Dear Chenango Forks Families,
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As we welcome the arrival of spring in March, I hope this newsletter finds you and your families in good spirits. It has been an exciting end to the Winter Sports season and we are celebrating the success of our student athletes as we are also looking forward to some great concerts and performances coming up this month. This month, we're also focusing on gearing up for NYS State Assessments and continued academic excellence, celebrating student opportunities, and continuing our commitment to character and leadership development.
Cell Phone Policy Survey Update
Thank you to everyone who has participated in our survey regarding cell phone use in schools. Your input is crucial as we navigate the evolving landscape of technology in education. We have received a significant number of participants with 956 responses! Feedback came from students (18%), parents (68%), and staff (14%), and we are currently analyzing the data. It was enlightening to see that 71% of respondents thought that cell phone use during the school day decreases or strongly decreases engagement, and 72% believe that cell phones contribute somewhat or significantly to student distractions. We will share the full survey results at the March 13 board meeting. This information, along with the forthcoming state legislation, will guide our decision-making process as we work to adjust our policies and procedures to best support our students' learning and well-being.
Dollars for Scholars: Investing in Our Students' Future
We want to highlight the incredible value of our Dollars for Scholars program. This program is celebrating its 35th anniversary with CF and plays a vital role in supporting our graduating seniors as they pursue higher education. Through the generosity of our community, Dollars for Scholars provides scholarships that help alleviate the financial burden of college. We encourage all families to learn more about this program and consider contributing to its continued success. Your support directly invests in the future of our students and our community. Please enjoy the student created postcard attached and consider supporting this wonderful program which benefits Chenango Forks graduates!
Character Education: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Our character education habit of focus for March, from the "7 Habits of Highly Effective People," is "Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood." This habit emphasizes the importance of empathic listening and effective communication. By actively listening to others and striving to understand their perspectives, we can build stronger relationships and create a more supportive school environment focused on synergy. Please enjoy our video this month that highlights the habit, celebrates some students who have exhibited great leadership qualities, and includes resources for parents to practice the habits at home. Information on how to access this can be found on the Chenango Forks Community page of this newsletter.
We are proud of the progress our students and staff continue to make. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in making Forks Nation “a community where all students grow and excel.”
We hope you have a magnificent March!
Sincerely,
Tom Burkhardt, Superintendent