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Update: Interim Middle School Principal
September 18th, 2025 Dear Patriot Families, I would like to take a moment to thank Ms. Jennifer Mousseau for her time and dedication as our Middle School Principal. Ms. Mousseau has made a positive impact on our students, staff, and community, and she has our full support as she moves on to accept a new position at Beekmantown Central School. We wish her continued success in this next chapter of her career. At the same time, we are fortunate to welcome Mr. Jamie LaBarge as our Interim Middle School Principal. Mr. LaBarge recently retired from the Plattsburgh City School District, where he served as Principal of Stafford Middle School. His experience and leadership will ensure stability and consistency for our students, families, and staff during this transition. Mr. LaBarge will also be sending out an introduction soon to our middle and high school families so that you can get to know him better. Ms. Mousseau will continue with us through Friday, September 26th, and Mr. LaBarge will begin his transition into the role on Thursday, September 25th, officially taking over full time on Monday, September 29th. Once again, we extend our gratitude to Ms. Mousseau for her service to AuSable Valley, and we warmly welcome Mr. LaBarge to our Patriot family. Sincerely, Michael Francia AVCS Superintendent
Thursday, Sep 18 2025
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New Raptor Visitor Management System
September 5th, 2025 Dear Patriot Families, The AuSable Valley Central School District is pleased to announce that we will begin using the Raptor Visitor Management System in all of our schools to strengthen campus safety for students, staff, and visitors. As part of our ongoing commitment to safety, this system will help us better monitor who is entering our buildings at all times. We are also pleased to share that this new system is fully funded through grant support, which means there is no additional cost to the district. The Raptor system will allow us to screen visitors, contractors, and volunteers more effectively and provide an additional layer of security for our school community. Here’s what to expect: Upon entering any district building, visitors will be asked to present a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license. This ID can either be scanned or manually entered into the system. If a parent or guardian does not have a U.S. government-issued ID, staff can manually enter the visitor’s name into the Raptor system using any available form of identification. The Raptor system will check the visitor’s name and date of birth against a national database of registered sex offenders. This is the only database the system checks. No additional personal information from the ID is gathered or recorded, and no data is shared with outside agencies. Once entry is approved, visitors will receive a printed badge that includes their name, the date, and the purpose of their visit. Visitors who are only dropping off items or picking up paperwork at the office will not be required to obtain a badge. The safety and security of our students and staff remain our highest priority. The Raptor Visitor Management System will enhance our ability to quickly identify anyone who may pose a risk, ensuring a safer environment for all. Thank you in advance for your understanding and continued support as we enhance safety protocols in our district. Sincerely, Michael Francia AVCS Superintendent
Friday, Sep 05 2025
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Welcome Back AVCS!
September 2nd, 2025 Dear Patriot Families, Welcome back! We are so excited to have our students returning to our classrooms, hallways, and playgrounds for another great school year at AVCS. This summer has been full of energy and progress, as our capital project continues to bring exciting upgrades to all of our buildings. These improvements are being made with one goal in mind: to provide safe, modern, and supportive learning environments where every student can thrive. New Cell Phone & Personal Device Guidelines As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, we are implementing new guidelines for student use of personal electronic devices, in alignment with New York State law. This new law requires all schools across New York State to create safe, supportive, and distraction-free learning environments for students. To meet this important expectation, we are making the following changes: Elementary Schools (AFES & KES): Students are not permitted to bring personal electronic devices such as cell phones, smartwatches, or tablets to school. This helps our youngest learners stay fully engaged in class and free from distractions. Middle/High School (MHS): Students are required to turn off their personal electronic devices and store them in their lockers (“away for the day”) from the moment they enter the building until dismissal. Devices may not be kept in backpacks or pockets. Any exemptions are limited to legally documented medical requirements or formal accommodations (IEP/504 plans). We believe these changes will foster more focus, stronger connections, and a more positive school culture for all of our students. Attendance Matters We are proud to share that our attendance improved last school year! Here are a few highlights: Elementary Schools (AFES & KES): Absences decreased by 19.8% at Keeseville and 14% at AuSable Forks. Overall: Across the district, we had 912 fewer absences in 2024–2025 compared to the previous school year. Middle School & High School: While our Middle School attendance remained steady (+0.5%), our High School saw an increase in absences (+6.8%). We know how important it is to support our middle and high school students, and we will be working closely with families this year to improve attendance. Did you know? Research shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academic success, build strong relationships, and graduate on time. Missing just two days a month can add up to nearly a month of lost learning by the end of the year. Looking Ahead We are committed to making this school year the best for every student. Our faculty and staff have been working hard all summer to prepare, and we are ready to provide the encouragement, guidance, and opportunities our students need to succeed. Together, with your partnership, we can ensure that every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired each day. We can’t wait to see everyone back in our schools on Thursday, September 4th! Sincerely, Michael Francia AVCS Superintendent
