Clarkstown Central School District Newsletter

News From the Board of Education Meeting

* State of the Union Presentation

Superintendent Dr. Margaret Keller-Cogan presented a State of the Union address to the Board of Education. In it Dr. Keller-Cogan shared achievement data that revealed consistent academic gains in multiple subject areas in grades 3-12 as assessed by NYS Education Department. She also described the need for further improvements in the area of achievement in the performance of special needs students. A significant amount of information was shared on district expenditures in major areas such as payroll, benefits, absenteeism and utilities costs. The final segment of her presentation dealt with economies the district is making, how economical a Clarkstown education remains by comparison to other districts in the County and region, and the challenges that lie ahead in the development of the 2010-2011 school budget. To view the presentation, click here.

* Two Clarkstown Schools Awarded "ENERGY STAR" Designation by EPA

Edward J. Linky, Esq., Senior Energy And Climate Change Advisor, Heather Saunders, Governmental Affairs, Dr. Keller-Cogan, Superintendent of Schools, Frank Stefanelli, Director of Facilities,
Phil DeGaetano, BOE President, Ryan Thordson, Project Development Engineer, Craig Rebecca, Project Manager

Woodglen and Lakewood Elementary Schools have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) prestigious ENERGY STAR designation, the national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection. Only commercial buildings that rate in the top 25% of facilities in the nation for energy efficiency qualify for the ENERGY STAR. Woodglen and Lakewood are two of only 138 schools throughout New York's 696 school district's statewide to earn this distinction.

The schools were presented with the ENERGY STAR awards at the November 12 Board of Education meeting by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Senior Energy and Climate Change Advisor Edward Linky, along with representatives from NYSERDA and Ameresco, Inc. Superintendent Keller-Cogan, Board President Phil DeGaetano and District Director of Facilities and Operations Frank Stefanelli accepted the awards on behalf of the district.

K-12 School buildings that earn the ENERGY STAR use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Last year, the District contracted with the firm Energy Education Inc. to assist in the efforts to conserve energy and reduce costs. The District improved overall energy performance by managing energy strategically across the entire system and making cost-effective improvements to its 16 buildings district wide.

Click here to for entire press release.

* CCSD Celebrates National Community Education Day

Dr. Valerie Henning-Piedmonte, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Professional Development and Marion Arbuco, Assistant Director Community Learning Center

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 is National Community Education Day, celebrating the work of community learning programs across the country. In recognition, the Board President,
Mr. De Gaetano, read a proclamation highlighting the importance of continuing education programs and saluting the work of the Clarkstown Community Learning Center (CLC).

The CLC will join the nationwide community learning celebration by hosting a Community Education Night at Clarkstown South High School on November 17, 2009. There will be an adult student art show, class demonstrations, and information tables highlighting all the CLC offers. The event will run between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Established during the 2006-2007 school year, the CLC was created to provide additional learning and recreational opportunities for pre-schoolers through senior citizens.

* Two Venerated Educators Earn a Permanent Place in Felix Festa Middle School History

The Board of Education unanimously supported naming two FFMS facilities in honor of two retirees.

The Felix Festa school library will be named in honor of Mr. Joseph Mastropolo; to be called the Joseph Mastropolo Media Center. Mr. Mastropolo retired in 2009 after serving as an English teacher at the middle school for 38 years. Mr. Mastropolo was described by Campus Principal Diane Basso as a caring professional who encouraged his students to reach the highest academic levels.

The Felix Festa auditorium will be named in honor and memory of Dr. Tercizio Binotto, who passed away during the summer 2009. Dr. Binotto was appointed principal of Clarkstown North High School in 1971. In 1983, he was named principal of Felix Festa Junior High School. He was a leader in Festa's successful transition to a middle school, working closely with the Board of Education, staff and the community. Under his leadership, numerous transition meetings and school visitations were scheduled to gain insight into the middle level philosophy. After 41 years of service in the field of education, Dr. Binotto retired in 1993

* South Student Performs at BOE Meeting

Angelica Ebron, a South High School student of Ms. Lydia Leizman gave a violin performance at the opening of the Board of Education meeting. Angelica performed "Allegro"
by Fritz Krieler for the appreciative audience.

The Clarkstown Central School District
salutes all of our veterans and is grateful for their service and dedication to our country.

Flu Busters Clinic

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Clinic - November 19, 2009*
*Please note: You must pre-register by midnight, Saturday, November 14, 2009

For the convenience of community members, the Clarkstown Central School District will be hosting an additional seasonal influenza vaccination clinic on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at Felix Festa Middle School beginning at 4:15 pm. Children over the age of 3 through adults of all ages are eligible for the seasonal flu vaccine. H1N1 vaccinations will not be provided.

Vaccinations will be administered by qualified health professionals. Each vaccination will cost $25.00. Medicare Part B will be accepted.

You must preregister by midnight Saturday, November 14, 2009
Preregister at https://secure.flubusters.com/home.aspx

Choose School for type of clinic and enter zip code 10994 and date November 19, 2009. If you have difficulty registering you may call 1-866-358-2878.

For more information about the program, please visit Let's Fight Flu Together! website at www.flubusters.net/naesp. For more information about preventing influenza, visit www.cdc.gov/flu.