Haverling News - Bath Central School District

Haverling News
March 2008
No tax increase for revised project
B
Bath Central
School District
25 Ellas Avenue
Bath, NY 14810
607.776.3301
www.bathcsd.org
ath Central School District residents
will have the opportunity to vote on
a revised $16.5 million School and Community Facilities Improvement Project on
Wednesday, March 19 between noon and
8:00 p.m. at the District Office (the former
bus garage, located between Vernon E.
Wightman Primary School and the Dana
L. Lyon/Middle/High School complex).
The revised project reflects removal of
non-aidable items and a reduction of the
total possible cost by $2.5 million from the
project proposed in December.
Changes include:
•No purchase of land for a soccer field
parking area
•No artificial turf for the football field
•No canopy entrance at VEW
•No expansion to the High School
cafeteria
•No acoustical work in the auditorium
•No sound system work in the pool
•No outdoor basketball courts
•No added parking at the bus garage
playing fields
•No renovations to VEW office space
The project includes:
District-wide safety and technology:
•Add cameras and electronic entrance
controls
•Upgrade data network and infrastructure
•Add classroom FM systems and SMART Boards
•Maintenance and repair items identified
in the Building Condition Survey
Upgrades to playing fields and buildings
•New football press box
•Restroom upgrades
•Soccer concession stand electrical work
Primary School
•Improved parent drop-off area to relieve
congestion
•Provide security lighting
•Renovate locker rooms now used as classrooms
•Enlarge gymnasium
•Replace roofing system
•Provide additional parking
•Improve room ventilation
•Replace kitchen exhaust hoods
•Replace water heaters
•Maintenance and repair items identified
in the Building Condition Survey
Elementary/Middle/High School
•Increase fifth/sixth-grade classroom size
•Make restrooms and locker rooms
handicapped accessible
•Replace roof
•Improve hot water system
•Replace auditorium rigging and lighting
systems
•Challenge Course (play area) at DLL
•Upgrade Middle School lobby wall and ceiling finishes
•Construct new storm drainage structure
•Provide air handling in computer labs
•Provide ventilation in various rooms
•Replace kitchen ventilation
•Refurbish exterior pool walls
•Maintenance and repair items identified
in the Building Condition Survey
Superintendent’s Corner
D
ear Residents,
Marion Tunney,
Superintendent
Please note:
Voting
location change
The Board of Education and administration have responded to the voice of the
taxpayers by reducing the proposed School
and Community Facilities Improvement
Project by $2.5 million. There will be no
tax impact for the current project, as the
district will use New York State building
aid, reserve funds and special, one-time
EXCEL aid to fund the project.
The project will allow the district to
repair/replace and expand as necessary to
accommodate the educational program
while keeping local taxes from increasing.
Residents with questions about the
project are encouraged to attend an informational meeting on Tuesday, March 11 at
7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Please vote on Wednesday, March 19
between noon and 8:00 p.m. in the District Office (former bus garage, located between VEW Primary School and the Dana
Lyon/Middle/High School complex).
Residents will vote on the School
and Facilities Improvement Project at
the District Office (the former bus
garage, located between Vernon E.
Wightman Primary School and the
Dana L. Lyon/Middle/High School
complex).
This location change will avoid
conflict with other scheduled events in
the auditorium and crowds of people in
the schools during school hours.
All future school votes, including
the annual budget vote and Board of
Education election in May, also will
take place at the District Office.
Bath Central School District
25 Ellas Avenue • Bath, New York 14810
607.776.3301 • 607.776.5021 (fax) • www.bathcsd.org
Board of Education
William von Hagn, President • Joesph Baroody, Vice President
Richard Czajkowski • L. Jay Dickson • Todd Martin • Rosalie Niemczyk • Keith Russell
Superintendent
Marion Tunney, 776-3301, ext. 1100
Haverling High School
Haverling Middle School
Dana L. Lyon Elementary School
Vernon E. Wightman Primary School
Randy Brzezinski, Principal
776-3301, ext. 2100
Susan Graham, Principal
776-3301, ext. 4100
Page 2
Michael Siebert, Principal
776-3301, ext. 3100
Tracy Marchionda, Principal
776-3301, ext. 5100
For project
information:
A
district-wide public information
meeting will be held prior to the vote
on March 19. The meeting will include a
presentation of the details of the proposed
project followed by a question and answer
session. Plan to attend on Tuesday, March
11 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Vote:
Wednesday, March 19
from noon until 8:00 p.m.
at the District Office
(former bus garage, located between
Vernon E. Wightman Primary School and
Dana Lyon/Middle/High School complex).
Absentee ballots:
You may vote if: T
•You are a citizen of the United States.
•You are at least 18 years of age.
•You are a legal resident of the district
for 30 days prior to the vote.
You do not need to be a registered voter, however, proof of residency is required.
o cast an absentee ballot, residents
must complete an absentee ballot application, before receiving an absentee ballot.
