Weekly Updates

Last Friday we did something different. We hosted a varsity girls basketball game during the school day. The entire high school attended. The atmosphere was electric. This moment broke the script. This moment challenged our assumptions about how students would behave in this setting. This moment highlighted our girls basketball program and its quest for excellence. This moment was a celebration that the adults and students could share. This moment is now a positive memory that has meaning for all who participated.

When we create moments-short experiences that are memorable and meaningful—we can profoundly shape our lives, our students' lives and our school, and community. Defining moments can have a big influence despite their brevity. They allow individuals and organizations to elevate experiences, differentiate themselves, and inspire lasting change. By being intentional about creating moments, we can lead more impactful lives and leave lasting impressions on others.

Let's focus on designing positive experiences rather than simply fixing problems. Celebrate progress. Surprise others by doing the unexpected. Continue to build connections with those you work with and for. Whether at the individual, classroom, school or district level, it is the moments we intentially create that will last with our students and colleagues.

Thank you Curt Wilkinson for thinking different and organizing this moment. Thank you Dr. Houlihan, coach Wlodarczyk and the HS staff for agreeing to go along in the moment.

Keep Thinking Diffferent...and Making Moments.

What if we looked at our report cards and transcripts differently, focusing on student skills, competencies, and achievements instead of traditional grades. This approach emphasizes personalized learning and comprehensive evidence of mastery through portfolios and project-based assessments.

In New York, anticipated changes in graduation measures under the NY Inspires plan resonate with this shift. The state's focus on innovative assessments and redefined success aligns with the principles competency based transcripts, offering a student-centered model that ensures readiness for college, careers, and life while addressing diverse learning needs.

To create a transcript system inspired by this approach, Coxsackie-Athens Schools could focus on designing a competency-based model that shifts away from traditional grading. Steps include:

1. Identify Competencies: Define key skills, knowledge, and character traits that align with district goals, such as readiness for college, career, and life.
   
   

2. Portfolio-Based Evidence: Allow students to showcase their learning through projects, performances, and reflections, rather than grades.
   
   

3. Digital Platform: Develop or adopt a platform to visually represent learning pathways and achievements.
   
   

4. Community Collaboration: Engage stakeholders, including colleges and employers, to ensure acceptance of the new transcript.
   
   

This aligns with New York’s NY Inspires plan, which seeks to transform graduation measures by prioritizing innovative assessments and broader success indicators. The aim is to redefine readiness for college, careers, and life, emphasizing equity and personalization in education. These efforts reflect a shared commitment to modernizing how student success is documented and recognized.

As many of you know, Hope's Mission used to operate a weekend backpack program to support families in our district with food insecurities. Unfortunately, they have had to close down the program leaving many of our students without access to an adequate breakfast and lunch on the weekend. Upon hearing the news of the closure of the program, Lorna Collins began organizing a response. She engaged the RISE (apt 254) program to fill that need for our school community. Since RISE is a life skills/vocational program, there is great potential for the students to gain valuable educational and vocational skills through the operation of this program. Advisors of the Interact Club were contacted to collaborate on this program since it aligns with their goals and mission.

The plan is to have a soft start and engage with some families prior to the holidays' break this month. In January expand outreach and engage with more community partners.

Apt 254 Annual Craft Fair is today through Friday in front of the HS Library from 11-1. If you aren't able to make it during that time, feel free to stop by the room if you see something you would like.

In addition to the craft fair, we also have a basket raffle to raise money for the newly established backpack program that we will be starting after break. More information to come on the program $1.00 a ticket or 6 for $5.00

Recently, three high school senior chorus students Alexia Strom-Warren, Chris Mozzillo and Amanda Frank attended the Zone 9 Area All-State festival held at Suffern High School in Rockland County. All three were selected as members of the mixed chorus. In order to be selected, all students performed a Level VI All-State solo at the NYSSMA Solo festival held this past April. Each student earned a top score which granted them access into the prestigious Zone 9 Area All-State. Mrs. Edwards had a wonderful time listening and cheering them on even though the festival was canceled Friday night due to weather. Each student represented themselves, Coxsackie-Athens and Greene County in the highest esteem. They worked hard for hours Saturday to make beautiful music with their chorus. Congratulations to Amanda, Chris and Alexia.

The First Class” takes an up-close and personal look at the founding class of Crosstown High in Memphis, one of the XQ schools across the nation showing us how to make high school more meaningful while preparing all students for the future.

