In the Schools

Welcome to “Excellence in Elmsford”, an e-newsletter from the Superintendent’s desk. Thank you for taking the time to sign up and take advantage of this new outreach effort.

Budget Vote and School Board Election – THANK YOU!!!

I want to thank the Elmsford community for supporting the programs and services we provide by approving our proposed budget on May 20, 2008. I also want to congratulate Mrs. Betty Funny-Crosby on her re-election to the Elmsford Board of Education. Mrs. Funny-Crosby will begin her fourth year on the Board in July and is currently the Vice-President.

Important Meetings and Events

The end of the school year is quickly approaching and June is a very busy month in our schools. We have a Board of Education meeting scheduled for June 4, 2008, starting at 8:00 PM. At that time we will honor those staff members who are retiring at the end of the 2007-08 school year. The Elmsford PTA meets on June 18, starting at 6:30 PM in the Grady Library.

We have a number of school-based ceremonies planned for the month of June. Our First Grade moving up ceremony will take place at the Dixson School on June 25 at 9:30 AM. Grady’s Sixth Graders will have their graduation ceremony on June 26 at 9AM. Our Hamilton High School senior class will graduate on June 28 at Noon. Congratulations to all of the graduates.

See the Dates to Remember section below for more information about June 2008 events.

Administrative Changes

As you know, I will be retiring from the District as of June 30, 2008. My successor, Dr. Barbara Peters will begin her duties as Superintendent of Schools on July 1, 2008, and has already visited our schools several times since her appointment in March 2008.

I also want to welcome Phyllis A. Amori, who will be serving as the Principal of Alexander Hamilton High School starting on July 1, 2008. Ms. Amori has also visited our schools this spring and is getting acquainted with staff, students and community members.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Robert Hendrickson for his fine service to our district as Interim Principal during the 2007-08 school year. He has provided exemplary leadership and a fresh perspective on secondary education for our students, staff, parents and community.

State Recognition for Grady School

The Alice E. Grady Elementary School has once again been recognized for having closed the achievement gap between different groups of children who have met state standards. We are very proud of this achievement. Click here to read the article that was published in the May 16, 2008 edition of the Journal News. Congratulations to Mr. Wayne Harders, Principal, and the Dixson/Grady Staff.

In conclusion

Please read all of the information that comes home about our schools and check our website www.elmsd.org on a regular basis.

I have enjoyed serving the Elmsford community for the past six years and look forward to its continued success under Dr. Peters’ leadership. Have a great summer!

Carol Franks-Randall, Ed.D.

Superintendent’s Desktop

While the questions posed are fictitious, the responses provide real resources for parents.

Dear Dr. CFR,

My seventh grade daughter has received some email from an unknown source that contains derogatory comments. I’ve been telling her to just delete them, and fortunately the emails have stopped – for now. How can I help her to protect herself in the future?

Cyber-bullying on Cabot Avenue

Dear Cyber-bullying,

Cyber-bullying is a very upsetting practice that has gained popularity and frequency with the technological age. It is challenge for parents to help protect their children, but there are a few websites Stop Bullying Now and the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team that offer information and specific tips for parents and children. Please check the “Hot Topics” area of this E-newsletter to find even more information.

I would also suggest contacting your daughter’s guidance counselor or school psychologist to discuss this matter. They can be valuable resources as well.

Good luck and have a safe and wonderful summer!

Dr. Franks-Randall

Dates to Remember

Date	Event
June 3 and 4	New York State Grade 8 Social Studies Assessment
June 4	Board of Education Meeting – 8:00 PM Grady Library
June 5	Hamilton Awards and National Honor Society Ceremony – 7:00 PM
June 6	Grady Beginner Band and Recorder Concert – 10 AM – Milton A. Williams Jr. Performing Arts Center
June 11	Sixth Grade Dinner – 6:30 PM – Grady Gym
June 12	Athletic Awards Ceremony – 7:00 PM Grady Gym
June 12	Last day of classes at Hamilton
June 13	Donuts for Dads – 8:00 AM Dixson School
June 13	Hamilton Exams Begin – Click here to review the schedule
June 18	PTA Meeting -6:30 PM – Grady Library
June 19	Dixson/Grady Carnival 9:00 – 11:00AM
June 20	Grady Field Day
June 23	Grady Awards Ceremony – 10:00 AM
June 24, 25, 26	Early Dismissal – Grady 10:30 AM Dixson 10:50 AM
June 25	Dixson First Grady Moving-Up Ceremony 9:30 AM
June 26	Grady Sixth Grade Graduation – 9:00 AM – Grady Gym
June 28	Hamilton Graduation – 12 Noon Michael Arciola Memorial Field

Please check the District calendar on our website for additional information.