Assemblywoman Jenne says Student Poverty/Trauma Initiative will benefit students at local schools

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne stopped at the Ogdensburg Free Academy to get an update on a student poverty/trauma initiative that is being implemented in the district in the 2017-18 school year.

A team of teachers from the district - joined by several other districts from St. Lawrence and Franklin counties - recently attended the Center for Learning Centered Education's recent two-day workshop on the initiative at St. Lawrence University.

They shared feedback from that workshop with the assemblywoman and were joined by district administrators as well as representatives from the institute's team.

The Student Poverty/Trauma Initiative is a collaborative process designed by the Institute for Learning Centered Education and co-sponsored with the three BOCES districts that include Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Franklin counties.

The initiative was piloted in the Copenhagen, Colton-Pierrepont and Tupper Lake school districts last year and has now expanded to include the Ogdensburg, Massena, Norwood-Norfolk and Gouverneur school districts. Teachers in the Fairport district in Western New York will begin this poverty initiative shortly, and three more North Country schools will launch their work in late summer or early fall.

Donald Mesibov, founder and director of the Institute for Learning Centered Education, said the school districts are designing plans to engage and motivate students to learn despite the hardships of poverty and trauma.

He told Assemblywoman Jenne the $20,000 in state funding she secured for the program allowed the initiative to move forward.

"If it weren't for you, none of us this would have happened. That gave us the confidence to move forward. We're targeting poverty, but we are also talking about families living with trauma. We're really talking about best practices," Mr. Mesibov said.

April Charleson, a veteran English teacher at Massena's J. William Leary Junior High School, and her mother, Marlene Pickering, made presentations at the workshop and shared their experiences with Assemblywoman Jenne.

Ms. Charleson wrote a book of poetry focused on her memories of the feelings and experiences she had growing up in poverty and “having to attend school wearing the same dress every day.” She has also founded a nonprofit, Lifted Out of Poverty, that is working with a small group of female high school students in the Massena Central School District.

Her mother was also raised in poverty and raised four children in difficult circumstances, but she has broken the cycle which had engulfed her family for generations. She currently is employed by a nonprofit in Canton.

"I feel I did the best I could. As a welfare mom, there were a lot of struggles and people look down on you. I wanted to do better. I read my whole life even though I dropped out of school when I as a teenager," Ms. Pickering noted.

She said she went back to school to earn her degree and then attended Mater Dei College after a tragedy in her family led her to reevaluate her priorities.

"I'm doing it for them, not me," she said, referring to her children and grandchildren.

Ms. Charleson said teachers she talked with at the workshop were thrilled to see a "human piece" play an important role in the initiative.

"I feel we have pushed the human piece aside as we focused on data. We're going back to being human. That's good for teachers too," she noted.

Mr. Mesibov said the presentation made by Ms. Charleson and her mother helped teachers better understand what it is like to grow up with limited means, and the initiative's aim is to provide teachers with successful strategies to reach children living in poverty or experiencing trauma in their lives.

"Most of our teachers have never had training in this," Mr. Mesibov pointed out.

Ogdensburg teachers Hillary Shelly, a middle school special education teacher, and Bethany Haynes, a fifth-grade teacher, said they are enthused about the new initiative.

"This is targeting our students living in poverty, approximately 62 percent of our students, as well as adding in children with adverse childhood experiences. It's so much broader than previous programs. We're going to be reaching every classroom. This is a priority in our district and is going to lead to a climate shift in our buildings," Ms. Haynes predicted.

Mr. Mesibov suggested school districts have approached poverty in a compartmentalized manner in the past.

"We want to get schools so this is always on the mind of teachers in the classroom. The students have to be able to believe their teachers care about them," Mr. Mesibov said.

Assemblywoman Jenne said she walked away from the meeting inspired by the willingness of Ms. Charleson and Ms. Pickering to share their experience of living in poverty. Their story, according to the assemblywoman, resonates with many North Country families.

She said their life story shows the importance of stressing the value of education and the personal strength people can find by living with adversity. "The willingness of people to talk about their experiences can be invaluable," the assemblywoman stressed.

