Adapted from the following source: “Transformed by Literacy,” by Dr. Susan Szachowicz, Principal Leadership, November 2010.

A special “thank you” to Ms. Platt and Ms. Brudnak’s 2014-2015 third grade classes for adding the domain of “Listening” to our Mission Literacy Framework.

Our Mission: LITERACY

For content (both literal and inferential)

To apply pre-reading, during reading and post –reading

strategies to all reading assignments, including determining

purpose and pre-learning vocabulary

To research a topic

To gather information

To comprehend an argument

To determine the main idea of a passage

To expand one’s experiences

To take notes

To explain one’s thinking

To argue a thesis and support one’s thinking

To compare and contrast

To write an open response

To describe an experiment, report one’s findings, and report one’s

conclusion

To generate a response to what one has read, viewed, or heard

To convey one’s thinking in complete sentences

To develop an expository essay with a formal structure

To convey one’s thinking in complete sentences

To interpret a passage orally

To debate an issue

To participate in class discussion or a public forum

To make an oral presentation to one’s class, one’s peers, one’s

community

To present one’s portfolio

To respond to what one has read, viewed, or heard

To communicate in a manner that allows one to be both heard

and understood

To create, interpret and explain a table, chart or graph

To compute, interpret and explain numbers

To read, break, and solve a word problem

To interpret and present statistics that support an argument or

hypothesis

To identify a pattern, explain a pattern, and/or make a prediction

based on a pattern

To detect the fallacy in an argument or solution

To use analogies and/or evidence to support one’s thinking

To explain and/or interpret relationships of space and time

To listen attentively to the speaker

To listen actively, utilizing the five components:

o Testing understanding (Can I just clarify? You’re saying that…)

o Questioning (Could you tell me some more about…?)

o Building on understanding (What you said about…is really interesting. I

think we should discuss this more.)

o Feedback to the speaker (non-judgmental, clear, honest, immediate, brief)

o Summarizing the discussion (So let’s recap on what has been said and

agreed.)

To critique how listening and questioning benefit learning

To strengthen one’s listening skills and relate to one’s learning styles

To listen, research, and write a well-developed essay identifying Mission Literacy, its components, and benefits by including supporting details summarized from listening attentively

Reasoning

Reading Writing

Speaking Listening

Adaptado de la siguiente fuente: "Transformados por la Alfabetización", por la Dra. Susan Szachowicz, Liderazgo Principal, Noviembre 2010.

Un agradecimiento especial a la Sra. Platt y la Sra. Brudnak 2014-2015 clases de tercer grado para añadir el dominio de "escuchar" a nuestro marco de Alfabetización Misión.

NUESTRA MISION: DE ALFABETIZACIÓN

Para el contenido (tanto literal e inferencial)

para aplicar la lectura, durante la lectura y estrategias de la

lectura a todos leyendo las asignaciones, incluyendo

determinación de propósito y aprender el vocabulario

Para la investigación de un tema

Para recolectar información

Para comprender un discusión

Para determinar la idea principal de un pasaje

Para ampliar las experiencias de uno

Para tomar notas

Para explicar el pensamiento de uno

Parar argumentar una tesis y apoyar el pensamiento de uno

Para comparar y contrastar

Para escribir una respuesta abierta

Para describir un experimento, reportar los resultados de uno, e informar

la conclusión de uno

Para generar una respuesta a lo que uno ha leído , visto o escuchado

Para transmitir el pensamiento de uno en oraciones completas

Para desarrollar un ensayo expositivo con una estructura formal

Para transmitir el pensamiento de uno en oraciones completas

Para interpretar un pasaje oral

Para debatir un problema

Para participar en una discusión en clase o un foro público

Para hacer una presentación oral a la clase de uno , a los

compañeros de uno e la comunidad de uno

Para presentar el portafolio de uno

Para responder a lo que uno ha leído , visto o escuchado

Para comunicar de una manera que permita que uno sea tanto

escuchado y comprendido

Para crear , interpretar y explicar una tabla, una carta o un gráfico

Para calcular , interpretar y explicar números

Para leer , romper , y resolver un problema de palabras

Para Interpretar y presentar estadísticas actuales que apoyan un

argumento o hipótesis

Para identificar un patrón, explica un patrón, y / o hacer una

predicción basada en un patrón

Para detectar la falacia en un argumento o solución

Para utilizar analogías y / o evidencia para apoyar el pensamiento de

uno

Para explicar y / o interpretar relaciones de espacio y tiempo

Para escuchar atentamente al orador

Para escuchar activamente , utilizando los cinco componentes :

o la comprensión de Pruebas (Puedo clarificar? ¿Estás diciendo que...)

o Cuestionamiento (Podría decirme algo más sobre...?)

o Basándose en el entendimiento (Lo que dijiste sobre... es realmente interesante.

Creo que deberíamos hablar de esto más.)

o Comentarios para el orador (No crítico , claro , honesto, inmediato, e breve)

o Resumiendo la discusión (Así que vamos a recapitular sobre lo que se ha dicho y

acordado.)

Para críticar cómo escuchando y cuestionando se beneficia el aprendizaje

Para fortalecer las habilidades de uno para escuchar y relacionar con uno de los estilos de

aprendizaje

Para escuchar, investigar y escribir un buen ensayo desarrollado identificando La Misión

de Alfabetización , sus componentes, y beneficios mediantes inclusivo de detalles de

resumidos de escuchar con atención

Razonando

Leyendo Escribiendo

Hablando Escuchando

OVERVIEW OF POUGHKEEPSIE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT FOCUS STRATEGIES (7 Schools) 2015-2016

PCSD Focus District Strategies

1 Receivership – SIG/2 Priority Schools

(PMS/ Morse, Warring)

3 Focus Schools (Clinton, Krieger, PHS)

1 School In Good Standing (ELC)

Intensive Instructional

Coaching and Support

- Principal Coaching – Study Group

Book Leverage Leadership by Paul

Bambrick-Santoyo

-Principal Networking

-Modeling Observations, Feedback,

Data-driven Instructional Protocols,

Focused Instructional Learning

Walks (FILW), Mission Literacy

Monitor and Support

Key Initiatives -Strategic Tutoring

-Formative Assessments- Benchmarks

(MAP/NWEA), Imagine Learning

-Scholastic Literacy

-Performance Management (APPR - NYSUT, Reeves)

Organizational Coherence - Removing obstacles (academic

and operations)

