An honor and a privilege to serve the Watervliet school community

 On Tuesday, Sept. 7, I will greet students for my “last” first day of school as Superintendent of the Watervliet City Schools.

This past year and a half has been the most challenging of all my 30 years as an educator, 16 serving as Watervliet High School principal and then Superintendent of Schools. Our teachers and staff have been strong, courageous and compassionate throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been and continue to remain focused on our mission to inspire, challenge and education every student, every day. This year especially, as we return to full in-person teaching and learning, we are committed to building relationships with our students, supporting their social, emotional and mental well-being, and providing a safe and healthy learning environment for all. 

At the close of the last school year, we believed that the worst was behind us. With the vaccine available and COVID infections on the decline, we were hopeful for a return to normalcy in the 2021-22 school year. Instead, we are again dealing with high infection and transmission rates in Albany County and surrounding areas due to the Delta variant of COVID-19. This means that we will begin another school year with masks and other health and safety protocols in effect for the foreseeable future. I am not here to debate the efficacy of masking and other safety measures meant to protect the health of students and staff. What I do know is that last year, we were able to keep our schools open for teaching and learning with minimal disruption mainly because of the protocols we had in place. This year, as we return to in-person instruction, there is no debate: we will continue to do what is best for the health and safety of children. I thank our parents, families and the community for putting your faith in us and for your support of our decisions.

In approximately eight weeks, I will hand over the leadership baton to current assistant superintendent Donald Stevens, Jr.  I am more than confident in Mr. Stevens’ abilities to lead the district forward in these still uncertain times. He has served our school community in several capacities during his tenure here, from his start as a sixth-grade teacher to earning his administrative certification and becoming the district’s director of UPK and Literacy, then moving to the role of Director of Curriculum and Instruction before being named Assistant Superintendent in 2019. Last year, he juggled his role of Assistant Superintendent and all that comes with it while serving as the district’s COVID-19 Safety Coordinator, which was no small feat. Mr. Stevens accomplished this while successfully pursuing his doctorate in education. His passion is education and he has proven himself time and again to be an advocate for the city’s children, our teachers, staff and families. When our Board of Education unanimously appointed Mr. Stevens as superintendent in August – they knew there was no better candidate for the job!

My tenure in the district will draw to a close at the end of October. I want to thank our teachers, staff, students, families and the Watervliet community for allowing me to be a part of your lives for the past 16 years. It has been an honor and privilege to lead the Watervliet City Schools, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity to serve this wonderful small city school district and community. 

My deepest gratitude and warm regards!  

Dr. Lori S. Caplan

Reflecting on 16 years of leadership and service to Watervliet students, families, educators and staff

Dr. Caplan has announced her intent to retire and shared this letter with the Board of Education during the April 22, 2021 meeting: 

It is with deep regret and joyous anticipation that I let you know I intend to retire on October 31, 2021 as the proud Superintendent of the Watervliet City School District.

I have spent nine years as the Superintendent of Schools and another six and a half as the Principal of the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School and I am extremely proud of all that we have accomplished in my 16 years here.

During my tenure as Superintendent, we have completely revised and rebuilt a standards-based curriculum; created by our teachers and facilitated by the Assistant Superintendent Donald Stevens.

We have restructured our special education programs to fit the needs of all of our students.  Sensory integration rooms have been created as well as expanding our social and emotional programs for children including social workers, itinerant services as well as adding a grant-funded family outreach coordinator.

Our Early Pre-Kindergarten (EPK) and Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) programs have continued to expand in an effort to educate our youngest learners.

In the Watervliet City School District, college and career opportunities for students have increased.  Students can take up to 20 college courses, earning a total of 67 college credits.

We have continuously increased slots for students interested in BOCES Career and Technical Education classes and created a Pathways to Technology Program where students from economically challenging backgrounds can earn a two year college degree at no cost.

Under my leadership, graduation rate has risen from 73% to almost 90% in 2020. 

I have successfully led this district through two building projects at little to no cost for tax payers.

By partnering with the Capital Region BOCES grant writing service, the district has secured over $15 million in grants that have expanded programs and opportunities for our students and their families.

I have worked hard to establish a partnership between the school district and community.  One of the greatest partnerships that has been established is with Whitney Young Health.  Through this partnership, a school-based health clinic was created at the Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School that serves many of our students’ physical and mental health needs as well as offering health screenings and vaccinations.  

We have partnered with community organizations such as the Red Cross to offer multiple blood drives every year, as well The Northeast Regional Food Bank to provide students and their families with food throughout the year.  

The Watervliet Civic Center is one of our strongest partnerships.  We are able to offer before/after care for children at the elementary school, as well as sending backpacks of food home on weekends to our most economically disadvantaged children through the Food is Fuel Program.

In my time as Superintendent, we have presented a balanced budget that stayed under the statutory tax cap every year, while preserving people and programs that children need and remained fiscally responsible to the tax payers of the city.   We have created eight successful budgets, thus far, and moved the district from the #1 most fiscally stressed school district in all of NYS, per the NYS Comptroller, to having a healthy fund balance with no designation from the Comptroller.

I have negotiated multi-year contracts for every union in the WCSD that are fair and balanced for all employees as well as fiscally responsible to tax payers.

During the last year, under my leadership, we successfully navigated an unprecedented pandemic that entailed feeding children, securing one-to-one devices for instruction, performing safety checks on children and their families, as well as providing childcare for working parents/guardians. 

Lastly, with the help of the administrative team, as well as the teachers and support staff, the Watervliet City School District was able to open our doors to welcome children to in-person learning from day one in September, being one of only two regions in all of NYS to accomplish this.

I am extremely grateful for the support of the Board of Education, as well as the community, during my tenure as Superintendent of Schools.  It has been an honor and a privilege to work with the most dedicated educators in all of NYS and I know that I will leave the students in the Watervliet City School District in good hands with the administrators, teachers and support staff who love and support the children of this city.  

When I leave on October 31, 2021, I will take with me fond memories of 16 plus years in this district and I will cherish the friendships and relationships I have built over the years.

Thank you all for the opportunity to serve this community and school district and I wish you the best as I move to the next stage of my life.

Stay strong and be safe this holiday season!

With the holiday break underway, I just want to express to our Watervliet educators and school community how proud I am of each and every one of you for not giving up, not giving in, and refusing to quit on our students. 

This year has been a struggle on many levels for many of us, but I thank you from the bottom of my heart for rising above and beyond for our students. Your ability to transition to remote teaching and learning quickly and seamlessly, especially as you did in the days leading up to the holiday break, is nothing short of amazing. We have and we will continue to make every effort to keep in-person learning safe, and teaching and learning meaningful and engaging for our students.

Governor Cuomo has come to the realization that schools are one of the safest places for students to be. The positivity rates in schools, especially in the Capital Region, remain relatively low, thankfully. Please remember that every one of us must continue to do our part over the holiday break to stay safe and healthy and be able to return to school for in-person teaching and learning on Monday, January 4.

COVID-19 Testing in Watervliet schools

A reminder that even though our region currently has not been designated a Yellow, Orange or Red Zone by the state, we continue to plan for that possibility. All zone designations require that schools test in-person students and staff to be able to keep our doors open. I thank the families who already have given consent for students to participate in COVID-testing, should it become necessary. If you have not yet completed a consent form for your child(ren,) we encourage you to do so. We will continue to send reminders to ask for your participation in the testing, which is minimally invasive and reliable. Access the COVID-19 testing consent form

Communication about COVID cases during the break

We would like to minimize the number of notifications we send about COVID-19 cases during the holiday recess. With that in mind, we will report new cases on the NY COVID-19 Dashboard as we are made aware of them, and provide a summary of cases to our faculty, staff and families before we return to school on January 4. If contact tracing is required due to any new cases, we will reach out to the affected individuals. If there is significant news or developments to share, we will send an email, phone call, or text via our One Call Now system, as needed, and return to a regular notification schedule when school is back in session.

Please know better days are ahead. I think we are beginning to see a light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. Please continue to be safe, be strong, be smart and take good care of yourselves and each other.

I wish everyone a happy -- and more importantly healthy -- holiday season!

Remaining thankful in challenging times

I remain thankful to all in our school community who are taking every possible step to stay healthy and safe, which allowed us to keep our buildings open for teaching and learning through the first 10 weeks of school. I am grateful to our teachers and all members of our staff who have been working tirelessly to support children whether you are driving a bus, preparing meals or cleaning and sanitizing our buildings. I am proud of the work we continue to do for every student, every day during unprecedented and unpredictable times.

