The 1997-98 school year is ending this week and another summer season will begin in the Roslyn Public Schools. As always, July and August are a time for the school district's year-round staff to carry out many of those projects that don't seem to get done during the busy months of the school year.

During the summers of 1996 and 1997, large-scale construction and renovation projects were undertaken as part of the Long-Term Building Improvement Plan. With those scores of projects now at an end, and with the overall building plan coming in on time and within budget guidelines, our maintenance and custodial staff will turn their attention to many other ongoing cleaning programs and repairs to keep our buildings and grounds in top condition. The work begins on the very first day that students are dismissed.

The district's annual summer programs will also take place over a period of five weeks beginning on June 29. This year, the program has been restructured to provide all students with a more comprehensive academic and recreational experience. The summer program will take place primarily at East Hills and the Middle School. We are very pleased that we were able to continue these summer programs during 1996 and 1997 despite the construction that was going on in all the buildings. It is a testimony to the extraordinary level of cooperation among our faculty, staff, Turner Construction and the many contractors who worked in our buildings that the summer programs were conducted fully and safely over the previous two summers.

Members of our faculty will participate in the district's summer programs, as well as students who will also work in the program. As always, many of Roslyn' teachers will be taking advantage of the summer months to continue their own studies. In addition to the district's own inservice courses offered during the summer, staff members will further their professional development by attending numerous academic programs, conferences and seminars on their own time in July and August. Curriculum writing projects, which are an integral part of updating our ever-expanding instructional program, are also completed by the instructional staff during the summer.

One of the other ongoing activities in the summer is the registration of new students. The trend of increasing in enrollment that Roslyn has experienced in recent years is continuing, with many new families with young children coming into our community. Consequently, the largest increase in student population is occurring in the earliest grades. New teachers are being hired to accommodate this growth and maintain appropriate class sizes, though the growth rate has stabilized somewhat and fewer new teachers will be joining the faculty this year as in recent years. Interviews with candidates for both instructional and non-instructional positions continue throughout the summer months, as necessary.

The Central Administration is open on regular business days throughout July and August. Any questions or concerns can be directed to my office at 625-6303. To all our students, faculty and parents, enjoy a restful and healthy summer.