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WPCNR BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT. From The Board of Education, Compiled by Michele Schoenfeld. (Edited) March 13, 2006: In addition to last week’s budget considerations, the Board honored 86 students whose teams had averages of 90 or better. They represent Men’s Swimming & Diving, Men’s Track, Women’s Track, Ice Hockey and Wrestling.
Scholar Athletes Listen warily March 6, as Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services, Joseph Casbarro, explains the procedure for acceptance of the Student Code of Conduct planned for this fall. Code transcript is within this article. Photo, WPCNR News.
High School Principal Ivan Toper congratulated the Women’s Basketball Team for its second straight Section 1 Championship. Athletic Director Nick Panaro recognized State Track Champions Whitney Ford and Donovan Haigler, and Jason McLaughlin, who swam in the State Championships and was named All-America. Mr. Panaro also congratulated the Cheerleading squad, which earned two first place finishes in competitions and had six students with 90+ averages. Five other students from teams which did not qualify also had 90+ averages.
The Board honored 86 students whose teams had averages of 90 or better. They represent Men’s Swimming & Diving, Men’s Track, Women’s Track, Ice Hockey and Wrestling.
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In other Board of Education Matters:
BUDGET: Mr. Connors and Assistant Superintendent for Business Terry Schruers presented new information on revenues received from the City. They shared options for applying projected revenue from PILOTS and will present this to the Annual Budget Committee this week for reaction. Mr.
Connors thanked the Mayor and the three City departments which have been very helpful. (See previous WPCNR Story.)
NEW MATH PROGRAM: Math Coordinator Lee Weber presented the new sixth grade Math Program and invited parents to a program on March 22nd at the Highlands School to learn more about it. After realigning curriculum maps, a rigorous course of study has been prepared, along with professional development in the new curriculum and in Differentiated Instruction. Sixth grade will have Advanced and Regular Math and criteria for entrance into the Advanced program will be clarified and expanded. All students will be challenged and supported. The Board Curriculum Committee has been discussing the project and supports this new direction to raise standards. The approach has been found to be remarkably successful, with clear results.
China Exchange: High School Social Studies Teacher Susan Altman provided background on a proposal for a foreign exchange trip to China. With assistance from Foreign Language Cooridnator Joan Kass, and Social Studies Coordinator Lois Gordon, she has been working on a program with Suzhou High School, in a suburb of Shanghai. The goal is to foster cultural under-standing and global citizenship, not only through the trip, but via videoconferencing. Ten students would travel to China in April, 2007, and Suzhou students would come to White Plains that fall. The high school would also offer classes in the language for a larger group of students. When details are finalized, the Board will be asked to approve the trip.
PERSONNEL: JoAnn Doherty, Director of the New York Presbyterian Hospital Program, was awarded tenure. Assistant Superintendent Joseph Casbarro described Ms. Doherty as “a very special administrator and leader who loves her students and respects parents, staff and colleagues.” He added that no challenge is too great for her to tackle and she is committed to creating a stable environment for students who really need that.
STUDENT PLEDGE DUE BY FALL: Dr. Casbarro reviewed a revised Athletic and Co-Curricular Pledge, required for student participation in activities, which the Board and administrators have been working on for many months. Copies are available from Dr. Casbarro’s office and feedback from students, parents, coaches and administrators should be directed to him or to Board members. The Board plans to adopt a revised pledge in time for next fall.
The Proposed Athletic And Co-Curricular Pledge:
The athletic and co-curricular activities at the Middle School and High School are integral parts of the overall educational program of the White Plains City School District. Participation in these activities is a privilege granted to students who maintain scholarship and citizenship within the rules and regulations of the District.
The District expects that you will uphold our high standards of academic eligibility and abide by the rules specified by your coach/advisor. As a participant in an athletic and/or co-curricular activity, I will comply with all the provisions of the District’s Code of Conduct, and I pledge as follows:
* I will not possess, consume, be under the influence of, and/or distribute alcohol*, tobacco and/or unlawful drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine or other controlled substances on school grounds or at school-sponsored events and trips;
* I will not possess, consume and/or distribute performance-enhancing drugs or steroids in any setting, whether on school grounds, at school-sponsored events and trips and/or in the community; and
* I will not enage in hazing, harassment, fighting, theft, vandalism or violent conduct on school grounds or at school-sponsored events and trips.
I understand that I am expected to conduct myself in a manner both in school and in the community which demonstrates personal integrity and positively reflects on me and the District.
I also understand that any violation of this pledge found after a proper investigation by school authorities may result in disciplinary action, including a warning, probation, a specified period of supension and/or permanent suspension from the athletic and/or co-curricular activity. I further understand that this process applies to any student who is the subject of a criminal investigation whether in school or in the community.
I have read the above and accept responsibility for my actions under this pledge.
Donations: The Board accepted a number of contributions for Project Early Read, an intervention program offered to 150 students on Saturday mornings to help develop reading skills. The Ginsburg Community Fund of Ginsburg Development, LLC made a $5,000 grant to the program, and $5,000 was also received from the White Plains Housing Authority. Pi Iota Omega Sorority gave $400 and Barbara & Robert Holland, $200. Each of the following contributed $100: Larry & Deirdre Cohen, John Coleman, Nellie & Bernard Gaughran, Suzanne Lasser, Rebecca Peters and Barbara Schwarz. Contributions totaling an additional $380 were received from other donors.
Lucy Roman donated three iPod shuffles, as prizes to students for participating in a technology survey; and Julie Parelli provided fabric for the Family & Consumer Science Program at the Highlands Middle School.
UPCOMING MEETINGS: March 15: Special Meeting, Education House, 7:30 P.M.
Final Meeting with Annual Budget Committee
March 20: Public Hearing on the Budget and Capital Projects,
Education House, 7:30 P.M.
March 27: Special Meeting, Education House, 7:30 P.M.
Board vote on $166.1 Million Budget and possible Capital Projects
March 30: Board meets with PTA Council, Education House, 7:30 P.M.
April 3: Regular Meeting, Education House, 7:30 P.M.
April 5: Meeting at Slater Center with Board, 7:30 P.M.