Last week, we learned of our first in-person COVID-19 positive case that resulted in the Department of Health quarantining an entire classroom. Truth-be-told, I was not at all sure that we would make it past Columbus Day let alone 10 weeks of school before this type of action would be necessary. Later in the week, we were notified of a second positive case, which forced us to move all grades 6-12 classrooms to remote learning because of a staffing shortage that had resulted from mandatory quarantines related to the earlier case.

With COVID-19 infection on the rise in Albany County and the arrival of the holiday season, I remind our families, students, teachers and staff that it remains vitally important for all of us to follow COVID-19 safety protocols that include wearing face coverings, practicing good hygiene, social distancing, and avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people. 

Actions taken outside of school and on the weekends have direct consequences on our ability to keep our schools open and hold in-person instruction safely. Several neighboring school districts have been forced to close for weeks at a time due to parties or other gatherings within the school community that have resulted in positive COVID-19 cases and individuals placed under a mandatory quarantine by local departments of health. 

Prior to reopening our doors in September, it has been our priority to provide the safest learning environment possible for our staff and our students, whether they are learning in-person or remotely. Limiting the size of gatherings outside of school helps lower the potential spread of COVID-19. We continue to make every effort possible to protect the health and safety of our school community and are doing everything within our power to keep our schools open. 

What the Cluster Action Initiative Means for Schools 

With significant numbers of COVID-19 cases cropping up in counties around the state, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a new strategy — the Cluster Action Initiative — to help stop the virus from spreading. Through this initiative, the state monitors and identifies areas where clusters have formed. Once identified, the cluster area is divided into color-coded zones: Red, Orange or Yellow.

Yellow and orange indicate “warning zones.” It is important to note that the color-coded system applies to entire communities, not just schools. Even if a school district does not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19, it may be included in a color-coded zone based on the region’s metrics. 

If trends continue, it is possible that Albany County could be designated a Yellow Zone before too long. While that does not require a mandatory school or district closure, it does require us to comply with specific testing protocols to remain open. 

Schools in yellow zones are required to test 20% of in-person learners and teachers/staff. If our region is designated a Yellow Zone, our goal is to keep schools open. We believe there is no substitute for academic, social and emotional benefits of in-person learning and we are confident the safety protocols we follow in our schools have been effective. 

According to the current state guidelines, there are certain precautionary measures that will become necessary if our region is identified as a Yellow Zone.

School nurses with support from Whitney Young School-Based Health Center staff will test 20% of all in-person staff and students over a two-week period following an announcement that we are in a Yellow Zone. In the case of students, parents/guardians will be asked to complete a consent form prior to testing. There will be no cost for these tests.

• If the positivity rate of the district is lower than the current positivity rate for the region, no more testing is necessary. 
• If the positivity rate of the district is higher than the current positivity rate for the region, we will continue to test 20% of in-person learners, faculty and staff on a bi-weekly basis.

I encourage our families, teachers and staff to continue to watch their email and the district website for information and updates. As always, please contact your building principal or the district office with questions.

The best defense: personal responsibility

With cases on the rise, it is especially important to remember that personal responsibility is the best defense for keeping our students safe and keeping our schools open. In the midst of a public health crisis, the actions of a few can cause a ripple effect in the greater community. 

We all must do our part – so please continue to wear your masks properly, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer, practice social distancing, avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, get a flu shot and follow all CDC and DOH guidelines in and outside of school.

I wish everyone a peaceful, safe and healthy Thanksgiving. 🦃

Welcome back students and staff ... at long last

 As we wrap up the second full week of school, I want to share how proud I am of our teachers, staff, students, Watervliet parents and families. It wasn’t easy, it wasn’t without obstacles and it wasn’t perfect – but I thank you for taking that leap of faith as we re-opened our schools a little more than two weeks ago. Your patience, support, and flexibility is appreciated more than you know.

They’re here!!🙌🏽💃🏻🤳🏼 pic.twitter.com/aa0MD0Q2hW

— L Caplan (@SuptCaplan) September 9, 2020

After a LONG six months it is rewarding to have students (and teachers!) back in our buildings, and it is encouraging to see them settling almost seamlessly into the school routine, and adjusting well to the new “normal,” which includes the wearing of face coverings/masks.  

A reminder for our students and families to complete and submit the daily health screening/COVID-19 attestation each day before boarding a school bus or entering school buildings. Staff, too, must complete the screening/attestation. We are required to report this data to the New York State Department of Health daily, so your cooperation is extremely important.

The challenges are far from over. We are by no means through the woods with this pandemic. That is why we all – students, families, teachers and staff – must remain vigilant in our prevention efforts. I strongly encourage our students, staff, families and parents to continue to practice frequent hand washing, maintain social distancing (staying at least six feet apart from others), and wear masks outside of the regular school day. Let’s continue to all work together and do all we can to ensure our schools can stay open.

While I am on the subject of health ‒  parents ‒ please make sure your children’s immunizations are up to date! Students who are not immunized cannot attend school either in person or remotely. If you have any questions about immunization requirements for attending school, please consult your child’s doctor, or call our school nurses for information. Also, remember that Whitney Young’s School Based Health Center is available to our students for immunizations. The school based health center is located in the Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School. Call 518-629-3270 or 518-629-3271 for information.  

One more piece of school health-related news to share: This week, we welcomed our most recent hire, Racheal Thomas who will serve as the new school nurse at Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School. Racheal is a registered nurse who has engaged in a variety of healthcare roles from urgent care for St. Peter’s Health Partners to nursing supervisor/registered nurse for the New York State Department of Corrections to volunteer experience with Red Cross disaster relief. Welcome Racheal!

Be on the Lookout for Second Teaching & Learning Waiver

About 40% of our students from prekindergarten to grade 12 opted for remote learning when school began on Sept. 9. As we approach the 5-week mark in the first quarter marking period, parents will have an opportunity to rethink their options. Some may decide they want to return to the classroom in-person, while others may want to continue with or opt for remote learning. Please contact your building principal if you have any questions.  A Teaching & Learning Waiver is being distributed to families via One Call Now email and will be posted on the district’s website. If parents are making a change in their child’s status from remote to in-person learning or vice versa, the waiver must be submitted by October 2. After that, remote learners will be bound by their decision until the end of the marking period.

Athletics update

For those of us who follow high school athletics closely, you may be aware that the Colonial Council recently decided to delay the start of many sports traditionally offered in the fall to March 2021. The hiatus includes high contact sports, such as football and volleyball, as well as more moderate impact sports, including soccer and Cross-Country track. While we understand the disappointment felt by our student athletes, we recognize that the health, safety and well-being of our students and coaching staff is the priority. Our Athletics Department will share further news and updates as they become available.

Finally, I have witnessed strength, determination and grit in this school community during the past several months and can say with confidence that we will get through this together and come out stronger. Every student, every day!

Governor to make decision on re-opening NY schools in early August

I tuned into Governor Cuomo's press conference on Wednesday, as I have done routinely since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the statewide school closures in March. During the briefing, the governor announced that he will make a decision on whether or not to reopen New York schools within the first week of August based on the most recent data. Watervliet, and every other district in New York, will be required to submit a re-opening plan by July 31 to the state for review as the governor prepares to make his decision.

In the meantime, the governor promised that the state would release re-opening guidance for schools next Monday ‒ news that my superintendent colleagues and I have been waiting for since the school year officially ended some three weeks ago. Throughout the past several weeks, I and other district leaders from our area have participated in discussions with Capital Region BOCES about the various challenges re-opening schools in September will present. First and foremost is the health and well-being of our students and staff when and if we are allowed to open our doors in September. Other considerations include transportation logistics, financial impact, K-12 scheduling and the implications of remote learning on special education, technology and access needs, as well as curriculum development and professional training for educators. 

Like others in the region and across the country, our school district continues to study the latest guidance and protocols issued by the CDC and review best practices outlined in plans developed by educational leaders in other states as we prepare our own plan for re-opening our schools in the fall. My administrative team has put their critical skills to the test brainstorming various scenarios and what these would mean for our students and school community.

