Raider Update: Week of December 15, 2025

The Raider Update Week of December 15, 2025 Superintendent's Message One of our primary goals is to continually improve our daily student attendance rate. Our students and their families are making great progress with improved attendance at every school. I am incredibly proud of the great improvements that we are seeing across all grade levels with regular attendance. Thank you to our students, families, faculty and staff for making regular daily attendance a priority. Respectfully, Ron Burke, Superintendent J.W. Leary Update Jefferson Update Madison Update Nightengale Update

Monday, Dec 15 2025

Raider Update: Week of December 8, 2025

The Raider Update Week of December 8, 2025 Superintendent's Message In early October, schools across the country work with their local fire departments to educate children about fire safety. These lessons are important for children to understand how to prevent fires and what to do in the case of a fire. With the cold weather now upon us, I ask that all families consider fire safety in their homes. Essential to protecting one’s family is to have working smoke detectors. “Smoke Detectors Save Lives” is more than just a catchy phrase: it is a proven fact. Please take time to check the smoke detectors in your home to ensure that they are working properly. When the temperatures reach sub zero, it can prove difficult to keep spaces warm. Included in this week’s update is a one page document about space heater safety.  We are fortunate to have outstanding fire service protection in our area through both career staff and numerous volunteers. When needed, these individuals answer the call at any time of the day. While our first responders are ready to serve, taking basic fire safety precautions reduces the need for their services and, more importantly, protects one’s family. Respectfully, Ron Burke, Superintendent J.W. Leary Update Jefferson Update Madison Update Nightengale Update

Monday, Dec 08 2025

Raider Update: Week of November 24, 2025

The Raider Update Weeks of November 24 and December 1, 2025 Superintendent's Message This is a short week with only two days of classes as we take a recess to celebrate Thanksgiving. Our elementary students will be dismissed early on both Monday and Tuesday so that we can host parent-teacher conferences. These meetings are vital for the collaboration between home and school. I wish all a Happy Thanksgiving! Respectfully, Ron Burke, Superintendent Upcoming Concerts Tuesday, December 2 All Elementary Chorus Thursday, December 4 All Orchestra Tuesday, December 9 Elementary and JR High Band Thursday, December 11 HS Band/Jazz Band Concerts begin at 7:00PM in the HS Auditorium. J.W. Leary Update Jefferson Update Madison Update Nightengale Update

Monday, Nov 24 2025

Raider Update: Week of November 17, 2025

The Raider Update Week of November 17, 2025 Superintendent's Message One of the many reasons I am proud of our school is our outstanding music department. From the legendary Rocktober to elementary musicals to school concerts, our students continually demonstrate incredible talent. I want to thank each member of our music department for the tireless efforts in guiding our students in the mastery of their musical skill. This week marks the start of the winter concert series. The High School Chorus will take to the stage on Tuesday and the Jr. High Choral Concert will be on Wednesday. Both concerts start at 7:00 PM in the High School Auditorium. All are welcome to attend. On Tuesday, we also celebrate our School-Related Professionals. These individuals include our bus drivers and monitors, cafeteria workers, maintenance and operations staff, nurses, secretaries, teacher aides and teacher assistants. We thank all of these dedicated staff members for the work that they do to support our students. Respectfully, Ron Burke, Superintendent J.W. Leary Update Jefferson Update Madison Update Nightengale Update

Monday, Nov 17 2025

Raider Update: Week of November 10,2025

The Raider Update Week of November 10, 2025 Superintendent's Message As we observe Veterans Day, we take this opportunity to honor the men and women who have served our country with dedication and courage. Their sacrifices have protected our freedoms and shaped the nation we cherish today. We salute our veterans, not only for their past contributions, but also for the inspiration they provide as they exemplify service above self. I share with all veterans my sincere gratitude for their service and commitment.  Please remember that due to professional development for faculty and staff, students will not have school on Monday, November 10.  In recognition of Veterans’ Day, school is closed on Tuesday, November 11.   Respectfully, Ron Burke, Superintendent High School UpdateJ.W. Leary UpdateMadison UpdateNightengale Update