"It's encouraging that this initiative is being embraced by the teachers. I hope educators find this program useful in reaching some of their students. Sometimes we need to step back from the test-driven environment to try and reach children who come from challenging circumstances," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"While many things have changed over the years, the realities of poverty have not. We need to do everything we can to remove the barriers of poverty that are essential to making sure every child can benefit from our public education system," she added.

IN THE PHOTOS:

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Marlene Pickering, far right, shares her insight as a parent who raised her children in poverty before returning to school, completing her education and entering the workforce with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (left). Ms. Pickering and her daughter, April Charleson, made a presentation at the recent Institute for Learning Centered Education's two-day workshop for educators about poverty and its impact on student learning. The Student Poverty/Trauma Initiative is a collaborative process designed by the Institute for Learning Centered Education and co-sponsored with the three BOCES that include Franklin, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties among the regions they represent. Pictured are (l-r, clockwise): Assemblywoman Jenne, Ogdensburg City School District teachers Hillary Skelly and Bethany Haynes, Ms. Charleston and Ms. Pickering.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne recently met with representatives from the Institute for Learning Center Education and teachers and administrators from the Ogdensburg City School District to discuss a Student Poverty/Trauma Initiative that is being implemented this coming school year in Ogdensburg and several other districts in the North Country. Assemblywoman Jenne secured $20,000 for the initiative. Pictured are, front row (l-r): Heather Skelly, Ogdensburg middle school teacher; Marlene Pickering, Institute for Learning Centered Education; Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne and April Charleson, Institute for Learning Centered Education. Back row; Tim Vernsey, Ogdensburg school superintendent; Don Mesibov, director of the Institute for Learning Centered Education; Kevin Kendall, assistant superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and Technology; and Bethany Haynes, Ogdensburg middle school teacher.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (l) visits with April Charleson of Massena following a recent meeting to learn more about the Institute for Learning Centered Education's Student Poverty/Trauma Initiative. Ms. Charleson, a teacher in the Massena Central School District, was raised in poverty and has written a book of poetry in which she relates her feelings and experiences growing up in poverty. she and her mother, Marlene Pickering, are currently co-authoring book about their experiences living in poverty. Ms. Charleson has also started her own non-profit, Lifted Out of Poverty, and is working with young female students growing up in poverty in the Massena Central School District.

April Charleson shares a point with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne during a discussion on a poverty initiative being implemented at several North Country school districts in the 2017-18 school year. Pictured clockwise from top left are: Ms. Charleson, Marlene Pickering, Don Mesibov, Tim Vernsey and Assemblywoman Jenne.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne listens as Marlene Pickering recalls an experience when she attended a meeting at her daughter's school and listened as other parents demeaned welfare moms. She was receiving social services assistance at the time. Pictured are clockwise from lower left: Assemblywoman Jenne, Kevin Kendall, Hillary Skelly, Bethany Haynes, April Charleson and Ms. Pickering. Ms. Charleson and her mom, Ms. Pickering, shared their experiences about living in poverty during a recent poverty initiative session for educators.

Bev Ouderkirk, a member of the state's Board of Regents, addresses teachers from schools launching a Student Poverty/Trauma Initiative in the 2017-18 school year.

Teachers from school districts in St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Franklin counties focused on best practices for reaching students living in poverty or living with trauma during a recent conference held on the St. Lawrence University campus.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (top left) talks with Ogdensburg City School District teachers Hillary Skelly and Bethany Haynes about their experiences at a recent Student Poverty/Trauma Initiative two-day workshop. Kevin Kendall, assistant superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and Technology, is also shown (top right). Assemblywoman Jenne recently met with Ogdensburg City School District educators and representatives from the Institute for Learning Centered Education at Ogdensburg Free Academy to learn more about the Student Poverty/Trauma Initiative.

Don Mesibov, director of the Institute for Learning Centered Education (top center), discusses some of the highlights from the recent Student Poverty/Trauma Iniative two-day workshop with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne. Pictured are clockwise from top center: Mr. Mesibov, Assemblywoman Jenne, Kevin Kendall, Hillary Skelly, Bethany Haynes, April Charleson and Marlene Pickering.

