1. education
2. school

Owen D. Young Central School
Board of Education
Linda Tharp, President
Quendryth Marshall, Vice President
George Mower, Trustee
Paul Kennerknecht, Trustee
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #1
Van Hornesville
N. Y.
November 2014 Newsletter
Fall Edition 1
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
NOVEMBER
7 & 8 All County Music Festival at CVA
10 Board of Education Meeting 6:00 pm
11 Veterans Day No School
19 National Honor Society Fund Raiser
19 & 20 Parent Teacher Conferences - Early Dismissal
12:50 pm
21 & 22 Area All State Music Festival
25 Go Home Early Drill Student Dismissal 2:50
26 – 28 Thanksgiving Recess No School
DECEMBER
3 Capital Project Public Hearing Time 5:30 Auditorium
3 Elementary Concert 7:00 pm Gymnasium
6 Holiday Pancake Breakfast sponsored by Art Club
9 Capital Project Vote Time 12:00-8:00pm Library
9 High School Concert 7:30 pm Auditorium
10 Board of Education Meeting 6:00
12 Dance sponsored by Sophomore Class
16 Jr. National Honor Society Inductions
19 Sr. Citizens’ Holiday Dinner 1:00 Auditorium
22 Jan. 2 Winter Recess No School
JANUARY
Winter recess continues through Jan. 2
12 - BOE Meeting
19 - No School Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
26-29 - NYS Regents Exams
30 - Grades Close for 2nd Quarter
FEBRUARY
9 - BOE Meeting
9-13th - 10th grade Fund Raiser
14 - Semi Formal Dance sponsored by Science Club
16-20 NO SCHOOL Mid-Winter Recess
Senior Residents of the
Owen D. Young School District
You are cordially invited to a
Holiday Dinner
Friday, December 19, 2014
at 1p.m.
In the School Auditorium
(Handicapped Accessible)
Please R.S.V.P. to the school office
By December 16 to confirm your attendance
(315) 858-0729 Extension “0”
Sponsored by
“The Whole O.D.Y. School Family”
Superintendent’s Message
Happy Fall! The new school year has gotten off to a running
start! There have been many things happening throughout our
district since the start of school in September. We continue to
place a heavy emphasis on teachers creating their lesson plans
and activities based on the Common Core standards for all
subjects in all grade levels. The Common Core Learning
Standards represent the most significant increase in student
expectations New York schools have ever faced.
The state assessment results released these past few months
reveal momentum toward meeting the new rigorous
expectations. Since this is the first opportunity we have had to
measure success based on these new standards, comprehensive
conclusions about our local results and student growth will
require more time and analysis.
I am proud of the work our teachers, guidance counselor,
and building principal have done and continue to do to support
our instructional practices. We are four years into a 12 year
effort to graduate students who are college and career ready; a
goal our school and teachers are working very hard to meet.
Our teachers are a very collaborative group and have done an
excellent job of supporting one another through curriculum
changes. We are motivated by the challenge to increase
instructional relevance for our students.
As a district, we have adopted and adapted the use of the
Common Core modules. Our work will continue this year as
we dig deeper into our data and broaden our opportunities to
support teachers, parents, students and administrators. As you
review the changes in test scores, please keep in mind that it
does not mean students are learning less or that teachers are
performing less than the previous year. This is the first year in
which similar Common Core assessment formats can be
compared, taking the place of previous testing standards.
Central School
We all want our children to be successful in their educational
goals; to be productive members of their community and to
make an impact on societal change. We are at the forefront of
this new beginning, with a bright and promising future on the
horizon. It has been, and will continue to be, my honor to work
diligently for you, your child and our community.
Sincerely,
Christopher M. Groves
Reminder for our Parents:
Please consider signing up for our SchoolTool
Parent Portal if you have not already done so.
The Portal provides you with internet access to
your child’s attendance and grades. It is updated
daily.
For more information or assistance with
registering, please contact the guidance
department. 858-0729 ext. 4.
For more information about our school, please visit:
www.odyoungcsd.org
www.facebook.com/odycsd
Twitter: @odyoungcsd
OR contact us at 858-0729
Featured: “Notes” for our Music Department
The fall season is always a busy and exciting time in the Music
Department! We look forward to the many opportunities to
demonstrate some of the fine results of the musical education we
offer to the children of our district!