Join Crosstown students on their journeys from 9th grade through the triumph of graduation as they imagine life on Mars, step into the lives of refugees, learn to think critically, and ultimately find themselves. This documentary will inspire educators and communities to take a close look at the challenges facing students in their own high schools and to start the conversation about how they, too, can rethink learning for teachers and students.

After listening and reflecting, the team identified two main goals: community members wanted more engaging and meaningful learning for their students, and they craved a racially diverse school to reverse the tide of de facto segregation in Memphis.

WATCH HERE

C-A is looking to highlight students and staff members who embrace the District's mantra, #CA_RightHereRightNow, through acts of service to better their school community. This includes the many projects our students engage in throughout the year. Please complete the form at the link below if you, someone you know, a club, or grade level provides service to the school community!

Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFIZEF29RCA-YQnDWe2SvIDnuxWSrwGAcV7D6orJBL5fNSzw/viewform?usp=sf_link

In order to celebrate all that we do for each other please fill out this google form for anyone that you've noticed spreading joy. I have already gotten about 15, so thank you to those that submitted one! I'll keep it open until next Wednesday.

SORA​ ​is the reading app for OverDrive. SORA provides access to ebook and audiobooks from your school and public library. As part of CACSD, employees can utilize SORA to upload audiobooks, etc.

Sora can be accessed through Clever or you can access it on your own device. You can also add any library accounts you belong to which will widen your choices of books. HERE is MORE information on how to use SORA

Last night voters rejected the $20.9 million proposal. The scope of items would have brought updates and improvements to all four schools and grounds. Learn about the proposal HERE

Turnout was 101 less voters than last December's vote. Exit survey results

Thank you to everyone who voted. I want to thank the BOE and administration for their work in the planning of the scope.

The board of education will discuss options and next steps at upcoming meetings. Thank you

The year started off beautifully: You had your routines in place, made your expectations clear, and for a while, your students were behaving just fine. You were teaching right along, getting things done, and then it started to crumble. Little by little, the kids got noisier and more distracted, the classroom started to get chaotic, you found yourself yelling more, running out of time for planned activities, and generally feeling completely run down.

Listen to this podcast or read the transcript to learn how to get back on track

We utlilize Responsive Classroom as a whole classroom management framework." At the heart of the Responsive Classroom approach lies a core belief: In order to be successful in and out of school, students need to learn a set of social and emotional competencies — cooperation, assertiveness, responsibility, empathy, and self-control—and a set of academic competencies — academic mindset, perseverance, learning strategies, and academic behaviors."

Here are additional resources that affirm RC and offer addtional ideas.

Harvard Graudate Scohol of Education Center for Digital Thriving’s report on student burnout identifies pressures and ways to help limit their negative impact on teens. School doesn’t have to be a “grind” for teens. But this new report explores the pressures many teens face in their academic lives, how it impacts their education and mental health, and the role parents and adults play in applying and limiting that pressure.

• FULL Report

• Read our blog article outlining why this research matters.

• Check out our new digital citizenship lesson on Grind Culture: Pressures & Self-Care for grades 9–12.

• See our curated lists of podcasts, apps, and websites that foster meaningful conversations, help manage mental health, and provide opportunities for meditation and mindfulness.

  • Podcasts That Spark Important Conversations
  • Mental Health and Wellness Podcasts for Tweens and Teens
  • Best Meditation and Mindfulness Apps and Podcasts

• Check out our picks for the best games for families to enjoy together, offering safe, stress-relieving options that foster connection and creativity.

  • Games for Kids They Can Play from a Distance
  • Party Games for Families and Friends

• See the full research questionnaire.

What Are you pretending not to notice?

Please share the stories happening in your classrooms or a colleague's through out the year. Share a shout-Out for one of your colleagues.

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You may have noticed we are using #CA_RightHereRightNow as our new hashtag in our social media posts. We ask that if you post anything about our schools you also include the #CA_RightHereRightNow

Reminder, contact Austin Crosier at crosierA@cacsd.org with photos, narratives or ideas to help us tell our story to our community. Remember, if we don't tell our story someone else will. So much positive stuff is happening, lets be proud and share.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad term for technologies that allow computers to perform advanced functions, while generative AI is a specific type of AI that focuses on creating new content

This week's AI tool is Napkin AI. I have been using it for a couple weeks. I put it to the test for my slide deck updates (slides 7-12) for the last BOE meeting. It is a pretty good tool at organizing a text, bulleted list, or a group of ideas and graphically presenting them.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to using Napkin AI:

1. Sign Up or Log In

• Visit the Napkin AI website or download the app (if available).
• Create an account or log in using your credentials.