- Red/Yellow/Green- Priority School

Assignments

- 75% shift to instructional focus with

school and classroom visits (FILWs-3

per day minimum)

Cultivate

Excellence in

Leadership and

Instructional

Practices

Build Capacity at

All Levels of the

Organization to

Focus on Teaching

and Learning

Improve Use

of

Instructional

Time

Cultivate

Culture of

High

Expectations

Implement

Frequent

Assessments to

Monitor and

Improve

Instruction Provide

Strategic Daily

Tutoring in

Critical Content

Areas

Improve use of instructional time for

student learning and increase student

engagement- “opt-in” no “opt-out”

Cultivate common planning time

for teacher learning and

collaboration ("communities of

practice" model)

Use EngageNY modules as the

curriculum to support Common Core

Learning Standards planning and

implementation of the core curriculum

Cultivate a college-going

culture (pennants, staff bios)

Robust learning environments

(literacy as a key lever)

Student support systems (RTI,

PBIS/Restorative Justice

approach, Peer mediation, "peace

circles")

Use of Instructional Technology

Imagine Learning (AIS and

progress monitoring)

Progress tools/data dash-boards

(attendance, discipline, academics)-

Infinite Campus

Instructional systems that

empower teachers to identify

struggling students, ( i.e.,

MAP/Regents assessments,

Imagine Learning)

Data-driven approach to

re-teaching, remediation, and

small-group differentiation

(study book: Driven by Data

by Paul Bambrick-Santoyo)

Daily, individualized instruction in grades

3 through 8 and high school (Imagine Learning)

Targeting individual student learning needs, coordinating

with teachers, set SMART Goals (specific, measurable,

achievable, realistic, time-bound)

30-60-90 day planning

Strategic tutoring- Peer tutors, Community-based/Higher

Education Partnerships, Administrators/Title teachers Adapted from The Education Innovation Laboratory at Harvard University (Dr. Roland Fryer, 2012)

Last Edited: March 22, 2016

Last Edited April 1, 2016

Organizational Coherence Effectiveness Framework

District Leadership Team Member School Assignments

Administrator(s) Red Yellow Green

Dr. Williams, Superintendent of School PHS/PMS/Warring/PACE Clinton Krieger/Morse

Dr. Cook, Deputy Superintendent for

Operations

Clinton/PACE Warring PHS

Mrs. Tracy Farrell, Assistant

Superintendent of C/I/Grants

PMS/PHS Krieger Morse

Mr. Mario Fernandez, Assistant

Superintendent of School Improvement

Krieger/Clinton/Warring/Morse

Dr. Elizabeth Ten Dyke. Director of

Data Analysis and Accountability

PHS PMS/PACE ELC

Dr. Steve Rappleyea, Executive

Director of Special Education

PHS/PMS Morse/Krieger Warring/Clinton

Mrs. Felicia Schinella, Director of

Special Education

PACE Clinton/ELC Warring

Ms. White, Director of

Curriculum/Teacher Evaluation

Warring

5 days

Morse

For FILW and

evaluation purposes

only

PMS

For FILW and evaluation purposes

only; Superintendent’s Hearings,

and DTSDE

Mr. Mager, Interim Coordinator for

21st Century Grants

Clinton ELC Krieger

Mrs. Cherry, Director of Family and

Community Engagement

Morse

5 Days

Clinton

For FILW

Superintendent’s Hearings, Parent

Engagement/Initiatives, Operation

Graduation

Mr. Weir, Assistant Principal Warring PD, Coaching, APPR, Evaluations,

ELT

Ms. Nicole Penn, Assistant Principal Morse (3) Clinton (2) PD, Coaching, APPR, Evaluations,

ELT

Ms. Victoria Curry, Assistant Principal Krieger PD, Coaching, APPR, Evaluations,

ELT

Ms. Sasha Barnes, Assistant Principal Clinton (3) Morse (2) PD, Coaching, APPR, Evaluations,

ELT

Red: Level 1 Support to Principals

District administrators are scheduled to visit their assigned school 5 days a week; Act as the sole support for principals, building capacity at the school level; and throughout the organization to focus on teaching and learning (75% shift of time spent

in classrooms);

Help principals by removing obstacles and impediments on the academic and operational sides/improve use of instructional time (time on task); Cultivate excellence in leadership and instructional practices;

Perform three Focused Instructional Learning Walks (FILWs) (engagement/students “opt-in”) with the principal to improve the instructional core, with immediate

high-yield feedback to teachers/principal- “Mission Literacy,” Scholastic, Imagine Learning; Monitoring attendance, discipline, and academic data and providing targeted recommendations for improvement (draw on Leverage Leadership by Paul Bambrick-

Santoyo, see Chapter 1);

Focus on supporting the principal in the school’s areas of growth/“grows.” (Draw on Leverage Leadership by Paul Bambrick-Santoyo, see Chapter 8); and “Adopt” one or two children to tutor (How are the Children initiative). Red/Yellow/Green Operation Excellence/Moving-up/Graduation

Yellow: Level 2 Support Services (i.e., Title I, ENL, Guidance/SW/IST/Psychologist)

District Administrators are scheduled to visit their assigned school 2 days a week;

Focus on supporting results-driven coaching (coaching cycles, differentiated support for teachers, PD)- (draw on Teach like a Champion by Doug Reeves)

Support with Imagine Learning, strategic tutoring initiative (provide targeted instructional support to students- grades 3, 6, 7, 8; high school strategic and peer-to-peer tutoring), Data Walls- attendance, discipline, and academics; and

Monitoring the implementation of assessments to improve instruction (draw on Driven by Data by Paul Bambrick-Santoyo).

Green: Level 3 Support, Culture and Climate of the School

District Administrators are scheduled to visit their assigned school 1 day a week; Perform building “learning walkthroughs,” assessing the environment and tone of the school for students, staff, parents, and the community;

How are students, staff, parents, and the community greeted? Is there a college-going culture? Is there a level of excitement and engagement in the school? Use of

technology? Is there joy? When you “walk the walls,” what do you “notice/wonder” about the learning in the school community? Check on and provide support for the school’s current events/initiatives, data walls, “glows.”

Focused Instructional Learning Walk Classroom Visitation Tool (Aligned with NYSUT Teacher Practice Rubric)

MFernandez V.1 2/20/16

Using the Rigor/Relevance Rubric, what ordered pair would

you assign to this lesson?