Applications for absentee ballots must be received by the district clerk at least seven days
before the vote if the ballot is to be mailed to
the voter, or the day before the election if the
ballot is to be issued to the voter in person. No
absentee voter’s ballot will be counted unless it
is received in the District Clerk’s office by 5:00
p.m. on the day of the vote. Contact Debra
Osborne, district clerk, at 776-3301 ext. 1110
with questions.
VEW s-p-e-l-l-i-n-g c-h-a-m-p-s
C
ongratulations to VEW’s top spellers including Constance
Ogden, Hollie Hardman, Dakota Abeel, Mellanique
Leschorn, Sam Yoder, Charis Garlock, Anna Wheeler, Brooke
Cafario, Larry Axtell, Cole Thompson, Olivia Snavely, Maia
Schlecter, Jessica Hillman and Helaina Hojnoski.
After competing in their classroom bees, the fourteen students
were chosen to participate in the third-grade spelling bee.
The winning word, fury, was spelled correctly by Helaina
Hojnoski.
“That was the one word she always misspelled when we were
practicing,” her grandmother said after the bee.
Olivia Snavely was the runner-up.
Page 3
Seniors to present Cinderella
T
he Haverling Class of 2008 will
present Cinderella on April 4 at
7:00 p.m. and April 5 at 2:00 p.m. and
7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Cinderella is a show filled with energy
and humor, sure to entertain all ages. Ticket prices are
$8 for adults,
$6 for senior
citizens and $5
for students.
Tickets are
available from
any cast member, the high
school office
or at the door.
To receive $1
off admission,
students in
kindergarten
through third
grade should
turn in their
completed coloring contest
picture at the
door (one per
person). Coloring contest
pages are availJodianne Lindmark and Nate McDowell as Cinderella and
able from VEW
Prince Charming.
art teachers
Jennifer Rumsey and Sandra Wheaton.
In this Rodgers and Hammerstein
classic, Cinderella (Jodianne Lindmark)
is treated like a slave by her stepmother
(Jessica Sokolowski) and stepsisters Portia (Jeremy Whiting) and Joy (Kristen
Polmanteer). She seeks refuge in her own
little corner of the house, where she daydreams of a better life.
Meanwhile, the king (Jaime House)
and queen (Amanda Warriner) prepare
for a formal ball they are giving in order to
find a wife for their son, the prince (Nate
Page 4
McDowell). The prince wonders when he
will find his true love, and the king assures
him that lasting love will come to him.
On the night of the ball, Cinderella
fantasizes about attending and through the
magic of her godmother (Danielle Hapeman), Cinderella is provided with a beautiful gown and a fancy carriage. Warned
that this magic will last only until midnight, Cinderella leaves for the ball.
At the ball, the prince invites a mysterious beauty (actually the dressed-up
Cinderella) to dance. Portia and Joy criticize the prince’s choice as the prince and
Cinderella marvel that they have fallen
in love after only ten minutes. When
midnight begins to strike, Cinderella flees
leaving one of her glass slippers behind.
The next day, Cinderella dreamily
recalls the ball as a herald announces the
arrival of the prince, who armed with the
glass slipper, has begun to search far and
wide for his mysterious love.
Cinderella’s suspicious stepmother
orders Cinderella out of the house so she
won’t ruin Portia and Joy’s chances with
the prince. To the delight of Cinderella
and her godmother, magic once again provides assistance and the prince recognizes
Cinderella. He places the glass slipper on
her foot and it fits. Cinderella and the
prince are joyously united.
This musical is filled with fun and
laughter, as one character becomes funnier than the next. This production is the
30th musical performed by senior classes at
Haverling. The Class of 2008 is fortunate
to have Daniel Roemmelt returning to direct the show, along with Musical Director
Cheryl Muller, Stage Managers Tracy Shill
and Sherry Congdon, Costumer Nancy
Sieling and Producer Jerry Karns. New to
the production staff this year is Choreographer Amber Payne and Props Manager
Laura Williammee.
See page 6 for a complete list of the cast.
Smart technology in the classroom
H
averling Middle School Math
Teacher Benjamin Thorp has
new enthusiasm for teaching and says his
students are excited about learning, thanks
to recently-acquired classroom technology. In September, a SMART Board – or
interactive whiteboard – was installed in
Mr. Thorp’s classroom. SMART Boards are
large, touch-controlled screens that work
with a computer and projector. Mr. Thorp
is able to project his computer’s desktop
image onto the whiteboard mounted in
the front of the room where he and his
students can write on it with digital ink or
use their fingers to point, click and drag
just as they would with a computer mouse.
“The SMART Board is an interactive teaching tool that make the process
of teaching easier,” said Mr. Thorp. “It
engages students and they’re interested in
what’s on the board.”
Interactive whiteboards open the door
for real-world applications, he said. Because the SMART Board is connected to
his computer, Mr. Thorp can access the
Internet for web searches. “Now when
students ask, ‘When will we ever use this?’
I can do a Google search of the concept we
are discussing.”
According to eighth-grader Lewis
Jackson, learning math concepts such as
geometry has become easier by watching Mr. Thorp model problems on the
SMART Board. Lewis credits the board
with helping him raise his math grade by
four points. “Taking notes is easier because
everything is interactive, so it is not just
note taking,” he said.
