Educator Appreciation Week (May 4-8)
Dear Naples Parents and Guardians:
When it comes to academic achievement, we all know that it is important to have skilled educators working with students. However, because there are so many different factors influencing learning, you might wonder—how much of a difference do teachers actually matter?
Well, as it turns out, quite a bit.
After studying data related to student performance, the researcher and policy expert Eric Hanushek found that the difference between having an above-average and a below-average teacher can translate into a full grade level of achievement in a single year. That is a staggering difference, and it is a powerful reminder of how lucky we are to have 170 world-class educators working at NCS.
More importantly, however, is the impact that talented ...
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May 1 Update
Dear Naples Parents and Guardians:
Earlier today, Governor Cuomo announced that schools would be closed for the remainder of the school year. While we do not expect additional guidance about summer programs until later on in May, we now know that distance learning will continue in the weeks ahead.
To continue improving how we provide academic instruction as well as a sense of connection for our students, we wanted to share two resources we have recently developed at NCS. First, to help streamline and centralize communication for our High School families, we have put together a Distance Learning Portal which can be accessed by visiting our homepage . Second, our staff members have begun reaching out to families in order to provide targeted online tutoring and academic coaching. ...
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Prom 2020 Update
At Naples CSD, we realize COVID-19 has had a big impact on our students and their families in many ways over the last five weeks. This is especially true for our seniors and upperclassmen.
On Saturday, May 2nd, students in grades 10-12 were looking forward to celebrating this year’s prom at Hunt Hollow Ski Club. Annually, this event is organized by, and is a fundraiser for, the junior class. Just as the prom planning committee was finalizing plans in March for the event, school was canceled due to Governor Cuomo’s mandate to stay-at-home. As we near the date when prom was supposed to be held, it is important for us to provide more information about the event.
Recently, high school principal, Nicole Green, and I talked about the event. At this point, the junior prom ...
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Naples Recognized as 12th Best High School in the Rochester Area
The US News & World Report recently ranked Naples High School #12 on its list of “Best High Schools in the Rochester, NY Area.” Close to 18,000 schools were evaluated nationwide, and the ranking acknowledges that “great high schools educate all students from different social and economic backgrounds, exposing them to challenging coursework on the path to graduation.”
“Being ranked 12 th out of 75 schools in our area validates the good work being done by the students, staff, and parents in our community,” said Matt Frahm, Superintendent of the Naples Central School District. “Naples has a long tradition of providing dynamic learning opportunities for kids, and we are proud of finding creative ways to meet the unique needs of our students.” ...
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April 21 Update
Dear Naples Family:
I wanted to let you know that the US News & World Report recently ranked Naples High School #12 (out of 75) on its list of “Best High Schools in the Rochester, NY Area” behind a group of much larger organizations. The ranking took into account both state and national achievement data, and it validates the great work being done by our entire school community.
In addition, I wanted to thank you for taking the time to pass along your feedback on how distance learning has been going in your household. We had 145 individuals submit completed surveys, and a team of NCS faculty members met earlier today to analyze the information. If you are interested in learning more about the survey results, I would invite you to visit our Facebook Page at 6:30 p.m. ...
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April 16 Update
Dear Naples Parents and Guardians:
As you may already know, Governor Cuomo announced earlier today that schools will be closed through May 15. We will continue to pass along important information as it becomes available, and would ask that you call or email if you have any questions or concerns about the closure.
Additionally, to help shape teaching and learning in the weeks ahead, we would encourage you to share your thoughts on how remote learning is going in your household by completing a brief survey (click here ). So far, over 100 parents have passed along their feedback, and we will begin reviewing the information early next week.
Finally, to know how much we are missing your sons and daughters at NCS, please take a minute to watch this video (click here ) put ...
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NCS Collecting Feedback on Remote Learning
Dear NCS Parents and Guardians:
With all the changes that have taken place over the last month, we have tried to provide updated communication on a regular basis using telephone calls, emails, website updates, and social media posts. However, over the next few days, we want to make time to listen.