The first of these will be the All-Herkimer-County Music Festival,
which will be held at the Central Valley Academy on November 7th &
8th, culminating with a concert at 3:00 on November 8th. A number of
our students were accepted to represent our school on this occasion,
including Cole Coveny playing percussion in the Orchestra; High
School Chorus members: Emma Peters, Milleta Oldick, Alyssa
Patterson, Caitlyn Patterson, David Schuler and Jeff Yaun; Junior
High Band members: Megan Kennerknecht, Stephen Dygert, Kyle
Weaver, Sierra Hess, and Stephen Manning; and Elementary Chorus
members: Emily Getman, Olivia Getman, Lynzee Bissell, Lillian
Pashley, Brooke McCord, Shaundra Hess, Emma Alicajic, and Emma
Sorensen.
Two weeks after this event, students from approximately 50
schools in 5 counties will gather for the Area All State Music
Festival, held on November 21st and 22nd at SUNY Oneonta, which
will feature a concert at the Hunt Union Ballroom on November 22 nd
at 3:00. Our school has six students who have been selected to
perform this year: Bailey Streid, Milleta Oldick, Emma Peters, Ryan
Crouse, Dustin Monk, and Jeffrey Yaun. Congratulations to all of
our students chosen to participate in these wonderful events!
In the month of December, we will showcase our talents in two
winter concerts. The Elementary Concert will be at 7:00 p.m. on
December 3rd in the gymnasium and the High School Concert will be
on December 9th at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium. In addition to these
two concerts, the Van Hornesville Voices, a community chorus which
rehearses at the school on Tuesday evenings and which is directed by
Mr. MacMillan, will present a concert of choral music at 7:30 p.m. on
December 2nd.
Fall Festival Shines
ODY 's first annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 18th had a
great turn out. The kids all enjoyed taking part in the many activities
and games put on by the PTO. The parents and community members
enjoyed the Chinese Auction, snack bar, and of course watching the
kids have fun.
On behalf of the PTO, we thank all of the students, parents, friends,
faculty, and community members for help making this a great day for
all! Hope to see you all next year.
Wearing PINK!
On Senior Night our Varsity Girls Soccer Team supports
Breast Cancer Awareness.
Capital Project News “Brief Update”
The Capital Project continues to move forward as the Board of
Education adopts the resolutions for a community vote. This
has been a comprehensive process ranging from several
community project team meetings, a formal recommendation
made to the board of education, a decision rendered by the
board of education to accept the recommendation, the board
adopting the SEQR and passing the resolution for vote, to most
currently providing the community with the opportunity to
voice their vote. This has begun a series of information sharing
sessions hosted by our team of architects and financial
advisors. These sessions included; our school staff/faculty held
on November 12th, our PTO and members of the community
held on November 13th, as well as an open public session
scheduled for December 3rd at 5:30 pm in our Auditorium. The
community will vote on December 9th, 12:00-8:00 p.m. in our
library. Please see the newsletter insert and take a moment
to join us.
Grade 3-8 ELA and Math State
Percent of Students Proficient (a score of 3 or 4) on the 2014 New
York State ELA and Math Assessments
Owen D.
BOCES
Young
Region
Grade 3 ELA
38
21
Grade 4 ELA
15
25
Grade 5 ELA
6
24
Grade 6 ELA
18
24
Grade 7 ELA
25
22
Grade 8 ELA
6
24
Grade 3 Math
13
37
Grade 4 Math
21
28
Grade 5 Math
25
33
Grade 6 Math
47
24
Grade 7 Math
50
23
Grade 8 Math
7
11
NYS State Regents Examinations
New York
State
32
32
29
28
28
34
42
42
39
37
32
22
The table below shows the 2014 performance of students passing and
scoring in the mastery level for each examination.
2014
2013 NYS Results
New York
State
Regents
Exam
Percent
Pass
(Score
65-100)
Percent Percent
Mastery
Pass
(Score
(Score
85-100) 65-100)
Percent
Mastery
(Score
85-100)
English
Global
History
US History
Int. Algebra
Geometry
Algebra II /
Trig
Earth
Science
Living
Environment
73
32
77
27
36
4
71
30
75
73
35
35
0
0
79
74
74
45
17
24
33
0
66
39
76
20
71
31
85
8
76
31
Chemistry
67
22
76
21
The table below shows the 2013-2014 performance of students
passing and scoring on the Common Core Assessments
ODY
Regents
55-64% 65-78% 79-84%
85100%
13-14
CC ELA
19
25
25
13
13-14
CC
Algebra
20
65
10
0
1
For more information about school report cards, please visit:
https://reportcards.nysed.gov/
“A school of distinction” College and Career Pathways
As we continue to prepare our students for their college
experience, our district is one of thirty-three being recognized
as a school of distinction by College For Every Student
(CFES). CFES is a global leader in helping underserved
students gets to and through college and ready to enter the
workforce. The "School of Distinction" award recognizes
CFES schools that have exemplary programs incorporating the
three CFES core practices: Mentoring, Leadership through
Service, and Pathways to College. Owen D. Young was
recognized as a school that provides intensive exposure to the
three practices and promotes college readiness for all students.