I echo the sentiments expressed by Governor Cuomo Wednesday when he said that to definitively declare that schools WILL BE OPEN in September would be negligent and reckless given the unpredictability of this virus. Prior to opening, it is imperative that we have a solid plan in place that protects the safety and well-being of children and adults.

In addition, the governor indicated, and I tend to agree, that the data in New York needs to show no spike in the virus, especially following the Labor Day holiday weekend when our school year traditionally begins. The governor cautioned that if the number of cases does spike, the state will re-evaluate and could decide to close schools in a region and/or require districts to tweak re-opening plans depending on the specific situation.

Ideally, we want to return in the fall and be able to teach and learn in an environment that is safe and comfortable for all our students and staff; but realistically, I recognize this is a heavy lift that will require enormous consideration and a multi-pronged approach.

We will continue to communicate about our plans throughout the summer. I welcome any ideas or constructive feedback on re-opening schools that you have to offer. Please send emails to lcaplan@vlietschools.org, or post a comment in the box at the end of this blog.

Governor Cuomo’s timeline for school re-opening plans/decisions

• July 13: Finalized guidance issued by the state
• July 31: Schools required to submit reopening plans
• August 1-7: Decision made on whether to reopen, based on data.

Training video among safety protocols required for staff returning this summer

As our staff returns to work this summer, we are introducing a few required protocols. All staff who work in any capacity at school facilities must complete an online COVID-19 safety training video. To successfully complete the training, staff member must watch the 30-minute training video, which outlines safety practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. Visit the Staff Resources web page to watch the safety video

Then, employees must complete and submit the All Employee COVID-19 Safety and Reopening Training Quiz and registration form. Visit the Staff Resources web page to access the registration form/Take the quiz

Self-Screening & Attestation mandatory for staff and visitors to the schools

Additionally, from this point forward all employees and guest visitors must complete a self-screening and attestation application before entering the buildings. The website https://entry.neric.org/watervliet can be saved to the home screen of a smart phone to essentially become an “app.” After completing the form, the phone’s screen will either turn green, giving visual permission to the health screening monitor that the individual may enter the buildings, or red indicating the person be denied access to the buildings.

Face masks, social distancing the new norm

All employees returning to work and visitors to our buildings will be required to wear face coverings when in common areas of the schools (hallways, entrances/exits, shared offices, etc.), when they will be in contact with others, or when it is reasonable to assume they will be in contact with others.

Face masks must fully cover the nose and mouth. Non-district issued face coverings are appropriate if they meet the required criteria. The district will supply a face covering for employees who do not have one.

Employees and visitors are also reminded to maintain a distance of at least six (6) feet from each other. Where social distancing is not possible, face coverings are a MUST! Also employees should practice social distancing when entering or exiting the building.

Board of Education leaders chosen for 2020-21 school year

Just want to congratulate board members Amanda Cavanaugh and Sheri Senecal on receiving unanimous approval during our July meeting to serve as president and vice president, respectively for 2020-21. Also, a warm welcome to new board member Tim Delisle who was elected to his first term in June. Looking forward to a successful school year and working in collaboration with the board!

I wish our students, teachers, staff and school community a peaceful, relaxing summer. Be sure to spend plenty of time outdoors and unplug from devices as much as possible. Most importantly, stay healthy and safe!

A very different end to the school year

Much to catch up on

You may have noticed that I have been away from my blog for several weeks. Not intentionally, but because – and this seems counter intuitive – I have been busier than ever since Governor Andrew Cuomo shut down schools in mid-March in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 in New York.

Much of these past 10 weeks I have likened to drinking from a fire hose – trying to navigate the uncharted waters of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has completely changed the way we operate both as a school community and also as a society.

My leadership team and I have dedicated countless hours (one day I sat in on nine Zoom meetings, has to be a record!) to planning, organizing and communicating in response to executive orders that closed our schools for two-week increments at first – and then finally on May 1 – the Governor announced that all schools would remain closed through the end of the academic year.

The announcement came on a Friday afternoon, but the full weight of that edict really didn’t hit me until the following Monday when I walked into the high school building and the halls and classrooms were dead silent. Not a soul – adult or child – in sight. I know that I am not alone in feeling this emptiness, as I have heard from many Watervliet educators who tell me they miss being in the classrooms and miss their students terribly.

Learning at home

Throughout the closure, schools have been required to provide continuity of instruction for all of our students. We had to develop a learning plan and submit it to the State Education Department for approval. Remote learning is at the center of our plan. Since March, we have provided 900 laptops to students so they have access to online learning at home. I know this hasn’t been an easy transition for anyone involved: not students, not teachers and certainly not parents who, in many cases, have had to take on the role of teacher for their kids in addition to other responsibilities. My sincere thanks to our teachers, parents and families for your efforts to engage students in learning during these uniquely challenging times. Everyone has adapted to this new environment and made it work – and we are grateful for your partnership, your patience and your perseverance.

Great to see many of our students and/or parents at WJSHS today picking up Chromebooks for learning! Chromebooks can be signed out today through Friday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at WJSHS (grades 7-12) and WES (grades 3-6). @WJSHSPrincipal @vlietwebster @Stevens_vliet @vlietprograms pic.twitter.com/B9KYoThbUo

— WCSD (@vlietschools) March 17, 2020

In addition to the academic piece, it has been important for us to try our best to meet the social-emotional and mental health needs of our students who may be struggling with stress and anxiety due to this new paradigm. I am especially proud of our school support team of social workers, counselors, and other support professionals who jumped into action to connect with families and offer assistance.

Feeding children

As we approach the 20,000 meal mark, I have one word for our food service workers: Amazing! Our food service staff has worked non-stop to prepare nearly 2,000 meals – breakfast and lunch – per week since our schools closed to make sure no child in our community is without food. Our bus drivers deliver meals to dedicated stops throughout the city to better meet the needs of families. Our Food is Fuel backpack program also continues to provide non-perishable food items to students and families to alleviate food insecurity during the weekends.

#takesavillage https://t.co/1ra22748WJ

— L Caplan (@SuptCaplan) April 20, 2020

Silver lining

If there is a silver lining to this very dark cloud, it is that all of us have really pulled together as a community. #VlietNeverGivesUp is more than a hashtag, it has become a mantra. Board member Amanda Cavanaugh and teacher Meg Fronzek spearheaded the #VlietNeverGivesUp campaign early on in the statewide shutdown to support not only our students and families, but our local businesses, as well. This dynamic duo raised thousands of dollars through t-shirt sales and used the proceeds to buy gift cards to local businesses. The gift cards were then distributed to students and families to provide meals and help keep our local businesses afloat, given the mandated closure.

Amanda and Meg also organized a pop-up food pantry that operates three days per week out of Watervliet Elementary School. Families may stop by Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays to pick up food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, books and other necessities. Donations are always welcome!

Watervliet pop-up food pantry responds to need ⁦@vlietschools⁩ thanks to ⁦@AmandaCav2716⁩ ⁦@VlietWe⁩ Thank you for recognizing this amazing community ⁦@KumiTuckerWNYT⁩ https://t.co/7LV3qK083n

— L Caplan (@SuptCaplan) May 6, 2020

Graduation for Class of 2020

My heart is heavy for our students who have had their lives disrupted, turned upside down because of circumstances that are fully beyond anyone’s control. I especially feel for the Class of 2020, whose final year of high school should be about celebrating milestones and making memories, rather than questioning if, how and when they will be able to move on to the next chapter in their life, be it college or careers.

Earlier this month, we delivered graduate lawn signs to members of our Class of 2020. It was bittersweet, but so worth the laughter and the tears to honor our soon-to-be graduates in a way that has been a longstanding tradition in our district.

We love you all.... Class of 2020. It’s not the end... it’s the beginning!☮️ pic.twitter.com/3jgqK8kLeu

— L Caplan (@SuptCaplan) May 19, 2020

The celebration doesn’t stop with the signs. Our class advisers and administrators are busy putting the finishing touches on plans to celebrate the Class of 2020 with a ceremony. It will look much differently than commencements of years’ past because we are required to follow the Governor’s executive orders, as well as Albany County Department of Health guidelines, to adhere to social distancing protocols and other practices to protect the health and safety of everyone involved. I would just ask that students, parents, families, teachers and staff keep this in mind as we roll out the plan for a non-traditional commencement that we anticipate will take place on June 17.

Moving Up Ceremonies

Parents, families, teachers and staff will be invited to participate in upcoming virtual Moving Up ceremonies for Prekindergarten and Grade 6 students.