On a scale of 1-5 (1= low; 3= moderate; 5= high), rate the level of engagement.

1 2 3 4 5

Source: http://www.leadered.com/our-philosophy/rigor-relevance-framework.php (Dr. Willard R. Daggett)

What coaching/high-yield strategy will you share to increase the level of engagement?

Grade Pre-K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Subject Time Period Room No. No. of Students Male Female

Type of Class: ☐ General Ed ☐Special Ed ☐ CTT ☐ ELL/ESO ☐ CTE ☐ OTHER

Lesson Portion Viewed: ☐ Beginning ☐ Middle ☐ End

Name of Reviewer:

EVIDENCE OF NON-NEGOTIABLES

COMMENT COMMENT

☐ SMART CHARTS ☐ DATA WALLS

☐ MISSION LITERACY ☐ WORD WALLS

☐ FILWs ☐ IMAGINE LEARNING

☐ FOCUS STRATEGIES ☐ NWEA/MAPS

☐ ENGAGENY MODULES

☐ COLLEGE AND

CAREER READINESS

☐ COMMUNITIES OF

PRACTICE

☐ TECHNOLOGY

ENGAGEMENT Focus: How do we ensure that every classroom is a place of rich and valuable learning for all students?

Coherent Instruction Culture of learning: Environment of Respect

and Rapport

Questioning and

Discussion

Engaging Students in

Learning Assessing Student Learning

I. 2a. Designs lessons to

include several instructional

strategies for language

acquisition (academic

vocabulary, literacy across the

curriculum) III. 1a. Aligns instruction to

learning standards

III. 1b. Uses research-based

instructional practices

III. 1c. Instructional practice

engages students at high levels

of cognitive demand

III. 5b. Provides synthesis, critical thinking, and

problem-solving.

IV. 3b. Establishes

instructional groups that are

well organized and students

are productively engaged

IV. 4a. Organizes learning environment to accommodate

all learning needs

III. 1c. Engages

students

III. 3b. Implements

Challenging learning

experiences

III. 4a. Differentiates instruction

III. 4b. Implements

strategies for mastery of

learning outcomes

IV. 2a. Promotes

student pride in work

and

accomplishments IV. 2b. Promotes

student curiosity and

enthusiasm

IV 3a. Established

seamless routines

IV. 1a. Interactions with

students reflect respect,

caring, cultural

understanding and

promotes risk-taking

IV. 1b. Supports student diversity to enrich the

learning environment.

IV. 1c. Reinforces

positive interactions

among students

IV. 3a. Establishes

routines/ procedures/

transitions and expectations for student

behavior

III.2b. Uses questioning

techniques that challenge

students to think and

demonstrate reasoning

III2c. Responds to

students and challenges thinking; Bloom's

Taxonomy, Higher Order

Thinking Questions.

III. 5b. Provides regular

opportunities for students

to synthesize information

III. 5a. Provides

opportunities for

collaborating student-

centered learning; high levels

cognitive demand;

II. 5b. Learning experiences connect to prior knowledge,

new learning and connects

across disciplines

III. 3a. Articulates measures of

success

III. 6a. Uses formative assessment

to monitor and adjust pacing

III. 6b. Provides feedback during

and after instruction V. 1a. Designs and/or selects

assessments to establish learning

goals and inform instruction

V.1c. Aligns assessments to

learning goals

V. 2b. Engages students in self-

assessment, goal setting strategies

Student Thinks

Teacher Works

Student Works and Thinks

Student Works

Rigor/Relevance Framework

Focused Instructional Learning Walk Classroom Visitation Tool (Aligned with NYSUT Teacher Practice Rubric)

MFernandez V.1 2/20/16

ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE - LOW INFERENCE OBSERVATION NOTICINGS (Observations/I see…I hear) What is the teacher saying and doing? What are the students saying and doing? What is the task? Where does the task fall in the Rigor/Relevance Framework quadrant A, B, C, or D? (Rating 1-5)

WONDERINGS (What questions come to mind as a result of my NOTICINGS? What quadrant does this learning activity/task fall in? (Rating 1-5)

HIGH-YIELD/LEVERAGE STRATEGIES What feedback/coaching conversation should occur with the teacher to ensure an immediate impact on student learning can be realized specific to Quadrants B and D? (Pushing the rating along the X-Axis.)

[Type here]

MISSION “The mission of the Poughkeepsie City School District is to

ensure that every child, every day will receive a high

quality education in every classroom. Students will benefit

from a safe learning environment that provides

empowering experiences supporting their academic,

emotional, physical, and social development.”

VISION “It is the vision of the Poughkeepsie City School District to graduate all students prepared for life, ready for college and career and instilled with enthusiasm for life-long learning. Students will be literate, critical thinkers, ethical users of technology, appreciative of the arts, concerned about the community in which they live and responsible for their well-being.”

EVIDENCE OF

SUCCESS GOALS

2015-2016

Poughkeepsie City School District Setting High

Expectations on the Road to Success

2015-2016 GOALS

Goal 1- Academic Achievement Goal 2 -Safety and Security Goal 3- Family and Community Communication and Engagement Goal 4- Performance Management and Talent Development Goal 5- Organizational Efficiency and Accountability

Every Child · Every Day · Every Classroom

P o u g h k e e P s i e C i t y s C h o o l D i s t R i C tSpring 2016

Message from the Board PresidentAs President of the Board of Education for the Poughkeepsie City School District, it is my pleasure to share with our community some of the positive things happening in our District.

On the secondary level:• Poughkeepsie High School was removed from the Priority List and is deemed out of “Receivership” as of February 26, 2016. (See article on page 8.)• 204 graduating seniors walked the stage on June 26, 2015 (Cohort 2011), with a goal of 75% for Cohort 2012.• The Air Force Junior ROTC program commenced in February 2015 with 58 students enrolled in grades 9-12.• The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce Career Action Center partnership commenced; close to 50 students participated in internships during the first year.• At Poughkeepsie Middle School, 235 8th graders met the academic requirements to move up to 9th grade.• 100% of the 8th grade students participating in the Living Environment Science class successfully passed the

Regents Assessment during the June 2015 administration of the New York State exam.• The Past and Present Committee conducted the 2nd Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony where 10 individuals and the 1995 New York State Basketball Championship team were celebrated.• Poughkeepsie High School held their annual Senior Honors Breakfast on March 17, 2016 – 104 students who have maintained an average of 80 or higher to this point in their high school career were commended and celebrated.• As the result of securing a competitive grant, the Poughkeepsie City School District implements a dinner program that serves approximately 215 students per day.

