High School News

2013-14
School Budget
Don't forget to vote!
Polls are open Tuesday, May 21
from 1 to 9 p.m.
at the Duanesburg Elementary School.

Bluegrass concert, May 30

May 17, 2013

Join DCS for an evening of Bluegrass music with Duanesburg music teacher Scott Hopkins’ band, Beartracks. Beartracks will be performing at Duanesburg Elementary school on May 30 at 7 p.m. Admission is $8 per person or $20 per family. Proceeds will support the Duanesburg Band fund. Dessert and drinks will be available for purchase so bring your appetite. The Class of 2019 will also be offering Italian dinners from Canali’s on this evening. Pre-ordered take out dinners will be available from 4:30 to 7 p.m. for $10 per dinner. Please come enjoy an evening of good food and music supporting two great causes.

School Budget vote, bus proposition vote and board elections, Tuesday, May 21

May 13, 2013

On Tuesday, May 21 residents are asked to go to the polls between 1 and 9 p.m. at the Duanesburg Elementary School to vote on the 2013-14 proposed school budget, the school bus proposition and to elect two members to the board of education. The proposed budget carries a tax levy increase of 2.89%, which is below the district's maximum allowable levy limit of 4.47%. The budget proposal totals $14,453,014—a spending increase over the current school year of 1.81%, or $256,311. The proposal also includes $130,000 in savings.  A detailed budget newsletter was mailed to residents in early May. [DOWNLOAD] For more information about the budget development process and other budget-related news, visit the district’s budget webpages.

HS students help with DES screen-free week

May 13, 2013

DCS HS Environmental Science students participated in the Duanesburg Elementary School's annual screen-free week--held from April 29 to May 2--when they worked with young students on environmentally themed projects and activities that they created. This annual event is aimed at turning off the TV and other digital/screen-related devices and putting hands-on activities and face-to-face interactions first! [PHOTO GALLERY]

Friends of Music fundraiser

May 13, 2013

The Friends of Music--that raise money for the Duanesburg School District's music/drama department--is raffling off two framed prints as its last fundraiser of the year. (See one print at right.) The prints were donated by Country Outlet Framing and have an estimated combined value of over $400. Raffle tickets will be sold and the prints will be on display at all Duanesburg spring concerts. The winning raffle tickets will be drawn at the Elementary School concert on Thursday, June 6. (You do not need to be present to win.) [RAFFLE TICKET ORDER FORM]

Year-end letter to parents in grades 7-12

May 13, 2013

Please take a moment to read a letter sent to all parents of students in grades 7 through 12, from principals DeLuke and Hardenstine, about important year-end information and upcoming events.  [LETTER] 

June 2013 Regents schedule available

April 29, 2013

Mark your calendars and arrange your study groups because the June 2013 Regents exams are right around the corner. [DOWNLOAD SCHEDULE]

DCS Varsity baseball and softball coaches earn 300th win

April 25, 2013

The past few weeks have been full of athletic-breaking news as two of the district's long-time and beloved coaches earned their 300th coaching win. Congratulations to Varsity Baseball Coach Chris Wyanski and Varsity Softball Coach John Conway. [READ MORE]

If you are in tenth grade , the social studies teachers need you

April 15, 2013

Grade 10 social studies review sessions have begun. Every Tuesday, from 3 to 4 p.m., Mrs. Sprenger will host review sessions for AP World History and every Wednesday, from 3 to 4 p.m., Mrs. Kanarkiewicz and Mr. Schalekamp will host Global Studies Regents review sessions. There is also a Global Studies Boot Camp on Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Student in tenth grade are encouraged to come to as many review sessions as possible.

Board adopts 2013-14 proposed budget to go before voters May 21

April 16, 2013

At its final budget work session on Tuesday, April 16, the DCS board unanimously adopted the 2013-14 proposed budget that carries a tax levy increase of 2.89%, which is below the district's maximum allowable levy limit of 4.47%. The budget proposal totals $14,453,014—a spending increase over the current school year of 1.81% or $256,311. The proposal also includes $130,000 in savings. The proposed budget goes before voters on Tuesday, May 21. Polls are open from 1 to 9 p.m. at the Duanesburg Elementary School. A detailed budget newsletter will be mailed to residents in early May. [DOWNLOAD] For more information about the budget development process and other budget-related news, visit the district’s budget webpages.

National Grid Education Center Field Trip, May 20

April 9, 2013

There will be a field trip/job shadow to the National Grid Education Center on May 20. All high school students are eligible to attend. Any student interested in a career in electrical, engineering or business should consider this opportunity. Please stop by the HS Guidance Office by Wednesday, April 17 to pick up a permission slip.

