LOCATION

A primarily residential community in Rockland County, Nyack's approximately 23,000 residents live in six villages and hamlets:  Central Nyack, Nyack, South Nyack, Upper Grandview, Upper Nyack and Valley Cottage.  Situated 20 miles north of mid-Manhattan, just over the Tappan Zee Bridge, the District encompasses eight square miles that embody the best of the old and the new.  Located along the banks of the Hudson River, the District is distinguished by charming antique shops, modern shopping malls, picturesque park lands, a major hospital, a variety of housing options and easy access to major transportation modes leading to a host of academic and cultural resources.

 

Visit the Village of Nyack Official Web Site for more information about Nyack, NY.

(click on map to enlarge)

COMMUNITY

Nyack's rich blend of races, cultures, religions and socio-economic groups form a population mix that is both a genuine source of pride and valuable educational resource.  The community's participation is sought for task forces, planning committees, cultural activities, and site based management teams.  At each building PTA groups are providing abundant enrichment and support to the schools.  Interaction between the District and the community is a priority, drawing all together in a partnership aimed at shaping a dynamic future for both students and residents.

FACILITIES

In the early 1990s the District completed a visionary facilities improvement program.  The plan included the construction of a new high school and renovation and expansion of the elementary and middle schools.  The projects created energy-efficient space for modern computer labs, media centers, gyms, a High School TV studio, and more classrooms to meet increased student needs.

INSTRUCTION

Nyack's thrust is for each student to excel in his or her own special way.  Through extensive educational, artistic, enrichment, and recreational opportunities each child is encouraged to become a well-rounded, enthusiastic learner.  In all curriculum areas skills in critical thinking, communication and computer applications are developed and interdisciplinary, hands-on learning is emphasized.  Success for every child is emphasized through ongoing assessment of every student’s progress, and programs to help every child improve. To meet diverse student needs, a sensitive professional staff provides a team approach for students with learning difficulties and the most able students are challenged by enriched curriculum and advanced placement courses.  After-School reading, tutorial and homework programs are part of a strong commitment to intervention and supports for universal student success. Students are also helped to understand and respond to such contemporary areas as conflict resolution, bias awareness, substance and sexual abuse, health related issues, and diverse family structures. Ongoing curriculum development and revision reflect Nyack's commitment to excellence, and alignment with New York State standards.  In conjunction, effective teaching strategies are reinforced via ongoing staff training provided by both the District and Nyack's own faculty-run Teachers' Center.

STATE REPORT CARD

The District's primary goal in the past two years has been to challenge all students to reach their highest potential and prepare them to meet the State's new graduation requirements. With continuous improvement as the objective, there is ongoing assessment of each student's progress and instruction modifications when necessary. The New York State Report Card (click on "Directories") issued in March, comparing Nyack's student performance results with those in similar schools (Those with similar socio-economic make-up) over a three year period, is both an additional evaluation tool and a planning road map. This District continues to emphasize that excellence is not a place, but a journey. On the path to excellence there are numerous other indicators of success, such as student participation in more challenging courses. A combination of varied measures gives a more accurate profile of a District's success and each should be monitored regularly. As one of the monitoring tools, the State Report Card helps point us in the right direction.

PHILOSOPHY

Enveloping all District efforts is the fostering of self-esteem and respect for one another which touches on the heart of a Nyack education:  believing in oneself to become the best one can be. In a sincere collaborative spirit, shared decision-making is geared, as are all District efforts, to helping each student successfully meet the challenges of the 21st century. COMMITTED TO EACH STUDENT'S SUCCESS The foundation for Nyack's goals is summed up in a Mission Statement created by the entire school community.  Based on its collective values and vision, the school community has pledged to:                                                              Nurture a love of learning                                                             Yield positive outcomes                                                             Appreciate diversity                                                             Care for each other                                                             Keep on the path to excellence

