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Approximately 5,000 pupils are enrolled in the seven schools within our award-winning District. We have five Kindergarten to fifth grade neighborhood elementary schools: Bell Top, Donald P. Sutherland, Genet, Green Meadow, and Red Mill. Our students in grade six, seven, and eight, attend our newly renovated Goff Middle School, and our high school students attend Columbia High School.
Columbia High School houses approximately 1,450 students and offers an extensive educational plan. Our students consistently meet and surpass New York State's New Standards. In addition, Columbia offerings include: Merit Scholarships; Regents and school diplomas; vocational programs through Questar III (formerly known as BOCES); interscholastic sports and club activities; credits at nearby colleges and evening Continuing Education programs; business-school partnerships; a Career Exploration Internship program; an extensive art, music, and theater program; and a four-year honors program.
The Goff Middle School educational plan includes: team teaching with a flexible, modular based schedule; technology classes and computer labs in the classroom; home and career skills; foreign languages; many clubs and athletic programs; guidance counselors, social workers, and school psychologists; a health office with certified staff; a library program; a theater program; student recognition programs; a full music and art program; a Special Education inclusion program; and extensive field trip opportunities.
Our five elementary schools are located near the homes of the District's younger students. Each of the schools has their own unique characteristic, history, and traditions. The schools' offerings include: math and reading programs that provide the students the opportunity to progress at their own rate while meeting the State's New Standards; libraries; cafeterias with hot lunches; health offices with certified staff; computer education with new labs in each classroom; art, music and physical education; psychological services; and tutorial programs staffed by District volunteers.
Since 1995, the East Greenbush Central School District's voters have passed two renovation building projects. The first project renovated the existing four elementary schools and the Goff Middle School, and converted the Genet school into a fifth elementary school. The project was completed in 1999.
In April 2000, the voters passed the second renovation building project. This building plan includes the renovation of Columbia High School and our Transportation facility. It is scheduled to be completed in September of 2005.
We offer a comprehensive Special Education program for handicapped students between the ages of 3 and 21. The goal of our program is to provide a free and appropriate Individual Education Plan (IEP) for the handicapped student. Routine screening procedures for new pupils are conducted throughout the district annually. Parents who suspect their children may have a handicap can also initiate the referral process.
In addition, we also have a school-wide enrichment program (ADEPT) for students with special talents. The program has been designed for pupils who have demonstrated potential in many areas, including creative thinking and the visual and performing arts. Accommodations are based upon individual and group needs, and range from individually assigned mentors to college-level courses offerings.
The District is affiliated with the following local colleges and universities: The University at Albany, The College of St. Rose, Hudson Valley Community College, and R.P.I. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) in supporting learning opportunities for our students. Matriculation agreements for course credit are a part of our existing program of studies. We also have working arrangements with many businesses to provide career and mentoring programs for our students.
Nearly 600 people are employed by the East Greenbush Central School District on a full- and part-time basis. Our secretarial, clerical, transportation, maintenance, and food service staff all assist and play an important role in the support of the District's educational process. Administrators and supervisors oversee the educational and business aspects of the District. Almost three-quarters of the instructional staff hold Master's Degrees, and nearly half have more than 15 years of teaching experience.
The District's facilities are available for community activities. In addition, our self-sustaining Adult Continuing Education and Community Education programs attract well over 2,000 residents annually, including many senior citizens, supporting "learning as a life-long activity." |