Dylan Cecce agrees. “I think the
SMART Board is cool because we can
write on it. I learn better by doing problems on the board,” he said.
The SMART Board allows Mr. Thorp
to save a digital copy of all lessons, making
it easier to share notes and teach concepts
to students who are absent.
As state-wide educational
standards continue to rise,
schools must adapt. “The
classroom is changing,” said
Mr. Thorp. “They are no
longer just chalk and a blackboard.”
Interactive
whiteboards
can be
used for
any subject area
and come loaded with manipulatives.
By putting technology tools into the
hands of teachers, Mr. Thorp predicts that
test scores ultimately will rise.
By having the SMART Board technology available to him, Mr. Thorp says he
is more apt to try new things. “I think it
makes me a better teacher. It invigorates
me and increases my productivity,” he said.
“The excitement I bring to the classroom
every day is through the roof. I can’t imagine teaching without it.”
According to Technology Coordinator Christopher Smith, the district currently has 10 SMART Boards permanently
mounted in classrooms and another nine
mobile units are available to staff.
Mr. Smith refers to today’s students as
the Net Generation, who have grown up
in a technology-rich world that includes
computers connected to the Internet, realistic video games, iPods and cell phones.
“The students tend to thrive in technology-based environments that are both
visually stimulating and highly interactive,” he said. “Unfortunately, there is
often a significant gap between the environment that the Net Generation students
prefer and our classrooms. Smart Boards
are one of the most promising and cost-effective solutions to begin closing this gap.”
Above, Eighth-grader
Brian Guest works out
a math problem using a
SMART Board.
At left, Math Teacher
Ben Thorp uses the
interactive whiteboard to
review math concepts.
Page 5
High School
Guidance Office
Counselors:
Lyndsay Wolfe
(A-F)
Tina Broderick
(G-O)
Mark Recktenwald
(P-Z)
Secretary:
Londa Ross
776-4107 x 2310
Web page:
www.bathcsd.org/
webpages/
hdepartment
Guidance News
Cinderella cast
2008-2009 Scheduling Appointments:
Cinderella: Jodianne Lindmark; King: Jamie
House; Queen: Amanda Warriner; Stepmother: Jessica Sokolowski; Portia: Jeremy Whiting;
Joy: Kristen Polmanteer; Prince Charming:
Nate McDowell; Fairy Godmother: Danielle
Hapeman; Herald: Kevin Desrosiers; Chef:
Jonathan Archer; Court Tailor: Cameron
Force; Steward: Matt Hibbard; Coachman:
Brandon Graham; Footman: Darren Snyder;
Guards: Brad York, Brett Havens and Nick
Badeau and Minister: Jacob Stewart.
The guidance counselors will continue
to meet with students to review their
course selections for next year. Any parents interested in participating in their
child’s scheduling appointment should
contact the Guidance Office.
Scholarships:
Several scholarship applications are
available in the Guidance Office at this
time. Seniors are encouraged to check
the scholarship file regularly to ensure
that they don’t miss any opportunities.
Students also can check the High School
Guidance Office website for a current list
of scholarships.
Important Upcoming Dates:
•April 1: Sophomore Career Day at
Corning Community College.
•April 1: Registration Deadline for the
May 3 SAT, offered at Haverling High.
Register at www.collegeboard.com.
•April 4: National College Fair in
Rochester. Interested juniors should sign
up in the Guidance Office.
Page 6
Dana Lyon students Jordan Strzepek and Kristen
Baker discuss how a small change in the food web can
have a big change in the environment.
Fourth- and fifth-grade students had the opportunity
to discuss how human actions can affect the world
during a bioethics unit taught by Claudia Minotti of the
Science and Discovery Center.
Townspeople and Guests at the Ball: Jade
Andrus, Leah Bates, Angel Brown, Caitlin
Brownell, Nicole Calkins, Elizabeth Congdon,
Megan Chrysler, Megan Deats, Stephanie
Forester, Jeanne Forsythe, Stefani French,
Danielle Hapman, Jessica Harris, Emily Johns,
Chelsey Keeler, Lindsey Kelly, Ashley Kenny,
Franchesca Koehler, Chelsea Kolz, Brittany
Laslow, Wendy Lawton, Jodianne Lindmark,
Lakeshia McCloud, Sarah Pietsch, Kristen
Polmanteer, Tiffany Rawleigh, Kristen Ritter,
Emily Simms, Hannah Smith, Roxie Snyder, Jessica Sokolowski, Aleah Spencer, Sara
Stone, Ashley Todd, Catherine vonHagn,
Amanda Warriner, Katelyn Wood, Crystal
Vogt, Jonathan Archer, Nick Badeau, Kevin
Desrosiers, Anthony Fassett, Cameron Force,
Brandon Graham, Brett Havens, Matt Hibbard, Jamie House, Isaac Kolz, Kirt Martin,
Nate McDowell, Darren Snyder, Jacob Stewart, Jeremy Whiting and Brad York.
Vernon E. Wightman Primary School students
kicked-off their cultural study of South American on
February 5 with a presentation by Felix Pitre.
