A blue-ribbon commission recommended this week that schools in New York State reduce the use Regents and other exams to meet high school graduation requirements.
The 12 recommendations contained in the report included recommendations on ways to demonstrate student learning, such as capstone projects, and performance-based assessments, instead of Regents exams. The commission also recommended more access to career and technical education, and more matching of standards to career and college expectations.
New York State United Teachers said, said, “The recommendations from SED’s Blue Ribbon Commission promise a bright future for our students and a positive outlook for New York as an innovator and global economic leader. The recommendations recognize what educators know so well: That each of our students is a unique learner with talents, skills and aspirations that should be fully explored and nurtured on their way to graduation. These proposals would help create young adults who are not just ready for the careers and challenges of today’s dynamic economy but who are lifelong learners and knowledgeable, engaged citizens.”
State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa called the report “a blueprint,” adding, “The real work starts with the design.”
Books Around Harborfields
Oldfield Middle School in the Harborfields school district held a Read-A-Thon last year, with the proceeds donated to a school in Africa to purchase books. To continue promoting literacy, several groups have donated Little Free Libraries.
With help from the school’s student government officers, these OMS Little Free Libraries were recently installed in various locations throughout the Harborfields community.
Oldfields Middle School libraries/ District photo
Cold Spring Harbor Artists
Sixty-three students have been inducted into the Spring Harbor National Art Honor Society.
The annual National Art Honor Society induction ceremony was held on Nov. 1 in the Cold Spring Harbor Jr./Sr. High School Performing Arts Center.
Art Department Chair, Ms. Christine Oswald, along with co-adviser, Ms. Laura Cirino and fellow art teachers, welcomed family members on behalf of the district’s art department.
“I am always impressed by the extraordinary talent demonstrated by these young artists,” Superintendent of Schools Jill Gierasch said. “To have the largest number of students inducted into the National Art Honor Society in our district’s history is truly a remarkable achievement.”
Donations in Elwood
Elwood-John H. Glenn High School senior Sasha Amico recently donated another $250 to the school’s athletic department from her summer fundraising efforts.
Amico sells small snack bags at various local events via her self-made Sasha’s Snacks initiative, with all of the proceeds given back to the John Glenn community. Specifically, the
funds are used to purchase athletic equipment for student-athletes who might not be able to afford the necessary equipment to compete.
“Giving to others who may need a little help is a wonderful thing that Sasha continues to do for our community and student-athletes,” Athletic Director Dave Shanahan
said. “Thank you, Sasha, for all of your efforts!”
