Syracuse City School District News from the Schools September & October 2013

Syracuse City School District
News from the Schools
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Patricia Body
President
Maxwell Ruckdeschel
Vice President
Bill Bullen
Calvin L. Corriders
Michelle Mignano
Richard T. Strong
Stephen Swift
September & October 2013
Dear Parents and Families,
Welcome to the 2013-14 school year. The
opening of school this year was a tremendous
success and I am grateful to everyone who helped
ensure our district was ready for your children.
As I continue to visit our schools I am energized
by the unbridled enthusiasm and passion I see in
both our students and teachers.
Sharon L. Contreras
Superintendent of Schools
Jaime Alicea
Chief Operations Officer
Kim S. Bradley
Chief of Staff
Jeremy Grant-Skinner, Esq.
Exec. Dir. for Talent Management
Brandan Keaveny, Ed.D.
Chief Accountability Officer
Laura Kelley
Chief Academic Officer
Suzanne Slack
Chief Financial Officer
MISSION
To build, support and sustain
school communities that
provide all students with a
high-quality education that
prepares them to graduate as
responsible, active citizens
ready for success in college
and careers and prepared to
compete in a global economy.
VISION
To become the most
improved urban school
district in America.
ULTIMATE GOAL
An educational community
that graduates every student
as a responsible, active
citizen prepared for success
in college, careers and the
global economy.
Mailing Address:
1025 Erie Boulevard West
Syracuse, NY 13204
Physical Address:
725 Harrison Street
Syracuse, NY 13210
Stay Connected
Stay Involved
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In preparation for this school year our teachers
spent over 35,000 hours participating in
professional development this summer. They
re-wrote curriculum and learned about building
relationships with families and nonviolent crisis
intervention. They attended trainings on math
and ELA aligning their work with the Common
Core Learning Standards. Our science and social
studies teachers began preparing for the new
standards in those content areas as well. Due to
their hard work I believe we are poised to have a
successful school year.
We have upgraded our technology by purchasing
and installing over 1,200 computers, smart
boards and hardware. We have five brand new
playgrounds installed with three more coming
Huntington
Student Takes
on Reading
Challenge
September 2013 Parent News.indd 1
There is great promise in the Syracuse City School
District.
In the Interest of All Children,
Sharon L. Contreras
Superintendent of Schools
100 books. While he does not have just one favorite
book, he prefers fantasy and fiction and really
enjoyed Lord of the Rings. Knights, dragons, and
mythology are of particular interest to the inquisitive
fourth grader. He is especially taken with Norse
(Viking) and Greek mythology.
Spencer Wiess, a
fourth grade student at
Huntington K-8 School,
did more reading this past summer than most
people do in a lifetime. He challenged himself to
read more books than he did the previous summer
and nearly accomplished his goal by reading almost
150 books during the summer break.
Spencer has always enjoyed reading, and spends
his summers reading voraciously. Each summer
since finishing kindergarten he has read at least
News from the Schools
online this fall. We are nearing completion of
Phase 1 of the JSCB with H.W. Smith opening this
winter and we are gearing up for an ambitious
Phase 2.
– 1 –
Spencer tries to spend a little bit of each day reading.
He also enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons and
competing against his father in the game Battleship.
He has a keen interest in LEGO bricks and spends
a great deal of time creating and building all sorts
of things with them. Spencer does take time from
reading to enjoy a good movie, especially action
films. Star Wars and The Hobbit are among his
favorites when settling in for movie night.
Congratulations on a great summer of reading,
Spencer. You are an inspiration to all of us.
September & October 2013
9/27/13 5:57 PM
Successful Opening of School
The 2013-14 opening of school was a great
success. A tremendous amount of time and
energy went into preparing for the opening
and we are grateful for everyone’s efforts.
In preparation for the school year our teachers
spent nearly 39,000 hours taking part in
professional development to better themselves
as educators. The facilities and maintenance
staff combined with the Office of Shared
Accountability worked tirelessly installing new
technology for teachers and students to use in
the classroom. We updated and refurbished
our STEM labs and made improvements to
several of our playgrounds.
We are very excited and looking forward
to an awesome 2013-14!