Mr. Pitre told stories and sang songs of Latin
America as well as invited students on stage to play
various musical instruments from South America.
Honor Society inducts 34 members
O
n January 14, the Haverling Chapter
of the National Honor Society held
its annual induction ceremony. Thirty-four
new members were inducted and 32 current members were honored.
The National Honor Society was
founded in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals to
encourage the fundamental virtues of character, scholarship, leadership and service.
Selection for membership is recognized
as one of the highest honors that can be
earned by a high school student.
The ceremony was led by President
Kristen Polmanteer, Vice-president
Chelsey Keeler and Secretary Jodianne
Lindmark. Current members that spoke
about National Honor Society virtues
included Evan Sieling, Stephanie Forester,
Jonathon Archer and Nathan McDowell.
Danielle Hapeman performed a solo on
the marimba. Special music also was provided by Music Teacher Neil Bryson.
The keynote address, given by Dr. Peter
Milewski, challenged students to develop
the individual they were designed to be
using their unique talents and strengths for
the benefit of all.
A reception was held immediately following the induction ceremony.
The new inductees to the National
Honor Society are Justin Brown, Jason
Carpenter, Robert Cilino, Emily Crocker,
Kathleen Dickinson, Leah Fuerst, Cassandra Funk, Ray Gibson, Abigail Hall,
Elisabeth Hall, Brent Harrison, Brenden
Heil, Cody Hutcheson, Chelsea Kolz,
Emily Martin, Liesl McCloskey, Derrick
McGlynn, Ariel Murphy, Charles Musso,
Morgan Ostrander, Noelle Pedersen,
Samuel Robbins, Michael Rossi, Rebekah
Rutkowski, Jessica Smith, Michael Smith,
Adam Snavely, Emily Stephenson, Nicole
Trenchard, Karl VanAmburg, Sarah
VanGelder, Nicole vonHagn, Anna
Wheaton and Cory White.
High School awarded $500 grant
T
hanks to the efforts of the Bath Arrow Mart, Haverling High School
has again been awarded a $500 ExxonMobile Educational Alliance grant.
The money was used to purchase supplies and materials for various art projects
throughout the school.
Funded by the ExxonMobil Corporation, the ExxonMobil Educational Alliance program is designed to provide
Mobile dealers such as the Arrow Mart on
West Washington Street to invest in the
future of their community through educational grants to neighborhood schools.
Page 7
3
Future Quest offers programs
T
he Community for Kids (CFK)
will sponsor its third Future Quest
program. Students in fourth and fifth grade
will learn new skills and be exposed to
career opportunities during informal afterschool talks. Local professionals generously
donate their time as
guest speakers.
Community for Kids
“The kids have
Mission Statement
responded positively
to the relaxed atmoCommunity for kids is a think-out-of-the-box
group of volunteers who care about the success sphere and are always
of our kids, our schools and our community.
encouraged to ask
questions,” said John
Flick, CFK president.
This year’s topics include law, scientific
research, emergency service and pet care/
training. Presentations are on Wednesdays
from 3:15-4:00 p.m. in the Middle School.
Parents are responsible for transportation.
Students must sign-up on the permission
sheets that will be sent home in early
March. Information also is available on
the district website at www.bathcsd.org or
by calling CFK at 329-0795.
Students may participate in any or all
of these exciting opportunities:
March 12: Attorney Mark Schlechter
will simplify practicing law. This is a new
Future Quest topic.
March 19: Dog Trainer Denise Smalt will
demonstrate jobs that dogs can do and discuss dog safety. This is Mrs. Smalt’s third
year presenting with Future Quest.
April 2: Wendy Baker’s Research Science
team from Corning Inc. will bring the
magic of science to Haverling. Don’t miss
out on the fun, where anything can happen.
April 9: Deputy Director of Emergency
Services Timothy D. Marshall will talk
about how you are kept safe during an
emergency. Students will discuss what
would happen if the whole town lost electrical power and had no lights or heat.
Community for Kids welcomes new
members, fresh ideas and financial support.
The committee meets the first Thursday of
every month at the Dormann Library from
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Middle School math assessments
M
Page 8
iddle School students will take the
NYS math assessments March 6-12.
The eighth-grade test is scheduled for
March 6-7 and sixth- and seventh-graders
will be tested on March 11-12.
The eighth-grade assessment consists
of one multiple choice and two extended
response sections. The sixth- and seventhgrade tests consists of one section each of
multiple choice and extended response.
The multiple choice sections must be completed without a calculator. The seventhand eighth-grade extended response portions require students to show all of their
work, but they may use a calculator. Sixth
grade may not use a calculator for any part
of the assessment.
All Middle School students will review
for these assessments in their math classes.
The dates of the assessments are very
close to our winter break this year, so your
child’s attendance is critical.
To help ensure that your son or daughter has the best chance to reach his or her
potential on these upcoming assessments,
please try to limit their absences, make
sure they are eating properly and are getting enough sleep. It is very important that
you make every attempt to get them to
school on time on the days of the assessment, as being tardy or being absent on
the assessment days can be stressful for the
student.
