Changes to MCS Band Program

MARGARETVILLE — Margaretville Central School officials announced Monday that the Junior High Band program will see significant temporary changes following the departure of the district’s substitute music teacher.

In a letter addressed to parents and guardians, Superintendent Michelle Osterhoudt and Principal Joy Holden stated that the substitute teacher left the district for personal reasons. The school is currently seeking a certified replacement to restore continuity to the music department.

While the search continues, several immediate adjustments have been implemented for the remainder of the second quarter:

Instructional Changes: Band instruction and individual or small group lessons have been suspended. Students will attend a study hall during their scheduled band period.

Performance Cancellations: The band’s scheduled performance in the Winter Concert on Jan. 15 has been canceled.

Grading Policy: For the second quarter, students’ grades will reflect their performance from the first quarter.

Equipment: Students have the option to keep school-provided instruments for independent practice or return them to the principal.

District leadership emphasized that students will remain enrolled in the band program through the end of the quarter. Officials expect to provide further updates to families before the start of the third quarter as they monitor the situation.

"Our priority remains providing a positive, supportive, and stable learning environment for all students," the administrators wrote.MARGARETVILLE — Margaretville Central School officials announced Monday that the Junior High Band program will see significant temporary changes following the departure of the district’s substitute music teacher.

In a letter addressed to parents and guardians, Superintendent Michelle Osterhoudt and Principal Joy Holden stated that the substitute teacher left the district for personal reasons. The school is currently seeking a certified replacement to restore continuity to the music department.

While the search continues, several immediate adjustments have been implemented for the remainder of the second quarter:

Instructional Changes: Band instruction and individual or small group lessons have been suspended. Students will attend a study hall during their scheduled band period.

Performance Cancellations: The band’s scheduled performance in the Winter Concert on Jan. 15 has been canceled.

Grading Policy: For the second quarter, students’ grades will reflect their performance from the first quarter.

Equipment: Students have the option to keep school-provided instruments for independent practice or return them to the principal.

District leadership emphasized that students will remain enrolled in the band program through the end of the quarter. Officials expect to provide further updates to families before the start of the third quarter as they monitor the situation.

"Our priority remains providing a positive, supportive, and stable learning environment for all students," the administrators wrote.