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Dear Rondout Families, Faculty and Friends,
Monday we welcome the first day of Spring. Let's hope Mother Nature gets the message and spring weather returns ASAP.
This week I am pleased to share an update regarding a special Rondout program. During the COVID years, the work of "The Village" was restricted but it is now fully operational again. During that time we made a few adjustments to The “Village” program which began more than 15 years ago. It has continued to evolve and was designed to provide students with authentic learning experiences to enhance their development of academic and life skills. This living social studies program supports building skills in social responsibility, character development, civic understanding, leadership and skills to support their lives a productive and engaged citizens.
Students have created the Village of Rondout here within our four walls and beyond. Integral to the program for students in grades 3 through 8, students serve their “village” through membership in one of eight departments. These include the Finance, Global Ambassadors, Communication, Sustainability, Public Works, Nutrition and Wellness, Parks and Recreation and Spirit Departments.
Special projects, weekly department activities and town meetings bring government to life for the students. Each department is supported by two to three faculty advisors and 10-13 students representing the grades 3-8.
You can look forward to hearing more about the work of each of the department in upcoming Falcon Flyers. The whole school gathers (K-8) for our weekly town meetings on Friday mornings during homeroom to hear about what is happening in the Village. Spokespersons from each department give updates facilitated by a student moderator. There is also time for questions from the audience. In addition, we often have special mini-presentations shared by faculty or by departments. It is a productive and informative 20 minutes engaging the school community.
K-2 students join in town meetings and benefit from department projects and activities. At the end of second grade students are invited to share their top three choices for Village Department assignments which start in third grade. The Village simulates real world experiences and develops skills that can last a lifetime. When students leave Rondout, they leave with the experience of being active and engaged citizens of a responsive, involved community.
This week you will see news from the Finance Department which is re-opening the school store. The students from that department have been working on reviewing marketing, selecting products to sell, placing orders, considering financial implications of cost and profit margins. Money raised from the Finance Department program will be available for other departments to support their activities. Mrs. Bornholdt and Mrs. Jackson are the faculty advisors for this department.
You also see news from the Spirit Department whose students have designed a weeklong series of special days next week to support school spirit and community. Our mascot Falco has returned to participate in selected activities with the help of the Spirit Department. These students have also created a special bulletin board in the main hallway celebrating Rondout with input from each of the Village Departments. Ms. Tesar and Mrs. Coronelli are the faculty advisors for the Spirit group.
The Sustainability Department will be shepherding the mini greenhouse project. They are finalizing their plans for this activity to support the edible garden and are also managing the needs of the special areas of our green space including the turtle pond, bird bee and butterfly garden and our chicken family.
These are just a few highlights of Village Activities. We will share the exciting news from the other departments in the weeks ahead.
The energy and enthusiasm generated by the students who are involved in guided decision making, planning and implementing projects creates wonderful learning experiences. The Village is a program developed by and unique to Rondout and it was a part of what led to our recognition as a State School of Character in 2010. We are proud to say that the legacy continues. Feel free to reach out if you would like additional information about The Village.
Have a wonderful weekend. Until next time... Take care...
Dr. Jenny Wojcik
Superintendent
Ms. Elizabeth Davis
Principal
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