Thank you to Mr. Muraski, Ms. Kenworthy and the performers for the lively presentation. Thanks also to the faculty and staff of the elementary school for their support!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Music in School Month
On Thursday, March 28th, Cashton Elementary Students were fortunate to view a performance by the Cashton High School band and choir. This performance celebrates Music in Schools Month and encourages young students to consider the benefits of music instruction and performance.
Thank you to Mr. Muraski, Ms. Kenworthy and the performers for the lively presentation. Thanks also to the faculty and staff of the elementary school for their support!
Thank you to Mr. Muraski, Ms. Kenworthy and the performers for the lively presentation. Thanks also to the faculty and staff of the elementary school for their support!
Monday, February 4, 2013
360 students at CES by 2016?
As most in the Cashton area have heard, based on the recommendation of a representative community group and a survey, the Board of Education has unanimously decided to ask eligible voters to consider a $12.3 million dollar school improvement project. With stable growth, a nearly retired debt from the last project, and record low interest rates, the timing is appropriate to explore both immediate and future needs for the community and its schools.
To help citizens better understand how the project would address issues already affecting our growing student population, you will see below a map highlighting areas that directly connect to learning and safety. Not listed are congested areas that are not directly associated with instruction such as the cafeteria, playground, and drop-off/pick-up areas that would also be vastly improved through the proposed expansion project. Perhaps this map will help some to better understand concerns with space this school year.
Beyond this school year, student population projections based on current class size, student transiency (rate of how many students leave and enroll), and county birth rates indicate district-wide growth of 18% by 2016. That would mean Cashton Elementary could grow 18% (56) to 360 students. The proposed building project proactively prepares for growth in addition to addressing immediate concerns. Population growth of this magnitude in the absence of additional classrooms would require noticeable adjustments including increased class size as well as the use of portable classrooms, displacing the Art and/or Music programs, or artificially creating spaces in the cafeteria through the use or temporary room dividers.
As you carefully consider your decision for the April 2nd election please feel welcome to contact Dr. Saron, me, or the office staff to answer any questions you may have or to arrange a building tour.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Monday, January 7, 2013
On January 18th from 4:00-8:00 the Cashton PTO will be holding it’s12th Annual Chili Supper/ Silent Auction at Cashton Elementary School during the Cashton Eagles boys basketball game against the Royall Panthers. $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children ages 4-12. For tickets, Contact the elementary school at 654-7377.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Our National Tragedy
In communities across the nation, parents, teachers, and citizens are collectively and individually trying to make sense of the deplorable act of violence that occurred last week. Each of us will find a path forward in our own way as we rebuild the sense of security and tranquility so deeply valued in our community and necessary for the wellness of students. While our schools and the students they serve continue to be as safe and secure as before, perhaps more so, it would be natural to have a heightened awareness and focus on safety.
While the tragedy occurred over a thousand miles away, the resulting sadness, fear, and concern is not softened by geography. There are local emotional impacts that need a carefully considered response, both in our homes and our schools. As students become more aware of the details, it is possible they may feel scared, uncomfortable, sad, distracted, or at least curious. Fortunately, some, through their youthful innocence, are oblivious. Teachers and employees of Cashton Public Schools are committed to the support of our students and their families as they respond and react. The topic is sensitive and is likely best addressed by parents, given the varied ages and emotional maturity of each student as well as the range of beliefs and values of their families that may influence which information is shared and that from which we hope to shield them. Teachers have been reminded of the importance of modeling calm and control, to focus their comments on helping students to feel safe in our schools and classrooms, and to remind them that there is a safety plan in place that is frequently updated and practiced.
It may be even more important at this time to be aware of the emotional well-being of the young people you encounter. Should you notice changes in behavior, appetite, or sleep patterns, it may indicate an increased level of grief, anxiety, or sadness. For those who have had a past traumatic experience, or who are more prone to anxiety or depression, be particularly alert. Should you have any concerns, please contact Mr. Stitchko, Ms. Mass, or a health professional.
