Location - Morris Central School is located in the central region of New York State. It is equidistant between the cities of Norwich and Oneonta; each being approximately fifteen miles away along State Route 23. Interstate 88 is minutes away and provides easy access to both the cities of Albany and Binghamton. The school is located in the village of Morris which is nestled in the heart of the historic Butternut Valley. Twenty-five miles southwest of Cooperstown, and with Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta located in nearby Oneonta; Morris enjoys many recreational and cultural opportunities.
School and Community – The school population has remained steady over the past several years at roughly
300 students grades Pre-K through 12. The school is staffed by forty-five faculty and three administrators. Considering the addition of the educational support staff, a total of approximately 100 employees makes the district the largest employer in the community. The size of the school gives its students and staff a very personal educational experience. The community has a history of supporting the school through the passing of its budgets. In 2002, a 12.25 million dollar renovation and addition project was completed. This project added nine new secondary classrooms, as well as renovated 85% of the existing space. All classrooms have high speed internet connections. The project also added new athletic facilities for use by school and community groups.
Historically, agriculture was been the backbone of this community for decades. While farming is still a presence in the Butternut Valley, many district residents commute to work in Oneonta, Norwich, Cooperstown and Sidney. Local businesses are The Naylor Company, Royce International Eyewear, and Webster’s Paving. There are also several "cottage industries" in the area.
The Morris Rotary Club focuses on supporting the community through several service projects, as well as providing scholarship, leadership and community service opportunities for local students. The community at large supports scouting, summer recreation programming, baseball, softball, soccer and basketball for area youth. Spiritual needs are provided by five active churches in the village and surrounding area.
Academic Program and Extracurricular Activities – Morris Central School students have traditionally performed well in NYS standardized tests. It is not unusual for Morris Central School to score above average when compared to other schools in the region, and with similar schools on the State School Report Card. The faculty has been focused on aligning curriculum and instruction with assessment for several years; in a continuing effort to meet NYS educational standards. The faculty is also developing skills in the use of educational technology and how it can enhance instruction.
The elementary staff is committed to giving a sound academic foundation to district students. Class sizes are kept at manageable levels with support in math, reading, speech and special education provided both as push-in and pull-out services where appropriate. Elementary students have extended day and year programs supported by the school through grants.
Along with the basic regents academic program, secondary students have an opportunity to take advanced AP or college level courses through our distance learning classroom. Students may also take elective courses in instrumental and vocal music, art, technology, drama, driver education and GED. Students find organized community service opportunities through student council and honor societies. There are also several active clubs available.
Secondary students compete in the Tri-Valley League for athletics. In 2006-07 the varsity girls basketball, varsity golf and JV boys basketball teams won league championships. Morris Central School was also honored by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association as being an academic "school of distinction". This recognition was given for having all of our varsity teams with an academic average of 90% or above. Only eight schools of an eligible 768 public high schools in New York State received this honor.
Safety Award - The school district has received two consecutive titanium with honors safety awards for the Utica National Insurance Company. We are proud of these awards and take the safety of our students and employees very seriously.