NNewsletterewsletter June 2008 A community where learners excel! Vol. VIII, No. 10 A mountainous day his was no day of sitting in front of a television or text messaging Ton a cell phone. Instead, it was a day students in the high school wilderness physical education class spent in the great outdoors. On April 27 the class hiked 9.7 miles across the Burroughs Range traversing three of the Catskill Mountain’s highest peaks: Slide, Cornell and Wittenburg. To add to the educational value of the day, the class was fortunate to be accompanied by John Greene, Binghamton University hiking instructor and New York state licensed guide. He shared his knowledge StudentsStudents at the toptop ofof WittenburgWittenburg Mountain. LeftLeft to right;right; Mr. Busch, Pat Michalski, SteStephaniephanie Busch, and experiences of these great mountains, Ryan Pasternak, Nolan Haycook, Mike Fitzpatrick, Elliot Cook, Andrew Hertzog, Mr. John Greene, which made the trek even more enjoyable. MaryKatherine Dugue, Chauna D’Angelo, Brittany Doris, Caitlin Sweeney, Molly Carney and Emily Ginty. Mr. Greene was impressed with the Steve Busch, physical education teacher said, “Th e physical students as they hiked the rugged range in just a little education department at Forks strongly believes in providing over seven hours. the skills and knowledge to pursue lifetime fi tness. Most of Th e class is designed to expose students to sports that they the participants on the hike had never done this before.” can do the rest of their lives. Th ese are activities that extend Andrew Hertzog, junior, agreed and added, “Th is class beyond high school and college and may continue into changed my perception of hiking from a casual walk through adulthood. Outdoor pursuits such as hiking, skiing, canoeing, the park to that of a challenging and exciting experience. kayaking, climbing and mountain biking are I have come to believe expeditions like this are very X prime examples. See “Mountain,” page 3. Hatching chicks n April, students in Jodie Will’s third-grade class spent 2008-09 Budget I21 days devoted to taking care ofo eggs. Th ey learned about chick Th ank you developmentd and reviewed the partsp of an egg. Th e students were Chenango Forks responsiblere for turning the eggs and residents for approving makingm sure the incubator was at theth correct temperature. X the school budget. See “Chicks,” page 20. Board of Education: Don Edwards-President; Gail Wrighter-Vice President; Don Faith, Jack Sines, Donald Vredenburgh; Superintendent of Schools-Robert Bundy; Assistant Superintendent of Schools-Carol Denz. 2 District June 2008 Construction is under way ur Web site, www.cforks.org, includes a link to pictures taken during the past two Omonths of construction. Demolition and work on the site has progressed at an impressive rate. Th e site work has included the creation of a utility trench for the relocation of overhead electrical and communications lines, routing of water lines for fi eld hydration, removal of bleachers and topsoil from the existing fi eld, and the installation of an improved visitor seating area. We expect the installation of new bleachers and track and the turf fi eld work to continue over the course of the next few months. Interior building renovations will begin at the conclusion of the school year. Th e many interior renovations include infrastructure improvements for handicap accessibility, electrical enhancements Fred Riordan, construction managermanager forfor Th e Riordan Group,Group, Nick Corcoran, landscapelandscape architect for Bearsch Compeau Knudson, Knudson Dave Hogan, Hogan Chenango Forks athletic director, director and mechanical improvements. During June many review drawings for fi eld improvements. of our Harshaw staff will be packing up their rooms, preparing them for fl ooring replacements and new ventilator If you have any questions or concerns regarding the capital units. In the high school, reconstruction of project, please contact Kathy Blackman, business executive, the kitchen will create a new serving area and renovations at 648-7538 or [email protected], or Bob Bundy, to the auditorium include ventilation, new seating and stage superintendent, at 648-7543 or [email protected]. fl oor replacement. -Kathy Blackman, business executive Did you know… iding online activities from parents is common among high school students (38%) but also found Hamong those in middle school (21%). High school students also often lie about their ages (40%) to gain access to inappropriate Web sites. Nearly one quarter (24%) of middle school students do so. Become a part of your child’s online experience. It can be a fun journey to explore the wonders of the Internet as a family. As computer-savvy as kids and teens are today, they may even teach you a thing or two. Go to www.isafe.org for more information. Important special education services notice Please read if your child is receiving special education services as a student with a disability. he New York State Education Department requires are completing this