trustee Michael Nightingale stated  that real change in state policy  could not come just from statements by  the school board, but that there has to be a real grassroots movement and
organization.
     Trustee Maryanne Russo stated  that with the introduction of the Annual  Professional Performance Review  (APPR) students often feel the pressure that  teachers are feeling to do
well on the test.  In addition, she wondered whether some teachers had
done a good job of preparing students for the test in the past.  
She said three years ago, she felt she needed to get tutors for one of her children,  and as a result did very well.   She stated that tenure makes  it difficult to remove teachers whose  students do not perform  well.
     Dr. Melnick stated that he believed that
the district has moved too  far in the direction of test preparation, and  that while the  district had intended to re-calibrate in favor of a “more  balanced approach”  this year, the introduction of the new Common Core  curriculum and the  expectation that test scores would plummet in all
districts, there continued to  be a great deal of emphasis on the
tests throughout the year.  He urged the board to adopt a 
resolution stating the district’s position on the current assessment system,  but  also stated that the resolution cannot be just “empty  words”. 
     Trustee Beyer gave background on  the 2010 White Paper, and stated that its purpose was to revise a 2007  statement that strongly de-emphasized test  preparation.  She said the  intent behind it was to promote a balanced approach between preparing  students for the tests and having meaningful instruction. She  continued that the Board ought to consider re-examining the  2010 policy statement.
     Ultimately,  the board agreed to develop a resolution regarding State assessment  policies, although it is unclear when that will be voted on, and  to re-examine the 2010 White Paper and consider revisions.
New Business  Trustee Nightingale proposed that at the next meeting the trustees discuss ways of making the board more accessible.  He suggested that the issue of board e-mails and changing board meeting times be discussed. (reported by C. Elorriaga and T. Madden)

June 13th Meeting
- Numerous awards were distributed this evening.  They include:  Middle School Math Fair Award recipients; the North Shore Girls Track team, Nassau County Champs; The North Shore Girls Lacrosse Team, Nassau County Champs.  In addition, tenure recipients, retirees, and departing School Board members, Carolyn Genovese, Anna Sharkey, and George Pombar were honored.
- During the Public Comment segment of the meeting, School Board Trustee-Elect, Sara Jones announced the formation of a new community organization dedicated to reforming state standardized testing policies.  School Board Trustee-Elect Michael Nightingale questioned the Board on the process it used in hiring a communications consulting firm.
- During the "New Business" segment, Trustee Toni Labatte asked that at its next meeting the Board discuss the possibility of passing a resolution similar to the one recently passed by the Great Neck Public Schools calling on the State to reform its testing policies (click on link).  The board agreed to include this as a discussion item at the next meeting. (reported on by T. Madden)

May 30 NS BOE Meeting
- The Elementary School Principals and STEM
director for  Elementary Education announced that the Everyday Math Program the district adopted just a few years ago will be abandoned.  The administrators are still trying to decide between two programs.
- During Public Comment a parent pressed the Board on   the issue of standardized testing.  He asserted that there appears to  be concensus among parents, teachers and administrators that the testing is harmful.  He asked the Board to consider organizing a district-wide  "opt out." The Board President Carolyn Genovese replied that
there were risks involved in the opt out which would include the district losing Title I funds.  When pressed the Board conceded that the amount of Title I funds the district receives is minimal.  Genovese replied
that there was the potential that the Board could be removed by the State if it openly violated state education regulations.  The parent dismissed the possibility as  remote.  Genovese replied that the issue of testing was one that the new board, sworn-in in July, would need to have a conversation about. (reported by T. Madden)

News

NORTH SHORE SCHOOL DISTRICT CELEBRATES HOMECOMING 2013

September 29 -- Under sunny skies and with perfect early fall temperatures, maroon and white, and horned Viking helmets abounded as the North Shore School District celebrated its annual Homecoming on Saturday.  The day  kicked off at 10 am with a parade that made its way along a  mile long route from Glenwood Landing School to the High School. . . .  READ MORE

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SEA CLIFF SCHOOL CELEBRATES BEGINNING OF  SCHOOL YEAR WITH ITS ANNUAL CARNIVAL

On Friday, September 20, Sea Cliff students, parents, and faculty gathered at the Carpenter Avenue Field for the annual Sea Cliff PCA Carnival.  Students enjoyed games, rides, and blow-up slides, as well as plenty good food.  Principal and good sport Chris Zublionis volunteered himself to be the target for the pie toss.

