February - Alexander Central School District

Alexander
Cobblestones
K-12 Newsletter
Superintendent’s Message...
On February 1, 2011, Governor Cuomo released his proposed budget for the upcoming
year. Although it was not a surprise that several New York State entities are looking at
cuts in their respective budgets, it was unsettling to learn how the rural schools in
Western New York are going to be negatively impacted should the Governor’s proposed
budget be adopted by the legislature.
There is tremendous inequity in how state aid will be distributed in the Governor’s proposal. Approximately 64% of the Alexander Central School District’s revenue comes
from New York State. Under the governor’s proposal we would realize a cut of approximately $1,242,000.
As we continue to struggle through the State’s financial crisis we cannot lose sight of
the importance of equal opportunity in the educational arena for all of our children.
There simply is not equity in the distribution of state aid under the Governor’s plan.
February 2011
Special points of
interest:
Kindergarten Registration
Spelling Bee
Non-Public School
Transportation
Board of Education
Meeting Minutes
Board Member??
Awards/Honors
PTA News
At this juncture we all must ask ourselves, “should our children be entitled to fewer
academic, athletic and artistic opportunities than their peers in other more affluent
districts?” If your answer to this question is no, and I certainly hope it is, this is the
time to voice your opinion to your local legislators.
Scholar-Athlete Teams
We are indeed fortunate to be in a community that supports education and supports
our children. Be assured that over the next few months we will work hard to develop a
budget that is not only responsible to our taxpayers but also keeps the best interests of
children in mind.
Kits & Giggles
Reed Pettys, BOE Vice President
Kathleen Maerten, Superintendent
DINNER & A SHOW
The Alexander Business Class will
be having a Clor’s Chicken
BBQ in the Cafeteria before the
Friday night performance of Hello Dolly. Tickets will be sold for
$8.50. The dinner includes Clor’s
Chicken BBQ, two sides
(coleslaw, salt potatoes), a roll, a
drink (milk, iced tea, coffee), and
homemade dessert! The dinner
will be available from 5 to 7pm or
for takeout. Please see any Business Class member for tickets and
questions, or call 591-1551 ext.
2001 to reserve a ticket.
Come enjoy dinner and a show
on Friday, February 25th!
Hall of Fame
Parking Reminders
Driver Education
Alexander Fitness
Parents’ Night
Hello Dolly Feb. 24,25,26
ACS Idol May 26
SPEED LIMIT
15 MPH
Reminder to everyone
that the speed limit on
Buffalo Street is 15
miles per hour during
school hours. The New
York State Vehicle and
Traffic law defines
“school hours” at 7AM
to 6PM. Compliance is
especially important
during the winter
months as the weather
often can affect our visibility and a vehicle’s
stopping distance.
ELEMENTARY NEWS
The Alexander PTA had a busy holiday season.
The most noteworthy event was the Holiday
Food Drive that culminated in the elementary
students personally delivering their donations
to the Alexander Methodist Church for distribution. It was a moving experience for the
children, teachers, and church volunteers.
The PTA is currently conducting our annual Candy Sale. Please support
our students. We are looking forward to many activities, including Read
Across America.
All district residents are invited to join the PTA at our meetings held the
first Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm in the elementary library.
Experience how you can both help and benefit from membership.
Elementary Food Drive Delivery!
Time to Register for
Kindergarten
We’re beginning to plan for the 2011-2012
Kindergarten class. As a first step, we are
trying to identify eligible children (in New
York State, a child may enter Kindergarten
if their fifth birthday falls on or before December first of that year). If your child is
eligible to enter Kindergarten in September 2011, and you have not received a letter from the district regarding this, please
contact the elementary office at 591-1551
ext. 1831.
Kindergarten registration will be done
during the last week of March at the elementary school. Current UPK students
will not need to re-register with the school
for Kindergarten. All registrations must
be complete by April 1. If your last name
begins with the letters A-L, please register
your Kindergarten student at the elementary office from Monday, March 28 to
Wednesday, March 30, from 7:30am3:30pm. If your last name begins with the
letters M-Z, please register at the elementary office between 7:30am-3:30pm on
Wednesday, March 30 to Friday, April 1.
