Spackenkill Union Free School District

History of Spackenkill

The Spackenkill Union Free School District was chartered by the New York State Legislature in 1865 and is one of about 130 remaining union free school districts within the state. The uniqueness of remaining independent without centralization with other districts has helped Spackenkill remain a small and close-knit school district.

The name Spackenkill stems from Spack's Creek. Spackenkill is a Dutch interpretation of the Native American phrase "speaking waters", which was given to a noisy stream running through Spackenkill Road, located just across the street from the present Croft Corners Fire Company.

The district's first school building was on the site of the present firehouse and was built in 1866 or 1867. It was a traditional one-room schoolhouse built of bricks brought from the Netherlands as ballast in sailing vessels.

Beginning in 1912, older pupils were sent outside the district to continue their education. By 1920 the one-room schoolhouse was overcrowded with an enrollment of 55 pupils, and plans were made for a new building. In 1926 classes met in two rooms of the new building.

In the 1940s, population growth made it imperative for the district to increase its facilities. An addition was built on Spackenkill School (later renamed the Martha W. Lawrence School after the first principal) and property was purchased to allow for further expansion. The Croft Road Junior High School (later renamed the Orville A. Todd Junior High School) opened in 1959. In 1993, it become the Orville A. Todd Middle School. Rapid population growth made the purchase of two additional sites advisable. One site was the location of the Nassau Elementary School, which opened in 1962. Hagan Elementary School was built on the second site in the Hagantown development in 1962. In 1967, the residents passed, by an overwhelming majority, a referendum to purchase land for a high school. The New York State Department of Education moved to block the construction, and the Spackenkill District responded by filing a lawsuit. The district ultimately prevailed, and construction began in 1970. Spackenkill High School graduated its first class in 1974.

Elementary schools

The Spackenkill district hosts two primary schools containing grades Kindergarten to 5: Nassau Elementary School and Hagan Elementary School. Nassau Elementary School is run by principal Mrs.Brenner and houses about 300 students, while Hagan Elementary School contains approximately 525 students is run by John Farrell. Prior to the 2012-2013 school year, both schools taught Kindergarten through grade 5. They have now switched to a grade-level school format. Nassau houses grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade and Hagan houses grades 3 through 5.

Middle school

The students of the two elementary schools attend Orville A. Todd Middle School starting in the sixth grade. The school was named after the district principal, Orville A. Todd. Its principal is Michael J. Murphy.It serves grades 6-8.

High school

Students attend Spackenkill High School starting in grade 9. This school serves grades 9-12. It is located near Vassar College, Marist College, and Dutchess Community College. Its principal is Steven Malkischer and the vice principal is Mike Murphy. Its soccer team won the state championship in 2007. Its baseball team won the district's first state championship in 2005.

NYS math scores

In the district, 35 percent of the 136 third graders passed the New York State Math Test. In the fourth grade 132 students were tested and 16 percent of them passed. In the fifth grade 123 students were tested and 90 percent of them passed. In the sixth grade 33% of the 139 tested passed their New York State Math Test. There were 129 seventh graders tested and 25 percent passed. One hundred forty-five eighth graders were tested and 15% passed.

NYS ELA scores

In the district, 35% of the 133 third graders tested passed the ELA test. One hundred twenty-five fourth graders in the district were tested and 20% passed the ELA test. Of the 134 fifth graders tested 21% passed the ELA test. One hundred thirty-one sixth graders were tested and 40% passed. Of the 143 seventh graders tested 18% passed. One hundred fifty-seven eighth graders were tested and 28% passed. A month prior to testing, Spackenkill teachers often tutor students before and after classes to prepare them. Many teachers even offer their students tutoring in their home for a nominal fee.

Activities

The more popular sports in the school district include football, basketball, soccer, crew, tennis, and baseball. There are approximately 25 clubs, mostly at the middle and high school. Clubs include Youth Leadership, Student Government, LEO Club, National Honor Club, and Odyssey of the Mind. Recent field trips have included SHARPE, Albany, and Washington, D.C. The music department includes band, strings, a jazz band, and percussion.

Notable alumni

Citations

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