Prekindergarten Moving Up Live via YouTube is scheduled to take place on Monday, June 15, with four ceremonies that will take place starting at 9 a.m. and proceed each half-hour by classroom. UPK Director Kirsten DeMento will share details with our prekindergarten families.

The Grade 6 celebration will be on Tuesday, June 16 at 9 a.m. Watervliet Elementary Principal Kelly Webster will share more information directly with grade 6 families about the ceremony that will be livestreamed via YouTube.

More information is posted on our district website

Questions swirl about reopening of schools in September

Inquiring minds want to know if we will return to school in the traditional sense in the fall. Even though this school year isn’t quite finished, we are beginning to consider what education in our schools may look like for our students, teachers and staff come September. Planning to reopen schools is in the very preliminary stages and is subject to change in time as we receive more guidance from state and federal agencies (Center for Disease Control) about guidelines that must be met before teachers or students return to school. We have formed a task force to identify best practices for how we can re-imagine education for September that will consider logistics such as adhering to social distancing protocols, wearing face coverings, and developing more effective disinfecting and cleaning procedures. We will continue to communicate about this moving forward throughout the summer. I welcome any ideas or constructive feedback on reopening schools that you would like to share with me and our task force. Please send me an email at lcaplan@vlietschools.org, or post a comment in the box at the end of this blog.

Final thoughts

I have a few final thoughts to share about current events unrelated to COVID-19. My heart is heavy and my mind is racing for the burden that black and brown communities everywhere are shouldering right now following the tragic and callous death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis last week. I cannot pretend to fully understand the disenfranchisement that black and brown people have experienced over the course of history.  What I do know is that I feel outrage by the violence that took place in our country this weekend, following peaceful protests that were organized, strategic, and purposeful. People of all races must refuse to be silent and vow to confront racism when we see it. We must put our words into action … our students’ lives depend on it. Please read my message to the Watervliet community

I leave you with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr:

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Where do you stand? …

Please be safe, stay strong and take good care of each other!

Capital project gets the green light; school budget development begins

I want to thank community members who came out to vote on our recent capital project referendum. District residents gave the green light to the $9.9 million capital project on Feb. 4 with a supermajority vote (more than 60%), which is required of small city school districts. Despite the low turnout, a total of 198 votes were cast, I am grateful that we had the support needed to be able to move forward with this essential work and repairs that will make our buildings safer, healthier and run more efficiently.

With the capital project vote now behind us, the district leadership team and I have turned our focus to developing next year’s school budget. As in years past, we will be seeking the support of state legislators to increase funding for K-12 education as they hammer out an agreement on the state budget. In mid-January, the governor presented his executive budget proposal, which signaled the start of the state budget process for the legislature. April 1 is the deadline to reach a state budget deal. Once that is approved, we will receive conclusive information on the amount of state aid we can expect and finalize our 2020-21 school budget proposal. The public will have the opportunity to vote on the school budget on Tuesday, May 19.

The governor’s proposal includes an $826 million increase in overall education funding for the 2020-21 school year, which is a 3 percent increase from the current year’s budget. While this sounds like a significant increase, keep in mind there are approximately 700 school districts across New York that share in the allocation of state aid.

The aid proposed by the governor falls far short of the $2 billion increase recommended by the New York State Board of Regents for the 2020-21 year; and also, the $2.1 billion increase the Educational Conference Board (ECB) has declared is necessary to allow schools to maintain current services and expand opportunities and support for students. (The ECB is a coalition of six leading educational organizations that represents parents, classroom teachers, school-related professionals, building administrators, superintendents and school boards from around the state.)

In his executive budget address, the governor highlighted more “equity” between wealthy districts and poorer districts as a major priority. As the leader of a small urban district, equity is a concept that I continue to fight for, given that we have limited resources and serve many students who live in poverty. The governor has also committed to continue the state’s investment in prekindergarten and after school programs, which I wholeheartedly support because these programs directly benefit our students and families.

Another priority outlined in the governor’s executive budget proposal, however, causes great concern for all school districts: consolidating and/or slowing the growth of certain reimbursements to schools. Under the governor’s plan expense-based aids, including BOCES programs and services, software, hardware, textbook and library purchases, and supplemental public excess cost (reimbursements for certain expenses associated with students with disabilities), would be consolidated – this will make budgeting for certain expenses significantly more challenging. His plan would also place a cap on growth in future reimbursements for student transportation, based on an inflation factor and enrollment growth, and create a new tier of reimbursement levels for school construction projects (fortunately, this would not apply to our recently approved capital project).

As always, I encourage community members to be involved and informed as we develop our school budget. Please attend our March Board of Education meeting for an update from our Assemblyman John McDonald on the state budget process and his thoughts on the legislature’s position on state aid for our schools.

Finally, a shout out to an amazing tradition at Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School: Singing Valentines courtesy of the phenomenal Delta Force and our awesome music teacher Terry Bradway. Thank you for performing throughout our school and making Valentine's Day special for students and staff alike.

Nothing sings “Happy Valentine’s Day”♥️ like Delta Force 🎤 pic.twitter.com/lRHgxXAhU9

— L Caplan (@SuptCaplan) February 14, 2020

To our students, teachers, staff and families – I hope you have a relaxing and fun February break! 

Holiday Thoughts: It Takes A Village

This month and throughout the first half of this school year, I find myself using the hashtag #ItTakesAVillage in many of my tweets (I hope you are following me on Twitter). This well-known African proverb essentially means that it is the responsibility of an entire community to look out for and support children so that they experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment.

When I think of our community, and the acts of kindness and generosity from our students, staff and families, especially around this special time of year, I am truly humbled. The spirit of “It Takes a Village” is demonstrated daily in our schools. Recently, we collected snow boots and jackets to provide to students who lack warm winter wear. In October, Spanish teacher Meg Fronczek started a Crocs and Socks campaign after noticing students coming into school on rainy days with wet sneakers and socks. Many of our teachers and support staff stepped up donating hundreds of pairs of socks and Crocs so now our students have access to dry socks and a pair of comfortable Crocs they can borrow during the school day, giving their socks and sneakers or shoes a chance to dry before the walk home.

#WhateverItTakes #kindnessmatters https://t.co/Izk9VjjHUg

— L Caplan (@SuptCaplan) October 25, 2019

This December, both our schools (WES, WJSHS) again participated in adopt-a family efforts to purchase gifts for children of local families in need and help make their holidays brighter. Through the adopt-a-family at WJSHS, 45 children from the Watervliet Housing Authority received two to three presents each (toys and clothing) delivered by Santa and Mrs. Claus a week before the holiday. Meanwhile, a total of 40 children were provided gifts between the school and community adopt-a-family effort at Watervliet Elementary School. My sincere thanks to our teachers and staff for their continued support that brings smiles to the faces of some of our neediest students and their siblings.

I tweeted about the many good deeds performed by our students as they gave back to their community throughout December:

WHS students serve holiday lunch at Watervliet Senior Center

#takesavillage https://t.co/8DXRO6xvKq

— L Caplan (@SuptCaplan) December 18, 2019

The Cannoneer Chorus sings at Watervliet Senior Center

Cannoneer chorus was belting out holiday classics at the Senior Center today!🎤 pic.twitter.com/q78IXtXRb5

— L Caplan (@SuptCaplan) December 13, 2019

WES student ambassadors deliver holiday beauty to residents of Watervliet Housing

Our student ambassadors from @vlietwebster @coachfoust WES deliver cheer to members in housing. pic.twitter.com/KqsIzdMDgX

— L Caplan (@SuptCaplan) December 13, 2019

WES students collect pajamas for Unity House

Ah-maze-ing!!😍👌🏼 https://t.co/sdtuFLU6W6

— L Caplan (@SuptCaplan) December 12, 2019

Looking ahead to 2020: Capital Project Vote

Earlier this month, the Board of Education voted on a resolution that would authorize $9.99 million in capital improvements for Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School and Watervliet Elementary School. District residents will have an opportunity to vote on the referendum Tuesday, February 4.

Unlike our last facilities improvements that included big-ticket, highly-visible improvements like the turf field and the track, the project we are proposing now is best described as “no-frills” because it addresses the district’s most immediate facilities needs, as identified in the latest building condition survey: aging infrastructure, and health and safety improvements.

