January 2013 - Midlakes.org

M idlakes Journal
Volume XVII, Issue 3
January 2013
Superintendent’s Message
School Safety and Security
Our hearts are filled with grief for the senseless loss of life that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. It is
unimaginable that an individual would target such young children and those who nurtured them at that school. We keep the entire
Newtown community in our thoughts and prayers.
Events such as these bring the concept of safety and security to the forefront. Given the numerous calls and e-mails I have received,
this is clearly a concern for many. Some parents and community members are concerned our security is not tight enough, while
others are frustrated by the inconvenience of our tighter security. We will continue to work to find the right balance.
Following the tragedy, meetings were held throughout the district to review and reinforce our security procedures. We will continue
to fine tune those procedures in the coming days and months. I ask for your support and patience as we explore and implement
new approaches to safety. Here are some of the things we have done in the past few weeks:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
We are asking visitors to our elementary buildings to show photo identification before granting them access to our buildings. We do the same with parents who come to pick up an elementary school student for an early dismissal.
I have informed all district and BOCES staff they must wear their photo identification card at all times. Thus, all adults on campus will be displaying either a work ID or a visitor ID. Those without such an ID will be asked to leave.
We deactivated all the electronic keys to our buildings and issued new photo ID’s with electronic chips to all current employees. These new ID cards will unlock the doors.
We have met with our architect to explore a few additional safety enhancements and are awaiting a report back from them. In addition to other ideas, we have asked them to provide us with a design and cost for putting in a buzzer/camera system that would prevent visitors from accessing the building unless they have been “buzzed in.”
I, along with the other school superintendents in Ontario County, have met with county leaders to explore the reinstatement of School Resource Officers in those schools who have lost them. I am thankful for a very positive conversation with our colleagues from the county.
In addition to all of the above, we have also implemented some other security procedures that I will not publish in this article. It
would simply be counterproductive to make known these procedures. In the coming weeks and months, we will be exploring
other security related enhancements, including an enhanced system for registering visitors. Some other districts have begun using
technology that requires all visitors to scan their driver’s license or other ID. It leaves a record of visitors, while also printing a
photo ID with a date and time. Should we get positive reports from other districts on such systems, we will explore implementing
them in our schools.
Finally, we will be working to tighten up security at the high school. That physical structure is a bit more difficult as it was not
designed with security in mind. Quite simply, the office is in the wrong place to ensure the level of security we desire. We will be
exploring our options on that. Thank you for your patience and understanding. I realize that some of these security enhancements
will inconvenience you. Please know that we simply desire to maintain the safety and security of our students and staff.
Mike Ford
Superintendent of Schools
Inside this edition:
Calendar Reminders
SCHOOL CLOSED
Non-Public Transportation Request.........................2
Winter Recess
District Calendar .........................................................2
Free Books for Babies..................................................2
February 18-22
Thank You - Rotary & Staff.......................................3
MPS News/Kindergarten Registration....................4
Spring Recess
April 1-5
MIS/MMS/MHS News .......................................5 & 6
Musical/More MHS News ........................................ 7
February - April Calendars.........................................8
Phelps-Clifton Springs Central School District
1490 State Route 488
Clifton Springs, NY 14432
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Newark
NY 14513
Permit No. 71
2012-13
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Stephanie Nurse - President
Dr. Ryan Bennett
ECRWSS
POSTAL PATRON
Laura Cirone
Steven Hilfiker Scott Mattoon
Sheri Scherbyn
Craig Deisering - Vice President
M idlakes Journal
Page 2
Volume XVII, Issue 3
NON-PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
REQUEST FOR NON-PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
FOR THE 2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR
Parents of Phelps-Clifton Springs CSD resident pupils planning to attend a non-public school outside the school district next year,
must file a request for transportation for children by April 1, 2013. Please note: Even if a child presently attends a non-public
school, this request must be filed each year. Failure to do so may result in transportation being denied.
Pupil’s Name ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date of Birth _________________________________________ Grade Level (2013-2014) ____________________________________
Home Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number ________________________________________
Non-Public School Name ________________________________________________________________________________________
School Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature ______________________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE RETURN FORM TO: Phelps-Clifton Springs Central School District
ATTN: Bus Garage, 1490 Route 488, Clifton Springs, NY 14432
New York State Income Tax
FREE BOOKS FOR YOUR BABY!!!
Midlakes parents of babies can receive a “bundle” of
free books and a parent guidebook by contacting the Budding
Readers Program at:
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: Linda at 315-462-9072
WEB SITE: www.buddingreaders.org
Budding Readers is a local non-profit organization founded
in 2007. Our mission is to educate, encourage and equip
parents of Ontario County to read with their infants and
young children as a natural part of their daily routine.
Safe Shopping
Online Safety Tips
Just because the deal looks good doesn’t mean it’s a good
deal. Use these tips to keep your online shopping safe:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Only shop at reputable online retailers.
