Superintendent's Message

Holiday 2009

The first marking period is now history, and it is a good time for all of us to reflect on our performance thus far this school year. Students should be examining first quarter report cards in an attempt to determine how they will maintain or improve upon good work and develop strategies for how to go about remediating poor grades. Parents should be assisting in this process. Our students may need help to improve, but are unwilling to ask. If we in the schools can be of any assistance, do not hesitate to call on us.

At our back-to-school convocation in September we challenged everybody in the district – teachers, administrators, Board members and support staff – to do their part in moving the district from good to great. We talked about how fostering teamwork creates a work culture that values collaboration. I could not be more pleased and gratified by the response of the district’s employees. People are beginning to believe and understand that thinking, planning, decision-making and taking action are better when done cooperatively. They are recognizing and even beginning to assimilate the belief that none of us is as good as all of us.

Amityville’s students will also benefit from the numerous initiatives instituted just this school year. Before and after school child care is now available in our elementary schools, and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, which provides comprehensive after school programming has begun. An evening component for the district’s parents and adults will follow soon. The Supplementary Educational Services (SES) program for eligible students is also in place. These services feature private providers who meet with students after school hours to tutor them in basic skills. Parents will choose providers, and can view a complete listing by visiting the News Flash section of the district website (www.amityvilleufsd.org). We’ve created a new district elementary school report card, which is aligned to New York State standards and, for the first time, is now computerized. We’ve adopted a new textbook series for reading/ELA, which will provide a consistent approach across the whole district and articulation across the grades.

These innovations would not have been possible without the cooperation of all of the employee groups and the support of our Board of Education and parents. With this kind of continued effort, greatness will soon be within our grasp.

All the best of the holiday season to all.