Assemblywoman Jenne: Low-cost power bringing new jobs to North Country

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne was on hand Friday morning at Potsdam Specialty Paper for a celebration marking the completion of an expansion project that will pave the way to add another 22 employees to the 70-member workforce.

The manufacturing facility has operated at its site on the Racquette River in Sissonville continuously since the 1890s, with the exception of a two-year period in the 1970s when the plant was going through an ownership transfer.

She said the expansion was a direct result of a 400-kilowatt allocation of low-cost hydropower from the New York Power Authority's St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt Power Project.

Assemblywoman Jenne said she was thrilled with the expansion project and the growth of the workforce.

"We know the low-cost hydropower generated at the New York Power Authority's St. Lawrence-FDR Project is a critical component of our economic development efforts in the North Country. Potsdam Specialty Paper, a major private sector employer in the Potsdam area, is showing that lowering energy costs for businesses in the region can translate into new employment opportunities," she said.

"The addition of 22 more jobs at the paper plant is a significant investment by Potsdam Specialty Paper and provides new employment opportunities for nearly two dozen local residents. That's great news and an effective use of state resources," she added.

"The current owners of this facility took over at the worst possible time, just as the market was crashing. But they persevered, and it has been a team effort. Everybody here really cares. The workers here are old school. They are doing work that generations of North Country workers have done, just a little more high tech," according to the assemblywoman.

Assemblywoman Jenne said the expansion project reflects the company's strong leadership and the public-private partnership between Potsdam Specialty Paper, the state and the New York Power Authority.

"This company has put a strong emphasis on research and development since day one. They've invested in their physical plant and their employees. When I came her the first time nearly a decade ago, it was clear they were going to invest in this plant," she recalled.

Potsdam Specialty Paper has invested more than $2 million in this expansion project, which allowed the company to add a new paper and film coating production line that will lead to production efficiencies, increased capacity and the ability to manufacture new products.

PSPI is a producer of specialized latex saturation-base papers used in several different products found in the automotive, building and construction, home décor and medical industries.

The original paper mill was constructed in 1892 by the Racquette River Paper Company and was purchased by PSPI in 2008 from MeadWestvaco. The firm is now a leader in creping for tape base and medical paper applications and is considered a global leader in latex saturated specialty papers with a diverse global customer base.

Mike Huth, chief executive officer of Potsdam Specialty Paper, Inc., said the low-cost hydropower is critical to the plant's operation since energy reflects 30 percent of the facility's expenses.

"Addie was here when we took over this facility in October after MeadWestvaco decided this business was not part of their strategic business plan. By December 2008, when the financial crisis was in full swing, it was a little tough. But Addie's support at that time made a big difference. Addie has been around this plant and knows people on the floor," he pointed out.

Assemblywoman Jenne also praised NYPA Vice Chairman Eugene L. Nicandri for his support for economic development efforts in the North Country

Judge Nicandri, speaking at the event, said, "NYPA's St. Lawrence-FDR hydroelectric facility is the cornerstone of NYPA's economic development efforts in the North Country, providing a tremendous advantage to local businesses. PSPI is clearly committed to growing its businesses in St. Lawrence Country and has big plans for its future."

NYPA's hydropower allocations from the St. Lawrence-FDR power plant are provided to manufacturers under seven-year contracts and are reserved for businesses in Franklin, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties.

In addition to the hydropower allocation, PSPI also receives 2.1 megawatts from the Governor's ReCharge NY program for the retention of 67 employees and $14 million in capital investment commitments. ReCharge NY is a statewide power program designed to spur economic development throughout the state by providing low-cost power to businesses and other entities that agree to create or retain jobs.

"This is a very exciting time for Potsdam Specialty Paper and a critical step towards securing our competitive advantage in the markets that we currently serve," PSPI Operations Manager Doug Drumm said.

"With the reduced energy costs that we're expecting, we'll be able to reinvest dollars into our business and solidify PSPI as a premier employer in the North Country for many years to come. I want to extend my thanks to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the Power Authority for providing us with significant support to our daily operation costs," he added.