News from the Schools
September 2013 Parent News.indd 2
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September & October 2013
9/27/13 5:57 PM
Central New York: One of 16 Winners
in Statewide P-TECH Competition
SCSD, the Manufacturers Association and Onondaga Community
College partner to benefit Syracuse High School Students
The Syracuse City School District is one
of 16 winners in a statewide competition
to form public-private partnerships that
will prepare more than 6,000 New York
high school students for high-skill
jobs in technology, manufacturing and
health care. The school district, the
Manufacturers Association (MACNY)
and Onondaga Community College
(OCC) have partnered and are the
Central New York winners of the NYS
Pathways in Technology Early College
High School (NYS P-TECH) grant. The
partnership will focus on advanced
manufacturing and will impact more
than 50 students each year for 6 years.
The grant is valued at $2.8 million over
seven years.
The partnership between SCSD, OCC
and MACNY creates a
bridge between secondary
and post-secondary
education and business.
SCSD and OCC are
working together on
the curriculum for the
program, with input from
many CNY manufacturers
who will serve in advisory
roles. MACNY, having
participated in workforce
development initiatives
through its affiliate Partners for
Education & Business (PEB), is charged
with assisting in the development of
mentoring programs, job shadowing,
career fairs and internships to support
the P-TECH mission. The goal is to
create a seamless pathway from high
school to college to employment,
utilizing curricula aligned with industry
need.
“The Syracuse City School District
is proud to be partnering with
Onondaga Community College and the
Manufacturers Association of Central
New York (MACNY) to further prepare
our students for success in college and
career. The growth of the Career and
News from the Schools
September 2013 Parent News.indd 3
Technical Education program is a priority
in the district as we continue to offer a
curriculum that is innovative, engaging
and challenging for all students. This
P-Tech grant provides another pathway
for our students to pursue college
credit while in high school and lays the
groundwork for degrees in Electrical
Engineering Technology or Mechanical
Technology and a career in advanced
manufacturing,” noted Superintendent
Sharon L. Contreras.
SCSD Students
in the Community
Chelsea Heming, a senior from Henninger,
played background music on the keyboard
for the “On My Own Time” artist reception
sponsored by CNY Arts and the Everson.
P-TECH will offer a 6-year integrated
high school and college curriculum for
grades 9-14 that focuses on advanced
manufacturing pathways and the
acquisition of essential workplace skills.
P-TECH students will graduate with
a NYS Regents Diploma or a Regents
Orlando Flagg, a 7th grader from Roberts K-8
School, read an essay in remembrance of the
victims of September 11 and in recognition of
Patriot Day at the Board of Education meeting.
Diploma with Advanced Designation
and a Technical Endorsement, a no-cost
Associate in Applied Science degree
from OCC in Electrical Engineering
Technology or Mechanical Technology,
and the skills and knowledge required
to obtain well-paying, high potential
jobs in advanced manufacturing. An
additional benefit for students will
be the alignment with the National
Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
Skills Certification System. Not only will
these students graduate with a Regents
diploma and an Associate degree, they
will also have a nationally recognized
credential that will benefit them when
looking to transition from the classroom
to the workforce.
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Important
Upcoming Dates
Monday, October 14
Columbus Day
(NO SCHOOL)
PSATs Administered
October 16 in high schools
Wednesday,
Wednesday, October 23
1/2 day for All Schools
(Professional Development)
ACT Test for college
October 26: applicants
Saturday, September & October 2013
9/27/13 5:57 PM
SCSD Welcomes
Geovanti Steward
Principal, Seymour Elementary School
Prior to being named the principal at Seymour Elementary School,
Geovanti Steward most recently served as the Founding Principal in
the New York City Department of Education.
Since coming to Syracuse, Mr. Steward has been pleasantly surprised
by the inviting size of the city and the ability to be almost anywhere
in just a few minutes. He has found the pace of Syracuse more than
pleasant and finds everyone to be easygoing and attentive. He really
loves the unlimited car washes as well!
Dr. Joshua Bornstein
Principal, Dr. Weeks Elementary School
Dr. Joshua Bornstein, the new principal at Dr. Weeks
Elementary School, brings over 25 years of experience
in public education to the district. He has been an
elementary teacher, principal, teachers’ union leader,
researcher, school board member and staff developer. He
began his career in education as a community organizer
in Mt. Vernon, NY, before he started teaching in
Maryland and then went on to administration.
