The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Berlin School Dist.

Berlin Elementary Hosts Common Core Parent Nights

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submitted by Erin Clary, Communications Specialist

On Thursday, March 20, dozens of parents gathered at the Berlin Elementary School to learn how they could help their child be successful with the new Common Core Learning Standards in English Language Arts (ELA).

The ELA Common Core Parent Night presented by the Berlin Elementary School Parent Engagement Committee was the second part of a two-part series for parents of students in Grades K-5. The first session, held in January, focused on Math.

At both sessions, Principal Tricia Carlton presented information on the shifts in instruction and expectations of students. Teachers then gave parents the opportunity to see samples of the new instruction, try a practice test, use the technology and ask questions specific to their child’s grade level.

Although aspects of the Common Core have recently been debated by some, First Grade Teacher and Parent Engagement Committee Co-Chair Lauren Nichols said Berlin parents didn’t come to argue. They came to learn how to help their child succeed.

“Parents are the first and most important teacher in their child’s life,” said Nichols. “They are the expert on their child and we need their input and help with challenges and increased rigor.”

The new Common Core Standards means students learn fewer mathematical concepts, but their understanding of each concept is deeper.  They are expected to understand a more sophisticated vocabulary and read an equal amount of non-fiction and fiction. They must also be able to explain their answers by citing evidence from text.

“We want parents to see that we’re not necessarily doing things differently, just more comprehensively,” said Nichols. “The Common Core is the kind of education we’d like for our children.”

Students in Grades 3-8 will take the New York State ELA Assessment Test April 1 – 3. They will take the Math assessments April 30-May 2. And while these assessments are necessary, Nichols said they are but one type of several tools, including performance tasks and rubrics, used to measure a child’s knowledge.

“At Berlin we try to balance what we do by making good choices and not inundating our students with test practice,” said Nichols. “These and other types of assessments help us improve our teaching.”

The Berlin Elementary School Parent Engagement Committee is comprised of faculty, staff, parents and an administrator. Its goal is to increase opportunities for parents to be a part of the school community and to provide parents with ways to help their children succeed academically.

The Music Man At BCS Opening April 4

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MusicManwebThe Berlin Dramateers are now in rehearsal for their production of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man, for performances on April 4 and 5 at 7 pm at the Berlin MS/HS Auditorium. Pre-Sale Tickets are $8.00 for Adults, $5.00 Students and Senior Citizens. E-mail twinsmom@taconic.net or call (518)658-3325 for tickets.Tickets at the door will be $9 Adults, $6 Senior Citizens Co-Directors are Dan Byron and Karen Day. Choreographer and Vocal Coach is Leslie Eliashuk.

Taconic Valley Soccer Club

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Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Taconic Valley Soccer Club will be held on March 31 at the Berlin Municipal building starting at 7 in the evening.  All coaches, parents and Board members are asked to be in attendance.  Some of the items to be discussed will be how to increase the number of players, inclusion of players from other towns lacking teams, filling open Board member spots, new fundraising activities and developing new fields.

Spring Soccer

The TVSC is currently accepting registrations for its Spring soccer program for boys and girls k-5th grade who would like to play soccer! Opening Day is April 26, at the Berlin Elementary School, starting at 9 am. No registrations will be accepted at Opening Day.

Registration forms are located at local libraries as well as online at taconicvalley.sportssignup.com.

Also, we are looking for volunteers for coaching and participating on the Board.

For further information, please contact Jen Burhans at 658-2096.

Berlin HS “School Within A School” Program A Success

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submitted by Erin Clary, Communications Specialist at BCSD

Last year a new program was launched at Berlin Central High School aimed at increasing the number of students who graduate and who do so on time. Now, in its second year, the “School within a School” program shows measurable signs of success and has expanded to include both a tenth and eleventh grade classroom.

According to the program coordinator and special education teacher Lou Amendolara, the passing rate among these students for classes and Regents Exams has increased, referrals have significantly decreased and students are on track to graduate.

“One student is on track to graduate and couldn’t be more proud because he will be the first in his family to do so,” said Amendolara. “He has really demonstrated his commitment to the idea of graduating and can ‘see’ it for the first time.”

As the name of the program suggests, students take their core subject courses including English, math and social studies within one classroom. For science the same small group of students is taught in a science lab. For all other courses – such as physical education and art – they assimilate with their peers.

The smaller class size and increased support in the classroom cuts down on distractions, and for reluctant learners this can make a world of difference in decreasing their absenteeism and raising their grades and confidence.