Use your credit card instead of your debit card.
Your credit card offers more protection if it’s compromised.
Check out as a guest if possible - why store your information online if you don’t have to?
Check for HTTPS, the lock icon and safe shopping certificates before providing sensitive information.
Midlakes Athletic Hall of Fame
The Midlakes Athletic Hall of Fame is seeking new nominations
for consideration for next year’s induction class. Any student,
teacher, coach, and/or athletic team who were outstanding
in their athletic endeavors are eligible for consideration.
This includes all graduating classes from Midlakes up to
and including the Class of 2003. Individual citizens in the
community who have contributed in extra-ordinary ways to
athletic activities at Midlakes are also eligible for consideration.
Specific qualifications and application forms may be obtained
by emailing the Hall of Fame at: midlakeshalloffame@yahoo.
com or by going to the Midlakes school website: www.
midlakes.org and selecting the “Athletics” tab and going
to “Hall of Fame”. You may also write to us at: Midlakes
Athletic Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 11, Clifton Springs, NY 14432.
As you begin to gather figures to complete your New York State
income tax return, remember to include the school district code
number on page one. The code number for the Phelps-Clifton
Springs School district is 493.
2013 DISTRICT CALENDAR
January 9, 23
January 21
January 22 - 25
February 13
February 13
February 18 - 22
March 13, 27
March 29
April 10, 24
April 1 -5
May 7, 22
May 14
May 22
May 27
June 12
June 11 - 20
June 20
Board of Education Meetings
Martin Luther King Holiday
NYS Regents Exams
Board of Education Meeting
Half Day/Supt. Conference
Winter Recess
Board of Education Meetings
Superintendent Conference Day
Board of Education Meeting
Spring Recess
Board of Education Meetings
Budget & Board of Ed. Vote
Half Day/Supt. Conference
Memorial Day Holiday
Board of Education Meeting
NYS Regents Exams
Last Day for Students
School Bus Regulations
Please remind your child that riding the school bus is a privilege.
Did you know that according to Board of Education policy #7340,
the Superintendent and/or his designee has the authority to
suspend the transportation privileges of a child who is disorderly
or insubordinate on the bus? Generally, the parent or guardian will
then be required to make alternative transportation arrangements
for their child who has been suspended from riding the bus.
Communication Tools
A reminder to students and parents: Midlakes uses an automated
system called Global Connect to provide timely information
via recorded telephone calls. These calls will appear to come
from 548-6420 on your phone. Please keep any changes to your
telephone numbers updated with the building secretary and
school nurse where your student attends, so you don’t miss any
of these important communications. Thanks for your help.
Cyber Ethics
Cyber ethics refers to the code of responsible behavior on the
Internet. Just as we are taught to act responsibly in everyday life,
with lessons such as “Don’t take what doesn’t belong to you,” and
“Do not harm others,” we must all act responsibly in the cyber
world as well. The basic rule is do not do something in cyber
space that you would consider wrong or illegal in everyday life.
M idlakes Journal
Volume XVII, Issue 3
Page 3
Parents of Medicaid Eligible Special Education Students
Thank you Clifton Springs Rotary for
your continued support in Midlakes
school programs:
• Skating Parties
• School Supplies
• Treasure Boxes
• Literacy Initiative
• Scholarships
Midlakes Faculty & Staff
Raise Money for Charities
Every Friday, the faculty and staff at Midlakes can choose to
donate $1.00 or more to trade their professional attire for a more
casual style. All proceeds collected from Dress Down Fridays
are donated to local charities or local groups sponsoring national
organizations. Since September, donations have been given to the
House of John, local families that have experienced tragedies, the
American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Fund, the Breast
Cancer Foundation, Katie’s Kritters, Clifton Springs Hospital
Cancer Walk, Mercy Flight, the Lion’s Club, a local Alzheimer’s
Walk, and faculty members in need of assistance.
In addition to the weekly donations, the Phelps-Clifton Springs
Faculty Association has contributed to many other charitable events
or fundraisers this year. These events include Pink Hair For Hope,
clothing for students in need, and the Secret Santa program. With
ongoing support from the caring P-CS Faculty Association members
here at Midlakes, the goal is to surpass last year’s donations.
Midlakes Percussion Ensemble
The Midlakes Percussion Ensemble will be performing
“Luminosity” for their 2013 program. Luminosity portrays how
Thomas Alva Edison never gave up his search for a workable
incandescent light bulb, an invention that made so much of
modern life possible. You’ll hear him tinker in his New Jersey
lab as he comes up with ideas that will change the course of
humanity. The contrasting section takes you through the hard
times of testing each of the 3,000 types of filament prototypes in
order to find the one that worked. Despite the failures of so many
experiments, he fought on against the odds towards the goal of
finding the one formulation that would change the world. The
show concludes in celebration of Edison’s personal victory with
a soaring theme of victory.
