Information on culture climate report and teacher reassignments

Throughout the last two weeks, there has been a significant amount of media coverage surrounding measures recently initiated by the district to reconfigure the high school social studies department. Although it is typically not our practice to publicly discuss the process behind annual teacher assignments, we feel this is an exceptional situation.

Guilderland Central School District is committed to providing an environment of civility, respect, and tolerance among all members of our school community. Earlier this year, the district was alerted to alleged concerns relevant to the work environment within the social studies department at the high school.

In response to these initial concerns, the district contracted with an expert in the field of human resources, consultant Dr. Michele Paludi of Human Resources Management Solutions, to conduct an inquiry into the climate and culture of the high school social studies department. As an independent consultant, Dr. Paludi was able to provide a fair and unbiased perspective regarding these concerns as well as provide information based on culture climate interviews held with staff members.

The results of Dr. Paludi’s initial report of culture climate interviews confirmed that there exists within the high school social studies department a work environment which is inconsistent with district priorities relating to respect, civility, and appreciation of diversity. Subsequently, a formal complaint of sexual harassment from a member of the high school social studies department was received by the District. Any allegation of sexual harassment necessitates a sexual harassment investigation. The district again contracted with Dr. Paludi to conduct the formal investigation. The results of this investigation concluded that some, but not all, of the alleged actions occurred and that there existed an inappropriate and hostile work environment in the department.

Provided below are the redacted reports of the culture climate interviews and the sexual harassment investigation conducted by Dr. Michele Paludi that explain the process and provide additional background information.

As a result of these findings, several measures were recommended by the consultant and initiated by the district to help ensure a more positive and professional work environment for all school personnel:
• training for staff on discrimination and hostile work environment;
• supplementary training for investigators of complaints related to discrimination and harassment;
• redistribution of the district’s sexual harassment policy to staff; and
• review of the district‘s policy on bullying.

In addition to these preventative measures, the district also considered further steps to best address the improper work place environment in the department. To that end, several options were considered by the district administration. This led to the decision to reconfigure teacher assignments with respect to schedules, classrooms, and in some cases, buildings.

As part of this process, all teachers certified to teach social studies grades 7-12 were considered for reassignment. The reassignments are not disciplinary measures. Reassignments are a part of the field of education and have taken place within the district in the past. Final administrative decisions on the department reorganization were based on each individual’s skills, experience and credentials. It is important to reiterate that the decision to reassign four teachers to a different building was neither punitive nor indicative of any wrongdoing on the part of the individuals involved.

Our social studies teachers are experienced and qualified and we are confident that our students, both at the high school and middle school level, will continue to receive a quality education in the year ahead.

The impact of these changes has affected many individuals in our school community. We understand that this is a difficult situation, but it would be irresponsible for the district not to address these serious concerns. We are committed to our district priority to prevent all forms of bullying and harassment. All of the measures outlined above are designed to promote an improved work environment for all of our colleagues.

Although the District needs to maintain confidentiality with regard to these reports and any related personnel issues, we hope that the redacted reports provide background information that will help clarify the rationale for these administrative actions. Guilderland Central Schools has long been a leader among others in promoting respect and valuing diversity. These initiatives are tangible extensions of the district’s commitment to these priorities.

Celebrating its 10th year at FMS...
Butterfly Station flutters into Guilderland July 14–Aug. 15

The butterflies are coming! Butterfly Station, a student-run butterfly house, native plant garden, and organic community garden, is set to open to the public for the 2008 season on July 14. Located on the grounds of Farnsworth Middle School, this is the station’s 10th year of operation. Besides walking among butterflies, visitors can watch how butterflies are raised in the metamorphosis room or make free butterfly projects in the craft room. Community members of all ages will enjoy the many interactive butterfly exhibits in the museum room. Guests are also invited to stop by and purchase seasonal produce at the community organic garden. Butterfly Station is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., from July 14 through August 15. Please stop by and enjoy all that the station has to offer!

Westmere Fire Department to conduct drill at FMS on 07/21/08

Please be advised that on Monday, July 21, the Westmere Fire Department will be staging a large drill on the grounds of Farnsworth Middle School. Emergency personnel will be working on placement locations for responding trucks, initial contact points, and hose lays within the building. The fire trucks are slated to arrive at approximately 6:45 p.m. There is no need to be alarmed by this activity as it is a planned drill.

Recommended Summer Reading List 2008

Summer is the perfect time for children of any age to sit back and relax with a good book or two. Please click here to view summer reading suggestions from our district librarians and teachers that you can find at your local library or bookstore!

Congratulations to the Class of 2008!

On Sunday, June 29, parents, students, faculty, and friends celebrated as 466 Guilderland High School students walked across the stage at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany to receive their diplomas. Click here for a list of graduates. (PDF)

Graduation is a time to celebrate success, and the Class of 2008 has much to be proud of this year. Whether in the classroom, on a stage, or across an athletic field, our students have all accomplished great things throughout their time at GCSD. As they prepare to leave the halls of Guilderland High School, these graduates can be confident that they have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful, no matter what the endeavor.

