Message from Board President Steven Finn
The sounds of children playing games and building relationships echo across our school grounds nearly year-round, but with spring just around the corner, students are excited to spend even more time outdoors on our WOS, CLE and SOMS playgrounds.
On our fields and in our classrooms, there are a myriad of moments and memories that help shape our students into the leaders and achievers of the next generation. CLE third graders have begun to plant seeds that they will use to provide valuable lessons on the growth cycle of plants. These new gardeners can’t wait to see how big their vegetables will get before the end of the school year.
As we help our students grow, there are times when we need to reexamine our practices and policies in response to shifts in our culture and environment. Last month, SOMS revised its cell phone policy to prohibit use during the school day. Already, word has spread of the positive impact. I’d like to thank all those who participated in crafting the revised policy–with additional thanks to SOMS students for quickly adjusting to the new rules. My hope is that, with time, the students will see amazing growth in their own relationships and interpersonal skills.
One final note: Hope to see you at our spring musicals!
Bugsy Malone
SOMS Auditorium
Friday, March 8 at 7:30PM
Saturday, March 9 at 7:30PM
Sunday, March 10 at 2:00PM
Mamma Mia!
TZHS Auditorium
Friday, March 15 at 7:30PM
Saturday, March 16 at 7:30PM
Sunday, March 17 at 2:00PM
Board Work in Progress
Survey: Thank you to all who participated in the 2024 School Community Survey! The District will share survey results this spring and use the data gathered to inform strategic planning.
Budget: As part of the District’s budget development process, administrators delivered the following department presentations to the Board on February 8: Human Resources | Facilities and Maintenance. A schedule of upcoming budget presentations is posted on the Budget webpage.
Policy: Policy 5151 (Education of Students in Temporary Housing and Unaccompanied Youth) was adopted at the February 8 meeting. To view all policies currently under review by the Board of Education, visit the Policies Under Review webpage.
Board Election: Nominating petitions for the May 21, 2024 Board of Education Election will be available starting Monday, March 4, 2024 from the District Clerk’s office at 160 Van Wyck Road, Blauvelt, New York. Candidates must submit petitions with a minimum of 61 signatures to the District Clerk’s office by Monday, April 22, 2024 at 5:00PM. View the Information for Prospective Candidates webpage for more information.
Upcoming Meetings/Workshops
Board of Education Special Meeting*
March 4 at 6:00PM
South Orangetown Middle School Room 226
*The Board will immediately move into Executive Session at 6:00PM and will not take action following Executive Session other than to adjourn the public meeting.
Board of Education Regular Meeting/Budget Workshop
March 7 at 7:30PM
South Orangetown Middle School Library
Board of Education Regular Meeting/Budget Workshop
March 21 at 7:30PM
South Orangetown Middle School Library
Meeting dates, times and locations are subject to change. Be sure to check the District’s e-Backpack webpage for the most up-to-date information. Board meeting agendas, minutes and audio are posted online at BoardDocs. Board policies are posted at BoardPolicyOnline.
Questions? Send an email to the Board of Education at feedback@socsd.org.
The Board Brief is a monthly communication from the South Orangetown Central School District Board of Education.