DATA HIGHLIGHTS

Enrollment: (as of 9/08) Liberty School (K-5) 452 Upper Nyack School (K-5) 428 Valley Cottage School (K-5) 452 Nyack Middle School (6-8) 607 Nyack High School (9-12) 923 Out of District Placements   54   Total      2916 Ethnic Composition: White: 55% Black: 24% Asian/Pacific Islander: 9% Hispanic: 12% American Indian: 0% Average Class Size: (K-5) 20.5; (6-12) 24 Transportation Eligibility: 1 mile or more for students gr. K-8 1.5 miles or more for students gr. 9-12 Fiscal: 2008-09 Budget: $68,890,160 Students with Free/Reduced Lunch: 20% Achievement Highlights: NYS has designated all Nyack Schools, as well as the District as High Performing and /Gap Closing for three consecutive years 93% of ’08 graduates continue on to college 75 NHS Advanced Placement Scholars – top 15% of US students taking the AP exams for possible college credit 21 Advanced Placement Courses Offered Over 70 After-School Clubs and teams are offered Family Resource Centers in the elementary and middle Schools Robotics Engineering curriculum taught in grades K-1 and 6-8 Spanish taught in the elementary schools gr. 1-5  Top Honors for: NHS County #1 Academic League NHS County & regional #1 Mock Trial Team NHS Mock Trial Team #1 Attorneys in Princeton Debates Chamber Orchestra and Advanced Chorus in Boston Festival NHS Senior in the American Legion Oratorical Contest NHS National Merit Scholars:  1 Winner, 3 Finalists, 6 Commended Three Journal News Scholar Athletes Seven NYS Scholar Athlete Teams (combined team grade averages of over 90% NHS Drama Club Chosen as one of six schools nationally to premiere “Phantom of the Opera” in HS…won six national HS Musical awards. Special Program Sampler:   After-school programs for reading, homework, and enrichment are held in school and at community sites. Artists-in-Residence enrich curriculum. Center for Success, a High School learning center, is open to all students during the day. DaVinci Center at the High School houses a TV Studio and state-of-the-art computer lab. Family Resource Centers at the elementary and middle schools assist all District families in helping children develop and achieve to their full potential. Nyack Teacher Center supports and customizes staff training. Olweus Bullying Prevention Program: The Program was implemented last year in grades K-8.  This is a multi level, multi component school-based program designed to prevent or reduce bullying.  It seeks to restructure the existing school environment to reduce opportunities and rewards for bullying through the actions of staff.  Staff work to improve peer relations and make the school a safe and positive place for students to learn and develop.  Project S.E.E. (Student Enrichment Experiences) is a 6th grade, two-day camping trip to engender respect for others, and the environment. Sister Schools at the High School involves reciprocal exchanges with students in France, and Senegal. WISE (Wise Individualized Senior Experience) provides high school seniors with structured community internships for credit.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT in the schools is encouraged on all levels. Community members are invited to join shared decision-making teams at the school and District level, as well as to share their talents and experiences with our students. Input is welcomed a t bimonthly public Board meetings, or via letters or phone calls to District Offices. If you would like to volunteer in the schools, please call the building or the Public Information Office.   GUIDANCE SERVICES at the Middle School and Senior High Schools offer individual counseling for academic and social adjustment, program scheduling, post high school preparation and career guidance.   Conferences can be arranged with teachers, administrators, school psychologists, social workers, nurses and the school/community counselor.   Parents are encouraged to meet with counselors to discuss their child's progress and to attend pertinent evening meetings (see calendar) as well. To arrange afternoon and evening meetings, call the Guidance Office.   PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES are held formally twice a year at the elementary schools and once a year at the Middle and High Schools (see listings). During conferences teachers report on a child's academic progress, and social development.   Parents are urged to attend and share information about their child in order to promote better understanding of the student. Additional conferences may be scheduled at any time and concerns and questions should be addressed to the teacher as they arise.   RECORDS AND RIGHTS: The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act acknowledges parents' right to know what appears in their child's educational records. Records are available through school principals or the Guidance Office.   Parents have the right to challenge record information, to place a written rebuttal in the file and to exercise some control over disclosure of records. In accordance with these rights, the Nyack Public Schools will not disclose information from students' records without prior written request of a parent or eligible (18 or over) student, except as permitted by law. A record of requests for information disclosures is maintained and may be seen by those eligible.   Anyone seeking to change a record or see the complete Privacy Act should contact the Superintendent's Office. SCHOOL MEALS, both breakfast and lunch, based on federal nutritional guidelines are served in each school. Prices are $1.00 for breakfast (gr. K-5) and $1.25 (gr. 6-12) and $2.25 for lunch (gr. K-5), $2.50 (gr. 6-12). FREE OR REDUCED MEALS ARE AVAILABLE BASED ON INCOME LEVELS. Call Karen Sher at 353-7033 for more information.   SENIOR CITIZENS (over age 65) who are residents of the school District are eligible for a Gold Card which entitles them to free admissions to Nyack Schools' cultural and sports events. If they do not have a gold card they can show proof of residency and also be admitted for free.   A school tax exemption on a sliding scale of up to 50% of assessed property valuation is available to senior residents with an annual income of less than $18,500. Information is available directly from the Tax Assessor's Office in either Clarkstown or Orangetown.   Seniors are invited to share their time in our schools in our classrooms and offices. These efforts are coordinated with the R.S.V.P. (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) and Foster Grandparents programs. Interested seniors should call the Public Information office for details.   The Public Information Office is available as a resource for all information concerning the District. Contact GAIL FLEUR (Phone: 845-353-7013, Fax: 845-353-7019) at the Administration Building with requests, comments, and suggestions.