On the elementary level:• Beginning with 2015-2016 school year, Poughkeepsie City School District implemented full-day kindergarten at the Early Learning Center at Smith School.• At Krieger, 120 students met the goal of 90 hours or more using the Imagine Learning Literacy program.• At Warring, 100% of 1st graders participated in a peer-to-peer reading experience on their 35-book reading journey as part of Mission Literacy. Students completed a literacy graphic organizer and a writing piece each day during the summer.• At Morse, 100% of 3rd graders participated in the Imagine Learning literacy program.• At Clinton, all 1st grade students were introduced to the skill of Number Bonds as part of the math Common Core curriculum.

We have implemented a new student records management system, Infinite Campus, which is supporting us with our processes, improving communication, supplying accurate data quickly, and helping us to individualize instruction for our students. (Please see the article on pg 6.)

We will not consider a discussion to raise the tax cap for 2016-2017. We will not overburden taxpayers, in spite of the real budget concerns facing the Poughkeepsie City School District for the 2016-2017 school year. My fellow board members and I continue to work closely with Superintendent Dr. Nicolé Williams and the entire staff to continue to improve the quality of education and student experiences here in Poughkeepsie. Remember: “teamwork makes the dream work.” Ralph Coates, President PCSD Board of Education

Poughkeepsie High School Receivership EndsSee page 8 for complete articlePoughkeepsie High School Receivership Ends

Upcoming Events: •High School AP Exams – May 2 – 13, 2016•Budget Hearing – May 4, 2016•Community Health Fair – May 14, 2016•S.W.A.G. Week – May 16 – 20, 2016

•Budget Vote – May 17, 2016•NYU Dental Clinic at Early Learning

Center and Clinton Elementary School – May 31 – June 3, 2016

SAVE the DATE!Budget Vote Tuesday May 17th

Poughkeepsie High School

Cohort Graduation Rate

Poughkeepsie Ci ty School Distr ict PRIDE2 SPRING 2016

EVERY CHILD · EVERY DAY · EVERY CLASSROOM

Message from the SuperintendentOur goal is to rank in the top 10 percent of the 700 school districts in New York State by the year 2020. We are relentless in the pursuit of excellence for the nearly 4,700 students we serve in the Poughkeepsie City School District (PCSD). I encourage all stakeholders to join us on this mission-critical journey to achieve this unprecedented goal. This “call to action” will require an unwavering commitment, dedication, a laser-like focus, a tremendous “sense of urgency,” and a belief in the possible. We continue to ask our stakeholders to advocate for adequate funding and resources to support our District with providing the valuable, intellectually rigorous educational opportunities our children so richly deserve. Working in partnership with parents, students, and the community, we will achieve excellence. These are some of our “Points of Pride”:

• Poughkeepsie High School (PHS) is trending on a positive slope with both graduation rate and student performance on the New York State Regents exams.• Four PCSD employees were elected to local offices: Craig Brendli, Poughkeepsie Middle School teacher, was sworn in as the County Legislator for District 8;

Natasha Cherry, Director of Family and Community Engagement, was sworn in as City of Poughkeepsie Council member for Ward 6; Lorraine Johnson, Warring Elementary School Monitor, was sworn in as City of Poughkeepsie Council member for Ward 3; and Randall A. Johnson, II, Student Worker, was sworn in as City of Poughkeepsie Council member for Ward 7.• PHS Senior Jawuan Walters received one of two MLK Leadership scholarship awards conferred by Catharine Street Community Center.• Two PHS Seniors signed National Letters of Intent, in the early period, to participate in crew on the collegiate level: Lindsey Smith will enter the University of Tulsa and Fiona Mauer will enter Drexel University. Also, Anna O’Shea signed a National Letter of Intent, in the regular period, to row at La Salle University.• All elementary schools and the Early Learning Center have implemented the Imagine Learning Mission Literacy Program and are beginning to see literacy gains across grades.• PCSD continues its robust partnership with the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce with the Career Action Center, which focuses on career and technical education at Poughkeepsie High School. Students are paired with relevant internships with businesses in the City of Poughkeepsie and the Hudson Valley. As a direct result, Juan Arroyo was able to intern with New York State Senator Sue Serino and Demaj Ffriend interned with the President and CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Frank Castella Jr.• PCSD was awarded four School Improvement Grants of $2 million per elementary school for five years.• PCSD was awarded a 2.8 million dollar competitive P-TECH grant to serve a total of 300 students who will graduate in four years with a high school diploma and an Associate's Degree in Engineering from Dutchess Community College.• PHS Senior Demaj Ffriend and Junior Christopher Cassidy were two of 10 students selected for a Google Hangout conversation on the topic of technology, with New York State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia. • The Poughkeepsie High School leadership team was invited to the Model School Conference in Atlanta in 2015 and in Orlando in 2016 to showcase their instructional leadership work.

