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Hurricane Helene has devastated the southern region of our country, with North Carolina being one of the hardest hit areas. Getting basic supplies has been almost impossible, and they need as much assistance as they can get. Let’s come together as the Hermon-DeKalb community to provide support to the children affected by this catastrophic storm.

Suggested Items:

• Hygiene products
• Wash cloths
• Towels
• Childrens socks and underwear
• Blankets
• Sheets
• Hats, gloves and other cold weather essentials

Please drop off suggested items to the main office at Hermon-DeKalb Central School no later than October 25. A Fort Drum Unit will be hauling a tractor trailer of supplies to the areas affected.

Thank you for your support!

New Administration

I am thrilled to begin this school year as your new superintendent. Over the past nine years, I have had the pleasure of serving as principal, and I am now ready to continue living out the mission and values of Hermon-DeKalb in this new role.

Rebecca Hocking has stepped into the role of pre-K-12 principal as of July 1. Formerly the HDCS assistant principal, Rebecca is looking forward to supporting students, staff and families in this new capacity.

Please also welcome Margaret (Maggie) Munger as she takes on the role of assistant pre-K-12 principal. Maggie is a native to Northern New York. She graduated from the Indian River Central School District, and has spent the last 10 years there as a third grade teacher. She earned her teaching degrees through Jefferson Community College and SUNY Potsdam, then obtained her administrative degree through SUNY Oswego. Maggie lives on a hobby farm with her husband, two kids, two dogs, goats, turkeys and chickens. She enjoys many outdoor activities, including gardening, hunting, fishing and family rides on their side-by-side. Maggie is looking forward to building strong, productive partnerships with the HDCS community!

New Faculty

We also have two new teachers joining us for the 2024-25 school year.

Deanna Hughes - Middle & High School Math Teacher

Deanna Hughes has been teaching for 18 years and is from Antwerp in Jefferson County. She is married to her husband, Phillip, and they have two daughters. Deanna served in the Army National Guard. She iscurrently an EMT in Gouverneur and also volunteers at Friends 4 Pound Paws Inc. Rescue. She enjoys scuba diving. Deanna says her favoritething about math is, even though there is always one answer, there aremany different ways to get to that answer.

McKenzie Whitmore - Special Education Teacher

McKenzie Whitmore is dual certified in Literacy Birth-6th Grade and Special Education Grades K-12. She comes to us from Antwerp in Jefferson County and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. McKenzie enjoys traveling, reading and going to concerts. She is excited to help students reach their full potential.

School and Community Communication

Supporting our Students

The Hermon-DeKalb Central School District has published its school supply lists ahead of the upcoming 2024-25 school year. These lists are thoughtfully prepared to equip students with the essential tools for full engagement and success in their classes.

PLEASE NOTE: Families who attend the HDCS Back-to-School Picnic on Sept. 3 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. will receive free school supplies and will not need to purchase any supplies.

Pre-K - Mrs. Carr

• Tissues
• Disinfecting wipes
• 1 box of sandwich baggies
• 1 box of gallon storage bags
• 2 packages of baby wipes
• 1 Backpack (large enough to fit a file folder)
• 1 Small napping pillow (Should fit in backpack)
• 1 Small crib size blanket (Should fit in backpack}
• 4 glue sticks
• An extra outfit with student's first & last name (shirt, pants, underwear, socks)
• Flushable wipes (If your child requires bathroom assistance/diapers)
• Pull ups (if your child requires them)

Pre-K - Ms. Axtell

• 1 Backpack (large enough to fit a plastic folder I provide)
• 1 Small throw pillow
• 1 Small kid size blanket
• A few extra outfits (shirt pants, underwear, socks)
• 2 boxes of Kleenex

(I have all the crayons, scissors, etc. here at school already)

Kindergarten - Mrs. MacKay-Relling & Mrs. Hammond

• Backpack
• Water Bottle (with sports top to help reduce spills - please label with your child's name)
• Supply box (hard plastic) - Mrs. Hammond's class ONLY
• 4 Elmer's glue sticks
• Fiskars scissors (blunt tip, please)
• 4 boxes of 8 regular size Crayola crayons (truer color)
• Watercolor paints (with only 8 different colors)
• 4 black EXPO dry-erase markers (low odor)
• 4 containers of Play Doh (3 oz containers, any color)
• 1" 3-ring binder with clear front view (used as their take home binder)
• 1 plastic folder with 3-ring binder holes (for take home binder)
• 1 zipper pouch 3-ring binder holes (9x7 in. will go in take home binder to carry sight word cards, crayons, etc.)
• 2 plastic pocket folders with prongs - 1 red and 1 blue
• 1 plastic pocket folder - green - Mrs. MacKay-Relling's class ONLY
• 1 or 2 containers for Lysol or Clorox wipes (no baby wipes, please)
• 1 box of quart or gallon sized Ziplock bags ("slider" type preferred - easier for students to close)
• Change of clothes (in a gallon Ziplock bag, labeled with your child's name)

Please bring ALL of your child's school supplies on Kindergarten Visitation Day. Most supplies will be collected and shared throughout the school year. Thank you so much!

