Community Update February 3, 2023
2-3-23
NCS Community:
I hope this message finds you well. We have officially reached the mid-point of the 22-23 school year. Regents and mid-terms are now behind us, and in just a few weeks we will be wrapping up our winter sports seasons. With that, I wanted to share a few important updates with the community.
In regard to our capital project progress, we hope to break ground this summer, with significant work occurring in our HS auditorium, our elementary classrooms, and our elementary playground. Improvements are also planned for the elementary gym, in addition to some minor field improvements. From a timeline perspective, we remain in a good place. Final plans are currently being reviewed at the NYS Education Department. Upon approval, which should take place within the next few months, the district will then bid the work related to this project. Stakeholder groups are being kept appraised of design plans/progress and these committees will meet again in February for an update.
I greatly appreciate the efforts of this group, along with our Facilities committee, who have worked creatively to keep this project moving forward despite challenges with increasing costs due to nation- wide inflation. While we did reduce some project scope (primarily athletic field work), all intentions are to complete the remaining scope as planned assuming bids meet current projections. Stay tuned for further updates as we move into spring.
It has been a busy January at both our JH/HS and our elementary school. Over the past four weeks, many elementary students have been able to take advantage of a unique after school programming opportunity as a result of federal funding that was geared to assist our students academically and socially/emotionally in the wake of the Covid pandemic. Session two has now begun and these activities will continue into the spring. Our JH/HS students recently engaged in a presentation & survey to assist us in better understanding the types of programs and electives they would find value in as they consider future careers and opportunities. As we continue to consider the NCS mission, it is critical to ensure the pathways we offer for students foster not only engagement for students during their time at NCS, but a strong foundation to build upon in whatever career pursuits are of interest to them.
Lastly, I wanted to extend some well-deserved congratulations to the following:
-The NCS Swim team for winning the Finger Lakes Division II championship for the second year in a row!
-Our 17 NCS High School students who were recently inducted into the National Honor Society.
As with so many accomplishments, they are often the result of steady persistence, positive choices, and a growth mindset. Thanks for making NCS proud. I hope each of you have an enjoyable weekend, and please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Kevin Swartz
NCS Superintendent
|
|
