Focus on Education
The 2019-2020 school year is off to a great start! The year began with record-breaking English Language Arts and Math state assessment scores that resulted in our Grades 3-8 being ranked in the top 7% of New York State. This month we were notified that Cornwall Central High School has been designated a “Blue Ribbon School.” This is a national recognition awarded to high performing schools as measured by their state assessments or nationally normed tests. The Blue Ribbon Schools Award affirms many years of hard work, passion, and dedication from our students, faculty, staff, and families from kindergarten through 12th grade. This is a tremendous honor for our district, and we are proud and humbled.
Cornwall Central High School is also proud to announce that 11 students have been accepted into this year’s NYSSMA Area All-State Zone 9 Music Festival. The festival is comprised of the best musicians from five counties. Also, three students at CCHS have been recognized as National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Students. These students scored in the top 50,000 out of 1.5 million students who took the PSAT.
The middle school has introduced a new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) class for 5th graders. To begin the year, students are gaining a strong base in computers and the use of Google platform, while learning about careers in STEAM and engineering design principles. This year students will learn about robotics, 2D and 3D printing. We are excited that this course will allow our students to focus on the design process while generating ideas, testing theories, creating innovative artifacts and solving authentic problems.
On the elementary level, Cornwall-on-Hudson hosted its second annual STEAM Night. During the evening, students could make a bone bridge, a marble maze, a slingshot, and a boat made of straws, plastic cups, and tape. The STAR Lab was also on display, and children and adults were able to explore the local fall sky and take a trip to the moon!
Mr. Ian and Mrs. Jordana Fichtenbaum visited Willow fourth-graders to discuss ZERO G Kitchens. This household appliance will soon be part of a space station! The presenters discussed the challenges of creating an oven that can be used for cooking in an environment without gravity. Who knew what danger crumbs could be, but in space they threaten the lives of those on board. After the presentation at Willow, the couple headed to Columbia University to show their invention to the engineering students.
Lee Road Elementary School participated in the national “Rock Your School” event. Stemming from Get Your Teach on and the Ron Clark philosophy, this event is meant to get students excited about learning, using fun and interactive activities. Students began the day with a rock-themed assembly, where teachers and staff joined in on a flash mob! Afterward, students participated in rock-themed science experiments, arts and crafts, and other interactive learning experiences.
We are continually posting on the CCSD Webpage, Facebook, and Instagram Pages, to keep our families and our community connected. Take a look when you have a chance, and you can see all of the events noted above, and more, in action!
https://www.cornwallschools.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CornwallCSD
https://www.instagram.com/cornwallcsd/
— Megan Argenio
Asst. Superintendent,
Cornwall Central School District
