A Whitney Point teacher is getting some help in pursuing her passion.

See more at Newschannel 34

http://www.newschannel34.com/news/local/story/Whitney-Point-Teacher-Receives-Award/-SctQUdvv0SNnqzwlx4zkA.cspx

Americans take in more than 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day. One Broome County school is working toward reducing that number by starting with a taste test. 

Read more at WBNG

http://www.wbng.com/news/local/Whitney-Point-students-take-a-healthy--209395081.html

High school students Yigal Swenson, Emma Maslin, Morgan Hill, Chris Ellerson, Brandon Dean and Alan McNamara were awarded in May at the 3rd Annual Greater Binghamton Scholastic Challenge held at Binghamton University. The event is an annual competition that gives local high school students the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship and business development.

To participate, team and individual students from grades 9-12 were required to develop their own business ideas, write business plans and present their concepts in the competition finals.

The Whitney Point team won the Entertainment Services category with each student awarded a $100 scholarship. The team created a business plan and presentation for a recreational center in Whitney Point called 'The Point' that included laser tag, a pool, water slides, a restaurant and a playground. They felt this would be a great opportunity for the community of Whitney Point and, because of its location, would be visited by people from outside the community. The students thought about a business that would benefit the members of the community with fun activities and bring jobs to the area for teenagers.

This year's competition included 11 local high schools with 35 teams and was geared toward students who want to start and run their own business. The GBSC is sponsored by Binghamton-based Modern Marketing Concepts, Binghamton University, Broome-Tioga BOCES and other local businesses.

Rex and Roxy, created by Mason Mastroianni of the B.C. comic strip in cooperation with United Health Services, visited the Caryl E. Adams Primary School on May 15 to celebrate their birthday. The duo stopped by the cafeteria with representatives from UHS to meet with students and promote the Rock On Cafe and eating healthy. To celebrate the occasion, students had the opportunity to sample a nutritious lunch that included fruit and yogurt parfaits, low-fat mozzarella string cheese, soft pretzels, baby carrots, chilled fruit, low-fat milk, and even a birthday cookie!

Students from Whitney Point, Chenango Valley and Windsor took part in the 4th annual Battle of the Belts on May 15 at Windsor High School. The fun and informative event included various outdoor activities for high school students including the opportunity to try out the "seat belt converter" and a sobriety test simulator. The goal of the event was to remind students the importance of wearing seat belts and avoiding distracted driving.

Local media coverage:

WBNG: http://www.wbng.com/news/local/Battle-of-the-belts-205683741.html

Fox 40: http://www.wicz.com/news2005/viewarticle.asp?a=27840

Newschannel 34: http://www.newschannel34.com/news/local/story/Battle-of-the-Belts-Competition/kcI3xTx5tEuydFVnXWb6GQ.cspx

YNN: http://binghamton.ynn.com/content/661430/students-learn-driving-safety/

At this time of year when many of us have children, family or friends participating in proms and graduations, the Office of Broome County Executive Debra A. Preston would like to send a reminder that, unfortunately, these celebrations too often result in tragedy when young adults decide to drive after drinking alcohol or using drugs.

Sheriff Harder's office and the STOP-DWI program have prepared a letter and tipsheet below that contain helpful information for the season.

We encourage you to help our kids make the right decisions to ensure these milestones are safe and enjoyable. Please keep these suggestions in mind and feel free to visit www.bcstopdwi.com or look up "Broome County STOP-DWI" on Facebook for more information.

• Teens and Alcohol - What Parents Need To Know
• Letter from Broome County Executive Debra Preston and Broome COunty Sheriff David Harder

The Caryl E. Adams School received the Bronze Award from the USDA's HealthierUS School Challenge at a recognitionceremony on March 25. WBNG was on hand to cover the event and the story and video can be viewed here.

Voters in the Whitney Point School District have approved the purchase of four school buses for the 2013-14 school year. The district held its annual bus vote on March 19 and the proposition passed by a margin of 70-12. The district will purchase two 65 passenger propane buses; one 65 passenger diesel bus; and one 66 passenger diesel bus not to exceed a total cost of $350,735. Taxpayers will only be responsible for approximately 10 percent of the cost with state aid covering the remaining 90 percent. Each bus is slightly used with mileage not exceeding 8-10 thousand miles. By choosing used buses, the district will save approximately $100,000.

Whitney Point Central School District is one of 121 school districts and BOCES in New York to receive the "2013 School Safety Excellence Award" from the Utica National Insurance Group.

Whitney Point Schools received a certificate from Utica National at the insurance company's 33rd annual school safety seminar to commemorate districts' safety measures. Utica National's School Safety Excellence Award Program helps participating schools enhance overall safety through measurable assessment. 

Utica insures more than 300 school districts in upstate New York for property and liability insurance and is one of the leading companies in the field.

The Whitney Point Central School District's Caryl E. Adams Primary School has earned the Bronze Award from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s HealthierUS School Challenge. The award recognizes the district's commitment to nutrition and fitness to promote a healthier school environment for children. The challenge is a key component of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative to end childhood obesity within a generation. Schools participating in the Challenge voluntarily adopt USDA standards for food they serve at their schools, agree to provide nutrition education and provide opportunities for physical activity. 