Lion’s Eyes are still watching
T
hroughout December and January, the Dana Lyon “Lion” kept a
watchful eye on fourth- and fifth-grade
students and staff who were caring, generous and thankful. Forty students and
two staff members were caught modeling
these character traits and were treated to
a movie in the auditorium for their efforts.
The students and staff were able to kick
back, relax and have fun as they watched
Ratatouille. Following the movie, each student received a Lion’s Eyes certificate.
Student’s caught included fouth-graders Ravyn Bauch, Katie Burg, Jacob Cupp,
Sierra Dowdle, Colton Green, Staci
Hamilton, Nick Johnson, Madison Lyons,
Nate Markle, Marquise Harper, Richie
Mattison, Jennifer Patterson, Paris Quick,
Michael Rice, Charles Robinson, Trinidad
Salinas and Jim Tenney and
fifth-graders Ashley Bassett,
Jack Bates, Brooke Cloutier,
Jacob Costley, Lagan Deasis,
Brittany Dyer, Owen Green, Jenn Jann,
Julia Longacre, Sera McNally, Niki Partridge, Brianna Robards, Michael Robinson, Joey Rodbourn, Christian Rossman,
Durnian Seager-Parulski, Megan Sermonis,
Ashley Shugars, Danielle Shutes, Robert
Stewart, Jordan Strzepek, Ty Thomas,
Cody Tostanoski and Tre Walters.
The Character Education Committee
encourages Dana Lyon students to continue demonstrating positive character
traits. The fourth round of Lion’s Eyes has
already begun, so be on the lookout for
next month’s winners. Remember, Lion’s
Eyes are watching.
Students discuss Club members
bullying
are seeing stars
A
s you know, bullying has become very
popular in a lot of schools. Like when
you’re walking in the halls and someone
calls you a name, that’s bullying. Or if
someone threatens you or hits you, that is
bullying!
In our class this month, we began reading a book to help us learn to overcome
bullies. It is called How Not to be a Bully
Target. It is about a girl named Mya. She
has just moved to New York from Florida.
It is her first day of school and she is already being bullied. These two girls named
Bonita and Franka will not stop giving
her a hard time. They even got the whole
class to pick on her. What a bad first day of
school! We hope we learn that she overcomes the bullies.
O
n January 26, the Haverling Exploration Club traveled to the Rochester
Museum and Science Center/ Strasenburgh Planetarium.
While at the museum, students took
a simulated ride to the bottom of Lake
Ontario, saw a communication exhibit
and viewed the Exploration Earth exhibit
that included numerous dinosaur bones,
a life-size mammoth complete
with fur and a life-size T. rex
skeleton.
At the planetarium, students
enjoyed Our Universe, an hourlong star show that showed
audience exactly what the
night sky would look like that
evening.
Seventh-grader Samantha
-By Lori and Amber, fouth-graders Cupp said “I’m coming back to this place
in Laura Bronson’s class
for sure!”
Page 9
Students participate in All-County
M
arch is Music in Our Schools Month
and to celebrate, the Steuben County Music Teachers Association will sponsor
two county music festivals, one at Haverling High School March 7-8 and the other
at Corning West High School March 2829. Haverling Middle School students will
represent our district at both festivals.
The Haverling Festival features students from the All-County sixth-grade
band and junior high chorus. Sixth-grade
musicians participating are Flute Players
Emily Gugliotta, Sarah Wright, Cienna
Tomb and Taylor Tompkins; Oboist Ariana Manikas; Clarinet Players Katherine
Van Amburg, Megan Preston and Lindsay
Robbins; Bass Clarinet Player Ali Sprague;
Alto Saxophone Players Garrett Strong,
Peter Skelly and Brittany Orlowske; Baritone Saxophone Player Brittany Clark;
Trumpet Player Logan Hobbs; Trombone
Players Samatha Taggart and Evan McDowell; Tuba Player Bailey Colomaio; and
Percussionist Matt Hauryski. The students
are taught by Nikki Cole.
Representing Haverling in the AllCounty junior high chorus are Ainslee
Litz, Jocie Lindmark, Jessica Fizzano,
Brianna Rossman, Alex Hauryski, Aaron
Preston, Kyle Clark,
Tyler Easterbrook
and Tommy Lieb.
The chorus
students are instructed by Cheryl
Muller.
The Corning West
Festival will host the
All-County sixth-grade
chorus and junior high
band. Sixth-grade
chorus students
are taught by
Neil Bryson and
the seventh- and
eighth-grade band
members are instructed by John Cole and
Richard Rohrbach.
Haverling’s sixth-grade chorus members
are Bailey Colomaio, Mitchell Fuller, Emily Gugliotta, Matt Hauryski,
Billie Jo Kester, Evan McDowell, Amber Northup, Melany Preston, Lindsay
Robbins, Alexandra Schlechter, Shayne
Stonier, Rikki Strauss, Samantha Taggart
and Sarah Wright.
