Correction
Wrong grade configuration
In last week’s print edition of the story below we mistakenly listed which grades are in which schools at Onteora. Here’s the way it is:
Bennett no longer has a grade three classroom, solidifying it as a grades four-through-six Intermediate school. Woodstock and Phoenicia are no longer called ‘Elementary schools.’ They are now considered Primary schools, with grades Kindergarten-through-three.
We apologize if this caused any confusion.
The Onteora School district will welcome new and returning students, Monday, September 9 at its Woodstock, Boiceville and Phoenicia campuses. District officials and staff have been in working mode following the Labor Day holiday, with teachers returning to work and Superintendent Conference days, held Tuesday September 3 and Wednesday September 4. The district will be closed Thursday, September 5, and Friday, September 6 in observance of Rosh Hashanah.
Parents can find their children’s bus schedules, time and places at their local school office and transportation office. The bus schedule can also be accessed through the district website Parent Portal (www.onteora.k12.ny.us, click on Parent resources to create an account). However, for security purposes, bus schedules are not available through public sites. School officials advise that in order to iron out new routes and schedules, it is important the first few days to arrive at your child’s bus stop early and practice patience if the bus arrives earlier or later than expected. Any major delays should get reported to the district transportation office at 657-2573.
Improvements, changes
A few district improvements and changes are of notable interest. During the summer, the Middle/High School interior walls were gutted to make way for new lockers. Similar looking to the previous lockers, they are constructed of metal and tan in color, purchased for $197,000 through a State contract provided by the New York State office of General Services. A previous Board of Education in 2008 proposed the purchase of plastic lockers for $350,000, but the idea was abandoned in order to find a more cost effective alternative and pay for a new water filtration system at the Boiceville site. Fans of sports will see new bleachers in the High School gym that were also purchased from a State contract at a cost of $140,000.
Bennett no longer has a grade three classroom, solidifying it as a grades four-through-six Intermediate school. Woodstock and Phoenicia are no longer called ‘Elementary schools.’ They are now considered Primary schools, with grades Kindergarten-through-three..
Join the family! 