survey. Some questions will apply to the a parent questionnaire regarding special education school district, others to the specifi c school your child attends. services to be completed by the parents in the T You can easily take this survey via the Internet at www. Chenango Forks School District between January 2008 vesidsurvey.com/parent. Th e school district code to use for and July 2008. Th e information you provide will assist in access is 030101. Questions regarding the survey? Please improving how school districts help parents of students with contact Maggie Nugent, committee on special education disabilities to be involved in their children’s special education chair, at 648-7589. programs. Parents in school districts throughout the state -Maggie Nugent, school psychologist June 2008 District/Harshaw 3 Mountains, from page 1. important. Not only are they fun and good exercise, but Even though some parts of the trail were really challenging, they help build important life skills such as teamwork and completing the 9.7 mile hike left everyone with a great determination.” sense of accomplishment. We all helped each other out and maintained a positive and encouraging attitude throughout Th ose life skills also include having the right attitude. Chauna the hike.” D’Angelo, senior, said it was a great day, adding, “Going to the Catskills was an awesome way to spend the day. -Steven Busch, HS physical education teacher included on this site contains: Welcome to cforks.org! -Diploma types Th is month we will highlight food services, guidance -Information specifi c to seniors, juniors, departments and the libraries. sophomores and freshmen Food Services -Information on researching colleges Food Services can be found under district services at the -Information on fi nding scholarships top of the page. Information included on this site: -Graduation requirements -Student account information -Many links to help seniors -Food services surveys -Free and reduced lunch applications Libraries -Middle/high school menu Our three libraries can be found under the district services -Elementary menu link at the top of the page or on the departments link in -Nutrition questions each of the buildings they serve. Each of the library pages off ers a wealth of information to help students, parents Guidance Departments and teachers. Some of these include: Both the high school and middle school have guidance -Search engines for research purposes departments to help students and parents during -Links to e-Books and books to read the secondary school years. Middle school guidance -Databases for students to use department can be found in the middle school site under -Internet safety topics departments. Information included in this site contains: -Featured Web sites -Contact information -Virtual museums -New York state testing dates -Guides on how to use site sources -Dates for interim reports and report cards -Links to online libraries -Teacher resources High school guidance department can be found on the high school site under HS departments. Information -Cheri Panko, education communications specialist Perfectly penguin ressed in black and white, and with a willingness to waddle, Harshaw students came prepared to participate in International Penguin Day on DApril 25. Radio personalities Amy Hall and Justin Case (both CF grads) provided Cool 100’s (WCDW-FM) personal penguin paraphernalia to our packed morning program. Th e pair told penguin stories, performed penguin songs and prepared students for the activities planned for the day. Students also received penguin coloring sheets and stickers, courtesy of Cool 100. Other perks of the day included popular books donated by Penguin Group (USA); penguin pencils; seafood poppers and a special black and white dessert for lunch, as well as, penguin footprints that were in the main hallway. Was it any surprise that X See “Penguins,” page 6. StudentsStudents in thethe middlemiddle scschoolhool technologytechnology classclass mamakeke tthehe ppenguinenguin crossincrossingg sisigns.gns. 4 DDistrict/Harshawistrict/Harshaw June 2008 PTA news Kindergarten chicks he 2007-2008 school year is winding down, but here is nothing more the PTA has remained active promoting and rewarding than Tfunding activities in support of our students and the Twatching something Chenango Forks School District. Here’s what’s been going on: you raised grow, and during the month of May, Sixth-grade middle school students enjoyed the new movie, kindergarten students got to “Th e Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,” augmenting reap those rewards. their understanding and enjoyment of the book of the same title they read for class. From start to fi nish these kindergartners witnessed Harshaw fourth-graders were treated to a souvenir of an fi rst-hand the life cycle of the old-fashioned dice game set when they took their annual chicken as well as learning fi eld trip to Cooperstown, New York. that it takes a lot of work to Teacher Appreciation Day was held May 9, when our hatch healthy chicks.