A message from Dr. Wiles:
Dear GCSD Families,
April promises to be a noteworthy month! In addition to concerts, art exhibitions and musical performances, there will be the rare occurrence of a solar eclipse, visible in many parts of Upstate New York. In addition, for the first time, the Guilderland Central School District will be closed on April 10 in observance of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. This day off for students was championed by a group of Guilderland High School students, who approached the board of education with a thoughtful rationale and request. Their advocacy is a perfect example of students feeling empowered to “elevate their voices” to affect change in their school community and shape their educational environment.
The district newsletter, which is now arriving in the mailboxes of all Guilderland residents, will have many more examples of student expression that takes place daily in GCSD classrooms.
Information regarding grades 3-8 upcoming NYS assessments
Families with students in grades 3-8 recently received a ParentSquare message about New York State (NYS) annual assessments for English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, which will be administered in a few short weeks. That information can also be found on the district website.
Important upcoming dates
- No school Friday, Mar. 29-Friday, April 5 for spring recess
- Early dismissal Monday, April 8; students will dismiss at the following times:
- Guilderland High School 10:30 a.m.
- Farnsworth Middle School 11:45 a.m.
- Elementary schools 1:00 p.m.
- No school Wednesday, April 10 for Eid al-Fitr. District and building offices are open.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee openings
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the GCSD Board of Education will be starting its fifth year of work in September 2024. Soon it will be time to begin recruiting new members to the committee to replace those who have fulfilled their term. We will be seeking two students, two parents, three staff members and three community members to fill ten openings. The purpose of the committee is to provide direction, support and oversight for the school district’s work to become more diverse, equitable, inclusive through its policies, practices and programs. Please consider serving on this committee; when school resumes after the spring recess the school community will be notified about the application process.
I’d like to leave you with some photos of today’s GHS Cultural Fair. An annual tradition, this event is sponsored by the International Club and features games, performances and food to celebrate the many cultures of our school community.
Thank you for your continued support of Guilderland Central School District students and our school community. I hope you have an enjoyable spring recess.
Sincerely,
Marie Wiles, Ph.D.
Superintendent