Tuesday, Sep 02 2025
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Graduation Location Update
June 25, 2025 Good Morning Patriot Families, Due to the forecasted rain for Friday evening, we have made the decision to move our graduation ceremony indoors to the high school gym. The ceremony will still take place at 6:30 PM on Friday, June 27th , but will now be held in the AVCS High School Gym . There will be ample space to accommodate all guests who wish to attend. We’re making this decision today to ensure we have sufficient time to prepare and set up the space appropriately. We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2025 together—rain or shine! Thank you for your understanding and support! Sincerely, Michael Francia AVCS Superintendent
Wednesday, Jun 25 2025
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Cornell Cooperative Extension June Update
AGRICULTURE CCE staff work hard to track down the latest farmers' market information across the North Country! Check out the updated Adirondack Harvest summer farmers' market guide below and visit https://adirondackharvest.com/markets/ for details on each market! DEC ISSUES ANNUAL SPRING REMINDER TO HELP KEEP WILDLIFE AND PEOPLE SAFE: IF YOU CARE, LEAVE IT THERE Fawns, Baby Birds, and Other Young Animals Are Rarely Abandoned and Handling or Moving Animals Carries Risks With spring in full swing and young animals more visible, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded New Yorkers to appreciate wildlife from a safe distance and resist the urge to touch or move young wildlife. Fawns, baby birds, and other offspring may seem abandoned, but their parents are often close by and well-intentioned interference can pose risks to the animals and humans. “Spring’s warmer weather brings with it more sightings and encounters with wildlife, especially young birds and other animals,” said DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “While some might think these baby animals need assistance, human interactions with wildlife typically do more harm than good. Please remember— if you care, leave it there .” Avoid Interactions with Young Wildlife Interacting with young wildlife can be problematic for both the animal and people. When young wildlife venture into the world, for a brief time they may have limited ability to fly or walk on their own. While one or both parents teach survival skills to their offspring, some young wildlife receive little or no care. DEC reminds the public that young wild animals like fawns and baby birds are rarely abandoned. Parents often place their young somewhere to keep them hidden from predators while they are off collecting food. Bird nestlings can have closed eyes and can be featherless, spending approximately two weeks in the nest until they begin to outgrow the space. Once they outgrow the nest, nestlings become fledglings, a bird with developed feathers, and begin to flap their wings and learn how to fly. In both stages (nestlings and fledglings) the adult birds are nearby and care for them. If a nestling is found on the ground and cannot be easily and safely returned to the nest, the public is advised to refrain from approaching and instead should call a wildlife rehabilitator . Fledglings, on the other hand, can hop and flutter on their own, and spend short periods out of the nest on the ground or in low branches. If a young bird is alert, fully feathered, and moving around, people are encouraged to watch from a distance and not intervene. Fawns are born during late May and early June, and although they can walk shortly after birth, they spend most of their first several days lying still in tall grass, leaf litter, or sometimes relatively unconcealed. During this period, a fawn is usually left alone by the adult female (doe), except when nursing. Fawns are vulnerable to predators during this period. If human presence is detected by the doe, the doe may delay its next visit to nurse. Fawns should never be picked up. A fawn's protective coloration and ability to remain motionless help it avoid detection by predators and people. By the end of a fawn's second week of life, it begins to move about, spend more time with the doe, and eat on its own. At about 10 weeks of age, fawns are no longer dependent on milk, although they continue to nurse occasionally into the fall. A Reminder Regarding Avian Influenza Avian influenza is a viral disease in wild birds such as ducks and geese, gulls, raptors, and shorebirds that is commonly called “bird flu.” With the recent winter spike and public concern of avian influenza, the Wildlife Health Program has been monitoring the occurrence and impact across the state. You can report suspected avian influenza bird mortalities to DEC . Once completed, the form will automatically be forwarded to regional staff who will determine the best course of action to follow. Avian influenza is widespread in wild birds and mammals, so not all reports will result in DEC retrieving the animals for testing and/or disposal. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the recent HPAI detections in birds pose a low risk to the public . People should minimize contact between wild birds, especially waterfowl, and domestic animals to reduce animal and human health risks. Sick or Injured Animals Anyone who encounters a wild animal that is injured or obviously orphaned should call a trained and DEC-licensed wildlife rehabilitator . Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are the only people legally allowed to receive and treat distressed wildlife, and have the experience, expertise, and facilities to successfully treat and release wild animals. Additionally, the public should note the increased risk of rabies in mammals and are reminded not to handle species like skunk, foxes, raccoons, or bats directly. Anyone who observes wildlife that appears to be behaving abnormally should contact their closest DEC regional wildlife office or an Environmental Conservation Police Officer. For more information on wildlife health , visit DEC’s webpage. Additionally, DEC reminds the public that young wildlife are not pets. Keeping wildlife in captivity without authorization from DEC is illegal and harmful to the animal. Wild animals are not well-suited to life in captivity and may carry diseases that can be transferred to humans. DEC also advises the public to keep domestic pets indoors when young wild animals are present. Many fledgling birds cannot fly well when they first leave the nest and are easy prey for house cats. Most people have the best intentions when they find wild animals, but if a fawn, baby bird, or other young wildlife is found, please remember, “If You Care, Leave It There.” For more information and answers to frequently asked questions about young wildlife , visit DEC’s website. HORTICULTURE A Big Thank You to Our Master Gardener Volunteers! We're thrilled to share that this year's plant sale & advice clinic was a huge success. All the money raised - will go toward supporting community education through gardening workshops, events and outreach. This incredible achievement is thanks to the hard work, dedication and passion of our Master Gardener Volunteers, who organized, grew, and led every step of the event. As this was my first time attending, I was truly inspired to see how much care and energy they invested - not for personal reward, but to benefit the entire community. Thank you to all who contributed to this effort. Your commitment helps us continue providing valuable educational opportunities for local gardeners and plant lovers alike. Tia Legge Ag/Hort/Natural Resources Educator June Gardening To-Do List Tia Legge, Ag/Horticulture Educator June is here – and that means we’re really getting into the swing of things! Still excited about that garden you’ve been planning for months? Because I sure am! Here’s what your gardening to-do list should look like for June: See List Here! MGV survey Tia Legge Ag/Horticulture/NR- Educator VRL29@cornell.edu 518-561-7450 YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Static Exhibit Judges: Needed! Clinton County 4-H Seeks Volunteers to Judge Youth Exhibits at County Fair Clinton County 4-H is currently seeking volunteers to serve as judges for youth static exhibits at this year’s Clinton County Fair , taking place on July 5th . Static exhibits include a wide range of projects such as photography, arts and crafts, woodworking, food and nutrition, and more. Judges play a key role in supporting 4-H youth by offering encouragement and constructive feedback on their hard work. No formal judging experience is required. Training and guidelines will be provided. We welcome individuals with a passion for youth development and a willingness to give back to their community. If you're interested in volunteering or learning more, please contact Chelsea or Kari (See contact information below) Dairy Barn Manager We are seeking out a Dairy Bar Manager for the 4-H barn, during the Clinton County Fair. Duties would include managing the 4-H Dairy Bar schedule and assisting youth with performing their dairy bar duties. A generous stipend is provided. If youre interested in learning more, please reach out to Chelsea Denny. Chelsea- Email 518-561-7450 Sending a huge congratulations to Clinton County 4-H member, Carter Bierman for earning first place in the Junior Divison of the NYS 4-H Horse Communications Competition held at Cornell Univeristy! 4-H Teen Ambassadors Spark Youth Engagement at Master Gardener Plant Sale Clinton County 4-H Teen Ambassadors—Izzy, Case, and Mia—helped bring a vibrant spark of youth engagement to the recent Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Clinton County. With creativity and leadership, the teen ambassadors set up a hands-on activity station where young attendees could assemble their own free mini-seed gardens to take home. They also created a colorful interactive banner where children were invited to express their artistic talents and leave their signatures, a fun and memorable way to celebrate community involvement and youth expression. The 4-H Teen Ambassador program plays a vital role in Clinton County. Teen ambassadors work alongside CCE Youth and Family educators to develop and deliver programs that build leadership skills in younger participants. They also serve as representatives of the 4-H program, helping to promote the wide range of opportunities available through 4-H—everything from agriculture and STEM to civic engagement and the arts. Their presence at the plant sale not only highlighted their dedication but also served as a reminder of how powerful youth leadership can be in cultivating community connections.
Monday, Jun 16 2025