1

Budget 2013 NEWSLETTER

1510

Rou

te 9W

, Sui

te 2

01

Mar

lbor

o, N

Y 1

2542

(8

45)2

36-5

800

ww

w.m

arlb

oros

choo

ls.o

rg

MA

N-W

SS

NO

N-P

RO

FIT

OR

GU

S P

OS

TAG

E P

AID

NE

WB

UR

GH

, NY

1255

0P

ER

MIT

NO

. 145

Mar

lbor

o Ce

ntra

l Sch

ool D

istr

ict

Superintendent of SchoolsRaymond Castellani

Board of Education

PresidentStephen E. Jennison

Vice-President James P. Sullivan

TrusteesKenneth T. Brooks

Frank Milazzo JoAnn Reed

Celeste RicciardoneDean M. Tamburri

To R

esid

entia

l Cus

tom

erMarlboro

Board of Education Focuses Budget Development on Taxpayer Impact & Preservation of Educational Program

It has not been an easy year for residents of the Marlboro Central School District. The antici-

pated future reduction of Dynegy revenues from the District’s tax base has weighed heavily on the minds of community stakeholders and has resulted in decisions that have caused concern for many.

For months, the Board of Education has worked closely with the administration to ex-amine all available options in order to lessen the impact on the taxpayer and maintain a high level of educational program. The result of this work is presented in the 2013-2014 proposed budget that will be voted upon at Marlboro Elementary School on Tuesday, May 21 from 6 AM to 9 PM.

Even after the proposal is voted on, the Board and administration will continue to seek ways to minimize the impact these budget decisions will have on our community and our students. Discussions about collaboration are ongoing with Orange-Ulster BOCES and the Highland Central School District as a means to minimize cost and provide educational opportuni-ties. In August, after the true tax assessment for the Dynegy property is settled, the Board will also determine the amount of funding available to reduce the

taxpayer share of the tax levy, further reducing the expected individual taxpayer increase.

The following pages contain details of the im-portant changes that have been made in the Dis-trict and their impact. Please read them carefully and contact Assistant Superintendent Dr. Neysa Sensenig at 845.236.5803 with any questions.

The HistoryIn 2012-2013 tax rolls, Dynegy had a full mar-

ket value of $805 million and generated tax rev-enue of $17.2 million, a significant portion of the District’s total tax levy. A substantial reduction in the true market value of the Dynegy property is anticipated, translating to a possible $9 million loss in tax revenue.

The loss of revenue from Dynegy shifts more of the tax burden to the remaining taxpayers, causing a spike in the tax rate. The Board has taken several steps to reduce the overall budget in order to lessen the impact of this loss for indi-vidual taxpayers.

Continued on Page 2

Story and photos, Page 2

Milton Elementary Students Celebrate Earth Day

Budget Vote

Tuesday, May 21 • 6 AM to 9 PM

Marlboro Elementary School

Grades 3-5 Gym

Budget Highlights2013-2014 Proposed Budget

$50,441,6312012-2013 Adopted Budget

$52,954,9582013-2014 Budget REductionS

-$2,513,327 or -4.8%Levy Law Max. Allowable increase

$978,392 or 2.4%Actual Proposed tax Levy

-$5,659,919 or -13.7%State Aid Results of Lobby Efforts

$4,155,795Proposed Positions Eliminated

59.4 FTEPositions Eliminated since 2010

93 FTESchool Building closures

Milton ES & Middle Hope ESFund Balance to Lower tax Levy

to be determined in August

2

The ProposalSince 2010-2011, the District has proposed eliminating approximately 93 full-time

equivalent positions, which translates to a cumulative reduction of expenses of more than $8.97 million. Also included are the closing of Milton Elementary and Middle Hope Elementary and the relocation of the District Office from leased space into Milton Elementary School. A complete list of measures to reduce the budget can be found below.

