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FCSD March Update: Improving Attendance, Budget Dates and Community Survey!

Posted Date: 3/30/25 (9:30 PM)

FCSD Update: March

Monthly news and updates from the desk of the superintendent

A red dragon mascot with horns hugs a smiling child in a school hallway.

School Budget Vote and Board of Education Election

Coming Tuesday, May 20, 2025!
9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Please remember to vote on May 20 on our proposed annual budget and school board elections!

For information about FCSD's 2025-2026 proposed budget, please visit the Budget section of our District Website (www.fultoncsd.org). In addition, please look for the annual budget newsletter coming to your postal mailbox during the week of May 13th.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Brian Pulvino, Superintendent of Schools or Kate Hooper, School Business Administrator.


POLLING PLACES:

  • East-Side Residents: City of Fulton Community Room, 41 South 1st Street, Fulton, NY 13069
  • West-Side Residents: Fulton War Memorial, 609 W. Broadway, Fulton, NY 13069

How do I register?
To vote in the Fulton City School District, you must:
  • be 18 years old
  • be a U.S. citizen
  • live in the district for 30 days prior to vote (legal residence)
  • be registered with the Oswego County Board of Election

You can obtain a mail registration form by calling (315) 593-5511. Forms are also available at most government offices, post offices and libraries. Complete the form and mail it to your County Board of Elections. You may also register in person at your County Board of Elections. To register in Oswego County, mail the voter registration form to: Oswego County Board of Elections, 185 East Seneca St., Oswego, NY 13126

 

What's new in Fulton?

Three girls stand proudly holding trophies and a sign that reads 'Leaders of the #1 Readers'.

Battle of the Books!

This past week, Fulton students participated in the district-wide Battle of the Books tournament, with the winners moving on to the county-wide battle on Monday, April 7 at Phoenix's JCB High School. Let's go, Red Dragons!

Music in Our Schools Month

This month has been music to our ears as we've enjoyed concerts from all levels in honor of Music in Our Schools Month! Don't worry... there's still more to come at Fairgrieve and Granby!
Three young musicians play string instruments during a performance.
A red dragon mascot stands with a woman and two children at a table decorated with balloons and the letters 'FCSD'.

Fulton Family Fun Day!

This year's annual Fulton Family Fun Day was a huge success! Thanks to everyone who came out to learn about great Fulton community resources -- and thanks to all our community partners and supporters!

March School Champions

Our well-loved and nationally-recognized Fulton School Champions program continued to recognize our outstanding staff for the month of March. A special congratulations to:

  • Keith Cuny - Alt Ed Coordinator, GRB
  • Meghan Helmer - School Nurse, Volney Elementary
  • Jean Perry - Secretary to the Superintendent and District Clerk, FCSD

Looking to nominate a deserving Champion? Click here to learn more and access our online nomination form.
A family poses for a photo with a young girl holding a sign that reads 'Fulton School Champions Meghan Helmer'.
 
A young boy receives a prize from a woman in front of a camping-themed backdrop.

Strategic Coherence Plan Survey - Second Semester

Once again, we will ask for your feedback on how things are going in our schools. We will distribute our SCP Survey to all FCSD families, students in grades 3-12, and staff. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping our school's future.

The survey is anonymous, but if you’d like a response to your questions or concerns, please include your name and contact information at the end.

Why do we conduct these surveys?
  • To measure progress toward our 2024-2029 Strategic Coherence Plan goals.
  • To identify strengths, trends, and areas for improvement.
  • To provide an open forum for comments and questions—all responses are read and considered.
  • Click here to access the survey!

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!
 

Upcoming Calendar Reminders

  • April 11 - 3rd Marking Period Ends
  • April 14-18 - Spring Recess (NO SCHOOL)
  • April 29-30 - 3-8 ELA Assessments
  • May 5-9 - Teacher Appreciation Week
  • May 6-7 - 3-8 Math Assessments
  • May 13 - 5 & 8 Science Assessment
A young girl swings a blue bat during a game, focused on hitting the yellow ball.
 

Student Attendance at FCSD

Did you know that regular school attendance is a key factor in a student’s future success?

While attendance has improved compared to last year, too many students are still missing school frequently. Across the country, attendance rates tend to drop in the spring, and Fulton is no exception. Here’s a look at our current attendance data:

  • 50% of students have an attendance rate of 95% or better (missing less than 1 day per 20 school days).
  • 24% of students are chronically absent (missing 1 or more days every two weeks).
  • Spring absences remain high, but compared to last year, students have attended nearly two more days on average during March, April, and May—adding up to 5,804 more instructional days district-wide!

Your encouragement makes a difference! While some absences due to illness are unavoidable, reducing unnecessary absences helps students stay on track. Research shows that frequent absences can lead to academic and social struggles, impacting graduation rates.  For more on the effects of absenteeism, visit attendanceworks.org.

How Families Can Help Reduce Absences

Make School a Priority
Talk to your child about the importance of daily attendance. Celebrate good attendance and encourage punctuality.
Ask for Help
If you’re facing challenges, reach out to family, friends, or school staff. Support is available!
Create Consistent Routines
  • Set a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule.
  • Prepare school clothes and materials the night before.
  • Review your child’s schedule and family plans daily.
Stay on Top of Schoolwork
  • Check backpacks, folders, and online platforms (ParentSquare, SchoolTool) for updates.
  • Talk to your child about their progress and communicate with teachers as needed.
Schedule Appointments Wisely
Try to plan doctor and dentist visits outside school hours. Avoid scheduling trips during school days.
Keep Learning Going When Sick
Ask teachers for assignments your child can complete at home if they’re out due to illness. Older students should reach out directly to their teachers.
Address School Anxiety
If your child is nervous about school, speak with their teacher, counselor, or principal early to prevent bigger issues.
Every day in school counts—thank you for helping your child stay engaged and successful!


 
Fulton City School District
Fulton City School District
(315) 593-5500
129 Curtis Street
Fulton, NY 13069