Bulldog Bites

One of the highlights of the school year soared into our elementary schools this week!

Students were thrilled to see hot air balloons up close, explore how these magnificent aircraft work, and watch them come to life right on school grounds. It was a fun, hands-on experience that sparked curiosity and wonder.

Thank you to the pilots and crews who made these visits possible and gave our students memories they'll be talking about for years to come.

Dear Bulldog Families,

Earlier this week, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and Board of

Regents announced an important change to New York State’s high school graduation

requirements that will begin with students graduating in 2028.

As part of the state’s NY Inspires initiative, New York is changing how students

demonstrate their readiness to graduate and is moving to one high school diploma.

Beginning in 2028, students will no longer be required to pass a prescribed set of

Regents examinations as a separate requirement to earn a diploma.

Regents exams are not being eliminated. They will continue to be administered and will

remain an important way for students to demonstrate achievement of New York State

learning standards.

Please note that for the 2026-27 school year, current graduation and assessment requirements remain in effect. Students should continue to complete all required coursework and credits, and take Regents exams as scheduled. There is no immediate change to students’ schedules, courses, or academic expectations.

New York State is gradually moving toward a broader system for determining whether

students are prepared for life after high school. In July 2025, the Board of Regents

adopted the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, which establishes a vision for the

knowledge, skills and qualities students should develop by the time they graduate. We have worked diligently here in SGF over the last year to ensure that our own Portrait of a Bulldog attributes align well with the NYS Portrait attributes, and we are pleased to be ahead of the curve on this aspect of changing requirements.

NYSED will continue developing the regulations and guidance needed to implement

these changes. Until those changes take effect, students and families should continue

to follow all existing course, credit and Regents exam requirements. In the near future we will be planning an evening virtual information session for interested families, and we will communicate any updates as they become available.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students.

Help us celebrate our incredible staff by nominating them for the Bulldog Staff Spotlight.

Beginning in October, we will recognize outstanding faculty and staff members across our social media channels, district website, and weekly family newsletter.

The Bulldog Staff Spotlight is an opportunity to highlight the dedicated individuals who make a positive impact on our students, schools, and community each day. Whether it's a teacher who inspires a love of learning, a support staff member who goes above and beyond, or a colleague who consistently makes a difference, we want to hear their story.

Students, families, staff, and community members are encouraged to submit nominations throughout the year.

So nominate today by using our official SGF Staff Spotlight Nomination form.

• Ballard: Sept. 21

• Harrison Ave: Oct. 1

• Moreau: Oct. 13

• Tanglewood: Sept. 28

• OWWMS: Oct. 6

• Moreau: Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m. (Book Fair Family Night held as well)

• Tanglewood: Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m.

• OWWMS: Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m.

• South High: Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m.

International Dot Day is celebrated each year on Sept. 15 to inspire creativity, courage, and self-expression. Inspired by Peter H. Reynolds' book The Dot, the day encourages everyone to "make their mark" and explore the power of creative thinking.

To celebrate in STEM, students rotated through a variety of hands-on stations designed to spark their imagination and showcase their creativity. Activities included designing and building their own unique dot structures, bringing their artwork to life with the Quiver Augmented Reality app, and exploring other interactive challenges that encouraged innovation, problem-solving, and self-expression. The day was filled with creativity, discovery, and plenty of opportunities for students to leave their mark.

Say hello to our newest member of the Bulldog community, Gus the Therapy Pup! Gus - a 4-year-old Goldendoodle - will be accompanying Jamie Metivier at Tanglewood this year. Gus had a very busy first day getting to know the students.

Earlier this week, Mr. Gibbs's 5th Grade Class at Tanglewood made cinnamon applesauce using Macintosh apples that Mr. Gibbs picked at Hick's Orchard.

Students cored and peeled the apples and then they were cut and added to the crockpot along with honey, cinnamon and a very small amount of butter.

Fall is almost officially here!

Students are getting moving with Mrs. Shakow!

Ballard held it's annual Ice Cream Social on Sept. 11.