Monday, Nov 10 2025

Raider Update: Week of November 3, 2025

The Raider Update Week of November 3, 2025 Superintendent's Message As we mark the end of the first quarter this week, now is the time to assess key areas such as school attendance, study habits, and communication with teachers.  Regular attendance is crucial for maintaining academic progress and staying engaged with the curriculum.  It's important to review attendance records to make sure that our children are maximizing their time in class.  Similarly, evaluating study habits can help identify strategies that are working well and areas that may need improvement.  Whether it's time management, organization, or techniques for effective studying, now is the time to reinforce positive habits or introduce new ones. Communication between students, parents, and teachers is another critical element of academic success.  The end of the marking period is an excellent opportunity to reach out to teachers for feedback and insights into student performance.  Engaging in open dialogue can provide clarity on academic expectations and highlight areas where additional support might be beneficial.  By taking a proactive approach to these evaluations, we can set the stage for continued success in the upcoming marking periods.  Let's work together to ensure our students are on the path to reaching their full potential. Respectfully, Ron Burke, Superintendent J.W. Leary Update Jefferson Update Madison Update Nightengale Update

Monday, Nov 03 2025

Raider Update: Week of October 27, 2025

The Raider Update Week of October 27, 2025 Superintendent's Message In the October 22, 2025 Red Ribbon Blog, Peggy B. Sapp, President of the National Family Partnership wrote the following: One choice can shape a day, a friendship, or a lifetime. As parents, mentors, and community leaders, the choices we make — what we say, how we act, and the examples we set — send messages that echo through generations. When we choose to talk openly with our children about the dangers of drug use and model positive ways to manage stress or challenges, we empower them to make decisions that strengthen their futures. During Red Ribbon Week, we are reminded of the vital role we play in guiding our children towards making healthy and positive life choices. As they grow, children will face many situations that test their resilience. Equipping them with the skills to navigate these difficulties, we empower our children to face adversity without resorting to drugs as a coping mechanism. Encouraging open communication, providing emotional support, and teaching problem-solving skills are just a few ways we can help them build this resilience. Together, we can ensure our children develop the confidence and capability to overcome life's hurdles in healthy and constructive ways. Respectfully, Ron Burke, Superintendent J.W. Leary Update Jefferson Update Madison Update Nightengale Update

Monday, Oct 27 2025

Raider Update: Week of October 20, 2025

The Raider Update Week of September 8, 2025 Superintendent's Message Student Activities Numerous studies demonstrate a positive correlation between student participation in extracurricular activities and consistent attendance, academic achievement and emotional well-being.  Our school and community offer many opportunities for students outside of the classroom.  Let’s encourage our children to participate in activities that foster engagement with others and personal growth. Rocktober Our incredibly talented high school students will take the stage for this year’s Rocktober on Friday, October 24 at 7:00 PM in the High School Auditorium.  This concert is one that you will not want to miss!  We hope to see you there. Respectfully, Ron Burke, Superintendent J.W. Leary Update Jefferson Update Madison Update Nightengale Update

Monday, Oct 20 2025

Raider Update: Week of October 11, 2025

The Raider Update Week of October 11, 2025 Superintendent's Message Included in this week's newsletter is a link to the 2025 Holiday Guide. This guide provides important information on programs throughout our community designed to help ease the burden of the upcoming winter months. Thank you to our Community Schools Coordinator, Emily Kimble, Community Schools Director, Kristin Colarusso-Martin and the many organizations throughout our area who partner to help make lives better for children and their families. Respectfully, Ron Burke, Superintendent Massena Holiday Guide J.W. Leary Update Jefferson Update Madison Update Nightengale Update

Tuesday, Oct 14 2025

Raider Update: Week of October, 6, 2025

The Raider Update Week of October 6, 2025 Superintendent's Message This week I would like to highlight our Food Service Department for their outstanding commitment to providing nutritious meals for our students. The success of their work is seen in the incredible growth in the number of meals that are being served. For September 2025, our cafeterias served nearly 8,000 more meals than in September 2024! Congratulations, and thank you, to our entire Food Service Department. Remember, every student can receive a free breakfast and a free lunch. Respectfully, Ron Burke J.W. Leary Update Jefferson Update Madison Update Nightengale Update

Monday, Oct 06 2025