A building condition survey is a thorough inspection conducted by a team made up of at least one architect or engineer and certain district staff. The State Education Department requires all school districts in the state to submit a building condition survey every five years to collect information on the district's infrastructure and prioritize facility needs district-wide. The data collected helps district officials assess current conditions of program spaces and major building systems to prioritize the most essential repairs and restorations.

From January through June, a Facilities Advisory Committee that included school leaders, teachers, maintenance staff, school board members, students and parents, met with our district’s architectural consultants to take a deeper dive into our facility and maintenance needs and make recommendations to present to the Board. Factors considered by the committee included protecting the health and safety of students, staff and school visitors; systems and equipment that have reached or are near the end-of-life expectancy; deteriorating building components; and the ability to service or repair outdated equipment.

The final project scope includes such items as roof replacement at both buildings; replacing elevators at the elementary school and renovating the high school elevator; heating and ventilation systems work; and drainage at the elementary school playground. Visit our website for more information on the project scope

State building aid would cover 95 percent of the cost of the proposed capital project. The remaining 5 percent of the project would be funded through a 1.06% increase in the overall property tax levy, based on the current tax cap data for the district.

We invite you to learn more about the proposed capital project at two presentations scheduled for January 7, 2020 and January 16, 2020 at Watervliet Elementary School. I encourage you to attend and ask questions to make an informed decision when you vote in February.

School Budget Development

Also, in January we will be diving into the 2020-21 school budget development process. The Capital Region BOCES Superintendents’ Legislative Committee, which I help lead with Niskayuna’s superintendent of schools, met recently with NYS Senator Shelly B. Mayer, who chairs the State Senate Education Committee, to discuss foundation aid formula and other educational priorities. This is ahead of Governor Cuomo’s State of the State, which he will deliver in early January. My administrative team and I will pay close attention to that address for information that will guide our budget development for the coming school year. The state reportedly is facing a $6 billion budget gap, so we will have to wait and see how that impacts school aid.

Happy holidays to all!

I hope you will take time this holiday season to reflect upon the positive aspects of your lives, and enjoy the most precious gift of all—time spent with family and friends. May you all enjoy a relaxing and peaceful holiday season.

Conversations provide opportunities to raise awareness, promote healing

After nearly three decades in education, I was certain that I had experienced all the aha moments I was ever going to have. A few weeks ago, however, I found myself sitting in a circle discussion with high school students, staff and community members that turned out to be one of the most powerful experiences of my career.

As the conversation progressed, the diverse group of students began to open up and share some of their most personal stories. Each student spoke about some type of trauma – in some cases, a combination of adversities – that have had a profound impact on them.

I don’t often get emotional, but was literally brought to tears as I listened to the conversations. Happy tears because I was so proud of their courage and honesty, and sad tears because it was heartbreaking to hear some of the awful experiences these children have lived through and/or witnessed in their short lives.

What an amazing afternoon!!! Students discussing privilege, marginalization and speaking their truths! Thank you to staff, parents and community members. #mindblown #WhateverItTakes No matter what...”we got you!” pic.twitter.com/8i5Aif9cAu

— L Caplan (@SuptCaplan) September 11, 2019

Understanding adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is critical to the work we do as educators. ACEs are defined as traumatic events such as violence, abuse, or neglect that children experience throughout their young lives. Growing up in an environment with substance abuse, mental health problems, or instability due to parental separation or incarceration of a parent, sibling, or other close family member can undermine a child’s sense of safety and stability. Abuse, neglect and household dysfunction can happen anywhere; and sadly, for many of our students, it is a reality. It's important for us to understand how these experiences impact a student’s well-being and their ability to learn.

Children who have experienced trauma often think and act differently. More often than not, learning can be a big struggle for them. Once trauma is identified as the source of negative or destructive behavior, however, we can adapt our approach to better support students in school.

As a school community, we continue to raise our own awareness of the impact of ACES on our students. We have participated in trainings to learn more about trauma-informed practices in our classrooms. My hope is that the more teachers and staff understand our students’ experiences, the more we can assist in meeting their needs and support them in being successful.

Since that initial conversation in September, students and staff members have gathered in smaller groups to discuss the challenges, the concerns and the struggles our young people face. They have had the courage to address topics that are routinely avoided in conversation, including race, diversity, poverty, and sexual identity.

These conversations are one component of our district’s strategic goal to support students in a safe and positive school environment. Students with traumatic backgrounds benefit from restorative practices, such as these circle discussions, rather than punitive approaches to discipline. To quote a restorative justice coordinator from the New York City Department of Education: “Relying solely on punishment leaves out the important and healing lessons that students of trauma so desperately need.”

Through these discussions, I have learned how incredibly brave our students are, and the reality of how harsh and cruel this world can be to young people. At the same time, I am inspired by their resilience and their determination as they show up for school every day. Which is why we owe it to our students to do whatever it takes to create a safe and supportive learning environment for every student, every day.

Ready, set, go! The start of the 2019-20 school year is here

It is hard to believe that another summer has flown by and a new school year is upon us. I am excited to welcome back students and staff for the 2019-2020 school year! I hope that our educators and staff, as well as our students and their families took time to relax and enjoy vacations and other fun summer adventures together and that you return to school rejuvenated and eager to teach and to learn.

I thank our 12-month staff and my administrators who worked throughout the summer preparing for the start of the new school year. The leadership team has been hard at work hiring new teachers and staff, overseeing summer programs in both buildings, as well as attending and facilitating professional development. Thanks as well to our school bus drivers who provided transportation for summer programs and our cafeteria workers who prepared summer meals for students. I also thank our maintenance staff and student work crews who worked diligently during the past several weeks to clean and prep our buildings for opening day on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

Power of communication

As mentioned in my previous blog, thanks to a scholarship from NYSCOSS I traveled to Switzerland in July for a leadership conference with several of my superintendent colleagues from New York. Visiting historic sites and breathtaking landscapes was amazing, but the Leadership Summit during our final three days was one of the most inspiring and powerful events I have participated in throughout my nearly three decades as an educator. The summit brought together students and educators from around the globe to consider “The Power of Communication” and its impact on the world. This is a theme that I plan to explore further this year with teachers and staff as we consider how communication applies to the work we do every day.

One way is doing our best to understand the unspoken messages that our students send without saying a word. As adults and as educators, it is our responsibility to pick up on these messages, build appropriate relationships with our students and learn all we can about them in an effort to best serve them. Another way is to make sure that we build and maintain open lines of communication with parents and caregivers to strengthen the home-school connection. There is a plethora of research that shows parental involvement in education is an important factor in student success. So let’s start making that connection with parents early in the school year, especially for our at-risk students.

Summer book club a best seller!

Speaking of powerful — our summer book club was a huge success! From mid-July through mid-August, students, teachers and administrators packed classrooms each week to discuss the “The Hate U Give” by Angie Davis. I applaud our English department teachers for selecting this contemporary novel with its relevant and engaging themes for teenage readers. I was able to participate in a few of the hour-long discussions and was impressed with the thoughtful, respectful and honest conversations that occurred among students and staff. Student interest and turnout for summer book club definitely exceeded our expectations!!

Welcome to our new staff!

Lastly, I am filled with excitement about the new educators who will be joining us this year. They come from diverse backgrounds, some have experience in this field and some are just beginning their careers. I encourage our veteran teachers and staff to offer them your support and show your collaborative spirit.

I look forward to serving my eighth year as your superintendent and remain fully committed to our mission of challenging, inspiring and educating every student, every day. I feel strongly this will be our best year yet for a multitude of reasons! Welcome back everyone!

Global learning experience

As educators, we often encourage students to continue learning over the summer break. I took that advice to heart earlier this month when I traveled to Switzerland as part of an international education conference. Thanks to a scholarship from the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS), I was afforded the remarkable opportunity to participate in the Global Leadership Summit with several of my colleagues from around the state.

The learning experience began with our first day landing in Geneva when we toured the Cathedral of Coure de Saint-Pierre in Geneva, a Gothic cathedral that became the adopted church of John Calvin, a leader of the Protestant Reformation. Such rich history!

The next stop was Lausanne and a visit to the Rolex Learning Center on the campus of Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), one of Europe's most famous science and technology institutions. The Rolex Learning Center, with its innovative and energy-efficient design, functions as a laboratory for learning, a library and an international cultural hub for EPFL that is open to both students and the public. On our walking tour of Lausanne, which runs along Lake Geneva and has the Swiss Alps in view, we visited many cathedrals and churches that overlook the city, as well as green grass and flowers that blanket the entire city.

