Hugs, applause, tears, and smiles. And let’s not forget the high-fives and fist bumps. These emotions and shows of congratulations were on full display by and to our Class of 2023 graduates earlier this week. Seniors toured each school building donning their caps and gowns, celebrating their academic accomplishments with hallways lined full of students. The positive impact it had on future Tiger graduates, and the reminder to our staff that the work they do each day is significant.
Retirements: Recognition For Their Contributions
Throughout their careers in Hudson Falls, each and every staff member has a positive influence on a student or students in ways large and small. This needs to be honored, especially as they complete their employment journey. I had the privilege of recognizing each of the following retirees during the June 13 Board of Education meeting: Penny Gallagher, Special Education Teacher; Lisa Barber, Teacher’s Aide; Lauren Palmer, School Bus Driver; Susan Kill, Teacher’s Aide; Anne Santoro, 6th Grade Teacher; Colleen Gitto, Library Aide; Cheryl Kay-Jones, School Bus Driver; Joseph Viele, School Bus Driver; George Bourdeau, Building Maintenance Helper; and Nancy Rabine, Food Service Helper. At the 29 minute mark of the BOE Meeting recording is the start of the presentation I made to each retiree. Thank you and congratulations!
Moving On Up! Early Congrats to Our 5th and 8th Grade Students and Families
While we have focused on the students and staff “moving on” to graduate and retire, we have two groups of students moving on up! Families will have a chance to join their students at two separate events next week to celebrate important next steps in their academic careers. On June 20, the 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony is at 7 p.m. Then on June 21, the 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony is at 6:00 p.m. Both are in the high school gymnasium. Our staff at the middle and high school look forward to their arrival and all that they will add to the culture and spirit in those two schools.
Seal of Biliteracy Awarded to Three Seniors
The NYS Seal of Biliteracy acknowledges the importance of being bilingual in today’s global society and highlights the hard work and achievement of students, while encouraging them to pursue language study while in school. The recognition of attaining biliteracy becomes part of the high school transcript and diploma as a statement of accomplishment for future employers and for college admission. In HFCSD’s second year of awarding the Seal of Biliteracy Award, the recipients are: Sydney Keenan, Dominick Doyle, and Raeghan Cantiello. Congratulations to them for this achievement!
Free Summer Meals
From July 3 – August 11, our primary school cafeteria will host breakfast 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. and lunch 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Did you know?
– There are no income requirements for summer meals — all children 18 and younger can participate; and
– You do not need to register, apply or sign up
Nothing But Net: Summer Basketball Camps Kick Off June 26
Hudson Falls Tigers Boys Basketball Camp, run by boys varsity coach Greg Smith is open to any Hudson Falls boy entering grades 4 – 9. The camp runs Monday, June 26 – Thursday, June 29: Grades 4-6 (12:30 – 2:30 p.m.) and Grades 7-9 (2:30 – 4:30 p.m.) in the Hudson Falls High School Gymnasium. The cost is $55 and includes a camp shirt. Online Registration. Questions? Email Coach Smith at gsmith@hfcsd.org.
Hudson Falls Tigers Girls Basketball Camp, run by varsity coach Rob Tefft and J.V. Coach Ethan Doak is open to any Hudson Falls girl entering grades 3-9. The camp runs Monday, June 26 – Friday, June 30: Grades 3-5 (8:30 – 10:30 a.m.) and Grades 6-9 (11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) in the Primary School Gymnasium. The cost is $40 and includes a camp shirt. Questions? Contact Coach Tefft (rtefft@hfcsd.org) or Coach Doak (edoak@hfcsd.org). Printable registration form.
School, District & Community Calendar
Monday, June 19: No Classes for Juneteenth holiday.
Tuesday, June 20: 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony 7:00 p.m. High School gymnasium
Tuesday, June 20: Intermediate School Field Day 9:15 a.m.
Wednesday, June 21: 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony 6:00 p.m. High School gymnasium
Wednesday, June 21: Medication Pickup 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. UPK to 5th grades; 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 6-12 Grades. Parents should buzz the main office and identify the child they are picking up meds for. Health Office staff are not permitted to release meds to students. Any meds not picked up by 6/22 will be destroyed.
Wednesday, June 21: End of Year Party at the Primary School. 4:00-5:30 p.m. DJ, yard games, crafts, snacks and HF Cheerleaders!
Thursday, June 22: Medication Pickup. 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. UPK to 5th grades; 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 6-12 Grades.Parents should buzz the main office and identify the child they are picking up meds for. Health Office staff are not permitted to release meds to students. Any meds not picked up by 6/22 will be destroyed.
Saturday, June 24: Class of 2023 Graduation 9 a.m. Ceremony at the football field (weather permitting)
Have a great weekend, Tigers!
Dan Ward, Superintendent