The ensemble’s diverse members range from students in grades
five to twelve. They perform in competitions around New York
State. The Midlakes Percussion Ensemble is the 2010 PSA-2
Division Champions and the 2012 PIA Division Champions.
They also placed 21st in the world at the WGI Percussion World
Championships in 2012. Midlakes Percussion Ensemble will
host a pre-season show on January 26th in the High School
Gymnasium. This event is free and open to the public.
Please come and check this talented drumming group out!
Substitute Opportunities
Midlakes schools are looking for substitutes in the following
categories: Nurse
Typist
Cleaner
Teacher Aide
Cafeteria Monitor Food Service Helper
If interested, please visit our website www.midlakes.org
under quick links: employment opportunities or phone
548-6424 for more information.
From: Tammy Wood, Director of Special Programs & Services
In these financially-binding times, it is important that all of us do
our part in making sure that the school district funding sources
are there for our students. One way is to sign a permission
slip for the school district to be reimbursed from Medicaid for
Education monies available in the state for the special education
services your child may be receiving. Without the proper parental
signature on the permission form, the school district is not
reimbursed for services that are provided to your child.
Medicaid for Education provides speech, occupational therapy,
physical therapy as well as counseling and transportation services
to children who are Medicaid eligible. These funds reimbursed
to school districts do not take away or deter services a family
or child has outside of the school day. It is a separate fund that
is provided to assist the schools in providing the appropriate
services to your child.
I politely request that your signature be placed on the form we
mail to you, and promptly returned to my attention at the Special
Programs Office at the high school. Thank you for your help!
Tips on Getting Into College
Getting into college is as competitive as ever. Here are some tips
for getting into the college you want to attend.
1. Plan your four year high school curriculum as a freshman.
The courses you take can be even more important than your
grades. They also affect how your SAT and ACT scores are viewed.
(Hint: take both the SAT and ACT exams. Colleges will take the
score that looks best!) If a student’s courses are less impressive
than their scores, colleges assume you were not willing to take a
challenging curriculum. Parents, encourage your child to stay in
the highest math track they can handle.
2. It’s better to take Advanced Placement courses and get B’s
than get A’s in less challenging courses. Students learn more in honors
courses, and that’s the first thing a college admissions officer looks at.
3. Don’t overly focus on grades; focus on learning. Show
the teacher that you are genuinely interested in learning about, or
improving your skills in, a subject, and not just about getting high
marks. Ask the teacher what you can read on your own. Don’t make
every one-on-one conversation with your teacher about grades.
4. Plan ahead for your classes. You should be ready to add
to every class discussion. Don’t think about what you can get out
of a class, but about how much you can contribute.
5. Get solid teacher recommendations. College admissions
people need to satisfy their professors by putting people in their
classrooms they are going to like to teach. That’s one reason
teacher recommendations are so important.
6. Get involved in school and the community. Colleges like wellrounded students. Do volunteer work, take on leadership roles, play sports,
sing in a choir, or join your church youth group. Just get involved.
Habits of Successful Children
According to a variety of recent publications, there are distinct
habits of some young people that are related to future success.
1. Students who become wildly successful in life most often
developed a habit of reading. Successful young adults read at least
one non-school required book per month. As parents, start this habit
early by requiring your child to do this.
2. Successful young adults engage in at least 20 minutes of aerobic
exercise at least four times per week.
3. Setting goals (especially daily and weekly) makes a difference. Such
goals should be actionable and focus on what will be accomplished.
Students need to see the difference between a wish and a goal.
4. Most successful young adults have engaged in five to ten hours of
volunteer work per week. Encourage your child to develop a heart of
giving. The most successful young people limit their use of TV, phone,
and non-work related computer use to one hour or less per day. This
allows them to use their time to invest in themselves and others.
5. Successful people demonstrate courtesy and kindness. They call
friends and family members on their birthdays, send thank you cards,
and acknowledge special occasions. Quite simply, they show they
care about others.
M idlakes Journal
Page 4
Volume XVII, Issue 3
Primary School News
MPS Fork & Spoon Awards
SCHOOL SAFETY ISSUE
Reminder to all Primary & Intermediate
school parents - CHANGE:
WHEN SIGNING INTO THE BUILDING OR
PICKING UP A CHILD, YOU WILL BE ASKED
TO SHOW A PICTURE PROOF OF IDENTITY
Thank you in advance for
complying with this request
for the students’ safety!
Response from Trees for Troops
For the fourth year in a row, Mrs. Durso’s second grade class
has taken on the project of sending Christmas trees to troops
overseas for the holiday season. Donations came from all the
employees, staff and teachers to help the class send 13 trees this
year. Many thanks to Darling Tree Farm, Garden Hoes, Parents
and all Employees for making this project yet another successful
year! One of our own graduates from Midlakes received a
tree…”Frenchy” Daniel Bourgeois.