Mr. Drumm led Assemblywoman Jenne, Judge Nicandri and Potsdam Town Supervisor Rollin Beattie on a tour of the facility.

IN THE PHOTOS:

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Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne talks with Mike Huth, chief executive officer of Potsdam Specialty Paper, Inc., following a ceremony marking the completion of a major expansion project at the manufacturing facility in Sissonville in the town of Potsdam. Potsdam Specialty Paper employee Michael O'Shea is shown in the background.

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Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne said a partnership between Potsdam Specialty Paper and the New York Power Authority spells good news for the people that will fill 22 new jobs being created at the paper plant. Mike Huth, chief executive officer of Potsdam Specialty Paper, Inc., and Judge Eugene L. Nicandri, vice chair of the New York Power Authority Board of Trustees, also spoke at a ceremony marking the completion of a major expansion project at the paper plant.

Doug Drumm (l), operations manager at Potsdam Specialty Paper, discusses the manufacturing process at the plant with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne and NYPA Board of Trustees Vice Chair Eugene L. Nicandri.

Doug Drumm (l), operations manager at Potsdam Specialty Paper, discusses the manufacturing process at the plant with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne and Potsdam Town Supervisor Rollin Beattie.

Photos from the plant tour.

Assemblywoman Jenne: 'We need the president to join us in our efforts to grow North Country economy'

I'm shocked by the president's suggestion that upstate New Yorkers should leave the region to find employment. This is especially surprising because they are dramatically different than the remarks he made at the Dexter Airport last year when he told the Watertown crowd he was going to bring their jobs back.

That's why his words this week sting so much. We aren't quitters in the North Country. That's just not who we are. Many of us have deep ties to the land and connections to family members that need our help. Many of us just can't pick up and leave.

My family, like many others, has lived in the North Country for generations. We've faced tough times here before, but we have stayed because we love the region and our neighbors. We've worked to turn things around in the past, and we will do it again.

That's why I fight every day to bring new employment opportunities to our region and work to ensure our schools and colleges have the funding they need to graduate students that are ready for the workforce. We’ve made some improvements and we need to keep making more to help turn our economy around. Instead of tearing communities apart and pitting people against each other, we need to work together.

I'm focused on creating jobs and strengthening our economy, and the president should be doing the same. He needs to have a focus on the economy and include smart investments in the budget process to get that work done.

I think this president - like all presidents - has a small window to live up to the promises he made when he was a candidate.

Many of his supporters in the North Country voted for the president because they believed him when he said he was going to bring new jobs to our region, the state and the nation.

That needs to be his top priority instead of trying to take away health care from over 20 million Americans. We need to work together instead of tearing communities apart and pitting people against each other.

The president should be focusing on strengthening our manufacturing economy and on the federal budget to put programs in place that create short-term jobs like infrastructure improvements in areas like communities on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River that have suffered flooding damage this spring and summer.

Those improvements and the jobs they would create are also critical to our long-term efforts to grow our marine based economy in the region.

He needs to look at steps he can take to strengthen the steel and aluminum industries in this region and around the country from the threats they face in today's global economy.

The aluminum plant in Massena has the potential to play an important part in our national defense effort, as it has in the past, by continuing to smelt aluminum in the United States. Our president can take steps to help convince Alcoa and Arconic to make sure that happens.

We also have far more bridges and roads in disrepair than we can afford to repair or replace with state and local dollars. It's another opportunity to direct federal dollars to a program that can create jobs in the short-term and provide the infrastructure we need to grow our economy in the long-term including a four-lane highway across the top of our region.

It is no secret that the economic challenges facing our region are significant. But we have already seen too many people leave the North Country to find employment with a living wage. The answer is not rolling up a train and filling it with people headed outbound with no return trip home.

The answer is having local, state and federal officials working together with business people and entrepreneurs to grow jobs in our region. Our region is filled with hard working, smart and talented employees that would be an asset to any company.

North Country residents are tough and resilient and when things get tough we stand and fight. We don't flee. We need our president to join us in this fight, not urge us to run away.

