Dear Island Trees School Community,
 
Please see the messages, as well as the calendar of events & activities below: 
 
Capital Project Debt Service Impact on the Budget
 
A key factor in this year’s slight tax levy increase is the timing of debt service for capital projects. Generally, the district times its budget so that the final year of debt service for existing capital projects concludes before new projects are added. This year, the timing overlapped: the final debt service for a prior project comes off the books next year, while new debt for recently approved capital projects was added this year. As a result, the 2026–2027 budget includes debt service for two sets of capital projects. In 2027–2028, the prior debt will be retired, leaving only the new debt service, which will smooth the levy in future years. This slight increase affects only the upcoming school year.

The reason for this temporary overlap is tied to the timing of available solar panel rebates. The district had the opportunity to qualify for an estimated $900,000–$1,000,000 in incentives through a solar program that may or may not be available in the future. To secure these savings, it was recommended that the project move forward this year rather than be delayed to 2027-28 and lose out of this significant rebate opportunity.

While this decision resulted in a one-year overlap in debt service -- and a slightly higher tax levy for the upcoming school year -- it positions the district to take advantage of significant financial benefits that would otherwise have been lost. Without moving forward this year, the tax levy increase would have been more than 1% lower, but the district would have missed this $900,000-$1,000,000 federal government rebate.  Additionally, by beginning payments earlier with the overlap, the district will retire this debt one year sooner, helping to reduce long-term obligations and stabilize future budgets.



Island Trees 2008 vs. Today
 
In 2008, Island Trees High School students took 152 Advanced Placement exams. Last spring, Island Trees students took 702 AP exams.
 
Island Trees is a different place today -- not only is your investment paying off, but our students are more invested than ever in their future success.
 
#APMatters #IslandTrees #HighExpectations #InvestmentPayingOff
 
 

Happy Mother’s Day!

On behalf of Island Trees, I would like to wish all of our mothers a wonderful and blessed Mother’s Day. The role of a mother never truly ends, and we deeply appreciate all that you do each and every day for your children.

We hope you enjoy a joyful and restful weekend.
 

 
Middle School Career Day

On Friday, April 24, the middle school held its first Career Day. Students were highly engaged by a wide range of presenters representing fields such as law, medicine, business, education, and engineering, among others. This outstanding program gave our students a valuable glimpse into the many opportunities available to them in the future. I would like to thank the middle school team for organizing the event, as well as all of the presenters who contributed their time and expertise to support the future of the Island Trees school community.







  


Energy Drinks vs. Sports Drinks

It’s important to understand that energy drinks are very different from sports drinks. While sports drinks are designed to help with hydration and electrolyte balance during physical activity, energy drinks often contain high levels of caffeine and other stimulants that may pose health risks for young people.

Recent Report
 A recent news report highlights concerns that some energy drinks may exceed safe caffeine limits for teens:
 https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/news/warning-for-parents-energy-drinks-may-exceed-safe-caffeine-limits-for-teens/vi-AA21xFd3

Consumer Reports Findings
 Consumer Reports has also published findings showing that caffeine levels in many energy drinks can be risky for teens:
 Caffeine Levels in Energy Drinks Are Risky for Teens - Consumer Reports

Medical Guidance
 According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, energy drinks can affect heart rate, sleep, mood, and overall health in children and adolescents. You can read more here:
 https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/energy-drinks-and-kids


 

Next Week’s Calendar
 
Sunday, May 10 – Happy Mother’s Day
Monday, May 11 – MMS Art & Technology Expo, MMS, 7:00 p.m.
Monday, May 11 – New York State Math Test, Grades 3-4
Tuesday, May 12 – New York State Math Test, Grades 3-4
Wednesday, May 13 – Board of Education Work Session, Karopczyc, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 14 – PTSA BOGO Book Fair, MMS
Friday, May 15 – PTSA BOGO Book Fair, MMS
 
Athletics Game Schedule Link
https://www.islandtrees.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=415372&type=d&termREC_ID=&pREC_ID=767844
 
 
Island Trees Home Page – Parent Square Link and Pop-Up
https://islandtrees.org/
 
 
Island Trees Social Media Sites
 
Twitter/X - Sparke School
@SparkeShines
https://twitter.com/SparkeShines
 
Twitter/X - Stokes School
@WeRStokes
 
Twitter/X - MMS
https://twitter.com/IslandtreesMMS
 
Twitter/X – Special Education
IT_SpecialEd
 
Island Trees High School
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/islandtreeshs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IslandtreesHS/
 
Instagram – Athletics
islandtreesathletics
 
Island Trees Curriculum and Instruction Instagram:
islandtreeslearns
https://www.instagram.com/islandtreeslearns/
 
 
Two-Week Calendar Look Ahead
 
Monday, May 18 – Chorus/Orchestra Concert, ITHS, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 19 – School Budget Vote, Stokes, Noon – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 19 – Stokes Literature & Arts Expo
Tuesday, May 19 – Sparke Authors and Artists 
Wednesday, May 20 – Calendar Meeting, Karopczyc, 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 20 – Board of Education Meeting, Karopczyc, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 21 – Sparke Field Day
Thursday, May 21 – Interim Reports on Parent Portal
Friday, May 22 – School is in session.