Thank you for entrusting the Poughkeepsie City School District with your most precious gift and our most valuable resource: our children. Together, we will deliver on the promise of a high-quality, world-class education for every scholar, every day, in every classroom in our District. We will continue to work with intentionality and purpose to achieve excellence in the Poughkeepsie City School District. Dr. Nicolé Williams, Superintendent of Schools Mensaje del Superintendente de las EscuelasNuestra meta es estar en el 10 por ciento de los 700 distritos escolares en el Estado de Nueva York en el año 2020. Somos implacables en la búsqueda de la excelencia de los casi 4,700 estudi-antes que atendemos en el Distrito de Ciudad de Poughkeepsie (PCSD). Animo a todos los interesados a unirse con nosotros en este viaje de misión-crítica para lograr esta meta sin preceden-tes. La “llamado a la acción” requiere un firme compromiso, dedicación, un enfoque, un tremendo “sentido de urgencia” y la creencia en que es posible. Seguimos a nuestros accionistas para abogar por una financiación adecuada y los recursos para apoyar a nuestro distrito con el abastecimiento de las oportunidades educativas valiosas, intelectualmente rigurosas que nuestros hijos tan ricamente merecen. Estamos trabajando en asociación con los padres y la comunidad, juntos lograremos la excelencia. Estos son algunos de nuestros “Puntos de Orgullo”:• La Escuela Secundaria de Poughkeepsie (PHS) tiene tendencia de seguir en una cuesta positiva con ambas tasas de graduación y y rendimiento estudiantil en los exámenes de Regentes del estado de Nueva York.• Cuatro empleados de la PCSD fueron elegidos a las oficinas locales: Craig Brendli, profesor de la Escuela Secundaria de Poughkeepsie, fue juramentado como el legislador del condado para el distrito electoral 8, Natasha Cherry, Directora de la familia y Participación de la Comunidad, fue juramentado como miembro del Consejo de la ciudad de Poughkeepsie distrito electoral 6; Lorena Johnson, Monitor de la Escuela Primaria de Warring, fue juramentado como miembro del Consejo de la ciudad de Poughkeepsie para distrito electoral 3; y Randall A. Johnson, II, Estudiante Trabajador, fue juramentado como miembro del Consejo de la ciudad de Poughkeepsie distrito electoral 7.• Jawuan Walters, estudiante de último año, recibió una de dos becas en liderazgo del Dr. Martin Luther King conferidas por el Centro de la Calle Catharine.• Dos estudiantes de ultimo ano firmaron cartas nacionales de intención, en el período temprano, para participar en equipo de remo al nivel colegial: Lindsey Smith remará en la Universidad de Tulsa y Fiona Mauer remará en Universidad de Drexel. Recientemente, Anna O'Shea firmo y remara en la Unversidad de La Salle.• Todas las escuelas primarias y el Centro de Aprendizaje Temprano han implementado el programa de Aprendia alfabetización de la misión de aprendizaje imaginar y están empezando a ver alfabetización adquiere a través de grados.• PCSD continúa su sólida alianza con El Centro de Acción de Carrera de la Cámara de Comercio Regional del Condado de Dutchess, que se enfoca la educación técnica y carreras en la Escuela Secundaria de Poughkeepsie. Los estudiantes son puestos con internados de prácticas pertinentes, con las empresas en la ciudad de Poughkeepsie y el Valle del Hudson. Como resultado directo, Juan Arroyo pudo internar con la Senador de Nueva York Sue Serino y Demaj Ffriend hiso su internado con el Presidente y CEO de la Cámara de Comercio Regional del Condado de Dutchess, Frank Castella Jr.• PCSD fue concedido 4 becas de mejoría escolar de $ 2 millones por cada escuela primaria durante 5 años.• PCSD fue concedido una beca de la P-TECNOLOGÍA de 2.8 millones de dólares competitiva para servir un total de 300 estudiantes que se graduarán en cuatro años con un diploma de escuela secundaria y unTítulo de Asociado en la Ingeniería del Colegio del Condado de Dutchess.• PHS estudiante de último año Demaj Ffriend y Christopher Cassidy fueron dos de los 10 estudiantes seleccionados para una conversación de Google Hangout sobre el tema de la tecnología, con la Señora Comisario Maryellen Elia del Departamento de Educación del Estado de Nueva York• El equipo de liderazgo de la Escuela Secundaria de Poughkeepsie fue invitado a la Conferencia de Escuelas de Modelos en Atlanta en el 2015 y en Orlando en el 2016 para mostrar sus técnicas de liderazgo.Gracias por confiar en el Distrito Escolar de Poughkeepsie con su más preciado regalo y nuestro recurso más valioso: nuestros hijos. Juntos, vamos a entregar en la promesa de una educación de alta-calidad de clase-mundial para cada niño, cada día, en cada aula de nuestro distrito. Continuaremos trabajando con intencionalidad y propósito para alcanzar la excelencia en el Distrito Escolar de la Ciudad de Poughkeepsie. Dra. Nicolé Williams, Superintendenta de Escuelas

Poughkeepsie Ci ty School Distr ict PRIDEwww.poughkeepsieschools.org 3

EVERY CHILD · EVERY DAY · EVERY CLASSROOM

Mensaje del Presidente de la Junta Como el Presidente de la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar de la Ciudad de Poughkeepsie, es mi placer de compartir con nuestra comunidad algunas cosas positivas que pasan en nuestro Distrito.

Al nivel secundario:· La Escuela Secundaria de Poughkeepsie fue removida de la lista estatal de prioridad y se considera fuera de “receptoría” desde el 26, de Febrero, 2016. Vea el artículo en la página 8.· 204 graduantes caminaron el estrado el 26 de junio, 2015. (Cohorte 2011).· El programa Fuerzas Aéreas Subalterno ROTC comenzó en Febrero del 2015 con 58 estudiantes matriculados en grados 9-12.· El Centro de Acción de Carrera de la Cámara del Comercio Regional del Condado de Dutchess comenzó, acerca de 50 estudiantes participaron en puestos de interno durante el primer año.· En la Escuela Intermedia de Poughkeepsie 235 estudiantes de octavo grado cumplieron con los requisitos académicos para moverse hasta el noveno grado.· 100% de los estudiantes en octova grado que participaron en la clase de Ciencia del Ambiente Viva, pasaron el examen estatal de Regentes durante la administración de Junio del 2015.· El Comité del Pasado y Presente condujo la 2da Ceremonia de Inducción del Salón de la Fama donde 10 individuos y el equipo del Campeonato del Baloncesto del 1995 de el Estado de Nueva York fueron celebrados.· La Escuela Secundaria de Poughkeepsie tuvo el Desayuno Anual de Honores de lo Estudiantes Graduantes el 17 de Marzo de 2016, donde 104 estudiantes que han mantenido un promedio de 80 o más hasta este punto en su carrera de la escuela secundaria fueron celebrados.· Como resultado de conseguir una beca competitiva, el Distrito Escolar de la Ciudad de Poughkeepsie lleva a cabo un programa de la cena que sirve aproximadamente 215 estudiantes por día.

Al nivel elemental:· Comenzando con el año escolar 2015-2016, el Distrito Escolar de la Ciudad de Poughkeepsie puso en práctica el jardín de infancia de día entero en el Centro de Aprendizaje Temprano en la Escuela Smith.· En la Escuela Krieger, 120 estudiantes lograron la meta de 90 horas o más utilizando del programa de literatura de Aprendiendo con la Imagen.· En la Escuela Warring, el 100% de los estudiantes del primer grado recibieron un paquete de lectura del verano, libros, registro de libro y un bolso para los libros (donado por la Organización “Frente de la Clase”) para llevar a casa y comenzar su viaje de leer 35 libros para el año escolar 2015-2016. Los estudiantes completaron organizadores gráficos y una pieza de escritura cada día durante el verano.· En la Escuela Morse, el 100% de estudiantes en tercer grado participaron en el programa de literatura de Aprendiendo con la Imagen.· En la Escuela Clinton, todos los estudiantes del primer grado fueron introducidos con la habilidad de Vínculos de Números como parte de los Estándares Estatales Comunes de Matemáticas.