Grade 1 - Mrs. Brown

• Two 2-pocket folders
• Crayons, 16 count or less
• 2 bottles of school glue
• 6 Eimers glue sticks
• Scissors
• Water bottle with a spout (no twist caps)
• 1 pack pre-sharpened pencils
• 1 box of quart-sized ziploc bags (ONLY ZIPLOC, please)

Please DO NOT send in a pencil case/box ~ I have some that fit perfectly in the desks that hold all their supplies. Thank you kindly. I look forward to the new year with your FIRSTIES!!

Grade 1 - Mrs. LaMere

• 2 two-pocket folders - the heavy duty vinyl ones please if possible
• 1 bottle of Elmer's glue
• Scissors
• 12 pack of Crayola colored pencils

Please DO NOT send in a pencil case/box ~ we have some that fit perfectly in the desks that hold all their supplies. We also DO NOT need pencils, erasers or crayons ~ we have lots of those too. Thank you :) I look forward to the new year with your FIRSTIES!!

Grade 2 - Mrs. Morenz & Miss Stark

Welcome to Second Gradel The first day of school will be Thursday, September 5. Here is a list of supplies you will need for our classrooms. We thought this would help you buy things throughout the summer when there are sales.

• 2 packages No. 2 pencils
• 1 box of crayons and/or colored pencils
• Erasers (cap or rectangular)
• Scissors
• 4 Glue Sticks
• 1 Glue Bottle
• School Supply Box
• 2 packages Dry Erase Markers (any color)
• 1 box sandwich bags
• One 1-inch binder with clear pocket insert in front
• One folder any color or design

Plain white t-shirt that will fit in June of 2024 (This is will be used for tie-dying and shirts will be worn on field trips throughout the school year. We also use it for a fun end of year activity!)

Optional Items

• The school provides headphones, but your child may choose to bring in earbuds or their own headphones. Please label these with your child's name.
• Squirt top water bottle to keep at your child's desk during the day (Please label with your child's name.)
• Clorox Wipes or tissues to donate to our classroom

Please Note

We will have snack time everyday. Your child may bring a snack each day or bring in a large zip bag or container with snacks to choose from and when it needs to be replenished it will be sent home. This is helpful so that your child always has a snack at school. You can also send in a drink with your child for snack time. We ask that you try to send in healthy snacks and drinks. We save our "special treats" for our classroom party days.

Enjoy your summer! See you in September!

Grade 3 - Mrs. Holland & Mrs. Reardon

• Backpack
• Pencil Box
• Scissors
• Erasers (only the rectangular kind)
• 1 package of dry erase Expo markers
• Colored Pencils or crayons
• Water Bottle
• Package of 2 glue sticks

Pencils will not be needed as we purchase a special brand that works well in the electric sharpener.

We also strongly suggest that you take advantage of the parent portal in our SchoolTool grading system to keep up to do ate with your child's progress. If at any time of the year you have any questions, please feel free to call, email, write or come in for a conference with either of us.

Your child will usually have homework assignments Tuesday through Thursday. Please check their folder regularly.

We understand that this year will be a huge transition for your child. We will do our best to help make it a smooth one!

Grade 4 - Mrs. Peck & Mrs. Peacock

• Post-it notes (3x3)
• Dry erase markers
• Crayons - 16 count
• 1 1-subject spiral notebook
• 2 Composition notebooks
• 1- Pocket folders
• Glue sticks (10)
• Personal pencil sharpener
• Pencils - Ticonderoga brand please :)
• Water bottle with a straw and snap lid
• White t-shirt 2 sizes up, so it'll fit at the end of the year for field trips
• 2 boxes of tissues
• Pair of scissors (5" or 6")
• 4 yellow highlighters
• Pencil box (5 1/2" X 8 1/2" at least)

Grade 5 - Mrs. Thorne & Mrs. Fountain

• 2 -Low odor chisel tip dry erase markers
• 2 - Packs of pencils (non-plastic coated)
• 2- separate notebooks
• 1 - Personal set of earbuds or headphones
• 1 - Pack of glue sticks
• 1 - Disinfectant wipes
• 1- Box of tissues
• 1-Pair of scissors
• 2-Plastic folders (no paper please)

Please do not send a binder, supply box or pouch. These will be community supplies.

Grade 6

We hope you are enjoying summer vacation! Below you will find the supply list for 6th grade. If you are not able to purchase all the items, please let us know and we can help. We are looking forward to a great year!

• Ticonderoga Pencils
• 1 pack of dry erase markers
• Colored pencils
• 2 composition notebooks of 100 or more pages
• 3 packages of 3x5" index cards
• Water paint

Grades 7-12

For All Students

• Blue or black pens
• Pencils
• Binder - 3 ring w/ pocketed dividers or folders to separate classes
• Loose-leaf lined paper

Additional by subject/teacher

English

• Highlighters

Math

• Math 7 & 8 students: 1 Subject Notebook and a Folder for Note Packets
• Geometry students: 1 Subject Notebook and a Folder for Note Packets
• Algebra II students: TI-84 plus CE graphing calculator (this is optional)

Social Studies with Mr. Glasgow

• 1-Subject notebook

Science with Mr. Jenne

• Binder-specifically for science

Science with Mr. White

• Folder - specifically for science

Spanish with Mr. Klock

• 1-subject Notebook
• 1 folder

The Hermon-DeKalb Central School District is proud to announce the Class of 2024.

