Mission Statement: Teaching, Learning, Caring, and Growing…Together
Welcome to the 2010-11 school year. September is a special time of the year, as new school days begin. Many students will be excited at the prospect of this new beginning. Others may be nervous about the start of the school year, whether they are enrolling for the first time, or starting a new grade level or classes. Whichever the case may be, we welcome them.
Since last year's graduation of over 100 students, a lot has happened within the school district. At the Middle and High School buildings, our administrative structure has changed. Mr. Michael MacDonald is now the Principal for grades for 6-12. Mr. Mark Lamoreaux will be the Assistant Principal for Grades 9-12, and Mr. Gary Williams will be the Assistant Principal for Grades 6-8. He will also continue to serve as the Athletic Director for WCS.
The second phase of the EXCEL capital project is concluded, with the addition of the new, larger Townsend school art room, and numerous energy saving installations completed.
Teachers have been very busy over the summer too. As a result of last year's budget decisions, many staff have new teaching assignments and some have new room locations.
There were approximately 400 paid staff development days worked this past summer by our faculty, during which teachers learned about new ideas, methods and materials. In addition, our teachers have worked countless hours beyond these paid days to prepare for the school year.
New this summer was a day that general education and special education staff were invited to work together in order to share specific student needs. This time together was spent discussing services and accommodations for our students and has prepared all the teachers so they can start services on "Day One" of the new school year. This idea came from parents of students with special needs who were frustrated because each year services began slowly, as the new teacher caught up with required services or accommodations to be provided for each student. It is my hope that this year will begin more smoothly for these students and families, as the connection of our special and general education teachers has already been made during this specially scheduled day.
Also, this year we will provide increased information for students and families on our website. Each course and grade level curriculum framework is being posted. Grade levels and departments will also begin posting other information that students and parents will find helpful. Townsend School has important dates posted on their page on the website.
An additional section has been created on the website for parents to see what student safety instruction and programs the school offers at each grade level. This area, intended for parents, will also include key instructional documents on safety topics and will provide web links to outside sources for additional information. We know it takes all of us to maintain a safe school environment.
NYS adopted its budget in early August, confirming the education funding cuts initially proposed by the Governor. Walton's budget was reduced by 2% with the elimination of numerous positions based on the Governor's State Aid proposal. Through considerable creativity in restructuring and scheduling, most offerings and programs are still available for the upcoming school year, while still keeping the focus on student learning and opportunity. However, looking toward State and Federal Aid for the 2011-12 school year, another large decrease in funding is expected.
It is in this environment, where we are expecting less from sources other than local taxes, that the district has become aggressive in seeking grants from private, local, state and federal sources. In the upcoming year, The Board of Education is working to facilitate the establishment of a Walton Education Foundation. This Foundation will be composed of a separate group of individuals, who will assist us financially by holding fundraising events and securing grants. In addition to this local support, this group will work to generate increased interest in Walton's educational system. It is anticipated WCS will be reconnecting with its alumni, sharing our current ventures and celebrating alumni successes.
All these plans will enhance the "Together" portion of our mission statement, allowing for increased Teaching, Learning, Caring, and Growing … Together.
We are looking forward to seeing you on September 8th!
Thomas Austin
WCS Superintendent
