At this time each year I comment on how quickly the summer has passed.  This year is no exception.  It seems like just yesterday we stood outside and waved goodbye to our 260 young friends.  Summer provides us with time to refresh our facilities, work on curriculum projects that enhance student learning, to relax with family and friends and to anticipate a new school year.  Mrs. Reed, Mr. Sellig, Mrs. Palmer and Mr. Zurawski have been busy preparing for teachers and students to return.  Soon we will be ready to open our doors to begin the 2008-2009 academic year.

I am pleased to welcome several new teachers to AJ Schmidt.  In late June, six teachers spent two days interviewing and evaluating demonstration lessons. We are confident that we have found five teachers with the skills and abilities to provide our students with a quality education. 

Some of you may remember Mr. Adams who served as a long-term substitute in 4^th grade at the end of the year.  Mr. Adams has accepted a position as one of our 5^th grade teachers.  Mr. Adams will work together with Mrs. Evans who, after seven years in kindergarten, will move to 5^th grade.  Mrs. Evans is enthusiastic about her move and has been working hard to prepare for September.  Mrs. Evans’ move to 5^th grade created an opening in kindergarten.  Mrs. Addison will be joining our team working with Mrs. Lyford.  Like Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Addison is eager to begin her new job.  We have hired a former AJ Schmidt student to teach 4^th grade.  Mr. Lamoreaux remembers being a student at AJ and is excited to return as a teacher.  Mr. Lamoreaux has seven years experience teaching; most recently he was the lead 4^th grade teacher at Global Concepts Charter School.  He brings with him a myriad of experience in technology and creative lesson planning. Mrs. Martin will join our staff as a general and instrumental music teacher.  Mrs. Martin will join Mr. Creech and Mr. Capitummino in the music department at AJ.  We are excited to welcome Mrs. Kushner to our reading staff.  Mrs. Kushner worked as a long term substitute in the district last year and brings with her a wealth of experience in teaching and administration. 

In addition to newly hired staff members, I want to extend a warm welcome to teachers who have transferred to AJ Schmidt.  Mr. Ruffino will join us, on a part time basis, as our kindergarten art teacher.  Mrs. Cloos and Mrs. Walterich are our new librarians.  They are excited to be an integral part of our literacy initiatives. 

We are doing something new this year.  Students in grades 3, 4 and 5 will start the year by participating in a “New School Year Retreat”.  Together with classroom teachers, related service providers and several other staff members, our students will develop a grade level mission statement, review their academic progress from last year and set goals for this year and take part in team building activities.  Our goal is to set an academic tone and to foster an environment of cooperation and mutual respect. 

Our goal to close the achievement gap remains the same.  We spent time this summer analyzing our test scores and examining our curriculum.  Our students will have the benefit of small group instruction in guided reading, writing and listening groups three times a week in our newly created Literacy Blocks.  Classroom, reading and special education teachers have common planning time to design lesson plans that will enhance our students’ ability to meet New York State’s rigorous learning standards. 

Teachers at AJ Schmidt will have an opportunity to participate in a professional development learning community that will focus on differentiated instruction.  The group will share ideas, lessons and provide feedback on instructional strategies that work best for students. 

We will have our plates full this year.  Our commitment to continuous improvement and closing the achievement gap is our priority.  I am excited by the possibilities and working with a team of dedicated professionals who want only the best for all of our students. 

Working together to instill a love of lifelong learning is important. Please, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to call.  I can be reached at 926-2351 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  I am looking forward to a great year!  Thank you in advance for your support!

Jennifer Makowski

Principal