Dear Attica Central School District Families and Community,
The pace of life in our schools mirrors the world around us - full of energy, change, and opportunity - and here at Attica Central, we continue to embrace that momentum with purpose and pride.
As educators, we know that change is the only constant in our work. The world our students are preparing to enter is evolving faster than ever — technologically, socially, and economically — and it’s our responsibility to keep pace.
Staying informed about new developments in instructional practices, curriculum design, and educational technology isn’t just optional; it’s essential to ensuring every student receives the highest quality education possible.
The latest news from Albany is that the New York State Education Department (NYSED) has unveiled NY Inspires: A Plan to Transform Education in New York State. This initiative — developed from years of stakeholder engagement and the recommendations of the Blue-Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures — outlines how New York’s high school diploma requirements will evolve to better reflect what it means for a student to be truly prepared for life
after graduation.
In essence, NY Inspires centers on four major shifts:
Adopting the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, which defines the essential knowledge, skills, and attributes all students should demonstrate by graduation.
Redefining credits to emphasize proficiency and mastery over traditional seat time.
Sunsetting Regents exams as the only path to graduation and expanding the ways students can show readiness through performance-based and authentic assessments.
Moving toward a single, unified New York State high school diploma that includes optional seals and endorsements recognizing student distinction.
The Board of Regents adopted the Portrait of a Graduate in July 2025, and NYSED has outlined a phased implementation timeline. Current diploma requirements — including Regents exams — remain in effect until new regulations are approved, but the state anticipates full implementation for students entering 9th grade in the 2029–2030 school year.
For Attica Central, this transformation represents an exciting opportunity to align with the state’s vision for more flexible, student-centered pathways to success. Our district will continue to monitor NYSED guidance closely, participate in professional learning opportunities through GV BOCES, and keep our families informed as the state transitions to the new framework.
Closer to home, we’re launching several key initiatives this fall that align directly with our district’s Strategic Plan and its commitment to a student-centered approach, community relationships, and innovation in practice.
Districtwide Grading Practices Committee
Under the leadership of Mr. Matt Stroud, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology, a committee of teachers, administrators, and parents will review our current Pre k- 12 grading policies and develop guidelines and best practices to implement across the District. We look forward to sharing updates as their work progresses.
Community Service Committee
Community service was identified as a key focus area in our Strategic Plan, and this fall we’re moving that goal forward. I will be leading a new Service Committee composed of students, staff, and community stakeholders to identify meaningful ways for our students and school community to engage with and give back to the broader Attica community.
Our students gain invaluable life lessons when they volunteer — developing empathy, leadership, and a sense of civic responsibility. Through service, they learn that their actions matter and that they have the power to shape a better future for all.
Student Wellness Focus
This year, we are also placing an intentional focus on student wellness — supporting not only academic growth, but the whole child. The District is currently devising strategies to provide more opportunities for students to participate in wellness initiatives, both during and beyond the school day.
From classroom practices that promote mindfulness and balance, to extracurricular and physical activity programs that encourage healthy lifestyles, our goal is to ensure every student feels supported, connected, and equipped to thrive. We know that when students are well — emotionally and physically — they are better able to learn, lead, and succeed.
Around the District
This past month has been filled with excitement and pride throughout our schools:
Homecoming 2025 was a tremendous success — thank you to our student leaders, staff, and families who showed their Blue Devil pride.
Our fall athletic teams have represented Attica with sportsmanship, heart, and determination — congratulations to our athletes, coaches, and fans.
FFA & Extracurricular Clubs continue to provide hands-on opportunities that connect learning to real-world experiences.
Finally, I want to take a moment to thank our community for its continued support of our students and schools. The success of our district is truly a shared achievement — made possible by the dedication of families, staff, local businesses, and community partners who invest their time, energy, and resources in our mission.
Together, we are shaping not only the future of our children, but the future of our entire community. Wishing you a wonderful and reflective October.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kiel Illg
Superintendent of Schools
Attica Central School District