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NORTH SHORE HIGH SCHOOL SISTERS ACHIEVE PRESTIGIOUS MEDALS IN FIELD HOCKEY

Photo and article by Shelly Newman

North Shore Schools, Glen Head, NY, September 4, 2013 - The North Shore School District is proud to announce that Frankie and Maddy Conklin, ninth and tenth graders respectively, competed over the summer at the USA Field Hockey  Showcase and were chosen to represent New York in the USA Field Hockey National Tournament. . . .
READ MORE

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NORTH SHORE LACROSSE CLUB VOLUNTEERS DONATE TIME, EFFORT, MATERIALS AND FUNDS TO IMPROVE GWL FIELDS

Sept. 6 -- Dozens of volunteers from the North Shore Lacrosse Club spent the last  weekend of August refurbishing the two lacrosse fields at Glenwood Landing School that had been beaten up by the wear and tear of nearly year round  use.  READ MORE

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NORTH SHORE FOOTBALL SEASON KICKS OFF AS SUMMER PRACTICES BEGIN

August 20 -- Last week’s cool weather is giving way to higher temperatures this week - just in time for the start of summer practices for the North Shore High School Football team.   READ MORE

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NS INCOMING SIXTH GRADERS PARTICIPATE IN ORIENTATION AND BBQ

 
Read article.

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CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES INSIDE NORTH SHORE SCHOOLS TELEVISION  AND RECORDING STUDIO

Story be Shelly Newman
North Shore Schools Public Relations Director

August 7,  2013 – This summer, dedicated North Shore students and alumni participating in the LI Studies (LIS) Program continued  construction inside of the new Victorian TV and Recording Studio located at the front entrance of the North Shore High School campus under the direction of Technology teacher Bruce Fichtman. Student workers included Eric Borchert, AJ Cavaliere, Ken Daly, Bryan Goetz, Rob Lerch, Andrew Poddoubnyi, and Emmanuel Varveris. 

     Mr. Fichtman said, “I was so impressed this summer by the students’ work ethic and eagerness to make the building look  absolutely perfect. In the heat of the summer, students diligently worked on a number of projects including:       

-Finished installation of all sheetrock and  insulation         
- Taped and spackled all the sheetrock seams         
- Began priming interior walls with paint        
- Installed wooden jambs in interior openings        
- Installed a concrete (mud) floor in the foyer and bathroom
(supervised by Ernie Di Vincenzo, former Board of Ed. President)         
- Installed subway white wall tiles in the  bathroom        
- Installed a mosaic pattern of floor tiles in the foyer and bathroom        
- Began assembling duct work for geothermal cooling and heating system ·        
- Stained and polyurethaned interior doors of  building
 
     The tremendous task of building the Victorian TV and Recording Studio began in 2008. It is a collaboration among volunteer community members and North Shore students in the LI Studies (LIS) Program, just one of five interdisciplinary humanities courses offered to seniors at North Shore High School. It is the first building at the North Shore School District that will be heated and cooled using geothermal energy. 

    Several school districts have visited North Shore to observe senior programs which have been recognized as Programs of Excellence by the New York State Council of Teachers of English. This project is funded by generous grants from the Viking  Foundation.

 Mr. Fichtman added, “During the years of  construction, we have been fortunate to have the supervision and insight provided by residents of the district who are experts of their respective trades. Our community members have worked alongside our kids and have been fantastic mentors and teachers. It has been a lifelong learning experience for all involved in the building of the studio.”

 In the upcoming school year, the focus will continue to be on the interior construction of the building with  projects including: installation of the geothermal  heating and cooling system, painting of all interior ceilings and walls, installation of countertops and wooden floor in the studio, hallways, editing room and control rooms, and wainscoting of the studio,
foyer and hallways. The estimated time of completion is for the 2014-15 school year.


Article by Shelly Newman

Information provided by Bruce Fichtman
Photos by Bruce Fichtman and
Shelly Newman

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Pictured are the North Shore High School alumni and students participating in the LI  Studies (LIS) Program working on the new Victorian TV and Recording Studio  located at the front entrance of the North Shore High School campus under the
direction of Technology teacher Bruce Fichtman. Students and alumni included Eric Borchert, AJ
Cavaliere, Ken Daly, Bryan Goetz, Rob Lerch, Andrew Poddoubnyi, and Emmanuel  Varveris.

Information

School District Website

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Calendar (Long)

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Calendar (short)

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New York State Report Card

FALL SPORTS SCHEDULES

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
(Cross Country TBA)

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS

Official Starting Dates for High School Sports Seasons (Nassau BOCES Website)