The Superintendent's Message

It is hard to believe how quickly the school year is progressing.  As we enter the winter months, there is much for our students to look forward to.  As a school community, winter break allows each one of us time to spend with friends and family.  The new year signifies a new beginning and new opportunities for each of us.

As a public school district, the new year will bring many challenges.  With New York State facing a fiscal crisis, Governor Paterson has notified all school districts of a plan to reduce state funding for education for the 2009-2010 school year.  Originally, the Governor indicated that there would be mid-year reductions, but has since indicated that there would only be one major reduction, and this would be reflected in state aid provided to districts for the 2009-2010 school year.  Given that the mid-year reduction in funding for the East Greenbush Central School District was $1.7 million, it is anticipated that the reduction in state funding could be as much as $3.5 million for the 2009-2010 school year. 
(Click here for Dr. Guptill's complete letter.)

Free and Reduced Meals- Posted December 3, 2008

Children need healthy meals to learn.  The East Greenbush Central School District offers healthy meals every school day.  Breakfast costs $1.00 for grades K-8, $1.50 for grades 9-12;  lunch costs $2.00 for grades K-5, $2.25 for grades 6-12. 

Children from households that meet Federal income guidelines are eligible for free meals or reduced price meals. Reduced price meals cost each eligible student $0.25 for lunch and $0.25 for breakfast. To apply for free or reduced price meals, submit a Direct Certification letter from the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance OR complete the application, sign it, and return it to the school as soon as possible.

We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information.  Click here for an application and to view the guidelines. You can also visit the Menus link for additional information.

Come and Join Us for a Spactacular Weekend of Fun - 19th Annual Winterfest - January 16, 17, and 18 - Posted January 5, 2009

The popular annual Winterfest is sponsored by the East Greenbush Central School District, the District's Transportation Team, and the East Greenbush Youth Department. Winterfest has proven to be the most looked forward to event in our community.  It is a true exhibition of how our school staff and student body, along with members of our community, work hand and hand to create a truly enjoyable weekend for everyone. 

Many events and activities of previous years will be returning again to both engage and entertain.  Among them are:  Captain Jack Magic Show, Dippy the Clown, the Exotic Animal Show, Sand Art, Science Fun and much, much more. All of the events will take place at Goff Middle School located on Gilligan Road in East Greenbush.

The weekend commences with an Activity Night for our sixth grade students on Friday, January 16th, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., resumes on Saturday, January 17th with a Pancake Breakfast from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by numerous events, activities, and venders throughout the day until 4:00 p.m. Our Third Annual Fireworks display, by Alonzo Fireworks, will be at 4:45 p.m.  The weekend will culminate on Sunday, January 18th with a Rock-n-Bowl at Spare Time (located on Route 9 & 20 in East Greenbush), sponsored by the Columbia High School Bowling Team, from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Kindergarten Registration Dates- Posted December 29, 2008

The Kindergarten registration dates for students entering the 2009-2010 school year are now posted on the Registering for School link.

Columbia H.S. Annual Craft Fair- Posted December 17, 2008

 Columbia High School's Class of 2010 is preparing for their annual Arts and Crafts Fair.  This popular event will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Columbia High School from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Applications for participating crafters are being accepted until Monday, January 12, 2009. (Click here for additional information.)