Dr. Bornstein’s inspiration in education comes from the
challenge Dr. Martin Luther King posed in his final book,
Where Do We Go From Here? Chaos or Community? His
doctoral studies mirrored a similar theme with a focus
on how to build a school community where all students
can thrive. Since being named principal at Dr. Weeks,
he has been amazed by the “gorgeous diversity of the
school,” adding that “it is a dream come true for a lifelong
educator who believes in equity like me.”
Mr. Steward began his career in education as an elementary teacher
in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. In his
eleven years working in Brooklyn and Bronx public schools, he has
served as Resident Principal, mathematics coach and teacher at the
elementary and middle school levels. Describing a focus of his work,
he states, “We need to internalize this idea of excellence. Not many
folks spend a lot of time trying to be excellent” (President Barack
Obama).
His favorite children’s book is James and the Giant Peach. He was
moved by the life of James and his journey out of an uncaring home
with his cruel aunts, Spiker and Sponge. The story was exciting and
written such that strong visuals were painted in his mind. The author
Roald Dahl is also his favorite children’s books author. Some other
books from Dahl that Mr. Steward enjoyed were Charlie and the
Chocolate Factory, The Twits, Matilda and many more.
Mr. Steward holds a Bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University,
a Master’s degree from Pace University (Manhattan) and New York
State School Building Leadership certification from Baruch College
(Manhattan).
Growing up, Dr. Bornstein remembers fondly having his
father read Caps for Sale over and over again and because
of that has always been a proponent of reading aloud.
More recently, he shared Harry Potter with his 3rd grade
class, immersing the students chapter by chapter in that
world. The class finished the book on the last day of
school, just as Harry left Hogwarts!
Dr. Bornstein earned his Bachelor’s degree from
Dartmouth College and graduate degrees from the
University of Maryland at College Park, SUNY Cortland
and Syracuse University.
News from the Schools
September 2013 Parent News.indd 4
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September & October 2013
9/27/13 5:57 PM
New Principals
Dr. Andrew Taylor
Principal, Grant Middle School
Dr. Andrew Taylor comes to Grant Middle School from
Ulster County BOCES where he served as the Supervisor
of Instructional Data and Technology. In that capacity,
he supported state and federal initiatives by leading
school improvement planning and designing professional
development programs, as well as implementing
technology initiatives.
Dr. Taylor brings an array of talents and experience
to Grant. He was an adjunct professor of Education at
Marist College and has worked as a teacher, curriculum
coordinator and assistant principal. Additionally,
Dr. Taylor created and implemented after school
programs that focused on delivering data-driven
instruction. These programs were utilized in more than
80 schools across New York State.
“Academic excellence is the result of a shared partnership
between educators, parents, students and community.
Together we will build a school where students feel
comfortable to learn, grow and succeed,” said Dr. Taylor.
Dr. Taylor received a Doctorate in Educational
Leadership from Sage College, SDA from SUNY
New Paltz and his BA and MEd from St. Lawrence
University.
Amanda Williams
Principal, McKinley-Brighton Elementary School
Amanda Williams served as the Vice Principal of Frazer K-8 School
before being named principal at McKinley-Brighton. Throughout
her educational career she has worked in various capacities in urban
areas with diverse populations ranging from Pre-K to 12th grade.
Ms. Williams firmly believes in the power of education. She states,
“Education has the power to not only change lives but to save lives.”
It is her own personal experiences that drive her passion to help all
students succeed socially, emotionally and academically. Mufaro’s
Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale by John Steptoe is her favorite
children’s book and highlights her beliefs. She loves this book because
there are so many lessons to be learned about the value of inner
beauty, selflessness and the rewards of simply doing what’s right.
The book highlights the African American culture in a positive view
as it speaks of African Americans as beautiful queens and kings.
Ms. Williams has served as vice principal, administrative intern, school
counselor, math teacher, department chair, team leader, program
coordinator and as a volleyball and basketball coach. She was voted by
her peers as Math Department Teacher of the Year in Greene County,
GA, and Sixth Grade Teacher of the Year in Fulton County, GA.