More information will be mailed to you.
All incoming Kindergarten students are
required to undergo a Kindergarten
screening, which will take place at the end
of April. More information regarding
screening will follow.
PARENTS’ NIGHT
The elementary school hosted a Parents’ Night on Thursday, February 17th at 6:30pm in the elementary school cafeteria.
This was a relaxing opportunity for parents and caregivers to come and receive information that they can use at home to
reinforce some of the same skills we are working to develop here at school. Our main focus for the evening was PLAY!
We provided information and resources families can use at home that will show how, through play, children can improve skills in all areas of development.
We hope that this night will be the first in a series of Parents’ Nights that will allow us to form strong partnerships with
families so that we can work together to help the children in our district. We asked for input from those who attended
the program, for suggestions on future topics.
For more information, call the elementary office at 591-1551 ext. 1831.
Page 2
Alexander Cobblestones
ELEMENTARY / MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
From the Principal’s Office...
The elementary building continues to enjoy a very busy year. We have just finished our second
marking period, and next week marks our 100th day of school, which will be widely celebrated
throughout the building. Last week we enjoyed spending some time in the StarLab learning
about constellations, the Chinese New Year, and some ancient mythology. Our robotics club is
well underway, and the students are learning a great deal about teamwork and problem solving. Fifth graders are studying hard to learn all of their states and capitals in order to face me
in our annual competition, which will take place in March.
As I walk through the classrooms, I see some outstanding examples of teaching and learning,
and I’m always impressed by the growth and the progress I see students making as the year progresses. If you’ve been in
the building lately, I hope you’ve taken a minute or two to take a look at the wonderful displays of student writing and
artwork that are on display in the halls. Kids take a great deal of pride in seeing their work displayed, and they are
thrilled when someone compliments them on their efforts. If you have elementary students in your house, please take
the time to look through their folders and backpacks and talk to them about the work they are bringing home. They love
to show off their work, and it only takes a few moments of your time to be a big encouragement to a student. A word of
praise or encouragement from parents and grandparents or other family members can often have a lasting impact on a
student’s performance. They will recognize the importance of what they are doing in school, and be motivated to continue to work hard. Discussing their work and showing an interest in what they are doing and how well they are performing
in school is one of the most effective ways for parents and others to be an active partner with us in a child’s education.
Conversely, if you notice that your child is struggling, going through their homework and the papers they bring home can
help you identify some of the problems they may be having and give you the opportunity to help them before they fall too
far behind. I encourage all of you to take those few moments each day to simply look at the contents of your child’s backpack or folders. You can have a big impact on your child’s progress if you do so. Thank you for your continued efforts to
support your children and their teachers through your involvement and interest in what your children are accomplishing. We have great kids, and they will continue to grow and blossom with your support.
Each week, I send out an email with updates for everyone in the Elementary building. At the end of each update, I close
with what I call the “Thought for the Week”, usually a quote that I have come across that I find especially challenging or
encouraging. Most recently, the thought was from Ken Keyes, who said, “A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world. Everyone you meet is your mirror.” I ended with two questions for the people in the
building—the same questions I now leave for all of you—what type of world are you living in? Why?
~Mr. Matt Stroud
HALL OF FAME
Section V Champs!
The Alexander Central School Athletic Hall of Fame is considering inducting community
members into the Hall of Fame whose volunteer efforts were numerous and exemplary and
contributed to the betterment of the entire Athletic Program at ACS. If you know of someone
who meets this criteria please contact the Hall of Fame committee by sending their name and
qualifications to Ben Whitmore @ [email protected] or call 591-1551 ext. 2304.
Section V First place
Swim winners qualifying
for States:
PARKING REMINDER
Reminder to parents and guardians
that parking is not allowed in the
bus loops or along the sidewalks at
any time, including after school
hours. This is a fire lane for emergency vehicles. Please park in the
lots.
