First Day at Aquebogue from Sandra Kolbo on Vimeo.

 

                 (Video taken on the 1st Day of School at Aquebogue)

(September 5, 2012) Rain or the threat of rain didn’t interfere with the successful opening of the 2012-13 school year in the Riverhead School District on Wednesday, September 5, 2012. Schools opened with 5,111 students enrolled, and the first day went smoothly.

RCSD Superintendent of Schools Nancy Carney noted, “This was one of the best openings in my tenure here in the district. There were expected delays in transportation as the bus drivers and staff always take extra time to be meet each student and be sure the child is on the correct bus. Our staff also understands that parents like to take pictures on the first day of school. The district will work out any kinks in transportation during this first week of school.”

Superintendent Carney also noted that there are some exciting, new changes to the District’s  programs. The district-wide K-7 English Language Arts program has been aligned with the newly adopted Common Core State Standards. There is also a new Math program in 3rd and 4th grade called enVision Math, which is aligned with the Common Sore State Standards. The District also recently adopted a new Grammar Program for our elementary schools that explicitly teaches grammar and handwriting. Writing skills are strongly emphasized in the Common Core State Standards, so the District examined the current writing program and chose to reinforce it with lessons focused solely on grammar. Teaching the fundamentals consistently in every classroom is essential as New York State increases the rigor and expectations for all students.  The District is also in the planning stages for the new High School Common Core Regents Standards. These new standards will be in place next year.

“This is both an exciting and a challenging time for the Riverhead School District," states Superintendent Carney. "It is a time of transformation for both our facilities and for improved student achievement for all students. I am confident that if we work together with the focus on our students’ success at the heart of all our decisions and actions we will achieve greatness as a district. I’m looking forward to the years ahead as we work together to accomplish our goals.”

Check out our curriculum page for links to new offerings in science and math programs in the elementary buildings and to learn more about the Common Core Standards.

We will also keep you up-to-date on the progress being made with our building bond via the progress report on our website. See the recent posting on the Phillips Avenue School and a running update on the timeline and the building progess for the entire district.

HAVE A GREAT YEAR!