School gets new media/library center and  classrooms

In December 2001, voters approved the project and in September 2003 construction began at Mechanicstown. The overhaul of the cafeteria was completed by the end of the 2003-04 school year and during last summer the parking lot was also overhauled to improve traffic flow and safety.

"I'd like to say thank you," said Staff Sergeant Martindale. "To receive items that reminded us of the comforts of home was overwhelming." Staff Sergeant Martindale was deployed for the past two years on assignment, and said it was great to be home. His son Kyle and daughter Moriah are students at the school.

Principal Sue Short also read a letter to students from Officer David Dunn. "We appreciate them [the boxes] very much," he wrote. Students hope to receive more response letters from troops in the coming weeks.

Staff, students & the PTO give a hand to soldiers this holiday season
DEC. 2004—Mechanicstown students, and staff, in accordance with the PTO, collected over 25 boxes filled with donated items like toiletries and nonperishable goods to be sent to soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to PTO President Bill Galvin, the effort was the school's opportunity to give thanks for those serving our county. The packages were sent Dec. 8, 2004, just in time for the holidays!

Community blood drive a success
OCT. 2004—On Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004, the PTO, in accordance with Community Blood Services, hosted a community blood drive in the Mechanicstown Elementary School cafeteria. According to Bill Galvin, PTO President and blood drive coordinator, the event was a success.

“Our goal was 40 donors this year—45 attempted with 39 donating blood,” said Galvin.  “I would like thank those who donated, and Community Blood Services for making this blood drive a success.”

The PTO plans to host another community blood drive in the spring and are increasing their donor goal to 50. Galvin was recognized by the Middletown City School District with a Certificate of Appreciation at the Oct. 21, 2004, Board of Education meeting.

Mechanicstown grade four math scores improve
OCT. 2004—According to math results released by the State Education Department this October, achievement in elementary and middle school math is increasing statewide.

In 2002, only 38 percent of fourth graders at Mechanicstown Elementary School were considered to have met or exceeded the State learning standards by scoring a level 3 or 4 on the New York standardized math test. However, the number of students scoring a level 3 or 4 has increased to 74 percent.

"According to Steven Hill from the State Education Department, few schools improve so dramatically," said Principal Susan Short. "We are pleased that our hard work and diligence has paid off. However, we know we must continue this initiative until we reach 85 percent and beyond."

Principal Short said school personnel will continue to analyze how daily instruction affects how well students learn. “We will still do data analysis in the district, but it may take on a different form,” she said. “The bottom line is this—we know that what takes place in the classroom must mirror the assessments. Pre-testing is also an important component of the improvement initiative.”

Last year, teachers worked intensively with students who scored a level 1 or 2 on the State’s standardized grade 4 math test, and this extra assistance significantly improved their skills. The result: Thirty five of these students no longer need to be placed in an Academic Intervention math program.