For the past two months, a class from each grade level in
Midlakes Primary School is recognized for showing great
behaviors in the cafeteria. Mrs. Cameron, the school principal,
and Mrs. Duchesneau, the lunch-room monitor, choose classes
who stay in their seats, use indoor voices and show positive
behaviors. These classes receive the “Golden Fork and
Spoon Award”, which they proudly display outside of
their classrooms and bring to lunch with them every day.
So far this year’s winners are:
November
Mrs. Dehn’s Class
Ms. Galen’s Class
Mrs. Jackson’s Class
December
Mrs. Catchman’s Class
Mrs. Isaacs and Mrs. Busby’s Class
Mrs. Durso’s Class
Kids Helping Kids
The second graders at Midlakes Primary School once again
headed the Kids Helping Kids project. This was the tenth
year that our students have asked families and businesses
in the Phelps-Clifton Springs community to donate nonperishable food items, paper products, toiletries, along with
new hats, mittens and gloves. The donations were collected
and given to the Phelps Community Food Cupboard
to help local families during the long winter months.
The students and their teachers would like to thank
everyone who gave so generously. They appreciate
the donations and the volunteers who helped during
this project. Thanks to your support, the school
was able to donate over 20 large boxes of goods!
Dear Mrs. Durso,
Thank you so much for the tree, you have no idea of how many
people are jealous of what my roommate and I have in our room.
You should have seen the look on our faces when we opened the
box thinking we got a fake tree and it was REAL! We joke around
that we are going to bring it outside and plant it so pine-trees can
start to spring up all over the country. There are no trees here
on base. ( Now that I think about it there really aren’t any trees
in this part of the country. )
In any case, I’m originally from Rochester NY, in the 6th grade
I moved in with my father who still lives in Phelps. I graduated
from Midlakes high-school in ‘04, FLCC in ‘06, joined the Air
Force that summer. Finished officer school with my BS and MS at
RIT in ‘10. I then attended pilot school and now fly the MC-12W
and KC-135 for The Force.
I showed up here in Afghanistan in September. I’m not scheduled
to leave until the end of April or early May ( ~210 days ) I may
be home prior to school getting out and may be able to stop in.
That is a long time to be 5,000 miles away from family, especially
during the holidays. But, if there is anything that makes the time
go by faster or easier its little things that remind you of home.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Parent registration for kindergarten students who turn five
years old by December 1, 2013 will be held during the first week of
May. Screenings will be scheduled during the first week of June.
Children who turn six years old on or before December 1,
2013 must receive full-time instruction beginning the first
day school is in session in September, 2013. Children who
turn six years old after December 1, 2013, must receive fulltime instruction the first day of school in September, 2014.
In order to ensure that the families of all incoming
children receive information regarding registration and
screening, please fill out the following form and return it to:
Midlakes Primary School, 1500 State Route 488,
Clifton Springs, NY 14432
Student Name: _____________________________________
Date of Birth: _____________________ Gender _________
Parent Name(s):_____________________________________
Home Address:_____________________________________
I can promise you walking into my room after flying long missions
City, State, & Zip:___________________________________
and the smell of that pine hits you in the face, its like going on
Home Phone: _____________________________________
vacation! Thoughts of marshmallow filled hot chocolate, warm
My child will:
sweaters, friends and family enjoying each others company, and
___ Attend Midlakes Primary School
the sound of cracking embers in a close by fire place all come
___ Attend a private/parochial school
rushing back.
___ Have home schooling
___ Not start this year
THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Daniel “Frenchy” Bourgeois, 2Lt, USAF
Pilot 4ERS/350 ARS
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM BY FEBRUARY 25, 2013
M idlakes Journal
Page 5
Annual Pumpkin Contest
Intermediate School News
Volume XVII, Issue 3
Third Grade Electricians
Each year, MIS students have the opportunity to choose a
character, title, or theme relating to a book or a series of books
from the library, and decorate a pumpkin or gourd to look like
a character, the title or theme of the book. Thanks to Librarian
Heather Bradley and more than 50 creative entries! All the
entries were judged by staff, and the winning results were as follows:
Remember those old Christmas lights with the giant light bulbs
that are all tucked away in the attic and haven’t been used in
years? It turns out those old lights in the hands of third graders
can be put back to use and shine brightly again! Third graders in
Miss Case’s class have been studying electricity and have become
quite the electricians.
Third grade:
1st place Sydney Bennett (Pinkalicious)
2nd place TJ Delpriore (Cody the Dalmation)
3rd place Gavin Bassett (Captain Underpants)
During the study students learned what materials are conductors,
what they needed to create a working circuit and how circuits work,
and from that they created multiple working circuits successfully
lighting light bulbs. Students also created working switches and
attached them to their circuits to actually build a series circuit
operating from a switch.
