Altamont Elementary School Named Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

Congratulations to Altamont principal Peter Brabant, former principal Susan Tangorre, students, parents and staff. On Tuesday, October 2, 2007, Altamont Elementary School was named a school of excellence by the national No Child Left Behind – Blue Ribbon Schools Program. Altamont Elementary is one of only 16 schools from throughout New York State – and one of 287 schools from across the country – to be recognized with this prestigious designation.

Altamont Elementary School was nominated to apply for this honor last fall by the New York State Department of Education based on assessment scores, enrollment data, and student and teacher attendance rates from the school year prior to the date of application (2005-06). “Every staff member, parent, and student had a role in achieving this award,” said Brabant. “Altamont Elementary School is a Blue Ribbon School in a blue ribbon district and community. This honor demonstrates what can happen when hard-working students, a professional staff, and supportive parent-community work together to improve the academic future for young people.”

Under the Federal No Child Left Behind legislation, schools must make Adequate Yearly Progress, or AYP, in reading and language arts and mathematics. Each state – not the federal government – sets its own academic standards and benchmark goals.

During the 2005-06 school year in the area of language arts, 81% of the students in grades 3-5 at Altamont Elementary School scored at a proficiency level of 3 or 4, indicating meeting or exceeding the state standards for Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. In addition, during the 2006-06 school year in the area of mathematics, 93% of the students in grades 3-5 at AES scored a proficiency level of 3 or 4, indicating meeting or exceeding the state standards for the content area of mathematics. Over the past three years, 96% of the students in grade 4 met or exceeded the state standards for the science performance assessment. Throughout the same time period, the test results for grade 5 students in the area of social studies shows an average of 98% of the students met or exceeded the state standards.

By grade 5, over 90% of the students at Altamont Elementary School scored at or above the state standard on all assessments of the four core areas.

Brabant, along with a teacher representative yet to be named, will travel to Washington, D.C. later this fall to accept the award. For more information on the No Child Left Behind – Blue Ribbons Schools Program, please visit: http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs

Farnsworth Science News

Demian Singleton, FMS math and science supervisor, reports that the Farnsworth garden project has grown and donated over 2600 pounds of fresh organic produce to the Capital Region Food Bank. There were over 150 students who contributed to the maintenance and harvesting of the garden produce since last spring. We also had many community volunteers who graciously donated their time and labor. We are always looking for members of our community who might be interested in helping us to sustain this noble program. Interested volunteers can contact Demian or Alan Fiero for additional information.

Also, Carol Kelly coordinated and hosted the first annual Hurricane Teleconference as part of her Extreme Science Enrichment program. Over 30 students from grades 6-8 signed up and participated in real time investigation of hurricane science. The conference was facilitated by renowned meteorologists from the Weatherbug program. Dr. Kathy Perry also contributed to the coordination of this exciting event. This is just one example of the many activities that are being offered as part of the new Extreme math and Science. You will be hearing much more as the year unfolds.

FMS Staff to Present at New York State Middle School Conference

Lynne Wells, FMS language arts, social studies and reading supervisor, and Demian Singleton, math and science supervisor, will present a workshop, “Curriculum Mapping: The Nuts and Bolts,” at the New York State Middle School Association’s 27th Annual Conference October 18-20 in Saratoga Springs. Congratulations to Lynne and Demian.

Music Information

Congratulations to High School music teacher Rae Jean Teeter who received notification from Rider University that former Guilderland student Elizabeth Allen has been honored with the Andres J. Rider Scholar recognition for top students at the University. Top students are asked to name a HS teacher who best prepared them for college and Elizabeth named Rae Jean.