Open House was a hit...and upcoming dates

I would like to thank all of the parents who attended the Middle School Open House on Thursday night. It is always nice to see everyone as they walk an evening in their children's footsteps.

It is hard to believe we are already into our third week of classes. Some upcoming events for the MS include Picture Day on October 5 and 6. Students will have their pictures taken in their Physical Education classes on those days.

We also have our second MS Dance on September 30th. This dance is sponsored by the class of 2013.

In October we will also be conducting the first round of a new assessment called the NWEA. This assessment will be given three times a year in math. reading, and language. Its purpose is to provide teachers with an accurate, measurable benchmark of student knowledge, skill level, and progress so they can better meet the needs of our students. There will be more information on the NWEA in the upcoming weeks.

On Oct. 4, the sixth-grade class will be attending a concert entitled "Bach to Beatles". The concert will take place in the afternoon at the Elementary School. Students will be bused to the ES at 12:30 p.m. for the 1 p.m. concert. After the concert students will either participate in a band clinic or music activity hosted by the DCS Music Department. The students will board the buses at the Elementary School on time for a regular dismissal. Thank you Mrs. Waltz for inviting us!

MS Dance & Open House Reminders

We are one week into the new school year and things are going very well. Mrs. Longo and I are settling in to our new space nicely and although we are still putting the finishing touches on it, it is beginning to feel like home.

This Friday is the first in a series of MS dances. This week the dance is sponsored by the Class of 2012. These dances are always a lot of fun for the students, and we have had some wonderful DJs over the years. The dress attire is "School Casual". We ask students to dress comfortably but remember to abide by the school dress code. The dance will begin at 6:30p.m.  and end promptly at 9 p.m. We hope to see you all there!

Parents, don't forget that the MS/HS Open House is Thursday, September 22 at 6:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you!

First Day Success!

Welcome back, everyone. We had a terrific first day of school today! It was great to see all of the returning--and new--students walking the halls and attending classes today.

Among the many new happenings in the Duanesburg Middle School this year, one of them is this blog. One of my personal goals as the Middle School Principal this year is to communicate more with parents and students about all the fantastic things happening in our school and classrooms.

I've decided to take a 21st-century approach to reaching out to parents by using this blog as a way to keep people informed, to remind parents and students of important dates and school events, and announce other school-related information.

I, of course, can still be reached via the school voicemail system and through email, but I am hoping that my blog will keep everyone informed. Don't forget to check back again.

September 2011 Middle School News

On Tuesday, August 23 students from this year's 6th grade class visited the middle school where they located the lockers they will use next year as well as practiced working the combinations on their locks.  At the same time athletes arrived on campus to begin practice for fall sports. This annual tradition signaled the end of summer and the rapidly approaching 2011-2012 school year. 

When the rest of the Duanesburg middle school students arrive on the first day of school, Thursday, September 8, they will find a few new changes:

• The Middle School Main Office has moved! You can find Mrs. Longo and me in the former Guidance Office Suite across from the Nurse's Office. We are excited about our new office and look forward to being located in the middle school section of the building. 
• Middle School teacher Mrs. Molyneaux has accepted a position in the Elementary School.  We wish her the best of luck.
• We welcome Ms. Lisa DiBella as our new 6th grade teacher.  Ms. DiBella will be teaching ELA 6 and science and will be located in Room 305. Look for her bio in the September 2011 Back-to-School newsletter that was mailed to all residents in late August or visit the district website, http://www.duanesburg.org/ to view it online

We are excited about the upcoming year and the challenges we will face together.  If you have questions or concerns please call or email me.

Mark Your Calendar: 

• September 8: Classes begin
• September 22: Open House at 6:30 p.m.
• October 5: Picture Day
• October 7: Professional Development/Half-day, 11:10 a.m. dismissal