Assemblywoman Jenne hosts Assembly Speaker Heastie on North Country visit

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie joined Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne Wednesday in the North Country on his third stop of a statewide tour of New York to experience the region's tourism attractions during a trip to the Antique Boat Museum and Boldt Castle and witness first-hand the damage caused by recent historic flooding along the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River coastlines.

"The North Country has an abundance of exciting tourism opportunities, particularly for boating enthusiasts," Heastie said. 

"The region has tremendous potential for economic development through tourism, but we must ensure that the communities affected by the recent Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River flooding are able to get back on their feet. Our $55 million investment to create a flood recovery grant program will help do just that."

"I was pleased to have the speaker in the district so he could get a first-hand look at one of our region's greatest assets, the St. Lawrence River," Assemblywoman Jenne said. 

"We spent the day looking at the river and its impact on our local economy. The speaker had an opportunity to see our region's ties in the past to the boat building industry with a stop at the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, got a first-hand look at the present conditions as we headed out on the water and saw some of the impact of the high water levels and looked at steps that can be taken to grow jobs tied to our river heritage in the future."

The North Country encompasses the coastline of Lake Ontario as well as the St. Lawrence River and attracts countless passionate boaters, sailors and fishermen. During Wednesday's trip, Speaker Heastie and Assemblywoman Jenne visited the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, a national institution for boating enthusiasts and a historical and cultural landmark for North American maritime heritage.

Following their visit to the Antique Boat Museum, Speaker Heastie and Assemblywoman Jenne visited the Boldt Yacht House and the Boldt Castle. Located in Alexandria Bay in the Thousand Islands, the Boldt Castle Yacht House has been a premier attraction in the region until, however, the facility was forced to close for the season due to flooding damage.

In late June, the Assembly passed legislation to establish a $55 million flood recovery grant program to assist small businesses, farms, property owners, and municipalities. The funding will bring relief to communities and businesses like the Boldt Castle Yacht House to recover from flood damage so that they can continue to make substantial economic and cultural contributions to the region.

"Speaker Heastie was very supportive of our efforts to bring flood relief funding to the North Country to assist businesses and property owners impacted by the flooding, and this trip provided him with an opportunity to see first-hand some of the challenges that have resulted from the high water levels. The residents of New York State only benefit from the Speaker's willingness to travel the state to get a better understanding of the unique challenges facing different regions of our state," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

IN THE PHOTOS:

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Rick Tague (center), chair of the Antique Boat Museum Board of Directors, discusses the impact high water levels had on the museum property earlier this year with New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (left) and Assembly Speaker Addie A.E. Jenne (right).

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Shane Sanford (right), director of Boldt facilities operations for the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, shows Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne how high water levels reached earlier this spring at the Boldt Castle Yacht House property on Wellesley Island.

Shane Sanford (right), director of Boldt facilities operations for the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, shows Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie water that is still over a dock at the Boldt Castle Yacht House.

Shane Sanford (right), director of Boldt facilities operations for the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, shows Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne that water levels are still posing some issues inside the Boldt Yacht House on Wellesley Island. The yacht house has been closed this tourism season due to the high water levels.

Rebecca Hopfinger (right), executive director of the Antique Boat Museum, discusses an exhibit with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne.

Thousand Islands Bridge Authority Boldt Facilities Director Shane Sanford, Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne and New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie pose for a photograph on the steps of Boldt Castle.

Assemblywoman Jenne: Waddington taking advantage of location on St. Lawrence River to move forward

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne says this week's Bassmaster Elite Series fishing tournament in Waddington will once again showcase one of the greatest fisheries in the world.

"This is the third time in five years Waddington has hosted the event that attracts over 100 professional anglers and thousands of visitors to the community for the four-day event," she noted.

Assemblywoman Jenne said the Bassmaster Elite Series stops in Waddington have brought the nation's attention to the world-class fishery that runs along the northern border of St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties.

"It's no secret that we have to diversify our North Country economy, and our unique geographic location on the shores of the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River provides us with opportunities few other communities in North America can match," she said.

She praised Waddington Mayor Janet Otto-Cassada and the volunteers that work behind the scenes to make the event a positive experience for fishermen and visitors alike.

