inside - Canastota Central School District

Dear Parents, Guardians and Community Members,
I hope this note finds you all well and
enjoying the winter months in Central
New York. As we enter the second half
of the school year, I am thrilled with the
progress I see with our students, a direct
result of the innovative and engaging
teaching that is happening in classrooms
throughout the district.
We are moving forward in a number
of ways, always keeping our focus on
ensuring that all of our students receive
a sound education that prepares them
for college or career upon graduation.
In recent weeks we have unveiled a new
technology plan and a high school building
plan. Our technology plan includes a focus
on creating a 21st century learning environment in all of our classrooms that provides our
students with the skills they need to gain access to the most up-to-date technology.
Our High School building plan is focused on improving programming for our at-risk
population. Our initial focus will address the specific academic and behavioral needs of this
group of youngsters.
In addition, we continue to offer our teachers access to high-quality professional development
by bringing in nationally recognized experts on Staff Development Days and by providing
access to the many offerings at Madison-Oneida BOCES. Recent guest speakers include
Dr. S.G. Grant who presented information to K-12 faculty members regarding the new
Social Studies Framework for New York State. Dr. Grant introduced teachers to the College,
Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for State Social Studies Standards and discussed its
relationship to the NYS Social Studies Framework. He also offered teachers an opportunity
to explore sample lessons developed by the NY Social Studies Toolkit Project.
Also visiting Canastota was Dr. Seth Aldrich. Dr. Aldrich presented information to K-12
faculty members on Response to Intervention (RtI), a multi-tiered approach to early
identification and support for students with learning and behavior needs. Dr. Aldrich
discussed the basic concepts behind RtI and shared best practices on the effective
implementation of RtI in schools.
I am truly honored, each day, to work with such a talented group of dedicated educators
who are always looking for ways to improve instruction for our students.
As we move forward, working to create an educational environment that provides our
students with strong instruction and access to 21st Century technology, we continue to
be grateful for the unwavering support we receive from the Canastota community as we
strive to provide our students with a quality public education.
Best,
June C. Clarke
Superintendent of Schools
this issue
inside
Striving for Excellence
Canastota
Central School District • 120 Roberts Street, Canastota, NY 13032 • www.canastotacsd.org
A message from the Superintendent
Winter 2016
Google Part of Project-Based Learning................. Page 2
State Senator Visits Canastota High School.......... Page 4
Pre-K Registration Information.............................. Page 5
FBLA Has Strong Showing at District Meeting...... Page 6
Students, Staff Get in Holiday Spirit..................... Page 7
Getting it
done with
GOOGLE
Enhanced technology lets
students interact with
experts during projectbased learning activity
Cecile Retrosi decided to step it up a notch when it
came to working with her fifth-graders on a project on
the human body. The Roberts Street Elementary School
teacher wanted the children in her classroom to be
invested in the work they were doing so she told them
they would be creating something that would allow
them to teach others about different body systems. The
driving question behind the five-week unit: “In what
ways do our choices affect the way our body works and
how healthy it is?”
Working in groups, the 20 students in her class needed
to choose a system: nervous, circulatory, digestive,
skeletal, muscular or respiratory. But before they did
that, Ms. Retrosi had a surprise: She planned to bring
in an expert from the outside – a nursing professor –
to impress upon them the importance of doing quality
research and getting their work just right.
Kerrigan Lindsay, a registered nurse and professor at St. Joseph’s College of Nursing paid
a visit to the students, but not in the usual way. Ms. Lindsay did not make the drive from
Syracuse to Canastota. Instead, she interacted with the students
via Google Hangout – just one of many nifty tools Ms. Retrosi
uses as part of her Google classroom.
“Google Apps for education promotes collaboration, which is
critical for my students,’’ she said. “The technology is not a
replacement for me being here. Instead, it really enhances what
I can do.’’
It also makes things easier if a student is out sick or unable
to attend class for any reason. “The students have access, via
Google Classroom, to the things we do in class on any given
day. They can join with their peers remotely. This system, along
with Class Dojo, make the home-school connection more fluid and so much stronger for my
parents and students.’’
The human body project is designed so that the students will create a finished product that
will allow them to teach others about the body systems and their problems, Ms. Retrosi said.
“Knowing that a medical professional, an expert, will be reviewing their work, makes them
that much more invested.’’
Christopher Clancy, the Director of Instructional Technology for Canastota Central Schools,
has been working closely with Ms. Retrosi and her students on the project.
“Incorporating technology into this project-based
learning opportunity allows us to enhance the work the
students are doing. We can also take a closer look at how
students learn,’’ Mr. Clancy said.
The students, who each have a Chromebook, received
instruction earlier in the year about digital citizenship.
They have also learned to be respectful of the equipment
they are using. And while Ms. Retrosi has not gone to a
totally paperless classroom, she says her students have
completely bought into the use of technology.
