Talking HF Tigers 3/10

A combination of Daylight Savings Time this weekend and the Superintendent’s Day next Friday, is a great opportunity for parents and students to make the most of the shortened school week and ensure they come to school ready to learn. Planning ahead is important in many areas of our lives. When ensuring we are providing the best possible education for our students it is essential. That is why HFCSD is kicking off a five-year strategic planning initiative.

The District’s Strategic Planning: Will Involve Your Input

What are the HFSCD’s priorities now and over the next five years? That is one of the questions we will be asking all of our stakeholders. Working with us to develop a Strategic Plan for the next five years is Dr. Nicole Alioto, founder and CEO of Alla Breve Educational Consulting. Over the next several months, she will gather and interpret data that will be used to develop the Strategic Plan. 

The process will involve voluntary input from students in grades 4-12, parents, staff, Board of Educations members, alumni and community members gathered through surveys and focus groups. Information on how to participate in the surveys and focus groups will be provided soon. To learn more about the process – watch our video.

Let’s Cheer on Our Battle of the Books Teams!

We have 28 students from the primary and intermediate schools in grades 3-5 who will travel to SUNY Adirondack March 13 to participate in the annual WSWHE Battle of the Books competition.

The past two years the competition took place virtually, however this year the competition returns to its live format. Last year, more than 430 students on 55 teams from 16 local schools participated. Thanks to our team coaches: Karen Nassivera, third grade; Melanie Healy, fourth grade; and Heather Craner, fifth grade. All students have read 10 books based on their grade level and will be answering questions about those books to determine winners among all the teams in the region.

We are so proud of the dedication and hard work our students and coaches have put into preparing for this competition!

Digital Equity Survey: Your Response Still Needed

We need a moment of your time. The New York State Education Department is asking parents or guardians to complete a Digital Equity Survey for each K-12 student in your family. This survey will provide information on student access to devices and internet access in their places of residence.

Didn’t we already ask you to complete this survey? Yes. We had asked in October, and NYSED would like us to push for additional responses to get a more complete picture, so we can provide the best educational technology possible. The 10 Question Survey is quick to complete! Thank you!

Ready, Set … “Spring Ahead” This Weekend

It’s Daylight Saving Time, so just a quick reminder that our clocks will “spring ahead” at 2 a.m. Sunday, which for some students (not to mention the adults) will feel like a lost hour of sleep. Please keep that in mind with bedtime schedules this weekend so our students can adjust and be ready to learn Monday morning.

Note From the Health Office

The district is seeing high instances of confirmed strep in all school buildings so if your student is experiencing symptoms it is strongly encouraged that you have them tested. If you need more information about strep, please review the CDC’s Strep Throat: All You Need to Know

School, District & Community Calendar 

TONIGHT – Friday, March 10: Kindergarten Center Craft & Movie Night 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Admission is $2 per person. They will be showing “Clifford’s Really Big Movie” in the gym. Crafts will be in the cafeteria. Bring your blankets or mats to sit on. Popcorn and drinks will be provided with admission.

Saturday, March 11: Living For Mia Glow Bowl Event at Broadway Lanes, 259 Broadway, Fort Edward, 9:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. Unlimited bowling, raffles, prizes, music and food and drinks for sale. $20 per person in advance and $22 per person at the door. Details on how to pay and participate.

Monday, March 13: Author Night at the Primary School. Doors open 4:45 p.m.; author book read aloud 5:00-5:30 p.m.; and craft in the cafeteria 5:30 p.m. Come meet HF graduate and author Tammi Salzano. She will discuss her adventures as an author and then read her book, “One Summer Night.”

Friday, March 17: Superintendent’s Conference Day. No classes.

Tuesday, March 21- Friday, March 24: K-5 Parent Teacher Conferences

Thursday, March 23- Friday March 24: UPK Full Day Conferences 

Thursday, March 30: An Evening of Musical Theater presented by the HF Musical Department, at The Strand Theater, 7:00 p.m. 

Friday, March 31: Rescheduled High School Neon Dance 7:00-10:00 p.m. in the high school gym.

 

See you Monday, Tigers!

 

Dan Ward, Superintendent