Band members selected for this festival
are Flute Players Jaimie Kollmorgan and
Jessie Martin; Clarinetists Jocie Lindmark, Ally Muller, Brian Schuster, Maria
Kaniewski and Danielle Neu; Bass Clarinetist Maranda Rumsey; Alto Saxophone
Player Matt Vonderlin; Tenor Saxophone
Players Drew Snavely and Jake Schlink;
Baritone Saxophonist John Murray;
Cornet Player Zach Brown; F Horn Player
Kerstin Burns; Trombone Player Madeleine Flick; and Percussionists Austin
Colomaio and Austin Clark.
Students have already started working
on the music for these festivals as they are
expected to arrive with the music learned.
Each festival consists of more than eight
hours of intensive rehearsals over two days’
time with a prominent guest conductor,
culminating in a 3:00 p.m. Saturday public
performance at each site.
Visit the Scholastic Book Fair March 1, 3, 5 and 6
Sponsored by the VEW PTA
Page 10
Saturday, March 1, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Monday, March 3, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 5, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 6, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Art students successful in contest
T
he Haverling Art Department
is pleased to announce that our
students won awards in the 2008 Scholastic Art Awards competition. Since
1927, Scholastics has sponsored a national
contest to honor outstanding achievement
in the visual arts by junior and senior high
school students. The Arnot Art Museum
in Elmira has sponsored the local awards
exhibit for more than 60 years.
Congratulations to Haverling High
School Students Elizabeth Congdon and
Jessica Sokolowski on their recent honors
in the competition.
Elizabeth earned Gold Keys for her
paintings Toes and Lions, Tigers, Bears! and
Silver Keys for her painting Samnelliot and
her drawing Senior. Elizabeth’s art portfolio
of collected works also earned a Silver Key.
Her Triple Figure Pot earned an Honorable
Mention in the ceramics and glass category. In addition, Elizabeth was awarded one
of five American Vision Awards for exceptional work and her Gold Key pieces will
be sent to New York City for the national
competition.
Jessica’s painting Lighthouse and a self
portrait drawing earned Honorable Mentions.
More than 450 works by students in the
Southern Tier of New York and Northern
Tier of Pennsylvania were submitted. Of
those, some 150 received honors and 120
were shown in the Arnot Art Museum’s
East Gallery in February.
“These
students
represented
our district in
tremendous
fashion,” said
Art Teacher
Daniel Roemmelt. “Districts are allowed to send
ten pieces of
artwork per
teacher, so to
have won so
many awards
is truly an
honor.”
Elizabeth,
Jessica and
Elizabeth Congdon stands next to her painting Toes, which is
their families on display at the Arnot Art Museum.
were invited
to an awards
ceremony at Elmira College on February 3.
Marc Dennis, Elmira College professor and
nationally-known artist, was the keynote
speaker.
“The Scholastic Art Awards competition is a terrific opportunity for our students to compete with students from other
area schools,” said Mr. Roemmelt. “Year
after year they continue to do well. Many
of our past Scholastic winners continued
their art studies in college and are now
working in art careers.”
VEW awarded $3,000 grant
T
he VEW Fine Arts Department was
awarded a $3,000 grant from The
ARTS of the Southern Finger Lakes for
Carnival - VEW Style, their culture study of
South America.
According to Music Teacher Brenda
Wright, the funding will support the
multi-cultural fine arts programming experiences for all students at VEW.
Planned programs for VEW third annual cultural study include guest artist
Felix Pitre, storyteller Annette Ramos, the
Borinquin Dance Troupe and artist Mary
Lynn Good.
Page 11
Homework tips from Mr. Ford
Structure equals success!
Ideas for helping children complete homework at DLL
M
ore and more, I see students who are
struggling with homework completion. Ultimately, many of these students
are putting themselves at risk for failure.
When homework assignments are not
completed, they are recorded as zeros,
drastically bringing down a child’s grades.
Moreover, as back work piles up, students
find themselves playing catch-up and find
it nearly impossible to gain any ground.
Therefore, I have compiled a few ideas to
assist parents and their children in completing homework.
Here are some steps you can take to
help your child become more successful at
getting his or her homework done:
1. Structure, structure, structure! Don’t
fight about when homework gets done.
Your child will benefit from a routine.
Some kids work best right after school,
while others find it easier before or after dinner. Give your child a choice,
but once they pick the time, it’s final.
Homework needs to be a routine.
2. Reward your child with free time
(ex. video game, T.V., play outside)
once the homework is complete. If
the homework is not done, no free
time. When using a reward system, be
structured and consistent, otherwise,
it’s less likely the reward system will
work.
3.
4.
Check your child’s agenda. Each
student has an agenda to keep track
of his or her assignments. Make it a
habit to check your child’s agenda
every night and sign the agenda when
the homework is complete. This way,
communication is established between
the parents and the teacher. If you
have any questions regarding assignments or if your child constantly says
“I got it done in school,” write a note
in the agenda or call his or her teacher
to confirm the work is getting done.
Help is available. It’s important that
we do not do our children’s work for
them. One way the teacher sees how
much your child is learning is by
checking homework. If you do the
work, this only complicates matters.
Therefore, have your child circle the
questions he or she is having problems with. At the end, try to guide
them through the problem, but be careful not to answer the question for them.
