North Country This Week

POTSDAM – When Potsdam Central School students return to classes this fall, they will see more renovations at the turf field, track, fitness center, cafeterias, as well as new windows, and floors throughout the middle school.

Renovations at the turf field are complete, according to Superintendent Jerry Griffin.

The new track was to be installed the week of Aug. 17.

“Everything will be ready for the start of fall sports,” Griffin said.

A new scoreboard was installed earlier this month as well.

Students and staff will be able to use the turf field for activities when school resumes Thursday, Sept. 7.

The district also addressed drainage issues as part of its capital project.

“This summer drainage has been installed that runs on the west side of the primary and middle school and runs past the bus garage, " the super said. “This work should be completed by the start of school and areas of work will be seeded or have sod placed depending on location.”

Renovations at the high school included upgrades at the cafeteria, lunch room, bathrooms, special education rooms, multi-purpose room, and fitness room.

The eighth grade wing in the middle school has new windows, floors and updated bathrooms.

Roof replacement over the music wing at the elementary school has been completed as well.

“We're looking forward to starting work on Phase 2 of our capital project, which will include more work at the middle and elementary school,” Griffin said.

Parents are strongly encouraged to apply for free or reduced meals this year.

The free and reduced lunch application will be provided to all parents at the start of school and electronically through Parent Square prior to school, Griffin said.

Meal prices are the same as last year. Breakfast will cost $1.50; lunch for elementary and middle schoolers is $2.40; lunch for high school students is $2.50. Milk costs 50 cents. 

New staff at Potsdam Central includes high school Spanish teacher Jason Snyder, physics and earth science teacher Sidney Kulzer, home and careers teacher Audrey Reece, elementary teacher Rebecca Woods, special education elementary teacher Brad Dye, and elementary and middle school music teacher Andrew Crecco.

Fifth grade open house is planned Sept. 5 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. All other grade orientations take place Sept. 6 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.