RANDOLPH Board members were wowed by students from Mr. Triscari's technology class at this month's Randolph Academy Board meeting. Nick and John showed a couple of the creations they completed under the guidance of their teacher. The process for producing wooden pens and pencils was explained in great detail by Nick.
Several board members expressed their admiration for their workmanship. John exhibited a stool that he made which includes a flip top lid. The lid is made from eight different pieces of wood to make it stronger, John told board members. Nick explained that they are permitted to make one to keep and one to sell; the profits going back to the school to cover the cost of supplies as well as a little profit in their pockets as well. The boys would have no trouble selling their items with many of the board members telling them they would be happy to order a pen/pencil set.
The students said that their next project is to fix the engine of a broken lawnmower. They are also working on a small scale of a house. "I think he's (Mr. Triscari) becoming my mentor," stated Nick. He is always there for us, always supporting us. He's a great teacher, Nick said of Mr. Triscari. He always knows when we're down and asks us what's going on, he continued.
Article Photos
Students describe to Randolph Academy board members the steps involved in putting together a flip-top lid stool.
P-J photo by Leann Austin
"The board truly enjoys meeting with the students each month because it reminds them of the importance of our mission," stated Lori DeCarlo, School Superintendent. "Even though the numbers have declined, the quality of the program has increased," she conveyed.
In other board news, Ms. DeCarlo clarified information relayed by the auditor at last month's meeting; which implied a recommendation to close down the cosmetology program. The actual recommendation referred to an inactive account for that department in the amount of $39.
Officials also discussed a recent lock-down at Randolph Central School, due to an occurrence in the area, in which they were not notified of. The Randolph School Resource Officer heard of the incident that was going on in the community, stated officials. The Children's Home was not notified of the ordeal, which lasted about ten minutes according to officials, and by the time they heard of it, the threat had passed. Officials contacted Randolph Central to ask that they notify them of any further altercation and they would extend the same courtesy back.
The treasurer reported that the Academy is looking at an $186,000 deficit. Currently there are 101 students enrolled in program and they need 113, he reported. He stated that an average of 109 would be needed now until the end of the year to bring the numbers up. He also stated that if they continue to stay at the current enrollment, they will realize a $400,000 deficit.
The board adopted their district goals which are first, to celebrate and publicize student and staff talents and program accomplishments. Second is to maintain vigilant monitoring of the fiscal condition and maintain program services within a balanced budget. And the third goal is to conduct a comparative analysis of student achievement to identify areas for staff development and program improvement.