A native of Atlanta, Ms. Williams admits to loving the Syracuse
weather and the seasonal changes. Growing up in the south she
always dreamed of a white Christmas and can only remember
experiencing two throughout her youth. She loves the snow and the
winter sports that Syracuse has to offer, although many locals have
warned that she has yet to experience a true Syracuse winter.
Ms. Williams holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Fort
Valley State University, a Specialist degree from Nova Southeastern
University and is currently pursuing her Doctoral degree at the
University of Georgia.
News from the Schools
September 2013 Parent News.indd 5
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September & October 2013
9/27/13 5:57 PM
Say Yes to Education
Say Yes Legal Clinics Update
The Say Yes to Education “Talk to a Lawyer” Legal
Clinic offerings will continue in the 2013-2014 school
year. The program, which is run by the Volunteer
Lawyers Project of Onondaga County, Inc., continues
to offer both school-based and community-based
Talk to a Lawyer clinics, where parents can meet oneon-one with a lawyer who will provide legal advice,
information and referrals for free. The school-based
clinics, which take place after school at Dr. King
Magnet School on Thursdays and McKinley-Brighton
Elementary School on Tuesdays, will resume the first
week of October. All other clinics are ongoing.
Also, starting October 9, the Volunteer Lawyers
Project will provide free legal assistance preparing
petitions for custody and child support every
Wednesday from noon to 3:00 p.m. in the Onondaga
County Courthouse Family Court. For more information on any of the legal programs, please call 471-3409.
Talk to a Lawyer Clinics
▶▶ Monday 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Brown
Memorial Church, 228 Davis St., Syracuse
▶▶ Tuesday 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Saint Matthews
Parish, 229 W. Yates St., East Syracuse
▶▶ Tuesday (starting October 1) 2:00 p.m. –
4:00 p.m. at McKinley-Brighton Elementary
School, 141 W. Newell St., Syracuse
▶▶ Wednesday 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Amaus
Medical Services, entry on backside of
421 S. Warren St. on East Onondaga St., Syracuse
▶▶ Thursday (starting October 3) 3:00 p.m. –
5:00 p.m. at Dr. King Magnet School,
416 E. Raynor Ave., Syracuse
▶▶ Thursday 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Westcott
Community Center, 826 Euclid Ave., Syracuse
Say Yes to
Education Adds
11 New Colleges
and Universities to
Higher Education
Compact
Nottingham graduate Vinh Ho,
now a senior at the University of
The Say Yes to Education
Higher Education Compact Pennsylvania, talks to an audience
on Capitol Hill about how Say Yes
has added 11 new colleges
Syracuse helped him get to college.
and universities. There are
now 54 private colleges and universities that offer to help
cover the cost of tuition for eligible Syracuse City School
District graduates.
The 11 new institutions are Cornell University, Hamilton
College and Paul Smith’s College in New York; Dartmouth
College in New Hampshire; Princeton University in
New Jersey; Rice University in Texas; Pomona College
in California; Denison University in Ohio; and Rhodes
College, Sewanee: The University of the South; and
Vanderbilt University in Tennessee.
For more information on Say Yes to Education visit
sayyessyracuse.org.
Telephone-based Talk to a Lawyer Clinics
▶▶ First and third Wednesday of every month,
3:30 – 5:00 p.m., call 807-9047
▶▶ Second Wednesday of every month,
1:00 – 4:00 p.m., call 471-3409
News from the Schools
September 2013 Parent News.indd 6
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September & October 2013
9/27/13 5:57 PM
Parent University
SAT Saturdays at Syracuse University
SAT PREP
CLASSES AT SU
FREE
ӺӺ
ӺӺ
ӺӺ
ӺӺ
ӺӺ
Proctored practice tests
Test-taking strategies
Free SAT study guide book
Breakfast and lunch provided
Review of all SAT content knowledge each session:
Math, Writing, Critical Reading
November 2 – November 23 Session
for December 7 exam
(register by November 8)
February 8 – March 1 Session
for March 8 exam
(register by February 7)
for May 3 exam
(register by April 4)
All Classes are held Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to
1:00 p.m. on the Syracuse University campus
Register online at
sayyessyracuse.org under “High School”
or directly at bit.ly/SATsaturdaysSU
For more info call
315-443-4558
September 2013 Parent News.indd 7
Breakfast and Books will be piloted initially in three
schools with the intent to expand the program in the
spring. This course allows parents and families the
opportunity to discuss pertinent social emotional
and academic topics in a ‘book club’ format for six
consecutive weeks. The first text to be used this year
is “Have a New Kid by Friday” by Dr. Kevin Leman.
