Many of the events, programs, and competitions our students participate in do not result in ribbons, trophies, or other awards. They walk away with something more valuable. The experience of flexing their learning, observing the efforts of students from other districts, and building teamwork and comradery with fellow classmates. They build on this from grade to grade, year to year, and it all contributes to their growth as confident, lifelong learners and successful, engaged members of the larger Tiger community.
Our dedicated teachers help make it happen at the earliest of grades as our Talking Tigers celebrations this week demonstrate. I want to express my gratitude for their efforts in making short- and long-term differences in students’ lives.
VEX Robotics Taking that First “Byte” of State Competition
In their first year as a club, our middle school VEX Robotics teams competed in the 9th Annual Northern New York State VEX High School Championships. Traveling to and competing in Syracuse last weekend were Stephen, Rowan, Abigael, James, Adrian, Edward, and Coach Cami Samuelson. VEX competitions prepare students to become future innovators with 95 percent of participants reporting an increased interest in STEM subject areas and pursuing STEM-related careers.
Checkmate! Four, Third Graders Take Part in NYS Scholastic Chess Championship
Four third graders – Kaliyah, Annie, Nykolas, and Merrida – participated last weekend in the 55th annual New York State Scholastic Chess Championships. Taking on the challenge of learning chess has so many benefits. It’s a game that requires kids to use cognitive functions such as decoding, analysis, thinking, and comprehension which are all skills required for reading. Congratulations to Coach Beck and these students!
Read Between These Book Covers: Our Students Showed Their Reading Knowledge
The annual WSWHE Battle of the Books competition was held in person for the first time in three years and we are so proud of all 28 students who represented Hudson Falls. Congratulations to our third and fourth grade teams who came away with fourth place finishes. And to our coaches who worked so hard to prepare our students: Karen Nassivera, third grade; Melanie Healy, fourth grade; and Heather Craner, fifth grade. All students read 10 books based on their grade level and answered questions about them. The titles are amazing – check them out and consider reading them with your student!
School, District & Community Calendar
Friday, March 17: Superintendent’s Conference Day. No classes.
Tuesday, March 21- Friday, March 24: K-5 Parent Teacher Conferences
Thursday, March 23- Friday March 24: UPK Full Day Conferences
Thursday, March 24: Culture Fair at the High School. A night where culture comes alive with music, food, festivals and more. 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Free Admission! Bring the whole family.
Thursday, March 30: An Evening of Musical Theater presented by the HF Musical Department, at The Strand Theater, 7:00 p.m
Friday, March 31: Rescheduled High School Neon Dance 7:00-10:00 p.m. in the high school gym.
Have a great weekend Tigers!
Dan Ward, Superintendent
