FEBRUARY 2010

Budget season is upon us and every effort will be made to keep you informed as the process moves forward.

The Greater Amsterdam School District has been the recipient of numerous grants over the past several weeks.  The Smart Scholars Early College High School program in the sum of $477,500 in partnership with Fulton Montgomery Community College has been awarded to the Greater Amsterdam School District for transforming traditional high school to college model by helping students who have historically been at risk for dropping out of high school to graduate with a head start on college.  The Greater Amsterdam School District has also been awarded the Bi-Lingual ESL Grant, the Teachers of Tomorrow Grant and a Fastrac Grant for Lynch Literacy Academy.

The District Spelling Bee was held on Monday, February 1, 2010 at the Bert DeRose Theatre at Amsterdam High School.  Thirty enthusiastic spellers competed until four individuals were left.  They will represent the Greater Amsterdam School District at the Egg in Albany in March.  Congratulations to everyone for their time and effort to make this a successful event for our children.

Marie Curie Institute has been selected again this year to present at the Magnet School National Conference in Florida.  Congratulations to Mrs. Mary Mathey and her staff for this prestigious honor to speak on the success of Marie Curie Institute to other districts.

McNulty Academy will be conducting their Winter Olympics 2010 on the four diamonds on Tuesday, February 16, 2010.  Opening ceremonies will begin at 9:00 AM.  This event is being organized and conducted by Mrs. Christine Dylong, Physical Education teacher at McNulty Academy. 

Lynch Reads is scheduled for Tuesday, February 9, 2010 from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at the school.  The evening celebration will include a tailgate picnic, crafts, face painting and a presentation on bullying by Dr. Stephen Birchak.

Superintendent’s Conference Day will be on February 11, 2010.  Secondary will be a regional day with the use of buildings in the H-F-M BOCES.  Elementary will have in-building meetings in the morning and in the afternoon will listen to a presentation by Nancy Buyce, LMSW, Bereavement Coordinator at Mountain Valley Hospice, called Recognizing, Understanding and Addressing Children Living With Grief.