From Lausanne, we headed to Zermatt where we rode a Matterhorn cable car to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Many of us went tubing down parts of the Matterhorn as well as climbed through glaciers.  At the peak of the Matterhorn, on the viewing deck, we were able to look down on the Swiss, Italian and French Alps.

Sun one day... glaciers the next. @pobsupt @laurapfeijoo @LawrenceBoWrig1 @csdedrick @NYSchoolSupts @EFtours pic.twitter.com/43LaZdNH8m

— L Caplan (@SuptCaplan) July 9, 2019

Next, we traveled to the city of Lucerne, a city famous for its medieval architecture. We walked the Chapel Bridge, which is the longest and oldest covered wooden footbridge of its kind in Europe. The bridge, with its decorative interior paintings, spans the River Reuss. We then visited another iconic site ‒ and my most favorite ‒ the Lion Monument, a large stone carving along the side of a cliff. This monument, which is a tribute to Swiss mercenaries who were killed or executed during the French revolution, depicts a dying lion impaled by a spear and his expression is visceral.

Today our group in Switzerland is focusing on history at the famous “Lion Monument of Lucerne.” Honors fallen SWISS guard. ⁦@pobsupt⁩ ⁦@SuptAMaloney⁩ ⁦@SuptCaplan⁩ ⁦@LawrenceBoWrig1⁩ ⁦@laurapfeijoo⁩ & ⁦@csdedrick⁩. Thanks ⁦⁦@EFEducation pic.twitter.com/nHz2fD2uG2

— NYSCOSS (@NYSchoolSupts) July 10, 2019

Our tour continued in Zurich with a stop at the Education First headquarters. While there, our group of New York superintendents met with counterparts from Ohio and discussed a variety of topics including best practices in education, the pros and cons of the education systems in our respective states, and the power of communication. Later that day, we took a relaxing cruise on Lake Zurich where we were able to network with colleagues and enjoy the picturesque scenery.

Such rich international and educational discussions led by @EF Michele & Jim!!🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/JXJItLOlXt

— L Caplan (@SuptCaplan) July 11, 2019

The following day we visited Liechtenstein, which is one of the smallest states in Europe, adding another stamp to our passports. Located between Austria and Switzerland, this small country is home to about 5,000 residents. While in Liechtenstein, we visited the National Museum and its famous collection of bejeweled Easter eggs.

Later that week, our group joined teachers and students from North America and Europe in Davos, Switzerland for a three-day leadership conference. We heard from such inspirational speakers as slam poet Clint Smith, journalist Ann Curry, musician Kai Kight, and a panel of young adult activists including David Hogg, former Parkland student and the cofounder of March for Our Lives. As part of the leadership summit, the 2,000-plus international students were assigned to groups and worked tirelessly on projects based on the summit theme: “The Power of Communication.”  The final day of the summit, educators worked with the student groups who presented their proposed solutions to global communications challenges. We were asked to listen to each group’s one-minute pitch of their product/idea that would improve communication and offer our feedback. We rated the student projects, and the top 10 groups were asked to deliver their one-minute pitch on stage. A panel of judges comprised of the guest speakers and Education First guides then selected the winning project. That project will be on display in the Nobel Museum in Stockholm, Sweden.

The reason we do what we do.... students spent days working collaboratively on innovative products. Let’s hope the judges are impressed. 🙏🏼 Good luck to everyone! #EFsummits @LawrenceBoWrig1 @NYSchoolSupts @laurapfeijoo pic.twitter.com/9JAOkuaS9A

— L Caplan (@SuptCaplan) July 14, 2019

I found the Leadership Summit so impactful because students were working on real-life, hands-on projects for the entire weekend. They all embraced working in and collaborating with diverse groups – it didn’t even matter that it was a Saturday! What stood out most to me was the energy in each room that I visited. It caused me to pause and ask, ‘why can’t every classroom look like this?’ Students were having fun learning, collaborating and problem solving. They were so proud of their creations and were accepting of the feedback that educators shared with them. It’s important that in Watervliet we strive toward creating learning spaces where students can be creative and motivated while learning. In an ideal world, I would love for students in Watervliet to travel outside the U.S.  Until that becomes a reality, we must work hard to bring these types of world experiences to them.

Thank you @#efsummits ⁦@NYSchoolSupts⁩ ⁦@csdedrick⁩ ⁦@laurapfeijoo⁩ ⁦@LawrenceBoWrig1⁩ ⁦@EF⁩ for the most memorable week of my life!! #homesweethome pic.twitter.com/tD6lmhgCxg

— L Caplan (@SuptCaplan) July 16, 2019

I am so grateful to have had this unforgettable experience, and for the connections, comradery and collegiality that I experienced among our group of 20-some educational leaders, and with the students and educators from other parts of the world. Oh, did I mention the Swiss chocolate? Yeah, that was pretty fantastic, too!

Congratulations Class of 2019!

The end of the school year is always a bittersweet time. Next week, we bid farewell to group of about 100 high school seniors who we have been educating, inspiring and challenging for the past 13 years of their lives. As the Class of 2019 prepares to move on from Watervliet High School, I wish them all the best in the next chapter, whether that be college, the workforce, or the military. The WHS commencement begins promptly at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26 in the Harry Tucker gymnasium.

Reflecting back on a busy 2018-19 school year

As the 2018-19 school year comes to a close, I want to take this opportunity to look back on the year that was, and take note of several successful initiatives that were launched this year. 

We expanded the What I Need (WIN) program, which has been greatly beneficial for elementary students, to junior high school students (grades 7-8). The Win program offers additional support to students who need it in English language arts and math. 

Also at the junior high and high school level, we introduced a school mentoring program for all students in grades 7-11. Every teacher and administrator, as well as instructional support staff, agreed to be a mentor to at least one student this year. The purpose of the mentor program is to build personal relationships with students and provide positive supports that will help them feel more connected to school, and in turn, improve attendance and student engagement in learning.

School Based Health Center continues to serve students

Whitney Young began operating a school-based health center in our school district in September. The program currently provides health services to about 60 percent of our students. As mentioned in my previous blogs, the school-based health center is located at Watervliet Jr./Sr. High School, but serves all students, prekindergarten through grade 12, whose parents enroll them in the program. The school-based health center provides immunizations and physicals required for school, and there is never a co-pay or an out-of-pocket cost for any SBHC services! We are hoping to expand the enrollment so that we can provide a health center on-site at Watervliet Elementary School. The health center is possible through a partnership between our school district and Whitney Young Health.

PTECH to begin year two

Eleven of our students recently completed their first year in the Capital Region Pathways in Technology Early High School (P-TECH) program. I am so proud of our students who are on their way to earning both their high school diploma and an associate’s degree from HVCC in information technology through this four- to six-year program (grades 9-14).

About a dozen incoming ninth-graders will enter the PTECH program in September. To prepare for the program, the students will participate in a week-long Summer Bridge program during where they will have an opportunity to get to know their classmates better, meet the program’s business and education partners, and be immersed in fun STEM-based and team-building activities.

On the Move

The Board of Education, upon my recommendation, recently appointed Don Stevens to the position of assistant superintendent from director of curriculum and instruction. In this new role, Mr. Stevens will continue to administer all things related to curriculum, instruction and professional development with added leadership responsibilities.

Also, you may recall in January Kelly Webster moved from assistant principal at Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School to principal at Watervliet Elementary School ‒ and she is doing a fantastic job there!

In other administrative news, beginning July 1, Michael Foust will become the assistant principal at WES, and David Wareing will return to the assistant principal position at WJSHS and take on the role of Athletic Coordinator. Over the summer, we will hire an assistant principal to fill Mrs. Webster’s former spot at WJSHS.

Farewell to our retiring educators, staff members

It is also a time to say good-bye to this year’s retirees and thank them for their years of service to the district and commitment to our students. Congratulations and best wishes to WHS social studies teacher Scott Burke and technology teacher Joe Facin; WES reading teacher Michaeleen Backus and cafeteria worker Elizabeth Sutherland.

Before they officially head out for a well-deserved summer vacation, I want to recognize our teachers and instructional support staff for the dedication, talent, energy and care they bring to educating our diverse student population. I value your efforts and your commitment to making a positive difference for every student, every day.

