December 13, 2005 From the Principal's Desk As we near the end of 2005 it is important to reflect upon the achievements we have made and the challenges that lie ahead. We are experiencing our first school wide contest in the form of the timeline. All teachers had the opportunity to experience the creation of a timeline in our PD activity and some have carried the experience to their students. Judging the best project will be difficult as the groups involved are enthusiastic and committed to creating the best timeline. The energy of students and staff during this contest period has led us to begin thinking about another school wide contest in the spring. The activity unites the school and makes students eager to learn. It is exciting to be a part of. The computer rooms continue to undergo transformation. We are providing staff training and redesigning the computer labs to maximize use by students. As we engage in more computer assisted instruction we see students as more active learners. This is the right direction for our school. In the area of GED testing we are still recovering from the loss of Steve Levin who took tremendous responsibility for the administration of the test. His passing has given us the task of rebuilding the "team" and ensuring that the members remain in constant contact. The goal of the examiners, with Dr. Curtis as the supervisor, is to ensure that in each site there are at least two staff members who are qualified to administer exams. The examiners must hold degrees and teach in other than GED preparation classes. An additional but extremely important quality is organization. The examiners have the responsibility to keep careful track of exam booklets and maintain logs that accurately reflect testing results. We are closely monitored by NYS Department of Education to maintain the right to be an official testing center. The staff members who are certified examiners must attend ongoing training sessions and meet regularly within the school to ensure adherence to the testing regulations. Staff interested in joining this team within our school must meet criteria noted in this paragraph and make a written request to me. We will be implementing the new UFT contract in February 2006. Accordingly the school day will be longer and we will be posting professional period activities with qualification criteria to ensure that all teachers have an activity that will assist students and the school operation. The menu of activities was shared with the UFT consultation committee prior to submission to the Chancellor^?s office for approval. The EMTC staff has experienced a radical change in their daily access to the school site. Many staff members have expressed concern for safety and ability to arrive and depart in accordance with school operation and contractual responsibility. On the day that Mark Korashan addressed the staff in the ARDC chapel, I requested UFT assistance to ensure that the site is safely accessible. One accommodation offered by the Department of Correction, is the assignment of an escort to ensure safety. The lack of consistency in this assignment is being addressed. It is not advisable to walk unescorted and I continue to request that you wait for the escort for both entering and leaving the school. We have had more than one very positive outcome from our court letters. It is evident by the response of the courts that judges are aware of our impact upon the lives of our students. Students should be made aware of the fact that we can write letters telling of their accomplishments for the judges to consider. The courts are aware, as are we, that a young person who seriously engages in the educational program is more likely to make a successful transition to the community. The holidays are approaching. It is my hope that our Island Academy community has a most restful and peaceful vacation with opportunities to enjoy family and friends. Peace

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