Lansingburgh Central School District

Important Dates to Remember

Unused Snow Day

The Lansingburgh Central School District will be closed on Friday, May 24, 2013 due to an unused snow day. Enjoy your Memorial Day Recess. School will reopen on Tuesday, May 28, 2013.

LHS Graduation

LHS Graduation will take place on Friday, June 21, 2013 in the LHS Gymnasium at 7:00 p.m.

Education Speaks

Watch and Learn Special Edition: New York’s Tax Levy Cap

It’s year two of New York’s tax levy cap, and yet despite all of its publicity, there is a lot of misinformation out there about it.

Many school districts will come out with tax levy hikes of more than 2%. Are they over the tax cap? Not necessarily. Watch this short video for a clear explanation of the tax levy limit law and why it isn’t really a “cap” at all.
http://educationspeaks.org/2013/03/watch-and-learn-special-edition-new-yorks-tax-levy-cap/

Watch and Learn Wednesday: GEA edition

PLEASE NOTE: The video below uses numbers specific to NY’s Capital Region. For a version of the video using statewide numbers visit our “Watch and Learn” page.

You’ve heard a lot over the last few months about the Gap Elimination Adjustment, or GEA, and how it has severely impacted school districts across New York state. Introduced in 2010 by then Governor David Paterson, the GEA was supposed to be a temporary solution to closing the state’s $10 billion budget deficit. Instead, it has wreaked havoc on school district budgets, leading to countless program reductions and job cuts. Want to learn why? Check out the video by clicking on the link that explains the GEA and the specific impact it continues to have on schools.
http://educationspeaks.org/2013/02/watch-and-learn-wednesday-gea-edition/

Your Public Schools in Fiscal Peril. Running out of Time and Options
Why should YOU advocate?

• *educate your children
• *employ your neighbors
• *are funded by your tax dollars
• *influence your property values and help attract property owners to your community

Without your help, your schools will face more reductions to programs and services for students. Becoming an advocate for education is not as hard as you might think. The only prerequisite is a strong desire to stand up for our students and our schools.

Effective advocates are prepared. They understand the issues and plan their communication. Most of all, they are passionate and persistent in advancing their cause.

We invite you to view Dr. Timbs presentation on January 31, 2013 by clicking on the following website:  http://educationspeaks.org/

For more information about "A Call to Action", please click here.

The 2012-2013 State approved and Board Adopted APPR Plan for the LTA & LAA

To view the 2012-2013 State approved and Board Adopted APPR Plan for the LTA and LAA please click here.

Questar III BOCES offers Adult Education Classes

Questar III is pleased to offer GED preparation and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes for adults 21 and over at the local Lansingburgh branch of the Troy Public Library.  GED prep classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1pm-4:00pm, and ESOL classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00-4:00pm. There is a small fee for intake and assessment. Class instruction is free. Questar III also offers an “On-line GED Preparation” class for eligible students who can’t get to a traditional class. That class is held anytime, anywhere. Students must have basic computer skills and access to a computer with internet for a minimum of 6 hours per week. For more information and to enroll, please call 518-273-2264.

All About Kids Care Provider

We are excited to introduce All About Kids as our new before and after school care provider for the elementary buildings.  All About Kids will begin providing services at both Turnpike Elementary and Rensselaer Park Elementary. For more information about the program and registration information, please click here.

Board of Education Meetings

Tentative Board of Education Meeting Schedule for 2012 - 2013

Lansingburgh Central School District Capital
Improvement Project

The Lansingburgh Central School District had a successful bid opening for the next phase of the $18.5 Million dollar Capital Improvement Project.  Bids were opened for the Athletic fieldwork; asbestos removal, flooring, lighting and HVAC improvements in all buildings.  The work will begin this spring and finish in the late summer of 2013.  The District worked with legal counsel in voting to accept the bid from the lowest responsible bidder, and all proper bidding procedures and protocols were followed.

Please see the attached link that clearly explains what can be done when an error on a bid occurs.

http://www.p12.nysed.gov/facplan/articles/D04_capital_construction_bids.html#

To view the January 18, 2012 Capital Improvement Project Presentation please click here.

Universal Prekindergarten Registration

Universal prekindergarten registrations are still being accepted at the district office between the hours of 8:30 and 3:30 Monday through Friday. There are still openings.

