Message from JPS Superintendent Bret Apthorpe

It has come to my attention that there is some misinformation out in our community regarding the future of advanced high school courses. I apologize for these rumors. As Superintendent, I wanted to ensure that the truth is communicated directly to our families:

• Courses that lead to college credit are a key highlight to a Jamestown education and it is important to the district to:
• Increase the number of students taking these courses and;
• Increase the number of college credit bearing courses available to our students

• I asked the secondary administrators to:
• Review the accessibility of our college credit bearing and advanced courses to ensure that all students can benefit from these academic opportunities;
• Form a community/district committee to review present advanced high school course structure and make recommendations that align with 21st Century college and career expectations

Just to be clear, regarding advanced high school courses including AT courses, the only action that is currently taking place is the creation of a community/school committee to review our present course structure. The committee’s charge is to make recommendations, if necessary, to ensure equitable access and opportunity for all students; increase our college credit and AP courses/enrollment; and have a weighting system that aligns with modern college expectations. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 483-4420 or bret.c.apthorpe@jpsny.org.

District Safety Plan Open for Public Comment

The District Wide Safety Plan is open for public comment until June 30, 2019. After the end of the public comment period, the Plan will be presented to the Board of Education for approval.  For more information, please visit this page. 

Fletcher Elementary School 4th Grade Art Students Create Coloring Book to Benefit Their PTA

What a cool project Fletcher art teacher, Darryl Mallanda does with his 4th graders - they create a Coloring Book with all proceeds going to the school's PTA! Students created images that promoted school spirit & the school's PBIS program. Each participating student receives a complimentary copy of this year's book in recognition of their efforts! Help out the kids & the Fletcher PTA by buying a color book HERE

Groundbreaking Statement from American Academy of Pediatrics About School Attendance

Health-related absences are a key cause of children missing too much school. A groundbreaking statement on chronic absence released by the American Academy of Pediatrics calls attention to the critical role that pediatricians can play in educating families and communities about how to prevent health-related absences. "The Link Between School Attendance and Good Health" encourages health care providers to promote strong attendance through interactions with patients and their families. Pediatricians can also advocate for policies that help reduce chronic absence in the community, and the state and federal policy levels. Find the policy statement here.