A recognition ceremony will take place at the Caryl E. Adams Primary School at 8:30 a.m. on March 25. County legislator Ron Keibel will be in attendance and the school will receive a plaque, a banner and a monetary award of $500 for use by school food services.

Contractors will be performing an asbestos abatement project at Tioughnioga Riverside Academy from April 1-5 in accordance with all federal, state and local regulations. Official Notice.

The Whitney Point Central School District distributed a survey at its School Safety Forum on February 20 asking participants to share their thoughts about student safety.  Click here for the results.  

On February 20, the Whitney Point Central School District hosted a conversation about best practices in school safety.

WBNG news coverage: http://www.wbng.com/news/local/Security-a-Top-Priority-in-Whitney-Point-Schools-192174991.html

Kindergarten Registration Information

Children residing in the Whitney Point School District who will be five years old on or before December 1, 2013 are eligible to register for kindergarten. If your child is eligible:

• Call the Caryl E. Adams Main Office at 692-8241 by Friday, March 1 to be placed on the kindergarten mailing list.
• All kindergarten applications will be mailed on Monday, March 18 to the address requested.
• Attend the Parent Information Fair on Thursday, April 25 from 7-8 p.m. in the Caryl E. Adams cafeteria.
• Attend kindergarten registration beginning Monday, April 29 through Friday, May 3. Your designated day of registrations will be indicated on the application.

Please call the CEA Main Office at 692-8241 with any questions you may have.

Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) Information

Children residing in the Whitney Point School District who will be four years old on or before December 1, 2013 are eligible to attend. We anticipate state funding for our program, which includes 60 children. We plan to have a morning and afternoon session in the Caryl E. Adams School with 15 students in each class. There will also be a morning and afternoon session at the Whitney Point Pre-School and Day Care Center with 15 students in the class. The state funding for this program will also cover transportation. If you would like your child to be considered for the UPK program:

• Call the Caryl E. Adams Main Office at 692-8241 by Thursday, May 2 to have your child placed on the UPK mailing list.
• All UPK applications will be mailed on Monday, May 6 to the address requested.
• Return your completed UPK application to the Caryl E. Adams Office, 24 Keibel Road, Whitney Point, NY 13862 by Thursday, May 23.

A random drawing will be held on Friday, June 7 at 3:00 p.m. in the CEA cafeteria. Parents are welcome to attend the drawing. A letter stating the results of the drawing will be mailed to all parents who submitted an application.

Click HERE for the Opportunities for Broome Head Start Recruitment Form

2013-14 Budget calendar

As the District moves into the final phase of the current construction project, there is a new traffic pattern at the TRA that all should be aware of. The Fairgrounds will serve as the temporary 'Main Construction Entrance' for large vehicles. This is in an effort to provide a safety measure for students and staff, while minimizing additional traffic in the TRA parking lot. Please be aware of recently installed crosswalks, signage and orange cones. All drivers should proceed with caution and stay to the right while entering and exiting, as there will be ongoing two-way construction traffic. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation regarding this matter.

Construction entrance map

Dear Parents and Community,

There have been quite a few questions about the new athletic fields. Please be assured that we have been working with a number of experts to carefully monitor  the fields. Although they are not optimal this year due to their newness and the lack of precipitation this summer, we are working to ensure their long-range health and sustainability. I have asked our general contractor to work with our  consultants, contractors, and maintenance department to assemble the answers to a number of  frequently asked questions  about the fields. This document can be found by clicking on this link . I hope you find this information helpful.

Sincerely,

Patricia Follette, Superintendent of Schools

On May 15, 2012, the Whitney Point Central School Board of Education appointed Patricia A. Follette as its new superintendent of schools. Ms. Follette is expected to assume her new role on July 1, 2012. She will replace Mary Hibbard who is retiring after serving as the district's superintendent for the past four years.

"Ms. Follette has had an outstanding career as a teacher, staff developer, and Director of Curriculum and Instruction. We believe that she has all of the skills necessary to continue moving our school district forward," said Whitney Point Board President, Sara Benscoter. Ms. Follette was chosen from among the 17 individuals who expressed interest in the superintendent's position. Five committees in Whitney Point were also instrumental in selecting Ms. Follette.

"Pat Follette impressed us as the type of individual who puts students first and who will provide exciting leadership for our academic programs," said Whitney Point Board Vice President, Stephanie Champney. "Her commitment to the students and families in the Whitney Point community has been exceptional," said Champney.

"I appreciate the confidence the Whitney Point Board of Education has shown in me. I have thoroughly enjoyed my work in Whitney Point. It is an excellent school district and a wonderful community. I look forward with great anticipation to leading the district and becoming even more involved with the Whitney Point community," said Ms. Follette.

Ms. Follette is currently the Director of Curriculum and Instruction in Whitney Point, a position she has held for the past four years. She served as the Supervisor of School Curriculum Improvement and Educational Leadership as well as a Reading Recovery Teacher Leader at Broome-Tioga BOCES. She also served as an elementary and Reading Recovery teacher in Union-Endicott from 1989-2000.

Ms. Follette received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Study from St. Joseph's College, her Masters Degree in Reading Education from Binghamton University, and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in School Administration and Supervision from SUNY Cortland. She is currently enrolled in the doctoral program at Binghamton University.

Whitney Point Schools participates in the SHARE Program. Click here to learn more.

The Whitney Point School District is participating in the Box Tops for Education program. Click here for details.