A Message from Peter Scordo, Superintendent of Schools
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Elwood community for supporting the District’s 2012-2013 budget and for taking the time to vote in this important election. While the process of compiling a budget this year was difficult, by working together, we were able to compile a spending plan that is within the tax cap, yet maintains the core components of what makes an Elwood education so special.
While our budget passed (with over 72% voting in favor!), the work is not over. We must continue to persevere to address the fiscal challenges facing this district as a result of the tax cap. I encourage our entire community to stay involved in the budget process. The work of the Citizens’ Finance/Budget Advisory Committee was very important and particularly helpful for this budget cycle. We look forward to the continued work of this Board subcommittee as we begin the 2013-2014 budget process. I encourage members of the community to either apply for membership in this committee or attend their meetings so that they may better understand the complicated budget development process.
Again, thank you to all of those who participated in this important vote.
A Visit from Sweetbriar Nature Center
Kindergarten students of Harley Avenue Primary School combined their study of animals and the five senses as they enjoyed a special classroom visit from Nancy Adornetto of the Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown. Ms. Adornetto brought along a variety of animal species, including a rabbit, a chicken, a snake and two turtles. Through the exploration of these species, students learned how the animals use their senses to adapt to their surroundings and survive in the wilderness.
“This was a lot of fun,” remarked student Elizabeth Clarke. “The animals were nice and gentle, and we learned new things like mammals don’t lay eggs!”
| click on image to view full size |
 |
Glenn Alum Signed to Chicago Bears
Congratulations to Elwood-John H. Glenn alumnus Trevor Coston who was recently signed by the Chicago Bears. Trevor, a defensive back, served as a team captain for the Knights football team and helped lead his team to the “Big Four” championship in 2004 and 2006. While in high school, Trevor earned All-County, All-Long Island, and All-State honors and was also named the MVP of Division 4. Trevor then went on to play for the University of Maine. Congratulations, Trevor!
Celebrating Earth Day
Second-grade students of Harley Avenue Primary School, under the direction of music teacher Christina Long and with piano accompaniment by local piano teacher Deborah Jenks, took part in the annual Harley Avenue Earth Day Celebration.
Throughout the performance, students recited the Brad Herzog book
S Is for Save the Planet: A How-to-Be-Green Alphabet, which is an alphabetical outline of the environmental issues faced by all and the things we can do to help save our planet. Students also sang a series of songs that celebrated the earth and brought awareness to issues like pollution and the need to recycle.
| click on image to view full size |
 |
Important Health Information for Incoming Sixth Graders
Dear Parent or Guardian:
The purpose of this notification is to make you aware of an immunization requirement for school entrance in September 2012.
All 6th grade students who are 11 years old must receive 1 dose of Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis vaccine (also known as Tdap). Please send proof of this required immunization to the Elwood Middle School Health Office by August 30th 2012.
Sixth-grade students who are 10 years old are not required to receive this vaccine until they turn 11. However, please schedule your child’s appointment and provide the date to the Elwood Middle School Health Office.
By Law, if proof of this immunization is not received, your child will not be able to attend classes.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at 266-5420 x423.
Sincerely,
Lisa McNamara, RN
School Nurse