Congratulations to the Class of 2008 on their exciting accomplishment and best of luck in the future!

8 Unable to attend the ceremony? Watch a replay of the event every Monday at 12 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Tuesday at 3 p.m., and Friday at 12 p.m., and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. throughout the summer!

Assistant Superintendent Nancy Andress honored by NYSAFLT

Congratulations to Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Nancy Andress on recently winning the Senator Paul Simon Friend of Foreign Language Award. This award is given annually by the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers (NYSAFLT) to one individual in New York State that is not a teacher of foreign language but is a strong supporter of foreign languages. Ms. Andress was instrumental in the reimplementation of the Foreign Language Early Start (FLES) program in Guilderland and has been called a "champion" for foreign language instruction in the Guilderland Central School District. She was nominated for the award by Albert Martino, Guilderland supervisor of foreign languages and English as a second language. Ms. Andress will be honored this October at the NYSAFLT Annual Meeting in Saratoga Springs.

Guilderland High School MasterMinds team places 1st in region, 2nd in New York State

Kudos to the Guilderland High School MasterMinds team for their recent first-place finish in the Albany League for the 2007-08 season of MasterMinds. New York State has four leagues (Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, and Albany) and this year, 28 schools competed in the Albany League. After winning at the local level, the GHS MasterMinds team traveled to Syracuse on Saturday, June 7 to play in the State Championship--where they placed 2nd in New York State! Be sure to congratulate team members Joe Cardillo, Davis Parker, Wangzhong Sheng, Yipu Wang, and Zagreb Mukerjee, all of whom competed in the championship round. Additional MasterMinds team members include Jeremy Simon, Bing Zhang, Sunny Hwang, Alex Metzger Meera Chappidi, Breanna Day, Noah Rubin and Ved Tanavde. Congratulations to you all!

2008-09 Project S.A.V.E. plan now available for review

Please note that the 2008-09 Project S.A.V.E. (Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act) plan is now available for review at all GCSD school buildings as well as at the district office. To review a copy of the document, please contact any school building main office or the Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction at (518) 456-6200, ext. 3119.

Guilderland Elementary students raise $1,372.24 for Pennies for Peace

From April 22 to May 21, Guilderland Elementary School students students were invited to take part in Pennies for Peace. This service project, coordinated by the GES PTA Cultural Arts Committee, is a world wide, not-for-profit charity that collects pennies--often discarded in the US--to purchase essential school supplies for children in third world countries. We are proud to announce that our students contributed more than 137,000 pennies, totaling a donation in the amount of $1,372.24! To learn more about the project, please visit: http://www.penniesforpeace.org/home.html. To read a recent article about project as featured in the Times Union, please click here.

Demian Singleton

District names new Assistant Superintendent for Instruction

At its meeting on May 27, 2008, the Guilderland Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Demian Singleton to the position of Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. Singleton will be succeeding the current assistant superintendent, Nancy Andress, upon her retirement from the district in August.

Singleton has been with the Guilderland Central School District since 1996, serving most recently as the instructional supervisor for mathematics and science at Farnsworth Middle School. Prior to that, he worked as a seventh grade science teacher at the school. Singleton began his career in education as a Regents biology teacher at South Colonie High School.

He is actively involved in several professional organizations including the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the National Science Teachers Association, and the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics. Singleton has also chaired numerous committees throughout the Guilderland Central School District and was a guest presenter at the 2008 National Curriculum Mapping Institute.

Singleton is a graduate of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, where he received his bachelor’s degree in environmental biology/microbiology, and of SUNY Albany, where he earned a master’s degree in science education. Singleton is also currently completing his coursework for a doctor of education degree in educational leadership at Sage Graduate School.

“We are fortunate to have recruited a candidate of Demian’s caliber to this important leadership role,” said Superintendent of Schools John McGuire. “His expertise and commitment will serve to enhance the district’s tradition of educational excellence.”

Throughout the next few weeks, Singleton will be working closely with the current assistant superintendent for instruction to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. His new duties will officially begin in mid-August 2008.

State Education Department recognizes Guilderland for academic achievements

The New York State Education Department has recognized Lynnwood Elementary School, Farnsworth Middle School and Guilderland High School, as well as the district as whole, for earning designations as  "high performing/gap closing" schools. Districts and schools earn this distinction by meeting all applicable state standards for English Language Arts (ELA) and math during the 2006-07 school year and also making "Adequate Yearly Progress" (AYP) in ELA and math for two consecutive years. Click here to see the State Education Department's announcement of this achievement and also a list of all high performing/gap closing schools and districts.

Upcoming Board of Education Meeting:
August 12, 2008

The Guilderland Board of Education will be holding a meeting on August 12, 2008 in the Guilderland High School LGI room at 7:30 p.m. All community members are invited to attend this meeting, or watch it live on Time Warner Cable Channel 16 in the Town of Guilderland. Agendas for upcoming meetings are typically posted the Monday before the meeting date. View 2008-09 meeting agendas here.

