NLCS Board Action – Donators Of The Soccer Field Generator Will Be Honored

by Phillip M. Zema
The New Lebanon Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, October 7, was productive, as many important educational and administrative topics were discussed.  It was clear that both the elementary and high school were focused on getting parents involved in their children’s education, providing each student with intriguing extracurricular opportunities and enhancing each student’s learning experience.  Moreover, there was tremendous enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming New Lebanon soccer tournament, where several area residents will be commemorated for their generous contribution to New Lebanon’s athletic program.
After the meeting was called to order, Ed Davis, a member of the New Lebanon transportation system, informed the Board that the school was praised for how it handled the recent accident involving one of its suburban transporters. To no fault of the school’s driver, the suburban, which was carrying three students, was hit by a truck.  Luckily, nobody was hurt, and when the fire department arrived, they observed that the “kids were having a blast with everyone.” The fire department commended the school for following correct protocol.
Later, Daniel Packard, Principal of Walter B. Howard Elementary School, discussed plans to bring an after-school program that would allow students to learn invaluable arts and crafts skills.  Moreover, each Tuesday and Thursday, fourth, fifth, and sixth-graders now have the opportunity to play basketball in the elementary school’s gym.
Leslie Whitcomb, the High School Principal, reported that an arts and education program is in place.  Accordingly, students are given special instruction in various liberal or fine arts activities, and area artists come into the classroom to provide instruction.  The Principal also reported that on November 12, there will be a sports banquet for the student athletes who participated in fall sports.
The principals were pleased to announce that both schools’ administration and English teachers were “on the same page” regarding the development of a new k-12 writing curriculum. The new English curriculum appears to be an exciting prospect for the District’s students and teachers.   Also, school administrators and Board members were enthusiastic about providing science credit for students who successfully complete a Principles of Engineering course.  The course, which received funding from several donors, is designed to help students acquire the mathematical, scientific and hands-on skills that go hand-in-hand with engineering.  The proposal for this informative and practical course was well received, as it appears to be a great education opportunity for New Lebanon’s students.
Lastly, it was announced that before the New Lebanon soccer match on Friday, October 9, Kenneth Godfroy, Louis Godfroy IV, Edward Godfroy, Thomas Evans, Donald DiBuono, Michael Killeen and Leonard Brown III, will be praised for donating a generator.  The generator will enable the District to operate lights for the school’s athletic fields.  The lights have been a staple of New Lebanon soccer, providing athletes with an exciting environment for competing.  With this generous denotation, student athletes, especially New Lebanon’s opponents, will have the privilege of playing night games.
The New Lebanon School Board meets the first and third Wednesdays of every month.  Parents, students, employees and area residents are encouraged to attend as it gives everyone a first-hand opportunity to see what’s happening, and it provides a chance to address the Board about matters regarding the District’s programs and operations.