Coxsackie-Athens Central School District

Following its Opening Day Assembly on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, the Coxsackie-Athens Central School District is primed and ready for the start of the 2024-25 school year on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024! All faculty and staff participated in annual professional development and building level meetings prior to a full-group assembly in the high school auditorium, where several speakers touched on themes, reminders and goals for this school year. Superintendent Randy Squier’s speech to staff emphasized a popular game day quote of the Buffalo Bills to solidify the point of having passionate, involved faculty and staff members in the lives of the student body. “We have the best profession in the world, in the best community in the world, in the best school district in the world,” Squier said. “Where else would you rather be than right here, right now?” The Riverhawks themes for the 2024-25 school year are taking last year’s theme of “Believe You Can” and applying a team-first approach with “Believe WE Can” and “Believe ALL Kids Can”. The Opening Day Assembly featured a heartfelt speech from Board of Education President Michael Donahue, who thanked those in attendance for the lifelong impact faculty and staff have on their students and families. The District also welcomed New York State Education Department (NYSED) Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Standards and Instruction in the Office of Education Policy, Santosha Oliver, to speak to faculty and staff about the evolving state of graduation requirements, and what NYSED’s goals are. Additionally, 14 new faculty and staff members were welcomed to the District in Squier’s presentation.

September 4, 2024 Dear Families, In the Spring of 2023, I began to host a Parent Community Council (PCC). These gatherings provided me a chance to listen to the topics that were on parents’ minds and gave the school an opportunity to share some of the work being done in our schools to help students be successful. The PCC was created to advise myself and District leaders on ways the District and our schools can provide a welcoming environment to all families. Other purposes are to develop strong school-family partnerships and promote the active participation and engagement of families and community members in the achievement and wellbeing of all students that we serve. In creating the PCC, we wish to promote respectful partnerships between educators, administrators, and families, all with the focus on supporting student learning and positive child development at home in schools and in the community. We will hold our first meeting of the school year on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. We will meet in the HIGH SCHOOL library. All are invited to attend. The agenda for this meeting will be: - Introductions - Review Purpose of the PCC - Establish operating norms - Create a list of topics for future discussions - Discuss any timely topics. If you plan to attend, please fill out this very short sign up form by CLICKING HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZUTR-k8DdcBZNP_n9niqpBGyh8DgOa_2aKyJCvNLM6XJjAw/viewform?usp=sf_link I look forward to seeing you on the 9th. Thank you for your consideration in attending. Randy Squier Superintendent of Schools Coxsackie-Athens Central School District Future Meeting dates: 11/18/24 1/13/25 3/10/25 5/12/25

Attention Families: In November 2023, the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures presented their recommendations for future diploma requirements to the Board of Regents. Since then, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) created a vision to implement these recommendations. Meeting attendees on Sept. 11, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at the Questar III BOCES Conference Room, located at 10 Empire State Boulevard, Castleton, NY, 12033, will have the opportunity to break into smaller groups to discuss and provide feedback to NYSED on their proposed vision for implementing the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures.

The FLEX program had their annual 'Amazing Race' regents prep activity, which simulates the 2001 reality TV show. Students in grade 9-12 read clues and navigate through the high school, completing creative regents based challenges. https://youtu.be/lyg0qJHSXNM

A special thank you to the Coxsackie-Athens Central School District Food Services Department for their work this summer in feeding our students! A total of 8,266 meals were served in July and August, a 20% increase from 2023!

The Coxsackie-Athens Central School District is hiring! We are looking for substitute teachers district-wide! Please call 518-731-1710 or email [email protected] for more information!

A special shoutout and thank you to NYSCOPBA for their donation of school supplies for all of our Kindergartners!

Coxsackie-Athens Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Junait Shah as the new Director of Innovation and Technology, effective Aug. 19, 2024. Read more: https://www.cacsd.org/article/1733715

The Coxsackie-Athens Central School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Kerry Overbaugh as the Interim Principal of Coxsackie-Athens Middle School! Read more: https://www.cacsd.org/article/1733618

We're Hiring! Special Education Teacher and School Psychologist Visit cacsd.org OR olasjobs.org to view the postings. Apply with a letter of interest and resume to Julie Applegate, Human Resources, [email protected].