Students involved are; Emma Peters, Misty Hess, Milleta
Oldick, Alyson Herringshaw and Jeff Yaun.
SUNY IT MANUFACTURING DAY
ODY Students linked with the “School to Careers”
program. On Friday, Oct. 3rd, some of our students
experienced job opportunities and a taste of the new era of
manufacturing in the region during Made in the Mohawk
Valley, a Manufacturing Day event, at the Utica Campus of
SUNY Polytechnic Institute. This event hosted close to 800
manufacturers and students from across the region, and allowed
the students to learn more about manufacturing and potential
jobs in the area. SUNY Polytechnic Institute Chief Operating
Officer Bob Geer said that with the long history of
manufacturing in the Mohawk Valley, the industry often makes
people think of old brick buildings and mills. “It’s not that way
anymore,” he said. “Manufacturing is the cutting edge.” Made
in the Mohawk Valley was put on by the SUNY Polytechnic
Institute, recently renamed from SUNYIT after merging with
the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering in Albany,
with help from the Workforce Development Institute, Working
Solutions and other organizations. Mr. Busch and Mr. Waters
along with 14 of our sophomore students participated in the
event. Students were able to connect with local and regional
business and industries representatives/owners as they gathered
information on the current job market, opportunities for
successful career, and the educational background needed to
obtain a meaningful career.
Featured: “Notes” for our Music Department
The fall season is always a busy and exciting time in the Music
Department! We look forward to the many opportunities to
demonstrate some of the fine results of the musical education we
offer to the children of our district!
The first of these will be the All-Herkimer-County Music Festival,
which will be held at the Central Valley Academy on November 7th &
8th, culminating with a concert at 3:00 on November 8th. A number of
our students were accepted to represent our school on this occasion,
including Cole Coveny playing percussion in the Orchestra; High
School Chorus members: Emma Peters, Milleta Oldick, Alyssa
Patterson, Caitlyn Patterson, David Schuler and Jeff Yaun; Junior
High Band members: Megan Kennerknecht, Stephen Dygert, Kyle
Weaver, Sierra Hess, and Stephen Manning; and Elementary Chorus
members: Emily Getman, Olivia Getman, Lynzee Bissell, Lillian
Pashley, Brooke McCord, Shaundra Hess, Emma Alicajic, and Emma
Sorensen.
Two weeks after this event, students from approximately 50
schools in 5 counties will gather for the Area All State Music
Festival, held on November 21st and 22nd at SUNY Oneonta, which
will feature a concert at the Hunt Union Ballroom on November 22 nd
at 3:00. Our school has six students who have been selected to
perform this year: Bailey Streid, Milleta Oldick, Emma Peters, Ryan
Crouse, Dustin Monk, and Jeffrey Yaun. Congratulations to all of
our students chosen to participate in these wonderful events!
In the month of December, we will showcase our talents in two
winter concerts. The Elementary Concert will be at 7:00 p.m. on
December 3rd in the gymnasium and the High School Concert will be
on December 9th at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium. In addition to these
two concerts, the Van Hornesville Voices, a community chorus which
rehearses at the school on Tuesday evenings and which is directed by
Mr. MacMillan, will present a concert of choral music at 7:30 p.m. on
December 2nd.
Fall Festival Shines
ODY 's first annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 18th had a
great turn out. The kids all enjoyed taking part in the many activities
and games put on by the PTO. The parents and community members
enjoyed the Chinese Auction, snack bar, and of course watching the
kids have fun.
On behalf of the PTO, we thank all of the students, parents, friends,
faculty, and community members for help making this a great day for
all! Hope to see you all next year.
Wearing PINK!
On Senior Night our Varsity Girls Soccer Team supports
Breast Cancer Awareness.