“They are becoming independent problem solvers and
they are wonderful troubleshooters,’’ she said. “They
really try to help each other before involving me and
that makes me very proud.’’
• Canastota Central School District Newsletter • Winter 2016• Page 2
Students Share with Wanderers’ Rest
Fifteen students in Janine LeBlanc’s class at Roberts Street Elementary School spent
a few weeks researching local not for profit organizations and learning about what
those groups do for the community as part of a project-based learning assignment.
The students then chose to raise money for one of the organizations, Wanderers’
Rest, by baking nearly 900 doggie biscuits that they sold through the Roberts Street
school store.
Located in Canastota, Wanderers’ Rest rescues pets. According to their web site: “It
is the primary goal of all of us at Wanderers’ Rest Humane Association to ensure
that every animal in our charge is adopted into a lifelong, compatible, loving, safe and
healthy home.’’
In January, Dee Schaffer of Wanderers’ Rest, brought some friends along to listen as
the students gave presentations on what they learned. At the conclusion of the event,
the students gave Ms. Shaffer a check for $345. They also donated several bags of pet
food and other supplies. Dogs Rosie and Stuart Little, also attended the event and the
students were able to spend time interacting with their four-legged buddies.
It Was All about Trout During Trip to SUNY Morrisville
Nineteen Canastota students
went to the Aquatics Center at
the State University College at
Morrisville as part of the Trout
in the Classroom program,
sponsored by Trout Unlimited.
The students toured the facilities and learned how aquaponics, hydroponics and tank fish
operations function. While they
were there, they extracted eggs
from the female fish and milk
from the male fish. The students then mixed the two and
fertilized the fish eggs.
• Canastota Central School District Newsletter • Winter 2016• Page 3
Art Teacher Leads the Way
Canastota High School art teacher Kristie Boisen, with the help of colleague
Denise Whalen, has been helping art teachers from throughout the region
create their own art journals, share their assessment strategies and try their
hand at intuitive painting. The work is all part of the Art Professional Learning
Community, which was created last year as part of a Strengthening Teacher and
Leader Effectiveness Grant awarded to Madison-Oneida BOCES.
Ms. Boisen oversees the Art PLC and says the idea for the art journals came
from nationally known artist Seth Apter.
“Seth led a workshop at last year’s New York State Art Teachers Association
Conference,’’ Ms. Boisen said. “He is just incredibly talented and inspiring.’’
The journaling workshop at MOBOCES allowed each teacher to create their own
art journal using file folders, card stock, thread and decorative accessories that
included beads, stencils, stamps and a number of different writing tools. Ms.
Boisen and Ms. Whalen provided guidance to the teachers and shared their own
art journals with the group as examples.
Once the journals were complete, the workshop participants created a journaling
block on each page, using a list of prompts to get them started. Among the
36 words on the list were: change, inspiration, tomorrow, yesterday, home,
challenge, beauty and courage.
Ms. Boisen said she is planning several more workshop activities for the year as
part of the Art PLC. “The PLC is going very well. Art teachers are asking that we
meet more often and the feedback has been very positive,’’ she said.
During the intuitive painting activity in January, art teachers spent time
creating inspirational paintings.
The Art PLC participants try to meet every other month for a full day, according
to Ms. Boisen. “The morning is content and instruction-based and the afternoon
includes a hands-on activity,’’ she said.
For the nearly 30 teachers in attendance, the Art PLC serves as a way for them
to recharge, she said. “We are all artists, so we need this time to grow as an
artist as well as an art teacher.’’
State Senator Answers Tough Questions from CHS Students
New York State Senator Dave Valesky recently paid a visit to Canastota High School to speak with students
from AP U.S. History and other classes. Our students asked thoughtful questions and had lots to tell him! The
Senator spoke to the students about the importance of exercising their right to vote and answered questions
about college funding, funding for public schools in New York State and the upcoming presidential election.
• Canastota Central School District Newsletter • Winter 2016 • Page 4
Winter Sports Roundup
The Varsity Girls Volleyball team went 9-0 and captured the Center State Conference
Championship for the 2015-2016 season in Division I (first place) and were 14-1 overall.
The girls took first place in the Laidlaw Tournament Dec. 29th with Alex Jones, Kara Niles,
Samanatha Cannistra selected all-tourney and Josie Sgarlata chosen most valuable player.
The Raiders hope to defend their sectional title. Others making a strong impact this season
are: Brooke Weber, Loryn Wilcox, Marisa Meehan, Haley Morris, Rhilea Chabot, McKenzie
Hertel, Sydney Coleman, and Becca Winchell.
The Varsity Boys Volleyball team is off to a good start with many first year players on the
team for the 2015-2016 season. The team, led by Shaymarie Sgroi, beat Oneida in a very
tough 5 set match. They were also able to attend a tournament in the Albany area hosted by
Ichabod Crane, a school in Section II.
