Riccardi Elementary students showcase leadership; principal highlights reading and math gains, recovery from December flood

Paul Trier, principal of Riccardi Elementary School, brought student government officers to the Jan. 14 Saugerties Central School District board meeting to present school initiatives and data and to describe recovery work after a December flood.

Student officers — Madison Taylor, Matthew Ursuk, Emma Gramer and Alice Fitzgerald — described projects the student government has run, including a student-run supply store, spirit days and a decision to adopt inclusive holiday displays. "These initiatives demonstrate creativity, inclusivity, and leadership," the officers said during the presentation.

Trier reviewed school assessment results. He said I-Ready reading data showed the percentage of students identified as "at risk" fell from 21% at the start of the 2023—24 year to 10% by year-end, and the share of students at or above grade level rose from 33% to 63%. For math the principal reported average-risk students decreased from 19% to 4%, and the share of highest-performing students rose from 21% to 64% between the start and end of the year.

Trier credited teachers and instructional coaches for the gains and described three local instructional priorities at Riccardi: increasing student-led engagement in class ("playing volleyball instead of ping-pong" with students evaluating peers), tightly focused instruction on lesson objectives and actionable assessments tied to objectives. He also highlighted professional culture efforts, voluntary teacher coaching and the BLT (building leadership team) work on attendance and proficiency.

Trier thanked custodial and facilities staff and district colleagues for the response to a December heating/flood incident that required stripping and rebuilding two classrooms over the holiday. "You would not know that a flood occurred in there," he told the board, thanking custodial staff and district facilities staff who worked during the break.

The presentation included examples of student leadership and community service by the Riccardi PTA-funded field trips and a student community-service club. Trier said the second semester begins Jan. 27 and invited parents and community members to volunteer for building leadership teams and family workshops the district plans to offer on academic supports and parenting topics.

Ending: The board thanked the students and staff for the presentation. Several board members publicly thanked retiring staff and volunteers referenced in the presentation and praised the student officers for their leadership.