Fourth grade:
1st place tie Austin Sheffield (Titanic)
and Natalie Wilkes (Amber Brown)
2nd place Chris Weston and Jacob Spence (Kai from Ninjago)
3rd place tie Abigail Sloane (Pinocchio)
and Alaina Meath (Doll in the Garden)
Fifth grade:
1st place Anna Smith (3-headed dog from Harry Potter)
2nd place Josi Amidon (Calvin and Hobbes)
3rd place Sarah Socha (Dragon from Dragonbreath)
Sixth grade:
1st place Daisy White (Rainbowfish)
2nd place Katlyn Upchurch (the Witch from Wizard of Oz)
3rd place tie Corrine Brown (Troll from Spiderwick Chronicles) and Nathan Young (the Haunted Mask)
MIS Music
Since coming to Midlakes, Erik Koepke and students had a very
specific goal in mind, and that was to read music on their own. Mr.
Koepke loves using the word “autodidact”, or self taught learner,
and subscribing to that mindset. The sort of “Give a man a fish....”
theory for the students, and he always hopes the kids latch on.
Pictured are the students identifying basic
note names and rhythms in small groups,
playing the songs on various instruments,
and identifying the name of the holiday
song they played from a song bank. All of
these tasks required little to no help from
the teacher. He is proud of what they accomplished in a few
short months. Having been in several schools in the past four
years, Mr. Koepke wants to say that Midlakes has amazing
kids, who are so eager to please and learn, and it is a welcome
change from the norm.
Snowflakes for Sandy Hook
Teachers and students at MIS had a chance to start the year off
making the world a better place. When discussing their new year’s
resolutions to help the world become a better place, Ms. Case’s
third grade students asked how they could help the students at
Sandy Hook Elementary School in CT. After researching, they
found that Sandy Hook was accepting donations of decorated
paper snowflakes. Their community took the donated snowflakes
and decorated the new elementary school to make a more
welcoming place for the returning students. They accepted
snowflakes through the middle of January.
It didn’t seem like much, but it was an easy way to show students
at Midlakes care, and were thinking of them. Thank you
students for helping make the world a little brighter place!
One of the final challenges of the
unit included teams of students
working together to put together
and successfully light the strand of
old Christmas lights. After finishing
the challenge, the students were
able to describe what they needed to do to make the lights work
and then discussed what lights would be the most sensible to buy
to decorate their homes. Great work third graders!
Geography Bee
Congratulations! The students listed below are the ten finalists
who participated in the 2013 National Geographic Bee school
finals (classroom competitions included the entire fourth, fifth,
and sixth grades). The school-wide finals were held on Friday,
January 11th in the MIS school library.
Nathan Belcher, Jeanne Durham, Jasmine Fiori, Olivia
Fullerton, Dylan Hazlett, Jacob Liberati, Kaleb Mahoney,
Matthew Mattoon, Simon Rizzo, and Andrew Ross.
As of the date of this publication, the school-wide geography
bee finals have yet to determine the 2013 Midlakes Geography
Bee Champion, who will take a written exam to qualify for the
next level of the Bee (the Regional Competition).
Quick Facts about Teens and Drugs
~ Parents tend to underestimate their teen’s exposure to illegal
drugs. Almost 1/3 of teens report that they have used illicit drugs
at some point in their lives.
~ Using alcohol and tobacco at a young age -- especially before
high school-increases the risk for using other drugs later, such
as marijuana and cocaine.
~ Young people who don’t use drugs are more likely to stay in
school than those who do use drugs.
~ Poor judgment while using drugs puts teens at risk for car crashes,
falls, drownings, violence, unplanned and unsafe sex, and suicide.
Tips for Parents:
The reality is that at some point your teen will be offered drugs.
Give him or her reasons and ways to refuse drugs.
1. Tell your teen often that drug use is unacceptable, illegal,
harmful, and wrong! Frequently talk about family expectations
and rules about drugs. Clearly state and enforce the consequences
for breaking the rules.
2. Positive feedback strengthens a teen’s decision not to use
drugs. For example, “It’s great that you have decided to stay away
from drugs. That takes a lot of courage!”
3. Busy, supervised teens have fewer opportunities to do drugs.
Encourage your teen to take part in community activities, volunteer
work or after-school programs, or to get a part-time job.
4. Get to know your teen’s friends. Know where they hang out
and what they are doing. Talk with your teen’s friends’ parents
about your “no drug use” rules.
5. Boost your teen’s self-confidence and self-worth. Praise attempts
as well as achievements. Encourage your teen to express opinions and
feelings in a positive way, for example, talking, writing, or drawing.
Talk with and listen to your teen. Show that you are there for them.