Thank you for your support of GCSD!

Voters approve 2008-09 school budget

On Tuesday, May 20, 2008, Guilderland Central School District residents approved (YES: 2,084, NO: 1,101) an $83,823,160 budget for the 2008-09 school year. This budget represents a 2.08 percent increase in spending over the current year’s budget and will result in an estimated 1.43 percent tax rate increase for residents in the Town of Guilderland.

Voters also elected Catherine Barber, Judy Slack, and John Dornbush to three-year terms on the Board of Education and approved a proposition to purchase ten new school buses.

8 For detailed information on the 2008-09 school budget, please visit our School Budget News home page.

Allan Lockwood

Christopher Sanita

New elementary principals named
Allan Lockwood to lead Guilderland Elementary School;
Christopher Sanita to lead Pine Bush Elementary School

At its meeting on April 29, 2008, the Guilderland Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of two new elementary principals: Allan Lockwood, to the position of Guilderland Elementary School Principal and Christopher Sanita, to the position of Pine Bush Elementary School principal. Lockwood and Sanita will be succeeding current principals Dianne Walshhampton and Martha Beck, respectively, upon their retirement in June.

Since 1999, Lockwood has been a fifth grade teacher at Altamont Elementary School. Prior to that, he was employed as a community based skills teacher with the Neil Hellman School in Albany and also served as a unit supervisor at Parsons Child and Family Center.

He is a graduate of SUNY Potsdam, where he received his bachelor’s degree in psychology, and of The College of Saint Rose, where he completed both his master’s degree in elementary education and his certificate of advanced study in education leadership and administration.

Sanita has been with the Guilderland Central School District since 1994. He began his career as a teaching assistant at Farnsworth Middle School before receiving his tenure as both a special education and math teacher. Since 2003, Sanita has been employed as a House Principal at FMS.

He is a graduate of SUNY Oswego, where he received his bachelor’s degree in psychology, and of SUNY Albany, where he completed a master’s degree in educational psychology and statistics. He went on to complete a second master’s degree, in special education, from The College of Saint Rose and received his administrative certification from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Both Lockwood and Sanita will officially begin their new administrative duties in July, 2008.

Farnsworth Middle School named a finalist for Intel Schools of Distinction Awards
FMS honored for innovative programs supporting student achievement in science

Farnsworth Middle School was recently named one of nine national finalists for the Intel® Schools of Distinction Awards in the Science Excellence category. The annual program honors schools for implementing innovative and replicable math and science programs that produce positive educational results. Farnsworth Middle School was recognized specifically for innovative use of technologies and extensive community service opportunities linked to its science programs. The grant was written by Demian Singleton, supervisor of math and science.

As a finalist, Farnsworth Middle School will receive a $2,500 grant from the Intel Foundation. The money will be used for acquisition of new and updated science technologies (e.g., probeware and microscopy units).

FMS has been recognized for its innovative and progressive science education program. The school has remained committed to community service while maintaining strong science assessment results and a rich inquiry-based curriculum. This grant will allow for a continuation of these efforts. Congratulations to Demian Singleton and to all of the science staff for their leadership in science education!

Farnsworth Middle School students honored by the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers

Congratulations to Farnsworth Middle School eighth grader Alexander Benninger on being named this year’s Capital Region recipient of the Love of Language Award sponsored by the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers (NYSAFLT). Alexander will receive a certificate of achievement as well as a $50.00 savings bond. Each year, NYSAFLT recognizes one Grade 8 student per region in New York State for exhibiting outstanding abilities in a language other than English. Kudos as well to FMS grade 8 student Monica Chappidi, who was a Capital Region nominee for this honor and will receive a certificate of merit for her superb achievement in a language other then English.

Above, New York State Commissioner of Education Richard P. Mills (center) visits with students at Westmere Elementary School.

NYS Commissioner of Education visits GCSD

On Friday, January 11, 2008, New York State Commissioner of Education Richard P. Mills, along with a team of distinguished educators, visited the Guilderland Central School District as part of a Department reorganization study.

Throughout the afternoon, Commissioner Mills and his team toured Guilderland High School and Westmere Elementary School—meeting with students and talking with staff. At the conclusion of his visit, Commissioner Mills applauded the district as “a beacon of excellence”.

Operation Recognition underway at Guilderland

Guilderland Central School District is proud to be a partner in Operation Recognition, a New York State program which grants a high school diploma to any veteran who left school prior to graduation to serve in the military during World War II, the Korean Conflict, or the Vietnam War. Individuals need not have attended GCSD at the time of service to be eligible for this program. Diplomas may also be awarded to next of kin, if eligibility is established.

Community members interested in participating in Operation Recognition are encouraged to contact Guilderland Superintendent of Schools John McGuire at 456-6200, ext. 3102, or visit our Operation Recognition home page for additional details and eligibility requirements.