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4Message
from Dr. Hoffman
September 2009
Forging ahead in the new school year
As I listen to the news, I am reminded of
Charles Dickens’ book A Tale of Two Cities, in which he opens
with the sentence, “It was the best of times; it was the worst
of times.” We in Fonda find ourselves in a similar situation
these days.
How is it the worst of times? Well, we face an
uncertain economy, mounting job losses, home foreclosures, and
increased rates of poverty. These challenges are daunting if
they do not impact you directly, but are devastating if they
strike you personally. As my father told me many years ago, the
difference between a recession and a depression is—in a
recession, your neighbor loses his job; in a depression, you
lose your job.
These are tough times, indeed. We, as a
community, know that the only true way to weather the economic
storm is to help one another. I hope all of us who are able are
reaching out to those in need. As a district, we strive to do
our part. We offer after-school programs and provide school
meals and supplies for those in need. Even our staff and
students reach into their pockets to support the opportunities
given us by community groups and individuals.
So, how is it the best of times? The quality and
reputation of the Fonda-Fultonville Central School program
continues to improve each year. Our graduation rates and
assessment scores are rising. Our academic, athletic, and
extracurricular programs prepare our students for college, trade
schools, and the workplace. Our efforts are showing. In 2009,
our Elementary School was named as a U.S. Department of
Education Blue Ribbon School, and the Capital District Business
Review ranked our program in the top-20 regionally, an all-time
high ranking for Fonda-Fultonville. Heady stuff, but not enough.
Why would I say that? Similar to sharks who die
if they stop moving forward, schools that rest upon their
accomplishments, and stop striving for more soon lose momentum
and fall back. We should celebrate our achievements, but we must
reach ever higher. That is our goal if we wish to improve.
We have accomplished these things thanks to you,
our community. We try to be cautious and only ask you for what
is necessary, and you have been most generous in your support.
We will continue, as this year begins, to remember that our
success is wedded to our ability and willingness to work closely
with you, the Fonda-Fultonville community, to meet our goals.
Thank you, and l wish all of us a successful
school year.
Dr.
James Hoffman
Superintendent
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