Summer 2024 has been full of renovations at the Coxsackie-Athens Central School District! Check out just a few of the upgrades we've made! - Coxsackie-Athens Middle School Library: Before and After pictures of replaced carpet with new vinyl flooring. - Coxsackie Elementary and EJA Elementary Schools: All first floor sinks have been replaced. Sinks date back to 1964! - Coxsackie-Athens High School Main Office: A rejuvenated wall in the main office providing bright color. - Coxsackie-Athens Middle School Cafeteria: New furniture added along with the replacement of a small stage with flooring. - Coxsackie-Athens Middle School Play Plaza: The play plaza has been paved, providing a smooth surface for play time during lunch.

We will be shutting down the Track/Stadium from 8/13-8/17 and then again the following week, once we have a date confirmed for painting. Please plan accordingly.

CREATE Council On the Arts and the Ancram Center for the Arts are offering a free, two-hour intergenerational storytelling workshop on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024 from 4-6 p.m. More information: https://www.createcouncil.org/all-events/intergenerational-storytelling-workshop/

Dear Coxsackie-Athens Community, As the Athletic Director, I have been able to witness the benefit of sport and what it brings to our students. Unfortunately, this upcoming fall season, we've seen a significant decline in our participation numbers. As a district, we have already had to cut the JV Girls Soccer team and are now at risk of cutting JV Boys Soccer, Varsity Football, Varsity Girls Tennis, as well as facing concerning numbers in Modified Girls Soccer, Modified Boys Soccer, Modified Cross Country, and Modified Field Hockey. This trend is concerning, and we need your support as parents to turn it around. Why Sports Matter 1. Personal Growth: Participating in sports fosters discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. These attributes extend beyond the field and are invaluable in academic and personal life. 2. Health Benefits: Regular physical activity promotes physical fitness, reduces stress, and improves overall mental health. 3. Academic Success: Studies consistently show that student-athletes often perform better academically. The time management skills and discipline learned in sports translate into better performance in the classroom. 4. Community and Belonging: Sports create a sense of community and belonging. They teach our kids the importance of working together towards a common goal, building lasting friendships and community spirit. 5. Future Opportunities: For many students, sports can open doors to college scholarships and future career opportunities. The Importance of Commitment Commitment to a team and sport teaches responsibility and dedication. It’s about showing up, giving your best, and understanding that each individual’s effort contributes to the success of the whole team. Call to Action I urge parents and students to consider the value that sports can bring to their lives. If you or your child are on the fence about participating, now is the time to take that step. Encourage your children to try out for a team, to experience the fun and benefits of being a student-athlete. Let’s come together to support our students and ensure that our school can continue to offer a full range of sports programs. Your involvement as a parent can make a difference. How to Sign Up Registration is still open. Please visit FamilyID.com or contact the athletic office for more information at 518- 731-1722. Thank you for your support and commitment to keeping our athletic programs strong here at Coxsackie-Athens. Go Riverhawks! Sincerely, Curtis Wilkinson Athletic Director Coxsackie-Athens Central Schools [email protected]

CREATE Council On the Arts and the Ancram Center for the Arts are offering a free, two-hour intergenerational storytelling workshop on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024 from 4-6 p.m. More information: https://www.createcouncil.org/all-events/intergenerational-storytelling-workshop/

⛳ Announcing C-A's 2nd Annual Golf Tournament! ⛳ Please contact Leif Roberg for more information!

Last week the Coxsackie-Athens FFA Chapter attended the Greene County Youth Fair. Our FFA members worked alongside of our Greenville FFA friends and were responsible for educating fair visitors on various aspects of agriculture as well as running the food booth. Members met with NYS assemblyman, Chris Tague, watched various livestock shows, and enjoyed everything the fair had to offer. Thank you to everyone who came out to support our FFA Chapter.

The Coxsackie-Athens Central School District would like to congratulate its 18 varsity teams that have qualified the District to be recognized as a 2023-24 “School of Distinction” by NYSPHSAA for a fourth consecutive year! Read more: https://www.cacsd.org/article/1688573

The Summer Rec Program taking place at Coxsackie-Athens Elementary School has been a blast!

Check out some of our smiling faces during lunch time at summer school! In the last photo, one of our high school students is assisting the Food Services staff!