Information from Nancy Wayman, Director Communications

Community Volunteer Needed for District Planning Team
A PCSD resident without children enrolled in the school district is needed to fill a vacancy on the District Planning Team. The District Planning Team (DPT) is a twenty member, standing committee dedicated to continuous improvement in the quality of education in Pittsford. DPT members participate in the planning and direction of the District including advising the superintendent on vision, values, and strategic initiatives. The twenty DPT members represent various internal and external stakeholder organizations.

“Pittsford has a strong tradition of community involvement in our schools,” said Mary Alice Price, superintendent of schools, “This opportunity provides another way for parents and non-parents to be involved in the District.”

Interested Pittsford School District residents without children enrolled in the school district should send a letter of interest by January 11, 2010 to: Mary Alice Price, Superintendent of Schools, Pittsford Central School District, 75 Barker Road, Pittsford, NY 14534

New "Parent Center" on District Website
A new Parent Center on the Pittsford Schools website is now available to provide quick and easy access to school-related information in one convenient place. The Parent Center is a menu of links connected to District web pages parents often visit.

Athletics, budget information, school calendar, curriculum, morning announcements, Internet policy, forms, and supply lists are just some of the options available in the Parent Center. Links to the staff directory, teacher web pages, school lunch menus and Transportation Department are also included. A suggestion box provides an opportunity for comments or suggestions for new links you would like to see added.

To visit the new Parent Center click on "Parent Center" under the Quick Links found on the left side of the homepage.

Reserve Hotels for 2010 Graduation Now
Pittsford’s 2010 graduation ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, June 26 overlap with the recently announced LPGA Championship at Locust Hill Country Club. Graduates with expected out-of-town guests may want to consider reserving any necessary hotel accommodations now.

Rainbow Classic Tradition Continues Friday, December 18, 2009
The Rainbow Classic is a Pittsford tradition: Two Pittsford Varsity basketball games on the court of the University of Rochester Palestra raising money for the Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong.

On December 18, 2009 the Mendon and Sutherland girls and boys varsity basketball teams will meet for the ninth consecutive year of the Rainbow Classic. The girls’ game begins at 6:00 p.m. followed by the boys’ game at 8:00 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are available at the Mendon and Sutherland High School main offices.

Funds raised from Rainbow Classic competitions have supported various projects at Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong including a patient room in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and the opening of the new surgical unit.

The Rainbow Classic fundraiser began as an idea of a parent, a student-athlete and a coach in memory of Katelyn Pasley, a Park Road Elementary School student, and later expanded to include the memory of Ryan McCluski, a 2002 Sutherland High School graduate. Both were patients at the Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong.

The Pasley and McCluski families would like to invite other Pittsford families who have suffered the loss of a child to join them in this project. Families interested in becoming involved in the Rainbow Classic are encouraged to call the PCSD Athletic Department at 267-1062.

School Closing Process
The decision to close schools, keep them open or dismiss students early is made after careful examination of current weather conditions or projected changes in the weather. Please assume schools will be open and encourage your children to be prepared for their next day’s studies. Anticipate the possibility that busses may be delayed during rainy or snowy conditions and dress children appropriately for weather conditions.

We understand that a decision to open or close schools in bad weather will have an impact on our families. We consider many factors while making these decisions, including:

• Current and projected weather conditions. • Road patrols by the Town and District. Reports include the condition of local roads, sidewalks and parking lots, taking into account snow and ice, as well as other hazards such as downed trees or power lines. These reports also provide an assessment of the progress of snow clearing. • Director of Transportation report after gathering information about road conditions in local and surrounding areas. • Temperature and wind chill factors. Monroe County Health Department recommends that we consider closing schools if the wind chill is expected to fall between -25 and -40 degrees.

When it is necessary to close or dismiss schools for any emergency, including inclement weather, announcements are made on local radio and television broadcasts by 6:30 a.m. on the radio stations and television affiliates listed below:

WHAM – 1180 AM WBEE – 92.5 FM WXXI – 1370 AM WARM – 101.3 FM WROC – TV 8 WHAM – TV 13 WHEC – TV 10 YNN – Cable TV 9

The District will also post a notice on the District website (www.pittsfordschools.org), send an Urgent Message email/text message, and update the switchboard line. (Please be sure to register for Urgent Messaging through the District website.)

When the decision has been made to close schools or dismiss early, all evening school activities will be cancelled, including athletic practices and contests, club meetings, and any other student after-school activities.

Pittsford Teams Win Sportsmanship Awards
Two Pittsford teams were recognized for their outstanding sportsmanship during the Fall 2009 season. The Mendon High School Girls Soccer team and the Mendon High School Girls Volleyball team were awarded the Section V Class A Sportsmanship Award in their respective sports. This honor is based on evaluations by the game officials in several categories including conduct of the team, coach, parents, and spectators, as well as the school’s conduct and overall atmosphere at home and away games.

Excess Materials for Sale
Pittsford Central School District has numerous excess materials, at various locations in the District, for sale to the highest bidder. All items are sold “as is”. A list of these items and where they may be seen is attached. Bids must be in a sealed envelope and received at the District Office by noon on Thursday, December 10, 2009. The District reserves the right to reject any or all bids on any item.

Nancy Wayman, Director

Communications Office

Pittsford Central School District

Administrative Offices - East Wing

75 Barker Road

Pittsford, NY 14534

267-1031

fax 385-6328