A look at activities in the Eldred Central School District
SCHOOL SCENE
A Special Supplement to the Sullivan County Democrat
SECTION E • FEBRUARY, 2016 • CALLICOON, NY
2E
ELDRED SCHOOL SCENE
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
FEBRUARY, 2016
Eldred Central School District: Taking a stand on education STORY AND PHOTO BY ALLISON RUEF
T
he teachers, administration and Board of Education at Eldred Central School District have honed in on two words that all feel is a critical skill for their students: “problem solving.� Sure, it’s simple to say “Isn’t this what school is all about?� But for those shaping the curriculum and policy in this “small but mighty� Sullivan County district, problem solving is about more than just answering questions or completing a test. Problem solving involves more than just studying and knowing an answer. It is a higher level skill that begins with defining a problem or asking a question, diagnosing a situation so the focus is on the problem and not just the symptoms, generating solutions, evaluating and selecting the best course of action, creating a solution and implementing it. At all levels, from Mackenzie Ele-
Eldred Superintendent Robert Dufour
mentary School through the juniorsenior high school, critical thinking and problem solving is the basis for most work that is happening in the dis-
trict. Without this essential foundation, all other work is meaningless. Eldred’s Superintendent Robert Dufour and the Board of Education
recently held a deep discussion about the big problem of education in New PLEASE SEE TAKING A STAND, 3E
We are always looking for great people to fill these positions: - Residential Associate
Options for All Ages:
- Teacher Associate
Career Building ~ College Prep ~ Online Courses ESOL Instruction ~ HS Equivalency Diplomas
- Whole Foods Chef - Registered Nurse (RNs) Become part of a dynamic group of professionals at the nation’s premier specialty center for children and adults with complex and chronic Human Resources Department 29 Holmes Road Monticello, NY 12701
disabilities, medical frailties and autism.
845 - 707 - 8300
Comprehensive Benefits, Staff Day Care and
The Region’s Employer of Choice:
Where Futures Begin & Dreams Are Achieved !
Innovative Employee Wellness Programs
Apply online at
(845) 295-4000 www.scboces.org
www.thecenterfordiscovery.org
10823
33107
or scan code with a smart device to appy now
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
FEBRUARY, 2016
TAKE A STAND: About public education Continued from page 2E
York State and how it affects Eldred. While it is clear that they won’t be able to solve New York’s education woes, they are taking a stand to express and make clear how they feel about it and what they believe is right (or wrong, as the case may be) for their students. After Superintendent Dufour’s 90 minute presentation to the Board of Education about common core, highstakes testing, APPR and curriculum development, the board decided to pass a resolution that states their position on all of it. “The resolution serves as firm guidance for the district, administration and the Board of Education as to what the concerns about common core are and how we plan to move forward,” explained Board President Douglas Reiser. “It’s a reaffirmation of our wish/belief that what is done in the curriculum is directed by our faculty. We are telling our parents, through this resolution, that they have a right to determine what is best for their child.” The resolution states that the district is committed to putting forth a curriculum that is rich in all areas of education, including but not limited to music, art, science, social studies and foreign languages and will actively work to prevent a narrowing of educational standards. It also calls on Governor Cuomo, State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia, the State Legislature and the Board of Regents to re-examine public school accountability systems in New York State and to develop a system that uses multiple measures
and does not require extensive standardized testing, more accurately reflects the broad range of student learning and is used to support students and improve schools.
ELDRED SCHOOL SCENE
While the district is not legally allowed to denounce state testing and the resolution does not promote participation or non-participation in state tests, parents do have the choice of opting their children out of testing if they do so in writing. “Much of what the Board of Educa-
3E
tion put in the resolution is already being worked on by our teachers,” explains Dufour. “The resolution is a public stance by the board of what Eldred’s view of education should be.” To read the resolution in its entirety, visit the Eldred Central School District website at www.eldredk12.ny.us.
