Mount Pleasant 
Central School District
newsLINK  Superintendent Email
Dear Parents and the Community,

We were treated this past weekend to a number of events that highlighted our students and community members at their best.

The Westlake Players put on three fabulous performances of "Miracle on 34th Street" to herald the holiday season that is fast approaching. Varsity Wildcat athletes represented Westlake High School in state final and semifinal tournaments in both swimming and football this past weekend. While season play concluded with these events, we are proud of our Wildcats both in the pool and on the athletic field for all of their achievements. Finally, the Mount Pleasant Education Foundation held its annual Turkey Trot on Sunday to raise funds that augment the programs in our schools. Over 200 participants supported this foundation fundraiser.

We are fortunate to have dedicated people to guide and participate in each of these efforts to showcase the best of Mount Pleasant. Thank you to all who organize, participate and support our schools and students.

A December to remember
Coming up very quickly will be four fabulous winter concerts beginning with the 6th grade on December 2, 7th and 8th grades on December 8, 5th grade on December 10 and ending with the high school on December 17. The children have been practicing and preparing for these wonderful events and have an exceptional repertoire of songs to perform. You won't want to miss them! Check the district website calendar for times.

Buildings and grounds update
At this time, the district's building condition survey is being conducted by H2M Architects from Melville, NY. The survey, mandated by NYSED to be conducted every five years, will help the district plan for the upkeep of its buildings. The completed survey and report will be presented to the Board of Education at its January meeting. All are welcome to attend.

In early November, the Department of Environmental Conservation paid the district a random visit to check Westlake High School for hazardous materials. The DEC report found the high school to be in compliance with state guidelines with no materials that would pose a hazard to the students or staff. You may recall that in the past year, the Westlake campus was visited several times from the Health Department as well as from the NYS Department of Labor to check on reports of rodents. In each instance, no evidence of an infestation was found. The maintenance and operations department has done a fantastic job while we continue our work of sealing up all possible entries and addressing masonry work while instructing staff and students to keep food where it belongs.

I would like to commend the maintenance and operations staff for their diligence and the continual monitoring of our buildings.

Albany is finally listening
In the past weeks, the Federal Department of Education announced that it is backing off on its standardized testing position and stated that testing has become excessive. In New York, Commissioner of Education MaryEllen Elia announced that she is shortening the tests for students this spring and test maker, Pearson Inc., lost its contract with New York State.
In addition, the Chancellor of the Board of Regents, Dr. Merryl Tisch, announced that she is not seeking re-appointment to her position. The governor has now instituted a "Common Core Task Force" to listen to New Yorkers.

This appears to be a positive trend and can bode well for districts like Mount Pleasant. While we complied with and obligatorily funded all reform initiatives, including excessive testing, our district did not obtain much benefit from these reforms.

Participating in the governor's "Common Core Task Force" is not realistic for most of us; however a very efficient and simple online feedback form (that has not been widely reported) is in place, and I urge you to consider sharing your views on the Common Core and testing. You can access it at:

I have no doubt that the number of parents who "opted-out" of state testing last year (20% in New York) has prompted lawmakers in Albany to pay attention. Public feedback is being solicited through Monday, Nov. 30 so if you have time, please let Albany know how you feel.

Finally, please note the many events taking place in the coming months (at right) that are not only fun, but will enable our supporting organizations to help our students.

Have a great Thanksgiving.

Best,

Sue

Susan Guiney, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
 
 
MPCSD Bell

Upcoming

Saturday, Nov. 28

John Barresi Turkey Trot
10 a.m.,
registration at 9:30 a.m.
WHS
Suggested donation $10

Monday, Nov. 30    
Curriculum Coffee  

The IB Curriculum Framework
7 p.m.
Westlake library

Wednesday, Dec. 2 
6th Grade Concert
7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 3 
Spanish Honor Society  
Induction
2:30 p.m.
 
Saturday, Dec. 5
Elementary PTA
Craft Fair

Looking Ahead

Saturday, Jan. 30 

Athletic Club's
Disco Night 
7 p.m.
Westchester Manor 
 
MPCSD News 
Thornwood, New York 10594

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