Dear Edwards-Knox Families:

It is an exciting time in the North Country as the 2023 FISU World University Games get underway this week. Thousands of collegiate athletes from across the globe have made the journey to Lake Placid and the surrounding region to compete in this 11-day event.

Other than the Winter Olympics, the Winter World University Games is the largest multi-sport winter event in the world - and it's all happening right in our backyard! We feel this is a wonderful opportunity to show our students the magic and sportsmanship often associated with this world-recognized event.

On the morning of Wednesday, January 18th, all students and staff will be attending the USA - Kazakhstan ice hockey game at Clarkson University’s Cheel Arena in Potsdam. Students in grades 7-12 will also attend the Slovakia - South Korea ice hockey game in the afternoon.

Students will be bussed to and from the events based on the following schedule:

• Grades PreK-6:
  • Depart from Edwards-Knox Central School at 8:15 a.m.
  • Return to Edwards-Knox Central School at 12:45 p.m.
• Grades 7-12:
  • Depart from Edwards-Knox Central School at 8:05 a.m.
  • Return to Edwards-Knox Central School at 2:40 p.m.

All student needs will be met during the field trip. Lunch will be provided for all students on this day. Students in grades PreK-6 will return to school for lunch, while students in grades 7-12 will enjoy a bagged lunch at Cheel Arena. Additionally, our school nurses, counselors and School Resource Deputy Zachary Montroy will attend.

In order for children in grades PreK-6 to participate, families must sign and return a permission slip. Children in grades 7-12 will automatically attend the field trip.

All students and staff should wear warm clothing. They are also encouraged to show their support for Team USA by wearing red, white and/or blue!

If you have any questions about this fun-filled field trip, please feel free to call my office at 315-562-8130 ext. 25532, or you may contact your child’s principal.

Sincerely,

Erin E. Woods
Superintendent

On Tuesday, Dec. 13, Edwards-Knox Central School District residents voted to approve both of the district’s proposed capital project proposals.

• Proposition 1: 84 YES (70%) to 36 NO (30%)
  • $6.8 million for various improvements outlined on the 2022 Capital Project section of our district website.
• Proposition 2: 71 YES (61%) to 45 NO (39%)
  • $750,000 to construct outdoor toilet rooms with a concession stand and an outdoor classroom area near the school's playing fields.

With both propositions now approved, work can begin in the near future to help protect the community’s long-term investment in our facilities.

“We would like to thank the Edwards-Knox community for their continued support of our school district,” said Superintendent Erin E. Woods. “The Board of Education and our administrative team are excited to move forward with these projects to further enhance the learning environment at Edwards-Knox Central School.”

A complete list of school projects can be found on the 2022 Capital Project section of our district website.

The Edwards-Knox Central School community is mourning the loss of one of its longtime teachers. On Friday, Dec. 9, Kelly Cusano passed away suddenly.

Mrs. Cusano had been a teacher at the school for 25 years. During her time at Edwards-Knox, Mrs. Cusano connected with hundreds of students, most recently while working in the middle school and high school.

Her last day was spent on a field trip that involved ice skating and watching a movie with seventh and eighth graders. Mrs. Cusano thoroughly enjoyed chaperoning field trips and connecting with her students on these special adventures.

“Kelly was a valued member of our EK Cougar family,” said Superintendent Erin E. Woods. “She will be remembered for her gentle voice and warm smile. To say we will miss her is an understatement. Our thoughts are with the Cusano family during this difficult time.”

Our school is committed to supporting students and staff who would like counseling and bereavement support services.

If you feel that your child is struggling with this information, or needs mental health support for any reason, please call the school at 315-562-8130. We can arrange for students to speak to a school counselor. You can also find grief resources on the Hospice of St. Lawrence County website.

This week, our school district is seeing a higher-than-usual number of students who are sick. Right now, 31% of our students are out of school due to illness. Several more children have been sent home today alone after showing a variety of symptoms. This is a problem that many school districts in our region are also facing.

If your child is sick, you are asked to keep them at home. We understand that it can be difficult to know when to send your child to school if they tell you that they’re not feeling well. While school is usually the best place for children to be, there are some instances where keeping them home is recommended.

Please read the School Sick Guidelines document to help you make this decision. If your child will be staying home because they are sick, you are asked to call Attendance Clerk Tanya Truesdell at 315-562-8130, option 1.

If you have any questions, please contact the Nurses Office at 315-562-8130, ext. 25518. School Nurses Erin Geer, RN, and Jessey Gates, RN, are here to help you.

We appreciate your support and partnership as we work to ensure Edwards-Knox Central School is a healthy place for our children to learn.