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Haldane Ranks in Top 1000 US Schools
Outstanding achievements and contributions honored by Mike Turton
Haldane Board of Education trustees took time out from their normal business agenda on June 5 to honor outstanding contributions and achievements across the entire spectrum of school life - from dedicated employees and a podium finish in international competition to athletic excellence and exceptional community support.
Elementary School Principal Maggie Davis paid tribute to Child Assistant Specialist Barbara Casey who is retiring after twenty years at Haldane. "I don't know how we will manage without her" Davis said, citing programs such as "No More Bullies" and "Banana Splits" as important examples of Casey's positive impact on students. "She has touched the heart of all of our students" Davis concluded.
Teacher's Aide Frances Raia is also retiring after twenty-seven years. High School Principal Andy Irvin summed up Ms. Raia's selfless dedication to students, stating "Frances has been a true child advocate who does what's right for kids." Irvin pointed to Raia's leadership in organizing Haldane's highly successful drama productions for many years. Despite operating with no budget, "she made every student feel like a star" Irvin added.
The Destination Imagination orange team was presented certificates honoring its third place finish at the Global Tournament held recently at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. With some 20,000 people looking on, Haldane earned its bronze medal in a competition that featured 62 teams from fourteen countries. The team's challenge was to apply sophisticated physics theory to design, build and fly an aircraft that could remain aloft for thirty seconds.
Athletes also took center stage. Susan Reid, Director of Athletics and Physical Education, introduced the girls' volleyball team, praising the Lady Blue Devils for reeling off 19 consecutive wins before suffering their only loss of the year in the state finals. Reid also introduced and presented certificates to Alex McConville and Zachariah Parks in recognition for their outstanding efforts as part of the 2006 Cross Country team. Brittany Shields was honored for her exceptional basketball season in which she scored her 1000th point while being named Poughkeepsie Journal Player-of-the-Year and earned a Journal News All Star. Shields was also named All League MVP and named to the All Section and All State teams.
Trustees also honored the Haldane Parent Teachers Association for its numerous contributions during the past year. A flyer distributed at the meeting outlined more than 40 PTA projects - from a monthly newsletter, scholarships for graduates and a meet-the-candidates night to donations of books, donation of wood carpet for the playground and the establishment of an email communications system for parents. Vice-President Joe Curto summed up the Board's gratitude stating, "There is no way the school could run without the PTA."
Superintendent John Di Natale reported that Haldane had been ranked 949th in Newsweek magazine's annual list of the top 1000 high schools in the country, adding that it is a noteworthy accomplishment considering there are close to 30,000 high schools in the US.
Principal Davis announced that a grant of $5000 had been received from Lowe's Hardware to assist with the playground project. Principal Andy Irvin told trustees that students Kim Zaleski and Elizabeth Vardy had been honored at the Lower Hudson Council of Superintendent's Scholastic Achievement Dinner in. Ms. Zaleski also performed The Star Spangled Banner.
Damage was done to the school roof during the Memorial Day weekend and Director of Facilities Wayne Robinson indicated that it appeared to be vandalism. Repairs made involved only a few hours of labor however trustees expressed concern over the incident, especially regarding the safety of students who climb to the rooftop. Staff will investigate measures to secure the roof including lights, motion detectors and cameras.
The Board approved a number of staff changes. Kelli Annesi was appointed as Social Studies teacher, replacing Leo Saposnick who is retiring. Susan Reid, who now serves as Director of Athletics and Physical Education/Dean of Students, resigned as Health teacher. Renee Curry was appointed to the new position of Social Worker. Ms Curry has worked at Haldane as a Student Assistance Counselor since September, 2005. Florence Zelenko was reappointed to teach English as a Second Language on a part time basis.
The firm of Nugent and Hauser was reappointed external auditor for 2007/08.
Board president Dave Merandy expressed reservations, stating that there is merit in changing auditors from time to time and that reappointing the same firm, "may not always be a good thing." Vice president Joe Curto agreed but pointed out that this wouldn't be the best time to make such a change. He indicated 2007-2008 is a transition year that with a state audit of school boards underway, new Board trustees having been elected, an audit committee recently established and a new Superintendent about to begin. Curto added that "Next year will be a different conversation" when the auditor is appointed.
A heated discussion occurred when Superintendent Di Natale recommended acceptance of a donation of time and materials from the Philipstown Garden Club to work on the school's gardens. New trustee Michael Junjulas asked if CSEA union members supported the Club doing work on the school grounds. When Di Natale indicated he had not consulted with CSEA because he felt the work was not a union issue, President Dave Merandy was incensed, stating that by not checking in advance the Board "may have to clean up a mess later." When Mr. Merandy asked "Is showing some leadership too much to ask?" Dr. Di Natale responded "I'll be happy to invite you as guest speaker at my next leadership class." The recommendation was tabled pending discussions with CSEA.
The Haldane School Board's annual reorganization meeting will be held on July 10, 2007.
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