December 4, 2020
Dear Lyndonville Families and Community,
I hope this updates finds that you have had an enjoyable and peaceful Thanksgiving, and are ready for the joys of the upcoming holiday season!
Our school staff has been dedicated in coming up with new strategies to celebrate our student achievements. Most recently, we held our Fall Athletic Awards Ceremony on November 22 and limited the event to students only. However, we have posted the entire ceremony which may be found here. We also had to adjust our National Honor Society induction ceremonies to an in-school event, again, with students only. We will also post that event on our website as well.
Friday, December 11 will be our first ever Academic Assistance Day for students in Grades 6-12. This day is designed only for students who are in need of learning recovery as identified by a grade of lower than 65 in courses on their report cards. These students have been invited. All other students will have at home learning that day and will not report to school. Please see this flyer for more information.
I continue to consult with the Orleans County Health Department, and should our school be classified as a Yellow Zone, we are now approved to test our students on site under the supervision of medical personnel. I have a permission form and information ready to share when needed, but in the meantime, please watch this video so you can see the type of tests we will be giving, if required. If we are in the Yellow Zone, we MUST test 20% of our students and staff weekly to remain open.
Sadly, winter sports will be delayed until further notice. Normally, this time of year, we are beginning our basketball and wrestling seasons, and we are hopeful for their safe return. This is also the time of year we celebrate music through our concerts, and our music faculty are preparing virtual concerts for our community and families, which will be posted on our website. We are meeting next week to go over the details, but please stay tuned for further details.
Congratulations to elementary teachers Jenna Goheen and Joseff Smith for the selection in a special initiative. Jenna Goheen, a first-grade teacher, was selected by the Rural Schools Collaborative as an exemplary young rural educator to share her voice as a part of a national conversion around policy, networking and support for rural schools and teachers at the NREA annual conference. Fourth-grade teacher Joseff Smith was selected to serve as an advisor on the Young Educators’ Advisory (YEA) Council and will serve for two years engaging in online conversations. Mr. Smith’s experience, love of teaching and commitment to education will be an asset as he serves as a representative for Western, NY. These opportunities for Miss Goheen and Mr. Smith allow Lyndonville CSD to participate in the I Am a Rural Teacher campaign and contribute local voices to a national organization.
My Superintendent colleagues and I continue to advocate for improved Internet access in our community. This week, we spoke with Assemblyman Steve Hawley regarding the need for this important service, and last week we spoke with a representative from the Digital Literacy Initiative. The Town of Yates Board has also adopted a resolution calling for improved internet access as well. Please join us in this push as we continue to move forward!
As the winter weather approaches, we should continue to be especially thankful and appreciative of our wonderful bus drivers, under the supervision of Lynn Fetzner. We have an excellent partnership with Ridge Road Express and we continue to be pleased with their service. Thank you Lynn and drivers!
Have a wonderful December, and please look for my next update on December 18.
Thank you for your continued support.
Jason Smith, Superintendent of Schools
E-mail: Jasmith@lcsdk12.org
Phone: 765-3101
Twitter: @JasonJasmith
@LyndonvilleCSD
Facebook: Lyndonville Central School