Capital Project News “Brief Update”
The Capital Project continues to move forward as the Board of
Education adopts the resolutions for a community vote. This
has been a comprehensive process ranging from several
community project team meetings, a formal recommendation
made to the board of education, a decision rendered by the
board of education to accept the recommendation, the board
adopting the SEQR and passing the resolution for vote, to most
currently providing the community with the opportunity to
voice their vote. This has begun a series of information sharing
sessions hosted by our team of architects and financial
advisors. These sessions included; our school staff/faculty held
on November 12th, our PTO and members of the community
held on November 13th, as well as an open public session
scheduled for December 3rd at 5:30 pm in our Auditorium. The
community will vote on December 9th, 12:00-8:00 p.m. in our
library. Please see the newsletter insert and take a moment
to join us.
Grade 3-8 ELA and Math State
Percent of Students Proficient (a score of 3 or 4) on the 2014 New
York State ELA and Math Assessments
Owen D.
BOCES
Young
Region
Grade 3 ELA
38
21
Grade 4 ELA
15
25
Grade 5 ELA
6
24
Grade 6 ELA
18
24
Grade 7 ELA
25
22
Grade 8 ELA
6
24
Grade 3 Math
13
37
Grade 4 Math
21
28
Grade 5 Math
25
33
Grade 6 Math
47
24
Grade 7 Math
50
23
Grade 8 Math
7
11
NYS State Regents Examinations
New York
State
32
32
29
28
28
34
42
42
39
37
32
22
The table below shows the 2014 performance of students passing and
scoring in the mastery level for each examination.
2014
2013 NYS Results
New York
State
Regents
Exam
Percent
Pass
(Score
65-100)
Percent Percent
Mastery
Pass
(Score
(Score
85-100) 65-100)
Percent
Mastery
(Score
85-100)
English
Global
History
US History
Int. Algebra
Geometry
Algebra II /
Trig
Earth
Science
Living
Environment
73
32
77
27
36
4
71
30
75
73
35
35
0
0
79
74
74
45
17
24
33
0
66
39
76
20
71
31
85
8
76
31
Chemistry
67
22
76
21
The table below shows the 2013-2014 performance of students
passing and scoring on the Common Core Assessments
ODY
Regents
55-64% 65-78% 79-84%
85100%
13-14
CC ELA
19
25
25
13
13-14
CC
Algebra
20
65
10
0
1
For more information about school report cards, please visit:
https://reportcards.nysed.gov/
“A school of distinction” College and Career Pathways
As we continue to prepare our students for their college
experience, our district is one of thirty-three being recognized
as a school of distinction by College For Every Student
(CFES). CFES is a global leader in helping underserved
students gets to and through college and ready to enter the
workforce. The "School of Distinction" award recognizes
CFES schools that have exemplary programs incorporating the
three CFES core practices: Mentoring, Leadership through
Service, and Pathways to College. Owen D. Young was
recognized as a school that provides intensive exposure to the
three practices and promotes college readiness for all students.
Students involved are; Emma Peters, Misty Hess, Milleta
Oldick, Alyson Herringshaw and Jeff Yaun.
SUNY IT MANUFACTURING DAY
ODY Students linked with the “School to Careers”
program. On Friday, Oct. 3rd, some of our students
experienced job opportunities and a taste of the new era of
manufacturing in the region during Made in the Mohawk
Valley, a Manufacturing Day event, at the Utica Campus of
SUNY Polytechnic Institute. This event hosted close to 800
manufacturers and students from across the region, and allowed
the students to learn more about manufacturing and potential
jobs in the area. SUNY Polytechnic Institute Chief Operating
Officer Bob Geer said that with the long history of
manufacturing in the Mohawk Valley, the industry often makes
people think of old brick buildings and mills. “It’s not that way
anymore,” he said. “Manufacturing is the cutting edge.” Made
in the Mohawk Valley was put on by the SUNY Polytechnic
Institute, recently renamed from SUNYIT after merging with
the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering in Albany,
with help from the Workforce Development Institute, Working
Solutions and other organizations. Mr. Busch and Mr. Waters
along with 14 of our sophomore students participated in the
event. Students were able to connect with local and regional
business and industries representatives/owners as they gathered
information on the current job market, opportunities for
successful career, and the educational background needed to
obtain a meaningful career.
