A Message from the Principal:

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I hope everyone was able to cope with our winter weather and is ready for spring and some warmer weather. We have many activities planned for our students to get them ready for spring. We have ‘Pie in the Eye’ scheduled on March 29 to benefit our backpack program giving some students a chance to pie their favorite teacher or maybe even their Principal. On April 13, we welcome the Fort Drum Band to perform a concert for our students and staff. Our last day of school before April spring break is Friday, April 20 and spring break will be the week of April 23-27. Please continue to check for updates regarding the April vacation because sometimes it is extended if there are unused snow days.  

Our NYS English Language Arts Exam for grades 3-6 will be April 11 & 12, 2018 and the NYS Math Exam for grades 3-6 will be May 2 & 3, 2018. The NYS Written Science test for 4^th grade will be June 4, 2018. Fortunately, the tests will be shorter and students will not have the pressure of having a certain amount of time to complete the exams. Both the ELA and Math test have been reduced from three days of testing to two days. You can assist us by demonstrating a positive attitude toward the tests with your child. In addition, let your child know that you are confident in his or her abilities. Explain that some test questions may be difficult and that it does not matter if other students finish earlier. Furthermore, tell your child that it is good to proceed at his or her own pace. We also ask your assistance in making sure your child is physically prepared on the day of the test. Taking a test requires a student’s full attention, so your child should be well rested on test day as well as have a healthy breakfast and nutritious lunch. Keeping with that theme, our Dexter Elementary PTO will once again this year provide breakfast to our 3^rd through 6^th grade students each day of our NYS ELA and Math tests and 4^th grade Science test day. By working together, parents, teachers, and students can raise the level of achievement in our schools. We appreciate all you do in assisting our students to be as successful as they possibly can be.

Finally, please remember to check our school website, www.gblions.org, for budget updates and meeting dates. Our school budget vote is Tuesday, May 15, from 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM in the Jr./Sr. High School Gymnasium.

Sincerely,

Mr. David Ramie