~From the Safety Committee~
50 Freestyle & 100 Freestyle- Brown
100 BackstrokeVaughan
400 Freestyle RelayScharlau, Eddy,
Richardson, Brown
L to R: Dylan Scharlau,
Ben Vaughn, Ben Eddy,
Robbie Brown, Walter
Richardson
Page 3
MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
15th Annual Laurie J. Tiede
Memorial Spelling Bee
6th Grade: Jacob Bykowski, Alexa Merle,
Alynn Franclemont, Joseph Yaeger, Marissa
Scharlau, Derrick Busch, Haley Fletcher, Trevor Zauner, Grace Marzolf, Lexi Wenzel, Alternates: Olivia George & Zach Jasen
7th Grade: Martin Czekala, Kiara DeVries,
Olivia Fox, Tom Kedzierski, Emily Kreutter,
Kris Lukasik, Mallory Lukasik, Karli Phillips,
Zachary Smith, Bret Stephens, Alternates:
Claire Francis & Tyler Smith
8th Grade: Jessica Meyers, Alissa Borlaug, Jacob Frayne, Anna Spring, Nick Frayne,
Thomas Richardson, Andrew Ohlson, Alex
Hadsall, Megan Jacobs, Dalton King, Alternates: Allen Snyder & Paul Pilc
Congratulations to our winners!
1st place—Karli Phillips
2nd place— Derrick Busch
3rd place—Alynn Franclemont
4th place— Anna Spring & Thomas Richardson
Artists of the Month
The December Artist of the Month was Anna Spring in
Miss Tamfer’s 8th grade art class. Anna is 13 and loves photo-realism. She says she has phases where she loves to concentrate on drawing one thing. Right now she loves drawing people but she used to enjoy drawing cats. Anna has
been taking art classes since she was 5. She went to Stabell
Studios previously, but now goes to Art Ah La Carte in Batavia. She’s pretty sure she’ll do something involving art in
her future as long as it’s not sitting in a cubicle.
Zach Antonucci, son of Vince and Bobbie Antonucci, has
been named Mrs. LaDuke’s December Artist of the Month.
Zach is a seventh grader who enjoys drawing, playing soccer
and video games. He spends time at home drawing because
he says it’s relaxing. When Zach grows up, he hopes to be
either an artist or a teacher. Zach’s advice to other aspiring
artists: “Just try things and experiment.”
The January Artist of the Month was Caitlin Bartello in
Ms. Mosher’s Photography class. Caitlin’s in 11th grade and
enjoys taking pictures of nature and photographing outside.
Specifically, she enjoys photographing and riding her own
horse, Digger. In addition, Caitlin also likes taking pictures
of her brother during his dirt bike competitions and races.
Claire Francis, daughter of Clarence and Danielle Francis
of Darien, has been named Mrs. LaDuke’s Student Artist of
the Month for January. Claire is a 7th grader who is active
in Drama Club, Art Club, and dance. Her favorite mediums
are acrylic paint and digital photography. Claire enjoys creating artwork that expresses herself and reflects her varied
interests. Claire’s advice to an aspiring artist is, “Don’t worry about what other people say. Create artwork that expresses your own feelings.”
Miss Tamfer’s 8th grade Artist of the Month is Taylor
Cathey. Taylor is an aspiring artist who began drawing
when she was 6 years old. Even when she was younger,
Taylor liked to draw dresses and other popular fashions,
which she says has become a really big part of her life today.
Other than fashion, she likes creating jewelry and designing
posters. She says she gets a lot of her inspiration from the
different things she sees. She tries to always carry paper
with her so she’s ready if she gets inspired. She also said
her creativity is inspired by her friends and by pictures in
magazines. When she finishes school she wants to go to
design school or work as a creative assistant. She definitely
plans to work in the fashion industry when she grows up.
Filling Mr. D’s office with Middle/High School
Winter Food Drive donations
Page 4
February’s Artist of the Month for Mrs. LaDuke’s classes is
Curtis Kreutter. Curtis is a seventh grader who enjoys
working mainly in marker and colored pencil. Curtis enjoys
drawing logos from his favorite teams and brands as well as
cartoons and graffiti. Curtis is the son of Joseph and Tammy Kreutter.