Our technology courses will be expanded this fall
to include Excel, Word, PowerPoint and iPad use
instruction. The fiscal fitness series begins in October
with classes on building a strong credit history and
identity theft offered by Empower Federal Credit
Union. Physical fitness classes continue with Zumba
returning on Thursdays in buildings throughout the
district.
Another highlight of this semester will be the Family
Conference to be held on Saturday, November 16.
The conference will be open for participation by the
entire family, with special classes for children 13 and
older.
April 5 – April 26 Session
News from the Schools
Parent University will
begin its second year of
operation in the 201314 school year with
many new and exciting
program offerings for
parents and families,
as well as year two of
our most popular courses. We will be launching
Breakfast and Books in October, a new fiscal fitness
course as well as technology courses and the return
of the most popular Zumba class.
– 7 –
Next semester’s highlight will be a monthly
opportunity for families to participate in miniconferences at the MOST during Science Saturdays.
These Science Saturdays will be grade specific and
will be tailored to parents in the SCSD.
We will continue to offer Lunch & Learn classes
during the work day, evening classes and Saturday
classes. Child care is available during evening and
Saturday classes and we will provide transportation
and even dinner during select evening classes.
Please join us as we help you help your children be
successful in school and at home. To learn more,
please call Monique Wright-Williams, Executive
Director of Parent and Family Engagement for
Say Yes to Education / SCSD, at 435-6275 or visit
www.scsdparentuniversity.com.
September & October 2013
9/27/13 5:57 PM
SCSD Students
Attend
Engineering
Camp
working on various projects, listening to guest speakers and
doing an “Amazing Race’’ activity. The “Amazing Race’’ is a
culmination of math, science and literacy clues/riddles/road
blocks, etc. that the students complete all while exploring the
SU campus.
Students from the Syracuse City School District recently
spent a week at a summer camp designed to increase
participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
(STEM).
The Syracuse chapter of the National Society of Black
Engineers (NSBE), along with National Grid, Syracuse
University and the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority
Participation helped sponsor the camp, which took place
from July 7 to July 13 at Syracuse University.
More than 75 students in grades 7 through 12 spent the
week at SU honing their science, literacy and math skills,
While at camp participants did team building activities,
learned about their personality traits and what they mean,
ate meals on campus and were exposed to the endless
career possibilities that are available to them with a STEM
education.
National Grid funds the program as part of its global
Engineering Our Future initiative. National Grid is an
international energy delivery company that delivers
electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in the
northeastern United States. It is the largest distributor of
natural gas in the northeastern U.S., serving approximately
3.4 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
New York and Rhode Island.
SCSD Brings Engaging
Digital Media into the Classroom
with NBC Learn
The Syracuse City School District has partnered with
Syracuse University to offer NBC Learn to all students and
their family members. NBC Learn K-12 (www.archives.
nbclearn.com) is an online resource with thousands of
videos from NBC News.
For more than 80 years, NBC News has been documenting
the people, places and events that shape the world. NBC
Learn, the educational arm of NBC News, is making these
historic stories, images and primary source documents
available on-demand to everyone in the SCSD. NBC Learn
has already digitized more than 12,000 stories from the
NBC News archives — one of the largest news archives in
the world, dating back to the 1920s. In addition, collections
are updated with current events every day, Monday through
Friday, with stories from such celebrated programs as
NBC Nightly News, the TODAY show, Meet the Press and
Dateline NBC, as well as the networks of MSNBC, CNBC,
and Telemundo.
NBC Learn is staffed by veteran NBC News producers,
who have created scores of original stories and Town Hall
events around the country, in partnership with the National
News from the Schools
September 2013 Parent News.indd 8
Science Foundation, the Kellogg Foundation and others.
