By Ashley M. Casey

Staff Writer

With the first couple of weeks under their belts, administrators in the Baldwinsville Central School District are ready to get to work on their goals for this year. While the board of education has set its own list of goals (see sidebar), Deputy Superintendent Joe DeBarbieri shared with the Messenger some upcoming initiatives for students and their families.

In line with the BOE’s goal of improving student participation and achievement, DeBarbieri said the best thing parents can do for their kids is to send them to school well-rested, well-fed and ready to learn.

“From our perspective, [parents should be] just making sure that students are taking advantage of the various opportunities we offer, whether it be coursework or extracurriculars,” he said.

Last year, Durgee Junior High School offered “Parent University” workshops to share information with parents that may not necessarily trickle home through their kids. The district also offered a one-night mental health seminar for parents, an initiative of the district’s Mental Wellness Committee.

“We’re looking to continue opportunities after school with families in the evening where we bring in speakers and workshops and families,” DeBarbieri said.

DeBarbieri said the Mental Wellness Committee met over the summer and was set to meet again this week to discuss initiatives for the coming year. The committee has been the driving force behind the district’s implementation of New York state’s new guidelines for mental health education.

The district’s directors of curriculum and instruction, Tony Cardamone (K-6) and Renee Burnett (7-12) and Director of Athletics/Physical Education/Health Chris Campioleta are members of the Mental Wellness Committee as well.

“They’re working with staff in our buildings to implement best practices within the school day,” DeBarbieri said. “A lot of the information at the elementary level can be conveyed through those individuals.”

The district is also looking into expanding language education. DeBarbieri said teachers are exploring opportunities for project-based learning opportunities and languages other than English (LOTE) programs at Ray Middle School.

“We have some teachers in the district that are looking to get their administrative degree [through] SUNY Oswego,” he said. “Part of that program is working with other school leaders and present to school districts the feasibility of implementing a change.”

Several years ago, DeBarbieri said, the district offered a 10-week introductory language course to middle-schoolers so they could decide which language they wanted to pursue when they reached Durgee Junior High School.

“There’s research out there that says … the earlier you learn another language the more successful you might be in that language,” he said.

Also on the language front, the Seal of Biliteracy program will continue this year. Students who prove their proficiency in English and at least one other language by defending a portfolio of work in front of a panel will receive a seal on their diploma. Baker High School’s first batch of four students to earn the seal graduated earlier this year.

“Ultimately, our goal is to have more students take advantage of that. There really isn’t a cost to the district for that,” DeBarbieri said. “It could set one student apart from others if they’re looking for employment or college acceptance.”

Ben Gerardi, who teaches German and English as a New Language (ENL), is the adviser for the biliteracy program. Gerardi told the Messenger in June that he would like to recruit some of the district’s heritage learners for the program.

“The beauty of having Ben as part of that program is he has worked with some of those students as an ENL teacher,” DeBarbieri said. “The goal is to get some of those upper-level, high school-age students.”

DeBarbieri said the school year is shaping up to be a good one.

“Knock on wood, we’ve had a pretty smooth and successful school year so far,” DeBarbieri said of the first couple of weeks. “We’re up and running.”

Superintendent Matt McDonald’s Coffee and Conversation series returns at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, at the Baldwinsville Public Library. The topic will be the opening of the new year and the expectations and purpose of the Coffee and Conversation meetings going forward.

B’ville BOE’s 2018-19 goals

• Support and monitor the implementation of the district’s comprehensive Strategic Plan.
• Demonstrate continuous improvement in the area of student participation and achievement by ensuring all students reach their full potential.
• Promote collaboration, cooperation and communication.
• Review and update policies and procedures.
• Organize a facilities committee and create a long-range plan to update the district’s buildings.