From the Superintendent

I look forward to updating the community with news briefs about programs, achievements and events. Also, when necessary I will correct inaccurate information that may be circulating on the community grapevine.
Congratulations:

October 1, 2009
 Seventy Four Nyack High School Students Named College Board Advanced Placement Scholars - NEW!

Nyack High School has Six Students Recognized as National Merit Scholars - NEW!

June 19, 2009
We are proud to announce the following honors to our students:

  • Lower Hudson Council of Superintendent’s Engineering/Architecture/Science/Math & Technology Scholarship to graduating senior CHRISTOPHER QUINTANO, who will be attending Princeton University this fall.  Christopher is also the Class of ’09 Valedictorian.
     

  • Two members of the Nyack Drama Club’s spring musical “Disco Inferno” earned National Youth Theater recognition in their 2008-09 Awards program. This year more than 200 productions were considered for the awards, including shows from more than 100 different theatres in more than 60 cities spanning 20 states.

The award winners were selected from nominations by a panel of twelve judges and reviewers.

Congratulations to:
National Youth Theater Award to DAISY KRIKUN for a Supporting Actress in a Musical: and a National Youth Theater Nomination to JAMES GREENBERG for Supporting Actor in a Musical.

The NHS Drama Club has received a prestigious nomination for an Arts in Education Award, part of the Art Council of Rockland’s County Executive Awards.  Winners will be announced at the annual event on May 7.

NHS National Merit Scholarship Finalists Christopher Quintana, and Eun Yong Kim.  Finalists are comprised of less than 1% of all students taking the PSAT exams in the nation. 

The District applied for and received a $5200 grant to combat underage drinking.  The “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” program, which the grant will fund, will bring greater awareness to the legal ramifications and consequences of serving alcohol to minors.  It is part of the District’s efforts to focus on the issue.

Save the date for the Parent Institute on the subject on April 1.

Messages:

Welcome Back Letter for the 2009-10 School Year


WELLNESS PROGRAM LAUNCHES NEW SCHOOL LUNCH OFFERINGS

Through the ongoing work with our Wellness Committee a number of changes have come about in our school lunch program this year, which is continuing to be run by Aramark: 

  • Chocolate milk has been eliminated as an offering in the elementary schools, and is still an option in the Middle and High Schools.
  • All 5 schools will serve only 1%, hormone and antibiotic free milk
  • No high fructose corn syrup will be allowed in any products purchased by Aramark (this does not apply to food obtained through Government commodities). 
  • All juices served will be 100% fruit juice and the serving size will be limited.

There has been some confusion especially in regards to condiments.  Please be advised that condiments (such as ketchup) have not been eliminated from our menu.  Unfortunately, there has been a delay with Aramark's orders for some of them.  The bid was not awarded until late August and some of Aramark's vendors were not able to fill the orders as quickly as needed. 

Again, these changes came about through the on-going work of our Wellness Committee.  As you know, Wellness is a major focus in school districts throughout New York State and we continue to make changes that will allow us to provide more nutritional meals and better food service.