The pain of leaving summer behind and beginning a new school year shouldn’t be too hard for West New York students this year – the first day back, Sept. 9, is only a half day. And although the following day is a full day, it’s also a Friday, which means they’ll be treated to a weekend vacation after just a day and a half back at their school work.
Though some kids may not be eager to hoist their backpacks and return to the daily homework grind, there is someone looking forward to his “first day of school” – newly inaugurated School Superintendent John Fauta.
“We’re ready to go,” said Fauta last week. “I’m very excited.”
Officially in charge since July 1, Fauta began his long history with the school district as a teacher, and has previously served as the assistant superintendent, assistant athletic director, and principal of School No. 3.
Fauta said that although he’s heading the district at a challenging time in its history, he and his staff are ready to lead the students to success.
Fauta said the administration and teachers are focused on one major mission this year, to not deprive the children of any services, regardless of what challenges the district may face.
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Fauta said the administration and teachers are focused on one major mission this year, to not deprive the children of any services, regardless of what challenges the district may face.
Creative changes
“My main concern, regardless of what’s happening with the state and budgets, is that we can provide quality education regardless of whatever cuts come down the road,” said Fauta. “That’s my main agenda and it always has been.”
To meet that agenda, Fauta said the district has used some creative ways of getting around financial constraints.
Although the separate Kindergarten through 2nd grade literacy program had to be cut, outside organizations (paid for by grants) will be brought in to help in the classrooms.
And in place of elementary intramural activities, the district partnered with town of West New York to provide athletic services on that level.
“We have a very well organized business department,” said “We’ve gone through many audits and we’ve come out successful.”
Building on success, and actual building plans
Toward the end of the 2009-2010 school year, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation announced that Memorial High School was the first and only school nationwide to earn a Gold National Recognition Award from the Healthy Schools Program.
And schools throughout the district have been recognized for making their campuses healthier for students and staff.
Now, Fauta said, the district is hoping to build upon that success to foster even more throughout a district that is growing with each passing year, thanks in part to developing areas, like the waterfront.
“Our attendance it going up,” he said. “People on the waterfront are realizing that we have quality education going on here.”
As plans to acquire the old St. Joseph’s School as an expansion on Memorial High School continue, the new Public School No. 3 is nearing completion.
Although the end of construction may come sooner, the actual opening of that school is anticipated to be in the fall of 2011.
Fauta said the opening of No. 3 will help alleviate anticipated overcrowding in some of the other schools in the district as well.
The current building, which is over 100 years old, has capacity for approximately 400 kids whereas the new building will be able to house over 700.
Partnering with colleges
Memorial High School will be rolling out a new program for its students this year, allowing them to take college level courses during the normal school year – a sort of step beyond traditional advanced placement or “AP” classes.
Fauta said that partnerships with colleges and universities in the area, such as Caldwell and Syracuse, have allowed the district teachers to actually train to be adjunct professors.
Students simply sign up to take the course and for minimal or no cost to the students, they’re able to work towards credits they can actually use in the college career.
Additionally, those partner colleges and universities will be providing a reduced rate to the staff to allow them to pursue advanced degrees.
Get to know your schools
Fauta said all of the schools in the district will be holding “Back to School” nights, most likely sometime in the next month or so although the actual dates have not yet been determined.
Additionally, each school hosts an event where parents are invited to come to school on a regular day to see what goes on in the classroom.
For those dates and more information on the upcoming school year, parents and students are invited to check in with the district website, www.wnyschools.net, periodically.
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.