Hemos implementado un nuevo sistema de gestión de expedientes de estudiantes, “Infinite Campus” que racionalizara nuestros procesos, mejorará la comunicación, suministrará datos exactos rápidamente y nos ayudará a individualizar la instrucción para nuestros estudiantes. Por favor vea el artículo en la página 6. No consideraremos una discusión para recaudar la tapa de los impuestos para 2016-2017.

Nuestros contribuyentes no serán sobrecargados, a pesar de las preocupaciones del presupuesto real que enfrenta el Distrito Escolar de Poughkeepsie para el año 2016-2017. Mis compañeros de la Ajunta Educativa y yo trabajamos atentamente en colaboración con la Superintendente Dr. Nicolé Williams y el personal entero para seguir mejorando la calidad de educación y experiencias estudiantiles aquí en Poughkeepsie. Recuerde, “el trabajo en equipo hace que el sueño funcione.

Ralph Coates, Presidente de la Junta de Educación

COLLEG

E ACCEPTA

NCES 2016

SENIOR Allegheny CollegeCanisius College

Cazenovia CollegeClark Atlanta University

College of Saint RoseDillard UniversityDrexel University

Dutchess Community CollegeFisher College

Fordham UniversityFranklin Pierce University

Grace CollegeHartwick College

Hilbert CollegeHoward University

Iona CollegeJohnson & Wales University

Keuka CollegeLa Salle Univeristy

Lebanon Valley CollegeLincoln University

LIU BrooklynManhattanville College

Marist CollegeMassachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Medaille CollegeMercy College

Morehouse CollegeMount Saint Mary College

New York UniversityPace University

R.I.T (Rochester Institute of Technology)S.U.N.Y. AlbanyS.U.N.Y. Alfred

S.U.N.Y BinghamtonS.U.N.Y. BuffaloS.U.N.Y Cortland

S.U.N.Y DelhiS.U.N.Y. Geneseo

S.U.N.Y OswegoS.U.N.Y Plattsburgh

S.U.N.Y. Stony Brook Sacred Heart UniversitySaint Peter's University

Siena CollegeTransylvania University

University of HartfordUniversity of Maine

University of New HavenUniveristy of Tulsa

University of VirginiaUtica College

Vassar CollegeWestern Connecticut State University

Wheaton College

- Career Action Center• Tamika Mincey, Senior, (pictured right) completed a Job Shadow Day with Irwin Goldberg, Consumer

Experience Director/Audience Analyst, at the Poughkeepsie Journal.• Demaj Ffriend, Senior, completed a Job Shadow Day with Frank Castella, Jr. President and CEO of the Dutchess

County Regional Chamber of Commerce.• Amber Pinkney, Senior, is completing internship hours at the Poughkeepsie Child Development Center. • Kiendra Moffitt and Anemarie Diaz-Lopez completed a Job Shadow Day and are looking into a potential internship

at Abilities First Preschool.

Poughkeepsie Ci ty School Distr ict PRIDE4 SPRING 2016

Engineering, Technology, Early College High School also known as E-TECH, is a new “school-within-a-school” grades 9-14 model that brings together the best elements of high school, college and the professional world. It is part of the New York State P-TECH program that will prepare students for high-skills technology jobs of the future. The Poughkeepsie City School District, partnering with Dutchess Community College, The Chazen Companies and Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, was awarded this $2.8 million competitive grant after a rigorous grant review process.

Participating students in E-TECH are provided with an integrated sequence of high school and college course work, mentorship by engineering professionals, workplace experience and potential internships, culminating in both a high school diploma and a college Associate’s degree in the field of engineering.

Along with E-TECH, Poughkeepsie High School is establishing a college-and-career ready culture for students, particularly E-TECH students, providing tutoring and advising; coaching on college readiness skills such as time management, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, leadership, studying and tenacity; and reinforcement of key workplace competencies.

Dutchess Community College collaborates with the partners to develop curriculum, work with high school faculty on course delivery and provide access to library, tutoring and other academic services. All college courses offered to students

enrolled in E-TECH are provided at no cost to the students and their families.

2015-2016 is the first year of the grant and there are 50 students currently enrolled. Each year, 50 additional students will be enrolled, serving a maximum of 300 students. Application for enrollment for the next cohort has begun. Current 8th graders should contact their guidance counselor for more information.

EVERY CHILD · EVERY DAY · EVERY CLASSROOM

Hail to Kale: The Poughkeepsie Farm Project Partners with Poughkeepsie City School District

The Poughkeepsie Farm Project (PFP) has been a results- driven, consistent partner with the Poughkeepsie City School District since 2012. Just in time for new a Federal school lunch regulation change that increases the serving of vegetables, this past year PFP applied for and received a support service grant from

the USDA for $100,000. They will continue to provide field trips, still bring fresh vegetables into the cafeterias for taste testing, and they will continue to provide learning opportunities for classes with farm or school garden-based instruction. This two-year grant will also allow for professional development for teachers to encourage interdisciplinary content, including farm or garden-based curriculum and instruction.

As a result of their dedication to the students, their warm personalities, and passion for fresh, local food, the PFP team is creating a culture shift in which vegetables are “cool,” so that the change in federal regulations for school nutrition does not cause excess waste in the District. PFP

offers educational opportunities and instruction to the staff members in the Poughkeepsie City School District, which is resulting in students eagerly engaging in eating

more wholesome, fresh fruits and vegetables.

USDA Grant Bears Fruit

Poughkeepsie Ci ty School Distr ict PRIDEwww.poughkeepsieschools.org 5

On Monday, March 21, 2016, most public school students in Dutchess County were sleeping in, celebrating Spring Break, but nearly 250 students in the Poughkeepsie City

School District were engaged in an enhanced, project-based learning environment in the Spring Break Academy.

Some of our dedicated teachers volunteered to give up their spring break and devised innovative lesson plans around real-world, relevant topics including the density of water, a groceries price comparison, and local ecosystems.

Spring Break Academy served students in grades 3-8. It is the latest initiative in the Poughkeepsie City School District to ensure that we are delivering on the promise of a high-quality, world-class education for every scholar, every day, and in every classroom.