The Indoor Track team, led by Coach John Copp, had at least eight individuals qualify for the
Sectional Championships. On the boy’s side Adam VanValkenburgh (600m, 1000m, 1600m,
3200m, High Jump), Andrew Clark (Pole Vault), and Steven Scaramuzzino (High Jump).
Adam has also already qualified for the State Qualifier meet at the end of February in the
600m and the 1600m. The girls who have qualified for Sectionals are Emily Galton (600m),
Audrey Mascareno (1000m, 1500m), Deanna Carlone (3000m), Emily Seale (Pole Vault), and
Devin Lee Robinson (Triple Jump).
At the Center State Conference Championship, the girls finished third with 65 points, led
by second place finishes in the three relay races.: the 4x400m (Morgan Lynd, Hayleigh
Brumber, Mackenzie Mitchell, Emily Galton), the 4x800m (Deanna Carlone, Emily Seale,
Alexis Hiltbrand, Audrey Mascareno), and the 4x200m (Emily Galton, Hayleigh Brumber,
Morgan Lynd, Devin Lee Robinson). Individually Audrey Mascareno placed 2nd in the 1000m,
Emily Galton finished 3rd in the 600m, Emily Seale placed 3rd in the Pole Vault, and Devin
Lee Robinson finished 3rd in the Triple Jump.
On the boys’ side, Adam VanValkenburgh led the team to a 4th place finish. He was the CSC
champion in the 1600m and the 1000m. The 4x200m relay team (Josh Blanchard, Kyle
McGovern, Ethan O’Connell, Andrew Clark) also won the CSC Championship. Kyle McGovern
placed third in the 55m while Gary Everspaugh (Shot Put) and Steven Scaramuzzino (High
Jump) were second place finishers.
Pre-Kindergarten Registration
Madison-Oneida
BOCES
Pre-Kindergarten
Program
Fall 2016 Registration
For children who will be 4 on
or before
December 1, 2016
We offer a
high quality educational
Early Childhood Program
for eligible children in the
following school districts:
Canastota
*You must bring to registration:
 Child’s birth certificate
 Child’s immunization record
 Proof of residency
(current mortgage/lease or utility bill)
*Certified teachers
and assistants/aides
*Transportation
provided
*Parent involvement
DATES, TIMES & LOCATIONS TO REGISTER:
Canastota Pre-K
Registration
at Peterboro Street Elementary
Thursday
February 11th, 2016
8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Canastota Central
School District Newsletter • Winter 2016 • Page 5
For questions or further information call Madison-Oneida BOCES Early Childhood Program at 361-5903.
Application packets are available at your local elementary school office or visit our website at www.moboces.org
F
r
e
e
P
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FBLA Members Shine at District Meeting
The Canastota High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter
attended the annual Spring District meeting at Morrisville State College in early
January and welcomed 60 ninth grade students to this year’s Legacy Now Workshop
in late November.
Nineteen Canastota High School students and six Junior High students took part in
the Spring District meeting. They were joined by more than 150 students from 12
chapters within Madison, Oneida, and Herkimer counties. The students participated
in a number of activities including written and performance competitive events in the
areas of business and technology.
Canastota High School and Junior High School members came away with several
awards and some of our students advanced directly to the state competition. Six CHS
students will advance to the state competition to represent District 7 in the speaking/elimination events. They are Joshua Murray, a junior high member who earned
a second placed in Basic Decision Making; Shannon Nirelli a High School member
who placed third and Carly Cashel a Junior High member who placed second in the
Client Services category; Nichole Delaney, a High School member who placed first in
Impromptu Speaking; Lindsay Bazan, a High School member who
earned a second place in the Job Interview category; and Lindsey
Smith, a High School member who placed first in Public Speaking 2.
Nichole Delaney, a Canastota senior, who currently serves as the
New York State FBLA Treasurer, assisted with the event. Julia DiVeronica, a member of the State Vice President’s officer team, also
helped. The New York State FBLA State Leadership Conference will
be held in Rochester this April.
Students who participated were: Mackenzie Mitchell, Ada Bartlett,
Jamie Scordo, Skyler Donley, Josh Murray, Valona Whitehead,
Zyiasia Coleman, Carly Cashel, Kaidyn Casolare, Patrick Armstrong,
Matt McDermott, Cody Gushea, Samantha Haddad, Lee Hannon,
Shannon Nirelli, Lindsay Bazan, Julia DiVeronica, Sam DiGeorge,
Ethan Findlay, Rebeca Winchell, Lindsey Smith, Olivia Palamara,
Nichole Delaney, Jacob Smith, Autumn Mitchell and Josie Sgarlata
FBLA Hosts Workshop
The Canastota High School chapter of FBLA also welcomed 60 ninth grade students to
the 2015 Legacy Now Workshop. Members of the FBLA planned the event and served
as workshop facilitators.