Reductions were made to the programs in a manner that focused on having the least possible impact on students. While it was impossible to remove more than $5.5 mil-lion in expenses without having some impact on students, Superintendent Raymond Castellani believes that the proposed budget can still offer students a solid educational experience. “Our academic programs were restructured to increase efficiencies, reduce costs, and yet still provide students with opportunities,” he says. “We will use what we have to continue to deliver the best education possible to our students.”

other Strategies to reduce the BudgetAlong with the Dynegy impact, the District continues to face the typical budget

challenges associated with increasing fixed costs. A $3.3 million increase in expenses was projected to cover costs associated with tuition for students with disabilities, contractual obligations, and state-mandated contributions to the two New York State retirement systems. The administration examined the budget line by line in order to make reductions that could help offset the cost to the taxpayers. The result is the following:• Closing of Two Schools and the Reduction in

Staffing at ALL Levels = 59.4 FTE• Reduction in Supplies and Equipment• Reduction in Co-Curricular Clubs• Reduction in Athletic Contests• Offering of a Retirement Incentive Plan • Saving Money on Building Repairs by

Leveraging Internal Maintenance Resources• Restructuring of All Academic Programs to

Increase Efficiencies and Reduce Costs• Increase of Class Sizes to Regional Level Average• Termination of Pinnacle Lease• Elimination of Funding to Milton Library• Restructuring of Debt Services

Continued from Page 1

2013-2014 ProPoSED STaFFIng rEDucTIonSEMPloyEE grouP FTE

Central Office 2.5Building

administration 2.0

Teaching 31.0clerical 8.0

operations/ Food Service 5.0

Para-Professional 10.9ToTal 59.4

rEDucTIon In ExPEnSES SIncE 2010-2011Budget year 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 Total

Budget reductions -$1,136,000 -$720,800 -$1,296,500 -$5,819,668 -$8,972,968

brought back to the school for proper dis-posal.

Students also hiked along a nature trail that was recently created as an Eagle Scout project by Marlboro High School senior Alex Smith. Collaborating with Smith to complete the project was Zambito & Son Landscaping, as well as other community members. As the children hiked through the woods at the park, they completed a scavenger hunt where they observed animal habitats, gathered plant life for classification, and sorted rocks, feathers, and many other natural treasures.

Once back at school, students read The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, and completed a writing assignment that answered the Lorax’s question, “Who Speaks for the Trees?” Immediately after returning from their adven-turous field trip, the children cited evidence gleaned from both their authentic learning experience at the park and the book.

“It was surprising to discover that many students had never been to the town park. We are thrilled to have this natural extension of our classrooms in the town of Milton,” said Principal Patricia Walsh, who was moved to tears by the children’s genuine apprecia-tion not only for the learning opportunity, but also for their teachers, the policemen, and all who helped to make this trip possible.

The resultThe overall result is a budget that is 4.8 percent

less than last year’s budget and decreases the tax levy by 13.7 percent. More than $5.8 million of expenses were eliminated to offset the anticipated $9 million loss of tax revenue from Dynegy. Since the 2013-2014 proposed budget and its related tax levy are already BELOW the current budget, the proposed tax levy increase is 16.2 percent BELOW the calculated maximum tax levy under the 2012 New York State Tax Levy Limit legislation for a simple majority voter approval. In Marlboro’s case, the allowable increase was 2.4 percent. Instead, the district is presenting a DECREASE of 13.7 percent.

Fortunately, the District is also receiving some special State Aid to minimize the impact of the Dynegy situation. Through lobbying with Senator Bill Larkin and Assemblyman Frank Skartados, Marlboro will benefit from a $4.1 million increase

Milton Elementary Students Celebrate Earth Day

Milton Elementary School Grade K-2 students engaged in a day of learning using nature as their

classroom on a field trip to Cluett Shantz Park. The trip was designed to extend environmental education and celebrate Earth Day.

The Marlboro Police Department was on hand to escort the students and their teachers on their walk to the park, where everyone participated in a variety of interdisciplinary, hands-on activities that were aligned with the NYS Common Core Learning Standards.