Alexander Cobblestones
HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
SOPRANO EMILY
HELENBROOK COMPETES
Soprano Emily Helenbrook
was chosen as
a First Prize
Winner of the
2011 Barry
Alexander
International
Vocal Competition
(BAIVC), and
performed at Carnegie Hall in
January. At 16 years old, Ms.
Helenbrook has competed in
various national vocal competitions, and was profiled on CBS
Sunday Morning during a segment featuring opera singer
Renée Fleming.
BAIVC’s Executive Director Cosmo Buono said, “we are astonished at the level of intellectual
and musical maturity Ms.
Helenbrook already exhibits.
She shows every sign of having
what is needed to become a
world class artist.”
Emily has also earned the AMPOL Eagle “Citizen of the Year
Award”, honoring various Polish
-American community citizens
for the contributions in their
respective fields, Emily’s being
Music.
Kits & Giggles
The new semester is a new start for the business class! In early December, we competed at the annual Virtual Enterprise Trade Show at GCC and walked away with a
first place win in marketing. Since then, we have focused our energy into our fundraising to achieve our goal in attending the international competition in New York
City in early April.
The next couple of months we will be working extra hard to come up with the funds
needed to visit New York City. We have many upcoming fundraisers both the students and the community can participate in to help us reach our goal. February
12th, the Junior Class is hosting a Valentines Dance where the Business Class will
be providing the concessions throughout the night. Before the Drama Club’s second showing of their production of Hello Dolly! on February 25th, we will be hosting a Chicken BBQ dinner. Tickets are available from Business Class members
and in the High School Main Office. Please come support us when you can!
The Business Class and the School Store are both grateful for the continued support from the community and the overall acceptance as a 100 % student-run corporation. Now we are turning our efforts outwards to the community for assistance.
We are asking for monetary gifts or donations for resale for the Alexander School
Store that will allow us to reach our goal of financing our class trip to New York
City. The students will be touring the financial district and commodities offices of
downtown New York City in the
spring of 2011.
If your company or business is so
gracious in making a tax deductible
contribution to aid in our student’s
efforts, please call our faculty advisor, Mr. Michael J. Cavanaugh, at
Alexander Central School (585) 591
-1551, ext. #2150 at your earliest
convenience.
All donations will be used
100% for our learning experience in “The Big Apple!”
Alexander High School Drama Club presents "Hello Dolly" in the District
Auditorium, Feb 24th, 25, and 26th at 7 PM ~ Tickets $5 general admission
The classic all-American musical set in 1898 in Yonkers New York, is full of melodic catchy tunes and a multitude of
fun roles. Dolly Levi is played by senior Emmeline Vacanti. Other leads are Pat Guarino, Stephanie Sojda,
Samantha Marchisin, Ben Vaughan, Zach Laird, Eliza Vacanti, Jacob Sojda, and Aaron Guarino.
With a cast of 40 strong, the music is being co-directed by Mark Hoerbelt, the dancing by Esther Osterman, and
the acting by Emily Conable. The pit band is mostly students trained by Rachel Clark, accompanied by Martha
Woodruff. Jeff Houseknecht has built the set, while Betty Casey and Jessica Sherman are technically directing, and Paula Skidmore is building extraordinary costumes once again. Several graduates of Alexander are also
lending their talents to the crew including: Brandi Bruggman, Will Vaughan, Reed Pettys and Andy Cuer.
Entered in the Rochester Broadway Theater League's "Stars of Tomorrow" competition, the show will be critiqued by
professionals and we will have the opportunity to perform on the big stage at the Gala on May 5th at the Rochester Auditorium Theater. Please come out and support our kids as they strive for a stellar performance again this year.
Page 5
DISTRICT NEWS
NON-PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
According to New York State law, local
public school districts are obligated to
provide transportation for their resident
children to non-public schools, within
the conditions specified by law.
If you desire non-public school transportation for the 2011-2012 school year, a written request must be
provided to us no later than Friday, April 1, 2011. Requests
for transportation should include the name, address, phone number, age and grade of each child, the school attending, and be
signed by the parent or guardian.