2. Create a New Workspace

• Once logged in, click on "New Workspace" or a similar option.
• Give your workspace a name that aligns with your project or note-taking needs.

3. Add Notes or Ideas

• Type out your ideas, tasks, or notes directly into the workspace.
• Use bullet points, sentences, or keywords. Napkin AI organizes this information automatically.

4. Organize and Connect Notes

• Napkin uses smart linking to connect similar or related ideas.
• Review the connections Napkin AI suggests and make adjustments if needed.

5. Use Tags for Easy Categorization

• Add tags to notes to make them searchable and better organized.
• You can create custom tags or use system-recommended ones.

6. Visualize Relationships

• Explore the visual map or network of your notes to see how ideas are connected.
• This is great for brainstorming or identifying patterns.

7. Export or Share Your Workspace

• When your workspace is ready, export it as a document or share it with collaborators via a link (if supported).

8. Regularly Update and Refine

• Add new ideas and revisit your workspace regularly.
• Let Napkin AI's algorithm enhance connections over time for better insights.

That's it! Napkin AI helps turn scattered thoughts into meaningful connections with minimal effort.

Notion for education acts as a digital workspace that allows students and teachers to organize their notes, assignments, class schedules, and other educational materials in one centralized location, enabling them to effectively manage their coursework, collaborate with peers, and track progress, all within a customizable interface; essentially acting as a personalized digital notebook for learning.

Key features for education use:

• Note-taking: Create structured notes with different block types like text, lists, images, and embedded links for each subject.

  Project management: Organize project tasks, deadlines, and collaborate with group members on assignments.

• Lesson plan creation: Teachers can build detailed lesson plans with objectives, activities, and assessments.

• Grade tracking: Keep track of student grades and performance

• File storage: Upload and store relevant course materials like documents, presentations, and videos

• Sharing capabilities: Easily share pages and databases with classmates or collaborators

• Customization: Design your workspace with different layouts and color schemes to suit your learning style

Benefits for students:

• Improved organization: Centralize all learning materials in one place, making it easier to find information

  Enhanced collaboration: Work together on projects with classmates through shared pages

• Flexible note-taking: Adapt note structure to different learning styles

• Accessibility across devices: Access notes and assignments from any device

Benefits for teachers:

• Streamlined lesson planning: Create and manage lesson plans efficiently

  Effective student monitoring: Track student progress and provide personalized feedback

• Efficient communication: Share important information with students through shared pages

• Improved class organization: Manage class schedules, assignments, and deadlines in one platform

Below are steps to generate personalized digital art work.

1. Search for Adobe Firefly
2. Click on AI Art Generator Online
3. Click on Generate Ai Art (in blue oval)
4. Describe the image you want created. Be descriptive, the more details you provide the closer to your vision the artwork will be
5. Click Generate
6. It may ask you to sign in, using your school Google account
7. It will produce four samples
8. You can download an image or add more details or take out details and generate new images.

https://notebooklm.google/ is a tool that has been around a while in AI terms. Like a notebook it can store documents, slides, websites, videos and your own notes. You can ask it questions(it creates suggested questions to ask) and it will answer using the resources you uploaded into the notebook.

After you have uploaded all your resources with a click you can create: FAQ, summary, study guide, timeline, a table of contents, citations, a briefing. AND as of last month a podcast.

I have just started experimenting with this tool and it has some real possibilities in the classtoom and district. In about 2 innings of play while watchng the Mets take care of the Phillies one night last week I uploaded several docs from our website and a webpage from our district website and created a six minute 2-person pod cast that explains our Redefining Ready work.

Imagine uploading your notes and materials on your unit about the Great Depression, or a book you are reading in class. How about uploading websites or articles on a science topic and then have NotebookLM create all your study materials for you. BTW you can share your notebook page with students or other persons in our CACSD domain. i've just started exploring this AI app, and we have opened up this AI app for you to try as well. Tech Services is ready to support your adventure.

