A message from Dr. Wiles:
Dear GCSD Families,
As we transition into the cool, crisp air of fall, we are reminded of the values the season brings – reflection and gratitude. It’s a time to celebrate the accomplishments of our district and the work completed so far while looking ahead with renewed focus. With that being said, there are several important items I would like to share with you.
National School Bus Safety Week
October 21-25 is National School Bus Safety Week. School bus safety is one of our top priorities and this serves as an important reminder for all of us to slow down and be aware of our surroundings when encountering school buses in the community. While school buses are one of the safest modes of transportation, injuries and fatalities often occur when a motorist fails to slow down and obey the bus’s stop sign. As part of the district’s commitment to safety, GCSD regularly conducts school bus safety drills each year to prevent accidents and student injury. In addition, the district partnered with Bus Patrol in 2023 to implement stop-arm cameras on GCSD school buses which holds drivers responsible for passing a stopped school bus. For more information, including tips to share with your children on school bus safety, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.
GHS senior wins Albany County “I Voted” sticker graphic design contest
Congratulations to Guilderland High School senior Tyler Pentak who recently won the Albany County “I Voted” sticker contest! Open to all K-12 students in the county, the contest was held by the Albany County Legislature, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Albany Branch and League of Women Voters of Albany County. Tyler’s graphic design is one of several that will be printed and distributed to voters on Election Day at local polling stations. Be sure to pick one up while voting on Nov. 5! View Tyler’s winning design on the district website.
Future Ready Task Force
On Tuesday, Oct. 8, the Guilderland Central School District Board of Education held a special meeting to hear the research, findings and recommendations of the five subcommittees of the Future Ready Task Force. The purpose of the FRTF is to explore what it means for GCSD students to be future ready and develop a shared vision for future ready facilities. After hearing the committee’s report, the Facilities Committee will meet over the next few months and draft a report of recommendations to address both short- and long-term improvements to GCSD facilities, with the goal of a referendum going to Guilderland voters in May 2025. To read more about the recommendations from the five FRTF subcommittees, please visit the district website.
No school for grades K-5 on Friday, Nov. 1
Due to parent/teacher conferences, there will be no school for students in grades K-5. Students in grades 6-12 will have a regular school day.
GCSD Fall Recycling Event on Saturday, Oct. 19
On Saturday, Oct. 19, GCSD will host its Biannual Recycling Extravaganza from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Farnsworth Middle School in the front parking lot. This is a community-wide event open to both residents and non-residents of the school district. Items collected will be recycled, reused and/or repurposed for future use. Accepted items include gently used instruments, sneakers, bikes, cardboard, clothing and electronics. More information, including a complete list of what will be accepted can be viewed on the district website.
Thank you for your continued support of Guilderland Central School District students and our school community. Have a wonderful and enjoyable weekend.
Sincerely,
Marie Wiles, Ph.D.
Superintendent