These include such award-winning collections as Chemistry
Now, Changing Planet, Science of NFL Football, Science of
the Winter Olympic Games and Finishing the Dream.
The original videos and archival news stories are correlated
to state standards and the Common Core and are aligned to
more than 25 K-12 collections. Videos are generally short —
less than six minutes in length — enabling instructors to
engage and enlighten their students. Yet these brief videos
are full stories with a beginning, middle and end, reported
by some of the most famous journalists in broadcast history
including John Chancellor, Tom Brokaw, Tim Russert, Brian
Williams and many others.
To access NBC Learn, go to www.archives.nbclearn.com.
You will see “Welcome, Syracuse City School District” in
the upper right hand corner. Start browsing and enjoy this
wonderful resource!
If you have any questions for the NBC Learn team, please
contact NBC Learn at http://archives.nbclearn.com/portal/
site/support/contactus.
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September & October 2013
9/27/13 5:57 PM
President
Visits
SCSD
It was an honor and a privilege to welcome the President of the United
States to Henninger High School at the close of the summer. While at
Henninger, the President lauded the school district for our partnership
News from the Schools
September 2013 Parent News.indd 9
– 9 –
with Say Yes to Education and touted the
work taking place here as a model for the
rest of the nation.
Our students served as tremendous
ambassadors of the school district. The
Henninger High School Jazz Band
performed for the audience of 1,300
leading up to the President’s arrival. Recent Nottingham graduate Marissa
Jones opened the evening with a rousing
rendition of the National Anthem. Fowler
junior and NJROTC Officer Nikeem Evans
then led the Pledge of Allegiance. Emilio
Ortiz, an International Baccaluareaute
student from Corcoran, introduced the
President and provided remarks. Superintendent Contreras, Henninger
principal Rob DiFlorio and Henninger
Student Council president Angelina
Crisafulli welcomed President Obama
to Henninger in a private meeting before
the event began. In attendance for the
President’s remarks were more than
200 students from district high schools,
including students from the Hillside
Work-Scholarship Connection program. September & October 2013
9/27/13 5:57 PM
Pesticide Neighbor Notification
September 2013
Dear Parent, Guardian, and School Staff:
RE: Initial Notification to Persons in Parental Relation and Staff for Pesticide Neighbor Notification
New York State Education Law Section 409-H requires all public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools to
provide written notification to all persons in parental relation, faculty and staff regarding the potential use of pesticides
periodically throughout the school year. The Syracuse City School District is required to maintain a list of persons in
parental relation, faculty and staff who wish to receive 48-hour prior written notification of certain pesticide applications.
The following pesticide applications are not subject to prior notification requirements:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
a school remains unoccupied for a continuous 72-hours following an application;
anti-microbial products;
nonvolatile rodenticides in tamper resistant bait stations in areas inaccessible to children;
nonvolatile insecticidal baits in tamper resistant bait stations in areas inaccessible to children;
silica gel and other nonvolatile ready-to-use pastes, foams or gels in areas inaccessible to children;
boric acid and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate;
the application of EPA designated biopesticides;
the application of EPA designated exempt materials under 40CFR152.25;
the use of aerosol products with a directed spray in containers of 18 fluid ounces or less when used to protect individuals
from an imminent threat from stinging and biting insects including venomous spiders, bees, wasps and hornets.
In the event of an emergency application necessary to protect against an imminent threat to human health, a good faith
effort will be made to supply written notification to those on the 48-hour prior notification list. If you would like to receive
48-hour prior notification of pesticide applications that are scheduled to occur in your school, please complete the form
below and mail to the Syracuse City School District, School Service Center, 214 Park Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13204; fax to
315-435-4936; or you can return the completed form to your child’s school.
SYRACUSE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
REQUEST FOR PESTICIDE APPLICATION NOTIFICATION
(If you wish to be notified, please complete the form below and print clearly or we cannot notify you.)
Current School/Building Name:
Name:Address:
Day Phone:
Evening Phone:
City:
State:
Zip:
Please contact the School Service Center for further information on these requirements at the above mentioned mailing
address/fax.