Along with the use of several handy “trash nabber” sticks that were borrowed from the Town Highway Department, school staff brought garbage bags and garden gloves to clean up litter and debris in the park. Children learned the importance of keeping the play

areas and park clean and safe, not only for themselves, but also for the animals. Amazingly, 12 large bags of litter were

2010-2011

11

FTE positions eliminated

(proposed)

2013-2014

60total positions

eliminated(rounded)

93

2011-2012

102012-2013

12

3

2013-2014 ProPoSED BuDgEToperations & Maintenance

6.65%

Interfund Transfers0.14%

District administration1.87%

Supervision & Program Development6.56%

Instruction & Instructional Support

67.44%

Debt Service11.45%

Transportation5.89%

Instruction & Instructional Support ..............$34,014,889Regular School • Special Education • Special Schools: Occupational Education, Business • Modified Enrichment Program • Library • Computer • Guidance • Health • Psychologists • Athletics & Co-Curricular • Legal Services • Central Printing • Central Data Processing

Transportation ................................................$2,973,223Transportation for In District • Career & Technical • Non-Public • Special Education • Athletics • Field Trips • Music Competitions • Co-Curricular Competitions

Operations & Maintenance .............................$3,356,497Staff & Benefits • Maintenance Contracts • Fuel, Gas, Electric, Telephone, Water & Sewer • Building Repairs & Maintenance • Vehicle Maintenance • Supplies: Custodial, Electrical, Plumbing, Grounds, Maintenance, & Carpentry • BOCES: Risk Management • Equipment • Community Use of Facilities

Supervision & Program Development ..............$3,306,479Curriculum Office • Curriculum Development • Curriculum Mapping • Staff Development • Membership Dues • Principals’ Office Staff • Special Education Office Staff • Office Expenses: Maintenance Contractors, Supplies, Membership Fees & Travel • In-Service Training

District Administration .......................................$943,437Board of Education • Superintendent’s Office • Business Office • District Clerk • Tax Collection • Insurance & Auditing Services • Legal Services • Personnel • Records Management • Budget Vote • Public Information • Central Printing • Mailing & Data Processing • BOCES Administration

Debt Service ...................................................$5,777,106Tax Certiorari Bonds • Elementary, Middle, and High School Bonds

Interfund Transfers ..............................................$70,000Special Education Summer School

BuDgET ToTal ........................................ $50,441,631

in support from the New York State budget. This funding is helping avert much more serious cuts to educational programs and reduce the possible impact to taxpayers.

“Our Board of Education and administration faced some really daunt-ing circumstances in this year’s budget development,” says Castellani. “We have tried to make the most out of a much-reduced availability of resourc-es. We focused on how we could continue to do more with less while still creating a budget that allows us to meet our educational goals.”

PrElIMInary Tax raTEBased on a Market Value of $250,000

Town 2012-2013 2013-2014 Difference per year % of change*

Marlborough 5,129 5,901 772 14.92%Plattekill 5,129 5,891 762 14.87%

newburgh 6,633 6,037 -597 -8.99%

*This figure is preliminary and does not take into account Reserves/Fund Balance used to decrease this rate, as well as the application of the Large Parcel Designation, which may shift the proportionate rates. After the townships finalize the assessment rolls in August, the Board of Education will determine the level of fund balance to apply to the tax levy. This will reduce the impact on taxpayers.

PrograM BuDgET

administrative8.49%

Program73.4%

capital18.11%

contingency PlansSince the budget already reflects a negative tax levy for the community,

and is therefore below the level allowed under a contingency budget, some may wonder if it is still important to vote. The answer is YES! Please vote! It is true that the budget is already below the calculated maximum tax levy under the New York State Tax Levy Limit legislation for a simple majority voter approval AND below the contingency level, however voter approval is still needed to preserve local control over all of the expenses.

The Tax Levy Limit legislation not only limits the contingency budget increase to zero, but also limits the types of expenditures that are allowed. All legal contractual obligations (salaries, insurances, debt payments, etc.) are preserved under contingency. However, the free use of buildings by outside organizations would be limited, and non-aligned staff (6 positions) would have salaries frozen.

ESTIMaTED Tax raTE per $1,000 of assessed Value for 2013-2014

Town of Marlborough $23.58Town of Plattekill $23.56

Town of newburgh $54.86

The final proposal continues support for instructional priorities and pro-grams such as full-day kindergarten, modified enrichment experiences for gifted/high-ability learners, curriculum mapping and assessment review, and BOCES Career & Technical Education Center enrollment.

Both the Enhanced and Basic STAR Programs continue to be available to assist taxpayers. The Board of Education has maximized authorization of the Senior Citizen and Disabled Citizen Tax Exemptions to the highest levels permitted by law. Specifics on these programs are on page 5.