"Janet and her committee deserve tremendous credit for their work. It is not an accident that the Bassmaster Elite Series keeps putting Waddington on their tournament schedule. It's a reflection of the hospitality shown the professional fishermen when they are in the region and the community support for the event," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"It's far more than a fishing tournament although it is exciting to watch the boats launch at 6:15 a.m. each morning and return for weigh ins beginning at 3:15 p.m. It's also four days of great food, good music and plenty of vendors on the site," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

Assemblywoman Jenne pointed out the tournament is being held during the same week that a new pavilion at Island View Park was opened to the public.

She said a relicensing agreement between New York Power Authority and the Local Government Task Force is providing funding necessary to improve recreational opportunities in the towns of Waddington, Louisville and Massena.

Assemblywoman Jenne joined Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senator Patty Ritchie and Mayor Otto-Cassada earlier this week to cut the ribbon during the grand opening of the new pavilion that will be used for a variety of events, including the community's popular summer concert series, just a few blocks away from the Whittaker Park site that hosts the Bassmaster events.

The ribbon cutting marked the completion of more than $1.4 million in improvements at Island View Park, a recreation and picnic facility in the Village of Waddington. The improvements include the picnic pavilion with a central hearth, and a separate building containing new bathrooms and catering facilities.

Island View Park is part of several recreational facilities that fall within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's project boundary for the New York Power Authority's St. Lawrence-FDR Hydropower Plant in Massena.

Work on the Island View Park facilities, which began last fall, stemmed from the Power Authority's 10-year review of the 2003 Relicensing Agreement for the St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project. NYPA, who owns and operates the park, funded the renovations and directed the improvement project.

Assemblywoman Jenne said she was stunned as she walked up and saw the completed pavilion. "I can still remember the early days of this project when Janet rolled out three or four different ideas, and she has made sure the project met the community's needs. It's just amazing. I can't think of a better platform for Waddington to move forward. This is proof we can get it done. I suspect this is just the beginning of many wonderful things that are happening in Waddington," she noted.

"I was pleased to be on hand to celebrate the Power Authority's latest investments in our community. Community resources like these have the double impact of supporting economic development while also making life in the North Country that much nicer for those of us who live, work and enjoy the recreational opportunities available in the community." according to the assemblywoman.

Assemblywoman Jenne said she is excited to see the next projects that will be completed through the partnership between the Power Authority and the Local Government Task Force.

She believes the drive of local officials and completion of these projects puts the region in a stronger standing when seeking to attract major events like this week's major fishing tournament.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Boats launch from Whittaker Park at the 2015 Bassmaster Elite Series in Waddington.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Waddington Mayor Janet Otto-Cassada (r) shares her vision for future improvements on the community's waterfront with Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul (l) and Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne praises Waddington Mayor Janet Otto-Cassada for her work that culminated with the opening of a new pavilion at Island View Park earlier this week.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne visits with Gouverneur Mayor Ronald P. McDougall and Waddington Town Supervisor during the grand opening ceremony for the new pavilion at Island View Park.

State and local officials pose with NYPA Board of Trustees Vice Chair Eugene L. Nicandri after a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new pavilion at Island View Park in downtown Waddington. NYPA recently funded $1.4 million in recreational improvements at the park in downtown Waddington on the shores of the St. Lawrence River. Pictured are (l-r): Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, Judge Nicandri, Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, Waddington Mayor Janet Otto-Cassada and State Senator Patty Ritchie.

A competitor in the 2015 Bassmasters Elite Series tournament in Waddington prepares to leave the dock.

Assemblywoman Jenne: North Country schools getting $600,000 more in supplemental state aid

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, has announced over half a million dollars of supplemental school aid is headed to North Country school districts.

The funding for supplemental aid was passed in a resolution at the close of this year’s legislative session, after Jenne successfully advocated on behalf of schools in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties.

"I'm grateful that Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie understands the challenges facing our public schools in New York State and ensured additional funding is available to assist some of our schools with the greatest needs. He recognizes the critical importance of providing all students in the state – whether they are in the Bronx or in rural areas like St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties – with access to a high-quality education," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

She noted the supplemental aid is critical for a number of North Country school districts still recovering from several years of fiscal stress that resulted in the loss of educational programs, larger class sizes and reductions in staffing that impacted some schools' abilities to provide their students with a quality education,

The assemblywoman has consistently fought for additional funding for schools that have the highest needs.