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News from the Schools
September 2013 Parent News.indd 10
– 10 –
Like Us
September & October 2013
9/27/13 5:57 PM
Asbestos Annual Notification
A Message to the Parents of Students in
the Syracuse City School District
Agencies of both the State and Federal governments
regulate asbestos in the public schools. With the
enactment of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response
Act (AHERA) in 1987, all Local Educational Agencies
(LEAs) are required to identify asbestos-containing
material (ACM) in schools and to formulate written plans
to control and prevent the release of asbestos fibers in the
future.
Buildings owned or leased by the Syracuse City School
District have been inspected, and samples of suspect ACM
have been analyzed by Environmental Protection Agency
accredited laboratories. The results of these inspections are
available in school administrative offices. Included in these
plans are specific operations and maintenance programs
designed for each building for the control of asbestos.
Implementation of the response recommendations began
July 9, 1989. Since the implementation of the AHERA
Management Plan, the Syracuse City School District has
conducted formal inspections at six month intervals and,
in compliance with the law, will complete two more in the
2013-2014 school year in October and April. State and
Federal mandates require that a triennial reinspection
occur sometime within three years of the first AHERA
inspection. The Syracuse City School District conducted
a triennial reinspection in April 2013. The results of this
reinspection can be found in each building in the AHERA
Management Plan. As the District renovates buildings,
ACM is removed to the extent practical.
Syracuse City School District school buildings including
support buildings that have been identified to contain
ACM may have had some response action work completed
in their buildings during the 2012-2013 school year.
The details of those specific response actions have been
documented in writing and can be found in the AHERA
Management Plan located in the administrative office of
each building.
If at any time the status or condition of any ACM is
changed or disturbed through alterations, renovations or
episodic release, it will be documented and Management
Plans will be updated. We will continue to implement our
Management Plans and alert the public about the district's
efforts to control asbestos.
News from the Schools
September 2013 Parent News.indd 11
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Free
Breakfast
and Lunch
for All
Students
The Syracuse City School District is participating
in the Community Eligibility Option (CEO) under
the Child Nutrition Program to offer meals free of
charge to all students in the district. This program is
directed towards districts with a high percentage of
economically disadvantaged students. To qualify, our
student population is directly matched to the benefits
they receive through several documented programs. While this program benefits all students regarding
meal service, it is still vitally important that we
continue to collect eligibility applications to continue
other services offered by the district. There are many
competitive grants that use the financial information
collected from the eligibility application.
All families, regardless of income eligibility, will be
receiving an Eligibility Application in the mail. A
self-addressed stamped envelope is provided with
the application. If you have received a request to
complete an eligibility application please complete one
application for all family members. This assists us in
getting all of the information on one application and
eliminates the need to complete an application for
each child. The application is valid during the current
school year and through the last day of September of
the next school year.
If you feel you do not qualify you may complete
the application by stating that you do not qualify
across the body of the application. Please identify the
students at the top of
the application and
sign at the bottom. No
other information is
necessary. If you are
unsure whether you
will qualify or if you
have any questions,
please contact the
Office of Food and
Nutrition at 435-4207.
September & October 2013
9/27/13 5:57 PM
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News from the Schools Staff
Michael Henesey
Coordinator of Communications
Trudy Coleman
Publications Aide
The Syracuse City School District hereby advises students,
parents, employees, and the general public that it offers
employment and educational opportunities including
vocational education opportunities, without regard to age,
gender, race, color, religion, marital status, sexual preference,
national origin or disability. Questions regarding this
policy may be referred to the building principal or Title IX
and Section 504 Compliance Officer at (315) 435-4212 or
1025 Erie Blvd. West, Syracuse NY 13204.
This publication made possible through a generous donation from the Say Yes to Education Foundation
Is A Hit!
In late summer, an ensemble
cast of students from
throughout the Syracuse
City School District staged a rendition of How
to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at
Henninger High School.
Based on Shepherd Mead’s 1952 book of the same
name, the story is about young, ambitious
J. Pierrepont Finch, who, with the help of the
book “How to Succeed in Business Without Really
Trying,” rises from window washer to chairman of
the board of the World Wide Wicket Company.
Congratulations to both cast and crew on an
outstanding performance!
News from the Schools
September 2013 Parent News.indd 12
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September & October 2013
9/27/13 5:58 PM