Program componentThe program component of the budget includes salary and benefits for all instructional staff as well as interscholastic athletics, co-curricular activities, and transportation.

capital componentThe capital component contains operation and maintenance costs, including custodial staff salaries and benefits, court-ordered costs, and the payment of principal and interest for outstanding debt.

administrative componentThe administrative component consists of: salary and benefits for administrators, supervisors, and support staff; business operations; personnel; school board; insurance; and legal services.

4

Are You Qualified to Vote?In order to be eligible to vote you must be:18 years of age or older.A citizen of the United States.A resident of the Marlboro Central

School District for at least 30 days prior to the vote.

Marlboro Elementary SchoolMiddle Hope Elementary

SchoolMilton Elementary SchoolMiddle SchoolHigh SchoolAdministrative Offices

aBouT VoTIng

absentee BallotsAbsentee Ballots are available for residents who are unable to vote at the polls on Tuesday, May 21. For more information, please contact the District Clerk at the Administrative Offices, 1510 Route 9W, Suite 201, Marlboro.

2013-2014 Proposed Budget availableCopies of the 2013-2014 proposed budget are available at all of the District’s buildings, as well as at the Marlboro Free Library and the Sarah Hull Hallock Free Library in Milton. Stop by one of the following school offices to obtain a copy:

Career Day brings students together with parents, grandparents, and community members.

True Value

Regular Taxpayer

Basic STAR

Enhanced STAR

$150,000 $459 $355 $240

$200,000 $612 $508 $393

$250,000 $765 $661 $546

$300,000 $918 $814 $699

ESTIMaTED Tax cHangE For 2013-2014

Some anticipated Town of Marlborough tax

changes compared to 2012-2013 taxes for a regular taxpayer,

based on anticipated revenues and available

assessment information:

Year Applied Fund Balance

Total Applied Fund Balance to

Lower The Tax Levy

2009-10 $523,000

$4,725,0002010-11 $2,216,000

2011-12 $993,000

2012-13 $993,000

2013-14 TBD august 2013

FunD BalancE/lEVy

Budget VotetuESdAy, MAy 21Marlboro Elementary SchoolGrades 3-5 Gymnasium 6 AM to 9 PM

Students often ask themselves, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” Middle Hope

Elementary School helps get children thinking about their options early with a fun event that exposes them to the vast opportunities avail-able for career choices. Now in its 12th year, the Middle Hope Elementary School’s Annual Career Day was held on Friday, April 26. Parents, grandpar-ents, and community member guests visited the school to share information about their careers with the students.

The event complements the focus of New York’s new Common Core Learning Stan-dards, which have a goal to make students college and career ready. Principal Darren Corsetti explained, “It is never too early to expose children to the many professions that are a part of their community. It gives them a good sense of how different people work together for the good of all.”

The school’s gymnasium was set up to look like a typical job fair that one would see in the real world. Eight guest speakers shared the details of their careers with the students. To spark additional interest, the presenters brought in special clothing, equipment, and other items that they use in their jobs.

In small groups, the students visited each of the eight stations for about 10 minutes, absorbing as much as pos-sible about each career, listening attentively, asking great questions, and examining the various “show and tell” career items.

Instructional school personnel Jemma Greiner and Tammy Schramm organized the event, and were pleased to have a wide variety of careers represented this year. Professions in attendance included an entrepreneur, baker, nurse, hairdresser, caterer, hardwood floor con-tractor, firefighter, and security technician. When asked about the event, Schramm stated, “Each year, the chil-dren and presenters get very excited about this day. It’s a great opportunity because it brings the community into the school.”

Firefighter Terry Ahlers looks forward to coming back every year to share his expertise. His participation began eight years ago when his son was a kindergarten student at the school. Ahlers boasted, “I love this day. It’s awe-some to come to this school and talk to the kids. Once they find out about what we do, they think that firefight-ing is a good thing.”

As a thank you for participating, each presenter re-ceived a certificate and community helper pin.

Middle Hope Students See Their Future at Annual Career Day

nEW

location for

Voting!

5

STar Exemption Program continuesThe School Tax Relief (STAR)

Program that was passed by the Legislature in 1997 to provide Basic and Enhanced school tax relief for owner-occupied, primary residences is continued under the New York State budget but has been revised to also reflect income levels of owners. Owner-occupied, primary residences where the owners’ total income is less than $500,000 are eligible for STAR.