VALEDICTORIAN

Andrew Platt, son of Timothy and Sarah Platt of Rensselaer Falls, has been named Valedictorian of the Hermon-DeKalb Central School Class of 2024. His academic achievements have earned him an overall grade point average of 95.66% and he will graduate with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation. Andrew has also earned 47 college credits. Among his many honors and awards, Andrew is the recipient of the University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Award, Clarkson Leadership Award, Rochester Institute of Technology Computing Award and the RPI Rensselaer Medal. Additionally, Andrew is a member of the National Honor Society, Senior Class Treasurer, a member of the Varsity Soccer Team, ESports Team, Jazz Band, High School Band and on the Student Council. Andrew was also a participant in the All-County and Area All-State Bands and was recognized as WWNY TV Academic All Star and Arts All Star. In his free time Andrew enjoys talking with friends, gaming, thrifting and traveling with his family.

Andrew plans to attend SUNY Plattsburgh to pursue a degree in Business/Computer Science.

SALUTATORIAN

Chelsea Matthews, daughter of Jamie and Kimberly Matthews of Hermon, has been named Salutatorian of the Hermon-Dekalb Central School Class of 2024. Her academic achievements have earned her an overall grade point average of 93.58%. Chelsea will graduate with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation. She has also earned 6 college credits. Chelsea was a valued member of the Softball and Basketball teams, Chorus, Band, Rock Ensemble and Drama Club. She participated in the Peer Mentoring Program, Reading Buddies, Cemetery Beautification, All-County for band, Project Challenge and has volunteered over 300 hours at the Hermon Library. In her free time, Chelsea enjoys singing, caring for animals, working and spending time with family and friends. Chelsea plans to attend SUNY Canton to pursue a degree in Applied Psychology.

GRADUATES WITH DISTINCTION

Owen Green, son of Adam and Erin Green, is graduating with an overall average of 93.32% and will receive a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation. After graduation, Owen will pursue a degree in Homeland Security at SUNY Canton. Payton White, daughter of George and Rachael White, is graduating with an overall average of 93.23% and will receive a Regents Diploma. She is also a top achiever at Southwest Tech Center in Metal Working. Payton plans to work at Cives Steel after graduation.

Bailey Wright, daughter of John and Nichole Wright, is graduating with an overall grade point average of 90.40% and will receive a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation. She plans to attend SUNY Plattsburgh and pursue a degree in Elementary and Special Education.

ANNOUNCING THE CLASS OF 2024

A total of 28 Hermon-DeKalb students are expected to graduate from the school district this month. A graduation ceremony is planned for 7 p.m. on Friday, June 21, in front of the Hermon-DeKalb Central School Main Entrance.

Graduating students are listed below:

• Henry Bogrette
• Emily Carr
• Kylie Carr
• Cooper Carrow
• Devin Chase
• Colby Delorme
• Natalie Denny
• Saharrah Flanagan
• Kinnon Gillie
• Owen Green
• Jacob Guzman
• Damien Lottie
• Ethan Mann
• Chelsea Matthews
• Michael Maurer
• Kole Merithew
• Alexander Moore
• Caleb Murcray
• Brynn Murray
• Aaliyah O’Donnell
• Jayla O’Donnell
• Carson Peacock
• Andrew Platt
• Ayden Sears
• Payton White
• Olivia Woodrow
• Bailey Wright
• Wyatt Wright

On May 21, Hermon-DeKalb Central School District voters approved the district’s $14.4 million 2024-25 budget proposal, elected two board of education members and approved the purchase of one school bus and one van. The budget proposition passed 157 to 22.

District-related propositions

• A $14,420,973 budget for the 2024-25 school year that increases spending 1.11% ($158,522) and carries a tax levy increase of 2.99%: 157 yes; 22 no
• Purchasing one new 65-passenger school bus and one 8-passenger van at an estimated maximum cost of $250,000: 153 yes; 25 no

Board of Education Election

Five candidates sought election to two open board of education seats.

Both terms will last five years, expiring June 30, 2029:

• Michael Mac Cue (Incumbent): 94 votes (winner)
• Ronald Smith (Incumbent): 72 votes (winner)
• Rebecca Fenlong 56 votes
• Kiera Warner 56 votes
• Dale O’Donnell 41 votes

The terms all begin July 1, 2024.

Library proposition

Hepburn Library of Hermon tax collection, in the additional amount of $30,000 for a new total of $40,000 annually: 118 yes; 58 no
 
New York state education law allows libraries to place a funding proposition on school district ballots and requires school districts, at the libraries’ requests, to levy and collect taxes for libraries. The Hepburn Library of Hermon is a separate legal entity from the school district, with its own funding and budget.