By Robert L Chakar, Jr., Superintendent of Schools

Andes Central School opened its doors to students for the 2011-12 school year on Tuesday, September 6th. Students and staff noticed many improvements to the building as they entered for the first time. The bricks that were purchased as a fund raiser for the Class of 2010 were installed at the front entrance of the building, the Greenhouse Committee began construction on the greenhouse, which is located near the swimming pool, and a new stamped concrete sidewalk has been installed running along the front of the building. Also, the upstairs hallway was painted to match the downstairs, which was painted last summer.

In addition, new stage curtains were purchased, and we are hoping to stage our first musical production this fall to show them off. The Drama Club is planning to present “Pirates of Penzance” on Friday, November 4th and Saturday, November 5th. Rehearsals will be starting very soon. Please look for more information as we move closer to the production dates.

We look forward to hosting our third annual “Evening of Excellence” on Thursday, October 6th, honoring 13 students who maintained an average of 90%+ during the entire 2010-2011 school year. This is a wonderful evening of celebrating these students and their academic accomplishments from the previous school year.

Our school has once again merged with South Kortright Central School for soccer and all the students are doing very well with the transition.

On another note, on October 18th we will be asking for voter approval to allow the Board of Education to use existing funds to purchase two new fuel oil storage tanks for the main building and bus garage. The current tanks are nearly 40 years old. Voting will take place at our “Fitness Center” from noon until 8 pm.

We are looking forward to another successful school year at Andes Central School and hope to see you at many of the events hosted here.~