November 2008

By Regina C.

For about 20 years The Family Foundation School has been offering Spanish as the one and only foreign language. Beginning in January, a first year Russian course will be offered as well. Natalya Kuchukov, student advisor and native of Russia, will be teaching the class.

This is Kuchukov’s first classroom teaching assignment, so she has been working with other teachers to come up with a lesson plan, and developing her own exciting teaching style. She plans to teach about Russian culture as well as the language.

The class has various eligibility requirements. Students must already have two years in a foreign language class or not have any other language credits. The class will also be open to new students.

FFS students are looking forward to the start of the class. It will give them an option to choose what type of language they would like to take and also give them the opportunity to learn about other cultures.

The Last Run

November 29, 2008

Family Foundation School Students Enjoy Last Race Before Graduation

By Raja A.

The Rock Hill, NY 8K race was the last race of the season. Family Foundation School December graduates made sure they finished this 5.3 mile long race with a bang.

For quite some time, The Family School’s students have enjoyed running in community races. Students have proved themselves worthy of a great reputation, with the vigor and great agility they have displayed during their participation in the races.

Stephanie H. placed 3rd in her division. Yoni S. won 1st place in his division. Several FFS graduates plan to continue to involve themselves in races after they leave, making this race not really the last run.

Jeff Brain Begins To Implement I RESPECT Program

By Louis L.

The Family Foundation School has recently added new activities to the middle school. The two middle school students, Anthony W. and Jimmy S. along with Jeff Brian, Vice President of External Affairs, have created the ‘I RESPECT’ group. The group meets at the end of the school day during the middle school activity periods.

‘I RESPECT’ stands for identity, reality, excellence, significance, purpose, extraordinary, character, and trust. The students from the middle school try to develop these qualities during the activity. The first project that the ‘I RESPECT’ group accomplished was preparing and cooking a pizza and calzone dinner. The students, along with Brain, made their own half meat, half cheese pizza and three different calzones.

The following week the group carved pumpkins. The idea came in part because Anthony had never carved a pumpkin before, yet he had grown this pumpkin on his own. Both Anthony and Jimmy were given kits and picked out designs to put on their pumpkins.

“It was awesome! I had a great time,” said Anthony.

The group is planning to do a different activity every week.

Landowners Unite For Best Deal

November 28, 2008

Grassroots Ad Hoc Group Keeps 13,000 Acres Lease Free – For Now By Jeremy S. When gas lease negotiators come to the doors of residents in Otego, NY, they’ll find that money talks and bad lease offers walk. The gas companies will have Dick Downe and Anna Hein, founders of the Otego Area Landowners Association, [...]

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Letter To The Editor

November 28, 2008

As the parent of a Family Foundation School graduate, I have read the articles and watched the U-Tube testimony of critics and a less than satisfied former student. Each person, whether student or parent, has their own truth, reality and experience. My experience begins in my home, pre-Family School, where my son’s bad behavior controlled [...]

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Restructuring At The Family School

November 27, 2008

Families To Be Reorganized, Staff Positions To Switch By Andrew S. and Vic C. Students, staff, and parents get ready: The Family Foundation School has a new look on the horizon. For some time, Terry McCarthy has wanted to step down as Family Leader of Family Eight. Recently, Cindy Argiros decided to step down as [...]

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Pilgrimage to Long Island

November 27, 2008

Three FFS Students And Father Stephen Travel To A Seminary For A Night Of Prayer By Jim M. Thirty years ago Father Stephen Peter Morris, Family School Dean of Students, attended The Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, NY. As a young man studying to become a priest he used to wander the crypt [...]

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Powerlines Through FFS?

November 26, 2008

Hancock Says No To NYRI Powerlines In New York Public Service Commission Hearing By Jim M. The New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC) recently brought its Article Seven hearing and decision phase of NYRI’s application to Hancock. The hearings are held to determine if there is a need for the NYRI proposal, the nature of [...]

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FFS Introduces New Extracurricular Activities

November 26, 2008

Starting Next Semester, FFS Will Offer Classes In Horseback Riding, Tennis, And Instrumental By Nick M. Starting next semester, The Family Foundation School will offer new activities to enrich its students’ learning. Horseback riding lessons will be offered at Cat Hollow Farms and Stables in Deposit, NY. Lessons will be taught by Pat Cammer, owner [...]

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Joining The Fourth Estate

November 25, 2008

By Jim M. The fourth estate refers to the press. The term was coined in the 18th century; the first estate was the clergy, the second estate was the nobles, the third estate was the commoners, and the press gallery was the fourth estate. The fourth estate has been called the most important of them [...]

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