If your child is consistently having
problems with his or her homework, we
offer Homework Help each morning from
7:45-8:30 a.m. For more information,
parents of Dana Lyon students can call
School Counselor Matt Ford at 776-3301,
ext. 4606.
Learning is fun in pre-k
I
Page 12
n February, UPK students learned
about the concepts of sinking and
floating, magnets and friendship.
Students in Susan Jacobs’ class studied
shadows during a unit on Groundhog’s
Day. Students enjoyed playing with their
own shadows using a flashlight.
Students also
enjoyed the South
American Celebration, where all UPK
students wore crowns,
masks and beads.
Resource center offers new classes
T
he Bath Area Family Resource
Center (BAFRC), located in room
27 at VEW Primary School, offers a place
for parents and caregivers to drop in and
play together with their children. Drop-in
hours are Monday through Wednesday,
8:45 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and Thursdays 12:005:00 p.m. The center also offers a number
of educational resources and programs.
Programs in March include:
New! Music and Creative Movement:
Music is like magic to children. Children of all ages express themselves through
music. Come and experience music,
rhythm and creative dance with VEW
Music Teacher David Ackerman. This
three-week class for children ages 2-7
meets Tuesdays, March 4, 11 and 18 from
6:00-7:00 p.m. Pre-registration is necessary
as space is limited. Call Maria at 776-4123,
ext. 5650 to register by February 29.
New! Parenting with Heart:
A ten-week parenting class where you
decide what you want to learn. Topics
may include communication, addiction,
step-parenting, discipline, sibling rivalry,
child safety and more. It is important for
participants to commit to attending every
class. Classes will be held at the BAFRC
on Wednesdays from February 27 to May
7 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Class size is limited.
Call Linda George or Pam Clarkson (800)
553-2033, ext. 144 or ext. 131 to register.
New! Active Parenting Now;
For parents of children ages 5 to 12:
Happy families aren’t born… they’re
made one day at a time. This informative
four-week session uses video, activities and
discussion to show ways to raise responsible, cooperative children who are able to
resist negative peer pressure.
Topics will include winning
cooperation; responsibility
and discipline; understanding
and redirection of misbehavior; building courage, character and selfesteem and more. Classes are Thursdays,
March 6-27 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Child
care will be provided. Pre-registration is
necessary as space is limited. Call Maria at
776-4123, ext. 5650 to register by March
3.
Additional offerings:
Social Butterflies, Little Learners and Story Hour are playgroups for children of all
ages and their caregivers. A healthy snack
and activity are provided. Early Head
Start, Healthy Families Steuben and the
Dormann Library sponsor these socialization groups; however, you do not have to
be a current participant of these programs
to attend. No pre-registration is needed.
Coming in April:
Watch for more information on classes
including child and adolescent sexuality
development and cooking with Jon.
February news from first grade
F
ebruary was a busy month for
first-graders at VEW. Students
learned about good dental health habits,
presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, the 100th day of school and
Valentine’s Day.
Students also enjoyed the kick-off of
the school’s celebration of South American culture at an assembly with Felix Pitre,
a Latin American storyteller. First-graders
decorated their hallway with red chili peppers to commemorate the festivities.
Page 13
Foreign language department news
M
arch is National Foreign Language
Month.
¿Habla usted español? (Spanish).
Parlez-vous français? (French).
Czy mowisz po polsku? (Polish).
Ní huì shuō zhōng wen má? (Chinese)
Você fala portugues? (Portuguese).
Do you speak English?
These are some of the languages spoken
and known by the faculty and students
here at Haverling. Even in
our small town, there is linguistic and cultural diversity.
A goal of the foreign language department is to call
more attention to the study
of foreign language and
foreign cultures.
As a way of reaching this
goal, the foreign language
department, along with the
French and Spanish clubs,
will create opportunities
for our students to become
more aware of other languages and cultures during
March. When you enter our
school, you’ll notice that many classrooms
and objects will be labeled in a foreign
language. Flags of many foreign countries
will be hung in our main entryway. Some
of our announcements will be given in
foreign languages, along with English, during Foreign Language Week (March 3-9).
There will be a scavenger hunt to find staff
members associated with various aspects
of foreign cultures and to find items from
foreign lands. In addition we’re hoping
to serve various foreign foods throughout
the month. Of course, our Spanish and
French classes will continue learning those
languages and placing an emphasis on
cultures of Spanish- and French-speaking
countries.
Our school continues to look for ways
to educate our students about various
cultures. Opportunities for travel abroad,
the possibility of distance learning courses
in Italian, Russian and American Sign
Language and observing Foreign Language
Month are just some of those ways. We
hope the activities in March will raise
awareness of the cultural diversity and
other languages that exist in Bath.
Students celebrate Mardi Gras
O
Page 14
n February 5, French students in Lori
Updyke’s classes celebrated Mardi
Gras. Her classroom was festively decorated and students made feather- and glittercovered masks to wear.
Activities included the limbo, the
chicken dance and other games. There
also was a lot to eat, since no French
celebration is complete without food. A
highlight of the event came when students
sliced the traditional Mardi Gras King
cake. The lucky student to find the hidden
favor was crowned king or queen for the
day.