For us to plan appropriately for drivers, bus sizes, and routes, the
law established April 1 as the deadline for your request.
Any requests received after April 1 are not guaranteed by law.
Fundraiser Honors former Grappler Davis
Through a national program “Take Down
Cancer” which donates funds raised at sporting events to the National Foundation for
Cancer Research, the Alexander wrestlers
raised funds through donations and a 50/50
raffle during their competition with Genesee
Region League opponent Attica Blue Devils.
Pink ribbons were handed out to supporters,
and a check for $1500 was presented to Mrs. Mel Davis, which
was raised at the first annual Ben Davis Memorial Golf Tournament in August, at Bethany Hills Golf Course. Ben was Mrs. Davis’ son, and a former Alexander wrestler, who died at age 21 in a
car crash. Ben and Alexander Wrestling Coach Charlie Voorhees
were both 1997 high school graduates and wrestled together for
three seasons with the Genesee Valley Wrestling Club.
“One of my goals is to develop these guys not only as wrestlers,
but as adults, and I think these programs set a good example of
how to give back”, said Coach Voorhees.
The Davis family has awarded a scholarship in memory of their
son to an Alexander senior student athlete with college plans to
continue in athletics, for the last 10 years. The family was
touched by the support of the school and the community.
GCC DRIVER EDUCATION
Genesee Community College Driver Education classes began on
Tuesday, February 15th at 4pm at the Alexander Firemen’s
Truck Garage (corner of Rt. 98 and Rt. 20). Any interested student should register on-line and may pay the fee of $425 with a
credit card. Mr. Don Howe will be the instructor. If you have
any questions, please contact Mr. Howe at 591-0400 ext. 1159,
or Mr. Ray Chaya at 345-6868.
Page 6
DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS
Starting this month and continuing forward, Dollars for Scholars would like to highlight alumni in
this column. This month’s highlight goes to Sarah Herman, a freshman in Alfred State’s Culinary Arts Program. Sarah was chosen to participate in the building of a Gingerbread Village that
was raffled off to support the Mental Health Association in Cattaraugus County. This activity is
usually reserved for senior students, however,
Sarah was chosen due to her artistic/creative talents cultivated by her mentor Karen LaDuke.
Sarah’s fulfilling her dreams in part due to your
donations to Dollars for Scholars.
If you would like to support the dreams and aspirations of this year’s graduating students, please
consider a donation. Our address is: Alexander
Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 296, Alexander, NY
14005. Add a note on the memo line to indicate
which scholarship or award you’d like to donate
to. Also, if you know of a graduate who should be
highlighted, send your suggestions to the Dollars
for Scholars address listed above.
Athletes of the Week
Nov. 29– Robbie Brown, Swimming
Dec. 6– Jared Quinn, Basketball
Dec. 13– Dan Ognibene, Wrestling
Jan. 3– Chelsea Turcer, Basketball
Jan. 17– Ben Vaughan, Swimming
Jan. 17– Jordan Bennett, Winter Track
Jan. 24– Troy Shelnut, Basketball
Jan. 31– Stephanie Sojda, Swimming
Sarah Loranty, Basketball
Hans Schmieder, Wrestling
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Alexander Cobblestones
DISTRICT NEWS
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING NOTES:
December 15, 2010 regular meeting
• Approved Staff Substitute List Addi-
•Approved 12/1/10 meeting minutes
•Approved Treasurer’s Report
•Approved Warrants and Claims
•Approved Extra Class Bank Reconcili-
tions
• Approved addition to Home Tutor
List – Lauren Cave
• Approved additional Extra Duty Assignment for 2010-2011 - Stephanie
Michalek, Colorguard; Shane Sutton,
Varsity Softball Coach: Elizabeth
Shea, Jr. Varsity Softball Coach; Ben
Whitmore, Varsity Baseball Coach;
Tim Batzel, Jr. Varsity Baseball
Coach; David Radley, Varsity Girls
Track Coach; Larry Redband, Varsity
Tennis Coach; Tim David, Jr. Varsity
Tennis Coach; Donald Donnelly Jr.,
Winter Track & Baseball Volunteer; Joe Amico, Varsity
Boys Track Coach; Andy
Buckenmeyer, Varsity
Track Assistant; Josh Bender, Modified Baseball Coach; Kathleen
Dwyer, Modified Tennis Coach; Mike
Cavanaugh, Modified Track Coach.
