When planning began for our Capital Project earlier this year, we expected the typical design challenges. Our goal was to explore all options to be sure we selected the best design for our students. This was particularly true for the new primary wing addition to the historic M.C. Smith Intermediate School.
There is always a great sense of excitement and opportunity as we embark on a new school year. Thankfully, teaching is one of the rare professions where we get a clean slate every year and that brings hope and possibility. That is especially true this year.
This June marks the culmination of what was perhaps the most eventful and unforgettable year the HCSD has had in recent memory. We saw our Bluehawks earn three Patroon Conference championship titles. Many students participated in regional, state and national events in realms such as robotics, environmental science, art, music and mock trial. Numerous students received awards, honors and scholarships for their excellence in academics, leadership and community service.
Like most organizations, public schools require funding in order to operate efficiently. New York State’s public schools are primarily funded by a combination of state aid and community tax dollars. For this reason, it is vital to be open about the annual budget so our community can make informed decisions when casting votes.
April 18-22 is Public School Volunteer Week. This is a time to recognize volunteers—those who donate their time to benefit others. Our schools need funding to operate, but it also benefits from all the community volunteers that help make things possible by donating their time to support the district and its programs.
We are extremely proud to announce that as of January, the New York State Education Department has removed HCSD from the “Focus District” list. This means that HCSD, and each of its schools, has been given a designation of “Good Standing” from NYSED. For the first time in over a decade — 13 years, to be exact — not one single building in the district was identified as needing improvement or corrective action.