Proposed Program Scope
UP
4TH GRADE
UP
UP
GIRLS' TOILET BOYS' TOILET
TLT
FACULTY RM
CORRIDOR
UP
UP
UP
OFFICE
6TH GRADE
UP
VESTIBULE
BUSINESS
EDUCATION
DISTANCE
LEARNING
MULTI- PURPOSE
PRACTICE
UP
CORRIDOR
BOYS' TOILET
KINDERGARTEN CR
GUIDANCE
STORAGE
CAFETERIA/
STUDY HALL
JH/ SH ENGLISH
UP
GYMNASIUM BELOW
UP
CORR
UP
1ST GRADE CR
STORAGE
TLT
NURSE
UP
SCIENCE
EXTERIOR DECK
KITCHEN
CORRIDOR
OFFICE
UP
BOYS' TOILET
STORAGE
STORAGE
LIBRARY
UP
SCIENCE LAB
UP
CORRIDOR
LOBBY
MECHANICAL
UP
UP
UP
UP
VAULT
GIRLS'
TOILET
CAFETERIA
SOCIAL STUDIES
UP
UP
UP
CORRIDOR
OFFICE
BOYS' TOILET
GIRLS' TOILET
2ND GRADE CLASSROOM
BOYS LOCKER
GIRLS'
RMLOCKER RM
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
Scale: NTS
Scale: NTS
Secure Visitor Entry
Relocated Media Center
Student Entry/Relocated Main Office
Renovated Science Rooms Above
Project Cost-
$3,240,000
Owen D. Young
Central School District
2015 Capital Project
Public Hearing: December 3, 2014
Time: 5:30pm
Location: Auditorium
Public Vote: December 9, 2014
Time: 12:00pm- 8:00pm
Location: Library
03/19/2014
STORAGE
Pre Referendum Project, #1444-4934
3RD GRADE
Owen D Young School District
5TH GRADE
Voter Qualifications:
1. Citizen of the United States of America
2. Eighteen or more years of age
3. District resident 30 days or more
preceding the vote
4. No registration necessary
Absentee Ballots:
Absentee Ballots and further information
regarding instructions for submission are
available by contacting the District Office
at 858-0729 between the hours of 8:00am
and 3:00pm.
A Message From
The Board President
Our Team
Community Members:
Jeff Rupp
Janine Pashley
Bonnie Nestle
Jeff Crouse
Sue Jordan
Lisa Wilber
Jordan Clements
Donald Monk
Board Members:
Q Marshall
District Administrators:
Chris Groves
Jodie Rodriquez
Brennan Fahey
Consultants:
Bernard P. Donegan, Inc.
King + King Architects
Appel Osborne Landscape
Sack & Associates
Lighting Upgrade
I am pleased to present to you our plan to address the
long-term needs of our District through the proposed 2015
capital project. A few months ago, the Board of Education
created a facilities committee charged with the task of
reviewing the potential of such a project. The committee,
made up of school district employees, community members,
and Board of Education representatives, working with our
architects; King & King, Architects of Syracuse, NY; took
into consideration the school district’s 2010 Building
Condition Survey, discussions regarding the long-term
commitment to provide an excellent education for our
students and the EXCEL funding guidelines that require any
project to focus on the areas of health, safety and security,
energy efficiency, technology, and physical capacity expansion.
The recommendation of the committee is to embark on a
project that will meet many of the district’s goals, address
problems within our aging buildings, and prepare Owen D.
Young to serve our community for many years to come.
The Board of Education voted in October to send this
proposal to the voters for approval. We welcome our
community and taxpayers to take part in one of the presentations we will conduct or to contact the school district with
any questions.
Sincerely,
Linda Tharp
Infrastructure Improvements
Student Drop-off Improvements
Proposed Scope
Safety and Security
• Create single point of entry and parent
drop off
• Relocate Media Center
• Replace playground and surfacing
• Add key fobs at entrances (5)
• Cameras
• Fire alarm system upgrades
Infrastructure Improvements
• Address water infiltration at dormers
• Provide relief air path at various
classrooms
• Provide exhaust for custodial closets and
replace various exhaust fans
• Relocate 4” septic vent location away from
Auditorium intake location
• Replace fuel oil pumps and daytank in
Boiler Room #2
• Connect bells/phone/PA on VOIP (if
wireless)