The Basic STAR exemption is offered to property owners on their owner-occu-pied primary residences, and is provided in the form of an actual reduction in the homeowners’ property tax bills. Owners who are aged 65 or older who meet in-come criteria are eligible for even greater tax savings through the Enhanced STAR exemption.

Seniors must apply for Enhanced STAR each year. Beginning in 2014, homeowners with the Basic STAR exemption will also have to apply an-nually. New York State has advised that homeowners will be contacted with spe-cific instructions in the future. For more information, contact your local assessor.

Overall Budget ProposalBudget Adopted for the 2012-2013

School Year

Budget Proposed for the 2013-2014

School Year

Contingency Budget for the 2013-2014

School Year*

Total Budgeted Amount, Not Including Separate Propositions $52,954,958 $50,441,631 $50,421,603

Increase/(Decrease) for the 2013-14 School Year –$2,513,327 –$2,533,355

Percentage Increase/(Decrease) in Proposed Budget –4.75% –4.78%

Change in the Consumer Price Index 2.1%

Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy, Including Levy to Support Library Debt, if applicable $40,602,789 $35,039,142 $35,019,114

Total Permissible Exclusions $3,025,294 $3,385,655

A. Proposed School Year Tax Levy, Not Including Levy forPermissible Exclusions or Levy to Support Library Debt $37,577,495 $31,653,487

B. School Tax Levy Limit, Not Including Levy for Permissible Exclusions $37,874,595 $38,492,626

Difference: A - B (Positive Value Requires 60.0% Voter Approval - See Note Below Regarding Separate Propositions) –$297,100 –$6,839,139

Administrative Component $4,719,150 $4,283,850 $4,281,196

Program Component $38,640,713 $37,024,178 $37,020,324

Capital Component $9,595,095 $9,133,602 $9,120,082*The reductions to the 2013-2014 proposed budget would include any salary increases for non-aligned support staff and associated costs (overtime, electric, water, and gas) for community use of the buildings on weekends.

There are no separate propositions for 2013-2014.

ScHool DISTrIcT BuDgET noTIcE

Tax relief Programs Help reduce Burden on Disabled & Senior citizens A motion to enact the Disability and Senior

Citizen School Tax Exemption, as de-scribed in the New York State Real Property Tax Law (which gives districts the option of grant-ing qualified senior citizens and residents with disabilities special tax relief), was once again unanimously approved by the District’s Board of Education.

Relief at the highest levels permitted by law will be provided for the 2013-2014 school year. This is accomplished by exempting a portion of the assessed value of seniors’ residential property. The level of assessment exemption is determined by income level and is based upon a sliding scale, providing up to 50 percent reduction in assessed value. To participate in the exemption program, the disabled and seniors must meet certain qualifications, and an application must be submitted with the local assessor’s office and renewed annually.

Your Local Assessors Town of Marlborough (845) 795-5049 Town of Plattekill (845) 883-7331 Town of Newburgh (845) 564-4550

Basic STAR Exemption Impact Under the Budget Proposed for the 2013-2014 School Year

Estimated BASIC STAR Exemption Savings1 $8641The basic school tax relief (STAR) exemption is authorized by section 425 of the Real Property Tax Law.

“RESOLVED that the Board of Education be and is authorized to expend the sum of $50,441,631 to meet the estimated expenditures for the 2013-2014 school year and to levy the necessary tax therefor.”

TruSTEE For BoarD oF EDucaTIon (Two (2) 3-year Positions) Vote for Two (2)

William (Bill) Bell David Conn

YES NO

Kenneth T. Brooks James Sullivan Russell Conley

BuDgET ProPoSITIonSample Ballot

The annual budget vote for the fiscal year 2013-2014 by the qualified voters of the Marlboro Central School District, Ulster County, New York, will be held at Marlboro

Elementary School in said district on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, between the hours of 6:00 am and 9:00 pm, prevailing time in the Marlboro Elementary School 3-5 gymnasium, at which

time the polls will be opened to vote by voting ballot or machine.

6

Parents from Marlboro Elementary School (MES) enjoyed an eve-ning of workshops that concentrated on the NYS Math Common

Core Learning Standards during the school’s Parent Night on April 2. Principal Scott Brown was very happy with the outcome of this newly created event and looks forward to hosting the event on an annual basis.