The twentieth anniversary of the MacKenzie Elementary School in Glen Spey brought some community dignitaries to the school to join the celebration, including New York State Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther (at the podium, right).
School Scene: A Look at Activities in EldredPublished Central School by
Catskill-Delaware Publications, Inc. Publishers of the
(845) 887-5200 Callicoon, NY 12723 February 2, 2016 • Vol. CXXV, No. 66
Publisher: Senior Editor: Editor: Sports Editor: Editorial Assistants: Advertising Director: Advertising Coordinator: Advertising Representatives: Special Sections Coordinator: Business Manager: Business Department: Telemarketing Coordinator: Classified Manager: Production Associates: Distribution:
Fred W. Stabbert III Dan Hust Carol Montana Ken Cohen Willow Baum, Kaitlin Carney, Kathy Daley, Alex Rau, Richard Ross, Jeanne Sager, Autumn Schanil Liz Tucker Sandy Schrader Cecilia Lamy, Barbara Matos Susan Panella Susan Owens Patricia Biedinger, Joanna Blanchard Michelle Reynolds Janet Will Nyssa Calkin, Petra Duffy, Elizabeth Finnegan, Ruth Huggler, Rosalie Mycka, Tracy Swendsen Billy Smith, Richard Stagl
4E
ELDRED SCHOOL SCENE
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
FEBRUARY, 2016
Designing the Future : 3D printing Helping students solve problems and create immediate (and tangible) solutions STORY AND PHOTOS BY ALLISON RUEF
I
n 2011, Forbes magazine prophesied that “3D Printing Will Transform Education,” in an article that began: “Never mind the computer on every desktop, that’s a given. In the near future, teachers and students will want or have a 3D printer on the desk to help them learn core Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) principles.” They were wrong on one point: since then, STEM has become STEAM, with the A standing for Art, but for the most part, it seems as if the above statement is slowly coming to fruition. At Eldred High School, students in the advanced graphics class and three independent study students (as part of the art curriculum) began using for the first time this year, a 3D printer located in their classroom to complete art and graphic design projects. “Our class is focused more on the design and aesthetic part of 3D printing as opposed to the coding aspect of it,” explained art and graphics teacher Jennifer Powell. “Projects are based on solving a problem, for example, students just finished a project where they created their interpretation of a ‘city of the future,’ and presented it in 2D using computer graphics and in 3D using the 3D printer.” Next year, plans are in the works to offer a class that focuses solely on 3D printing and will combine art /design, as well as the coding and
The 3D printer is a rather unassuming box, much similar in size to a microwave oven but with a completely different function – and results. It works in the background while students are pursuing other educational goals.
technology aspects. It would be cotaught by Powell and science and technology teacher Lizbeth Stringer. “We’re still in the planning stages,” Powell explains of the future class. “We hope to be able to work in a group setting, where groups work as a
team.” Powell envisions the class being given a problem to solve and then taking their proposed solution for the problem through all phases of development from design, troubleshooting, engineering and production. You can rent the instrument, but you can own the memories....
& Service
landscapetrailers.com
601 Harris Rd./Ferndale, New York 12734
Covers your first 5 months
For a Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin, Viola, Bell or Drum Kit. Other instruments available at great rates. (5 month minimum rental)
100
$
Covers your first 10 months
For a Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin, Viola, Bell or Drum Kit. Other instruments available at great rates. (10 month minimum rental)
AL’S MUSIC SHOP 31297
Open Tues.-Sat. 9am-6pm
25616
(845) 292-1467
22
$ ...LIMITEDͳTIME RATES
TRAILER SALES Parts • Accessories • Landscape • Car Trailers, Cargo & Dump Trailers. We stock most brakes, tires and wheel bearings, etc. Embroidery & T-Shirt Screen Printing We Fill Propane Tanks
For Stringer, who works with 7th and 8th grade technology students on their own 3D classroom printer, the earlier students start grasping the concepts of coding, the more they will be able to do as they transition into higher level coursework. “Technology
(845) 858-2475 41 Fowler St., Port Jervis, NY 12771 www.alsmusicshopny.com
............................ We are eager to help you and your child experience the best in music educaƟon............................