• Replace grease trap in Kitchen-separate
dishwater discharge from grease trap
• Exhaust for Woodworking Shop fumes
• Crawlspace moisture control under Main
Office and Kindergarten wings
• Heat & ventilate pool locker rooms and
adjacent areas
Secure Entry for Students /Visitors
Accessibility
• Create student entry-relocated main
office
• ADA bathroom upgrades
• Renovate science labs
Energy Performance
• Insulate roof in original building
• Upgrade non-DDC building controls
to DDC and integrate with Building
Management Systems
• Insulate Domestic Hot Water
storage tank
Possible Alternate Work
• Interior classroom and office lighting
upgrades with automatic controls
• Provide demand-controlled ventilation
for gym and single zone VAV control
• Convert gym and auditorium lighting
from HID and incandescent to
dimmed LED
• Convert exterior pole lights to LED
Science Classroom Renovations
Owen D. Young Central School
Board of Education
Linda Tharp, President
Quendryth Marshall, Vice President
George Mower, Trustee
Paul Kennerknecht, Trustee
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #1
Van Hornesville
N. Y.
November 2014 Newsletter
Fall Edition 1
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
NOVEMBER
7 & 8 All County Music Festival at CVA
10 Board of Education Meeting 6:00 pm
11 Veterans Day No School
19 National Honor Society Fund Raiser
19 & 20 Parent Teacher Conferences - Early Dismissal
12:50 pm
21 & 22 Area All State Music Festival
25 Go Home Early Drill Student Dismissal 2:50
26 – 28 Thanksgiving Recess No School
DECEMBER
3 Capital Project Public Hearing Time 5:30 Auditorium
3 Elementary Concert 7:00 pm Gymnasium
6 Holiday Pancake Breakfast sponsored by Art Club
9 Capital Project Vote Time 12:00-8:00pm Library
9 High School Concert 7:30 pm Auditorium
10 Board of Education Meeting 6:00
12 Dance sponsored by Sophomore Class
16 Jr. National Honor Society Inductions
19 Sr. Citizens’ Holiday Dinner 1:00 Auditorium
22 Jan. 2 Winter Recess No School
JANUARY
Winter recess continues through Jan. 2
12 - BOE Meeting
19 - No School Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
26-29 - NYS Regents Exams
30 - Grades Close for 2nd Quarter
FEBRUARY
9 - BOE Meeting
9-13th - 10th grade Fund Raiser
14 - Semi Formal Dance sponsored by Science Club
16-20 NO SCHOOL Mid-Winter Recess
Senior Residents of the
Owen D. Young School District
You are cordially invited to a
Holiday Dinner
Friday, December 19, 2014
at 1p.m.
In the School Auditorium
(Handicapped Accessible)
Please R.S.V.P. to the school office
By December 16 to confirm your attendance
(315) 858-0729 Extension “0”
Sponsored by
“The Whole O.D.Y. School Family”
Superintendent’s Message
Happy Fall! The new school year has gotten off to a running
start! There have been many things happening throughout our
district since the start of school in September. We continue to
place a heavy emphasis on teachers creating their lesson plans
and activities based on the Common Core standards for all
subjects in all grade levels. The Common Core Learning
Standards represent the most significant increase in student
expectations New York schools have ever faced.
The state assessment results released these past few months
reveal momentum toward meeting the new rigorous
expectations. Since this is the first opportunity we have had to
measure success based on these new standards, comprehensive
conclusions about our local results and student growth will
require more time and analysis.
I am proud of the work our teachers, guidance counselor,
and building principal have done and continue to do to support
our instructional practices. We are four years into a 12 year
effort to graduate students who are college and career ready; a
goal our school and teachers are working very hard to meet.
Our teachers are a very collaborative group and have done an
excellent job of supporting one another through curriculum
changes. We are motivated by the challenge to increase
instructional relevance for our students.
As a district, we have adopted and adapted the use of the
Common Core modules. Our work will continue this year as
we dig deeper into our data and broaden our opportunities to
support teachers, parents, students and administrators. As you
review the changes in test scores, please keep in mind that it
does not mean students are learning less or that teachers are
performing less than the previous year. This is the first year in
which similar Common Core assessment formats can be
compared, taking the place of previous testing standards.
Central School
We all want our children to be successful in their educational
goals; to be productive members of their community and to
make an impact on societal change. We are at the forefront of
this new beginning, with a bright and promising future on the
horizon. It has been, and will continue to be, my honor to work
diligently for you, your child and our community.
Sincerely,
Christopher M. Groves
Reminder for our Parents:
Please consider signing up for our SchoolTool
Parent Portal if you have not already done so.
The Portal provides you with internet access to
your child’s attendance and grades. It is updated
daily.
For more information or assistance with
registering, please contact the guidance
department. 858-0729 ext. 4.
For more information about our school, please visit:
www.odyoungcsd.org
www.facebook.com/odycsd
Twitter: @odyoungcsd
OR contact us at 858-0729