News & updates: Jan. 17

News & Updates

A resolute new year

As we dive into the new year, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your continued support and collaboration. It's inspiring to see how our students came back eager and ready to learn after the break.

We are currently wrapping up our NWEA testing, which serves as our winter benchmark. This assessment is crucial as it helps us monitor student progress and tailor our instruction to meet specific student needs.

I also wanted to share that we recognized several students during our PBIS celebration for demonstrating caring qualities throughout December. Their positive behavior truly enhances our school community.

Looking ahead, students in grades 3-5 will participate in a computer-based simulation on Jan. 30 as preparation for the New York State exams, scheduled to begin in April. This practice will help them feel more confident and ready for the actual exam.

Additionally, I’m excited to announce that the theme for this year's Black History Month is the Black Arts Experience. Students will explore the contributions of prominent Black artists throughout history and analyze how their work reflects cultural identity, social justice, and resilience. Classes are encouraged to create "something" inspired by that art form, showcasing their understanding of the historical context and significance of these artists' work. On Friday, Feb. 28, we will invite community artists to NSES to share their talents with their respective grade levels.


Student Leadership Team update

Students will be taking over the design, content and delivery of NSES’s newsletter. Their first edition should be hitting backpacks soon. The newsletter’s features will include a message from Principal Buff, upcoming events, a column about the environment and matters that matter most to students.


Save the date

Below are a few important upcoming dates, but remember that this and more information are available on our online calendar.

  • Jan. 20 – No school, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Jan. 29 – No school, Lunar Year
  • Feb. 4 – Ms. Rose turns 55! 

Here to help

As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, comments or concerns!

Lesley Buff
Principal
(518) 475-6775
lbuff@albany.k12.ny.us