Eight workshop stations were designed specifically to give parents a better understanding of the math concepts that are part of the stan-dards. Marlboro’s Race to the Top Coordinator Robin Hecht assisted building staff with the coordination of the workshops. Mentored by MES teachers, approximately 60 parents in groups of six or seven traveled to each classroom, cued by a bell schedule set up in 25-min-ute blocks. Parents explored activities involving fractions, bar models, math sprints, addition and subtraction, word problems, problem solv-ing, number bonding, and expanded number form.

Parents learned techniques to help their children read and enjoy non-fiction text as well as some interesting math concepts such as how to:• Do a math sprint – a mental math activity to help students gain

speed and accuracy in all computation skills.• Use a rekenrek – two strings of ten beads each, strategically bro-

ken into two groups: five red beads and five white beads.• Solve problems with a ten frame – a two-by-five rectangular frame

for placing counters to illustrate the numbers 1 through 10.• Build fractions with tape diagrams – drawings that look like a seg-

ment of tape, used to illustrate number relationships.These activities were structured to help parents support their chil-

dren at home with math homework and related concepts. While parents participated in the math workstations, the students

were invited to participate in workshops designed just for them. Using activities created by MES teacher and Marlboro High School (MHS) drama advisor Stephen Wertz, students from the high school drama club led the elementary students through a series of activities involving theatre and dance. Marist College Assistant Professor Kathy Cary Trela designed an interactive computer workshop for those stu-dents interested in technology.

At the conclusion of the evening, parents submitted written feed-back about their experience. One parent stated, “As a child I never understood math. Tonight I literally learned how to solve mathemati-cal problems. Great job! I can now help my children when they come home with math homework.” Two other parents wrote, “The strate-gies are very helpful for me as a parent to help with homework (more depth, less breadth.) I wish we had this sooner, but I hope we con-tinue to have more of these workshops!” and “I thought it was great. Teachers were motivated and informative. Thank you!”

Parents learn techniques at Marlboro Elementary School’s Parent Night to further

their children’s understanding of math concepts.

Marlboro Elementary School’s Parent Night Focuses on Math

Marlboro Middle School students meet regularly with SSA program advisors to discuss important topics, role play, and partake in a variety of activities that prepare them for their roles as SSAs.

7

Students at the Marlboro Middle School (MMS) are

beefing up their anti-bullying skills by participating in the Safe School

Ambassadors (SSA) program. New to MMS this year, the SSA program trains students in specific skills and methods to deal with bullying situations. SSA is a program of Community Matters, a national organization that specializes in youth violence prevention, youth development, and sustainable school and community partner-ships.

Community Matters compliments OLWEUS, which is the par-ent organization over the SSA program. OLWEUS was kicked off at MMS in October of 2011, and helps New York State school districts, including Marlboro, comply with the Dignity for All Students Act.

According to the SSA literature, the “Power of Students” is a key factor of the program. Students represent 90 percent of the school population, 95 percent of the targets in school cruelty and violence, and 99 percent of the aggressors. The SSA program provides stu-dents with the skills they need to interact with other students to prevent or stop mistreatment, such as exclusion, teasing, harass-ment, bullying, and other forms of violence.

MMS Principal Debra Clinton is very excited to have this pro-gram, which empowers students to help other students and assists in creating a safe network and environment in school. She feels the program has a direct impact on the school’s climate in that

“It is my hope that the students who have been touched by the SSA program, either through the training or through an interaction with an SSA, come to the realization that they do make a difference; they can be the change needed in this world.”

–Darlene McLaughlin, SSA Advisor

students use their skills to help prevent and stop acts of cruelty that may take place at school.

Students who are perceived as leaders by their peers and staff are recommended to serve as ambassadors for the program. The admin-istrative staff and school counselors review the list of student recom-mendations, and invitations are sent to selected candidates. Partici-pation is voluntary.

The program was initially launched last spring when a consultant from Orange/Ulster BOCES provided two days of training to staff and selected students in Grades 8 through 11. Those Grade 8 stu-dents who were certified have moved on to become a part of the SSA group at the high school. This fall, students in the program will hold a workshop and offer their expertise to Grade 6 students

There are currently three groups of 21 dedicated SSAs at MMS. The students give up their lunch hour every other week to meet and discuss various topics that will prepare them for their roles as am-bassadors for the program. Guiding the group are three counselors who serve as advisors–Lisa Filocco, Darlene McLaughlin, and Susan

Smith. During their sessions, the stu-

dents review a wide variety of top-ics. A discussion may take place regarding how rumors are started and what a student can do to dis-pel gossip that may potentially be very hurtful to someone.