If you have a spare minute at some point this week, we were hoping you might take this brief online survey ( click here ) to let us know how remote learning is going in your home. We want to make sure we are doing the very best job we can to meet the needs of your sons and daughters, and we stand willing to make adjustments based on your feedback.
In addition, I wanted to ask you for a favor. On May 1, schools across America will be celebrating “School Lunch Hero Day.” ...
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April 10 Update
Dear Naples Family:
As another week comes to a close, I wanted to take a minute to provide a handful of updates from NCS. However, as always, please do not hesitate to reach out if I have skipped over something or failed to provide enough detail.
Regents Exams and Learning Standards
After cancelling the June Regents examinations, the State Education Department (SED) released a series of helpful documents outlining how the decision will impact students moving forward. Essentially, students currently enrolled in Regents classes will receive credit as long as they successfully complete their coursework. To its credit, the information provided by SED is clear, logical, and it errs on the side of students.
Importance of Continued Learning
Last week, I let you ...
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NCS to Appoint New High School Principal
Dear NCS Parents and Guardians:
As you know, research suggests that when it comes to school related factors influencing student achievement, the role of the principal is exceeded only by the quality of teachers working directly with students. When Mrs. Bridget Ashton transitioned to her new position as the Superintendent of the Honeoye Central School District, I shared that I had asked Mrs. Nicole Green (NCS English Teacher) to serve as our Interim High School Principal for the remainder of the year.
Since that point, Mrs. Green has finished her certification in educational administration through the University of Rochester, and proven herself to be a skilled and caring school leader. With that in mind, I wanted you to know that I will be recommending that our Board of Education ...
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April 6 Update
Dear NCS Parents and Guardians:
I hope this finds you well, and that you are outside enjoying the spring sunshine this evening. In addition, I wanted to take a minute to highlight a couple important announcements that came out earlier today.
School Closure
Due to continued concerns related to COVID-19, Governor Cuomo announced that schools in New York would remain closed until April 29. The Governor also cautioned about underestimating the virus, and encouraged individuals to continue honoring social distancing guidelines in order to minimize possible exposure.
Regents Exams
Because of the closure, Chancellor Rosa announced that June Regents Examinations would also be cancelled. Furthermore, she indicated that additional guidance would be released tomorrow, and ...
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3rd Marking Period Update
Dear NCS Parents and Guardians:
As you know, Friday, April 3, originally marked the end of the 3 rd Quarter here in Naples High School. However, because of all the uncertainty related to the closure, we have spent time developing a revised plan for assessing student progress this spring. Instead of receiving traditional report cards with grades ranging from 0-100, we will be communicating student growth using this rubric (click here ) for the 3 rd Quarter. In addition, to provide students with a bit of extra time to complete recent assignments, we have extended the final date of the marking period until Monday, April 13.
While we recognize that this is not a perfect instrument for measuring student learning, we also believe that it is our best option for assessing learning ...
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Spring Break Update
Dear NCS Parents and Guardians:
Originally, NCS had scheduled Spring Break for the week of April 6-10. However, because of the school closure, Governor Cuomo issued an executive order clarifying that schools needed to keep providing learning opportunities every weekday through April 14. Because of this, our faculty members will continue engaging students in remote learning during this week and next.
I will make sure to pass along important updates as they become available, and would ask that you take a minute to share the Spring Break information with your son or daughter later on this evening.
Thank you for your partnership and for your support.
Matt Frahm, Superintendent
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NCS Recognized as "Top Workplace"
Dear Naples Family:
I wanted to let you know that yesterday it was announced that NCS had been awarded a "Top Workplace 2020" honor by The Democrat and Chronicle . The distinction was based on feedback offered by our faculty and staff back in the fall, and the questions focused on different aspects of workplace culture.
At times like these, I am reminded of an article written by Jennifer Gonzalez detailing the "Marigold Effect." Gonzalez talks about companion planting, and explains that experienced gardeners often place "certain vegetables and plants near each other to improve growth for one or both plants." She goes on to say that marigolds have a special ability to help encourage, nurture, and protect surrounding plants, and that they help ...
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