April 2012

To All SJHS Parents and Students:

The school year is now three-quarters completed, yet a very crucial portion of the school year still remains. The 3rd quarter ended on Thursday, April 5 and report cards were mailed on April 20. Planning is also underway for special end-of-year activities.

The Middle Years is published monthly to keep you apprised of upcoming events and policies. There is one more newsletter for this year, scheduled to posted on May 18. The newsletter is available via the District web page or can be mailed or e-mailed to you by calling the main office at 518-785-1341.

As we approach the year-end testing period, we continue to encourage all students to seek extra time after school with a teacher. All tests are given in the morning, when students are most alert and attentive. Parents can help by making sure children take these tests seriously, get sufficient sleep, eat properly, and are in a good frame of mind each day. Positive support is essential and daily attendance each day of the testing period is critical. Thanks in advance for your assistance. The schedule for all testing between now and the end of school can be found in this newsletter. Our next scheduled tests are:

• Math 7/8 Assessment: April 25 - 27
• Grade 8 NYS science performance assessment: May 22 - June 1
• Grade 8 NYS science written assessment: June 4

I encourage parents of 8th graders to read the article in this edition on our end-of-year ceremony, a twelve-year tradition that is still going strong! The dance will be held at the JUNIOR HIGH, not the high school. We have scheduled this twelfth annual special evening for 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 15. Students have to attend the awards program to be able to attend the dance. We conduct less formal end of year programs for 7th graders, by hall, the last half day of school, this year on June 21.

Thus 7th Grade Hall Awards programs will be held on Thursday, June 21.

8th GRADERS SHOULD NOT ATTEND SCHOOL ON THURSDAY, JUNE 21!

The annual School Board Election and Budget Vote will be held on Tuesday, May 15, the same date for all school districts in New York State. You can vote at the elementary school in your area, including Goodrich School, between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. An informational brochure on the budget and the candidates vying for Board of Education positions was recently mailed to all district residents. Board of Education representatives will be at our May 2 PTA meeting to provide an overview of the budget proposal; candidates for Board seats will also be present to introduce themselves.

The final 2012 The Middle Years newsletter will include details on all end-of-year testing, dismissal schedules, and other special information. May is also designated as Music and Art for Youth Month. There will be many events taking place throughout the District to highlight our students’ talents. The opening reception is scheduled for Wednesday, May 9, 6:30 p.m. at the NYSUT building on Route 7. Please be sure to visit to see the great artwork our students create and hear our jazz ensemble perform as well!

Your assistance in keeping students focused on their responsibilities through the last day of school is very much appreciated. Stay involved and in touch with your school.

Sincerely,

Russell B. Moore, Ph.D.
Principal