Notes from Staff Communication

Staff Schedules & Room Changes

  • Staff schedules for the upcoming year will be finalized and distributed early next week.
  • Room changes will be minimal, with conversations about necessary moves completed by midday this Monday.

Regents Exams

  • The school faced an unprecedented number of Regents Exams, requiring significant time and effort from staff.
  • There was an increase in suspected "misadministrations" (potential cheating), leading to more paperwork.
  • Initial shipment of English versions of exams was missing, requiring urgent pickup from BOCES.

Portfolio System vs. Regents

  • Feedback from the last PD highlighted concerns about the rigor of the portfolio system compared to the Regents exams.
  • The school aims to integrate project/portfolio work as a non-negotiable vehicle for learning and assessment.
  • Regents exams cover a broad range of topics but may not support non-traditional learners effectively.

Major Life Event (MLE) Policy

  • 30 out of 32 seniors were rejected for the Major Life Event policy, which would have exempted them from Regents exams due to traumas.
  • The state clarified that the MLE policy requires an "acute" reason that literally prevented students from taking the exam.
  • The school will regroup and support these students for August Regents and summer school review.

Future Changes & Initiatives

  • The school anticipates a new system in NYS by Fall 2027, potentially changing the role of Regents.
  • The school is working towards using portfolio pathways for graduation, increasing rigor and support, and tying it into community opportunities.
  • There will be a focus on literacy and portfolio development, as well as attendance and parent communication/engagement.

Scheduling Variables

  • Projected enrollment of 9th-grade students and the number of students needing AIS courses for Regents review could impact scheduling.
  • Increase in students with low level academic proficiency in their native language affects graduation rates and AIS needs.

End of Study Skills Advisory Class

  • Study Skills advisory class is discontinued in favor of literacy development programs (Bridges and Transitions).
  • Expanded ENL supports and additional stand-alone ENL classes will be implemented.

Upcoming School Year Theme: "UNITY"

  • The school-wide theme for the start of the next year is "UNITY."
  • Teachers are encouraged to connect their curriculum to this theme in the first two weeks.