“Students see a little success and the feeling they can keep up; once they realize it’s do-able and that they’re doing it for themselves, they naturally step up,” said Amendolara.

Although the structure of the courses are modified whereby students complete the majority of their work while in the classroom, the academic rigor of a traditional classroom is maintained for these Regents-bearing courses.

Amendolara said students are also encouraged to go beyond expectations and are educated on the benefits of higher education.

“We talk to them about college as if it’s not even an option,” he said. “We tell them it’s going to happen and you’ll love it!”

Berlin Elementary PTO Scholarship

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The Berlin Elementary PTO Scholarship award will be presented to a graduating senior who plans to enter a two or four year college, the Armed Forces or a Technical School in the fall.  Two $250 scholarships will be awarded to the class of 2014, 2015 and 2016 from funds the Stephentown PTO had prior to its closure.  Students will be awarded the scholarship based of the evaluation rubric.

Eligibility:  Applicants must be a current senior in high school or home-schooled in the Berlin School District. Applications are available at the Guidance office at the Berlin Middle/High School. Completed applications should be returned to the Guidance Office by May 5.  No late applications will be accepted.

Elmer A. Grogan Scholarship Award

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All high school seniors graduating this year from the Berlin Central School District or the Brunswick Central School District who are continuing their education are invited to apply for the Elmer A. Grogan Scholarship Award.

The Elmer A. Grogan Scholarship Award is presented annually by the Carner, Etman, Smith V.F.W. Post 6340 Elmer A. Grogan Memorial Fund in memory of Elmer Grogan, a former member. The award is $250.

A copy of the application form is available at the guidance offices of the Berlin and Brunswick Central Schools. The deadline for receiving applications is April 30.

To earn the award you must complete the application form and submit an essay on “What Freedom Means To Me.” The essay should not be less than 250 words nor more than 500 words. There will be one winner. The award is to be used to further the winner’s education.

The application and essay are to be mailed to Carner, Etman, Smith V.F.W. Post 6340, Commander Richard Terpening, P.O. Box 361, Grafton, NY, 12082.

Team Berlin Competes In Regional Science Competition

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submitted by Erin Clary, Communications Specialist, Berlin Central School District

On Saturday, March 1, a team of eight Berlin Middle School students competed in the U.S. Department of Energy National Science Bowl regional competition at General Electric Global Research in Niskayuna.

Team Berlin placed fifth in the car competition and advanced through quarter finals in the academic Q&A portion. With the support of more than 35 cheering friends and family members, this first time team was one of 11 middle school teams from nine school districts to compete in the regional competition.

For months leading up to the event, students stayed after school using knowledge from their math, science and technology classes to build a small electric car from a lithium battery and miscellaneous parts. The vehicle then had to carry a 1½ pound salt container down a 50 foot track. Team Berlin won its initial heats and qualified for the single elimination heats, making it to the second round.

Students also participated in the academic competition portion of the event to test their math and science knowledge. As the only rookie team at the event, Team Berlin defeated Bethlehem and had close scores with other Big 10 schools in the Capital District.

According to Berlin Science Teacher Audrey Vanderhoef, hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) projects like these help students learn 21st century skills such as team work, communication and problem solving. It also encourages students to begin thinking about college and careers.

“These students are already figuring out career pathways and the importance of work ethic,” said Vanderhoef. “Events like these allow them to discover the many opportunities in the Capital Region even if you come from a small town in the valley.”

Vanderhoef said the event helps students build confidence while having fun. “They’ve lost that frustration level,” she said. “It makes them excited to try and to not be afraid of making mistakes.”

Students also had the opportunity to see 3-D printers in action and speak to architects and engineers who developed the RPI tech park.

Team Berlin includes Ilan Mikit (captain), Seiji Akera, Breanna Brundige, Amada Despart, Mike Diaz, Kiam Kaiser, Anthony Marshall and Ben Stewart.

Team Berlin members, along with teachers Audrey Vanderhoef, left, and Dawn Wetmore, proudly display their electric car at the Capital Region Science Bowl at GE on Saturday. Photo courtesy of Erin Clary.
Team Berlin members, along with teachers Audrey Vanderhoef, left, and Dawn Wetmore, proudly display their electric car at the Capital Region Science Bowl at GE on Saturday. Photo courtesy of Erin Clary.

ELA Common Core Night

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The Parent Engagement Committee invites all Berlin Elementary School parents and grandparents to the English Language Arts (ELA) Common Core Night. This will be held on Thursday, March 20, from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Elementary School.  Child care and refreshments will be provided.  This is a wonderful opportunity to  learn more and ask your children’s teachers about how you can help your child in school.