Thanks for supporting education

Finally, on behalf of the Board of Education, I thank everyone who took time to participate in the school budget vote and Board of Education election on May 21. I am grateful for the continued community support for our schools.

To our students, teachers and 10-month staffers, please enjoy a relaxing, safe and fun summer! We will do this all again starting in September.

Appreciating teachers

Teacher Appreciation Week

Around the country, this is National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10). Every student needs and deserves a champion. Our students depend on us to care for them, educate them and challenge them. I am proud to recognize and thank all Watervliet’s educators who not only teach but also care for and serve as role models for students in our schools.

I often remind teachers that although we cannot control the environment that our learners come from, we can be authentic and empathetic while creating a welcoming and nurturing environment so students can succeed during the time they spend with us at school. It is important to keep in mind, too, that the final weeks of the school year can be a restless and hectic time for students. I encourage teachers and staff to continue to be the positive and caring adults that our students can count on for support!

Tenure granted to five district educators

Five educators were recognized during the April Board meeting for earning tenure. Congratulations to grade 6 teachers Nikki LaBossierre and Anna Marie Magyar, elementary teacher Jennifer Williams, and high school science teachers Hillary Brochu and Cecelia Nicolaescu. Thank you for inspiring, educating and challenging every student, every day!

Congratulations to our teachers receiving their tenure tonight: Nikki LaBoissiere Jennifer Williams, Hillary Brochu, Cecelia Nicolaescu and Anna Marie Magyar. 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/AKeedlWMgn

— WCSD (@vlietschools) April 18, 2019

National Teacher of Year an inspiration to urban educators 

Speaking of teachers, it is inspiring to hear the words of Rodney Robinson, the newly minted Teacher of the Year. His is perhaps the most challenging – but I would bet also the most rewarding – task an educator can have. Mr. Robinson teaches social studies at the Binford Education Center, which is part of the Richmond Juvenile Detention Facility in Virginia. He believes ALL students, including those whose life experiences growing up in an urban environment have been difficult or greatly influenced by trauma and led to poor choices, deserve a high quality education and great teachers. He acknowledges that his students have made mistakes for which they are now paying, but he is committed to ensuring they get the second chance they deserve to overcome their challenges and succeed.

I applaud Mr. Robinson who says that as Teacher of the Year, he will use his voice to advocate for equity in education, which means making sure that all students receive the resources to achieve what they deserve, and cultural responsiveness to recognize the importance of including students’ culture in all aspects of learning. With these two principles, students can be empowered to achieve their goals. Read more about this amazing and dedicated educator

Top 10 students

Time now to recognize the Top 10 scholars of the Class of 2019! Congratulations to valedictorian Jared Sierra and salutatorian Waleed Ahmed, Alexis Dykes, Madyson Sawyer, Zagham Shah, Dylan Fumarola, Mustafa Raza, Dez’Jah Mitchell, Angelina Rodriguez and Hannah Linacre who round out the Top 10.

It's no April Fool's Day joke! Today @WJSHSPrincipal recognized the Class of 2019 Top 10 scholars for their awesomeness (hard work and achievements) during the past four years at WHS. Congratulations to all!! @VlietCounselors @SuptCaplan @coachfoust pic.twitter.com/BqGleucPI9

— WCSD (@vlietschools) April 1, 2019

In addition to their outstanding academic performance, these students contributed to the school community in other ways: leadership, music and athletics. Although their intended college majors vary ‒from accounting to physics, and international trade to nursing – I know these Cannoneers will continue to make us all proud. Read more about the Class of 2019 Top 10

Remember to vote Tuesday, May 21

The annual school budget vote and Board of Education election takes place Tuesday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., during which Watervliet voters will consider a $28 million budget for the 2019-20 school year. Under this budget proposal, we are able to preserve our educational programs, services and opportunities for students, and remain within our allowable tax levy “cap” as determined by the state's formula. More about the budget proposal

Every resident of the community 18 and older has a voice in the funding and elected leadership of our school district. Whether you’ve been voting for years or will cast your first ballot on May 21, whatever your opinion may be, I encourage you to vote. I only ask that you learn as much about the proposed budget as possible before you head to your polling location. Please visit the district's budget web page, where you can find details about the proposed 2019-20 school budget and its impact on our schools and community.

End-of-year events

As the end of the school year approaches, I am excited to share some important upcoming dates and events that are scheduled during these final weeks of school:

• Wednesday, May 8 – Grade 6 Transition Night, 6 p.m.
• Thursday, May 9 – National Honor Society Induction Ceremony, 7 p.m.
• Saturday, May 11 – Junior/Senior Prom, 7-11 p.m., Walk-thru, 6 p.m.
• Monday, May 13 – Grandparents and Special Persons Night, 6:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 14 – Public Budget Hearing/Board of Education Meeting, 6 p.m. 
• Thursday, May 16 – Garnet & Grey Spring Concert, 6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 21 – Annual School Budget Vote/Board of Education election
• Friday, May 24 through Tuesday, May 28 – No School, Memorial Day 
• Thursday, May 30 – Spring Sports Awards Night, 6 p.m.
• Monday, June 3 – NYS Regents Exam, 8 a.m.
• Thursday, June 6 – Elementary Spring Concert, 6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 12 – Senior Varsity Dinner, 6 p.m.
• Thursday, June 13 Board of Education Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Friday, June 14 – WES Field Day
• Tuesday, June 18 – Regents Exams begin
• Monday, June 24 through Wednesday, June 26 – WES Half Days  
• Monday, June 24 – UPK celebration, 9 a.m., 10 a.m. 
• Tuesday, June 25 – Grade 6 Graduation, 9:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, June 26 – Class of 2019 Commencement, 6 p.m., WHS gymnasium

2019-20 school budget development underway

The 2019-20 budget development process is underway, as School Business Manager Keith Heid presented a preliminary look at the budget numbers during the March Board of Education meeting. Mr. Heid reviewed our district’s projected expenditures based on the current academic programs and services we offer. He then recapped revenue estimates, including the amount of state aid we can expect to receive based on the governor’s state budget proposal. As mentioned in my previous blog post, our district could expect an increase of $151,731, or 1.2 percent more, in Foundation Aid under Governor Cuomo’s proposed Executive Budget.

School Business Manager Keith Heid presents a preliminary overview of the school budget to the Board of Education. pic.twitter.com/uGTRs7Nj66

— WCSD (@vlietschools) March 14, 2019

This first look at budget estimates show a baseline budget gap of nearly $650,000 for the 2019-20 school year. That said, I remind everyone, including myself, that these are preliminary numbers, and that the budget process remains fluid as we wait for state budget negotiations to conclude in a few weeks, and we get a final determination on the amount of state aid our schools will receive.

In the meantime, as we move forward with developing our 2019-20 budget proposal, school leaders and administrators will continue to look closely at instructional and department-level priorities to identify areas for cost savings. At the same time, we will make every effort to preserve educational programs and opportunities that address our student needs, while being fiscally responsible to our community and working within the confines of the state’s tax levy cap.

There are two more budget workshops scheduled before the Board adopts its 2019-20 school budget proposal. I encourage parents, staff, students and community members to attend these workshops and learn more about the budget proposal before the public vote on Tuesday, May 21.

The workshops will take place:

• Tuesday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m. at WES, and 
• Saturday, April 13 at 9:00 a.m. at WJSHS    

Honoring women in history

This month during the morning announcements in honor of Women's History Month, our high school students have been recognizing one woman each day who has made a significant impact on history. They have honored civil rights activist Rosa Parks, Noble Prize winning scientist Marie Curie, poet Maya Angelou and Susan B. Anthony, a prominent leader in the women's suffrage movement and champion of women's rights, among others.

To borrow a page from their playbook, I thought it would be interesting, as an educational leader and a woman, to pay homage to the first female superintendent of schools in the United States. Like our students, I first had to do some research. After an online search, I learned that the honor of being the first female superintendent of a public school belongs to Phebe Sudlow of Iowa!

In the mid-1800s, Miss Sudlow was a public school teacher in rural Iowa for 12 years before being asked by the school superintendent in the city of Davenport to teach in his schools. Three years later, she was appointed principal. But before accepting the principal position, Miss Sudlow made it clear to the school board that she expected to receive the same salary that would be offered to a man – and she refused to consider working for less. After thinking it over, the school board agreed to her request and she became the first woman superintendent in our country's history.

