Lee A. Bordick
Interim Superintendent
|
Lee A. Bordick
|
At its meeting on Tuesday, August 16, the Ichabod Crane Board of Education heard a report from Interim Superintendent Lee Bordick regarding the results of the recently-released assessment results for grades 3 through 8 in English/Language Arts (ELA) and math.Read more...Mr. Bordick noted that the New York State Education Department continues to change the criteria regarding student performance in these assessments; consequently, the results throughout the state are lower than what was achieved in the past, particularly in ELA. In spite of the rigorous changes in criteria, Mr. Bordick reported that the math scores achieved by ICC students were consistent with those of the past; however, the ELA results were at slightly lower levels. In general, he noted that students who consistently scored at Level 4 in the past were now scoring at Level 3. The students are not less proficient, he explained, but the criteria for placing students in the levels are more stringent. However, Mr. Bordick indicated that the performance of ICC students was comparable to similar schools, as well as area suburban schools.
The press release and additional information from the New York State Education Department regarding the grade 3-8 math and English state tests is available by clicking here:
(Posted August 23, 2011)
_____________________________________________________
The Ichabod Crane School District has been informed by the Columbia County Department of Health that there have been cases of pertussis (whooping cough) involving children in the District.
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. The disease is quite contagious and can easily spread through the air from an infected person by sneezing or coughing.
If you have further questions or concerns regarding this situation, please contact the Columbia County Department of Health at 518-828-3358. (Posted July 21, 2011)
For additional information regarding pertussis:
Columbia County Department of Health
New York State Department of Health
______________________________________________________
Inheritances IV is a collaborative effort between the English Language Development (ELD) Class and the Illustration Class at Ichabod Crane High School. In its fourth year, the publication includes personal memoirs written by the ELD students, which are edited by their peers, and then illustrated by art students in the Illustration I class. In preparation for creating the series of illustrations to accompany the stories, the students study the styles and techniques of several professional illustrators and then develop their own styles to create between five to seven different illustrations.
Theresa Longhi, ELD teacher, and Gayle Himmelstein, art teacher, provided instruction and support for the project. Through a grant from the Kinderhook Central School District Education Foundation Arts and Humanities Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, the book is professionally printed by the Troy Bookmakers
On the last day of school, a book signing was held where the students all received their copy, signed each other's books, and invited their families to share in the celebration.
Students from the High School ELD program and from the Illustration I class held a book signing and celebration for their collaborative book, Inheritances IV.
_______________________________________________________
Eleven ICHS students proudly displayed their artwork in juried regional art exhibits this past spring. Matthew D’s altered book sculpture and Brianna O’s portrait illustration were selected for the Columbia-Greene Community College Juried High School Exhibition and both artworks are being currently displayed in the Student Art Showcase at Columbia County Council for the Arts in Hudson.
Heather D’s ceramic bowl, Lindsey D’s photoshop self-portrait, Shelby H’s altered book sculpture, Tyler R’s ceramic sculpture, and Kameron S’s ceramic tile were selected for the Capital Region High School Regional Exhibition at the Opalka Gallery at Sage College of Albany. Nearly 600 people attended the opening reception on April 1, 2011.
In addition, Maria B’s photoshop self-portrait, Samantha B’s ceramic sculpture, Annie C’s mixed media collage, and Chip W’s oil painting, were selected for the 22nd Annual High School Juried Exhibit, which is on view through May 13 at WMHT Studios in Troy.
All of the artworks selected were created in ICHS elective art classes: Sculpture, Ceramics, Advanced Sculpture and Ceramics, Photoshop, Illustration, Mixed Media, and Advanced Painting and Drawing. Art teachers at ICHS are Sandy Harrington, Gayle Himmelstein, and Laura Cannamela, Art Department Chair.
Ichabod Crane Art Students whose artwork was selected for display at juried art exhibits
Additional Art Department Activities
___________________________________________________
Two Ichabod Crane OM teams placed first at the regional competition on Sat., March 12. The High School team, coached by Dara Rexhouse, and the Martin Van Buren team, coached by Kate Sundwall, competed at the New York State level in Binghamton on March 26. All the students worked hard and represented their school well. Of the nine teams competing for ICC at regionals, six of them placed either first, second or third.
 |
Members of the High School Odyssey of the Mind team(above) celebrate their first place win at the regional competition. Students from the Martin Van Buren Elementary School Odyssey of the Mind team (below) show their enthusiasm for their first place win at the regional competition. Both teams earned a berth at the State finals in Binghamton. |
 |
________________________________________________________
April 2, 2011- Congratulations to the following students for their participation in the Twin County Science Expo held Sat., April 2 at Columbia-Greene Community College in Hudson. Special recognition goes to Max S. for placing first and to Zack S. and John M. for placing second. A special thank you to Middle School science teachers Elisabeth Milot and David Woulfin for their efforts to encourage student involvement in the competition, as well to Carrie Dugan who helped coordinate Ichabod's participation.
| Name | Project Title | Subject |
| Curtis C. | Does the Shape of a Water-Powered Generator.... | General Science |
| Tessa R. | Newton's Cradle | Physics |
| Zak S. | Acid Attack | Biology |
| John M. | Acid Attack | Biology |
| Mary B. | How Color Affects Memory | Biology |
| Chloe C. | How Color Affects Memory | Biology |
| Max S. | Magnets and Plant Growth | Biology |
| Macy K. | The Effects of Various Foods on Heart Rate | Biology |
| Brian S. | Cross Bow Force | Physics |
_________________________________________________
Today’s youth and their parents face a number of challenges. Many of these challenges are similar to the issues we encountered during adolescence, while others are new and unique to this generation. One such issue is the prevalence of digital media, specifically, the 24/7 access that many children have to e-mail, the Internet, and social networking Web sites such as Facebook, etc.
