(Editor’s note: This letter was written on Wednesday, March 17, after the letter announcing the closing of the Grafton School was handed out at the school.)
To the Editor:
It was with great joy that I read the letter from Charlotte Gregory today announcing the closure of the Grafton Elementary School. The Board had a meeting last night, or should I say a “workshop”? Ha! That Board is so clever! If it is only a workshop and not a meeting, they aren’t obliged to follow the laws pertaining to meetings, like making public announcements to be open to the public. Or are they? Good question. I sure hope legalities were not twisted out of recognition.
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Berlin School Dist.
Letter To The Editor – Kids And Community At GES
Dear Sir,
I am sending you a copy of the letter I sent today to NY State Senator Roy McDonald regarding our Grafton Elementary School:
Dear Mr. Roy McDonald,
I recently came from Colombia, as US permanent resident with my two little girls, ages 6 and 1½ year old. Our 6 year old daughter is in first grade in Grafton Elementary School. When we came in September 2009 she did not speak any English; she just knew basic words such as colors and farm animals. She is now reading, writing and speaking in English. She has been involved in many interesting projects in science, art, math, and gym. The work of the teachers and staff at GES has been particularly special for her.
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Ethel Simmons Memorial Award Contest
The Grafton Community Library and the Grafton Historical Society are pleased to announce that the Ethel Simmons Memorial Award contest is being offered once again to Grafton High School seniors who are to graduate this year. Public school, private school and home schooled students are eligible to apply. The award is $500 to the student who submits the winning essay. The deadline to apply is May 1.
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Elmer A. Grogan Scholarship
Deadline Is April 1
Applications are being accepted for the scholarship award of $250 for the best essay on “What Freedom Means To Me” by a graduating senior from Brunswick Central School District or Berlin Central School District who is continuing on with his or her education. The essay should not be less than 250 words nor more than 500 words. The scholarship is being given jointly by the Carner, Etman, Smith V.F.W. Post 6340 and the Carner, Etman, Smith V.F.W. Post 6340 Aux. in memory of a former member, Elmer A. Grogan.
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BCS Board Votes To Close Grafton Elementary School This Year
Action Taken At Sparsely Attended Budget Workshop – Parents Were Notified By Handout At GES The Next Day
by Phillip Zema
A number of residents are vehemently displeased with the Berlin Central School Board of Education’s decision to close Grafton Elementary. In what was seemingly an ordinary budget workshop on Tuesday, March 9, the Board elected, 4-3, with Board Members Tom Morelli, Beverly Stewart and Paul Greene voting against the proposal, to close the Grafton Elementary School in June. While Superintendant of Schools Charlotte Gregory cited enrollment decline and economic issues as the reasons for consolidation, many residents believe the District should have considered other options.
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Cinderella Comes To Berlin High School
The Berlin High School Drama Club presents “Cinderella” at 7 pm on Friday, March 19, and Saturday, March 20. Tickets cost $6 for adults, $4 for students.
Spaghetti Dinner
The Junior/Senior class is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner on March 20, from 4 to 7 pm in the High School cafeteria. The cost for dinner is $6 for adults and $4 for students.
Support a good cause, get a hot meal and then watch the Drama Club performance of “Cinderella.”
TRACs Is Moving Ahead
by David Flint
The community coalition to combat alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse among youth in the Berlin school district is taking shape and moving ahead. Following a breakfast meeting on February 4 at which John Underwood gave a rousing call to action, The TRACs (Together Reducing Alcohol and Drugs in our Communities) group has continued to meet on the second Tuesday of the month. About 20 persons attended the meeting this week at the Seventh Day Baptist Church Hall in Berlin. [Read more…] about TRACs Is Moving Ahead
NY State Senator Roy McDonald Visits BCS
by Phil Zema
On Friday, March 5, New York State Senator Roy McDonald visited the Berlin Junior/Senior High School. Berlin is part of McDonald’s 43rd Senate District, and during his visit, he toured the school, attended several classes and was treated with a lunch prepared by Diane Mosher’s catering class. During his tour, McDonald was intrigued by what the students were learning and was noticeably impressed with the faculty, students and facilities.
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Athletes, Webster Honored At BCS Sports Awards
by Ryan Mosher
On Wednesday night, the Berlin Central School winter sports awards were held. Participation awards as well as Most Valuable Player and Most Improved Player awards were given out. Coaches for modified, junior varsity and varsity wrestling, swimming, cheerleading, volleyball and basketball each took the opportunity to thank parents, the school and the players themselves for the dedication they put into this winter sports season.
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BCS Between A Rock And A Hard Place
by Phillip Zema
Because of various economic factors, Berlin Central is currently stuck between a rock and a hard place. State aid cuts, increased expenses and declining tax revenues have created challenges for the District. Berlin is not alone, as most area schools face identical predicaments. A number of solutions may work, but each has problems. Consolidation, staff cuts, tax hikes and all the rest will anger many. The District, however, has taken measures to cut costs, but with a likely $1.4 million state aid cut, these steps may be insufficient. Furthermore, underage substance abuse is a growing problem throughout the District, and local residents are concerned.
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