This summer, MIT hosted a conference called the AI + Education Summit. You can view all 33

videos from the conference here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6cp6kydiOXeS3Sz-

IUYlo7JfERyxzd7a

Common Sense Media published a new report, "The Dawn of the AI Era: Teens, Parents, and the Adoption of Generative AI at Home and School." "The findings tell us that young people are quickly understanding the potential of generative AI platforms, perhaps without fully grasping the pitfalls, which underscores the need for adults to talk with teens about AI. We need to better understand their experiences so we can discuss the good and the bad—especially around bias and inaccuracy," said Amanda Lenhart, head of research at Common Sense Media.

Among the findings, three important themes rose to the top:

• A majority of teens use AI tools, especially chatbots and AI-supported search.
  • Seven out of 10 teens have used at least one type of generative AI tool.
  • A majority (56%) of teens report using search engines with AI-generated results such as Google SGE.
  • Black and Latino young people are using image and video generators more than their White peers, for schoolwork and personal purposes.
• Teens are using AI to stave off boredom almost as often as they're using it for homework help.
  • Teens report using generative AI most often for homework help (53%), to stave off boredom (42%), and to translate something from one language to another (41%).
  • Two in five (40%) teens report having used generative AI to help with school assignments, and 46% of them report doing so without the teacher's permission.
  • Teens also use AI for other personal activities, including when creating content as a joke, planning activities, and seeking health advice.
• Most adults in teens' lives—from parents to teachers—are out of the loop.
  • Just 37% of parents whose teen reported using at least one generative AI platform thought their child had used generative AI.
  • Almost half (49%) of parents say they have not talked about generative AI with their child.
  • About six in 10 teens report either that their school has no rules for how generative AI can be used or that they're not sure if there are rules.
  • Importantly, most parents (83%) say that schools have not communicated with families about generative AI.

This report is based on a nationally representative survey of 1,045 general-population U.S. adults (18+) who are parents of a teenager age 13 to 18 and their adolescent child. To download the report, with complete findings and methodology, please visit www.commonsense.org/dawn-of-AI-era.

Purpose

Our anchor strategy, PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS states, “Students with Purpose are inspired to learn. The world has changed and a vision for college, career and citizenship readiness has emerged. Centered on the concept that each student will have a purpose and PATHWAY TO SUCCESS, we will have an uncompromising and relentless commitment to preparing students for college, career and citizenship; in other words, preparing students for their future. This will be accomplished by creating relevant learning environments, and interacting with the people working in the ecosystems of the career paths students are working towards.”

Therefore, we will inspire and prepare students for college, career, and citizenship readiness through comprehensive career exploration and pathway development. The program will help students discover their interests, skills, and preferences, and provide them with real-world experiences and guidance to prepare for their future careers.

READ MORE INCLUDING BUILDING LEVEL EXPECTATIONS

All C-A staff and their families have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that is free to all employees and their family members.

The begining of the school year, though exicting can also be stressful and I want to again remind you help is available.

A Professional Learning Community (PLC) at Coxsackie-Athens Schools is a collaborative effort focused on improving student learning. Every day during the professional learning period, teachers will engage in this work, emphasizing three core principles:

1. Ensuring That Students Learn: The focus shifts from just teaching to ensuring all students learn. Teachers collaborate to identify what each student should learn, how to assess learning, and how to provide support when students struggle.

2. A Culture of Collaboration: Teachers work together to analyze and improve classroom practices. This collaborative culture ensures that educators are not working in isolation but are continuously sharing strategies and supporting one another to enhance student outcomes.

3. A Focus on Results: PLCs measure their success by student achievement. Teachers regularly assess and discuss data, identifying areas for improvement and celebrating successes. This results-oriented approach drives ongoing improvement in teaching and learning.

By being present each day during the PLP we will work together to enhance the educational experience, ensuring that all students achieve their extraordinary success.

2025 PERFORMANCE GOALS (Set summer 2022)

In order for 95% of our students to graduate, our goals are:

1. Wellness:

   1. Support of student and staff wellness will be indicated by 100% of students and employees being able to identify one ally and improved results on climate surveys each year.

2. Reading:

   1. 73% of students PK-8 will be reading at or above grade level by 2025. This will be a 19% improvement from 2022.

3. Math:

   1. 73% of students PK-8 will demonstrate grade level proficiency in math by 2025. This will be a 17% improvement from 2022.

4. Research Based Projects:

   1. 100% of students will be creating at least three research-based products every year by 2025.

5. Life Readiness:

1. 100% of students will demonstrate competence in a majority of the Life Ready Skills and Financial Literacy Indicators appropriate for their school level by 2025.