RPI STEP Program (Science and Technology Entry program)

The RPI STEP program is funded by the New York State Department of Education. It is designed to assist disadvantaged secondary students and those from minority groups under-represented in scientific, technical and health-related professions to acquire the skills, attitudes and abilities to pursue professional or pre-professional study in postsecondary degree programs in scientific, technical and health-related fields. The program's initiatives focus on developing problem solving and critical thinking skills through a range of enrichment activities that include student development, leadership opportunities, career exploration, college preparation, internships, and parent workshops. Rensselaer activities occur after school and Saturdays during the school year, and in the summer. RPI supports students entering grades 7 through 12 attending its partner schools listed below, as well as students who live in neighboring communities as space permits.

• Doyle Middle School & Troy High School
• Knickerbacker Middle School & Lansingburgh High School
• Catholic Central High School
• LaSalle Institute

On the 20th Anniversary of the Science & Technology Entry Program in 2007, the New York State Department of Education gave Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute a Certificate of Appreciation, in recognition of its commitment, dedication, vision and leadership for its Charter Program preparing scholars to become future professionals in the Scientific, Technical and Pre-licensure fields.

To view more about the STEP Program or to see if you are eligible to apply, click on the link below:

http://doso.rpi.edu/update.do?catcenterkey=88 (link to RPI website with STEP Info – includes application for STEP)

Questions can be directed to Eileen Culliton at  LHS (233-6806) or LHS Guidance Counselors (233-6806).

Board of Education approves Annual Professional Performance Review for Building Principals and Teachers

The Board of Education of the Lansingburgh Central School District, in public session at its meeting of August 31, 2011, adopted the Annual Professional Performance Plan for the 2011-2012 school year, pursuant to the requirements of Education Law §3012-c and accompanying regulations of the Board of Regents and the Commissioner of Education.

Annual Professional Performance Review (“APPR”) supports the professional growth of educators.  This review system should provide timely feedback, an opportunity to acknowledge educators’ strengths as well as their weakness and an opportunity for growth as an educator.

This APPR system will be a significant factor in all employment decisions including but not limited to:

• Retention
• Tenure Determination
• Termination
• Supplemental compensation
• Promotion
• Professional Development
• Coaching

For more information please click here  

Tutoring Beyond the Classroom

Have a paper due? Falling behind with your classwork?
Just need to ask a few questions? Beyond the Classroom is a program offering free tutoring to students ages 8 and up in all subjects. That's everything from Spelling to Chemistry! For registration information please click here.

OPT OUT Permission to Use Student Photographs

Lansingburgh Central School District may, at times, use photographs, photographic images, names, audio recordings, and/or video recordings of students for purposes of general publicity and/or student recruitment in publications, public relations, promotions, publicity and advertising. Should a parent or guardian NOT want their student to be photographed or recorded, please view and sign the Lansingburgh CSD OPT OUT Permission to Use Student Photographs form and return it to your students principal. For a copy of the form please click here.

State of New York Department of Health Alert

Seasonal Flu Guide for Parents

The Center for Disease Control is advising that everyone over 6 months of age get the flu vaccine this year. They have combined the formula so one vaccine can prevent the seasonal flu and swine flu. It is recommended that you check with your health care provider to schedule. Children under age 8 may be recommended for more than one dose but only your health care provider can advise you on the decision. No shortages of vaccines are predicted. This recommendation is meant to expand protection and prevent spread of the disease. For more information on flu vaccines please click here.

Nutrition Audit Reports

On September 14, 2009 the New York State Comptroller’s Office released two Audit Reports, Nutrition in School Districts Across New York State and another specific to findings at the Lansingburgh Central School District. These documents may be downloaded below:

 

Equal Opportunity Notice

The Lansingburgh Central School District hereby advises students, parents, employees and the general public that it offers employment, programs and educational opportunities, including vocational education opportunities, without regard to gender, race, color, national origin, handicap or any other legally protected status.

Grievance procedures are available to interested persons by contacting the person listed below.

Inquiries regarding this nondiscrimination policy may be directed to: Title IX Coordinator (sex discrimination) and Section 504 Coordinator (handicap discrimination)

Title IX Coordinator:  Katherine Oboyski-Butler, Assistant Superintendent, phone (518) 233-6850

Section 504 Coordinator:  Barbara Sperling, PPS Director, phone (518) 233-6850