EVERY CHILD · EVERY DAY · EVERY CLASSROOM

Two Poughkeepsie High School crew team members have signed National Letters of Intent (NLI) with universities and will be competing on NCAA Division I teams next year.

Fiona Mauer is headed to Drexel University to join the crew team as a rower; Lindsey Smith will be going to the University of Tulsa to join the rowing team as a coxswain and sculler.

“Fiona is the only rower to be recruited, in recent memory,” said PHS coach Mike Smith. “We’ve had rowers go on to compete on the collegiate level but they did not sign an NLI.”

Fiona has an impressive rowing resume, which includes first place in the 2014 Philadelphia Youth Regatta for U19 Women’s Eight and Four-plus as well as third place in the 2015 New York State Scholastic Championships, Junior Women’s Quad.

“Fiona has been a member of crew since the seventh grade. She has excelled in both sculling and sweep rowing and through her commitment, focus, and determination, she has become a team leader. Drexel University has recog-nized these attributes and has extended Fiona a well-deserved scholarship to

row for them,” said coach PHS Warren Buhler.

Lindsey, who also holds a New York State boating license, has been a part of crew for 10 years. She has competed in the New York State Championship for the past four years and made the finals two times; competed in the Saratoga Invitational the past four years; and competed at Masters Nationals in 2015, winning a bronze medal.

“Lindsey’s been at the helm of a lot of winning crews that I’ve coached,” said her

Hudson River Rowing Association coach Andrew Mauer. “She’s mastered her role in the sport: her actions and results. I couldn’t be any prouder of her, her future, and where she’s going.”

Over 250 Served at Holiday LuncheonSponsored by the PHS Teen Closet, another holiday luncheon successfully served well over 250 Poughkeepsie City School District (PCSD) students and families during the Winter Break. Taking place on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 and completely run on donations and by volunteers, the holiday luncheon idea was born out of a desire to bridge the nutrition gap that occurs during school breaks when school breakfast, lunch, and dinners are not being served.

We would like to give a special thanks to our super volunteers including: Assemblyman Frank Skartados; City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Robert Rolison, members of the Poughkeepsie Public Schools Teachers’ Association; members of the Poughkeepsie Public Schools Administrators’ Association; Lt. M. Clauson and the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department who supplemented Mission Literacy by handing out books and setting up a “Career in Law Enforcement” table; the Poughkeepsie Farm Project and their taste testing table; Tom Stinsson from the Probation Department; the PHS Steppers under the direction of Jasmine Davidson for their fantastic performance; Shahin Daneshvar for his generous donation of 25 turkeys, and Board of Education member Greg Charter for his donation of four bikes as door prizes.

Poughkeepsie Ci ty School Distr ict PRIDE6 SPRING 2016

EVERY CHILD · EVERY DAY · EVERY CLASSROOM

The Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Innovation and School Reform, Dr. Cheryl Atkinson, visited Poughkeepsie High School (PHS). PHS was one of 144 schools across New York State identified as a "Receivership" school. During her visit, Dr. Atkinson, was able to witness Lindsey Smith, a cox-swain on the crew team, sign her National Letter of Intent, thereby exclusively committing to attending the University of Tulsa; visit the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce Career Action Center (CAC) at PHS (an unprecedented public-private partnership focused on college and career

readiness); observe our cadets conducting their leadership drills in the AFJROTC (Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) program; and engage in collegial dialogue with the leadership team to "push the thinking" and debrief on the Rigor/Relevance/Engagement framework drawing on Quadrant B high-yield strategies, as part of a Focused Instructional Learning Walk (FILW) with the E-TECH program.

We thank the Poughkeepsie High School staff for setting standards of excellence, investing in our high school students, and providing opportunities for rigorous, relevant learning.

NYSED Assistant Commissioner Dr. Cheryl AtkinsonGoes on a Focused Instructional Learning Walk at Poughkeepsie High School

The first day of school always leads to new beginnings and September 9th, in the Poughkeepsie City School District was no different. We were pleased to spend some quality time with Assemblyman Frank Skartados, who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for full-day Kindergarten at the Early Learning Center. The Poughkeepsie City School

District was able to provide full-day Kindergarten for the 2015-2016 school year due to the $1 million in Assembly "bullet aid" secured for the District by the Assemblyman. In the new computer lab at the Early Learning Center, the newly minted kindergarteners read to Assemlyman Skartados, their peers, and completed lessons with Imagine Learning – an innovative software program designed to rapidly increase literacy skills.

Infinite Campus is Here! Infinite Campus is a district-wide student information system designed to manage attendance, grades, schedules, test scores, and other information about the students in the Poughkeepsie City School District. It is a confidential and secure website where information is updated in real time.

When you, as a parent or guardian, log-in, you have access to information about all of the students for which you are associated. Class schedules, attendance and grades can be viewed. E-mail hyperlinks facilitate communication with classroom teachers. In addition, schools post important information on the homepage, such as events, notices, calendar dates. The Parent Portal allows report cards to be viewed online and printed. By using the Infinite Campus Online Parent Portal, the Poughkeepsie City School District provides an online communication tool which can help you as a parent or guardian stay current with your student’s progress. Also please be sure to keep emergency contact information up-to-date. It is important that we have up-to-date information to contact you about your child. To use Parent Portal, go to: https://poughkeepsieny.infinitecampus.

org/campus/portal/poughkeepsie.jsp

Poughkeepsie Ci ty School Distr ict PRIDEwww.poughkeepsieschools.org 7

Great things are happening in room 100 of Poughkeepsie High School! Students are collaborating, learning about various career and college paths, obtaining business mentors in the community, as well as taking on-line tests that highlight their strengths and provide information on careers that value those strengths. All of this is done in the Career Action Center, which is a landmark, first-of-its-kind partnership between the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce community and the Poughkeepsie City

School District. Professionals from the Chamber’s Workforce Development Center staff the Career Action Center and support the career development intensive class. The Career Action Center, located on the first floor of Poughkeepsie High School,

Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce

EVERY CHILD · EVERY DAY · EVERY CLASSROOM

Poughkeepsie High School Senior Jawuan M. Walters was one of two student honorees at the 25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast sponsored by Catharine Street Community Center. Jawuan achieved this honor by demonstrating high intellectual character and focusing on robust academic pursuits. He will graduate in the top 10% of his class this year, was awarded an Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar Award from the College Board for achieving a 3 or above on his advanced placement exams, and has participated in the Exploring College initiative with Vassar College. We are very proud of Jawuan's accomplishments. We expect more great things from this young man, and we are pleased to share an excerpt from Jawuan’s winning essay here:

Jawuan Walters MLK Breakfast Youth Honoree

houses computers, reference materials and other resources for students to begin to fulfill their dreams, work in partnership with business community

stakeholders, and become college, 21st Century career and life-ready.

