MCS Social Studies, Special Ed Teachers See Growth

MIDDLEBURGH - Middleburgh Social Studies and special education spoke about areas of growth and needs at January's school board meeting.

At the January 8 school board meeting, teachers from both departments spoke to school board members about the numerous classes and students in both schools.

High school Social Studies teacher Jason Dannible noted that 34 students are enrolled in College in the High School classes with Q. Jones, and another 46 are in AP courses with Mr. Dannible. In addition, 14 Schoharie high school students are also in the AP classes. There was also a new course this year titled 9-11, taught by Joe Narzymski.

Mr. Dannible said that writing in Social Studies has switched to an "argumentative" style in which students make a claim or thesis and explain their argument. The style is used across the grades along with continued development in reading, writing, and thinking.

Students had field trips to the American Museum of Natural History and the State Capitol and Museum and left this week for Washington D.C. for the inauguration from January 18 to 22.

Mr. Dannible said he spoke to parents about safety before the trip.

In addition to attending the inauguration, students will be going to the Capitol, the National Mall, and several museums.

In the spring of 2026, members of the History Club will be visiting Germany, Austria, and Hungary.

The trip will include two concentration camps. Students are reading Night by Elie Wiesel and watching the movie Schindler's List. Mr. Dannible hopes to bring in a Holocaust survivor to speak to the students.

Special education teacher Lisa Stanton said there have been progress in both speech and math in the elementary school with the introduction of new programs.,

The iReady program in math has helped students in the third and fifth grades make more than a year's progress. While the growth in the other grades has been less than a year, teachers are working hard and hope these numbers catch up to the other grades.

She noted that in grades one through three, six of seven students did not see a fall back after the summer break, according to state NWEA tests. In grades four through six, five of eight pupils saw their scores go up after the break.

Writing scores are improving and definitely a trend in the right direction, through the seventh grade, Ms. Stanton said.

"Our writing is coming along, we put in the time in the classroom and it's starting to show in the state test," Ms. Stanton told school board members.

In the secondary school, special education teacher Felicia Hunter said the push has been in "read naturally, read live" research-based approach. She noted that since September 11 students in grades seven and eight have seen improvement.

The district has added the Math 180 program to the Reading 180 program, Ms. Hunter said. The Reading 180 program aligns with the state standards.

A new guideline for English for grades nine to 12 is being developed and more classes will be using the research approach.

Another big step is bringing back work-based learning opportunities for students for basic skills for work in the community, Ms. Hunter said.

"We're going in the right direction," said Teacher Mindi Narzymski.