As community leaders, the ichabod Crane Cergy Association, The Ichabod Crane PTA, and the Ichabod Crane School District have developed an initiative to bring greater attention to this issue and the negative implications when technology is not used correctly, or when children are not properly supervised using the technology. Issues such as sexting, online contact with unknown adults, and cyber bullying are on the increase. These are issues that we face each day in the schools and in the community. Unfortunately, this appears to be a growing problem, and we are all concerned about the significant and dangerous implications for our youth.
In an effort to better address this community issue, the Ichabod Crane Clergy Association, Ichabod Crane Middle School PTA, and the Ichabod Crane Central School District have met with community leaders of student/youth organizations and formed a committee to bring a greater awareness of the prevalence of this issue; to help children develop an understanding of the serious consequences they may encounter from the school, law enforcement, District Attorney, or from strangers when this technology is used inappropriately; to explore the moral and character issues surrounding the inappropriate use of technology; and to develop a community-wide action plan to address the issue.
Visit this Web site for further information on this initiative.
_____________________________________________________
$900,667 saved by the school district
April 20, 2011 - The Ichabod Crane Central School District has recieved the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR® Program and the prestigious ENERGY STAR® Label on all five of its school buildings for the past four years. This recognition is presented to the most energy efficient schools in the country. Ichabod Crane is the only school district in New York State to earn the ENERGY STAR® label for each building for four consecutive years.
The District also has been named as an ENERGY STAR® Leader by the EPA’s ENERGY STAR® Program, and is considered a “Top Performer.” This prestigious recognition is presented to the most energy efficient school districts in the country.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s energy conservation ratings, Ichabod Crane is in the top quartile of performance for all school districts nationwide and has the highest average score of any district in New York State that has participated in the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s Energy Smart Schools Program.
As of April 2011, the District has reduced its total energy use by 20.88%.
________________________________________________________
Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation in Great Barrington, MA has announced the establishment of the Kinderhook Central School District Education Foundation Arts and Humanities Fund. An anonymous donor has donated $45,000 to launch the endowment, with a challenge to match the gift by 2014. Additionally, $10,000 per year for five years will be available for grantmaking.
The purpose of the Arts and Humanities fund is to enhance and enrich the educational experience of students and teachers in the Kinderhook (Ichabod Crane), NY Central School District through access to programs in the arts and humanities that emphasize excellence, innovation and creativity. Grants will be made to projects that are outside of the school curriculum and not covered by tax dollars. Projects funded might include professional artists-in-residence, readings by poets or other creative writers, field trips to museums, historic sites or performances, teacher training in the arts or humanities, or commissions for artists or professionals in the humanities to engage in projects with the students and school community.
“Thanks to our donor's extraordinary generosity, Columbia County students will have greater opportunities to expand their creativity and cultivate the skills necessary to attain the highest possible level of achievement,” stated James Dexter, superintendent of the Ichabod Crane Central School District. “These endowed funds will provide much-needed permanent resources for public school children in the community.”
Kinderhook Central School District Education Foundation Arts and Humanities Fund is one of Berkshire Taconic’s 45 Education Enrichment funds. “We’re very pleased to serve as steward for this important new fund,” said Jennifer Dowley, president of Berkshire Taconic. “The arts and humanities are at the core of good creative thinking and a vital part of the foundation’s work.”
Information and applications are available through the schools, and online at Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation Grant Seekers
Scroll down page to Kinderhook Central School District Education Foundation Arts and Humanities Endowment Fund.
Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation builds stronger communities and improves the quality of life for all residents of Berkshire County, MA; Columbia County and northeast Dutchess County, NY; and northwest Litchfield County, CT. Thanks to its generous donors, in 2008 Berkshire Taconic distributed nearly $9 million in scholarships and grants for programs in the arts and education, health and human services, and environmental protection. Berkshire Taconic is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.
____________________________________________________
(April 21, 2010 ) Required Announcement of Conclusion of Review by the New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Office of Vocation and Education Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID)
The New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Office of Vocation and Education Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) completed a Special Education Quality Assurance (SEQA) Transition Compliance Review in the Ichabod Crane Central School District. This review examined the District’s compliance with selected federal and state laws and regulations governing the education of students with disabilities.
The review was conducted by VESID’s SEQA office as well as school district staff. The review process included a review of school records of selected students with disabilities, classroom visitations, and surveys of staff and parents. Meetings of the Committee on Special Education were also observed. A copy of the report may be obtainedfrom the Superintendent's office located in Central Office in Middle School, 2910 Route 9, Valatie, NY 12184
______________________________________________________
Non-Discrimination Compliance Statement
The Ichabod Crane Central School District hereby advises students, parents, employees, and the general public that it offers educational opportunities including vocational opportunities without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, handicap or religion. Inquiries regarding this non-discrimination policy may be directed to: Title IX Compliance Officer Shannon Shine, Principal, Ichabod Crane Elementary School, Valatie, NY 12184 (518) 758-7575 and Section 504 Compliance Officer Robert McCloskey, Director of Special Education, Ichabod Crane Central School District, Valatie, NY 12184 (518) 758-7575. A copy of the “In Compliance with Section 1.4 (a)” is available in the Superintendent’s Office.