ELDRED SCHOOL SCENE
is all about problem solving,” she explains. “It’s about taking a theory or idea from concept to prototype to production – taking a great idea and turning it into something that can actually be produced. We are teaching kids to be inquisitive and to search for information – two incredibly valuable skills.” Both Powell and Stringer credit the district administration and Board of Education for their unyielding supporting technology initiatives. “We are very fortunate to have a board and administration that understands the need to teach and use technology,” said Powell. “They are always willing to listen and consider the concerns and needs of the students and faculty.” Board of Education President Douglas Reiser explains that it’s only natural to support technology initiatives. “I sincerely believe that there will come a day when we don’t go out to purchase a product – we’ll purchase a file for a product and print it at home,” he explains of 3D printing. “Right now we are working with rudimentary appliances, but some day a 3D printer will be in every home.”
5E
36535
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
FEBRUARY, 2016
LAVA TOWING & RECOVERY 7873 State Rte 52, Narrowsburg, NY 12764 cell (845) 665-9827 Bruce M Gettel
23757
Owner 24-Hr. Service Local & Long Distance
Some samples of what can be produced with creativity – and a 3-D printer.
Thank you to all of our local Emergency Services Personnel
Congratulations & Best of Luck to all our Eldred Athletes & Cheerleaders for a successful season. Go Get ’em Yellowjackets!
“THE “THEHOUSE HOUSEOF OFINSURANCE” INSURANCE
BISLAND AGENCY
SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1962
JOHNSON AND CONROY AGENCY, INC. “Complete Insurance Services”
LOW COST INSURANCE PLANS FOR EVERY NEED. CALL US TODAY! GENERAL INSURANCE 31874
856-6180
36662
1681 Forestburgh Road, Glen Spey, NY
74 JERSEY AVENUE, PORT JERVIS, NY 12771
TEL.: (845) 856-5341 TEL.: (845) 856-5341 FAX: (845) 858-2446 FAX: (845) 858-2446 EMAIL: sheilal@jandcins.com EMAIL: sheilal@jandcins.com
JOAC-054938
When You Need A Fair Shake You Can Count On Us!
6E
ELDRED SCHOOL SCENE
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
Teacher Bonnie Padua really knows how to ‘rock’ out
“
STORY AND PHOTO BY ALLISON RUEF
” TWO-THOUSAND-SIXTEEN
A Special Section
Comin Coming g Feb February ruary 19 Celebrating the Achievements and Ideals of Sullivan County’ unty’’s Afro-Americans and how they have helped make our communities strro ong.
Advertising Advertising Deadline: Deadline:
Only in the
February 10 Publication Date:
February February 19
FEBRUARY, 2016
‘Sullivan Countty’ y’s Communitty Newspaperr, Since 18 891’
CALL 845-887-5200 TO PLACE YOUR AD TODA AY Y!
F
or genealogists and lovers of history, cemeteries are a wonderful place to gather information. For Eldred geology students, the local cemetery was also the perfect place to do research. Their recent project was an opportunity to observe how different types of rock – headstones – weather, and students gathered different types of data just up the road at the local cemetery to complete their research. While they were poking around, they also found something interesting: a marker placed there by the US Geological Survey in 1965. Geology at Eldred is a SUNY Sullivan college-level class and students earn four college credits upon completion. While the course would last a semester if taken at SUNY Sullivan, it is spread over an entire high school year to build in labs and accommodate a shorter classroom period. Last year, biology was offered, but this year, Science Curriculum Coordinator and science teacher Bonnie Padua wanted to mix it up. This year, offering geology gave students who took college-level biology last year the chance to leave Eldred with eight college science credits, or two full college-level classes. “It's a great chance to get a jump on their first year of college, and it saves them money, too,” said Padua. The cemetery project required students to take a survey of the entire cemetery and determine the amount of each type of stone that was used, how weathering affected each type and what effect acid rain might have on the rock. Students also had to choose a family or person buried there
This interesting “headstone” was found in a local cemetery, obviously left during a US Geological Survey in 1965.