"I advocated to have supplemental aid targeted to North Country districts that face particular challenges due to the dynamics of their student populations. Small city schools have traditionally been underfunded and benefit greatly from the additional funding. We have other schools in the region, like Canton, that were hit hard by the GEA cuts," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

The Ogdensburg City School District has been awarded an additional $300,000 in state aid and an additional $100,000 has been secured for the Watertown City School District.

"The Ogdensburg school district has a large percentage of tax-exempt property and high levels of poverty. OFA Superintendent Tim Vernsey has told me in the past that without the nearly $1.5 million in supplemental aid I have secured for his district in recent years, district officials would have been forced to make deep cuts to the district's music and art programs and to reduce AP class offerings," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

Mr. Vernsey said he was grateful for Assemblywoman Jenne's advocacy in getting additional state aid appropriated to the district.

"Assemblywoman Jenne's support of the Ogdensburg City School District is longstanding and very much appreciated. Her financial assistance over the years has helped Ogdensburg maintain several key programs that allow our students to get the most out of an excellent liberal arts education," he said. "Her work on behalf of the entire North Country has been positive throughout her tenure as our representative in the Assembly," the OFA school superintendent stressed.

Watertown City School Superintendent Patrica LaBarr said she was thrilled to learn additional funds were headed to the North Country.

"This was Christmas in July for the Watertown City School District. Our next board of education meeting is on Aug. 1, and we will discuss the best use of this money in supporting our students. We are beyond grateful for the support from Addie Jenne to help our school and community.”

Eight schools – Alexandria, Lyme, Canton, Hammond, Heuvelton, Massena, Morristown and Norwood-Norfolk – will each receive $25,000.

"I have always fought to make sure our schools in the North Country get their fair share of state aid so they have the resources necessary to provide students with a quality education," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"Our North Country schools did well with state aid in this budget, but many of our school districts are still recovering from years of fiscal challenges. That's why I have continued to work to secure additional funding for schools in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties after the budget negotiations were completed," she added.

"We know that small city schools are traditionally underfunded. There are also a number of other districts in the region that have challenges ranging from high percentages of tax-exempt property to schools classified as average-needs districts that have their state aid revenues skewed due to valuable waterfront property values that don't take into account the high levels of poverty in those same communities," Assemblywoman Jenne continued.

Massena Central School Superintendent Patrick Brady said the funding will be utilized to help pay for a study as well as to aid the district's community schools effort.

"We appreciate Addie’s continued support of our students and staff in Massena. She has been a great friend to our school," he said. "We plan to use some of the funding to support a school consolidation feasibility study, which is examining our programs and operations to enhance quality and efficiency. This work will begin this summer and include a host of school and community members to provide input."

"We would also use funding to support our Community Schools initiative to provide additional supports to our students and families. This may include afterschool programming, mental health services and educational resources," Mr. Brady added.

Former Heuvelton Central School Superintendent Susan Todd, who received news of the additional funding on the day before her retirement from the district, said the allocation will be utilized to purchase new tables and chairs for the high school section of the school cafeteria as well as for equipment for classrooms.

Ms. Todd said Assemblywoman Jenne had asked her about needs that might have been delayed due to budget constraints.

"I explained that an area that continued to be put on the back burner for districts like mine was the replacement of furniture, since there is no state aid revenue source allotted for items such as the cafeteria tables that are in really bad shape and are in need of being replaced at Heuvelton," Todd said.

The outgoing superintendent added she was appreciative of Assemblywoman Jenne's advocacy for providing the necessary resources to public schools so districts such as Heuvelton can provide a quality education to their students.

Alexandria Central School Superintendent George Merritt pledged to use the additional funding to improve the educational experience for students in the district. He said the supplemental funds will be utilized to continue the district's new venture, MakerSpace opportunities. The program will revolutionize science, technology, engineering and math labs and allow students a dynamic new learning experience.