Below you can access the strategies and action steps at the school level to reach our 2025 goals:

• Elementary Schools Plan
• Middle School Plan
• High School Plan:
• LINKS Team 24-25 Agendas and Notes

Talk with your principal if you have an idea that CAFE could help support.

Coxsackie-Athens Foundation for Education Grant Application

Submit grant applications to: cafe@cacsd.org

-Fred Rogers

We all learn in a variety of ways. Students should be able to demonstrate readiness in a variety of ways.

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Below are several resources that highlight the opportunities we offer ALL students. WE truly are a small school with BIG Opportunities!

1. Did you know that every student at C-A HS can have one early college course paid for in full by the district? The reduced tuition rates for all college courses allows many students to graduate with over 20 credits. Many of our alum are able to enter college as sophomores or graduate from a college a semester early saving thousands of dollars.
2. Our parternship with Questar III BOCES provides 23 offerings in career technical education pathways. Our students who complete these programs are ready to enter the workforce in a varirty of occupations and fields.

We believe ALL students CAn be life, career and college ready when they graduate from C-A. I very muhc apprecait the collaborative work taking place in all classrooms to ensure ALL students are self-directed and prepared to succeed in our global society.

• COMMENCEMENT READINESS INDICATORS DASHBOARD
• READINESS INDICATORS K-12 BOOKLET 2020 :
• EARLY COLLEGE PAMPHLET
• COLLEGE IN THE H.S. OFFERINGS
• CAREER TECH ED OFFERINGS

LINKS- The process of aligning and LINKing the work we do to achieve aim high annual performance targets. Our LINKS team plans are our annual performance targets and the strategies and action steps as well as the professional development and training so that we can implement with confidence our strategies to help every kid be successful everyday. You can review the goals and building level plans on our LINKS Team Page. The 2023-24 plan is being worked on now and will be finalized this Thursday!

Each annual plan it aimed at making progress towards achieving our 3-year district wide performance goals. The most recent goals were set last summer to be achieved by 2025. These 3-year goals are aligned to our 2030 DESTINATION - a set of four possibilities we want to become reality by 2030.

Our LINKS Team Page will include notes from our quarterly meetings so that you can stay up to date on our collective work. Reach out to a LINKS member if you have questions or ideas-- or talk with your principal about being part of the LINKS team.

Why did our school join the AASA Learning 2025 Network and how will this affiliation impact teaching and learning in our district?

Being part of a network carries weight. There’s an expectation in a network that there’s both something you bring and receive

Our involvement is a collective way of lighting the way forward, serving as models for other school systems. We believe that now is a crucial time to catch our breath, look around, appreciate and respect one another, and acknowledge that public education is working. As we learn from one another, we will be taking bold action steps together, while we work to accelerate our goals not only for today’s students but our future students. These efforts take teamwork within C-A and partnership with other schools. We know that there is not an algorithm in a spreadsheet, nor a binder on a shelf to guide us on this journey, but we do know that research, evidence, common sense and shared experience will serve as the light on our path forward. Isolation is not an option if we’re going to deliver equity-based, future-driven education to every student learning and growing at C-A on our way to our 2030 Destination.

Coxsackie-Athens is among 13 school districts that have been recognized as “Lighthouse” systems that will serve as models of positive change in public education.

Learn More About Our Work Here

Like planning a road trip our 2030 DESTINATION, TIMELINE may change as detours pop up or new adventures present themselves.

Take a look. Our road trip will have some exciting mile markers that sustains and enhances the work we have started and will lead us to our 2030 Destination.

• Professional Learning Communities
• Growth Mindset
• Student Centered/Directed Learning
• Digital Conversion
• Pathways to Success

It is with gratitude and humility that we acknowledge that we are learning, speaking and gathering on the ancestral homelands of the Muhheaconneok (Muhhekunneuw) or Mohican people and the Munsee Lenape people, who are the indigenous peoples of this land. Despite tremendous hardship in being forced from here, they now reside in Wisconsin and are known as the Stockbridge-Munsee Community. We pay honor and respect to their ancestors past and present as we commit to building a more inclusive and equitable space for all.

Email: squierr@cacsd.org
Website: www.cacsd.org
Location: 24 Sunset Boulevard, Coxsackie, NY, USA
Phone: 518-731-1700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100043677108930&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Twitter: @coxathschools

Our new app is now available for download from the Apple Store and the Google Play Store. Keep up to date on all things C-A, right from your device. This app is designed to create easy access to Sports Schedules, Live Feed, Alerts, our Staff Directory and more!