Not only was she the first woman to earn the title of superintendent, but she also assumed all the responsibilities of school leadership. Equally important, I learned that Phebe Sudlow was a true warrior for equal rights! During a time when male educators dominated the field and earned quite a bit more than women doing the same job, Sudlow led the charge for equal pay for women educators who were teachers during that era. She also became the first female professor in the English Department at the University of Iowa in 1878, even though she had no formal college degree.

Miss Sudlow was a member of a charitable women’s group in the late 1800s, known as the Ladies' Industrial Relief Society in Davenport, that operated an “industrial school” for poor people in the city. There students learned sewing and cooking skills that would help them land good jobs.

Miss Sudlow paved the way for me and other women who are in leadership roles in today’s schools. I hope to pay that forward by inspiring more women in education to follow the path to leadership as administrators in their schools and districts.

Drama Club production of Aladdin Jr was pure magic

ROCK STARS 👏🏽🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/qtDqBFNI4Z

— L Caplan (@SuptCaplan) March 15, 2019

Finally, I cannot overstate how proud I was sitting in the audience for the WJSHS Drama Club’s performance of the musical, Aladdin Jr., last Friday night. I was incredibly impressed with the level of talent of the cast members and the skill of the stage crew. It really was magic! Congratulations to all the students involved, including:

• ShaQuan Jenkins, Aladdin
• Jah’Nye Griffin, the Genie
• Leigh-Amber Loeper, Princess Jasmine

And the entire cast and stage crew: Mark Pompey, Taleea Watkins, Jahan Malloy, Steffanie Mammoser, Anisa Parsons, Kahlysa Parsons, Tyler Beauregard, Jared Sierra, Olivia Jones, Jade Chastin, Emma Macie, Daryn Curry, Paige Grimmick, Jaelyn Sharpe, An'Twanaizja Uptegrow, Paige McCulloch, Megan Polaro, Mikayla Caminiti, Abby Zawistowski, Camryn Reedy, Kevin Cecchetto, Kendryek Flynn, Melissa Mayo, Mimi Kaurejo.

Bravo to club advisers Ms. Becker and Mrs. Brochu for your hard work to make this happen. I look forward to seeing what the Drama Club has in store (or on stage) next year!

Equitable aid, sustainable programs are top priority for 2019-20 school budget

On Saturday, Jan. 26, I joined my superintendent colleagues at the Capital Region BOCES for a breakfast with legislators to discuss our priorities as leaders of public school districts.

Once again, our top priority is to make sure that districts receive adequate and equitable state aid to help sustain valuable programs and services and make it possible for schools to meet our students’ needs. We have asked that our elected officials consider the needs of students and the sustainability of school programs as they begin state budget negotiations.

As our own school budget development process gets underway, our focus remains the ability to preserve valuable programs and services for students in a fiscally responsible manner. This will be especially challenging minus adequate state funding, and working within the confines of the state’s tax cap.

Earlier this month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo presented a state budget proposal that includes a $956 million school aid increase for 2019-20. Under his proposal, overall school aid would total $27.7 billion, which represents a statewide increase of 3.6 percent.

For Watervliet, the governor's proposal would result in a 1.2 percent increase, or $151,731 more, in Foundation Aid than what we received in the 2018-19 budget cycle.

The bulk of the state aid increase is in two major categories: $338 million in additional Foundation Aid, which is the primary source of funding for everyday school operations, and $619.7 million to reimburse districts for designated expenses such as transportation, construction and BOCES services.

When factoring in those expense-driven and other aid categories, Watervliet would receive a total increase in aid of $487,345, or 2.5 percent.

Also under the governor’s plan, the state’s Property Tax Cap law would become permanent. Adopted in 2011, the law limits growth of local property taxes, including those for local school districts, to 2 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is less. Final tax levy limits for school district are also subject to a number of variables. For Watervliet, every 1 percent over the allowable limit would equal approximately $69,000.

The executive budget proposal is the formal beginning of budget negotiations between the governor and the New York State Legislature, with a final state budget due on or before April 1. The Board of Education will then adopt the proposed 2019-20 school budget on Thursday, April 18. The public will vote on the school budget Tuesday, May 21.

In the meantime, we have scheduled three budget workshops for the following dates:

• Thursday, March 14: Board of Education meeting, 6:00 p.m., WJSHS administrative conference room
• Tuesday, April 9: PTA meeting, 6:30 p.m., WES cafeteria
• Saturday, April 13: Budget Breakfast, 9:00 a.m., WJSHS administrative conference room

Parents, teachers, staff, students and community members are invited to attend any or all of these workshops to learn more about the proposed school budget and share your thoughts during the budget development process.

Stay tuned for more information on our proposed 2019-20 school budget in the coming weeks.

Much to be grateful for heading into 2019

December has been a whirlwind at WCSD! As we approach the holiday break, there is much to be grateful for heading into 2019. 

Although we bid a fond farewell to WES principal Loida Lewinter, I am excited that WJSHS assistant principal Kelly Webster will step into the leadership role at the elementary school. Over the past two years, I have watched with pride as Mrs. Webster has grown into a knowledgeable and capable school leader. She will transition to the elementary school in early January. For those who don’t know her, Mrs. Webster served as a fourth-grade teacher at WES for several years before becoming the assistant principal at the junior-senior high school. While assistant principal, she made instant connections with students and served as an adviser for the Character Education/No Place for Hate program. She also collaborated with teachers and staff to launch a new student-mentoring program this year. I have no doubt junior-senior high school students and staff alike will miss her cheerful and energetic nature, yet I am more than confident she is the perfect choice to lead Watervliet Elementary School. Read more about Mrs. Webster's appointment to WES principal

District awarded prekindergarten grant 

Earlier this month, I learned that our grant application to begin a prekindergarten program for 3-year-old children was approved by the State Education Department. This is exciting news for the district! Having the ability to offer a high-quality early childhood education will prepare children for kindergarten and plant the seeds for success throughout their school years. For this program, our district has partnered with Achievements, a community-based organization that currently operates several prekindergarten programs in the former Maplewood School. The program will serve 14 3-year-olds and is expected to begin in late January. Read more about the new prekindergarten program 

Additional funding for Food is Fuel

Our friend Bill Sheehy of the Watervliet Civic Center recently shared the good news with me that the elementary school’s Food is Fuel program will receive an additional $5,500 thanks to the annual Backpack Heroes campaign. Backpack Heroes is a partnership between CBS 6, Fidelis Care and the Regional Food Bank that raises funds to support the backpack program, which helps alleviate hunger by providing children with backpacks full of nutritious and easy-to-prepare foods each Friday so they have food to eat during the weekend. You may recall that Watervliet Elementary School served as a site for one of the four live telethons hosted by CBS 6 News anchor Liz Bishop in the fall. I thank Fidelis Care, CBS 6 News and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York for their support of Watervliet’s children. I also applaud Mr. Sheehy for working tirelessly on behalf of the city’s children and securing enough food from Hannaford to provide 30 students at WJSHS with food for the weekend.

Watervliet Civic Center Executive Director Bill Sheehy and 6th grade teacher Nikki LaBoissiere work the phones during the Backpack Heroes telethon at Watervliet Elementary School in October.

Watervliet elementary and district staff, Fidelis Care representatives and CBS 6 News anchor Liz Bishop with the tally of the total amount raised during four Backpack Heroes telethons. 

Making holidays bright

Finally, I thank our student athletes for their community service. A group of fall and winter sports athletes recently visited the Watervliet Senior Center to serve the holiday lunch. It was heartwarming to watch the students interact with the seniors, and I felt a deep sense of pride hearing so many positive comments from the seniors about our students. Great job everyone!

Up next: school budget development begins

Looking ahead to the first few months of the new year, my focus will turn to creating the school budget. Governor Cuomo will deliver his State of the State address and his Executive Budget proposal in January. Using the fiscal data from the Executive Budget as a baseline, school business manager Keith Heid and I will work together to develop a proposed fiscal plan for the 2019-20 school year that is mindful of our commitment to students and the community. The Board of Education will provide input on the budget proposal and will then adopt the plan in April. The district's proposed plan will go before city residents for a public vote on May 21, 2019.

Please enjoy happy, healthy and restful holidays celebrated with family and friends! I wish you all the best for a healthy and successful 2019!