Drama directors and advisors

Question: It seems that there are many more drama club appointments this year than in years past. Why do we need two directors and an advisor? Wouldn't the directors be the advisors?

Answer: The Broadalbin-Perth Teachers Association (BPTA) contract actually includes four separate titles for our drama program: Director, musical director, technical director and production director. In recent years, Alycia Spraker has served as director of our productions, and Anthony Rich filled the other three roles.

This year, Ms. Spraker decided to step down from her role as drama director. She's done such a great job with our students over the past few years that it was difficult to find someone willing to fill her shoes. Thankfully, teachers Rita Swatt and Michael Ott agreed to take over the program as co-directors. Mrs. Swatt is also filling the role of technical director. Tristan Wile, a B-P graduate, is serving as musical and co-production director, and Kathy Tambasco is co-production director. These four individuals are in charge of the musical production itself. Ms. Spraker is still the drama club advisor, but she is no longer directly involved with the production of B-P's spring musicals; instead, she oversees the students in the drama club, helps organize fundraisers and performs other duties away from the stage.

Even though there are more people involved in this year's production, the district is not spending any more money on director or advisor stipends than it has in past years.

This year's arrangement is not necessarily our permanent solution; it was put in place as a stop gap for this year to make sure B-P is able to continue its tradition of putting on outstanding musical productions each spring. We have a very successful drama program and we didn't want to risk losing it.
- answered by Stephen Tomlinson, superintendent of schools

Drama production selection

Question: I'm wondering where the club advisor was when the drama club was picking this year's play? I look forward to it every year, but although I could see all the hard work they put into it, I couldn't help thinking that it was not a good choice for a high school drama club. I was uncomfortable in some parts with the subject matter and the young children sitting near me. I will look forward to next year in hopes that it is more appropriate for a high school setting. You do such a wonderful job with this program; don't ruin it by trying to do plays that are not meant for public high schools.

Answer: Each year, the members of the Broadalbin-Perth drama club work with their faculty advisor to come up with ideas for their annual musical. The club presents its choice to the superintendent, who reviews the script before deciding whether or not to approve the production.

Budget Area 5: Athletics & Extracurricular Activities

During the final Community Roundtable, which took place on Monday, March 8, participants discussed each area of the school budget and made recommendations to the Board of Education regarding which programs and services could be cut and which should be maintained. In order to keep the conversation going, we invite readers to post their thoughts on the following question that was presented to participants at the Community Roundtable. (Click here to read a PDF document that outlines the steps taken so far in the budget development process.)

During the fifth Community Roundtable in February, participants discussed topics related to athletics and extracurricular activities. Some of the participants’ most common recommendations were:

• Extracurricular activities are an important part of a well-rounded education.
• The numerous benefits of extracurricular activities are well worth the 1.25% of the school budget they cost.
• Students who participate in athletics and clubs develop character traits that are not as easily taught and developed in the classroom.
• If you cut clubs and sports, attendance will drop, the tardy rate will go way up, discipline referrals will increase, and test scores and academics will be hurt.
• Cutting clubs would affect more kids than cutting a teacher.

Athletics & Extracurriculars Roundtable: Extracurricular Activities

The Community Roundtable on athletics and extracurricular activities that was held on Monday, Feb. 8, included lively discussion on a variety of topics. In order to keep the conversation going, we invite readers to post their thoughts on the following question that was presented to participants at the Community Roundtable. Click here for notes on what was discussed at the Community Roundtable.

At Broadalbin-Perth, approximately 956 students participate in 32 clubs and extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities are offered to students at all four schools.

Athletics & Extracurriculars Roundtable: Value of Extracurriculars

The Community Roundtable on athletics and extracurricular activities that was held on Monday, Feb. 8, included lively discussion on a variety of topics. In order to keep the conversation going, we invite readers to post their thoughts on the following question that was presented to participants at the Community Roundtable. Click here to read notes on what was discussed at the Community Roundtable.

Broadalbin-Perth offers 32 clubs across its four schools and 15 sports programs with teams at the modified, junior varsity and varsity levels. Much of the research into the value of extracurricular activities, such as the ones offered at B-P, suggests that they have positive effects on students who participate.