Although there is no foolproof prevention for all acts of man or nature, an emergency response plan continues to be in place to ensure that students spend their days in safe facilities with staff trained and prepared to act in the event of an emergency. Although the emergency response plan is thoroughly reviewed and updated annually, district leaders and student support personnel immediately revisited the plan after considering the available information from this tragic test of a distant district’s plan and facilities. Minor adjustments have been already enacted. Additional safety measures including updates to the entrances of both buildings continue to be thoughtfully explored by the Board of Education and a representative committee of community members.
As always, we offer our full support to you as you help students through this challenging time. Our teachers, guidance counselor, psychologist, and nurse will be available to assist, as will the administrative team. Please do not hesitate to contact any of us if you need support, guidance, or advice in the coming days.
While the tragedy occurred over a thousand miles away, the resulting sadness, fear, and concern is not softened by geography. There are local emotional impacts that need a carefully considered response, both in our homes and our schools. As students become more aware of the details, it is possible they may feel scared, uncomfortable, sad, distracted, or at least curious. Fortunately, some, through their youthful innocence, are oblivious. Teachers and employees of Cashton Public Schools are committed to the support of our students and their families as they respond and react. The topic is sensitive and is likely best addressed by parents, given the varied ages and emotional maturity of each student as well as the range of beliefs and values of their families that may influence which information is shared and that from which we hope to shield them. Teachers have been reminded of the importance of modeling calm and control, to focus their comments on helping students to feel safe in our schools and classrooms, and to remind them that there is a safety plan in place that is frequently updated and practiced.
It may be even more important at this time to be aware of the emotional well-being of the young people you encounter. Should you notice changes in behavior, appetite, or sleep patterns, it may indicate an increased level of grief, anxiety, or sadness. For those who have had a past traumatic experience, or who are more prone to anxiety or depression, be particularly alert. Should you have any concerns, please contact Mr. Stitchko, Ms. Mass, or a health professional.
Although there is no foolproof prevention for all acts of man or nature, an emergency response plan continues to be in place to ensure that students spend their days in safe facilities with staff trained and prepared to act in the event of an emergency. Although the emergency response plan is thoroughly reviewed and updated annually, district leaders and student support personnel immediately revisited the plan after considering the available information from this tragic test of a distant district’s plan and facilities. Minor adjustments have been already enacted. Additional safety measures including updates to the entrances of both buildings continue to be thoughtfully explored by the Board of Education and a representative committee of community members.
As always, we offer our full support to you as you help students through this challenging time. Our teachers, guidance counselor, psychologist, and nurse will be available to assist, as will the administrative team. Please do not hesitate to contact any of us if you need support, guidance, or advice in the coming days.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Happy Holidays
Students at Cashton Elementary enjoyed a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Thanks to the PTO for organizing and sponsoring their appearance. Students who visit with Santa each receive an age appropriate book. Even Santa is an advocate for literacy!Please join us for the Cashton Elementary Holiday Concert December 10th at 6:30 PM in the elementary gymnasium. A collection box for non-perishable food items will in the lobby.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
The New Normal for School Entrances?
Much has changed since the designers of Cashton Elementary School first worked with community stakeholders and district leadership to draft the plans for the core of our current buildings in the early 1950's and 1960's. Many local residents remember the significant change the construction of a centralized elementary school in the Village of Cashton represented. After many years of growth, consolidation, and change among the several outlying rural schools that had served the region well such as Melvina, Portland, Clinton Center School, Clinton Ridge School, and the Clements School just to name a few, the moment came when citizens recognized a need for realignment to continue to meet their collective vision for education in the Cashton area. That facility has served us well for many years.
In the last few decades, the needs of our community have continued to shift with new challenges, opportunities, and technologies while continuing to embrace a culture rooted in the values and norms that appeal to area families. Those changes have reshaped our facilities a great deal since their original construction. Recently, a conversation has been started among area citizens that explores the alignment between the mission, vision, and purpose for the district updated by community members in 2008 and currently available information from external reports projecting population growth, current building conditions, and economic factors such as record low interest rates and the nearly repaid loans from the 1998 building projects. The conversation will soon expand as citizens share their perceptions and values through the largest survey in the district's history.