M idlakes Journal
Page 6
MMS Science Trip
Volume XVII, Issue 3
Middle/High School News
Middle school science teacher Ellie Metzger, organized a
wonderful trip for sixth, seventh and eigth grade students to
Pennsylvania. Staff accompanied the kids to Penns Cave and
a nature preserve. The students had guided tours and learned
about a variety of animals and also about the formation of natural
caverns. They spent the night in State College and the following
day students had the opportunity to work with college professors
at Lock Haven University. They completed three - 45 minute
lab/lecture sessions and learned about topics such as DNA,
Environmental issues, Fungi, Insects, and Microbiology. It
was a wonderful educational opportunity for the students,
and they all had a blast!
Project Adventure
By: Brittany Nye Phys Ed Teacher
Project Adventure is an adventurebased unit at MMS & MHS,
which uses active learning to
build character, promote team
work, develop physical and
emotional fitness, and encourage
responsibility, leadership, and
problem solving. MHS students
participated in a Project Adventure unit that ended with an activity
called Gilligan’s Island. Students were told they had been in a ship
wreck and they needed to work together to get to the rescue ship
using only the few resources that
were available. Everybody on
the ship had to make it. It was a
fun, successful activity! The life
skills that students develop in
the Project Adventure unit are
very valuable for their future in
college and in the workplace.
Midlakes Volleyball Success
Boys Varsity Volleyball
Section V Class B Finalist out of 16 teams
Overall Record of W19 – L2, Finger Lakes Champs Section V
Class B All Tournament Team: Jake Kemp, Zach Hemminger
Finger Lakes All League:
Jake Kemp (1st Team), Zach Hemminger (1st Team), Dakota
Norrison (1st Team), Louis Price (1st Team), Andrew Burnett (1st
Team), Mike Gelder (1st Team), Gage Record (2nd Team), Chris
Goodman (2nd Team), Riley Lannon (Honorable Mention)
Messenger Sports Player of the Year: Jake Kemp
D & C– All Greater Rochester 1st Team: Jake Kemp
Girls Varsity Volleyball
Section V Class B Champs - Won the first girls title in school history
Overal Record of W17 – L6, Second in League
Section V Class B All Tournament Team: CeCe Cordero, Anna
Coryell, and Marissa McFadden
Section V Class B Most Valuable Player: CeCe Cordero
All State: CeCe Cordero (4th team)
Finger Lakes East All League:
Anna Coryell (1st Team), CeCe Cordero (1st Team),
Marissa McFadden (2nd Team), Allie Maloney (2nd Team),
Dominique Burri and Emily Knipper (Honorable Mention)
Finger Lakes Senior All Stars: Dominque Burri, Mackenzie Hoven
Congratulations to both teams coached by Kyle Salisbury
Scholar Athletes
Congratulations to these Midlakes fall scholar athlete teams!
Girls swimming
Ashley Arnold, Shannon Dole, Edith Skellie, Sabrina Brooks,
Grace Gallentine, Kayla Goodman, Aubrianna Lantrip, Anna
Schoenfelder, Kea Smith, Cyeyenne Stiles, Bailey Mahoney
Girls Soccer
Alexis Baxter, Alexis Blair, Jessica Blondell, Megan DeHond,
Taylor Landuyt, Maggie Notter, Samantha Peacock, Rebecca
Shepard, Allison Clements, Morgan Pimm, Kylee Hughes,
Elisabeth Pierce
Girls Volleyball
Rachel Adsitt, Mackenzie Hoven, Emily Knipper, Allison
Maloney, Lindsay Siganowich, Sara Belcher, Audra Linsner,
Marissa McFadden
Girls Cross Country
Sofia Clason, Kori Hughes, Brianna Moore, Miranda Hoover,
Jessica Charlette, Jessica Skellie, Haley Smith
Boys Cross Country
Jason Charlette, Spencer Linsner, William Barr, Sean Peacock,
Mitchell Priebe, Matthew Decker, McKenna Middlebrook
Cross Country Accomplishments
Junior Mitchell Priebe had a great
showing at the Cross Country State
Meet. He ran for Midlakes and
Section V, placing 20th in Class C.
Kori Hughes and Mariah Sergeant
were ”All League” athletes for the
girls Cross Country Team. They
led the young girls team in a great
season with a league record of W17 – L3, which is something that
has not happened at Midlakes in recent years. Mitchell Priebe and
Sean Peacock were “All League” runners for the boys this year, with
the boys team finishing the season with a league record of W13 – L8.
Congratulations to all of the runners coached by Julie Backus.
