Student assessments just got more difficult.  The State Education Department (SED) analyzed how students in grades 3-8 performed on state tests and found that our students’ level of proficiency were not where they need to be.  NYS Commissioner Steiner has stated that “everyone will have to work more effectively together to ensure that all children in New York State get the knowledge and skills they need”.  Therefore, we (parents, students, board members, teachers and administrators) need to rally together to support the necessary efforts to achieve higher standards. 

This year, we have identified Community Pride as our focus and theme.  We want and need to energize the work of education.  The importance and value of attaining an education should be embraced by the entire community.

As part of this focus and theme, we would like to engage the community in a project that looks at the history of Richfield Springs.  The goal would be to create a historic rich environment that enables our students to know the unique story of their community.  We would like to invite members of the community who would be willing to assist in the research, the artifacts, the memories of years past.

The notion behind the project is that our students would read, write, investigate and synthesize information.  The culminating event would be a community-wide presentation on the information and discoveries that were made through this project.  The concept of Community Pride could be shared collectively.

I truly believe our school and community are resilient and steadfast in its ability to overcome obstacles.  This year will be one of those times that the entire community can demonstrate who we are and what we can do.  Please join us in this challenge to create opportunities for our students and be part of their successes.  We welcome you to be part of our Pride in the Community effort.