• Accepted Gift
• Appointed Probationary Bus Attendant, Part-Time, Marian Berkholder
• Appointed Probationary Cafeteria
Monitors, Part-Time – Valerie
LeTourneau & Vicki Shelnut
• Appointed Non-Probationary LongTerm Substitute Teacher Aide – Caitlin McNally
• Accepted Resignation, Linda Keister,
Clerk Typist
ation and Trial Balance
•Approved CSE recommendations
•Approved additional Instructional/
Service Staff Substitutes and Chaperone List
•Approved additional Extra Duty Assignment for 2010-2011-Tim Batzel,
Modified Boys BB Coach
January 5, 2011 regular meeting
•Approved 12/15/10 meeting minutes
•Accepted Internal Claims Audit
•Approved General Fund & School
Lunch Fund Warrants
•Approved CSE recommendations
•Approved Staff Sub List Additions
•Accepted David W. Lippitt, Esq., Special Services Attorney fee increase
•Accepted Resignation, Ellen Ranalli,
elem. Teacher , effective 7/1/11
•Appointed Pool Supervisors Beth
Shea, Lisa Atkinson, Andy Buckenmeyer
January 19, 2011 regular meeting
• Approved 1/5/11 meeting minutes
• Approved Capital Fund Warrant
• Approved General and Federal Warrant
• Approved CSE Recommendations
NYSPHSAA Inc. Winter
Scholar
Scholar--Athlete
Teams
A
thletes maintaining a 90 or
above grade point average during the winter sport season:
Girls Varsity Basketball
Boys Varsity Basketball
Varsity Swim Team
Winter Track
Pesticide
Application
Notification
New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation instituted a program
that requires all schools to provide
written notification of pesticide applications made throughout the school
year.
At this time we are informing you
that Honcho Plus, EPA #524-454
was applied to the school grounds
on July 14 and August 16, 2010,
and Trimec Plus, EPA #2217-709 on
July 14, 2010, at Alexander Central
School, 3314 Buffalo Street, Alexander, NY 14005.
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBER?
Each year at Alexander Central School, one seat on the Board of Education is open for election. There are five members
on the Board and each member elected serves a five-year term. We would like to inform all district residents who may
be interested in running for the Board of Education of the correct procedures.
Petitions for the Board of Education seat will be available at the District Office any time after February 1, 2011.
Twenty-five signatures of district residents are required. Completed petitions must be returned to the District Office no
later than 3:30pm on Monday, April 18, 2011.
Board meetings are held twice a month with special meetings added as necessary. Board members are expected to attend regularly scheduled Board of Education Meetings. They also have opportunities to participate on district wide
committees, attend regional workshops, and participate in special school functions.
Anyone having questions about the Board of Education or just wanting to get a little more information, please feel free
to contact Superintendent Kathleen Maerten at 591-1551 extension 2421, or stop in.
Page 7
Alexander Central School
3314 Buffalo Street
Alexander, NY 14005
e web:
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Alexander, NY 14005
DISTRICT RESIDENT
Kathy Ryan, Newsletter Editor
Next Issue: April
Alexander vs. Attica Staff
Annual Charity Basketball Game
~Fundraiser for American Cancer Society~
When: Friday, March 25, 2011
Where: Attica High School Gym Time: 7PM
Cost: $5 adult
$2 children/student
FITNESS CENTER/LAP
SWIMMING
The Fitness Center is open to district residents Tuesday and Thursday evenings from
6:30-9pm.
Lap swimming in the pool is Monday,
Wednesday and Friday mornings from
5:45-6:45am.
Membership to the pool is the same price as
for the fitness center, $30 for 3 months or
$100 annually. One membership will cover
both the pool and the fitness center.