The Heiress

Man what a depressing play!  I really wanted Catherine to find love and we don’t know if she ever did.  Our thespians once again seamlessly transported us into another world.  High society of New York in the 1850’s – the language was different, the clothes, the culture – all beautifully portrayed.  Rebecca Bastos was superb as the ‘plain and simple” Catherine (no type casting here!!)  Quinn Ginsberg was excellent as the cold and unable to please Dr. Sloper.  Every year we see a newcomer dominate the stage and this year didn’t disappoint- Tyler Villalona rocked as the “mercenary” Morris Townsend.   Kudos to Michelle Serna she has the uncanny ability to make me laugh in every role she plays.  Her portrayal of Aunt Lavinia was wonderful.  The rest of the cast, Katie Barnwell, Matt Eisen, Julianne Ortiz, Brendan Pusey, Nicole Mengler and Bonnie Small all took us back in time to a period not often seen in movies or TV.  I thoroughly enjoyed the evening- even though I it depressed me!  Great set Mr. Tunkel and all of the students that helped in the construction. Another great production- Congratulations Mr. DeLuca and Ms. Sloane.  Theater is alive and well in Mineola!!

Jackson Ave in Newsday

Fourth-graders in the AGP class at Jackson have been doing some phenomenal things with their new iPads. Newsday sent a photographer to the class yesterday and we are featured in today’s paper:

Mineola and the Common Core

On December 3^rd at 7:00pm in the Middle School Music room we will hold a Town Hall meeting about Mineola’s implementation of the common core.  After a brief presentation by me a panel will be answering questions and concerns about the standards, curriculum and assessments.  Our acceptance of Race to the top monies allowed Mineola to become its own “network team”.  We are one of three in Nassau County.  If they wish, network teams may attend State wide training in Albany on curriculum and assessment initiatives.  We are very fortunate to have Pat Burns attend these week long sessions and turnkey directly with our staff.  We have also sent teachers and instructional leaders to Albany to hear about content specific changes.  Mineola’s attendance at these sessions has made us more prepared to enact the changes currently taking place in the State.  At Wednesday’s forum Commissioner King referenced many things he witnessed happening at Mineola Middle School.  He was impressed with our ability to engage students in rigorous content through technology.  Our students expertly answered every question he had. We still have a lot of work to do before we can claim mastery of the new curriculum BUT I believe we are well on our way.  Our principals and teachers should be commended for all of the hard work they are putting in to ensure a smooth transition to this new material. 

What happened to Compromise?

I always admired Henry Clay’s place in American history, “the great compromiser” played a critical role in his ability to see both sides of a situation and find common ground.  As I reflect on Commissioner King’s forum yesterday it is obvious we need to find some compromise.  The two “sides” are pretty much at opposite ends; both making valid points and apparently not hearing each other.  Here are some ‘doable’ ideas that have been suggested by the State superintendent organization.  They represent compromise positions on key areas of concern. 

• Amend/eliminate the SLO-  The APPR law requires that every teacher have a HEDI (high effective, effective, developing, ineffective) score at the end of the year.  This score is calculated using 60% classroom evaluations, 20% State score (based on student assessment scores) and 20% local score (based on student assessment scores).  The State only provides a State score for teachers of grades 4-8.  ALL other State and local scores are determined by each District. Said differently- the fever over 3-8 state exams as part of teacher evaluations only affects approximately 16% of the teachers across the State AND if only accounts for 20% of those teachers overall HEDI score.   Each District has the task of determining the score for the remaining 84% of the teachers for BOTH 20% State score and 20% local score.  This practice has dramatically increased the amount of exams that students take.   The SLO has to be amended or eliminated.
• Grade 3-5 testing must be shortened over 2 days and within a 60 minutes window
• The Scope and Sequence and modules must be made available 1 school year prior to the implementation of  Common Core Regents
• The Common Core Regents cut scores cannot yield the same results as we saw in 3-8 this year.  These are graduation requirements that will affect students’ future plans
•  Consider using a 3 on AP or IB as a Substitute for the Aspirational index. 

In the world of compromise a win-win is the desired outcome.  While these suggestions do not radically change any of the current common core implementation they do address key concerns of parents and educators.   Some historians believe that Henry Clay only delayed the inevitable-  I remain optimistic that in the end the Common Core standards and curriculum(s) will be good for our children. We will continue to implement the change with an understanding that a balance MUST be accomplished between a child’s love of learning and increased rigor.

Apple Distinguished School

 I am happy to announce that Mineola Middle School has received the distinction of an Apple distinguished school.  I believe we are the ONLY school in New York State with that honor. (I am still researching this fact) Congratulations to Mr. Gaven, all of the teachers, parents and students that made this possible

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Jumping to the Top

I believe i mentioned this last year when it happened, but now Hampton has been officially recognized by the Jump Rope for Heart program as being one of the top 10 Long Island school districts in terms of fundraising efforts. Last school year, Hampton raised more than $5,000 for the program, which benefits the American Heart Association. This is just another example of the how generous the Mineola community is … thank you to everyone who participated and donated.

Three Weeks ‘Till Curtain

The High School Drama Club and Thespian Troupe 276 will be presenting “The Heiress,” which is an emotionally charged tale of a young woman’s desperate search for the love she has been deprived of all her life.The action takes place in Washington Square, N.Y. in the 1850s, which the drama department has gone to great lengths to replicate.

It’s sure to be an amazing presentation. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance by calling the Mineola UFSD Department of Fine and Performing Arts at 516-237-2625, or at the door before the performances.

Friday, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.