Congratulations Joseph Gonzalez
for being selected by the National Association
for Musical Education to be part of their
All Eastern Chorus
This 350 person chorus is made up of students
from eleven states. All Eastern Conference
will be held in
Hartford, CT on April 4-7, 2013
Midlakes Cheerleaders
Congratulation Midlakes Varsity Cheerleaders, who captured
their first ever undefeated competition season this Fall! The 18
cheerleaders competed at the Hornell Fall Challenge, where they
won the Medium Varsity Division and took home Grand Champion
honors (highest overall score of the day). Coached by Laura
Hovey, they won their first ever FLHSAA League Cheerleading
Championship Fall League Title. And, they captured their third
consecutive Fall, Section V, Class B Title. Individual honors
included 2nd Team All League Senior – Melinda Westbrook and
1st Team All League Senior - Chanelle Surphlis. Chanelle was also
the recipient of the Section V Cheerleading Leadership Award.
M idlakes Journal
Volume XVII, Issue 3
Washington Trip
Page 7
More High School News
As the sun set over the hills
of Arlington Cemetery
on November 17, 2012,
approximately 80 members
of the Midlakes Class of
2013 preserved their place
in history; four of the seven
class officers presented a
wreath at the Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier.
Midlakes Counts!
The brain child of and organized by Mr. Campbell’s first
period Government class, MHS students and faculty voted in
a mock election, and participated in a live debate, mirroring
the Presidential election. The candidates were seniors Jessica
Blondell, representing Romney (or Blomney), and Megan DeHond,
representing President Obama (or
D’Bama). After spending a great deal
of time researching their candidates
positions on many important issues,
a debate was held in a packed
after school chorus room, where
moderators John “Stefan” Uvegas, and Samantha “Sam” Peacock
elicited questions from the floor for the candidates. Both the
candidates and the students were very serious and it was easy to
forget that this was taking place at a high school. The remainder
of the Government class managed their candidates, campaigned,
produced ballots and ballot boxes, and manned the lunch room
tables on election day. In a very close vote, D’Bama won. The
election was also covered by the Daily Messenger (Friday, Nov.
2, 2012), and the candidates were extensively interviewed and
appeared on the front page. Great job Midlakes students!
Scholastic Art Awards
Three MHS juniors are participating in The Scholastic Art and
Writing Awards as their art work is sent to NYC to compete with
students regionally. Shown below are entries by Grace Gallentine
(pencil collage), Shannon Harasta(watercolor) and Eli Saracino
(scratchboard), who have had their art work selected by Mrs. Quinn
as excellent and perfect to represent Midlakes High School. Winners
are usually announced in March and any Gold Key winners
continue on to compete nationally. Good luck to all artists!
Finger Lakes Works . . . By: Tracey A. McMath
On October 4th approximately thirty Midlakes High School
students along with four chaperones attended a field trip to the
7th annual Finger Lakes Works…With Their Hands! Career
Exploration Day. The event is free and sponsored by the Finger
Lakes Workforce Investment Board. It was held again this year
at the Rodman Lott & Son Farms in Seneca Falls. Schools from all
over the Finger Lakes area were in attendance with approximately
500 students participating in the event.
The field trip was an exciting opportunity for students to get
information on a wide variety of career options that involve
“hands-on” abilities. Representatives from local and regional
businesses, apprenticeship programs, labor unions, trade schools,
and colleges were available to discuss career options. Several
“hands-on” career categories were represented including,
apprenticeship programs in electrical and HVAC, careers in
construction, computer programs, engineering programs,
emerging technologies, green jobs, viticulture, NYS DOT highway
careers, advanced manufacturing, and more.
DOCTOR DOLITTLE
If you could talk to the animals - just imagine it!
Travel with the Theatre Experience of Midlakes High School as
it takes theatregoers on a journey from the small English village
of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh to the far corners of the world as it
presents the Finger Lakes Area premiere of the musical Doctor
Dolittle. This classic tale of kindness to animals trots, crawls and
flies onto the Midlakes stage in this big Broadway-sized family
musical on March 15-16, 22-23, 2013 at 7:30 pm and March 17 at
2:00 pm. All of the characters that have become loved through
the stories of Hugh Lofting and the 1967 movie musical starring
Rex Harrison are given new life in the stage version with book,
music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse.
This dazzling fantasy turns both ordinary and exotic animals
into talking, dancing and singing sensations. After a lengthy
audition process held in late November, it was determined
that junior Zackery White will be “talking to the animals” as
Dr. John Dolittle with the assistance of his 199 year old parrot,
Polynesia, portrayed by junior Joanna Reigle. Senior Stefan
Uveges appears as Matthew Mugg, the Cat’s Meat Man and
Dolittle’s best friend. Michael Jansen plays General Bellowes,
the local magistrate, while Ella Robinson, a sophomore, appears
as his niece Emma Fairfax. Others principle roles are filled by
Grant Iraci, a sophomore, as circus owner Albert Blossom and
junior Jacob Zettlemoyer as Straight Arrow.