MakerSpaces frequently include elements found in computer labs, science labs and wood shops in a single space. Mr. Merritt said his district 's MakerSpaces will range from Lego projects for younger students to CNC cutter and plastic modeling tools and equipment for older students.

Lyme Central School Superintendent Cammy Morrison said she envisions utilizing the supplemental aid for making improvements to the district's outdated public address and telephone systems.

"We at Lyme remain grateful for the ongoing support from Assemblywoman Jenne. We are in desperate need of upgrading our communication systems in the district. Our gymnasium is also our auditorium and that wide open space, along with very old and outdated equipment, presents all kinds of issues for drama productions, graduation ceremonies, staff development and academic presentations by and for students," Ms. Morrison said.

"In addition, we would also hope to utilize at least a portion of those funds for updating our telephones throughout the district. We have recently been notified by our vendor that our telephones are now considered obsolete and can no longer be repaired or replaced. This is a huge expense for the district and one that was not planned," she added.

Lafargeville Central School Superintendent Travis Hooper said he was excited when he learned the district would be receiving supplemental aid. He expressed the district's gratitude for Assemblywoman Jenne's work to have additional aid directed to the district. He said the funding will be used for technology upgrades.

"This funding is going to allow us to upgrade our wireless infrastructure so we will be able to move forward with a 1:1 initiative at the secondary school," Mr. Hooper said, noting the district will be providing Chrome Books for all students in grades 7-12.

Assemblywoman Jenne congratulates Sergi's owner for 50 years on Potsdam's Market Street

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne stopped at Sergi's Pizzaria and Banquet Hall Friday afternoon to congratulate Sam Spagnolo on the Market Street restaurants 50 years in Potsdam. Assemblywoman Jenne also visited with Teresa LaSala and John Wicke before entering the restaurant. The assemblywoman stopped in downtown Potsdam Friday afternoon to check out the Potsdam Summer Festival, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this week.

Assemblywoman Jenne applauds multimillion dollar investment in North Country infrastructure

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, says an announcement that over $7.5 million is being invested to pave and repair aging roads in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties this summer is critical to stimulating economic growth as well as improving traffic safety in the region.

“An investment in infrastructure is an investment in our future. This funding will strengthen existing economic development initiatives and provide good-paying construction jobs. We know those wages will also benefit North Country businesses," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"There have been a number of studies in recent years about steps that need to be taken to revitalize the North Country economy. Those studies all cite the importance of a high quality transportation network, and these millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements are an important part of that effort," she noted.

This sizeable state investment will be used to make critical repairs on local roads and highways in Jefferson County, including:

· 9.7 miles on Route 37 between Route 342 and Silver Street in the towns of Pamelia and LeRay ($1.3 million);

· 4.4 miles on Route 283 between the Watertown city line and Route 342 in the towns of Pamelia and LeRay ($715,000);

· 8 miles on Route 180 from Route 3 to Dexter in the town of Hounsfield ($600,000);

· 1.6 miles on Route 3 between Floral Drive and the Watertown city line in the town of Watertown ($535,000); and

· 3.3 miles on Route 37 between West Corners and the Alexandria town line in the town of Theresa ($490,000).

In addition, the funding will be used to update and repair the following roads and local highways in St. Lawrence County:

• 8.5 miles on Route 37 between Morristown and Ogdensburg in the city of Ogdensburg and town of Oswegatchie ($1.2 million);

• 7 miles on Route 11C between Brasher Falls and Cotey Corners in the towns of Brasher and Lawrence ($1.2 million);

• 10.8 miles on Route 12 from the St. Lawrence County line to Chippewa Bay in the town of Hammond ($1.1 million);

and 1.5 miles on Route 11C between Winthrop and Brasher Falls in the towns of Stockholm and Brasher ($260,000).

The work is part of $25.9 million that is being spent on for projects to pave and repair 194.1 lane miles of state roads in the seven-county North Country region this summer and fall.

Assemblywoman Jenne has been a strong advocate for repairing New York State’s crumbling infrastructure. She supported a $643 million investment in our roads and bridges In this year’s state budget to ensure New Yorkers can get where the need to go safely and efficiently.