Matt Ross was crowned
King for a Day at his
French class’s Mardi Gras
celebration.
French Students
Alisha Messina,
Angelica Hadley
and Casey Hall
celebrate Mardi
Gras.
Class learns art of French cooking
A
dvanced French students are cooking
their way through the spring semester. After successful completion of French
III, students are eligible for the course,
in which they learn about the different
provinces of France and prepare specialties
from those regions.
Students have made soups, main
courses, vegetable dishes and desserts,
which tend to be their favorite. Who can
resist chocolate mousse or flaming cherries
jubilee?
According to French Teacher Lori
Updyke, the course is not only fun, but
practical as well, since many kitchen skills
are learned. In addition, there is plenty of
time for conversation in French to practice
those language skills already learned.
Sam Musso and Brian Vonderlin showing off their
crepe-making skills.
Club plans trip to Costa Rica
S
panish Club has been busy this
year. We had great success with our
Spanish Club Discount Card fund-raiser
and the profits allowed us to purchase new
items for the Foreign Language kitchen.
Other club activities included dining at
Sonora’s Mexican Restaurant, a Christmas
party and a talent show.
Currently, members are selling Spanish
Club t-shirts for students to wear to show
support for the Spanish Club. A trip to
Darien Lake and another dinner at Sonora’s will round out the year.
Another exciting event Spanish Club is
planning is a trip to Costa Rica in Central
America during February break next year.
According to Spanish Teacher Phil
Hy, the students who will take part in
this trip will experience Hispanic culture
first-hand. “Students will be able to practice using, and gain a better knowledge of,
the language they are learning to speak,”
he said. “They’ll also be able to enjoy the
warm climate and have a wonderful vacation from New York’s winter weather.”
While in Costa Rica, students will
visit the Arenal volcano, the Monteverde
Cloud Forest and the Manuel Antonio
National Park. An informational meeting
for interested students and their parents
will be held this spring.
“The Spanish Club has been very
involved in creating fun events for all of
its students,” said Mr. Hy. “Thank you to
everyone who supports us in all of these
events. We couldn’t do it without you.”
Page 15
Breakfast:
Pre-k through
grade 12______$.75
March lunch menu
Lunch:
Pre-k through
grade 3______$1.10
Grades 4
through 12___$1.25
ach day students are offered peanut
butter and jelly or deli sandwiches on
multi-grain wheat or white bread. Chef
salads and low-fat snacks also are available
in addition to the selections listed below.
Monday
3
Sloppy Joe on a bun
French Fries
Peas
Fruit
10
Variety of chicken
Pasta and peas
Fruit
Juice
Spaghetti with
meat sauce
Green beans
Fruit
17
E
Tuesday
Baked spirals with
meat sauce
Peas and carrots
Fruit
Juice
Burger Deluxe or
Green beans
Fruit
Hot dog on a bun
with sauerkraut
Corn
Fruit
Juice
24
No school Recess day
4
11
18
25
No school Conference day
31
Cheeseburger or
bread sticks with
meat sauce
Corn
Fruit
In this issue...
Wednesday
Variety of chicken
Mashed potatoes
Corn
Fruit
12
Turkey and gravy
Mashed potatoes
Carrots
Fruit
Ham and cheese
French fries
Mixed vegetables
Fruit
5
19
26
Variety of chicken
Pasta
Corn
Fruit
29
Page 2_ __ Superintendent’s Corner; Voting location change
Page 3_ _________ Voting information; Spelling bee winner
Page 4_ ___________________ See Cinderella April 4-5
Page 5_ ______________SMART Boards in the classroom
Page 6_ _____________ Guidance News, Cinderella cast
Page 7_ _____ Honor Society inductions; High School grant
Page 8_ ____ Future Quest programs; Middle School exams
30
Two percent, skim and chocolate milk,
yogurt and ice cream also are offered daily.
Eligible students are encouraged to apply for free or reduced-price meals. Applications are available in the serving lines.
Thursday
Grilled cheese
Tomato soup
Vegetable
Fruit
Beef tacos with
assorted shells
Rice
Vegetarian beans
Fruit
Friday
6
Cheese and
pepperoni pizza
Tossed salad
Green beans
Fruit
13
7
14
Cheese and
pepperoni pizza
Tossed salad
Corn
Fruit
20
VEW South
No school American Day:
Good Friday
Chicken rice casserole
Peas
Fruit
27
21
28
Macaroni and cheese
Carrots
Fruit
Juice
Cheese and
pepperoni pizza
Tossed salad
Peas
Fruit
31
1
Celebrate National
School Breakfast
Month: March 3-7
Page 9_ _______ Lion’s Eyes; Bullying; Exploration Club trip
Page 10_ ________ All-County participants; Book Fair dates
Page 11_ __________ Students earn art awards; VEW grant
Page 12_ __________________ Homework tips; Pre-k news
Page 13_ ____________ BAFRC programs; First-grade news
Page 14_ ___ Foreign Language news; Mardi Gras celebration
Page 15_ _ French students in the kitchen, Spanish Club news