Students who attend Legacy Now participate in character-building activities and learn
about the importance of a positive educational environment that stresses teamwork
and leadership. Legacy Now presenters, Gary Ford and Dr. Pete Tamburro, worked
with Canastota FBLA members and their advisor, Ms. Elizabeth Garofalo, to establish
the goals for this year’s program. Together, they spent the day promoting leadership
in an effort to provide a positive environment in the Canastota School District.
Canastota High School Principal, Jay Altobello, also participated in the event, sharing
his goals with the students in attendance.
This is the eighth year that Canastota High School FBLA has worked with Legacy Now
to host the annual event.
Canastota Cares, which represents the goals of the Character Education Committee
at CHS, stressing the principles of character, action, respect, empathy, and service,
upported the event. Members of the Character Education Committee are high school
teachers Kelley Brenon, Linda Bonczek and Elizabeth Garofalo.
Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda, Inc. (FBLA-PBL) is a nonprofit
career and technical student organization that prepares students for careers in
business and business education. Its mission is to bring business and education
together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career
development programs. To learn more, go to www.fbla-pbl.org or call (800) FBLA-WIN.
• Canastota Central School District Newsletter • Winter 2016 • Page 6
Canastota Staff, Students Embrace
Holiday Spirit
Throughout the holiday season, the staff and students of Canastota Central Schools
displayed incredible kindness and generosity toward their community. Among the
things they did to celebrate the season:
Students at Roberts Street Elementary School collected enough money to supply
eight Trees for Troops. They worked with Romagnoli Tree Farm to provide holiday
joy for our service members. Roberts Street students also earned a movie reward by
collecting 660 cans of food for the local food pantry. The goal was 500 cans and the
group far surpassed that number!
Generous staff at all of our schools helped to provide a number of families with
gently-used toys and clothing to brighten their holiday season. Hats off to Brandi
Bostic and Kelley Brenon for taking the lead in organizing the holiday giveaway!
The Change a Family’s Holidays service project went from Nov. 10 to Dec. 9 for pre-K
through 3rd grade students and staff. The students of Peterboro Street and South
Side Elementary schools raised $1,320 for the Opportunity Shop to be used to help
local families with food and gifts. Barb Ortman from the Opportunity Shop visited
both schools to say thank you to the students and staff for all of their hard work!
Students in the Junior High School were in the holiday spirit. Check out the doors
they decorated!
Members of the Transportation Department generously donated to provide 10 area
families with food baskets for the holidays. The baskets also included Christmas gifts
for the children in each of the families. This is a department tradition and all of the
folks in Transportation love to donate! Thanks to Jill McNichol, Roberta Borek and
Helen Seef, and everyone in Transportation for all of your hard work on this project.
In addition to all of these heartwarming holiday activities, staff members also
contributed more than 100 gifts to be given out to needy students via the Secret
Raider Recognition giveaway! Students and staff wrapped presents for the Rotary
giveaway and there were lots of holiday concerts at all grade levels.
• Canastota Central School District Newsletter • Winter 2016• Page 7
Ms. June C. Clarke
Superintendent of Schools
administration
district
Mr. Jason Mitchell
Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
Ms. Cara Stevens
School District Business Leader
Mr. Jay Altobello
Jr./Sr. High School Principal
Mr. Stanley Congden
Jr./Sr. High School Vice-Principal
Ms. Jennifer Carnahan
Peterboro and South Side
Elementary School Principal
Ms. Melissa Stanek
K-3 Assistant Principal
Ms. Andrea Centro
Roberts St. Elementary School
Principal
Ms. Carolyn Rose
Director of Special Programs
Ms. Roberta Borek
Director of Transportation
Mr. Christopher Clancy
Director of Instructional Technology
Mr. John Regan
Director of Facilities
board of
education
Ms. Marian Cerio
President
Royal Ball
Set for
March 5
Students are hard at work
making decorations and
preparing for the Royal
Canastota Ball to be held on
Saturday, March 5, 2016. The
event, which includes snacks
and punch, a costume parade,
dancing, raffles and a corsage
sale, will run from 1 p.m. to 4
p.m. in the Laidlaw Gym. Tickets
are $2 for 18 and under and $3
for adults. Proceeds from the
event will benefit the Canastota
Student Scholarship Fund.
Canastota CSD
120 Roberts St.
Canastota, NY 13032
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #16
Canastota, NY 13032
Ms. Martha Berry Vice President
Mr. Bernard Gleeson
Mr. Douglas Gustin
Mr. Wesley Hood
Ms. Deborah New
Mr. Peter Palamara Jr.
SUPERINTENDENT OF
SCHOOLS
Ms. June C. Clarke
• Canastota Central Schools • Striving for Excellence • www.canastotacsd.org •