School leaders are working to inform citizens of the strengths and challenges of current facilities and to help provide useful and accurate information from which to base perceptions, opinions, and decisions. One topic of discussion has involved the current structure and design of entrances to both school buildings. While functional, the entrances were designed during an era that faced different challenges and expectations. Entry to each building has since been limited to one main entrance which has been retrofitted with security cameras. In addition, the elementary office has been reconfigured to provide better observation of traffic through the main entry. These actions have improved school safety, but it is interesting to learn how architects have addressed the problem when designing new structures or additions. In the upcoming survey, community members will be asked whether they support increasing the safety of school entrances. The examples below illustrate how structural changes can potentially improve school safety.
School improvement projects in neighboring districts incorporated updated design elements that Cashton citizens could consider. In the examples below, you will notice an updated school entry design used at Bangor Elementary School and the NOW Elementary / Brookwood High School facility. Each example has the traditional interior and exterior doors common in commercial buildings and both Cashton school buildings. However, the examples pictured below have an additional design element, an additional doorway used to divert entrance to the building through the main office during school hours. During the high traffic periods such as morning drop-off or dismissal, the interior and exterior doors are unlocked. For the remainder of the day, the outer doors are unlocked while the inner doors are locked. Entry to the building is then diverted directly into the school office. The design balances the need for appropriate building access, but prohibits unauthorized or unexpected access during school hours. As citizens consider their position on school entrance updates, perhaps the images below will help one better understand the options.
In the last few decades, the needs of our community have continued to shift with new challenges, opportunities, and technologies while continuing to embrace a culture rooted in the values and norms that appeal to area families. Those changes have reshaped our facilities a great deal since their original construction. Recently, a conversation has been started among area citizens that explores the alignment between the mission, vision, and purpose for the district updated by community members in 2008 and currently available information from external reports projecting population growth, current building conditions, and economic factors such as record low interest rates and the nearly repaid loans from the 1998 building projects. The conversation will soon expand as citizens share their perceptions and values through the largest survey in the district's history.
School leaders are working to inform citizens of the strengths and challenges of current facilities and to help provide useful and accurate information from which to base perceptions, opinions, and decisions. One topic of discussion has involved the current structure and design of entrances to both school buildings. While functional, the entrances were designed during an era that faced different challenges and expectations. Entry to each building has since been limited to one main entrance which has been retrofitted with security cameras. In addition, the elementary office has been reconfigured to provide better observation of traffic through the main entry. These actions have improved school safety, but it is interesting to learn how architects have addressed the problem when designing new structures or additions. In the upcoming survey, community members will be asked whether they support increasing the safety of school entrances. The examples below illustrate how structural changes can potentially improve school safety.
School improvement projects in neighboring districts incorporated updated design elements that Cashton citizens could consider. In the examples below, you will notice an updated school entry design used at Bangor Elementary School and the NOW Elementary / Brookwood High School facility. Each example has the traditional interior and exterior doors common in commercial buildings and both Cashton school buildings. However, the examples pictured below have an additional design element, an additional doorway used to divert entrance to the building through the main office during school hours. During the high traffic periods such as morning drop-off or dismissal, the interior and exterior doors are unlocked. For the remainder of the day, the outer doors are unlocked while the inner doors are locked. Entry to the building is then diverted directly into the school office. The design balances the need for appropriate building access, but prohibits unauthorized or unexpected access during school hours. As citizens consider their position on school entrance updates, perhaps the images below will help one better understand the options.
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| Exterior doors of main Bangor Elementary entrance. During high traffic periods, these doors and the interior set behind them are both unlocked for efficient access. |
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| This image shows the view of the entrance from inside the elementary office. The exterior doors are visible through the glass. |
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| Access to the building during non-peak periods is through this door into the main office. This image shows the area between the interior and exterior doors. |
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| Brookwood/NOW entryway: This image shows the area between the interior and exterior doors and the access to the main office that is used during school hours. |
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| From inside N-O-W, the interior doors are visible to the left. Through the glass, you can see the diverting entrance through the main office that is used during school hours. The wooden door is the interior access to the main office. |
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| The view from the main office depicts the two doors that connect the exterior entrance to the interior of the school facility through the office. |
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