and create a story about that person based on the information etched into the marker. All of Padua’s upper level classes are paperless – she requires all students to complete assignments and projects in Google Docs in Google Classroom. “Eventually, when they go to college, they will be required to submit assignments and papers electronically. It helps to prepare them for the real world. If they can't do this now, they'll be behind the eight ball when they get to college,” she explained. In addition to teaching the sciences, Padua is also the faculty advisor for the Eldred Fishing Club, which was started at the request of students four years ago. While Padua doesn't fish, her husband Michael is a fishing guide and helps out. The club has competed in fishing at the state level and has 22 members. “They love it,” said Padua. “Parent and community members are involved and they learn to bass fish, fly fish and ice fish. It's great that we have such a supportive school district and community that listen to what the kids want. I couldn't ask for more for them.”
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
FEBRUARY, 2016
ELDRED SCHOOL SCENE
7E
When learning doesn’t feel like school Battle of the Books and Coding Club start STORY AND PHOTOS BY ALLISON RUEF
T
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The Code Club keeps students enthusiastically engaged.
thought that a coding club would be a great compliment. Using the programs Blockly (from the website code.org) and Scratch (developed by MIT), the 28 club members learn the basics behind what coding is. “It's mainly click and drag-type setting, but it has them solving problems and learning the basics,” explained Bizjak. The group has made replacement mouthpieces for musical instruments so far this year by downloading the designs and printing them on the 3D printer. “They are able to apply what they learn in the classroom and understand why that application has a purpose.” One of the best parts, though, is the skills developed are real-world, 21st century skills needed to succeed as they continue on. “It's a great way for them to learn collaboration, how to share the work-load, how to manage their time and how to help teach their fellow students,” said Nealon. “It makes learning more creative and a lot more fun.”
36949
wo clubs are making learning beyond the school day fun and exciting: Battle of the Books and the Coding Club, led by Maria Nealon and Lori Bizjak. The clubs offer students a social opportunity to engage in educational enrichment beyond the school day, but more importantly, it allows them to have fun. New this year, the Battle of the Books works like this: students are given a reading list and asked to read a certain number of books on the list. They are asked to formulate questions based on the book, and use those to compete on teams. The answer to the questions is the book title, and students gain points foreach question they answer correctly. The books are at all different reading levels and even those who are struggling can gain a lot, according to Nealon. “The club helps inspire and create readers because the kids are helping and encouraging each other. It also teaches them that they have made a commitment and they need to establish time management skills in order to get the task of reading multiple books accomplished.” What makes the club appealing is not just reading (for those kids who like to read), but the competition. “The minute you say 'battle,' they're in,” laughs Nealon. “But like sports, they have to practice – they realize that practice makes them better. They're putting down the ipod and the DS and picking up a book. It's great. Most titles are available for download on the library page [of the school's website], but kids like the physicality of holding a book, so they can check them out at the library as well.” The Coding Club began last year when interest was expressed for a Lego or some sort of building club. But with the districts' investment in 3D printing technology, Lori Bizjak
A Unique Montessori School
Peter and Marsha Comstock, Directors
- Preschool to Eighth - Foreign Language, Grade Art & Music 428 Hollow Road - Full Academic, Enrichment - 85 Acre Campus Glen Spey, NY 12737 & Outdoor Education - 25 minutes from Port Jervis 845.856.6359 Programs and Monticello www.homesteadschool.com
ELDRED SCHOOL SCENE
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
FEBRUARY, 2016
Sm S mileee.
Fidelis Care offers full coverage for preventive and routine dental care for kids.
1-888-FIDELIS fideliscare.org To learn more about applying for health insurance including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health, the Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.
30984
8E