Settling in for a long winter in Stamford

It feels as if we should be nearly through winter by the weather we’ve had this fall. Yet by the calendar, winter has just begun.

While one of the shortest school months of the year, December has been a time of great excitement and infinite opportunities in Stamford for those who love the arts and athletics. Holiday concerts featuring chorus and band performances filled the air in the last three weeks. Winter sports season has filled the gymnasium with athletes from a variety of age groups – elementary basketball to adult soccer. Meanwhile, our students continue to find ways to help out those less fortunate with valuable activities such as The Christmas Feeling Fund, other food and clothing collections and blood drives.

What a wonderful way to display the many talents of our students. I have enjoyed seeing many of you at the various events that filled the months leading up to the holiday break. We are so privileged in Stamford to have dedicated educators, coaches and talented student artists, musicians, and athletes. 

 As we open the 2011 year we will face many challenges with the budget and the unknown regarding what education will look like for rural districts across New York State in the near future. As a result, it will be even more important for open communications among all stakeholders in the budget development process. The primary focus must be: How can we, at a minimum, preserve program offerings for students while maintaining fiscal strength and stability for the district at an efficient cost to taxpayers? I welcome your comments and questions at the next Fireside Chat, February 8, 2011 in the Elementary Library.

I encourage everyone in Stamford to take advantage of all we have to offer, support our hard working students, and come out to enjoy the various events we can offer our students throughout the winter!

A Happy and Prosperous New Year to all!

Tonda Dunbar, Superintendent