Throughout the year, SSAs also partake in various activi-ties, such as the recent Diversity Night, held on March 20. For this event, SSA students created flags of other countries and posted them throughout the cafeteria, put to-gether a PowerPoint presentation highlighting facts about countries that represented their nationalities, and designed a banner celebrating diversity.

The SSAs look to the mean-ing found in two quotes to serve as their motto. Mahatma Gandhi said, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” The sec-ond are words of Rabbi Hillel, “If not me, who? If not now, when?”

Group advisor McLaughlin adds, “Ambassadors help their friends make better choices about how to treat others and help them avoid trouble. It is my hope that the students who have been touched by the SSA program, either through the training or through an interaction with an SSA, come to the realization that they do make a difference; they can be the change needed in this world.”

Safe School ambassadors Program Empowers Students at Marlboro Middle School

Grade 7 and Grade 8 Marlboro Middle School SSAs, some of whom are pictured above, give up their lunch every other Friday to become more knowledgeable about the SSA program.

8

Marlboro High School (MHS) continues to offer exciting courses to its students, preparing

them for the 21st century. For the first time in the school’s history, 25 students are expe-riencing a science course that is totally different from the norm—Engineering Robotics. Exclusive to juniors and

seniors, the class is a full-year, one-credit science elective under the

Science, Technology, Engineer-ing, and Mathematics (STEM) Program.

MHS Principal RoseAnne Collins Judon approached Thomas Fas-sell, a third-year teacher at MHS, with the idea for the course. Fassell then wrote the curriculum and now teaches the 9th period class. Assisted by Marlboro’s Race to the Top Coordinator Robin Hecht, Fas-sell secured a $2,000 grant through Sullivan BOCES to help offset the cost of the materials and supplies needed for the class.

In developing the curriculum, Fassell sought out the expertise of others. He credits his educational colleague, MHS physics teacher Geoff Bare, for mentoring him and assisting with the research and development for the curriculum. He also attended a two-week camp last summer that was sponsored by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) where he gained valuable insight for the course development by meeting with professors and seeing students challenged by various robotic activities.

The curriculum integrates math, science, and technology with four main units of study: Physical Properties of Motion, Robotics and Computer Programming, Energy Applications, and Material Design and Testing. The program exposes students to topics they will encoun-ter in a postsecondary engineering course of study and allows them to investigate engineer-ing and high-tech careers. It is intended to develop skills and understanding of concepts through activity, project, and problem-based learning. Students learn valuable 21st century skills needed to be successful in college and careers, such as collaboration, creativity, and problem solving.

A recent class project consisted of designing, building, and programming a robot, which included concepts for basic physics, robotics, and programming. For three weeks, the students tackled the research and development that was needed to build and run a small robotic car. Working in teams of three students each, they were given a kit to construct their unique car that included various LEGO® pieces, wheel, and axel rod parts, an ultra-sonic sensor, and the programmable “brain” hardware. Throughout the build process, the students applied their technology skills to write and edit a computer program that would instruct the car to follow a narrow black-line path that ran along the floor of the classroom.

Robot Team #7 was designed and built by Justin Votta, Alex Winterleitner, and Georgia Houghton. Houghton, who plans to study chemical engineering at Boston’s Northeastern University next fall, described her class experience by saying, “I’m really glad that I took

Marlboro High School Students Explore robotics

An Engineering Robotics student selects LEGO® pieces, as she gets ready to begin the build process.

Students in Thomas Fassell’s MHS Robotics Engineering class work as a team to design, build, and program a robotic car.

The computer program is integral in the way the robotic car performs and must be reviewed and revised several times before perfection is reached.

MHS teacher Thomas Fassell reviews the programming component of the project with two of his students.

this class. In most other classes we learn theory. This class allowed us to work with programming and see the results of the program. We are given the tools and told that we need to figure out how to make it work.”

The students’ final challenge of the year involves aerodynamics—they will learn how to fly a remote-controlled, pre-made airplane.