For 2015-2016, students can make contact with the Career Action Center in several ways: 1. Career Action Center is open every day after school until 4pm. 2. Monday-Friday - Open Hours: ‘A’ Days: 7,8,9 periods ‘B’ Days: 6,7,8,9 periods3. Appointment times are open for all other periods. 4. Appointments are easier to make through email: kgobins@poughkeepsieschools.org or call the Career Action Center at 451-4939.

Career Action Center

As I begin the next journey of my life, I hope the attitudes and reasons that have gotten me this far do not fade, but rather remain up front and seen. In college I want

to learn more about history, the world, and myself. I truly believe I can do anything, as long as I have the support from my family and friends. MLK once said that “The

aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community, while the aftermath of violence is tragic bitterness.” With all of the negativity in the world today,

I choose to follow his philosophy and encourage my peers and all of you to do the same and, we as a people, we as a community will make it to that promised land.

Thank You and God bless you all. Jawuan Walters

“I believe Poughkeepsie High School is on the upswing and with hard work, patience and dedication, excellence will be achieved.”

Jawuan Walters

Shark Tank’s Daymond John Donates $10,000 to PHSDaymond John, entrepreneur and star of TV’s Shark Tank, is known for strategically selecting the best investments. Mr. John chose to invest in the future of Poughkeepsie High School students by donating $10,000 to Poughkeepsie City School District on December 10, 2015 at the Patterns for Progress 50th Anniversary Gala. The money is earmarked to provide mentoring and internship opportunities for Poughkeepsie High School students through the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce Career Action Center.

Juan Arroyo, senior, began an internship with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, and completed a

shadow day with NYS Senator Susan Serino.

Board of EducationRalph S. Coates, President

Raymond K. Duncan, Vice PresidentGregory S. Charter

Jacqueline B. RomanDr. Felicia A.Watson

SupErintEndEnt of SchoolSDr. Nicolé Williams

dEputy SupErintEndEnt of opErationSDr. Ronel Cook

aSSiStant SupErintEndEnt for curriculum, inStruction,

and GrantS manaGEmEnt Tracy Farrell

aSSiStant SupErintEndEntfor financE and opErationS

Wayne Kurlander

aSSiStant SupErintEndEnt ElEmEntary School improvEmEnt

Mario Fernandez

ExEcutivE dirEctor of SpEcial Education

dr. STeven rappleyea

Poughkeepsie PRIDE is published by the Poughkeepsie City School District for the residents of the City of Poughkeepsie. Equal Opportunity Employer:The Poughkeepsie City School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex or gender, age, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability in the educational programming, employment, or activities that it offers. This nondiscriminatory policy includes the following areas: recruitment and appointment of employees, pay and benefits, access by students to educational programs, course offerings, and activities.Title IX and 504 Compliance:The Poughkeepsie City School District hereby advises students, parents, employees and the general public that it offers employment and educational opportunities, including vocational education opportunities without regard to sex, race, color, national origin or disability. Secondary vocational education opportunities available to district residents under age 21 are courses in the Business Education, Home Economics and Technology Industrial Arts Programs. Inquiries regarding this nondiscrimination policy may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator and the Section 504 Coordinator at 11 College Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Telephone: (845) 451-4900. These officials will provide information, including complaint procedures to any citizen, student or employee who feels that his or her rights under Title IX or Section 504 may have been violated by the district or its officials.

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PAiDNewburgh, NY

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PoughkeePsie City sChool DistriCtJane Bolin aDministration BuilDing

11 College AvenuePoughkeepsie, NY 12603(845) 451-4900www.poughkeepsieschools.org

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Poughkeepsie High School Receivership EndsIn April 2015, the New York State Legislature and Governor created a new section of State Education Law pertaining to school “Receivership. “ “Receivership” schools are defined as “Struggling Schools,” that have been identified since 2012-2013 as “Priority Schools” (i.e., among the lowest-performing five percent of schools in the state) and “Priority Schools” that have been in the most severe accountability status since the 2006-2007 school year were identified as ”Persistently Struggling Schools” under “Receivership.” Under this new law, the provision included a school “receiver” who is granted new authority to, among other things, develop a school intervention plan. “Struggling schools” were given two years under a “superintendent receiver” to make demonstrable improvement or a district would be required to appoint an independent receiver and submit the appointment for approval by the Commissioner.

Poughkeepsie High School and Poughkeepsie Middle School were designated as “Struggling Schools” among the 144 schools in 17 districts labeled as “Struggling” or "Persistently Struggling" by the New York Stated Education Department.

We are proud to announce that Poughkeepsie High School, under the leadership of Executive Principal Phee Simpson, was removed from the Priority list and is deemed out of “Receivership” as of February 26, 2016. We are grateful to the entire High School team for purposeful, strategic, innovative work in delivering on the promise of a competitive, high-quality, world-class education for our high school scholars.

We are committed to working purposefully in a labor-management collaboration to support Poughkeepsie Middle School with meeting and/or exceeding the demonstrable improvement targets to ensure that excellence is realized for all students.

BOE: Working Hard in Our CommunityServing on the Board of Education of a public school district is often a tireless, thankless job that a few brave souls dare to accept. We at the Poughkeepsie City School District are proud to work with Board members who serve students and families with excellence and give of their time on committees:

Ralph Coates, President• Personnel Committee• Construction and Facilities CommitteeRaymond Duncan, Vice President • Audit and Finance Committee, Chairperson • Dutchess County School Boards Liaison• Policy Committee

Gregory Charter• Construction and Facilities Committee• Foundation Committee• Past and Present Committee

Jacqueline Roman• Health and Wellness• Parent Engagement Taskforce Committee• PTA Committee• Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) CommitteeDr. Felicia Watson• Transformation and Academic Affairs Committee

Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Frank Castella, Jr., Mayor Robert Rolison, and Department of Community and Family Services Commissioner Sabrina Jaar Marzouka participate in our “Principal-for-a-Day” initiative on March 2, 2016