Summer 2008
Summer allows us all some time to relax and replenish ourselves, but it also provides us the opportunity to reflect on our success of the past year and set benchmarks for the new school year ahead. The Board of Education, in conjunction with the staff of the Mattituck-Cutchogue UFSD, achieved numerous meaningful accomplishments during the 2007 - 2008 school year. Some particularly special highlights are:
Under the direction of Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Anne Smith, the K- 12 ELA review is well underway. Curriculum between grades has been assessed and realigned as needed, with common instructional techniques and assessments developed. This process will continue into the new school year as well.
Special education has been a priority of the District over the last two years. Providing placements in a least restrictive environment, in many cases bringing students with severe special needs back to the District, has been a major accomplishment. Under the watchful eye of Special Education Director Trisha Desiderio, a realignment of
services that best meet the individual needs of students has been instituted. Staff development for both teaching and support staff has been a major focus in providing the most effective support for these students-in-need.
The math curriculum is also undertaking some revisions. A grade 5-8 review has taken place with the purchase of textbooks to support these initiatives. The “new” algebra and geometry curricula have been introduced at the HS, and test results from the first administration of the algebra regents show that Mattituck HS students have done exceedingly well.
All policies, plans and procedures for the District have been reviewed, revised and updated over the course of the last two years. The District is in total compliance with all State regulations, and with thanks to the assistance of the NYS Schools Boards Association, this monumental undertaking is now complete. All District polices will
soon be posted on the web site.
A wireless project at the HS is proceeding, and projectors with multi-media capabilities have been installed in most classrooms at MHS. This project will continue next year as the focus moves to the elementary school.
Thanks to the grant money from the State, a universal pre-kindergarten program has been introduced into the District through our service provider, North Fork Early Learning Center under the direction of the Family Service League. During the 2007 - 2008 school year, 18 students selected by lottery were provided a UPK program at no cost at the former Laurel Schoolhouse. It is anticipated that the number of students will be expanded to 27 in the new school year thanks to increase funding from the State.
Through the efforts of the District Advisory Committee, legislative initiatives focused on obtaining more funding for our District to provide tax relief for our residents. Their efforts paid off with an increase of better than 14% this year, keeping the spending increase and tax levy to the lowest in over a decade!
The Board will be meeting during the summer under the leadership of President Jerry Diffley and Vice-President Debra Cahill to discuss new goals and priorities for the District in the new school year. The meetings will continue to take place in the renovated auditorium at Mattituck High School at 7:30 PM.
The banner hanging off the portico of the high school proclaims “Our Kids - Our School- Our Community.” Let me thank all the parents and community residents for your support and encouragement this year. Together, you have “made a difference” in the lives of the children of the District.
James F. McKenna
Superintendent
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