DCS high school students win at SkillsUSA Regionals

March 19, 2013

A number of local high school students, including Duanesburg students Nick Cornaire, Alexis Hicks and Cody Largeteau, enrolled at the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School (Career & Tech) in Albany (Colonie) and Schoharie won events at the March 13 SkillsUSA Regional Competitions at Schenectady County Community College. [READ MORE]

Anti-bullying message delivered through song and dance

March 18, 2013

In mid-February, Duanesburg middle and high school students were treated to a performance by a NYC-based trio, dubbed JLine, who use their own personal experiences to deliver a powerful anti-bullying message through dance and music. [FULL STORY]

FBLA needs local business support

March 4, 2013

FBLA members would like to participate in a valuable experience through the Junior Achievement's "Company Program," which allows students in grades 9-12 to set up and operate their own company. Company members sell stock, elect officers, produce and market products, pay payroll and liquidate. The Company Program, originally developed in 1919, was the first JA program. It continues to be a hands-on, inspiring experience for young people in today’s changing and global marketplace. One or more community business volunteers are needed to mentor the FBLA club members through this exciting process. The volunteer commitment to the program consists of six two-hour visits after-school in March. Volunteers will receive up to two hours of training, materials and lesson plans for structured activities to help the students discover how to operate their free enterprise business. If you are interested in working with JA and DCS's high school students, please contact Connie Toler, FBLA Advisor at ctoler@duanesburg.org.

Security system in place at HS, please use buzzer to enter

January 14, 2013

Today, a security entry system--the same as the ones on the elementary and middle school main entrance doors--was installed at the high school. The high school main doors will now be locked after the first bell of the day rings. Visitors wishing to enter the building must press the bell to be buzzed into the building. From there, visitors are asked to proceed to the main office (on the left) to sign in and receive a visitor badge. "The safety and security of our students and staff is a main priority," says Superintendent Christine Crowley. "Adding a secure entry system at the high school has been a task on our long-range safety plan and I'm glad to say we've now completed it." Part of the hold off on installing the buzzer system was because students used to attend classes in the Art Annex throughout the day. However, the art program is now housed in the main high school building.

Bank your money on Tuesdays at the Eagles Branch

The DCS MS/HS Eagles Branch--associated with First New York Federal Credit Union--provides banking services every Tuesday during lunch periods 5, 6 and 7. Students who are Future Business Leaders of America members received professional teller training at the FCU’s training facility in October. So stop by and do some banking with your peers! Additionally, students who open an account in December with just $5 will receive $5 from First New York FCU and a Regal movie ticket. And, from Dec. 1 through March 31, First New York FCU will deposit $25 into students’ EZ-Access accounts when they open EZ-Access accounts. Stop by the Eagles Branch or school store for information and application forms. Questions? Contact Connie Toler at ctoler@duanesburg.org.

School bus safety: Drop off location reminder

For safety and security purposes, elementary school children who board their assigned school bus at DES can only be dropped off at their designated drop off locations/bus stops. Elementary school children cannot exit the bus at Duanesburg Middle/High School--even to get a ride home with older siblings. [READ MORE]

College Open Houses

Get a jump start on college planning by visiting College Open House events. For a listing of upcoming Open Houses, visit the Guidance Office webpages here.

Have you visited our college-related web pages?

If you haven't already checked out the district's college-related web pages, what are you waiting for? There's so much helpful information. [COLLEGE-RELATED WEBPAGE]

Transportation changes for 2013-14 school year, keeping students safe

In an effort to ensure student safety, the Duanesburg Transportation Department is altering the timeframe for when parents can request busing changes that deviate from their child's original bus assignment. Beginning in the 2013-14 school year, district officials are asking parents to submit their child's transportation changes for the 2013-14 school year before August 23, 2013.  [LEARN MORE]

Follow DCS athletic news on Twitter

Athletic Director Penny Hardenstine is making it even easier for students, parents, coaches and community members to be in the know about the Duanesburg Athletic Department through Twitter. Sign up for a free Twitter account at Twitter.com and start following SportsDCS to get reminders and announcements.

Duanesburg is on Facebook! "Like us"

Duanesburg Central Schools is now a member of Facebook. "Like us" to get up to the minute posts about what is happening in our schools, view photos and more! Just go to www. facebook.com/duanesburgschools

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REMINDERS:

• June 2013 Regents Schedule
• 2013 Yearbook information for seniors
• 2012-13 Student Handbook [DOWNLOAD PDF]
• 2013-14 Course Book available. [DOWNLOAD PDF]
• Sight for Students provides free vision exams and glasses to low-income, uninsured children. [LEARN MORE]
• Fundraising/Student Participation Information [DOWNLOAD PDF]
• Rules for lunch class visits [DOWNLOAD PDF]
• Don't forget to visit the district's Photo Gallery. To see pictures of school events.
• Do you or your family need health insurance? Get more information about the Healthy Capital District Initiative [HERE].