Dear Chenango Forks Families,
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I hope this message finds you and your loved ones enjoying a restful and fun-filled summer. After a very successful 2024–2025 school year, we’ve already begun preparing for an even stronger 2025–2026. While school may still be out for students, much is happening across the district — and I’m excited to share a few important updates with you.
Capital Improvement Project Progress:
Thanks to your continued support of our Capital Improvement Plans, we’ve made tremendous progress on several projects that will enhance the learning environment, extracurricular activities, and overall student experience.
Some more recent highlights:
Outdoor basketball courts are actively being enjoyed by students and community members.
High School Physical Education locker rooms and team rooms are fully renovated and actively in use which are providing modern changing and meeting areas, showers, and bathrooms for our student athletes and these have been used since the winter sports season.
Ongoing work this summer:
New pool facility construction
Area bathroom and locker room upgrades
Drainage and site improvements & construction of a new baseball/softball complex
We’re pleased to share that both the pool and baseball/softball fields are on track to be fully utilized during the upcoming 2025–2026 school year — a significant milestone for our community and students!
We invite you to review our timeline of work and view a recent video of our construction progress on the district Capital Project section of our website or by clicking here Capital Project Updates Link
New State-Mandated Student Cell Phone Policy:
Beginning this September, a new New York State law will take effect prohibiting student use of personal internet-connected devices — including cell phones and smartwatches — during the school day.
NYS Distraction Free School Bill Link
Governor’s Website - Resources and Summary of Distraction Free Schools Law
The purpose of this legislation is to improve focus, reduce distractions, and support healthier digital habits in school. We know this may be a significant change for some students and families. Throughout the previous school year, our school board members and district administrators, along with some additional staff have researched this topic including a book study of The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt. We feel this change is in the best interest of our students’ social emotional wellness and learning in a distraction free environment. Our district is also looking forward to supporting students by creating opportunities to strengthen students' interpersonal relationship and communication skills by interacting more directly with their peers.
You can review a draft of the new Cell Phone and Personal Device Policy here: Chenango Forks Cell Phone Policy Draft
To help middle and high school families prepare for the year ahead and to get your feedback on our policy draft, we will be hosting a Town Hall meeting on Thursday, August 14 from 5-5:45 p.m. in the Chenango Forks High School Auditorium.
Parents and students are invited to attend and hear directly from our building principals about important school procedures, upcoming changes, and to ask any questions they may have. We hope you’ll join us for this valuable opportunity to connect and prepare for a strong start to the 2025-2026 school year.
Thank you again for your continued support. Chenango Forks remains a “Community Where ALL Learners Grow and Excel,” and we look forward to another fantastic year ahead. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we look forward to seeing you in September!
In the meantime, please keep enjoying your summer, Forks Nation!
Sincerely,
Tom Burkhardt, Superintendent