The ensemble is composed of Sierra Adams, Will Barr, Sierra
Braden, Makenzie Conover, Hunter DeJonge, Nathan Dingy,
Kevin Gibbs, Brittany Hammond, Shannon Harasta, Daniel
Jankowski, Matthew Johnson, Aniko Kovacs, Emma LoreeFindeis, Nate MacDonell, McKenna Middlebrook, CJ Milliman,
Kylie Milliman, Sierra Morse, Tessa Seils, Cheyenne Stiles, Erin
Symonds and Nook Wongsalabsi.
The show is being directed Mr. Keith Childs; Ms. Jennifer DeMillo
returns as music director. Childs, Ms. Erin Rizzo and Mr. Timothy
Ruthven, both Midlakes graduates, will choreograph the show. Mr.
Theodore Mullen and Mr. Charlie King are technical directors while
Mr. Ross Gifford is designing the lights. Mrs. Mary Quinn designs
the show’s publicity graphics. Junior Molly Fagner is student
director, while senior Rachel Jones is serving as stage manager.
Presale tickets for Doctor Dolittle will be available in mid-February
at the Midlakes High School Office, Phelps Hometown Pharmacy,
Peirce’s Gift Shop in Clifton Springs, Area Records in Geneva and
Renaissance—The Goodie II Shoppe in Canandaigua at the cost of
$7.00 for adults and $6.00 for students and senior citizens. Tickets
purchased at the door cost an additional $1.00.
Don’t miss this chance to step into the life of Dr. Dolittle as
he performs remarkable treatments on the wildest variety of
patients. Discover his secret cures and watch with wide-eyed
excitement as he and his four-legged friends charm their way into
the hearts of theatre goers on March 15-17 and 22-23, 2013.
Students were able to participate in
hands-on demonstrations and activities.
Experts were available to help students
with questions and assist them with
hands-on activities throughout the day.
Fun and interesting activities included
welding, masonry, carpentry, CAD
systems, plumbing, electrical, heavy
equipment operation, and more. The students learned that there
are many high demand jobs in the skilled trades. Students were
given a backpack, hard hat, safety glasses, and snack upon their
arrival. They followed a “Tour Guide” and were lead throughout
the grounds exploring and participating in each area thoroughly.
At lunch, students and chaperones were
treated to a delicious chicken barbecue. The
day wrapped up with a fun and interesting
show that used Physics concepts to entertain
the crowd. Overall, it was a very positive
experience for MHS students!
M idlakes Journal
Page 8
Administrative Team
Mike Ford
Superintendent
548-6420
Monday
Sunday
February 2013
Jamie Farr
Middle/High School
Principal
548-6300
Janice Driscoll
Intermediate School Principal
548-6900
Tammy Wood
Director of
Special Programs & Services
548-6440
Donald Miller
Director of Facilities
548-6465
Vacant
School Lunch Manager
548-6415
Wednesday Thursday
Friday
1
Saturday
2
Percussion
Ensemble
Show
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13 Half
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
16
27
28
Supt. Conf.
Day - BOE
Mtg 7:00 pm
Percussion
Ensemble
Show
Percussion
Ensemble
Show
Winter Recess Winter Recess Winter Recess Winter Recess Winter Recess Percussion
No School
No School
No School
No School
Ensemble
No School
Show
Karen Cameron
Primary School Principal
548-6700
J. Lyle Dixon
Athletic Director
548-6450
Tuesday
Percussion
Ensemble
Show
Matthew Fitch
Business Manager
548-6431
Patti Larche
Director of
Curriculum & Instruction
548-6475
Volume XVII, Issue 3
Monday
Sunday
BOE Meeting.
7:00 pm
MPS
March 2013
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday
Friday
1
Saturday
2 Percussion
Ensemble
Show
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 Percussion
10
11
12
13
14
15 Musical
16 Musical
21
22 Musical
23 Musical
28
29 Supt.
Conference
Day
30 Percussion
BOE Meeting
7:00 pm
17 Musical
18
19
MPS
20
24
25
26
27 BOE
Dr. Dolittle
2:00 pm
Meeting 7 pm
MIS/MMS/
MHS Concert
Dr. Dolittle
7:30 pm
Dr. Dolittle
7:30 pm
Ensemble
Show
Dr. Dolittle
Percussion
Ens. Show
Dr. Dolittle
7:30 pm
Ensemble
Show
April 2013
Monday
1
Tuesday
2
Wednesday
3
Thursday
4
Friday
5
Saturday
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Jack Hauber
Aquatics Director
548-6451
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Website
www.midlakes.org
28
29
30
Lisa Kornbau
Transportation Supervisor
548-6400
Phyllis Mouton
Tax Collector
548-6437
Sunday
Spring Recess
No School
Percussion
Ensemble
Show
Spring Recess
No School
Spring Recess
No School
BOE Meeting.
7:00 pm
MPS
BOE Meeting.
7:00 pm
MPS
Spring Recess Spring Recess
No School
No School
NYSSMA
Solofest @
Canandaigua
NYSSMA
Solofest @
Canandaigua